Input device

Abstract

To facilitate the design of pretensioning. [Solution] An input device comprising a knob, a substrate, a push switch, a sheet-like rubber member covering the substrate and the push switch, and an actuator member that slides perpendicular to the substrate as the knob moves, wherein pretension is applied between the knob, the actuator member and the push switch in a neutral state released from operating force, wherein the push switch has a first contact portion with a planar shape that contacts the rubber member, and a metal return member that is elastic and biases the first contact portion toward the rubber member, and the actuator member is positioned opposite the first contact portion of the push switch with the rubber member in between, and has a second contact portion with a planar shape that contacts the rubber member, and has a projection that protrudes from the second contact portion toward the rubber member and presses the rubber member to cause elastic deformation in a neutral state released from operating force on the knob.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a seesaw type switch device including an operation button and two switches, and applying a pretension between the operation button and the switches using the restoring force from the switches.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The seesaw type switch device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a pretension from a switch is applied to a seesaw type operation button, and is configured using a restoring force that returns from a state where the tip of the switch is pressed to an initial state as a resource. Therefore, when the stroke of the switch is small, for example, when using a metal dome switch, the stroke is usually about 1 millimeter (1 mM), and when using components with variations in dimensions such as the length dimension of the pressing portion that abuts on the switch and the dimensions of components that define the height position of the switch, there is a risk that the pretension may not act properly depending on the combination of components, such as a gap occurring between the switch.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An input device according to one embodiment includes a knob that receives an operating force from an operator and changes direction in response to that force, a substrate, a push switch provided on one side of the substrate, a sheet-like rubber member that covers the substrate and the push switch, and an actuator member provided between the knob and the rubber member and sliding in a direction perpendicular to the substrate as the knob moves, wherein in a neutral state released from the operating force, pretension is applied between the knob, the actuator member and the push switch, the push switch has a first contact portion with a planar shape that contacts the rubber member and has an elastic metal return member that biases the first contact portion to the rubber member, and the actuator member is positioned opposite the first contact portion of the push switch with the rubber member in between and has a second contact portion with a planar shape that contacts the rubber member and has a projection that protrudes from the second contact portion toward the rubber member and presses the rubber member to cause elastic deformation in a neutral state released from the operating force on the knob. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one embodiment of the input device, it is possible to provide a pretension configuration that is less susceptible to variations in component dimensions and does not significantly increase costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] External perspective view of an input device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Plan view of an input device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Left side view of an input device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of an input device according to one embodiment, shown by the AA section line in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Partially enlarged view of the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Disassembled perspective view of an input device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] External perspective view of an actuator member included in an input device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8]Bottom view of an actuator member included in an input device according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] Side view of an actuator member included in an input device according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] An external perspective view of an actuator member, a modified example of an actuator member, which is included in an input device according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] An actuator member included in an input device according to one embodiment - bottom view of an actuator member, which is a modified example. [Figure 12] This figure shows the operating load characteristics of a push switch included in an input device according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] A cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of a push switch included in an input device according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. For convenience, in the following description, the X-axis direction (the direction perpendicular to the virtual pivot axis of the knob 130) will be referred to as the front-back direction, the Y-axis direction (the direction parallel to the virtual pivot axis of the knob 130) will be referred to as the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction (the direction perpendicular to the X and Y axes) will be referred to as the up-down direction. However, the positive X-axis direction will be referred to as the front direction, the positive Y-axis direction as the right direction, and the positive Z-axis direction as the up direction. Furthermore, the positive Z-axis direction and upward direction will be considered as one example, and the negative Z-axis direction and downward direction will be considered as the other example. These indicate the relative positional relationships within the device and do not limit the installation direction or operating direction of the device. Any device with equivalent relative positional relationships within the device, even if installed or operated in different directions, is included within the scope of the present invention.

[0009] (Configuration of input device 100) Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view of the input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is a left side view of the input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the input device 100 according to one embodiment along the cross-sectional line AA shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view of the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 7 is an external perspective view of the actuator member 150 included in the input device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0010] The input device 100 shown in Figures 1 to 6 can be installed in a vehicle such as an automobile and used as an input device for operating electrically driven in-vehicle devices (for example, electric power windows).

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the input device 100 has two knobs 130 arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) on the front side (positive X-axis side), and two knobs 130 arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) on the rear side (negative X-axis side). The input device 100 can drive four operating objects (for example, electric power windows) by performing pressing or pulling operations on the four knobs 130.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the input device 100 comprises a housing 110, a panel member 120, four knobs 130, a cover 140, eight actuator members 150, a substrate 160, and a rubber member 170.

[0013] The housing 110 is a resin component having a hollow structure with an open bottom. The housing 110 is fixed to the substrate 160 and the cover 140. In this embodiment, the panel member 120, housing 110, and cover 140 are assembled to form a box with a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. For example, the housing 110 is molded by injection molding. The cover 140, substrate 160, and rubber member 170 are housed inside the housing 110. In this embodiment, the panel member 120, housing 110, substrate 160, and cover 140 are fixed to each other using bolts and screws (not shown).

[0014] As shown in FIG. 6, four support portions 111 for swingably supporting four knobs 130 are provided on the upper portion of the housing 110. Each of the four support portions 111 is vertically (in the Z-axis direction) extended with respect to the substrate 160 and has a substantially rectangular prism shape. Each of the four support portions 111 is provided at a position corresponding to each of the four knobs 130. That is, two of the four support portions 111 are provided side by side in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) on the front side (positive X-axis side) of the upper surface 110A of the housing 110. Further, the other two of the four support portions 111 are provided side by side in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) on the rear side (negative X-axis side) of the upper surface 110A of the housing 110.

