Input equipment

Abstract

To provide input equipment which is capable of changing response which makes a user feel in various ways.SOLUTION: Input equipment comprises: an actuator 31 which includes a mover 314 and a stator 313 which is disposed oppositely to the mover 314; a transmission body 34 which transmits pressing force applied by a body of a user to the mover 314; and a pressure sensor 37 which is disposed on side opposed to the transmission body by sandwiching the mover 314 and the stator 313. The actuator 31 moves the mover 314 by a driving signal which is generated based upon the pressing force that the pressure sensor 37 detects.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device. [Background technology]

[0002] A tactile sensation providing device has been proposed in which the touch panel of an information device such as a smartphone is covered with a transparent plate, and when a user operates the touch panel through the transparent plate, an impact-driven actuator is used to move the transparent plate (Patent Document 1). A so-called tactile feedback function that provides feedback to the user through the movement of the transparent plate that the touch panel operation has been accepted can be added to various touch panel type information devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-128657 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Various input devices other than touch panels are used, such as tactile switches, push button switches, and foot switches. These input devices use a mechanical structure that combines parts such as leaf springs, coil springs, and dampers to make the user feel a sense of resistance when operated. However, with a mechanical structure, it is difficult to vary the sense of resistance felt by the user.

[0005] In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide an input device that can change the response felt by a user in various ways. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The input device comprises an actuator having a moving element and a stator arranged opposite the moving element, a transmission body that transmits a pressing force applied by the user's body to the moving element, and a pressure sensor arranged on the opposite side of the transmission body between the moving element and the stator, and the actuator moves the moving element using a drive signal generated based on the pressing force detected by the pressure sensor. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect, an input device can be provided that can change the response felt by the user in various ways. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the input device with the cover removed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part IV in FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a half cross-sectional view of an actuator, an actuator case, a transmission body, and a pressure sensor. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the lever is pressed in. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a control circuit of an input device. [Figure 12] 11 is a table showing an example of the relationship between the pressing force and the drive signal. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a toy according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an input device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an input device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an input device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the input device of embodiment 3 when a button is pressed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Embodiment 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an input device 10. The input device 10 of this embodiment is used by connecting it to a controlled object 18 (see Fig. 11). The input device 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and includes a substantially rectangular box-shaped outer case 50, a lid 21 that covers an opening of the outer case 50, and a lever 60. The lid 21 is attached to the outer case 50 by four outer case screws 24. To prevent the user from accidentally removing the lid 21, the outer case screws 24 may be covered with a cover sticker or the like.

[0010] Lever 60 is substantially L-shaped and includes a first plate 601 corresponding to most of one side surface of outer case 50 and a second plate 602 corresponding to a part of the other adjacent side surface. A groove-shaped anti-slip surface 603 is provided on a portion of first plate 601 close to second plate 602. A user can turn controlled object 18 on and off by pressing anti-slip surface 603 with a part of the body such as a finger. Details of the shapes of outer case 50 and lever 60 will be described later.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a front view of the input device 10 with the cover 21 removed. Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the input device 10. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of part IV in Fig. 4. An outline of the configuration of the input device 10 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 4, the cover 21 is provided with four countersunk holes through which the outer case screws 24 are inserted, and a lever shaft hole 211 that passes through. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the inner case 40, the actuator case 33, the actuator 31, the transmission body 34, and two coil springs 27 are housed inside the outer case 50. The inner case 40 is a rectangular box with an opening facing the first plate 601 side. Two spring retaining posts 43 are provided on the outside of one short side of the inner case 40.

[0013] A fixing plate 401 protrudes from the bottom of the inner case 40 toward the opposite side to the opening. The fixing plate 401 is provided with two fixing holes 46 (see FIG. 8) penetrating in the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the inner case 40 is fixed to the outer case 50 by inner case screws 25 inserted into the fixing holes 46. Details of the shapes of the inner case 40 and the outer case 50 will be described later.

[0014] The actuator case 33 is housed inside the inner case 40. The actuator case 33 is a rectangular box with an opening facing the first plate 601. A columnar pressing protrusion 331 protrudes from the center of the bottom surface of the actuator case 33 toward the bottom of the inner case 40.

