Composite input device

Abstract

To realize a compound type input device having a small mounting area.SOLUTION: A compound type input device comprises: a first detection part that detects a rotational operation; a second detection part that detects an inclination operation; and a substrate provided vertically to a rotational center shaft of the rotational operation. In a plan view of it from a direction vertical to the substrate, the first detection part is arranged in the side inner from a virtual circle passing through an outer edge part positioned at a position farthest from a center of the second detection part while setting an intersection of the rotational center shaft of the rotational operation and the substrate as a center.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composite input device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a composite operation type electrical component including a knob that receives inputs of tilting operation, rotation operation, and pressing operation.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the members for detecting rotational input (annular rotating body and sensor for detecting rotational motion) are provided outside the member (outer shaft) that tilts together with the knob, the composite operation type electrical component of Patent Document 1 has a large mounting area.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The composite input device according to one embodiment includes a first detection unit that detects a rotation operation, a second detection unit that detects a tilting operation, and a substrate provided perpendicular to the rotation center axis of the rotation operation, and when viewed in plan from a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the first detection unit is centered on the intersection of the rotation center axis of the rotation operation and the substrate and is disposed inside a virtual circle passing through the outer edge portion located farthest from the center of the second detection unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to one embodiment, a composite input device with a small mounting area can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0009] (Outline of the composite input device 100) FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. In the following description, for convenience, the X-axis direction is the front-rear direction, the Y-axis direction is the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction. However, the positive direction of the X-axis is the front direction, the positive direction of the Y-axis is the right direction, and the positive direction of the Z-axis is the up direction.

[0010] The composite input device 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be used, for example, as a composite input device for operating an in-vehicle device (e.g., an electric power seat) installed in a vehicle such as an automobile. As shown in FIG. 1, the composite input device 100 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 108 and a knob 102 provided to protrude upward from the upper surface of the housing 108. The operator can perform operations of pressing, tilting, and rotating the knob 102 with respect to the composite input device 100. When released from the operating force from the operator, the knob 102 of the composite input device 100 returns to the neutral position shown in FIG. 1.

[0011] The operator can perform an operation of pressing and sliding the first operation portion 102A of the knob 102 in the pressing direction D1 (downward (negative Z-axis direction)) along the rotation center axis AX with respect to the composite input device 100.

[0012] In addition, the operator can perform operations of tilting the knob 102 of the composite input device 100 in each of the tilting directions D2 (forward (positive X-axis direction)), D3 (backward (negative X-axis direction)), and D4 (rightward (positive Y-axis direction)) orthogonal to the rotation center axis AX. Also, the operator can perform an operation of tilting the knob 102 in the tilting direction D5 (leftward (negative Y-axis direction)).

[0013] In addition, the operator can perform an operation of rotating the second operation portion 102C of the knob 102 with respect to the composite input device 100 in each of a rotation direction D6 (clockwise direction) and a rotation direction D7 (counterclockwise direction) about the rotation center axis AX. The operation of rotating the knob 102 in the rotation direction D6 is performed within a stroke range in which the angle of the second operation portion 102C transitions clockwise by a predetermined angle (θ) with respect to the neutral position shown in FIG. 1. Further, the operation of rotating the knob 102 in the rotation direction D7 is performed within a stroke range in which the angle of the second operation portion 102C transitions counterclockwise by a predetermined angle (-θ) with respect to the neutral position. In the present embodiment, the predetermined angle (θ) is 20°.

[0014] (Configuration of the composite input device 100) FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a composite input device 100 (in a state where the housing 108 is not shown) according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 13(a) is a perspective view of a knob 102 included in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 13(b) is an exploded view of a knob 102 included in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a knob 102 included in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a housing 108 included in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 20 is a bottom view of a housing 108 included in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 21 is a side view of a housing 108 included in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment, cut along the cutting line E-E shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 22(a) is a perspective view of a holder 106 included in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 22(b) is a perspective view of a configuration in which the knob 102, the holder 106, and the torsion spring 107 included in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment are assembled. FIG. 22(c) is a side view of a holder 106 included in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 22(d) is a cross-sectional view of a holder 106 included in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment, cut along the cutting line F-F shown in FIG. 22(c).

