Input Devices

Abstract

To easily adjust a range in which an operation shaft can move in a plurality of operation directions.SOLUTION: An input device comprises: an operation shaft which can be operated to tilt or slide in an arbitrary direction; detection means which can detect an operation of the operation shaft; and restriction means which has an opening part where the operation shaft is inserted, and restricts a movable range of the operation shaft with an inner peripheral edge part of the opening part, wherein the restriction means can adjust the size of the opening part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for restricting the inclination of a lever in a joystick device used in a game machine or the like, using a restricting piece. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-284902 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional input devices, it is not possible to easily adjust the movable range of the lever in a plurality of operation directions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An input device according to one embodiment includes an operating axis that can be tilted or slid in any direction, a detection means that can detect operation of the operating axis, and a regulating means that has an opening through which the operating axis is inserted and that regulates the range of motion of the operating axis at the inner peripheral edge of the opening, and the regulating means is capable of adjusting the size of the opening. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to an input device according to an embodiment, the movable range of the operation axis can be easily adjusted in a plurality of operation directions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an input device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2]FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an input device according to an embodiment (in a state in which a restricting unit is separated); [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a restricting unit included in an input device according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first state of a restricting means according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first state of a movable member included in a restricting means according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a second state of the restricting means according to an embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a second state of the movable member included in the restricting means according to the embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the restriction of the tilt angle of the lever by the restricting means according to the embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the restriction of the tilt angle of the lever by the restricting means according to the embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of an input device according to a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an external perspective view of an input device according to a modified example (with the support base removed); DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (Configuration of input device 100) Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of an input device 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is an external perspective view of the input device 100 according to an embodiment (in a state in which the restricting means 200 is separated). In the following description, for convenience, the axial direction of the lever 120 is defined as the up-down direction (Z-axis direction), and the directions perpendicular to the axial direction of the lever 120 are defined as the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) and the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0010] An input device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is used as a controller for a game machine or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the input device 100 has a columnar lever 120 that extends upward from an opening 102A of a case 102 and can be tilted. The input device 100 can be tilted not only in the front-rear direction (the directions of arrows D1 and D2 in the figure) and the left-right direction (the directions of arrows D3 and D4 in the figure) by the lever 120, but also in all directions between these directions. The input device 100 can output an operation signal corresponding to the tilt operation of the lever 120 (tilt direction, tilt angle, etc.) from actuators 104 and 106 to the outside.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the input device 100 includes a case 102, a lever 120, an actuator 104, an actuator 106, a rotation angle detector 105, a rotation angle detector 107, a push switch 109, and a restriction means 200.

[0012] The case 102 is a box-like member having a generally cubic shape. An opening 102A having a circular shape in a plan view is formed on the upper surface of the case 102.

[0013] Lever 120 is an example of an "operation shaft." Lever 120 is a member that is tilted by an operator. Lever 120 has a columnar shaft 120A, and shaft 120A is inserted through opening 102A of case 102. Lever 120 can be tilted by the operator by shaft 120A protruding upward from opening 102A of case 102.

[0014] Actuator 104 is an example of a "detection means." Actuator 104 is provided inside case 102 so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) around rotation axis 104B as the center of rotation. When lever 120 is tilted in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), actuator 104 is biased by lever 120 to rotate in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction).

[0015] Actuator 106 is an example of a "detection means." Actuator 106 is provided inside case 102 so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) around rotation shaft 106B as the center of rotation. When lever 120 is tilted in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), actuator 106 is biased by lever 120 to rotate in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0016] Rotation angle detector 105 is provided on the side of case 102, engages with rotation shaft 104B of actuator 104, and detects the rotation angle of said rotation shaft 104B (that is, the tilt angle of lever 120 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction)).

[0017] Rotation angle detector 107 is provided on the side surface of case 102, engages with rotation shaft 106B of actuator 106, and detects the rotation angle of rotation shaft 106B (that is, the tilt angle of lever 120 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction)).