[0015] Four sliding protrusions 332 are provided on the side surface of the actuator case 33. Each sliding protrusion 332 is perpendicular to the bottom of the inner case 40. The actuator case 33 is slidable relative to the inner case 40 in a direction in which it enters and exits from the opening of the inner case 40, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the sliding protrusions 332.

[0016] The actuator 31, which is substantially rectangular parallelepiped shaped, is housed inside the actuator case 33. The actuator 31 includes a moving element 314 and a stator 313 disposed opposite the moving element 314. The stator 313 is fixed to the actuator case 33. The actuator 31 includes an actuator substrate 312 used when applying a drive signal. The actuator substrate 312 is a bendable and foldable FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits). The structure of the actuator 31 will be described in detail later.

[0017] 2, the actuator substrate 312 is pulled out to the outside of the outer case 50. As shown in FIG.

[0018] Returning to Fig. 5, the explanation will be continued. The transmission body 34 is a generally U-shaped plate having a rectangular transmission plate 342 and two engagement plates 343 each protruding from a long side of the transmission plate 342 towards the inner case 40. A rectangular columnar transmission protrusion 341 protrudes from the center of the transmission plate 342 in the opposite direction to the engagement plate 343. At the tip of the engagement plate 343, an engagement claw 348 protruding inward and engaging with the inner case 40, and a generally U-shaped sensor groove 344 opening on the tip side of the engagement plate 343 are provided.

[0019] The pressure sensor 37 includes a substantially circular pressure-sensitive portion 371 and a substantially rectangular sensor substrate 372 extending from the pressure-sensitive portion 371. The sensor substrate 372 is a bendable and foldable FPC. In this embodiment, the sensor substrate 372 is bent at one location at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.

[0020] Returning to Fig. 3, the description will continue. Fig. 3 shows a cross section of the input device 10 in a state in which the lever 60 is not pressed and the actuator 31 is not operating. In Fig. 3, the input device 10 is in a stationary state with the first plate 601 facing up.

[0021] A pressure-sensing portion 371 is sandwiched between the inner case 40 and the actuator case 33. The actuator case 33 is in contact with the pressure-sensing portion 371 due to its own weight. At this time, the end face of the opening of the actuator case 33 is located inside the inner case 40. In the actuator 31, the tip of the moving element 314 protrudes by a length M beyond the end face of the inner case 40. As described above, the actuator case 33 is slidable in the vertical direction in FIG. 3 inside the inner case 40.

[0022] A gap is provided between the transmission body 34 and the inner case 40, and the transmission body 34 can move in the vertical direction in Fig. 3 relative to the inner case 40 within a range in which the engagement between the engagement claw 348 and the inner case 40 is not released. In Fig. 3, the transmission body 34 is in contact with the moving element 314 due to its own weight.

[0023] A lever protrusion 64 having a substantially spherical tip protrudes from the first plate 601 toward the transmission protrusion 341. The distance between the lever protrusion 64 and the transmission protrusion 341 is indicated by length L.

[0024] Continuing the explanation by returning to Fig. 2. Two coil springs 27 are held between the spring holding post 43 explained using Fig. 5 and a spring holding post 43 (see Fig. 8) provided on the lever 60. In the state shown in Fig. 2, the length of the coil spring 27 is approximately its natural length.

[0025] An actuator substrate 312 extending from the actuator 31 and a sensor substrate 372 extending from the pressure-sensitive portion 371 are drawn out to the outside of the outer case 50. Although not shown, an actuator terminal that can be inserted into an FPC connector for electrical continuity is formed at the tip of the actuator substrate 312. Similarly, a pressure sensor terminal that can be inserted into an FPC connector for electrical continuity is formed at the tip of the sensor substrate 372.

[0026] Fig. 6 is a half cross-sectional view of the actuator 31, the actuator case 33, the transmission body 34, and the pressure sensor 37. An outline of the configuration of the actuator 31 will be described using Fig. 6. As described above, the actuator 31 includes the moving element 314 and the stator 313 disposed opposite the moving element 314.

