Multi-directional input device

Abstract

This multi-directional input device comprises an operating member, a first linked member which pivots about a first pivot axis in conjunction with a tilting operation of the operating member, a second linked member which pivots about a second pivot axis in conjunction with the tilting operation of the operating member, a first slider which moves in a first horizontal direction in accordance with pivoting of the first linked member, a second slider which moves in a second horizontal direction in accordance with pivoting of the second linked member, a first generating member held by the first slider, a second generating member held by the second slider, a first detecting unit which detects an amount of movement of the first generating member by detecting a detected medium emitted by the first generating member, and a second detecting unit which detects an amount of movement of the second generating member by detecting a detected medium emitted by the second generating member, wherein, in a plan view, any one of the first generating member and the second generating member is disposed in a position that is spaced further apart from the other generating member than a pivot axis about which the generating unit pivots when moving.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, in multi-directional input devices used in controllers for game machines, etc., a technology has been used to detect the inclination of an operating axis (lever) using a variable resistor. Regarding such multi-directional input devices, a technology has been devised in which a slider moves with the inclination of an operating member, and a contact held by the slider slides on a resistance circuit on a substrate, thereby obtaining a resistance value according to the amount of operation of the operating member (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-229782 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional multi-directional input device, there is a risk of wear powder being generated due to the sliding of the contacts in the resistance circuit. Therefore, instead, a configuration is conceivable in which the amount of movement of the slider is detected using a magnet held by the slider and a magnetic sensor mounted on the board. In this case, wear powder is not generated, but when the entire device is made compact, the first magnet that slides in the first direction in response to the tilt operation of the operating member in the first direction and the second magnet that slides in the second direction in response to the tilt operation of the operating member in the second direction are close to each other, and there is a risk that the two magnets may interfere with each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A multi-directional input device according to one embodiment includes an operating member that can be tilted, a first interlocking member that has a first rotation axis and rotates about the first rotation axis in conjunction with the tilting of the operating member, a second interlocking member that has a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis and rotates about the second rotation axis in conjunction with the tilting of the operating member, a first slider that moves in a first horizontal direction as the first interlocking member rotates, a second slider that moves in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction as the second interlocking member rotates, and a detection object that is held by the first slider. The device comprises a first generating member that emits a medium, a second generating member that is held by a second slider and emits a detectable medium, a first detection unit that detects the amount of movement of the first generating member by detecting the detectable medium emitted by the first generating member, and a second detection unit that detects the amount of movement of the second generating member by detecting the detectable medium emitted by the second generating member, and in a planar view, either the first generating member or the second generating member is positioned at a position away from the other generating member than the rotation axis about which the generating member rotates when it moves. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the multi-directional input device according to one embodiment, it is possible to prevent the two generating members from interfering with each other. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a multi-directional input device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a multi-directional input device according to an embodiment (with the frame removed); [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a multi-directional input device according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-directional input device according to one embodiment taken along line AA; [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-directional input device according to an embodiment taken along line BB; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a configuration of a portion of a multi-directional input device according to an embodiment; [Figure 7]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an engagement portion of an actuator in a multi-directional input device according to an embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an engagement portion of an actuator in a multi-directional input device according to an embodiment; [Figure 9A] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation when the lever is tilted in the X-axis direction in the multi-directional input device according to one embodiment; [Figure 9B] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation when the lever is tilted in the X-axis direction in the multi-directional input device according to one embodiment; [Figure 10A] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation when the lever is tilted in the X-axis direction in the multi-directional input device according to one embodiment; [Figure 10B] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation when the lever is tilted in the X-axis direction in the multi-directional input device according to one embodiment; [Figure 10C] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation when the lever is tilted in the X-axis direction in the multi-directional input device according to one embodiment; [Figure 11A] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation when the lever is tilted in the Y-axis direction in the multi-directional input device according to one embodiment; [Figure 11B] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation when the lever is tilted in the Y-axis direction in the multi-directional input device according to one embodiment; [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation when the lever is tilted in the Y-axis direction in the multi-directional input device according to one embodiment; [Figure 12B] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation when the lever is tilted in the Y-axis direction in the multi-directional input device according to one embodiment; [Figure 12C] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation when the lever is tilted in the Y-axis direction in the multi-directional input device according to one embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the arrangement of magnetic sensors in a multi-directional input device according to an embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a first slider in a multi-directional input device according to an embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a second slider in the multi-directional input device according to the embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0009] (Overview of the multi-directional input device 100) FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a multi-directional input device 100 according to an embodiment. The multi-directional 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 multi-directional input device 100 has a columnar lever 120 that extends upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis) from an opening 102B of a frame 102 and can be tilted. The multi-directional input device 100 can be tilted not only in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, but also in all directions between these directions using the lever 120. The multi-directional input device 100 can output an operation signal corresponding to the tilt operation (tilt direction and tilt angle) of the lever 120 to the outside via a plurality of metal terminals 133.

