Multi-directional input device

Abstract

This multi-directional input device comprises a strain generating body, a strain body provided to the strain generating body, and a tilt operation part having a tiltable operating shaft. The strain generating body includes: a base part provided in the center of the strain generating body; four sense arm parts that extend in four directions from the base part; support legs provided to respective ends of the four sense arms so as to protrude downward; and fixing arms respectively provided between two adjacent sensing arms so as to extend from the base part. The upper surface of the fixing arms contacts the lower surface of the tilt operation part, and the sense arms do not contact the lower surface of the tilt operation part.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-directional input device. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a multi-directional switch system for electronic devices, which is configured such that an alumina plate with multiple thick-film resistors is disposed between a protrusion and a base, and the multiple thick-film resistors convert stresses applied to the protrusion from multiple directions into different electrical signals.

[0003] Furthermore, the following Patent Document 2 discloses a multi-directional input device (so-called analog stick controller) that allows tilt operation with an operating member and is capable of detecting the tilt direction and tilt angle of the operating member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-157063 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2013-65398 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The inventors of the present invention have discovered that by making it possible to detect the load applied in each direction of the tilt operation unit of the above-mentioned analog stick controller, etc., it is possible to diversify operations using the tilt operation unit. However, up to now, no technology has been devised for detecting the load applied in each direction of the tilt operation unit of an analog stick controller, etc. with high accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A multi-directional input device in one embodiment includes a strain body, a strain element provided on the strain body, and a tilting operation unit having a tiltable operation axis, the strain body having a base provided at the center of the strain body, four detection arms extending in four directions from the base, support legs provided so as to protrude downward from the ends of each of the four detection arms, and fixed arms provided between each two adjacent detection arms and extending from the base, the upper surface of the fixed arms abutting the lower surface of the tilting operation unit, and the detection arms not abutting the lower surface of the tilting operation unit. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment, the load applied to each direction of the tilt operation unit can be detected with high accuracy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the top side of a multi-directional input device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the bottom side of a multi-directional input device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of a multi-directional input device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-directional input device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-directional input device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the upper surface side of a flexure body according to a first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the lower surface side of a strain body according to a first embodiment (in a state where a load detector is not disposed); [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the lower surface side of a strain body according to a first embodiment (in a state where a load detector is disposed); [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing the top side of a multi-directional input device according to a second embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing the bottom side of the multi-directional input device according to the second embodiment; [Figure 11] 11 is a side view of a multi-directional input device according to a second embodiment; [Figure 12]FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-directional input device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing the upper surface side of the strain body according to the second embodiment (in a state where a load detector is not disposed); [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing the upper surface side (where the load detector is disposed) of the strain generating body according to the second embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An embodiment will be described below. For convenience, in the following description, the Z-axis direction in the drawings is taken as the up-down direction, and the X-axis and Y-axis directions in the drawings are taken as the horizontal directions.

[0010] [First embodiment] (Configuration of multi-directional input device 10) FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the upper surface side of the multidirectional input device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the lower surface side of the multidirectional input device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view of the multidirectional input device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the multidirectional input device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the multidirectional input device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] The multi-directional input device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 5 is an input device capable of performing input operations in multiple directions and is used for industrial vehicles, robot operations, etc. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the multi-directional input device 10 includes an analog stick controller 100 as an example of a "tilt operation unit."

[0012] The analog stick controller 100 includes a housing 101, an operation stick 102, and an FPC 103. The housing 101 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is thin in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The operation stick 102 is provided to protrude upward from the upper surface of the housing 101. The operation stick 102 is an example of an "operation axis", is provided so as to be tiltable with respect to the housing 101, and is a part where a user performs a tilt operation. The FPC 103 is a flexible film-like wiring member that is drawn from inside the housing 101 to the outside of the housing 101. When the operation stick 102 is tilted, the analog stick controller 100 outputs an operation signal (analog signal) according to the tilt direction and tilt angle of the operation stick 102 to the outside via the FPC 103. The analog stick controller 100 allows tilt operation in the X-axis direction (D1 direction and D2 direction in FIG. 1) and the Y-axis direction (D3 direction and D4 direction in FIG. 1) by the operation stick 102. Furthermore, the analog stick controller 100 allows tilt operations of the operation stick 102 in a combination of X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0013] As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the multi-directional input device 10 includes a flat plate-shaped strain body 120 that is provided on the lower surface of the analog stick controller 100 and a load detector 130 that is attached to the lower surface of the strain body 120. The multi-directional input device 10 also operates as a so-called isometric pointing stick. The load detector 130 detects distortions that occur in each direction (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction) of the strain body 120 due to the application of a load to the analog stick controller 100, and can output a distortion detection signal (analog signal) that represents the detected distortion to the outside as a detection signal that represents the direction in which the load was applied and the magnitude of the load. Here, the multi-directional input device 10 is designed so that the maximum load that can be detected by the load detector 130 is greater than the load required to tilt the analog stick controller 100 to the maximum angle. As a result, the multi-directional input device 10 can output a signal that indicates the magnitude and direction of the force applied to the operation stick 102 by the load detector 130 even when the analog stick controller 100 is tilted to the maximum angle. Therefore, the multi-directional input device 10 as a whole is capable of performing operations that exceed the operational range of the analog stick controller 100. In other words, the multi-directional input device 10 can widen the dynamic range.