[0027] Stator rollers 315 and mover rollers 316 are alternately arranged between the mover 314 and the stator 313. The stator roller 315 is rotatably attached to the stator 313. The mover roller 316 is rotatably attached to the mover 314. A wire 317 is sandwiched between the stator roller 315 and the mover roller 316.

[0028] Both ends of the wire 317 are fixed to the stator 313. Both ends of the wire 317 are connected to wiring provided on the actuator substrate 312. The wire 317 is a shape memory alloy wire.

[0029] When a pulse voltage is applied to both ends of the wire 317 via the actuator substrate 312, the wire 317 instantly heats up due to Joule heat. When the temperature of the wire 317 exceeds the transformation point, the wire 317 instantly shortens by about 4 to 5 percent. As the wire 317 shortens, the mover roller 316 instantly moves in a direction away from the stator 313. As the mover roller 316 moves, the mover 314 also instantly moves in a direction away from the stator 313.

[0030] When the pulse voltage ends, the generation of Joule heat stops. The heat generated in the wire 317 is dissipated to the outside via the stator roller 315 and the mover roller 316, and the temperature of the wire 317 drops below the transformation point. The mover 314 is pushed toward the stator roller 315 by the action of the biasing spring (not shown), and the actuator 31 returns to its original state.

[0031] As described above, the actuator 31 is a so-called impact drive type actuator in which the mover 314 instantaneously moves in a direction away from the stator 313 when a pulse voltage drive signal is applied via the actuator substrate 312. The operating state of the mover 314 can be changed by changing the width of the pulse voltage, the maximum voltage, the number of times the pulse voltage is applied, etc.

[0032] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the outer case 50. As described above, the outer case 50 is a substantially rectangular box shape. The side of the outer case 50 is cut out at the top and upper right part in Fig. 7. A substantially L-shaped thin-walled portion 58 is formed on the bottom surface of the outer case 50 along the portion where the side is cut out.

[0033] Lever shaft hole 51 is disposed near the edge of the upper cutout. Lever shaft hole 51 is a circular hole penetrating the bottom surface of outer case 50. A roughly quadrilateral lever holding portion 55 is disposed to the right of lever shaft hole 51 in Fig. 7. Lever holding portion 55 is formed in thin portion 58, has a flat bottom, and is a recess with the bottom and edge perpendicular to each other.

[0034] 7, a sensor substrate groove 56 and an actuator substrate groove 57 are provided on the side surface. The sensor substrate groove 56 is a substantially U-shaped groove having a width sufficient to accommodate the actuator substrate 312 therein. The actuator substrate groove 57 is a substantially U-shaped groove having a width sufficient to accommodate the sensor substrate 372 therein.

[0035] Four bosses protrude from the bottom surface of the outer case 50 in the same direction as the sides of the outer case 50. The protruding height of the bosses is slightly lower than the height of the sides. An outer case screw hole 52 into which an outer case screw 24 is attached is formed in the center of each boss.

[0036] Two inner case screw holes 53, a circular first hole 541, and an oval second hole 542 are provided inside a quadrangle surrounded by the four outer case screw holes 52. The minor diameter of the second hole 542 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the first hole 541. None of the inner case screw holes 53, the first hole 541, or the second hole 542 penetrates the bottom surface of the outer case 50.

[0037] A line connecting the centers of the two inner case screw holes 53 is approximately parallel to the long side of the bottom surface of the outer case 50. The long axis of the second hole 542 is also approximately parallel to the long side of the bottom surface of the outer case 50. A line connecting the center of the first hole 541 and the center of the second hole 542 is also approximately parallel to the long side of the bottom surface of the outer case 50. Here, the center of the second hole 542 means the midpoint of the long axis of the second hole 542.

[0038] A line connecting the center of the first hole 541 and the center of the inner case screw hole 53 closer to the first hole 541 is approximately parallel to the short side of the bottom surface of the outer case 50. A line connecting the center of the second hole 542 and the center of the inner case screw hole 53 closer to the second hole 542 is also approximately parallel to the short side of the bottom surface of the outer case 50. In other words, the two inner case screw holes 53, the first hole 541, and the second hole 542 are arranged such that their respective centers form an approximately rectangular shape.