[0010] (Configuration of multi-directional input device 100) Fig. 2 is an external perspective view of the multi-directional input device 100 (with the frame 102 removed) according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-directional input device 100 according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-directional input device 100 according to one embodiment taken along line AA. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-directional input device 100 according to one embodiment taken along line BB.

[0011] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the multi-directional input device 100 includes a frame 102, a lever 120, a holder 101, a first actuator 104, a second actuator 105, a first slider 106, a second slider 107, a first magnet MG1, a second magnet MG2, an actuator 103, a spring 108, a switch 109, a case 110, a bottom substrate 130, and a frame 140.

[0012] The frame 102 is a box-shaped member that encloses each component. The frame 102 is formed into a box shape (roughly a cube shape) with an open bottom portion by processing a single metal plate (soft magnetic material plate). An opening 102B that is circular in plan view from above is formed on an upper surface 102A of the frame 102.

[0013] The frame 102 has a first wall 102E covering the outside (Y-axis positive side) of the first slider 106 and a second wall 102F covering the outside (X-axis negative side) of the second slider 107. The frame 102 can attract the first magnet MG1 held in the opening 106A (see FIG. 3) of the first slider 106 by the first wall 102E, and can prevent the first magnet MG1 from falling inward (Y-axis negative side) from the opening 106A of the first slider 106. The frame 102 can also attract the second magnet MG2 held in the opening 107B of the second slider 107 by the second wall 102F, and can prevent the second magnet MG2 from falling inward (X-axis positive side) from the opening 107B (see FIG. 3) of the second slider 107.

[0014] The lever 120 is an example of an "operation member", and is a member that is disposed on the central axis AX and is tilted by an operator. The lever 120 has an axis 120A and a base 120B. The axis 120A is a generally cylindrical portion that extends upward from the opening 102B of the frame 102, and is a portion that is tilted by an operator directly or indirectly via another member. The base 120B is a generally cylindrical portion that extends downward from the lower end of the axis 120A. The base 120B supports the lower end of the axis 120A inside the frame 102, and rotates in response to the tilting operation of the axis 120A.

[0015] Holder 101 is a resin member that is inserted from below (Z-axis negative side) into cutout portion 102D formed in the wall surface on the Y-axis negative side of frame 102. Holder 101 presses switch 109 arranged in second portion 111B of case 110 from above, and also presses rotation shaft portion 104B on the Y-axis negative side of first actuator 104 from above with the semicircular upper end portion of support groove 101A.

[0016] The first actuator 104 is an example of a "first interlocking member" and is a resin member having a generally rectangular frame shape in a plan view from above. The first actuator 104 has an opening 104A at the inner part of the rectangular frame shape. The first actuator 104 has a pair of rotation shafts 104B protruding outward at both ends in the Y-axis direction, and the rotation shaft 104B on the Y-axis positive side is sandwiched from above and below by the semicircular upper end of the support groove 102C of the frame 102 and the semicircular upper end surface of the support wall 111C of the case 110, and the rotation shaft 104B on the Y-axis negative side is sandwiched from above and below by the semicircular upper end of the support groove 101A of the holder 101 and the upper surface of the switch 109, so that the pair of rotation shafts 104B are rotatable in the X-axis direction as the center of rotation. The base 120B of the lever 120 is inserted and disposed in the opening 104A. As a result, the first actuator 104 rotates in the X-axis direction together with the base 120B of the lever 120 as the lever 120 rotates in the X-axis direction. The first actuator 104 also has a pair of support holes 104D in the X-axis direction. A pair of protrusions 120C protruding from the base 120B of the lever 120 in the X-axis direction is fitted into each of the pair of support holes 104D (see FIG. 5). As a result, the first actuator 104 holds the base 120B of the lever 120 so as to be rotatable in the Y-axis direction.

[0017] The second actuator 105 is an example of a "second interlocking member" and is a resin member having a dome shape curved convexly upward. The second actuator 105 is disposed above the first actuator 104. The second actuator 105 has an elongated hole-shaped opening 105A extending in the X-axis direction along the curved shape. The second actuator 105 also has a pair of rotation shafts 105B protruding outward at both ends in the X-axis direction, and each of the pair of rotation shafts 105B is sandwiched from above and below by the semicircular upper end of the support groove 102C of the frame 102 and the semicircular upper end surface of the support wall 111C of the case 110, so that the second actuator 105 is provided rotatable in the Y-axis direction around the pair of rotation shafts 105B as the center of rotation. The shaft 120A of the lever 120 is inserted and disposed in the opening 105A. As a result, the second actuator 105 rotates in the Y-axis direction together with the shaft portion 120A of the lever 120 as the lever 120 rotates in the Y-axis direction.