[0018] When lever 120 is pressed downward, push switch 109 is pressed downward by rotation shaft 104B on the Y-axis negative side of actuator 104 and switches to the on state, thereby detecting that lever 120 has been pressed downward.

[0019] A return mechanism (not shown) is provided inside the case 102. The return mechanism returns the lever 120 from the tilted state to the neutral state when the tilting operation of the lever 120 is released.

[0020] The restricting means 200 is an annular member having a circular opening 200A. The restricting means 200 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the case 102. The shaft 120A of the lever 120 is inserted into the opening 200A so that the center of the opening 200A coincides with the center of the shaft 120A of the lever 120. The restricting means 200 restricts the movable range of the lever 120 by abutting the shaft 120A of the lever 120 on the inner peripheral edge of the opening 200A. The restricting means 200 can simultaneously adjust the distance from the inner peripheral edge of the opening 200A to the neutral position of the shaft 120A of the lever 120 over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral edge of the opening 200A by simultaneously moving the inner peripheral edge of the opening 200A over the entire circumference.

[0021] 3 is an exploded perspective view of the restriction means 200 included in the input device 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the restriction means 200 has a case 201, a rotating member 202, a movable member 210, a stop member 203, and an operating lever 204.

[0022] The case 201 is a cylindrical member that is relatively thin in the vertical direction. The rotating member 202 and the movable member 210 are housed inside the case 201. A base portion 201A is provided inside the case 201 along the inner peripheral surface of the case 201. The base portion 201A is a portion having a horizontal upper surface in the shape of a ring having a constant width in the radial direction. The movable member 210 (i.e., five blade members 212) that forms a ring is disposed on the upper surface of the base portion 201A. The base portion 201A is provided with a plurality of support holes 201B at equal intervals that penetrate the base portion 201A in the vertical direction. Each of the plurality of support holes 201B has a circular shape. A rotating shaft portion 212A of the blade member 212 of the movable member 210 is fitted into each of the plurality of support holes 201B to rotatably support the blade member 212. In this embodiment, since the movable member 210 has five blade members 212, five support holes 201B are provided at equal intervals (72° intervals) in the base portion 201A.

[0023] Movable member 210 is a member that changes the opening area of ​​opening 200A of restriction means 200. Movable member 210 has a plurality of blade members 212. In this embodiment, as an example, movable member 210 has five blade members 212. Movable member 210 has a substantially annular shape with five blade members 212 arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference along the circumferential direction on base portion 201A of case 201.

[0024] The blade member 212 is a thin plate-like member. In a plan view, the blade member 212 has a band-like curved shape that has a certain width and extends in a curved line. The blade member 212 has a rotating shaft portion 212A and an operating shaft portion 212B. Both the rotating shaft portion 212A and the operating shaft portion 212B have a cylindrical shape.

[0025] Rotating shaft portion 212A is provided at the end portion of blade member 212 so as to protrude downward from the lower surface of blade member 212. Blade member 212 is rotatably supported by supporting hole 201B formed in base portion 201A of case 201 as rotating shaft portion 212A is fitted into supporting hole 201B.

[0026] Operation shaft portion 212B is provided at the tip of blade member 212 so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of blade member 212. Operation shaft portion 212B is disposed in engagement groove 202A of rotating member 202. As a result, blade member 212 is rotated by operating shaft portion 212B caused by rotating member 202 as rotating member 202 rotates.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, a portion of the tip side (the operating shaft portion 212B side) of each of the multiple blade members 212 is overlapped on top of a portion of the end side of an adjacent other blade member 212, and a portion of the end side (the rotating shaft portion 212A side) of each of the multiple blade members 212 is overlapped on top of a portion of the tip side of the adjacent other blade member 212.