[0039] 8 is a perspective view of the inner case 40. As described above, the inner case 40 is a rectangular box. One of the long sides of the inner case 40 extends toward the bottom side to form the fixing plate 401. As described above, the fixing plate 401 is provided with two fixing holes 46 that penetrate in the thickness direction.

[0040] A substantially rectangular case recess 45 is formed on the long side surface. As shown in Fig. 5, on the side surface on which the fixing plate 401 is not provided, the case recess 45 divides the side surface of the inner case 40 in two.

[0041] Returning to Fig. 8, the explanation will continue. The case recess 45 includes a first recess 451 disposed on the opening side of the inner case 40, and a second recess 452 that is far from the opening side of the inner case 40. When viewed from the side of the inner case 40, the second recess 452 is formed deeper than the first recess 451. The boundary between the first recess 451 and the second recess 452 is formed in a step-like shape.

[0042] 2 and 5, the case recess 45 is covered by the side surface of the transmission body 34. The engagement claw 348 engages with the step between the first recess 451 and the second recess 452, and prevents the transmission body 34 from coming off the inner case 40 and falling, even if, for example, the input device 10 is placed with the first plate 601 facing downward.

[0043] The sensor hole 42 is provided along the boundary between the first recess 451 and the second recess 452. The sensor hole 42 is an elongated hole with its longitudinal direction parallel to the bottom surface. One of the longitudinal side surfaces of the sensor hole 42 is disposed on the same plane as the bottom surface of the inner case 40. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the pressure-sensing unit 371 inserted into the sensor hole 42 is held flat on the bottom surface of the inner case 40.

[0044] A spring retaining base 44 parallel to the bottom surface of the inner case 40 protrudes from one of the short side surfaces of the inner case 40. Two spring retaining pillars 43 protrude from the surface of the spring retaining base 44 on the opening side of the inner case 40. The spring retaining pillars 43 are generally cylindrical with slightly tapered tips. The outer diameter of the spring retaining pillars 43 is generally the same as the inner diameter of the coil spring 27.

[0045] Two fixing protrusions 47 protrude from a side surface continuing to the fixing plate 401. The outer diameter of the fixing protrusions 47 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the first hole 541 described using FIG. 7. The two fixing protrusions 47 fit into the first hole 541 and the second hole 542, respectively, thereby achieving accurate positioning of the inner case 40 relative to the outer case 50. With the inner case 40 positioned, the two inner case screws 25 are fastened into the inner case screw holes 53 via the fixing holes 46, thereby fixing the inner case 40 to the outer case 50.

[0046] Four sliding grooves 48 perpendicular to the bottom surface are provided on the inner surface of the inner case 40. When the actuator case 33 is housed in the inner case 40, the sliding protrusions 332 provided on the side surfaces of the actuator case 33 slide in the sliding grooves 48. Therefore, the actuator case 33 can slide in and out of the opening of the inner case 40.

[0047] 9 is a perspective view of lever 60. As described above, lever 60 is substantially L-shaped and includes a substantially rectangular first plate 601 and a substantially rectangular second plate 602 protruding from one short side of first plate 601. A substantially cylindrical lever shaft 61 protrudes from each of two side surfaces of a short, substantially rectangular plate protruding from the other short side of first plate 601 in the same direction as second plate 602. The central axes of the two lever shafts 61 are arranged on the same straight line.

[0048] As described above, the lever protrusion 64 having a substantially spherical tip protrudes from the first plate 601 in the same direction as the second plate 602. Between the lever protrusion 64 and the second plate 602, the substantially L-shaped locking protrusion 65 protrudes from an edge of one long side of the first plate 601 in the same direction as the second plate 602. The tip of the locking protrusion 65 protrudes to the outside of the first plate 601.

[0049] Between the locking projection 65 and the second plate 602, two spring holding posts 63 protrude from the first plate 601 in the same direction as the second plate 602. The spring holding posts 63 are substantially cylindrical with slightly tapered tips. The outer diameter of the spring holding posts 63 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the coil spring 27. As described above, the coil spring 27 is held between the spring holding posts 63 and the spring holding posts 43.