[0018] 2 to 5, the first actuator 104 and the second actuator 105 overlap each other at a distance so as not to contact each other, and so that the openings 104A and the openings 105A intersect each other. In the overlapping state, the first actuator 104 and the second actuator 105 are incorporated into the frame 102 together with the base 120B, with the shaft 120A of the lever 120 penetrating the openings 104A and the openings 105A and the base 120B of the lever 120 incorporated inside.

[0019] The first slider 106 holds the first magnet MG1. The first slider 106 has a longitudinal shape extending in the X-axis direction. The first slider 106 can move the first magnet MG1 in the X-axis direction by sliding in the X-axis direction (an example of a "first horizontal direction") in conjunction with the rotation of the first actuator 104. The first magnet MG1 is an example of a "first generating member", has a square rod shape extending in the X-axis direction, and generates magnetism (an example of a "detectable medium"). The first magnet MG1 is magnetized to the N pole on one side and the S pole on the other side, with the boundary being the midpoint in the X-axis direction.

[0020] The second slider 107 holds the second magnet MG2. The second slider 107 has a longitudinal shape extending in the Y-axis direction. The second slider 107 can move the second magnet MG2 in the Y-axis direction by sliding in the Y-axis direction (an example of a "second horizontal direction") in conjunction with the rotation of the second actuator 105. The second magnet MG2 is an example of a "second generating member", has a square rod shape extending in the Y-axis direction, and generates magnetism (an example of a "detectable medium"). The second magnet MG2 is magnetized to the N pole on one side and the S pole on the other side, with the boundary being the midpoint in the Y-axis direction.

[0021] The actuator 103 is a resin member having a shaft portion 103A and a bottom plate portion 103B. The shaft portion 103A is a round bar-shaped portion disposed on the central axis AX and extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The shaft portion 103A is inserted into an opening 120D (see FIGS. 4 and 5) on the bottom side (Z-axis negative side) of the lever 120. The bottom plate portion 103B is a disk-shaped portion provided integrally with the lower end portion of the shaft portion 103A.

[0022] With shaft portion 103A of actuator 103 inserted therethrough, spring 108 is assembled together with shaft portion 103A of actuator 103 into opening 120D (see FIGS. 4 and 5) on the bottom side (Z-axis negative side) of lever 120. Spring 108 urges lever 120 upward and urges bottom plate portion 103B of actuator 103 downward. As a result, when the operator releases the tilting operation of lever 120, spring 108 presses bottom plate portion 103B of actuator 103 against the upper surface and center of case 110, returning bottom plate portion 103B to a horizontal state, thereby returning lever 120 to a neutral state.

[0023] Switch 109 is disposed on the upper surface of second portion 111B of case 110, and below rotation shaft portion 104B on the Y-axis negative side of first actuator 104. When lever 120 is pressed downward, switch 109 is pressed downward by rotation shaft portion 104B on the Y-axis negative side of first actuator 104, and is thereby switched to a switched-on state.

[0024] Case 110 is a generally flat resin member that is fitted into the bottom portion of frame 102 to close the bottom portion of frame 102. A bottom substrate 130 is disposed on the upper surface of a first portion 111A of case 110 that is centered on central axis AX. A switch 109 is disposed on the upper surface of a second portion 111B of case 110 that is closer to the negative side of the Y axis than first portion 111A.

[0025] The bottom substrate 130 is a resin-made, flat-plate-like member disposed on the upper surface of the first portion 111A of the case 110. Magnetic sensors 131 and 132 are mounted on the upper surface of the bottom substrate 130. The first magnetic sensor 131 is disposed facing the first magnet MG1. The first magnetic sensor 131 is an example of a "first detection unit" and detects a magnetic force corresponding to the slide position of the first magnet MG1 (i.e., the tilt angle of the lever 120 in the X-axis direction). The second magnetic sensor 132 is disposed facing the second magnet MG2. The second magnetic sensor 132 is an example of a "second detection unit" and detects a magnetic force corresponding to the slide position of the second magnet MG2 (i.e., the tilt angle of the lever 120 in the Y-axis direction). In addition, a circular opening 130A is formed in the center of the bottom substrate 130, centered on the central axis AX. The bottom plate portion 103B of the actuator 103 is disposed in the opening 130A. In addition, a plurality of metal terminals 133 are provided protruding downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) on the bottom surface of the bottom substrate 130 for outputting an operation signal to the outside in response to the tilt operation (tilt direction and tilt angle) of the lever 120.