[0015] Each support portion 111 has a pair of shaft portions 111B provided to project outward from each of a pair of left and right side surfaces. The shaft portion 111B has a cylindrical shape, is fitted into a bearing hole 131 formed in the knob 130, and is shaped to swingably support the knob 130. The shaft portion 111B and the bearing hole 131 are formed on a virtual axis passing through the center about which the knob 130 rotates. As shown in FIG. 5, the shaft portion 111B is disposed at a position between two pressing switches 142 arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the shaft portion 111B is disposed at an intermediate position between two pressing switches 142 arranged side by side in the X-axis direction.

[0016] The housing 110 has a first guide portion 112 (an example of the "first guide portion"). The first guide portion 112 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the substrate 160, and specifically, it is a member that guides the second guide portion 150A (an example of the "second guide portion") of the actuator member 150 to be movable in the Z-axis direction. The second guide portion 150A has a columnar shape extending in the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the substrate 160, and the first guide portion 112 has an inner wall surface that is in sliding contact with the outer wall surface of the second guide portion 150A. In the present embodiment, the second guide portion 150A has a cylindrical shape, and the first guide portion 112 has a cylindrical shape with an inner wall of a concave curved surface shape that is in sliding contact with this cylindrical shape. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, two first guide portions 112 are formed corresponding to each of the four support portions 111 formed on the housing 110. The two first guide portions 112 are provided side by side in the front and rear with the support portion 111 interposed therebetween. That is, the housing 110 has a total of eight first guide portions 112. Each first guide portion 112 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. Each first guide portion 112 supports the actuator member 150 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) by inserting the second guide portion 150A of the actuator member 150 therethrough. In the present embodiment, the distance between the first guide portion 112 and the support portion 111 in the X-axis direction is set to be small, and a part of the shape constituting the first guide portion 112 and the shape constituting the support portion 111 overlap and are integrally formed.

[0017] The panel member 120 is a resin member having a hollow structure. The panel member 120 is provided above the housing 110 and covers the housing 110. As shown in FIG. 4, inside the hollow structure of the panel member 120, a part of the knob 130, a part of the housing 110, the actuator member 150 housed in the housing 110, and the pressing switch 142 are arranged. The panel member 120 is, for example, a member constituting a console of a vehicle driver's seat. In the present embodiment, the panel member 120 and the housing 110 are directly in contact and fixed by snap-in coupling, but the panel member 120 and the housing 110 may be indirectly fixed via other members.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 6, the panel member 120 has a panel top surface 121 with a planar shape parallel to the XY plane. The panel top surface 121 of the panel member 120 has a rectangular shape with the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) as its longitudinal direction when viewed from above (positive Z-axis direction). A rectangular opening 122 is formed in the panel top surface 121 with the left-to-right direction (Y-axis direction) as its longitudinal direction when viewed from above (positive Z-axis direction). Two openings 122 are formed in the panel top surface 121, side by side. The openings 122 are holes into which an operator inserts their fingers when pulling and operating the operating part 136 of the knob 130. The operating part 136 of the knob 130 is located behind the opening 122 and is exposed when the input device 100 is viewed from above, and receives the operating force from the operator who inserts their fingers into the opening 122.

[0019] The knob 130 is a resin component that receives and transitions upon receiving operating force from the operator. In this embodiment, the knob 130 rotates when it receives operating force from the operator, and returns to the neutral position by a restorative force from an elastic component when released from the operating force. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, in this embodiment, the input device 100 has four knobs 130. The knob 130 is a component that transmits the received operating force to the actuator member 150. The knob 130 has an operating part 136, a bearing hole 131, a first pressing part 133A, and a second pressing part 133B, and the shape connecting them includes a hollow structure. The operating part 136 is shaped to receive operating force from the operator by touching the operator's finger. The bearing hole 131 is shaped to become a rotating shaft that rotatably supports the knob 130 when assembled with the shaft part 111B of the housing 110. The first pressing portion 133A and the second pressing portion 133B are shaped to contact the actuator member 150. During the assembly process, the support portion 111 of the housing 110 is inserted into the hollow structure from below (negative Z-axis side) so as to pass through the upper opening 130B formed vertically through the knob 130. Each of the four knobs 130 is positioned above the housing 110 and is pivotably supported relative to the housing 110 by being connected to the corresponding support portion 111 of the housing 110. Each knob 130 has a bearing hole 131 on each of its left and right sides. Each knob 130 is rotatably supported relative to the housing 110 with the pair of left and right shaft portions 111B as a virtual pivot axis, by fitting each of the left and right pair of bearing holes 131 into each of the left and right pair of shaft portions 111B provided on the support portion 111 of the housing 110.

[0020] The operating section 136 is shaped to receive pressing and pulling forces from the operator. As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the operating section 136 is formed in a continuous manner with the upper end of the front wall portion formed on the front side (positive X-axis side) of the knob 130, which is substantially parallel to the YZ plane, and extends in the Y-axis direction. The operating section 136 is positioned inside the opening 122 along the rear end (negative X-axis side) of the opening 122 formed in the panel member 120. In the neutral position, the front wall portion of the knob 130 extends to a position very close to the lower part of the rear end of the opening 122, and the operating section 136, which is formed in a continuous manner with the upper end of the front wall portion, is positioned along the rear end of the opening 122. In this embodiment, the operating section 136 is formed to protrude forward (in the positive X-axis direction) and upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) from a position immediately adjacent to the rear end of the opening 122, but the operating section 136 may also be parallel to the top surface 121 of the panel.

[0021] As shown in Figure 5, in the internal space 130A of the knob 130, a first pressing portion 133A is provided in front of the pair of left and right bearing holes 131 (positive X-axis side). The first pressing portion 133A has a planar shape and is positioned downwards, and contacts the tip portion 151 formed on the upper part of the actuator member 150-1. When a pressing force is applied to the operating portion 136 and the knob 130 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft portion 111B with respect to the plane of the paper in Figure 5, the first pressing portion 133A moves downward (negative Z-axis direction) and presses the actuator member 150-1.