[0014] As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the multi-directional input device 10 includes a pressing plate 140. The pressing plate 140 presses the analog stick controller 100 from above to fix it to the strain body 120. For example, the pressing plate 140 is formed by processing (bending, punching, etc.) a metal plate. The pressing plate 140 has a pressing portion 141, a first through hole 142, and a plurality of mounting legs 143. The pressing portion 141 is a horizontal flat portion that presses the analog stick controller 100 from above. The first through hole 142 is provided in the center of the pressing portion 141, and the operation stick 102 of the analog stick controller 100 passes through the first through hole 142. The plurality of mounting legs 143 are horizontal flat portions that are provided at a height position lower than the pressing portion 141 and protrude outward in the Y-axis direction from the pressing portion 141. A second through hole 143A is formed in each of the multiple mounting legs 143. Each of the multiple mounting legs 143 is fixed to each of the multiple fixed arms 124 of the strain body 120 by a fixing piece 144 that passes through the fixed arm 124 and the second through hole 143A. Since the pressing portion 141 is configured in this manner, the analog stick controller 100 can be firmly fixed to the strain body 120.

[0015] (Configuration of the strain body 120) Here, the configuration of the flexure body 120 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the flexure body 120 has a base 121 and four detection arms 122 (detection arms 122X1, 122X2, 122Y1, and 122Y2).

[0016] The base portion 121 is a portion that is provided in the center of the strain generating body 120 (coaxially with the central axis of the operation stick 102) and has a square shape in a plan view.

[0017] Each of the four detection arms 122 is an arm-shaped portion that protrudes horizontally from the base 121 in four directions.

[0018] Specifically, the detection arm 122X1 is a portion that extends linearly from the outer periphery (the side on the positive side of the X-axis) of the base 121 in the positive direction of the X-axis with a certain width.

[0019] The detection arm 122X2 is a portion that extends linearly from the outer periphery (the side on the negative X-axis side) of the base 121 in the negative X-axis direction with a certain width.

[0020] The detection arm 122Y1 is a portion that extends linearly from the outer periphery (the side on the Y-axis positive side) of the base 121 in the Y-axis positive direction with a certain width.

[0021] The detection arm 122Y2 is a portion that extends linearly from the outer periphery (the side on the negative Y-axis side) of the base 121 in the negative Y-axis direction with a certain width.

[0022] (Configuration of the load detector 130) Next, the configuration of the load detector 130 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5, the load detector 130 includes an FPC 131 and four strain elements 132 (strain elements 132X1, 132X2, 132Y1, 132Y2). The strain elements 132 are resistors printed on the FPC 131. Therefore, the resistance value of the strain elements 132 changes when the strain elements 132 deform together with the FPC 131.

[0023] The FPC 131 is an example of a "flexible board" and is a film-like wiring member having flexibility. The FPC 131 is configured to have a base 131A, an extension 131B, and a connection 131C. The base 131A is a circular part in a plan view, which is disposed in the center of the lower surface of the strain body 120 (coaxially with the central axis of the operation stick 102). The extension 131B is a part that extends from the base 131A in the horizontal direction to the outside of the multi-directional input device 10. The connection 131C is provided at the tip of the extension 131B, and is a part that is connected to the outside (such as a connector). The FPC 131 outputs the distortion detection values ​​output from each of the four distortion elements 132 to the outside from the connection 131C.

[0024] The FPC 131 also has four protrusions 131X1, 131X2, 131Y1, and 131Y2 that protrude horizontally in four directions from the base 131A.

[0025] The protruding portion 131X1 extends linearly from the outer circumferential edge of the base portion 131A in the positive direction of the X-axis with a certain width and overlaps with the sensing arm portion 122X1 of the strain generating body 120.

[0026] The protruding portion 131X2 extends linearly from the outer circumferential edge of the base portion 131A in the negative direction of the X-axis with a certain width and overlaps with the sensing arm portion 122X2 of the strain generating body 120.

[0027] The protrusion 131Y1 extends linearly from the outer circumferential edge of the base 131A in the positive direction of the Y axis with a certain width and overlaps with the detection arm 122Y1 of the strain body 120.

[0028] The protruding portion 131Y2 extends linearly from the outer circumferential edge of the base portion 131A in the positive direction of the Y axis with a certain width and overlaps with the sensing arm portion 122Y2 of the strain generating body 120.

[0029] The four distortion elements 132 are disposed on the four protrusions 131X1, 131X2, 131Y1, and 131Y2 of the FPC 131, respectively. That is, the four distortion elements 132 are disposed on the FPC 131 in four directions relative to the central axis of the operation stick 102. Each of the four distortion elements 132 detects distortion generated in the distortion body 120 when a load applied to the analog stick controller 100 is transmitted to the distortion body 120.

[0030] Specifically, the strain element 132X1 is disposed on the protruding portion 131X1 of the FPC 131. That is, the strain element 132X1 is disposed on the sensing arm 122X1 of the strain element 120. The strain element 132X1 detects the strain occurring in the sensing arm 122X1 of the strain element 120, and outputs a strain detection value representing the strain of the sensing arm 122X1.