[0026] The frame 140 is provided above the first slider 106 and the second slider 107, and covers the upper sides of the first slider 106 and the second slider 107. Therefore, the frame 140 has an L-shape when viewed from above. The frame 140 is formed by processing a single metal plate (non-magnetic material plate). The frame 140 has hook portions 141 at both ends and near the corners of the L-shape, and is fixed to the case 110 by engaging these hook portions 141 with the case 110.

[0027] (Retention configuration of first magnet MG1 and second magnet MG2) FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the multi-directional input device 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the first slider 106 has an opening 106A on the X-axis positive side and an opening 106B on the X-axis negative side. The opening 106A and the opening 106B penetrate the first slider 106 in the Y-axis direction, have a rectangular shape in a plan view from the Y-axis direction, and can fit a first magnet MG1 of approximately the same shape. However, in this embodiment, the first magnet MG1 is fitted into the opening 106A on the side farther from the second magnetic sensor 132 in order to increase the separation distance from the second magnetic sensor 132. As a result, the first magnet MG1 is held by the first slider 106 so as to slide in the X-axis direction together with the first slider 106 while suppressing the influence on the second magnetic sensor 132. In addition, a first magnetic sensor 131 is mounted on the upper surface of the bottom substrate 130 at a position facing the first magnet MG1. The first magnetic sensor 131 magnetically detects the sliding of the first magnet MG1 in the X-axis direction.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 6, the second slider 107 has an opening 107A on the Y-axis positive side and an opening 107B on the Y-axis negative side. The opening 107A and the opening 107B penetrate the second slider 107 in the X-axis direction and have a rectangular shape in a plan view from the X-axis direction, and a second magnet MG2 of approximately the same shape can be fitted in them. However, in this embodiment, the second magnet MG2 is fitted in the opening 107B on the side farther from the first magnetic sensor 131 in order to increase the distance from the first magnetic sensor 131. As a result, the second magnet MG2 is held by the second slider 107 so as to slide in the Y-axis direction together with the second slider 107 while suppressing the influence on the first magnetic sensor 131. In addition, a second magnetic sensor 132 is mounted on the upper surface of the bottom substrate 130 at a position facing the second magnet MG2. The second magnetic sensor 132 magnetically detects the sliding of the second magnet MG2 in the Y-axis direction.

[0029] The first slider 106 and the second slider 107 have the same shape, and therefore the first slider 106 and the second slider 107 can use common parts, which makes manufacturing easy and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0030] (Configuration of Engagement Portion of First Actuator 104) FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an engagement portion of the first actuator 104 in the multi-directional input device 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, three gear teeth 106C are arranged in the X-axis direction on the outer side surface of the first slider 106, which is provided slidably in the X-axis direction. Each of the three gear teeth 106C has a convex shape facing upward. Each of the three gear teeth 106C has a side surface 106Ca on the X-axis positive side and a side surface 106Ca on the X-axis negative side, which each have a convex arc shape facing outward. On the other hand, the first actuator 104 has an engagement portion 104C protruding downward from the rotation shaft portion 104B (see FIG. 3) on the Y-axis positive side. The engagement portion 104C has a pair of legs 104Ca in the X-axis direction that are symmetrical to each other when viewed in a plan view from the Y-axis positive side as shown in FIG. 7, and has a groove portion 104Cb between the pair of legs 104Ca. The inner edge 104Cd of each of the pair of legs 104Ca on the groove 104Cb side has a convex arc shape toward the groove 104Cb side. The first actuator 104 engages with the central gear tooth 106C (an example of the "first gear tooth") among the three gear teeth 106C of the first slider 106 between the pair of legs 104Ca. As a result, when the lever 120 is tilted in the X-axis direction, the first actuator 104 rotates in the X-axis direction together with the base 120B of the lever 120 about the first rotation axis AX1, and presses the central gear tooth 106C in the X-axis direction between the pair of legs 104Ca, thereby sliding the first slider 106 in the X-axis direction.

[0031] (Configuration of Engagement Portion of Second Actuator 105) FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an engagement portion of the second actuator 105 in the multi-directional input device 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, three gear teeth 107C are arranged in the Y-axis direction on the outer side surface of the second slider 107, which is provided slidably in the Y-axis direction. Each of the three gear teeth 107C has a convex shape facing upward. Each of the three gear teeth 107C has a side surface 107Ca on the Y-axis positive side and a side surface 107Ca on the Y-axis positive side, which each have a convex arc shape facing outward. On the other hand, the second actuator 105 has an engagement portion 105C protruding downward from the rotation shaft portion 105B (see FIG. 3) on the X-axis negative side. The engagement portion 105C has a pair of legs 105Ca in the Y-axis direction that are symmetrical to each other when viewed in a plan view from the X-axis negative side as shown in FIG. 8, and has a groove portion 105Cb between the pair of legs 105Ca. The edge of each of the pair of legs 105Ca on the groove 105Cb side has a convex arc shape toward the groove 105Cb side. The engagement portion 105C engages with a central gear tooth 107C (an example of a "first gear tooth") among the three gear teeth 107C of the second slider 107 between the pair of legs 105Ca. As a result, when the lever 120 is tilted in the Y-axis direction, the second actuator 105 rotates in the Y-axis direction around the second rotation axis AX2 together with the base 120B of the lever 120, and presses the central gear tooth 107C in the Y-axis direction between the pair of legs 105Ca, thereby allowing the second slider 107 to slide in the Y-axis direction.