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the composite input device 100 includes a knob 102, a cover 109, a housing 108, a light guide 103, a holder 106, a torsion spring 107, an actuator 110, a substrate 130, and a cover 104.

[0016] The knob 102 is a member made of synthetic resin that receives an operation from an operator. As shown in FIGS. 13(a), 13(b), and 14, the knob 102 has a first operation portion 102A, a shaft portion 102B, and a second operation portion 102C. The first operation portion 102A and the shaft portion 102B are integrally formed. The first operation portion 102A and the second operation portion 102C are formed separately and are connected so as to be slidable relative to each other in the vertical direction and rotatable about the rotation center axis AX.

[0017] The first operation portion 102A is a portion that receives an operation force of a pressing operation in the pressing direction D1 (downward) from the operator, and has a planar shape and a circular shape in a plan view from the positive Z-axis direction. Further, the first operation portion 102A is a portion that is illuminated and displayed by light from an LED 134, which will be described in detail later.

[0018] The shaft portion 102B is a portion extending downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) from the center of the first operation portion 102A. The shaft portion 102B is inserted into a support shaft 111 of the actuator 110 and is a portion that guides the vertical sliding of the first operation portion 102A and the shaft portion 102B. The shaft portion 102B has a slide guide 102Ba, which will be described in detail later. The slide guide 102Ba of the knob 102 is provided in contact with a slide guide 111A of the actuator 110, which will be described in detail later. When the slide guide 102Ba of the knob 102 and the slide guide 111A of the actuator 110 slide, the shaft portion 102B is supported by the actuator 110 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The lower tip portion 102Bc (an example of a "tip portion") of the shaft portion 102B is provided above a protrusion 131A of the pressing detection switch 131, and when a pressing operation of the knob 102 is performed, it comes into contact with the protrusion 131A of the pressing detection switch 131 and presses the protrusion 131A.

[0019] Further, the first operation portion 102A of the knob 102 and the shaft portion 102B are formed of a synthetic resin material having translucency. The shaft portion 102B has a functionality as a light guide. When light is incident from an incident surface 102Bd (see FIGS. 5 and 13(a)) formed at the lower end portion of the knob 102, the knob 102 can guide the light to the upper end surface of the knob 102 (i.e., the first operation portion 102A).

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b), the shaft portion 102B of the knob 102 has a light diffusion portion 102Be provided at a position where it is connected to the first operation portion 102A. In the present embodiment, the area of the first operation portion 102A as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 130 is larger than the area of the shaft portion 102B. However, due to the presence of the light diffusion portion 102Be between the first operation portion 102A and the shaft portion 102B, the light guided through the shaft portion 102B is diffused by the light diffusion portion 102Be and then guided to the first operation portion 102A. Therefore, the light incident from the incident surface 102Bd of the shaft portion 102B irradiates and displays the entire first operation portion 102A evenly. The shape and the operation and effect of the light diffusion portion 102Be of the knob 102 will be described later.

[0021] A display marker (not shown) for making it easier for the operator to recognize the tilt directions D2 to D5 or the rotation directions D6 and D7 may be displayed on the first operation portion 102A of the knob 102. The display marker can be formed by a method such as printing or engraving. In the present embodiment, the first operation portion 102A and the shaft portion 102B are integrally formed, but they may be formed separately and then joined. When formed separately, for example, it becomes easier to decorate the first operation portion 102A.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 13(b), the second operation part 102C of the knob 102 has a gripping part 102Ca and a holder connection part 102Cb fixedly connected to the gripping part 102Ca. The second operation part 102C is a member that receives the operating force of the tilting operation in the tilting directions D2 to D5 and the rotating operation in the rotating directions D6 and D7 from the operator. The gripping part 102Ca is an annular part surrounding the periphery of the first operation part 102A, and is the part gripped by the operator when the tilting operation and the rotating operation are performed. The holder connection part 102Cb is a part that is locked to the connection part 106Ba provided on the first cylindrical part 106B of the holder 106 shown in Fig. 11(a). In the present embodiment, the gripping part 102Ca and the holder connection part 102Cb are formed separately and then assembled, but they may be integrally formed.