[0031] Moreover, the strain element 132X2 is disposed on the protruding portion 131X2 of the FPC 131. That is, the strain element 132X2 is disposed on the sensing arm 122X2 of the strain element 120. The strain element 132X2 detects the strain occurring in the sensing arm 122X2 of the strain element 120, and outputs a strain detection value representing the strain of the sensing arm 122X2.

[0032] Moreover, the strain element 132Y1 is disposed on the protruding portion 131Y1 of the FPC 131. That is, the strain element 132Y1 is disposed on the sensing arm 122Y1 of the strain element 120. The strain element 132Y1 detects the strain occurring in the sensing arm 122Y1 of the strain element 120, and outputs a strain detection value representing the strain of the sensing arm 122Y1.

[0033] Moreover, the strain element 132Y2 is disposed on the protruding portion 131Y2 of the FPC 131. That is, the strain element 132Y2 is disposed on the sensing arm 122Y2 of the strain element 120. The strain element 132Y2 detects the strain occurring in the sensing arm 122Y2 of the strain element 120, and outputs a strain detection value representing the strain of the sensing arm 122Y2.

[0034] (More detailed configuration of the strain body 120) Next, the configuration of the flexure body 120 will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 6 to 8. Fig. 6 is an external perspective view showing the upper surface side of the flexure body 120 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is an external perspective view showing the lower surface side (in a state where the load detector 130 is not arranged) of the flexure body 120 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 8 is an external perspective view showing the lower surface side (in a state where the load detector 130 is arranged) of the flexure body 120 according to the first embodiment.

[0035] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, each of the four detection arms 122 (detection arms X1, 122X2, 122Y1, 122Y2) of the flexure body 120 extends in four directions from the outer circumferential edge (each of the four sides) of the base 121 of the flexure body 120, and is narrower than each of the four sides of the base 121.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, each of the four detection arms 122 (detection arms X1, 122X2, 122Y1, and 122Y2) of the strain body 120 has a support leg 123 at its tip, which protrudes downward. The support leg 123 has a circular shape in a plan view. A through hole 123A is formed in the center of the support leg 123, which passes through the support leg 123 in the vertical direction. A fixed arm 124 is provided between the four detection arms 122. An upper surface of the fixed arm abuts against a lower surface of the housing 101 of the analog stick controller 100. This allows the fixed arm 124 to move in the same manner as the housing 101 of the analog stick controller 100.

[0037] The strain body 120 has the four support legs 123 fixed to the installation surface by a fixing member such as a screw passing through the through hole 123A, with the lower surface of each of the four support legs 123 being placed on the installation surface. With each of the four support legs 123 fixed to the installation surface, the base 121 and each of the four detection arms 122 of the strain body 120 are slightly spaced from the installation surface. The detection arms 122 and the fixed arms 124 are alternately arranged so as to sandwich each other, so that the angle between the housing 101 of the analog stick controller 100 and the installation surface can be measured with high accuracy. When a load is applied to the strain body 120, the load is concentrated on each of the four detection arms 122, and each of the four detection arms 122 is likely to be distorted.

[0038] 8, the four distortion elements 132 are provided on the four protrusions 131X1, 131X2, 131Y1, and 131Y2 of the FPC 131. That is, in the flexure body 120, the four distortion elements 132 are provided on the four easily deformable detection arms 122. This enables the multi-directional input device 10 according to the first embodiment to detect loads applied to the flexure body 120 in each direction with higher sensitivity by each of the four distortion elements 132.

[0039] 8, each of the four strain elements 132 is provided across the detection arm 122 of the flexure body 120 and the base 121 of the flexure body 120 (i.e., on the boundary line between the detection arm 122 and the base 121). The flexure body 120 is most susceptible to deformation on the boundary line between the detection arm 122 and the base 121. This enables the multi-directional input device 10 according to the first embodiment to detect loads applied in each direction of the flexure body 120 with higher sensitivity by each of the four strain elements 132.

[0040] 6 to 8, each of the four detection arms 122 is narrower and thinner in the up-down direction than the base 121, making it easier to deform. As a result, the multi-directional input device 10 according to the first embodiment can detect the load applied in each direction to the strain body 120 with higher sensitivity by each of the four strain elements 132 provided on each of the four detection arms 122.

[0041] Particularly, in this embodiment, the base 121 of the strain body 120 has a square shape in a plan view. The four detection arms 122 have the same shape (a linear shape having a constant width). As a result, the multidirectional input device 10 according to the first embodiment can similarly deform the detection arm 122 corresponding to a direction in which a load is applied to the strain body 120 among the four directions. As a result, the multidirectional input device 10 according to the first embodiment can equalize the detection sensitivity of each of the four strain elements 132 provided on each of the four detection arms 122.

[0042] 7, a cylindrical first protrusion 125 protruding downward is provided at the center of the lower surface of the base 121 of the flexure body 120. As shown in FIG. 8, the first protrusion 125 of the flexure body 120 fits into a circular fitting hole 131D formed in the center of the base 131A of the FPC 131.

[0043] 7, a cylindrical second protrusion 126 protruding downward is provided on the lower surface of the base 121 of the flexure body 120. As shown in FIG. 8, the second protrusion 126 of the flexure body 120 fits into a circular cutout 131E formed on the outer periphery of the base 131A of the FPC 131.