[0028] The rotating member 202 is an annular member. The rotating member 202 is provided inside the case 201 and rotatably above the movable member 210. The outer shape and inner diameter of the rotating member 202 are approximately equal to the outer shape and inner diameter of the base portion 201A of the case 201. A plurality of engagement grooves 202A are formed at equal intervals on the bottom surface of the rotating member 202. In this embodiment, since the movable member 210 has five blade members 212, five engagement grooves 202A are formed at equal intervals (72° intervals) on the bottom surface of the rotating member 202. Each engagement groove 202A has a constant width and is cut out linearly toward the radial direction of the rotating member 202. An operation shaft portion 212B of the blade member 212 of the movable member 210 is disposed in each engagement groove 202A. Each engagement groove 202A moves the operation shaft portion 212B of the blade member 212 in the radial direction in accordance with the rotation of the rotating member 202. This allows the rotating member 202 to rotate the blade member 212.

[0029] Specifically, each engagement groove 202A moves the operation shaft portion 212B of the blade member 212 radially outward as the rotating member 202 rotates clockwise. This allows the rotating member 202 to rotate the blade member 212 radially outward.

[0030] Conversely, each engagement groove 202A moves the operation shaft portion 212B of the blade member 212 radially inward as the rotating member 202 rotates counterclockwise. This allows the rotating member 202 to rotate the blade member 212 radially inward.

[0031] A screw hole 202B is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 202. A tip end of an operating lever 204 for operating the rotating member 202 to rotate is screwed into the screw hole 202B.

[0032] The retaining member 203 is a plate-like member made of metal or synthetic resin. The retaining member 203 has a circular ring shape with a broken portion. The retaining member 203 is disposed above the rotating member 202, and the outer peripheral edge of the retaining member 203 engages with an engagement groove 201C formed near the upper end of the inner peripheral surface of the case 201. As a result, the retaining member 203 restricts the upward movement of the rotating member 202 and the movable member 210 so that the rotating member 202 and the movable member 210 do not fall out of the case 201.

[0033] The operating lever 204 is provided so as to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 202. The operating lever 204 is operated by an operator rotating the rotating member 202 directly or indirectly via another member. The operating lever 204 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 202 from outside the outer circumferential surface of the case 201, penetrating an opening 201D formed in the outer circumferential surface of the case 201. A screw thread is formed at the tip of the operating lever 204, and the tip is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 202 by screwing into a screw hole 202B formed in the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 202.

[0034] (Operation of the restriction means 200) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first state of the regulating means 200 according to one embodiment (a state in which the opening area of ​​the opening 200A is most expanded). FIG. 4(a) is a plan view of the regulating means 200. FIG. 4(b) is a side view of the regulating means 200. FIG. 4(c) is a cross-sectional view of the regulating means 200 taken along the AA cross-sectional line (see FIG. 4(b)). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first state of the movable member 210 provided in the regulating means 200 according to one embodiment (a state in which the opening area of ​​the opening 200A is most expanded).

[0035] As shown in Fig. 4, when the rotating member 202 rotates clockwise by manually rotating the operating lever 204 in the clockwise direction, the operating shaft portion 212B of each of the plurality of blade members 212 moves radially outward within the engagement groove 202A of the rotating member 202. As a result, each of the plurality of blade members 212 rotates radially outward around the rotating shaft portion 212A as the center of rotation. As a result, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the opening area of ​​the substantially circular opening 200A formed by combining the inner edges of each of the plurality of blade members 212 is enlarged. That is, the opening area in all directions from the center of the opening 200A can be enlarged simultaneously.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second state of the regulating means 200 according to one embodiment (a state in which the opening area of ​​the opening 200A is at its smallest). FIG. 6(a) is a plan view of the regulating means 200. FIG. 6(b) is a side view of the regulating means 200. FIG. 6(c) is a cross-sectional view of the regulating means 200 taken along the cross-sectional line BB (see FIG. 6(b)). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second state of the movable member 210 provided in the regulating means 200 according to one embodiment (a state in which the opening area of ​​the opening 200A is at its smallest).