[0050] One lever shaft 61 is inserted into the lever shaft hole 51 described with reference to Figure 7. The other lever shaft 61 is inserted into the lever shaft hole 211 provided in the lid 21. The tip of the locking projection 65 is housed in the lever holding portion 55. In this way, the lever 60 is held rotatably around the lever shaft 61. The rotatable range is regulated by the locking projection 65 and the lever holding portion 55.

[0051] Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the state in which the lever 60 is pressed in. The operation of the input device 10 will be explained using Fig. 10. The user presses the non-slip surface 603 with a part of the body such as a finger. The lever 60 rotates clockwise in Fig. 10 around the lever shaft 61. When the lever protrusion 64 is pressed in by a length L, it comes into contact with the transmission protrusion 341.

[0052] The lever 60 functions as a lever with the non-slip surface 603 as the force point, the lever shaft 61 as the fulcrum, and the lever protrusion 64 as the action point. Therefore, the transmission body 34 is pushed in with a force stronger than the force applied by the user. As shown in Figs. 3 and 6, the transmission body 34 comes into contact with the moving element 314. As described above, the tip of the moving element 314 protrudes by a length M beyond the end face of the inner case 40. Therefore, the transmission body 34 reliably comes into contact with the moving element 314 before coming into contact with the end face of the inner case 40.

[0053] When the user further presses the lever 60, the moving element 314, the stator 313, and the actuator case 33 are pressed toward the pressure-sensing portion 371. The pressure-sensing portion 371 is pressed by the pressing protrusion 331.

[0054] The pressure detected by the pressure sensitive portion 371 is transmitted to a control circuit 16 (see FIG. 11) described later via a sensor substrate 372. A pulse voltage drive signal is applied from the control circuit 16 to the actuator 31 via the actuator substrate 312.

[0055] The drive signal causes the wire 317 to instantly contract, and the mover 314 instantly moves in a direction away from the stator 313. The movement of the mover 314 is transmitted to the lever 60 via the transmission protrusion 341 and the transmission body 34. Therefore, the movement of the mover 314 is transmitted to the user's fingers pressing the non-slip pad 603, and the user senses tactile feedback.

[0056] 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the control circuit 16 of the input device 10. The control circuit 16 includes connectors to which a sensor board 372 and an actuator board 312 are respectively connected. The pressure detected by the pressure-sensitive unit 371 is input to the control circuit 16 via the sensor board 372. The control circuit 16 generates a drive signal based on a predetermined function or conversion table. An example of the relationship between the pressure and the drive signal will be described later. The drive signal is applied to the actuator 31 via the actuator board 312.

[0057] The control circuit 16 may include a connector connected to the controlled object 18. The control circuit 16 and the controlled object 18 may be connected via wireless communication. The control circuit 16 generates a control signal for controlling the controlled object 18 based on the pressure detected by the pressure-sensing unit 371. The control signal is input to the controlled object 18.

[0058] The control signal may be an ON-OFF switching signal or a signal that changes continuously according to the pressing force. The pressure detected by the pressure-sensing unit 371 may be input directly to the controlled object 18 without going through the control circuit 16. The same signal as the drive signal may be input to the controlled object 18.

[0059] The control circuit 16 is, for example, hardware having a signal conversion function, connected between the input device 10 and the control circuit 16. The control circuit 16 may be an information device that generates a drive signal by software. The control circuit 16 may be mounted on the controlled object 18.

[0060] The control circuit 16 may be built in the input device 10. When the control circuit 16 is built in the input device 10, the sensor board 372 and the actuator board 312 are not exposed to the outside of the outer case 50.

[0061] Fig. 12 is a table showing examples of the relationship between the pressure and the drive signal. Two types of examples, No. 1 and No. 2, are shown in Fig. 12. The relationship shown in Fig. 12 is an example, and the relationship between the pressure and the drive signal is not limited to No. 1 and No. 2.

[0062] In the example shown in No. 1, the voltage of the drive signal changes based on the magnitude of the pressure detected by the pressure-sensing unit 371. The pulse width W1 of the drive signal does not change. The voltage of the drive signal changes continuously, for example, depending on the pressure. The voltage of the drive signal may change to a discrete value, such as two values ​​or three values, depending on the pressure.