[0022] In the internal space 130A of the knob 130, a second pressing portion 133B is provided behind the pair of left and right bearing holes 131 (negative X-axis side). The second pressing portion 133B has a planar shape and is positioned downward, contacting the tip portion 151 formed on the upper part of the actuator member 150-2. When the operator applies an upward pulling force to the operating portion 136, causing the knob 130 to rotate clockwise around the shaft portion 111B with respect to the plane of the paper in Figure 5, the second pressing portion 133B moves downward (negative Z-axis direction) and presses the actuator member 150-2.

[0023] The cover 140 is provided below the substrate 160 and is a member that supports the substrate 160 from below by contacting it. As shown in Figure 4, the cover 140 is a flat, rigid resin member that closes the lower opening 110B of the housing 110 by being fitted into the lower opening 110B. When viewed from above in plan, the cover 140 has a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). As shown in Figures 4 and 6, a plurality of engaging claws 141 are provided on the side surface of the cover 140.

[0024] The cover 140 is fixed to the housing 110 in a position where its upper surface 140A is parallel to the XY plane, by the engagement of multiple engaging claws 141 with each of the multiple openings 114 formed on the side surface of the housing 110.

[0025] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the substrate 160 is a flat, plate-shaped member made of resin that extends parallel to the XY plane, superimposed on the upper surface 140A of the cover 140 and supported from below by the cover 140. When viewed from above, the substrate 160 has a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). Various electronic components are mounted on the upper surface 160A of the substrate 160. The substrate 160 and the various electronic components are covered by a waterproof sheet (rubber member 170) provided above the substrate 160.

[0026] Eight push switches 142 are mounted on the upper surface 160A of the circuit board 160. Specifically, on the upper surface 160A of the circuit board 160, below each of the four knobs 130, two push switches 142-1 and 142-2 are arranged in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), with push switch 142-1 facing forward (positive X-axis direction). The push switches 142 are switch mechanisms that generate a signal when pressed beyond a predetermined amount.

[0027] As shown in Figure 13, the push switch 142 has a metal, elastic return member 142C (return member 142C-1, 142C-2). The return member 142C is convex when the upper surface 142A is not pressed. When the upper surface 142A is pressed, the return member 142C elastically deforms and inverts into a concave shape, and when the pressure on the upper surface 142A is released, it returns to its convex shape. The push switch 142 provides the operator with a click sensation when the return member 142C inverts or returns to its original position.

[0028] The actuator member 150 is a member provided between the knob 130 and the push switch 142, and transmits the operating force from the knob 130 and the return force from the push switch 142. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, in this embodiment, two actuator members 150 are provided for each knob 130. Since the input device 100 has four knobs 130, the input device 100 has eight actuator members 150.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, the actuator member 150 has a second guide portion 150A which has a cylindrical shape and extends in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The second guide portion 150A is inserted through the first guide portion 112 of the housing 110 shown in Figures 5 and 6, and is shaped to slide in contact with the first guide portion 112.

[0030] As shown in Figure 7, the actuator member 150 has a tip portion 151 provided above the second guide portion 150A.

[0031] The actuator member 150 is provided below the second guide portion 150A and has a plate portion 150B that has a plate shape and extends parallel to the substrate 160 (in the XY plane direction).

[0032] The actuator member 150 has a lower surface portion 152 of the plate portion 150B (an example of a "second contact portion") and a projection 153 extending downward from the lower surface portion 152. The projection 153 has a tip 153A. The first guide portion 112 and the second guide portion 150A are guide shapes that restrict the direction in which the actuator member 150 operates. By inserting the second guide portion 150A into the first guide portion 112 of the housing 110, the actuator member 150 is restricted to move in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) but not in the forward, backward, left, or right directions.

[0033] The tip portion 151 is shaped to contact the first pressing portion 133A or the second pressing portion 133B of the knob 130. In this embodiment, the tip portion 151 has a curved shape that includes a part of a spherical shape. When the knob 130 shown in Figure 5 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft portion 111B when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper, the first pressing portion 133A of the knob 130 presses the tip portion 151 downward, so the actuator member 150 slides in the negative Z-axis direction as the knob 130 rotates. In this embodiment, the plate portion 150B has a cylindrical shape that shares a common central axis with the second guide portion 150A.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the plate portion 150B of the actuator member 150 is positioned above the push switch 142. The thick portion 172 of the rubber member 170 is sandwiched between the actuator member 150 and the push switch 142. The plate portion 150B of the actuator member 150 is supported by the push switch 142 from below via the thick portion 172 of the rubber member 170. The lower surface portion 152 of the plate portion 150B of the actuator member 150 has a planar shape and is provided in contact with the thick portion 172 of the rubber member 170. The lower surface portion 152 of the plate portion 150B is positioned opposite the upper surface 142A (an example of the "first contact portion") of the stem member 142B of the push switch 142, with the thick portion 172 in between. When viewed from above, the area occupied by the protrusion 153 is set to be significantly smaller than the area occupied by the lower surface portion 152 of the plate portion 150B. The actuator member 150 is positioned inside the first guide portion 112 such that its tip portion 151 faces upward.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, the input device 100 has a front (positive X-axis) actuator member 150-1 and a rear (negative X-axis) actuator member 150-2 for each of the four knobs 130.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the actuator member 150-1 has its tip portion 151, which is the upper end (positive Z-axis side), in contact with the first pressing portion 133A of the knob 130, and its lower surface portion 152 is in contact with the upper surface of the push switch 142-1 via the rubber member 170. The actuator member 150-2 has its tip portion 151 in contact with the second pressing portion 133B of the knob 130, and its lower surface portion 152 is in contact with the upper surface of the push switch 142-2 via the rubber member 170.