[0044] As a result, the multi-directional input device 10 according to the first embodiment can accurately position the base 131A of the FPC 131 relative to the underside of the base 121 of the strain body 120, and therefore each of the multiple strain elements 132 provided on the FPC 131 can be positioned at an accurate position.

[0045] As shown in Figs. 6 to 8, the flexure body 120 has fixed arms 124 extending outward from the base 121 between each pair of adjacent detection arms 122. That is, the flexure body 120 has four fixed arms 124. The tip of each of the four fixed arms 124 is provided so as to protrude outward in the Y-axis direction beyond the pressing portion 141 of the pressing plate 140 in a plan view (see Figs. 1 to 3 and 5). Each of the four fixed arms 124 is in the shape of a horizontal plate. A fourth through hole 124A is formed at the tip of each of the fixed arms 124. With the mounting legs 143 of the presser plate 140 overlapping the upper surface of the tip of each fixed arm 124, the mounting legs 143 are fixed by the fixing pieces 144 that penetrate the fourth through-holes 124A of the tip of the fixed arm 124 and the second through-holes 143A of the mounting legs 143 (see Figs. 1 to 3 and 5). As a result, the multi-directional input device 10 according to the first embodiment can fix the analog stick controller 100 to the strain body 120 (fixed arm 124) by the presser plate 140 (mounting legs 143) outside the analog stick controller 100 in the Y-axis direction and in the vicinity of the four corners of the analog stick controller 100.

[0046] In this embodiment, the flexure body 120 is made of a thermoplastic resin, and the fixed piece 144 is integrally formed with the fixed arm 124 of the flexure body 120. In this embodiment, the tip of the fixed piece 144 is heated and crimped, and the mounting leg 143 of the pressing plate 140 is fixed to the fixed arm 124. In this way, the multi-directional input device 10 according to the first embodiment can firmly fix the mounting leg 143 to the fixed arm 124. However, this is not limited to this, and the fixed piece 144 may be a screw or a rivet separate from the fixed arm 124. In addition, the flexure body 120 may be made of metal. In addition, FIG. 3 shows a state in which the tip of the fixed piece 144 is crimped, and in the other drawings, a state in which the tip of the fixed piece 144 is not crimped is shown.

[0047] In the flexure body 120, each fixed arm 124 has the same thickness in the up-down direction as the base 121. Furthermore, the upper surface of each fixed arm 124 is at the same height as the upper surface of the base 121. As a result, in the flexure body 120, the upper surface of each fixed arm 124 and the upper surface of the base 121 abut against the lower surface of the analog stick controller 100.

[0048] On the other hand, in the flexure body 120, each of the detection arms 122 has a thickness in the vertical direction smaller than that of each of the fixed arms 124 and the base 121. In addition, the upper surface of each of the detection arms 122 is at a height position lower than that of the upper surface of each of the fixed arms 124 and the upper surface of the base 121. As a result, in the flexure body 120, the upper surface of each of the detection arms 122 does not abut against the lower surface of the analog stick controller 100, that is, there is a gap between the upper surface of the detection arm 122 and the lower surface of the analog stick controller 100. Therefore, each of the detection arms 122 is easily deformed upward. As a result, the multi-directional input device 10 according to the first embodiment can detect the load applied to the flexure body 120 with higher sensitivity by each of the four strain elements 132 provided on each of the four detection arms 122.

[0049] Further, the height position of the lower surface of the first protrusion 125 provided on the lower surface of the base 121 of the strain body 120 is higher than the height position of the lower surfaces of each of the four support legs 123. Therefore, when each of the four support legs 123 is fixed to an arbitrary installation surface, a small gap is formed between the lower surface of the first protrusion 125 and the arbitrary installation surface. As a result, in the multi-directional input device 10 according to the first embodiment, when a downward pressing operation is performed on the analog stick controller 100, the base 121 moves downward while deforming each of the four detection arms 122, and the pressing operation can be detected with high sensitivity by each of the four distortion elements 132 provided on each of the four detection arms 122. At this time, the multi-directional input device 10 according to the first embodiment can limit the downward movement amount of the base 121 by abutting the lower surface of the first protrusion 125 against the arbitrary installation surface, that is, can limit the deformation amount of each of the four detection arms 122. As a result, the multi-directional input device 10 according to the first embodiment can prevent damage to each of the four strain elements 132 provided on each of the four detection arms 122, even if a large force exceeding the detectable load is applied to the strain body 120 by the above-mentioned push-down operation.

[0050] The height of each support leg 123 or the height difference between the lower surface of each support leg 123 and the lower surface of first protrusion 125 is, for example, about 0.2 mm, which is extremely small. In this way, even if the height of each support leg 123 or the height difference between the lower surface of each support leg 123 and the lower surface of first protrusion 125 is extremely small and difficult to visually recognize, it is still useful.

[0051] Second Embodiment (Configuration of multi-directional input device 20) Fig. 9 is an external perspective view showing the upper surface side of the multi-directional input device 20 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is an external perspective view showing the lower surface side of the multi-directional input device 20 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 11 is a side view of the multi-directional input device 20 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-directional input device 20 according to the second embodiment.