[0032] (Operation of lever 120 when tilted in the X-axis direction) 9A to 9B and 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining the operation of the lever 120 in the multi-directional input device 100 according to one embodiment when tilted in the X-axis direction.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9B and 10A to 10C, in the multi-directional input device 100 according to one embodiment, when the lever 120 is tilted in the X-axis direction, the first slider 106 engaged with the engagement portion 104C of the first actuator 104 slides in the X-axis direction with the rotation of the first actuator 104, and the first magnet MG1 held by the first slider 106 moves in the X-axis direction. At this time, the first magnetic sensor 131 arranged facing the first magnet MG1 on the bottom substrate 130 detects a magnetic force corresponding to the sliding position of the first magnet MG1 (i.e., the tilt angle of the lever 120 in the X-axis direction). Then, the first magnetic sensor 131 outputs a signal corresponding to the detected magnetic force to the outside as a signal indicating the tilt angle of the lever 120 in the X-axis direction.

[0034] Here, in the multi-directional input device 100 according to one embodiment, the tilt angle of the lever 120 in the X-axis direction is detected in a non-contact manner by the first magnetic sensor 131 arranged opposite and spaced apart from the first magnet MG1, so that no wear powder is generated due to sliding of the contacts in the resistance circuit.

[0035] Furthermore, the first actuator 104 engages with the central gear tooth 106C of the three gear teeth 106C of the first slider 106 between the pair of legs 104Ca. When the lever 120 is tilted in the X-axis direction, the first actuator 104 presses the arc-shaped side surface 106Ca (an example of a "pressed portion") of the central gear tooth 106C to the side opposite the tilted side of the lever 120 with the arc-shaped inner edge portion 104Cd (an example of a "pressing portion") of the leg portion 104Ca on the tilted side of the lever 120. This allows the first actuator 104 to slide the first slider 106 to the side opposite the tilted side of the lever 120. At this time, the inner edge 104Cd of the leg portion 104Ca and the side surface 106Ca of the central gear tooth 106C, which come into contact with each other, are both arc-shaped, so that the generation of frictional resistance between them can be suppressed. In particular, in this embodiment, the inner edge 104Cd of the leg portion 104Ca and the side surface 106Ca of the central gear tooth 106C, which come into contact with each other, are both arc-shaped along a cycloid curve, so that the generation of frictional resistance between them can be further suppressed.

[0036] Furthermore, each of the outer edges 104Ce, which are the outer edges of each of the pair of legs 104Ca of the first actuator 104, is a flat surface that extends linearly in the vertical direction. This allows the engagement portion 104C of the first actuator 104 to be easily manufactured by pulling the mold downward during manufacturing.

[0037] In addition, when the lever 120 returns from a tilted state in the X-axis direction to a neutral state, the outer edge 104Ce of the leg 104Ca of the pair of legs 104Ca of the first actuator 104 on the side on which the lever 120 is tilted presses the side 106Ca of the gear tooth 106C (an example of a "second gear tooth") on the side on which the lever 120 is tilted, of the three gear teeth 106C of the first slider 106, in the return direction, thereby sliding the first slider 106 in the return direction and returning the first slider 106 to its initial position.

[0038] For example, when lever 120 returns from a tilted state in the positive X-axis direction to a neutral state, outer edge 104Ce of leg 104Ca on the positive X-axis side of first actuator 104 presses side surface 106Ca of gear tooth 106C on the positive X-axis side of first slider 106 in the positive X-axis direction, thereby sliding first slider 106 in the positive X-axis direction and returning first slider 106 to its initial position.

[0039] Conversely, when the lever 120 returns from a tilted state in the negative X-axis direction to the neutral state, the outer edge portion 104Ce of the leg portion 104Ca on the negative X-axis side of the first actuator 104 presses the side surface 106Ca of the gear tooth 106C on the negative X-axis side of the first slider 106 in the negative X-axis direction, thereby sliding the first slider 106 in the negative X-axis direction and returning the first slider 106 to its initial position.