[0037] The rubber member 170 is a sheet-like member made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber, silicone, etc.) that is placed on top of the substrate 160 (positive Z-axis side) and covers the top surface 160A of the substrate 160 and the eight push switches 142. The rubber member 170 is a waterproof cover for the substrate 160. Preferably, the rubber member 170 is provided so as to cover all of the wiring provided on the substrate 160.

[0038] (Configuration and operation of the pressing mechanism provided in the input device 100) Figure 8 is a bottom view of the actuator member 150 included in the input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 9 is a side view of the actuator member 150 included in the input device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0039] The pressing mechanism of the input device 100 is a mechanism that extracts a component perpendicular to the substrate 160 from the motion of the knob 130, which rotates due to the operating force, and presses the pressing switch 142. As shown in Figure 5, the pressing mechanism of the input device 100 is composed of a knob 130, an actuator member 150, and a rubber member 170.

[0040] The upper surface 142A of the push switch 142 (an example of the "first contact portion") has a planar shape and contacts a part of the rubber member 170 (thickened portion 172) from the lower side (negative Z-axis side) of the rubber member 170.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the lower surface portion 152 of the actuator member 150 has a planar shape and is positioned opposite the upper surface 142A (first contact portion) of the push switch 142, and contacts the thickened portion 172 of the rubber member 170 from the upper side (positive Z-axis side) of the rubber member 170.

[0042] In other words, the thickened portion 172 of the rubber member 170 is sandwiched between the upper surface 142A of the press switch 142 and the lower surface portion 152 of the actuator member 150.

[0043] Therefore, in one embodiment of the input device 100, as shown in Figure 5, when the knob 130 is not being operated, the first pressing portion 133A and the second pressing portion 133B of the knob 130 are biased upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) equally in the front and back directions by an elastic element via a rubber member 170, an actuator member 150-1, and an actuator member 150-2. In this embodiment, the elastic element is composed of a return member 142C (return members 142C-1, 142C-2) shown in Figure 13, a protrusion 153 shown in Figures 7 and 9, and a thickened portion 172 shown in Figure 5. As a result, when the knob 130 is not being operated, the knob 130 can maintain a neutral state. Furthermore, as a result, the knob 130 and actuator members 150-1, 150-2 are continuously maintained in a taut state, thus suppressing rattle. Thus, by adjusting the stroke of the elastic element, a state in which tension is maintained between specific members (for example, between the knob 130, the actuator member 150, and the pressure switch 142) is called a state of pretension.

[0044] When the operator presses down the operating part 136 of the knob 130, the knob 130 rotates counterclockwise around the shaft 111B with respect to the plane of the paper in Figure 5. Also, the first pressing part 133A of the knob 130 presses the push switch 142-1 via the actuator member 150-1 and the rubber member 170. As a result, the push switch 142-1 switches to the ON state and outputs a detection signal.

[0045] Furthermore, when the operator pulls up the operating part 136 of the knob 130, the knob 130 rotates clockwise around the shaft 111B with respect to the plane of the paper in Figure 5. Also, the second pressing part 133B of the knob 130 presses the push switch 142-2 via the actuator member 150-2 and the rubber member 170. As a result, the push switch 142-2 switches to the ON state and outputs a detection signal.

[0046] Furthermore, when the operation of knob 130 is released, knob 130 returns to the neutral state and maintains that neutral state by utilizing the biasing force from push switch 142-1 or push switch 142-2.

[0047] Actuator members 150-1 and 150-2 have the same shape as actuator member 150 shown in Figures 7 to 9. Here, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, actuator member 150 has a projection 153 that protrudes downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) from the lower surface portion 152. In the example shown in Figures 7 to 9, actuator member 150 has three projections 153 arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference of the lower surface portion 152 (on the same circumference of the circle E1 centered on the central axis CL of the second guide portion 150A). Also, in the example shown in Figures 7 to 9, the projections 153 have a hemispherical shape. As shown in Figure 5, when the lower surface portion 152 of actuator member 150 comes into contact with the rubber member 170, the projections 153 of actuator member 150 press against the rubber member 170 and cause elastic deformation.

[0048] In one embodiment of the input device 100, when the knob 130 is released from any operating force, the projection 153 of the actuator member 150 presses against the thickened portion 172 of the rubber member 170, causing it to elastically deform. Furthermore, a restorative force is generated in the elastically deformed thickened portion 172 of the rubber member 170, and by utilizing the stroke of this restorative force, pretension can be applied to the pressure switch 142 and the actuator member 150, which are in contact with each other from above and below.

[0049] As a result, the input device 100 according to one embodiment utilizes not only the stroke of the return member 142C of the push switch 142, but also the stroke of the return force of the thickened portion 172 of the rubber member 170 to set the pretension. This allows for the setting of a sufficient amount of pretension, taking into account variations in the dimensions of the related parts.

[0050] Therefore, according to the input device 100 according to one embodiment, pretension is set by using the stroke of the returning force derived from the protrusion 153 and the rubber member 170 as an auxiliary. For this reason, according to the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the stroke of the return member 142C of the push switch 142 is allocated entirely to the stroke of the input operation, and then the amount necessary as pretension that takes into account dimensional variations is set by using the stroke of the returning force derived from the rubber member 170 as an auxiliary. First, the operating feel is set using the push switch 142 that satisfies the operating feel specifications, and then the pretension is set by setting the stroke of the returning force auxiliaryly using members other than the switch 142, such as the thickened portion 172 of the rubber member 170 and the protrusion 153 of the actuator member 150, in accordance with the stroke and dimensions of the switch 142, thereby setting a pretension with sufficient margin that takes into account dimensional variations of the parts while maintaining the requirements for the operating feel. Furthermore, since the pretensioning is designed using the elastic force of the rubber component 170 without the need for any additional parts, there is no increase in costs.

[0051] Now, with reference to Figure 5, the specific configuration of the rubber member 170 will be described. As shown in Figure 5, the rubber member 170 has a base portion 171, a thick portion 172, and a thin portion 173.