[0052] The multi-directional input device 20 shown in Figures 9 to 12 is an input device capable of performing input operations in multiple directions and is used for industrial vehicles, robot operations, etc. As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the multi-directional input device 20 includes an analog stick controller 200 as an example of a "tilt operation unit."

[0053] The analog stick controller 200 includes a housing 201, an operation stick 202, and an FPC 204. The housing 201 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is thin in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). The operation stick 202 is provided to protrude upward from the upper surface of the housing 201. The operation stick 202 is an example of an "operation axis", is provided to be tiltable with respect to the housing 201, and is a part where a user performs a tilt operation. When the operation stick 202 is tilted, the analog stick controller 200 outputs an operation signal (analog signal) according to the tilt direction and tilt angle of the operation stick 202 to the outside via the FPC 204. The analog stick controller 200 is capable of tilting the operation stick 202 in the X-axis direction (D1 direction and D2 direction in FIG. 9) and the Y-axis direction (D3 direction and D4 direction in FIG. 9). In addition, the analog stick controller 200 is capable of tilting the operation stick 202 in a combination of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The analog stick controller 200 is provided with a fixed portion 203 that protrudes horizontally from near the center of the side surface of each side of the housing 201. A third through-hole 203A that penetrates the fixed portion 203 in the up-down direction is formed in the fixed portion 203.

[0054] 9 to 12, the multi-directional input device 20 includes a flat strain body 220 superimposed on the lower surface of the analog stick controller 200, and a load detector 230 bonded to the upper surface of the strain body 220. The load detector 230 is a so-called isometric pointing stick, and detects distortions occurring in each direction (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction) of the strain body 220 due to application of a load to the analog stick controller 200, and can output to the outside a distortion detection signal (analog signal) representing the detected distortion as a detection signal representing the direction in which the load was applied and the magnitude of the load.

[0055] (Configuration of the strain body 220) Here, the configuration of the flexure body 220 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 12. As shown in Figs. 9 to 12, the flexure body 220 has a base 221, four detection arms 222 (detection arms 222X1, 222X2, 222Y1, 222Y2), and four fixed arms 224. In a plan view, the flexure body 220 has a shape close to a rectangle similar to the housing of the analog stick controller 200. The rectangular flexure body 220 has two recesses 226 at the center of each side, with the fixed arm 224 sandwiched therebetween. As a result, the fixed arm 224 is formed at the center of each side of the rectangular flexure body 220.

[0056] In addition, in each corner of the rectangular flexure body 220, a detection arm 222 is formed between a recess 226 on one side forming the corner and a recess 226 on the other side. A support leg 223 is provided at the tip of the detection arm 222. The support leg 223 protrudes from the four corners of the housing 201.

[0057] A fixed portion 224A (see FIG. 12) is provided at the tip of the fixed arm 224. The fixed portion 224A protrudes along the fixed portion 203 of the housing. As shown in FIG. 10, recesses 227X1, 227X2, 227Y1, and 227Y2 having a concave shape are provided near each detection arm 222 on the back surface of the base 221, and are partially thinned.

[0058] The base portion 221 is a central portion of the strain body 220 (coaxial with the central axis of the operation stick 202).

[0059] Each of the four detection arms 222 is an arm-shaped portion that protrudes horizontally in four directions from the base 221. Support legs 223 of the detection arms 222 are provided on the outside of the housing 201 of the analog stick controller 200. Portions of the detection arms 222 other than the support legs 223 are provided in contact with the four corners of the housing 201 of the analog stick controller 200. For compactness, the support legs 223 are provided along two opposing sides of the housing 201.

[0060] The detection arm 222X1 is provided at a corner on the positive side of the X-axis of the base 221, and extends in the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0061] Furthermore, the detection arm 222X2 is provided at a corner on the negative side of the X-axis of the base 221, and is a portion that extends in the negative direction of the X-axis.

[0062] Furthermore, the detection arm 222Y1 is provided at a corner on the Y-axis positive side of the base 221, and is a portion that extends in the Y-axis positive direction.

[0063] Furthermore, the detection arm 222Y2 is provided at a corner on the negative side of the Y axis of the base 221, and is a portion that extends in the negative direction of the Y axis.

[0064] (Configuration of the load detector 230) Next, the configuration of the load detector 230 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 12, the load detector 230 includes an FPC 231 and four strain elements 232 (strain elements 232X1, 232X2, 232Y1, 232Y2).

[0065] The FPC 231 is an example of a "flexible board" and is a film-like wiring member having flexibility. The FPC 231 is configured to have a base 231A, an extension 231B, and a connection 231C. The base 231A is a generally circular part in a plan view, which is disposed in the center of the upper surface of the strain body 220 (coaxially with the central axis of the operation stick 202). The extension 231B is a part that extends from the base 231A in the horizontal direction to the outside of the multi-directional input device 20. The connection 231C is provided at the tip of the extension 231B and is a part that is connected to the outside (such as a connector). The FPC 231 outputs the distortion detection values ​​output from each of the four distortion elements 232 to the outside from the connection 231C.

[0066] The FPC 231 also has four protrusions 231X1, 231X2, 231Y1, and 231Y2 that protrude horizontally in four directions from the base 231A.