[0040] Furthermore, the pair of legs 104Ca of the first actuator 104 and the three gear teeth 106C of the first slider 106 constitute a so-called "rack and pinion mechanism." As a result, the multi-directional input device 100 according to one embodiment can convert the tilting motion of the lever 120 in the X-axis direction into a sliding motion of the first slider 106 in the X-axis direction, and at this time, the relationship between the tilting angle of the lever 120 in the X-axis direction and the moving distance of the first slider 106 in the X-axis direction can be made linear (directly proportional).

[0041] (Operation of lever 120 when tilted in the Y-axis direction) 11A to 11B and 12A to 12C are diagrams for explaining the operation of the lever 120 in the multi-directional input device 100 according to one embodiment when tilted in the Y-axis direction.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 11A to 11B and 12A to 12C, in the multi-directional input device 100 according to one embodiment, when the lever 120 is tilted in the Y-axis direction, the second slider 107 engaged with the engagement portion 105C of the second actuator 105 slides in the Y-axis direction in response to the rotation of the second actuator 105, and the second magnet MG2 held by the second slider 107 moves in the Y-axis direction. At this time, the second magnetic sensor 132 arranged facing the second magnet MG2 on the bottom substrate 130 detects a magnetic force corresponding to the sliding position of the second magnet MG2 (i.e., the tilt angle of the lever 120 in the Y-axis direction). Then, the second magnetic sensor 132 outputs a signal corresponding to the detected magnetic force to the outside as a signal indicating the tilt angle of the lever 120 in the Y-axis direction.

[0043] Here, in one embodiment of the multi-directional input device 100, the tilt angle of the lever 120 in the Y-axis direction is detected in a non-contact manner by the second magnetic sensor 132 arranged opposite and spaced apart from the second magnet MG2, so that no wear powder is generated due to the sliding of the contacts in the resistance circuit.

[0044] The second actuator 105 engages with the central gear tooth 107C of the three gear teeth 107C of the second slider 107 between the pair of legs 105Ca. When the lever 120 is tilted in the Y-axis direction, the second actuator 105 presses the arc-shaped side surface 107Ca (an example of a "pressed portion") of the central gear tooth 107C to the side opposite the tilted side of the lever 120 with the arc-shaped inner edge portion 105Cd (an example of a "pressing portion") of the leg portion 105Ca on the tilted side of the lever 120. This allows the second actuator 105 to slide the second slider 107 to the side opposite the tilted side of the lever 120. At this time, the inner edge 105Cd of the leg 105Ca and the side surface 107Ca of the central gear tooth 107C, which come into contact with each other, are both arc-shaped, so that the two roll against each other to suppress the generation of frictional resistance between them. In particular, in this embodiment, the inner edge 105Cd of the leg 105Ca and the side surface 107Ca of the central gear tooth 107C, which come into contact with each other, are both arc-shaped along a cycloid curve, so that the two roll against each other to further suppress the generation of frictional resistance between them.

[0045] In addition, each of the outer edges 105Ce, which are the outer edges of each of the pair of legs 105Ca of the second actuator 105, is a flat surface that extends linearly in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to easily manufacture the engagement portion 105C of the second actuator 105 by pulling the mold downward during manufacturing.

[0046] In addition, when the lever 120 returns from a tilted state in the Y-axis direction to a neutral state, the outer edge 105Ce of the leg 105Ca of the pair of legs 105Ca of the second actuator 105 on the side on which the lever 120 is tilted presses the side 107Ca of the gear tooth 107C (an example of a "second gear tooth") on the side on which the lever 120 is tilted, of the three gear teeth 107C of the second slider 107, in the return direction, thereby sliding the second slider 107 in the return direction and returning the second slider 107 to its initial position.

[0047] For example, when the lever 120 returns from a tilted state in the positive direction of the Y-axis to a neutral state, the outer edge 105Ce of the leg 105Ca on the positive side of the Y-axis of the second actuator 105 presses the side 107Ca of the gear tooth 107C on the positive side of the Y-axis of the second slider 107 in the positive direction of the Y-axis, thereby sliding the second slider 107 in the positive direction of the Y-axis and returning the second slider 107 to its initial position.

[0048] Conversely, when the lever 120 returns from a tilted state in the negative Y-axis direction to the neutral state, the outer edge 105Ce of the leg 105Ca on the negative Y-axis side of the second actuator 105 presses the side 107Ca of the gear tooth 107C on the negative Y-axis side of the second slider 107 in the negative Y-axis direction, thereby sliding the second slider 107 in the negative Y-axis direction and returning the second slider 107 to its initial position.

[0049] Further, the pair of legs 105Ca of the second actuator 105 and the three gear teeth 107C of the second slider 107 constitute a so-called "rack and pinion mechanism." As a result, the multi-directional input device 100 according to one embodiment can convert the tilting motion of the lever 120 in the Y-axis direction into a sliding motion of the second slider 107 in the Y-axis direction, and at this time, the relationship between the tilting angle of the lever 120 in the Y-axis direction and the moving distance of the second slider 107 in the Y-axis direction can be made linear (directly proportional).