[0063] In the example shown in No. 2, the voltage and number of pulses of the drive signal change based on the magnitude of the pressing force detected by the pressure-sensing unit 371. For example, when the pressing force is F1, the drive signal is one pulse with a voltage of V3 and a pulse width of W3, and when the pressing force is F2, the drive signal is five pulses with a voltage of V4 and a pulse width of W4.

[0064] A user touching the non-slip surface 603 may not necessarily be able to clearly sense the number of pulses or the magnitude of the voltage of the drive signal, but can sense the difference in the sensation of touch.

[0065] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an input device 10 that can change the response felt by the user in various ways. An example will be described in which the controlled object 18 performs two types of actions, such as "moving slowly" and "moving quickly," based on the magnitude of the force applied to the non-slip surface 603. For the relationship between the pressing force and the drive signal, No. 1 in FIG. 12 is used.

[0066] When the force pressing against the non-slip surface 603 exceeds the first threshold value F1 and the controlled object 18 starts to perform the "slow movement" action, the drive signal shown in the top row of Fig. 12 is applied to the actuator 31. The user feels a slight vibration in the fingers touching the non-slip surface 603.

[0067] When the force pressing against the non-slip surface 603 exceeds the second threshold value F1 and the controlled object 18 starts to "move fast", the drive signal shown in the second row from the top of Fig. 12 is applied to the actuator 31. The user feels a strong vibration with his or her fingers touching the non-slip surface 603.

[0068] As a result, it is possible to provide an input device 10 that allows a user to quickly sense that a desired pressure has been input, even if the user does not visually check the operation of the controlled object 18. Since multiple types of input can be performed with one input device 10, various operations on the controlled object 18 can be performed using a small number of input devices 10.

[0069] [Embodiment 2] This embodiment relates to a toy 70 incorporating an input device 10. Explanation of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0070] 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a toy 70 according to a second embodiment. The toy 70 according to the present embodiment is a pistol type having a trigger 71. The input device 10 is housed in the grip. The trigger 71 is attached so as to push in the lever 60 when the trigger 71 is pulled by a user.

[0071] The grip also contains a control circuit 16 and a speaker 72. The speaker 72 is an example of the controlled object 18 in this embodiment.

[0072] For example, when the user lightly pulls the trigger 71, a light impact is transmitted from the actuator 31 to the trigger 71. The speaker 72 outputs a sound that imitates the sound of a pistol being fired.

[0073] For example, when the user pulls the trigger 71 strongly, a strong vibration is transmitted from the actuator 31 to the trigger 71. The speaker 72 outputs a sound that imitates the sound of a machine gun being fired.

[0074] In this way, a toy 70 that performs different actions depending on the force with which the trigger 71 is pulled can be provided.

[0075] Note that the control circuit 16 may be configured so as not to react to the pressure applied to the pressure sensor 37 for a predetermined dead time after outputting the drive signal. The predetermined dead time is, for example, about 50 milliseconds. Providing a dead time prevents the pressure sensor 37 from detecting vibrations applied to the trigger 71 from the actuator 31 while the user is pulling the trigger 71, and prevents the control circuit 16 from outputting a drive signal. In this way, a toy 70 that is prevented from operating against the user's will can be realized.

[0076] The dead time may be set in the control circuit 16 to which the input device 10 of the first embodiment is connected.

[0077] [Embodiment 3] This embodiment relates to a push button type input device 10. Explanation of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0078] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the input device 10 of the embodiment 3. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the input device 10 of the embodiment 3. Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the input device 10 of the embodiment 3. The input device 10 of the present embodiment includes an outer case 50, a button 75, a transmission body 34, an actuator 31, an actuator case 33, an inner case 40, and a base plate 59.

[0079] The outer case 50 is a rectangular cylinder. The button 75 has a shape of a rectangular plate with legs extending from each side. The base plate 59 is a plate that covers one side of the outer case 50. The four corners of the base plate 59 are fixed to the outer case 50 by the outer case screws 24.