[0023] When the operator applies an operating force in the pressing direction D1 (downward) to the first operation part 102A, the first operation part 102A and the shaft part 102B slide downward integrally. At this time, the second operation part 102C does not slide downward. Specifically described, the first operation part 102A and the second operation part 102C are fitted so as to be slidable relative to each other in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the holder connection part 102Cb of the second operation part 102C is connected to the holder 106. The holder 106 rotates around the rotation center axis AX and has a configuration that makes it difficult to slide in the vertical direction. Therefore, the second operation part 102C connected to the holder 106 rotates together with the holder 106, but it becomes difficult to slide in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the operator applies an operating force in the pressing direction D1 (downward) to the first operation part 102A, the first operation part 102A slides in the pressing direction D1 (downward), but the second operation part 102C does not slide downward.

[0024] When the operator applies an operating force in any one of the tilting directions D2 to D5 to the second operation part 102C, the first operation part 102A and the second operation part 102C tilt integrally.

[0025] When the operator applies an operating force to the second operation unit 102C in either the rotational direction D6 or D7, the second operation unit 102C rotates. Also, the operating force is transmitted to the holder 106 connected to the holder connection portion 102Cb, and the holder 106 rotates. At this time, although the second operation unit 102C rotates, the rotation of the first operation unit 102A is restricted by the slide guide 102Ba that is in contact with the slide guide 111A of the actuator 110, so the first operation unit 102A does not rotate.

[0026] Part or all of the surface of the second operation unit 102C may be subjected to surface treatment or the like to enhance the decorativeness. The second operation unit 102C may have a configuration that is detachable from the first operation unit 102A. That is, the composite input device 100 may have a configuration that allows the user to select and replace one second operation unit 102C from among a plurality of second operation units 102C with different decorative designs.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 19 to 21, the housing 108 is a container-shaped member having a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape and a hollow structure. The housing 108 is a member made of synthetic resin. Inside the housing 108, the shaft portion 102B of the knob 102, the light guide 103, the holder 106, the torsion spring 107, the actuator 110, and the substrate 130 are accommodated. At the center of the upper surface 108A of the housing 108, a pedestal portion 108B having a certain height is formed. In the pedestal portion 108B, a circular opening 108C centered on the rotation center axis AX is formed in plan view. The support shaft 111 of the knob 102 and the first cylindrical portion 106B of the holder 106 are inserted through the opening 108C of the housing 108. An annular cover 109 that covers the upper surface and the outer peripheral surface of the pedestal portion 108B is attached to the pedestal portion 108B. A circular opening 109A centered on the rotation center axis AX is formed in the cover 109 in plan view. The cover 109 is a member including a molded body made of a white synthetic resin having translucency. The upper surface and the side surface of the molded body of the cover 109 are covered with a coating film. Further, the cover 109 has an illumination display portion (not shown) formed by removing a part of the coating film using laser processing. The illumination display portion has an arrow shape suggesting the tilting directions D2 to D5 shown in FIG. 1. Incidentally, the illumination display portion may have a shape suggesting the rotation directions D6 and D7. The housing 108 is provided in contact with the first wall portion 110B of the actuator 110 and has a support surface 114 that rotatably supports the actuator 110. The support surface 114 has a concave spherical shape. The housing 108 is provided in contact with a guide surface 108Ea that is in contact with a pressing portion 113 of the actuator 110, which will be described in detail later, and a guide wall portion 108E including the guide surface 108Ea.