[0050] (Arrangement of magnetic sensors 131 and 132) FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the magnetic sensors 131 and 132 in the multi-directional input device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0051] 13, the first actuator 104 has a first rotation axis AX1 extending in the Y-axis direction, and rotates around the first rotation axis AX1 as the lever 120 tilts in the X-axis direction. The second actuator 105 has a second rotation axis AX2 extending in the X-axis direction and perpendicular to the first rotation axis AX1, and rotates around the second rotation axis AX2 as the lever 120 tilts in the Y-axis direction.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 6, the first magnet MG1 is fitted into the opening 106A on the X-axis positive side of the first slider 106. As a result, the first magnet MG1 is held by the first slider 106 at a position shifted to the X-axis positive side from the first rotation axis AX1 as shown in FIG. 13. Accordingly, the first magnetic sensor 131 is disposed on the upper surface of the bottom substrate 130 at a position shifted to the X-axis positive side from the first rotation axis AX1 of the first actuator 104. That is, the first magnetic sensor 131 and the first magnet MG1 are disposed opposite each other at a position shifted to the X-axis positive side from the first rotation axis AX1, and are disposed at a position where the distance from the second magnet MG2 to the first magnetic sensor 131 is larger.

[0053] 6, the second magnet MG2 is fitted into the opening 107B on the Y-axis negative side of the second slider 107. As a result, the second magnet MG2 is held by the second slider 107 at a position shifted to the Y-axis negative side from the second rotation axis AX2 as shown in FIG. 13. Accordingly, the second magnetic sensor 132 is disposed on the upper surface of the bottom substrate 130 at a position shifted to the Y-axis negative side from the second rotation axis AX2 of the second actuator 105. That is, the second magnetic sensor 132 and the second magnet MG2 are disposed opposite each other at a position shifted to the Y-axis negative side from the second rotation axis AX2, and are disposed at a position where the distance from the first magnet MG1 to the second magnetic sensor 132 is larger.

[0054] Therefore, in one embodiment of the multi-directional input device 100, the distance between the first magnetic sensor 131 and the first magnet MG1 and the second magnetic sensor 132 and the second magnet MG2 is larger than in a configuration in which the first magnetic sensor 131 and the first magnet MG1 are arranged on the rotation axis AX1 and the second magnetic sensor 132 and the second magnet MG2 are arranged on the rotation axis AX2.

[0055] As a result, in the multi-directional input device 100 according to the embodiment, the influence of the second magnet MG2 on the first magnetic sensor 131 and the influence of the first magnet MG1 on the second magnetic sensor 132 are suppressed.

[0056] (Arrangement of the first slider 106) 14 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the first slider 106 in the multi-directional input device 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the first slider 106 is arranged between the frame 140 provided on the upper side and the case 110 provided on the lower side so as to be slidable in the X-axis direction. The first slider 106 has a slight gap with respect to each of the frame 140 and the case 110, so that the upper and lower surfaces of the first slider 106 do not directly abut against each of the frame 140 and the case 110. As a result, the multi-directional input device 100 according to one embodiment can suppress the sliding resistance associated with the sliding of the first slider 106. Also, as shown in FIG. 14, the first slider 106 has a pair of protrusions 106D on the upper surface that are spaced apart from the frame 140 by a small gap, and a pair of protrusions 106E on the lower surface that partially abut against the case 110, thereby suppressing rattling between the frame 140 and the case 110.

[0057] (Arrangement of the second slider 107) 15 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the second slider 107 in the multi-directional input device 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the second slider 107 is arranged between the frame 140 provided on the upper side and the case 110 provided on the lower side so as to be slidable in the Y-axis direction. The second slider 107 has a slight gap with respect to each of the frame 140 and the case 110, so that the upper and lower surfaces of the second slider 107 do not directly contact each of the frame 140 and the case 110. As a result, the multi-directional input device 100 according to an embodiment can suppress the sliding resistance associated with the sliding of the second slider 107. Also, as shown in FIG. 15, the second slider 107 has a pair of protrusions 107D on the upper surface that are spaced apart from the frame 140 by a small gap, and a pair of protrusions 107E on the lower surface that partially abut against the case 110, thereby suppressing rattling between the frame 140 and the case 110.

[0058] 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.

[0059] For example, in one embodiment, the "detectable medium" is, but is not limited to, magnetic. For example, the "detectable medium" may be a medium, element, signal, energy, force, or wave that can be transmitted or received, such as light or sound.