[0037] As shown in FIG. 6, when the rotating member 202 rotates counterclockwise by manually rotating the operating lever 204 counterclockwise, the operating shaft portion 212B of each of the plurality of blade members 212 moves radially inward within the engagement groove 202A of the rotating member 202. As a result, each of the plurality of blade members 212 rotates radially inward around the rotating shaft portion 212A as the center of rotation. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the opening area of ​​the substantially circular opening 200A formed by combining the inner edge portions of each of the plurality of blade members 212 is reduced. That is, the opening area in all directions from the center of the opening 200A can be reduced simultaneously.

[0038] The opening area of ​​the opening 200A is maximized by rotating the rotating member 202 clockwise to the maximum as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. Conversely, the opening area of ​​the opening 200A is minimized by rotating the rotating member 202 counterclockwise to the maximum as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. However, the restricting means 200 can adjust the opening area of ​​the opening 200A steplessly to any opening area between the minimum area and the maximum area by arbitrarily adjusting the rotation angle of the rotating member 202. Moreover, the restricting means 200 can fix the opening area of ​​the opening 200A at any rotation angle by screwing the operating lever 204, thereby fixing the opening area of ​​the opening 200A at any opening area.

[0039] In addition, in this embodiment, since the inner edge of each of the plurality of blade members 212 has a curved shape, the shape of opening 200A can be made approximately circular regardless of the opening area of ​​opening 200A, as shown in FIGS.

[0040] (An example of restricting the tilt angle of the lever 120 by the restricting means 200) 8 and 9 are diagrams showing an example of the restriction of the tilt angle of the lever 120 by the restriction means 200 according to one embodiment. Fig. 8(a) and Fig. 9(a) are plan views of the input device 100. Fig. 8(b) and Fig. 9(b) are side views of the input device 100.

[0041] In the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the lever 120 abuts against the inner peripheral edge of the opening 200A of the restriction means 200, thereby restricting the tilt angle of the lever 120. Therefore, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the maximum tilt angle of the lever 120 can be adjusted by adjusting the opening area of ​​the opening 200A.

[0042] For example, in the example shown in Fig. 8, the movable member 210 is in the second state, that is, the opening area of ​​the opening 200A is in the smallest state. Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 8, the maximum tilt angles of the lever 120 in all tilt directions are restricted to the minimum angle (e.g., 10°) of the adjustable angle range.

[0043] 9, the movable member 210 is in the first state, that is, the state in which the opening area of ​​the opening 200A is maximized. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG 9, the maximum tilt angles of the lever 120 in all tilt directions are restricted to the maximum angle (e.g., 20°) of the adjustable angle range.

[0044] (Modification of the restriction means 200) Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the external appearance of an input device 100-2 according to one modified example. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the external appearance of an input device 100-2 according to one modified example (with the support base 221 removed).

[0045] 10 and 11, an input device 100-2 according to one modification includes a restricting means 200-2. The restricting means 200-2 does not have an operating lever 204. Instead, the restricting means 200-2 has a screw thread 202C formed on the outer circumferential surface of a rotating member 202.

[0046] In addition, the restriction means 200-2 has a driving means 220. The driving means 220 has a support base 221, a motor 222, and a gear 223.

[0047] The support base 221 holds the motor 222 and the gear 223 in a predetermined position.

[0048] The motor 222 has a horizontally disposed rotation shaft 222A in the shape of a round bar. The motor 222 can rotate the rotation shaft 222A in response to an external control signal. The motor 222 may be, for example, a stepping motor.

[0049] A rotating shaft 222A of the motor 222 is attached to the gear 223. The gear 223 is screwed into the screw thread 202C of the rotating member 202. The gear 223 rotates together with the rotating shaft 222A of the motor 222, thereby causing the rotating member 202 to rotate.

[0050] The regulating means 200-2 of this modified example can increase the opening area of ​​the approximately circular opening 200A formed by the combination of the inner edges of the multiple blade members 212 by driving the rotating member 202 to rotate it clockwise by driving the motor 222 controlled by an external control signal.

[0051] On the other hand, the regulating means 200-2 of this modified example can reduce the opening area of ​​the approximately circular opening 200A formed by the combination of the inner edges of the multiple blade members 212 by driving the motor 222, which is controlled by an external control signal, to rotate the rotating member 202 counterclockwise.