[0067] The protrusion 231X1 extends linearly from the outer circumferential edge of the base 231A in the positive direction of the X-axis with a constant width and overlaps with the detection arm 222X1 of the strain body 220.

[0068] The protruding portion 231X2 extends linearly from the outer circumferential edge of the base portion 231A in the negative direction of the X-axis with a certain width and overlaps with the sensing arm portion 222X2 of the strain generating body 220.

[0069] The protrusion 231Y1 extends linearly from the outer circumferential edge of the base 231A in the positive direction of the Y axis with a certain width and overlaps with the detection arm 222Y1 of the strain body 220.

[0070] The protrusion 231Y2 extends linearly from the outer circumferential edge of the base 231A in the positive direction of the Y axis with a constant width and overlaps with the detection arm 222Y2 of the strain body 220.

[0071] Each of the four distortion elements 232 is disposed on each of the four protrusions 231X1, 231X2, 231Y1, and 231Y2 of the FPC 231. That is, each of the four distortion elements 232 is disposed on the FPC 231 in each of the four directions with respect to the central axis of the operation stick 202. Each of the four distortion elements 232 detects distortion occurring in the distortion body 220 due to a load applied to the analog stick controller 200 being transmitted to the distortion body 220. The upper surface of the base 221 of the distortion body 220 is flat. Meanwhile, recesses 227X1, 227X2, 227Y1, and 227Y2 are provided on the lower surface of the base 221 of the distortion body 220 near each detection arm 222. The distortion elements 232X1, 232X2, 232Y1, and 232Y2 are disposed on the upper surface of the distortion body at positions that correspond to the recesses 227X1, 227X2, 227Y1, and 227Y2, respectively.

[0072] Specifically, the strain element 232X1 is disposed on the protruding portion 231X1 of the FPC 231. The strain element 232X1 is disposed at a position coinciding with the recessed portion 227X1 of the strain element 220. The strain element 232X1 detects strain occurring in the recessed portion 227X1 of the strain element 220. The strain element 232X1 outputs a strain detection value depending on the difference in orientation between the detection arm portion 222X1 in contact with the recessed portion 227X1 and the base portion 221.

[0073] Further, the strain element 232X2 is disposed on the protruding portion 231X2 of the FPC 231. The strain element 232X2 is disposed at a position coinciding with the recessed portion 227X2 of the strain element 220. The strain element 232X2 detects strain occurring in the recessed portion 227X2 of the strain element 220. The strain element 232X2 outputs a strain detection value depending on the difference in orientation between the base portion 221 and the detection arm portion 222X2 in contact with the recessed portion 227X2.

[0074] Further, the strain element 232Y1 is disposed on the protruding portion 231Y1 of the FPC 231. The strain element 232Y1 is disposed at a position coinciding with the recessed portion 227Y1 of the strain element 220. The strain element 232Y1 detects strain occurring in the recessed portion 227Y1 of the strain element 220. The strain element 232Y1 outputs a strain detection value depending on the difference in orientation between the detection arm portion 222Y1 in contact with the recessed portion 227Y1 and the base portion 221.

[0075] Further, the strain element 232Y2 is disposed on the protruding portion 231Y2 of the FPC 231. The strain element 232Y2 is disposed at a position coinciding with the recessed portion 227Y2 of the strain element 220. The strain element 232Y2 detects strain occurring in the recessed portion 227Y2 of the strain element 220. The strain element 232Y2 outputs a strain detection value depending on the difference in orientation between the detection arm portion 222Y2 in contact with the recessed portion 227Y2 and the base portion 221.

[0076] (More detailed configuration of the strain body 220) Next, a more detailed configuration of the flexure body 220 will be described with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 13 is an external perspective view showing the upper surface side of the flexure body 220 according to the second embodiment (in a state where the load detector 230 is not arranged). Fig. 14 is an external perspective view showing the upper surface side of the flexure body 220 according to the second embodiment (in a state where the load detector 230 is arranged).

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the four sensing arms 222 (sensing arms 222X1, 222X2, 222Y1, 222Y2) of the flexure body 220 are provided extending in four directions from the outer circumferential edge of the base portion 221 of the flexure body 220.

[0078] 13 and 14, each of the four sensing arms 222 (sensing arms 222X1, 222X2, 222Y1, 222Y2) of the strain body 220 has a slightly thickened support leg 223 at its tip. The support leg 223 is provided at a position protruding from two opposing sides of the housing 201 of the analog stick controller 200. The support leg 223 has a semicircular shape in a plan view. A through hole 223A is formed in the center of the support leg 223, penetrating the support leg 223 in the up-down direction.

[0079] With the lower surface of each of the four support legs 223 of the flexure body 220 placed on an arbitrary installation surface, each of the four support legs 223 is fixed to the arbitrary installation surface by a fixing member such as a screw penetrating the through hole 223A. With each of the four support legs 223 of the flexure body 220 fixed to the arbitrary installation surface, the base 221 and each of the four detection arms 222 are slightly spaced from the arbitrary installation surface. As a result, when a load is applied to the flexure body 220, the load is concentrated on the recesses 227X1, 227X2, 227Y1, and 227Y2 adjacent to the four detection arms 222, and distortion is likely to occur in each of the four recesses 227X1, 227X2, 227Y1, and 227Y2.