[0052] The base portion 171 is a horizontal, flat plate-shaped part that is in contact with the upper surface 160A of the substrate 160.

[0053] The base portion 171 is provided on the upper surface 160A of the substrate 160 shown in Figure 6, avoiding the area around the push switch 142. Furthermore, the area around the push switch 142 is covered by the thin portion 173 and the thick portion 172.

[0054] The thickened portion 172 is an example of the "first portion," and as shown in Figure 5, it is provided continuously with the thinned portion 173 and has a plate-like shape with a predetermined thickness that is thicker than the thinned portion 173. The role of the thickened portion 172 is that of an elastic plate. The thickened portion 172 is sandwiched between the upper surface 142A of the corresponding press switch 142 and the lower surface 152 of the corresponding actuator member 150. When the thickened portion 172 is pressed downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) by a projection 153 provided on the lower surface 152 of the actuator member 150 and deformed, it generates a restoring force that biases the projection 153 upward (in the negative Z-axis direction), which is the restoring direction. This restoring force biases the actuator member 150 upward (in the negative Z-axis direction).

[0055] The thin-walled portion 173 is an example of the "second portion" and has a shape that extends upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) from the end of the base portion 171 on the side of the push switch 142, straddling the top of the push switch 142. The thin-walled portion 173 is provided to connect the base portion 171 and the thick-walled portion 172, has a smaller thickness dimension than the thick-walled portion 172, and is flexible.

[0056] If the thickness dimension of the thin-walled portion 173 is set to be small within the range permitted by the strength of the material constituting the rubber member 170, the tactile sensation generated by the deformation of the thin-walled portion 173 will be reduced. At that time, the tactile sensation transmitted to the fingers of the operator operating the knob 130 will be dominated by the tactile sensation generated by the restorative force of the metal return member 142C, and the tactile sensation from the rubber member 170 will no longer interfere with it. This makes it easier to design the operating feel. For this reason, it is preferable to set the thickness dimension of the thin-walled portion 173 to be small within a range that does not impair the function of the rubber member 170 as a waterproof sheet. Furthermore, if the thickness dimension of the thin-walled portion 173 is made so small that the thin-walled portion 173 sags when the rubber member 170 is picked up as a unit during the assembly process, the convenience during the assembly process will be impaired. Therefore, it is preferable to set the thickness dimension of the thin-walled section 173 to be as small as possible while maintaining a size that ensures sufficient strength so that the thin-walled section 173 does not sag due to the combined weight of the thin-walled section 173 and the thick-walled section 172.

[0057] The base 171 is the base of the rubber member 170 and supports the thin-walled portion 173. The thin-walled portion 173 is supported by the base 171 and supports the thick-walled portion 172. Structurally, the thick-walled portion 172 is supported by the thin-walled portion 173 and the upper surface 142A of the press switch 142. However, because the thin-walled portion 173 has weak physical strength due to its small thickness, the thick-walled portion 172 is mainly supported by the upper surface 142A of the press switch 142.

[0058] As described above, the input device 100 according to one embodiment has a projection 153 on the actuator member 150 and a thickened portion 172 on the rubber member 170. In the neutral state, the projection 153 presses against the thickened portion 172, generating a restorative force. This restorative force is then used to apply pretension between the knob 130, the actuator member 150, and the push switch 142. The thickened portion 172 is set to have a sufficient thickness to generate a restorative force in the Z-axis direction when elastically deformed by the projection 153. Furthermore, by providing a highly flexible thinened portion 173 between the base 171 and the thickened portion 172, there is no risk of the transition of the thickened portion 172 being hindered even if the thickness dimension of the thickened portion 172 is increased. In addition, providing the thinened portion 173 makes it easier to design the feel of operation. Furthermore, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the rubber member 170 having the thinned portion 173 makes it easier to design the feel.

[0059] Because the contact area between the protrusion 153 and the thickened portion 172 (first part) is small, the thickened portion 172 (first part) pressed by the protrusion 153 easily undergoes localized elastic deformation. At this time, a restoring force is generated that is commensurate with the amount of deformation of the thickened portion 172. On the other hand, the planar shape of the lower surface portion 152 (second contact portion) of the actuator member 150 does not cause elastic deformation of the thickened portion 172 (first part). Or, even if elastic deformation occurs, the amount of deformation is small enough that it does not need to be considered. The reason for this is as follows: Because the contact area between the planar shape of the lower surface portion 152 (second contact portion) and the thickened portion 172 (first part) is large, the amount (volume) of the thickened portion 172 (first part) that undergoes elastic deformation is also large. Of course, if a large force commensurate with that amount is transmitted, the thickened portion 172 (first portion) can elastically deform, but usually the metal return member 142C inside the press switch 142 starts to deform before that. Therefore, the thickened portion 172 (first portion) will not elastically deform until the metal return member 142C has finished deforming to the state shown in Figure 13(e).

[0060] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the actuator member 150 of the input device 100 according to one embodiment has three protrusions 153. When viewed from the negative Z-axis direction, the three protrusions 153 are arranged on the circumference of a circle E1 centered on the central axis CL of the second guide portion 150A. The number of protrusions 153 may be more than three. If the number of protrusions 153 is more than three, it is preferable that at least three protrusions 153 are arranged on the circumference of a circle E1 centered on the central axis CL of the second guide portion 150A.

[0061] As a result, the input device 100 according to one embodiment presses the thickened portion 172 of the rubber member 170 with three protrusions 153, making it easier to adjust the direction of the resultant force of the returning force generated compared to, for example, a configuration using only one protrusion 153. Therefore, it becomes easier to suppress the loss that occurs when biasing the actuator member 150 with the generated returning force. In addition, the three protrusions 153 provided on the actuator member 150 of the input device 100 according to one embodiment have the same height dimension (distance D1 shown in Figure 9). As a result, the load on the thickened portion 172 of the rubber member 170 is evenly distributed to three locations. Thus, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can suppress defects in which the thickened portion 172 of the rubber member 170 is damaged by the protrusions 153.