[0052] That is, the restriction means 200-2 according to this modification can adjust the rotation angle of the rotation member 202 by controlling the motor 222 from the outside, thereby adjusting the opening area of ​​the opening 200A to any size.

[0053] Therefore, the restricting means 200-2 according to this modification can dynamically change the movable range of the lever 120 in a software manner according to, for example, a game scene or the like.

[0054] The gear 223 may be a worm gear, and preferably a worm gear having a self-locking mechanism that prevents the gear 223 from being driven by the driving force from the rotating member 202 even when the current is not applied. This makes it easy to maintain the opening 200A in any open state.

[0055] 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.

[0056] For example, by providing a restricting means similar to that of the first embodiment to an input device capable of sliding an operating shaft, the movable range of the operating shaft in a plurality of sliding directions may be restricted by the restricting means.

[0057] Also, for example, the blade members 212 are not limited to being curved, but may be straight.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, the number of blade members 212 that the restriction means 200 has is not limited to five, and may be four or less, or six or more. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 100,100-2 Input device 102 cases 102A opening 104 Actuator 104B Rotating shaft 105 Rotation angle detector 106 Actuator 106B Rotating shaft 107 Rotation angle detector 109 Push Switch 120 Lever 120A shaft 200,200-2 Regulatory measures 200A opening 201 cases 201A Pedestal 201B Support hole 202 Rotating parts 202A Engagement groove 202B screw hole 202C Thread 203 Stopping member 204 Operating Lever 210 Movable parts 212 Blade member 212A Rotating shaft 212B Operation shaft part 220 Driving Means 221 support stand 222 Motor 222A Rotating shaft 223 Gear

Claims

1. An operation axis that can be tilted or slid in any direction; A detection means capable of detecting an operation of the operating shaft; a restricting means having an opening through which the operating shaft is inserted, the restricting means being disposed on an inner peripheral edge of the opening and restricting a movable range of the operating shaft; Equipped with The restriction means is The size of the opening can be adjusted by moving the inner peripheral edge portion, with which the operating shaft abuts, over the entire circumference.

1. An input device comprising:

2. The restriction means is By simultaneously moving the inner peripheral edge portion over the entire circumference, the distance from the inner peripheral edge portion to the neutral position of the operating shaft can be simultaneously adjusted over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral edge portion.

2. An input device according to claim 1 .

3. The restriction means is A plurality of blade members are arranged side by side on the same circumference so as to surround the operating shaft, The opening is the inner edge portions of each of the plurality of blade members are interdigitated to form a The restriction means is The size of the opening can be adjusted by simultaneously moving the plurality of blade members.

3. An input device according to claim 2.

4. Each of the plurality of blade members has a curved shape, The opening is generally circular.

4. An input device according to claim 3.

5. A rotating member is provided which rotates to simultaneously rotate the plurality of blade members.

5. The input device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The regulating means is The rotating member is rotated by a manual operation of an operating lever.

6. The input device according to claim 5.

7. The regulating means is The rotating member is rotated by a control signal.

6. The input device according to claim 5.

8. The driving means is A worm gear having a self-locking mechanism that prevents the driving means from being driven by rotation from the rotating member side is provided.

8. The input device according to claim 7.

9. Further comprising a case, The operating shaft extends upward from the case, The detection means is provided in the case, The restricting means is provided on the upper surface of the case.

2. The input device according to claim 1 .

10. The regulating means has a plurality of blade members arranged on the same circumference so as to surround the operating shaft, the opening is formed by combining inner edges of the plurality of blade members, the restricting means is capable of adjusting the size of the opening by simultaneously moving the plurality of blade members, a rotating member that rotates to simultaneously rotate the plurality of blade members; The rotating member can be fixed at any rotation angle.

2. The input device according to claim 1 .

11. The regulating means has an operating lever capable of rotating the rotating member by manual operation, The rotating member can be fixed at any rotation angle by tightening the screw of the operating lever.

11. The input device according to claim 10.

Images