[0080] The inner case 40 has a shape in which a rectangular box is provided in the center of a square plate. The inner case 40 is fixed to a base plate 59 by two inner case screws 25. The actuator case 33 and the actuator 31 are housed in the inner case 40, and the transmission body 34 is placed thereon. The shapes of the actuator case 33, the actuator 31, and the transmission body 34 are almost the same as those in the first embodiment. A pressure-sensing unit 371 is sandwiched between the actuator case 33 and the base plate 59. The distance between the lever protrusion 64 and the transmission body 34 is indicated by length L.

[0081] The inner case 40 is provided with two spring retaining posts 43 on the outside of the long sides of the rectangular box. As shown in Fig. 15, the button 75 is provided with a transmission body 34 protruding toward the base plate 59 side, and two spring retaining posts 63. A coil spring 27 is held between each of the spring retaining posts 43 and the spring retaining posts 63. The outer case 50 is biased by the coil spring 27 in a direction away from the base plate 59.

[0082] 17 is a cross-sectional view of the input device 10 of the third embodiment with the button 75 pressed in. When the lever protrusion 64 is pressed in by a length L, the lever protrusion 64 comes into contact with the transmission body 34. The lever protrusion 64 presses the actuator case 33 toward the base plate 59 via the transmission body 34 and the actuator 31, and a pressing force is applied to the pressure-sensitive portion 371. The actuator 31 is operated by a drive signal generated based on the pressing force.

[0083] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a flat button-type input device 10. It is possible to provide an input device 10 that can be easily arranged in a plurality of units.

[0084] The technical features (constitutive elements) described in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and by combining them, new technical features can be formed. The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims.

[0085] Independent claims and dependent claims described in the claims may be combined with each other in any combination, regardless of the reference format. Furthermore, the claims may be written in a format in which a claim references two or more other claims (multiple claim format), but this is not limited to this format. The claims may also be written in a format in which a multiple claim references at least one other claim (multiple multiple claim format). [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10 Input Devices 16 Control circuit 18 Controlled object 21 Lid 211 Lever shaft hole 24 Outer case screws 25 Inner case screw 27 Coil spring 31 Actuator 312 Actuator Board 313 Stator 314 Movable 315 Stator Roller 316 Moving roller 317 Wire (shape memory alloy wire) 33 Actuator case 331 Pressing protrusion 332 Sliding protrusion 34 Transmission Body 341 Transmission protrusion 342 Transmission plate 343 Engagement plate 344 Sensor groove 348 Engagement Claw 37 Pressure Sensor 371 Pressure sensing part 372 Sensor Board 40 Inner case 401 Fixed plate 42 Sensor hole 43 Spring retaining column 44 Spring retaining base 45 Case recess 451 First recess 452 Second recess 46 fixing hole 47 Fixed protrusion 48 Slide groove 50 Outer case 51 Lever shaft hole 52 Outer case screw holes 53 Inner case screw hole 541 First Hole 542 2nd hole 55 Lever holder 56 Sensor board groove 57 Actuator board groove 58 Thin section 59 Base plate 60 Lever 601 1st board 602 2nd board 603 Anti-slip 61 Lever shaft 63 Spring retaining column 64 Lever protrusion 65 Locking protrusion 70 toys 71 Trigger 72 Speaker 75 Button

Claims

1. an actuator having a moving element and a stator disposed opposite the moving element; A transmission body that transmits a pressing force applied by a user's body to the moving element; a pressure sensor disposed on the opposite side of the transmission body with the movable element and the stator interposed therebetween; The actuator moves the moving element in response to a drive signal generated based on the pressing force detected by the pressure sensor. Input device.

2. a pressure sensor terminal for outputting a signal from the pressure sensor; and an actuator terminal for inputting a drive signal to the actuator.

2. The input device according to claim 1.

3. A control circuit is provided to generate a drive signal based on the pressing force detected by the pressure sensor.

2. The input device according to claim 1.

4. The pressure sensor is connected to a controlled object that is controlled based on the detected pressure.

2. The input device according to claim 1.

5. The actuator is an impact-driven actuator that operates by contraction of a shape memory alloy wire disposed between the moving element and the stator.

5. An input device according to claim 1.

6. The movement of the moving element provides tactile feedback to the user's body.

6. An input device according to claim 5.

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