[0080] 14, the four distortion elements 232 are provided on the four protrusions 231X1, 231X2, 231Y1, and 231Y2 of the FPC 231. That is, in the flexure body 220, the four distortion elements 232 are provided at positions that correspond to the four easily deformed recesses 227X1, 227X2, 227Y1, and 227Y2. This enables the multi-directional input device 20 according to the second embodiment to detect the load applied in each direction of the flexure body 220 with higher sensitivity by each of the four distortion elements 232.

[0081] 9, a fixing portion 203 is provided in the center of a side wall of a housing 201. Since the center of the side wall of the housing 201 is close to the operation stick 202, the force applied to the operation stick 202 can be transmitted to the strain body 220 with high accuracy.

[0082] 13 and 14, the upper surfaces of the four detection arms 222 are flush with the upper surface of the base 221, but the rear surface of the base 221 is provided with recesses 227X1, 227X2, 227Y1, and 227Y2, which facilitate deformation. Each of the four distortion elements 232 is provided at a position on the upper surface of the base 221 that coincides with each of the recesses 227X1, 227X2, 227Y1, and 227Y2. As a result, the multi-directional input device 20 according to the second embodiment can detect the load applied in each direction of the strain body 220 with higher sensitivity by each of the four distortion elements 232 provided on each of the four detection arms 222.

[0083] The distances from the center of the base 221 of the strain body 220 to the recesses 227X1, 227X2, 227Y1, and 227Y2 are equal. Also, the distances from the center of the base 221 to the fixing parts 203 are equal. As a result, in the multi-directional input device 20 according to the second embodiment, even if a load is applied to the strain body 220 in any of the four directions, the deformation amount of the detection arm 222 corresponding to that direction is approximately equal. As a result, the multi-directional input device 20 according to the second embodiment can equalize the detection accuracy of each of the four strain elements 232 provided on each of the four detection arms 222. In order to reduce the size, the support legs 223 are provided along two opposing sides of the housing 201. Although the sensitivity of each strain element 232 does not completely match due to lack of symmetry, a highly accurate output can be obtained by correcting it.

[0084] 13 and 14, a cylindrical first protrusion 225 protruding upward is provided at the center of the upper surface of the base 221 of the flexure body 220. As shown in FIG. 14, the first protrusion 225 of the flexure body 220 fits into a circular fitting hole 231D formed in the center of the base 231A of the FPC 231.

[0085] As a result, the multi-directional input device 20 according to the second embodiment can accurately position the base 231A of the FPC 231 with respect to the upper surface of the base 221 of the strain body 220, and therefore each of the multiple strain elements 232 provided on the FPC 231 can be positioned in an accurate position.

[0086] The upper surface of the first protrusion 225 may or may not come into contact with the lower surface of the housing 201 of the analog stick controller 200.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the flexure body 220 has a fixed arm 224 extending outward from the base 221 between each pair of adjacent detection arms 222. That is, the flexure body 220 has four fixed arms 224. The tip of each of the four fixed arms 224 is provided so as to protrude outward along the fixing portion 203 provided on each side of the housing 201 of the analog stick controller 200 in a plan view (see FIG. 9). Each of the four fixed arms 224 is in the shape of a horizontal plate. Each fixed arm 224 supports the housing 201 of the analog stick controller 200 by the housing 201 abutting against the upper surface of the tip of the fixed arm 224. The four fixed arms 224 are provided with a through hole 224B. The fixed portion 203 is fixed by a fixed piece 244 that passes through the through hole 224B of the fixed arm 224 and the third through hole 203A of the fixed portion 203 (see FIG. 9). This allows the multi-directional input device 20 according to the second embodiment to fix the housing 201 (fixed portion 203) to the strain body 220 (fixed arm 224) near the center of each side of the housing 201 of the analog stick controller 200.

[0088] In this embodiment, the flexure body 220 is made of resin, and the fixing piece 244 is a screw. The fixing part 203 is provided in the center of each side wall of the housing 201, and is fixed to the fixing arm 224 of the flexure body 220 with a screw, so that the fixing can be performed simply and firmly. However, this is not limited thereto, and the fixing piece 244 may be formed as a protrusion integral with the fixing arm 224, and may be heated and crimped after passing through the third through hole 203A of the fixing part 203. The flexure body 220 may also be made of metal.

[0089] In the flexure body 220, each fixed arm 224 is thicker in the vertical direction than the base 221 and each detection arm 222. The upper surface of each fixed arm 224 is at a higher height than the upper surfaces of the base 221 and each detection arm 222. As a result, in the flexure body 220, the upper surface of each fixed arm 224 abuts against the lower surface of the housing 201 of the analog stick controller 200, but the upper surfaces of the base 221 and each detection arm 222 do not abut against the lower surface of the housing 201. That is, a small gap is formed between the upper surfaces of the base 221 and each detection arm 222 and the lower surface of the housing 201. As a result, the multi-directional input device 20 according to the second embodiment can form an arrangement space for the FPC 231 between the upper surfaces of the base 221 and each detection arm 222 and the lower surface of the housing 201. Moreover, in the multi-directional input device 20 according to the second embodiment, the upward deformation of the base 221 and each of the detection arms 222 is not hindered by the housing 201. Therefore, according to the multi-directional input device 20 according to the second embodiment, the load applied in each direction to the strain body 220 can be detected with higher sensitivity by each of the four strain elements 232 provided on each of the four detection arms 222.