[0062] In one embodiment of the input device 100, the substrate 160 has a wiring area 161 (see Figure 6) on its upper surface 160A where a group of wires (not shown) and eight push switches 142 are provided, and the rubber member 170 covers the entire wiring area 161.

[0063] As a result, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can improve the waterproofness of the wiring (not shown) and the eight push switches 142 provided in the wiring area 161. If a drainage channel is formed in the wiring area 161, the rubber member 170 may be shaped to avoid the drainage channel.

[0064] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the lower surface portion 152 (second contact portion) of the actuator member 150 and the upper surface 142A (first contact portion) of the push switch 142 are positioned opposite each other with the thickened portion 172 of the rubber member 170 in between. The upper surface 142A (first contact portion) has a smaller area than the lower surface portion 152 (second contact portion), and the upper surface 142A (first contact portion) is positioned so that it completely overlaps the lower surface portion 152 (second contact portion). Furthermore, the upper surface 142A (first contact portion) is positioned entirely inward from the edge of the lower surface portion 152 (second contact portion).

[0065] Furthermore, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the lower surface portion 152 (second contact portion) of the actuator member 150 has a smaller area than the thickened portion 172 (first portion) of the rubber member 170, and the entire lower surface portion 152 (second contact portion) overlaps with the thickened portion 172 (first portion).

[0066] As shown in Figure 8, the lower surface portion 152 (second contact portion) of the actuator member 150 has the same dimensions as the upper surface 142A (first contact portion) of the push switch 142 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and has a first region Q that overlaps with and is positioned opposite to the entire upper surface 142A (first contact portion). The lower surface portion 152 (second contact portion) also has a second region P that is outside the first region Q and does not overlap with the upper surface 142A (first contact portion) of the push switch 142. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the projection 153 of the actuator member 150 is formed in the second region P when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0067] As a result, in one embodiment of the input device 100, the upper surface 142A (first contact portion) of the push switch 142 and the lower surface portion 152 (second contact portion) of the actuator member 150 are configured to contact and press against each other with their planar shapes facing each other.

[0068] As a result, no gaps originating from the protrusion 153 occur on the contact surfaces between the first region Q of the lower surface portion 152 (second contact portion), which is the path through which the operating force is transmitted from the actuator member 150 to the upper surface 142A, and the thickened portion 172, and between the thickened portion 172 and the upper surface 142A (first contact portion). In other words, the contact area is maximized. Furthermore, the orientation of the contact surfaces is perpendicular to the direction in which the operating force is transmitted from the actuator member 150 to the upper surface 142A.

[0069] Therefore, in one embodiment of the input device 100, when transmitting operating force from the operator, there is no loss of operating force due to the protrusion 153, and the operating force from the operator is easily transmitted to the push switch 142. This contributes to the ease of input operation and the reliability of the input timing. Furthermore, as a result, the operating load of the push switch 142 generated from the metal return member 142C is easily transmitted to the operator's finger. This contributes to the quality of the feel when the push switch 142 is turned ON / OFF.

[0070] Furthermore, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the push switch 142 is provided on the side of the actuator member 150 and has a stem member 142B that slides and presses the return member 142C when the actuator member 150 slides, and the upper surface 142A of the push switch 142 (an example of the "first contact portion") is formed on the upper side (positive Z-axis side) of the stem member 142B.

[0071] Furthermore, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the tip 153A of the projection 153 of the actuator member 150 has a curved shape. As a result, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can reduce the risk of the thickened portion 172 being damaged by the projection 153, thereby extending the lifespan of the rubber member 170.

[0072] However, the projection 153 of the actuator member 150 may have a conical shape that becomes narrower as it approaches the tip 153A from the side of the lower surface 152 (second contact portion).

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, an input device 100 according to one embodiment includes two push switches 142, a shaft portion 111B parallel to the Y-axis direction and located between the two push switches 142 when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and a knob 130 rotatably supported by the shaft portion 111B. The knob 130 is pre-tensioned by biasing forces from both return members 142C included in each of the two push switches 142.

[0074] As a result, in one embodiment of the input device 100, when released from the operating force on the knob 130 in a neutral state, pretension can be applied between the knob 130, the two actuator members 150, and the two push switches by the biasing force from both of the return members 142C included in each of the two push switches 142.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the input device 100 according to one embodiment has a thin-walled portion 173 that extends upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) from the base 171 of the rubber member 170 and is formed to cover two push switches 142-1 and 142-2. The two push switches 142-1 and 142-2 are arranged in the space formed between the thin-walled portion 173 and the substrate 160 below the thin-walled portion 173 (in the negative Z-axis direction). In other words, the two push switches 142-1 and 142-2, which are provided corresponding to one knob 130, are covered by the same rubber member 170.

[0076] As a result, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can reduce the number of thin-walled portions 173 formed on the rubber member 170, thereby improving the ease of forming the rubber member 170.

[0077] (An example of an actuator member 150) Figure 10 is an external perspective view of an actuator member 250, which is a modified example of the actuator member 150 included in an input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 11 is a bottom view of the actuator member 250, which is a modified example of the actuator member 150 included in an input device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0078] In the actuator member 150 shown in Figures 7 and 8, the plate portion 150B has a cylindrical shape, and as shown in Figure 8, the contour of the lower surface portion 152 (second contact portion) in a plan view from below (negative Z-axis direction) is circular. However, the shape of the plate portion does not have to include a circular shape. For example, as in the actuator member 250 shown in Figures 10 and 11, the shape of the plate portion 250B provided at the bottom may be a rectangular prism. Also, the contour of the lower surface portion 252 (second contact portion) in a plan view from below (negative Z-axis direction) may be rectangular.