[0028] The light guide 103 is a member made of a synthetic resin having translucency. The light guide 103 is disposed above the substrate 130. The light guide 103 guides the light emitted from each of the four LEDs 135-1 to 135-4 provided on the upper surface 130A of the substrate 130, and emits light from the back side of the cover 109 toward the illumination display portion, thereby lighting the illumination display portion of the cover 109. The light guide 103 has an annular main body portion 103A disposed below the pedestal portion 108B and four leg portions 103B. The four leg portions 103B are provided at 90° intervals with respect to the main body portion 103A. The four leg portions 103B are provided so as to extend downward from the main body portion 103A. The lower surface of each of the four leg portions 103B faces each of the four LEDs 135-1 to 135-4, and serves as an incident surface for receiving light from each of the four LEDs 135-1 to 135-4.

[0029] The holder 106 is a member that supports the second operation portion 102C of the knob 102. The holder 106 is a member that transmits the operating force of the rotational operation. The holder 106 is a member made of a synthetic resin. As shown in FIG. 11(a), the holder 106 generally has a cylindrical shape. Specifically, the rotation support portion 112 of the actuator 110 is fitted into the rotation supported portion 106D formed in the second cylindrical portion 106C, which will be described in detail later, so that the holder 106 is rotatably supported by the actuator 110. Further, specifically, the holder 106 is supported by the actuator 110 when the protrusion 106F, which will be described in detail later, abuts against the base portion 110D of the actuator 110. The support shaft 111 of the actuator 110 is inserted inside the first cylindrical portion 106B of the holder 106, and the first cylindrical portion 106B and the support shaft 111 are in contact with each other. Thus, the rotation of the holder 106 is guided by the support shaft 111 of the actuator 110. Since the connection portion 106Ba provided on the first cylindrical portion 106B of the holder 106 is locked to the second operation portion 102C of the knob 102, when the operator performs a rotational operation on the knob 102, the holder 106 rotates together with the second operation portion 102C of the knob 102.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 22(b), the torsion spring 107 has a main body portion 107A and an extension portion 107B1 extending in the normal direction of a circle centered on the rotation center axis AX from one end side of the main body portion 107A. The torsion spring 107 also has an extension portion 107B2 extending in the normal direction of a circle centered on the rotation center axis AX from the other end side of the main body portion 107A, and an engaging portion 107C provided at the tip side of the extension portions 107B1 and 107B2. The main body portion 107A of the torsion spring 107 is a coiled portion and is arranged around the protrusion 106F of the holder 106 with the protrusion 106F as the axis. The extension portion 107B1 of the torsion spring 107 is provided in contact with the arm 106A1 of the holder 106. The extension portion 107B2 of the torsion spring 107 is provided in contact with the arm 106A2 of the holder 106. The two engaging portions 107C of the torsion spring 107 are inserted into and locked to the opening 110G of the actuator 110 shown in Figs. 17 and 18. When the operator performs a rotational operation on the knob 102 in the rotational direction D6, the operating force is transmitted to the holder 106 via the holder connection portion 102Cb of the knob 102, and the holder 106 rotates clockwise. When the holder 106 rotates clockwise, the arm 106A1 of the holder 106 presses the extension portion 107B1 of the torsion spring 107 to elastically deform the main body portion 107A of the torsion spring 107. When released from the operating force of the rotational operation in the rotational direction D6, the extension portion 107B1 of the torsion spring 107 presses the arm 106A1 of the holder 106 in the direction in which the holder 106 returns to the neutral position by the restoring force from the main body portion 107A of the torsion spring 107. When the restoring force is transmitted from the extension portion 107B1 of the torsion spring 107, the holder 106 rotates counterclockwise and returns to the neutral position. When the operator performs a rotational operation on the knob 102 in the rotational direction D7, the operating force is transmitted to the holder 106 via the holder connection portion 102Cb of the knob 102, and the holder 106 rotates counterclockwise. When the holder 106 rotates counterclockwise, the arm 106A2 of the holder 106 presses the extension portion 107B2 of the torsion spring 107 to elastically deform the main body portion 107A of the torsion spring 107.When released from the operating force of the rotation operation in the rotation direction D7, the extension part 107B2 of the torsion spring 107 presses the arm 106A2 of the holder 106 in the direction in which the holder 106 returns to the neutral position by the restoring force from the main body part 107A of the torsion spring 107.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the actuator 110 has an annular base part 110D and a support shaft 111 that extends upward from the center of the base part 110D and has a substantially cylindrical shape. The support shaft 111 is disposed through the shaft part 102B of the knob 102 and is a part that slidably holds the shaft part 102B of the knob 102 in the vertical direction.