[0090] Furthermore, in the flexure body 220, the height position of the lower surface of each of the four support legs 223 is lower than the height position of the lower surfaces of the base 221 and the four detection arms 222 of the flexure body 220. Therefore, when each of the four support legs 223 is fixed to an arbitrary installation surface, a small gap is formed between the lower surfaces of the base 221 and the four detection arms 222 of the flexure body 220 and the arbitrary installation surface. As a result, in the multi-directional input device 20 according to the second embodiment, when a downward pressing operation is performed on the analog stick controller 200, the base 221 moves downward while deforming each of the four detection arms 222, and the pressing operation can be detected with high sensitivity by each of the four distortion elements 232 provided on each of the four detection arms 222.

[0091] The amount of downward protrusion of each support leg 223 (i.e., the difference in height between the lower surface of each support leg 223 and the lower surfaces of the base 221 and the four detection arms 222) is extremely small, for example, about 0.2 mm. In this way, even if the amount of protrusion of each support leg 223 is extremely small and difficult to visually recognize, it is still useful.

[0092] 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 and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0093] This international application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-144605, filed on September 6, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10,20 Multi-directional input device 100,200 Analog stick controller 101,201 Case 102,202 Control stick 103 FPC 120,220 Strain body 121,221 base 122,222 Detection arm 123,223 Support legs 124,224 Fixed arm 124A 4th Through Hole 125,225 1st protrusion 126 2nd protrusion 130,230 Load detector 131,231 FPC 131A,231A base 131B, 231B Drawer section 131C,231C Connection 131D,231D fitting hole 131E Cutout 131X1,131X2,131Y1,131Y2 Protrusion 231X1,231X2,231Y1,231Y2 Protrusion 132,232 Distortion element 140 Retaining plate 141 Clamp 142 First through hole 143 Mounting foot 143A Second Through Hole 144,244 Fixed piece 203 Fixed part 203A Third Through Hole 204 FPC 224B Through hole 227X1, 227X2, 227Y1, 227Y2 Recess

Claims

1. A strain body, Four strain elements provided on the strain generating body; A tilt operation unit having a tiltable operation axis; Equipped with The strain body is The strain generating body has a base provided at the center thereof, four detection arms extending in four directions from the base, support legs provided at the ends of each of the four detection arms so as to protrude downward, and fixed arms provided between each of two adjacent detection arms so as to extend from the base, Each of the four distortion elements is provided on each of the four detection arms, The upper surface of the fixed arm portion is Abutting against the lower surface of the tilt operation part, The detection arm does not come into contact with the lower surface of the tilt operation unit. A multi-directional input device comprising:

2. The strain element is provided on the strain generating body via a flexible substrate, The flexible substrate is A fitting hole provided in a central portion of the flexible substrate; a notch portion provided on an outer periphery of the flexible substrate; The strain body is a first protrusion provided at a center of the base and adapted to fit into the fitting hole; a second protrusion provided on the base and adapted to fit into the notch; The multi-directional input device according to claim 1 .

3. The width of the detection arm is narrower than that of the base, The distortion element is The detecting arm is provided so as to extend between the base of the strain generating body and the detecting arm. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1 .

4. The detection arm portion is Thinner than the base The multi-directional input device according to claim 3 .

5. The base portion and the fixed arm portion are The thicknesses are equal to each other, The upper surface of the base is The tilt operation part is located at the same height as the upper surface of the fixed arm part and is in contact with the lower surface of the tilt operation part. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are A lower surface of the strain generating body is provided. The flexible substrate is The strain generating body is fixed to the lower surface of the strain generating body. The multi-directional input device according to claim 2 .

6. The height position of the lower surface of the first protrusion is higher than the height position of the lower surface of the support leg. The multi-directional input device according to claim 5 .

7. a recess is provided to reduce the thickness of the base of the strain generating body in the vicinity of the detection arm, The strain element is provided on the surface opposite to the recess. The multi-directional input device according to claim 2 .

8. The upper surface of the fixed arm portion is The tilt operation unit is disposed at a position higher than the upper surface of the base and the upper surface of the detection arm, and is in contact with the lower surface of the tilt operation unit. The flexible substrate is A base is fixed to an upper surface of the base and an upper surface of the detection arm. The multi-directional input device according to claim 7 .

9. A pressing plate is further provided to press the tilt operation unit from above and fix it to the strain body, The pressing plate is a first through hole through which the operation shaft of the tilt operation unit passes; a plurality of mounting legs fixed to the plurality of fixed arms, Each of the plurality of mounting legs comprises: A second through hole is formed, and the fixing piece is fixed to each of the plurality of fixing arms by a fixing piece that passes through the second through hole. The multi-directional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The tilt operation unit is A housing and a third through hole provided in the housing; The fixing piece is fixed to each of the plurality of fixing arms by a fixing piece passing through the third through hole. The multi-directional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. The housing of the tilt operation unit has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, The third through hole is provided near the center of the side wall of the housing. The multi-directional input device according to claim 10 .

12. The fixing piece is Screws or rivets 12. The multi-directional input device according to claim 10 or 11.

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