[0079] Furthermore, while the actuator member 150 shown in Figure 7 has a cylindrical shape for the second guide portion 150A, it is not limited to this. For example, as in the actuator member 250 shown in Figures 10 and 11, the shape of the second guide portion 250A may be a rectangular prism. In that case, the first guide portion 112 of the housing 110 is formed to have a concave shape that contacts the rectangular prism shape.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, for example, the actuator member 250 may have its central axis CL-2 of the second guide portion 250A offset from the center of the lower surface portion 252 (second contact portion).

[0081] In this case, as shown in Figure 11, it is preferable that the multiple protrusions 253 are provided on the same circumference of the circle E2 centered on the central axis CL-2 of the second guide portion 250A. Furthermore, three or more protrusions 253 may be provided, but it is preferable that at least three of them are provided on the same circumference of the circle E2 centered on the central axis CL-2.

[0082] (Operating load characteristics of the push switch 142) Figure 12 shows the operating load characteristics of a push switch 142 provided in an input device 100 according to one embodiment. In the graphs shown in Figures 12(a) to (e), the horizontal axis represents the stroke amount S of the stem member 142B, and the vertical axis represents the operating load F of the push switch 142. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of the push switch 142 provided in an input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figures 13(a) to (e) correspond to the graphs in Figures 12(a) to (e) and specifically illustrate how each component constituting the push switch 142 changes when the push switch 142 receives a pressing force.

[0083] As shown in Figure 13(a), the push switch 142 has a first-stage return member 142C-1 in contact with the lower side of the stem member 142B, and a second-stage return member 142C-2 is provided below the first-stage return member 142C-1. A fixed contact 143 is provided below the second-stage return member 142C-2. The first-stage return member 142C-1 includes a metal dome. The metal dome of the first-stage return member 142C-1 includes a vertex 142C-1-1 that is in contact with the stem member 142B. The second-stage return member 142C-2 also includes a metal dome. The metal dome of the second-stage return member 142C-2 is positioned to contact the inverted first-stage return member 142C-1 when the metal dome of the first-stage return member 142C-1 is pressed, deformed, and inverted.

[0084] Figure 12(a) shows the operating load characteristics of the push switch 142 when the stroke amount is 0, where both the stroke amount S and the operating load F are 0. At this time, as shown in Figure 13(a), the lower end of the stem member 142B and the apex 142C-1-1 of the metal dome of the first return member 142C-1 are in contact. Also at this time, the first return member 142C-1 is slightly bent, biasing the stem member 142B upward.

[0085] Figure 12(b) shows the operating load characteristics of the push switch 142 when the operating load F reaches a first maximum value P1. As shown in Figure 12(b), the operating load F gradually increases until it reaches the first maximum value P1, as the first return member 142C-1 of the first stage is pressed by the stem member 142B.

[0086] Figure 12(c) shows the operating load characteristics of the push switch 142 when the operating load F reaches the valley P2 (an example of a "valley"). As shown in Figure 12(c), when the stem member 142B is stroked further from Figure 12(b), the first return member 142C-1 of the first stage inverts, as shown in Figure 13(c). When the inversion of the first return member 142C-1 of the first stage begins, the operating load F temporarily decreases. When the apex 142C-1-1 of the inverted first return member 142C-1 of the first stage contacts the second return member 142C-2 of the second stage, the operating load F reaches the valley P2, as shown in Figure 12(c). At this time, as shown in Figure 13(c), the push switch 142 enters the first switch-on state because the first return member 142C-1 of the first stage becomes electrically connected to the second return member 142C-2 of the second stage.

[0087] Figure 12(d) shows the operating load characteristics of the push switch 142 when the operating load F reaches a second maximum value P3. As shown in Figure 12(d), when the stem member 142B is stroked further from Figure 12(c), the operating load F gradually increases as the stem member 142B presses the second return member 142C-2 of the second stage via the first return member 142C-1 of the first stage until the operating load F reaches a second maximum value P3.

[0088] Figure 12(e) shows the operating load characteristics of the push switch 142 when the operating load F reaches the valley P4. As shown in Figure 12(e), when the stem member 142B is stroked further from Figure 12(d), the second return member 142C-2 of the second stage reverses, as shown in Figure 13(e). At this time, the operating load F decreases. As this reversal progresses and the second return member 142C-2 of the second stage contacts the fixed contact 143, the operating load F reaches the valley P4, as shown in Figure 12(e). At this time, the push switch 142 enters the second switch-on state because the second return member 142C-2 of the second stage becomes electrically connected to the fixed contact 143.

[0089] Thus, the push switch 142 is a double-action type push switch 142 that has two maximum values ​​P1 and P3 in the operating load feeling curve and is capable of two-stage ON / OFF operation. The push switch 142 also has a first return member 142C-1 that reverses when the stem member 142B transitions from a neutral state to exceed the first maximum value P1, and a second return member 142C-2 that reverses after the first return member 142C-1 has reversed when the stem member 142B transitions to exceed the second maximum value P3. Furthermore, the distance D1 from the tip 153A furthest from the lower surface 152 (second contact part) of the projection 153 shown in Figure 9 to the lower surface 152 (second contact part) is adjusted to be smaller than the distance D2 shown in Figures 12 and 13. Distance D2 is the total sum of the stroke of the first return member 142C-1 and the stroke of the second return member 142C-2, and is the total distance that the stem member 142B slides from the starting point (neutral position) to the ending point when subjected to a pressing force. More specifically, distance D2 is the distance that the stem member 142B of the first return member 142C-1 moves from the neutral position shown in Figure 13(a) to the position shown in Figure 13(e) where the stem member 142B is fully pressed downwards.