[0060] This international application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-179502, filed on November 2, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 100 Multi-directional input device 101 Holder 101A Support groove 102 Frames 102A Top 102B opening 102C Support groove 102D Cutout 102E First wall 102F 2nd wall 103 Actuator 103A Shaft 103B Bottom plate part 104 First actuator (first interlocking member) 104A opening 104B Rotating shaft 104C Engagement part 104Ca Legs 104Cb Groove 104Cd Inner edge (pressure part) 104Ce Outer edge 104D support hole 105 Second actuator (second interlocking member) 105A opening 105B Rotating shaft 105C Engagement part 105Ca Legs 105Cb Groove 105Cd Inner edge (pressure part) 105Ce outer edge 106 First Slider 106A,106B opening 106C Gear teeth (1st gear teeth, 2nd gear teeth) 106Ca Side (pressed part, second pressed part) 106D, 106E Protrusion 107 Second Slider 107A,107B opening 107C Gear teeth (1st gear teeth, 2nd gear teeth) 107Ca Side (pressed part, second pressed part) 107D,107E protrusion 108 Spring 109 Switch 110 cases 111A Part 1 111B 2nd part 111C Support wall 120 Lever (operating member) 120A shaft 120B base 120C convex part 130 Bottom board 130A opening 131 First magnetic sensor (first detection unit) 132 second magnetic sensor (second detection unit) 133 Metal terminal 140 frames 141 Hook part AX center axis AX1 First rotating shaft AX2 Second rotating axis MG1 First magnet (first generating member) MG2 Second magnet (second generating member)

Claims

1. An operating member that can be tilted; a first interlocking member having a first rotation shaft and rotating about an axis of the first rotation shaft in association with a tilting operation of the operating member; a second interlocking member having a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis and rotating about the axis of the second rotation axis in conjunction with the tilting operation of the operating member; a first slider that moves in a first horizontal direction in response to rotation of the first interlocking member; a second slider that moves in a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction by rotation of the second interlocking member; a first magnet held by the first slider and emitting a first magnetic field; a second magnet held by the second slider and emitting a second magnetic field; a first magnetic sensor that detects the first magnetism generated by the first magnet to detect the amount of movement of the first magnet; a second magnetic sensor that detects the amount of movement of the second magnet by detecting the second magnetism generated by the second magnet; Equipped with In a plan view, one of the first magnet and the second magnet is disposed at a position farther away from the other magnet than a rotation axis about which the first magnet rotates when the second magnet moves. A multi-directional input device comprising:

2. In a plan view, the first magnet and the second magnet are both disposed at positions farther away from the other magnet than a rotation axis about which the first magnet rotates when the second magnet moves. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1 .

3. the first slider has an opening through which the first magnet can be placed from the inside, the second slider has an opening through which the second magnet can be placed from the inside, The multi-directional input device is a first wall portion that covers an outer side of the first slider and is capable of attracting the first magnet held by the first slider; a second wall portion that covers an outer side of the second slider and is capable of attracting the second magnet held by the second slider; 3. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The first interlocking member is When the first interlocking member rotates in conjunction with the tilting operation of the operating member, a circular arc-shaped pressing portion of the first interlocking member presses a circular arc-shaped pressed portion of the first slider, thereby moving the first slider in the first horizontal direction; The second interlocking member is When the second interlocking member rotates in conjunction with the tilting operation of the operating member, the second interlocking member has an arc-shaped pressing portion that presses an arc-shaped pressed portion of the second slider, thereby moving the second slider in the second horizontal direction. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1 .

5. The pressing portion and the pressed portion have an arc shape along a cycloid curve.

5. The multi-directional input device according to claim 4.

6. The first interlocking member and the second interlocking member are The pressing portion has a pair of legs, and an inner edge of each of the pair of legs is the pressing portion, The first slider and the second slider include A first gear tooth is disposed between the pair of legs, and a side surface of the first gear tooth is the pressed portion.

6. The multi-directional input device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The first interlocking member and the second interlocking member are The outer edge of each of the pair of legs is flat. The multi-directional input device according to claim 6 .

8. The first slider and the second slider include a pair of second gear teeth disposed on both outer sides of the pair of legs; The first interlocking member is when the operating member returns from a tilted state to a neutral state, the outer edge of the leg of the pair of legs of the first interlocking member on the side to which the operating member is tilted presses a side surface of the second gear tooth of the first slider in a return direction, thereby moving the first slider in the return direction; The second interlocking member is When the operating member returns from a tilted state to a neutral state, the outer edge of the leg on the side where the operating member is tilted, of the pair of legs of the second interlocking member, presses a side surface of the second gear teeth of the second slider in a return direction, thereby moving the second slider in the return direction. The multi-directional input device according to claim 7 .

9. The first magnetic sensor and the second magnetic sensor are Placed on the same bottom board The multi-directional input device according to claim 1 .

10. The first slider and the second slider have the same shape. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1 .

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