[0090] Furthermore, if the input device 100 according to one embodiment has a double-action type push switch 142, it is preferable that the distance D1 is adjusted to be smaller than the distance D3 shown in Figures 12 and 13. Distance D3 is the distance from the neutral state until the stem member 142B is pressed and transitions to the valley P2 between the first maximum value P1 and the second maximum value P3 where the operating load F drops small (i.e., until the first switch-on state is reached). Distance D3 is the distance over which the contact point (vertex 142C-1-1) between the stem member 142B and the first return member 142C-1 transitions from the neutral state shown in Figure 13(a) until the first return member 142C-1 is pressed and deformed and comes into contact with the second return member 142C-2 shown in Figure 13(c).

[0091] As a result, in one embodiment of the input device 100, the amount of protrusion of the projection 153 of the actuator member 150 from the lower surface 152 (second contact portion) can be set to an appropriate amount, and it is possible to prevent the push switch 142 from being excessively pressed by the upper surface 142A (first contact portion) of the push switch 142 by the projection 153 of the actuator member 150, even though no operating force is applied to the knob 130, thereby preventing the push switch 142 from being switched on to the first switch-on state. Furthermore, as a result, it becomes easy to adjust the input device 100 to provide an operating feel similar to that of conventional input devices.

[0092] In this embodiment, the first return member 142C-1 and the second return member 142C-2 of the push switch 142 are formed as separate parts, but the first return member 142C-1 and the second return member 142C-2 may be formed as a single unit.

[0093] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 100 Input Devices 110 cabinets 110A top 111 Support part 111B Shaft 112 First Guide Section 114 Opening 120 Panel components 121 Panel top surface 122 Opening 130 Knobs 130A internal space 130B Upper opening 131 Bearing hole 133A First pressing section 133B Second pressing section 136 Operation section 140 Cover 141 Engaging claw 142, 142-1, 142-2 Push switch 142A Top surface (first contact area) 142B Stem component 142C Return Member 150, 150-1, 150-2, 250 Actuator Members 150A, 250A Second guide section 150B,250B plate part 151 Tip 152,252 Lower surface (second contact area) 153,253 protrusions 153A Tip 160 circuit boards 160A top 161 Wiring area 170 Rubber component 171 Base 172 Thick wall part (1st part) 173 Thin part (second part) CL,CL-2 Center axis D1 Distance E1, E2 yen Q First area P Second area

Claims

1. A knob that accepts operating force from the operator and whose operation changes according to the said operating force, circuit board and A pressure switch provided on one side of the aforementioned substrate, A sheet-like rubber member is provided to cover the substrate and the pressure switch, An actuator member provided between the knob and the rubber member, which slides in a direction perpendicular to the substrate as the knob moves; An input device comprising, in a neutral state released from the operating force, having pretension between the knob, the actuator member, and the press switch, The aforementioned push switch is It is provided with a first contact portion having a planar shape that contacts the rubber member, It has an elastic metal return member that biases the first contact portion to the rubber member, The actuator member is The first contact portion of the press switch is positioned opposite the rubber member, with the rubber member in between, and the second contact portion has a planar shape that contacts the rubber member, The second contact portion has a projection extending toward the rubber member, which, in the neutral state released from the operating force on the knob, presses against the rubber member and causes it to elastically deform. An input device characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned rubber member is A base portion provided in contact with the substrate, A first portion having a plate-like shape with a predetermined thickness, at least a part of which is sandwiched between the second contact portion and the first contact portion, and which is pressed by the protrusion in a direction perpendicular to the substrate and elastically deforms, and the restoring force from the elastic deformation biases the actuator member in the return direction, A second portion is provided connecting the base and the first portion, having a smaller thickness than the first portion and being flexible. The input device according to claim 1, characterized by having the following features.

3. The substrate is provided on one side of the substrate and has a wiring area including the press switch, When viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the rubber member covers the entire wiring area. The input device according to feature 2.

4. When viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the first contact portion completely overlaps with the second contact portion and is positioned inward from the edge of the second contact portion. The second contact portion, when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the substrate, is smaller than the first portion and completely overlaps with the first portion. The second contact portion, when viewed in plan from a direction perpendicular to the substrate, has a first region that overlaps with the entirety of the first contact portion, and a second region that is outside the first region and does not overlap with the first contact portion. The protrusion is formed in the second region when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the substrate. The input device according to feature 2.

5. With an additional enclosure, The housing has a first guide portion that guides the sliding of the actuator member, The actuator member extends from one side of the second contact portion in a direction perpendicular to the substrate, has a columnar shape, and has a second guide portion that contacts the first guide portion. The actuator member has at least three of the protrusions, When viewed from above from a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the three protrusions are arranged on the circumference of a circle centered on the central axis of the second guide portion. The input device according to feature 1.

6. The aforementioned push switch is The push switch has a stem member provided on the side of the actuator member, which slides and presses the return member when the actuator member slides, The first contact portion is formed on one side of the stem member. The input device according to feature 1.

7. The distance from the tip of the projection furthest from the second contact portion to the second contact portion is less than the total stroke of the return member. The input device according to feature 6.

8. The return member is When the stem member slides from the neutral position to exceed the first maximum value, the first return member reverses, When the stem member slides after the first return member has reversed, and exceeds the second maximum value, the second return member that reverses and It has, The distance from the tip to the second contact portion is smaller than the distance the stem member slides from the neutral position to the valley between the first maximum value and the second maximum value. The input device according to feature 7.

9. The tip of the projection furthest from the second contact portion has a curved shape. The input device according to feature 1.

10. The projection has a conical shape that tapers as it approaches the tip furthest from the second contact portion, starting from the side of the second contact portion. The input device according to feature 1.

11. Having two of the aforementioned push switches, The aforementioned knob is It is rotatably supported by a shaft located between the two aforementioned press switches, Pretension is applied by the biasing force from both of the return members included in each of the two aforementioned press switches. The input device according to feature 1.

12. The two aforementioned press switches are covered by the integrated rubber member. The input device according to feature 11.

Images