[0032] The actuator 110 has a first wall part 110B that extends upward from the outer edge part of the base part 110D. The first wall part 110B has a shape in which a part is cut off from a spherical shape. The first wall part 110B of the actuator 110 is disposed in contact with the support surface 114 of the housing 108. Thereby, the actuator 110 is guided to be rotatable about the center of the spherical shape. Thereby, when the operator performs a tilting operation on the knob 102, the actuator 110 rotates about the center of the spherical shape.

[0033] The actuator 110 has a second wall part 110C that extends upward from the upper end part of the first wall part 110B. The second wall part 110C has a substantially cylindrical shape. The second wall part 110C of the actuator 110 is a part through which the holder 106 is inserted and is a part disposed opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical part 106C of the holder 106. The actuator 110 has a rotation support part 112 that protrudes from the second wall part 110C toward the second cylindrical part 106C of the holder 106. The actuator 110 rotatably supports the holder 106 by fitting the rotation support part 112 to the rotation supported part 106D of the holder 106. The actuator 110 is a member made of resin.

[0034] Further, the actuator 110 has four pressing portions 113 that protrude from the first wall portion 110B in four directions of front, rear, left, and right. The pressing portions 113 of the actuator 110 are portions that press the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 when the knob 102 tilts in the tilt directions D2 to D5 and the actuator 110 rotates about the center of the spherical shape formed by the first wall portion 110B. Further, the pressing portions 113 of the actuator 110 are in the shape of a stopper that restricts the actuator 110 from rotating in the rotation directions D6 and D7 by contacting the guide surface 108Ea of the housing 108. The four pressing portions 113 of the actuator 110 are provided above the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4. The four pressing portions 113 and the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 are provided in contact with each other. The tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 in contact with the pressing portions 113 press the actuator 110 upward. As a result, the pressed actuator 110 biases the first wall portion 110B against the support surface 114 of the housing 108. As shown in FIG. 20(b), the pressing portions 113 of the actuator 110 are provided in contact with the guide wall portion 108E of the housing 108. As shown in FIG. 20(a), the housing 108 has four sets of two opposing guide surfaces 108Ea, and the pressing portions 113 of the actuator 110 are arranged between the two opposing guide surfaces 108Ea and are provided in contact with the guide surfaces 108Ea. Therefore, when an operating force in a direction to rotate the actuator 110 in the rotation directions D6 and D7 is transmitted to the actuator 110 by the operator applying an operating force to the knob 102, the actuator 110 does not rotate in the rotation directions D6 and D7. When the operator applies an operating force for a tilting operation to the knob 102, the actuator 110 rotates about the center of the spherical shape formed by the first wall portion 110B. Then, the pressing portions 113 of the actuator 110 press any one of the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4. The detailed configuration of the actuator 110 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.

[0035] The substrate 130 is a flat member. The substrate 130 is preferably made of a hard synthetic resin, and preferably an epoxy substrate. The substrate 130 has a rectangular shape in a plan view when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 130. The substrate 130 is disposed inside the housing 108 in a posture perpendicular to the rotation center axis AX. A cover 104 is disposed below the substrate 130, and the substrate 130 is fixed to the cover 104 by an arbitrary fixing method (for example, snap fit engagement, screwing, etc.). A wiring circuit made of a conductive material is provided on the substrate 130. Through holes (133-1, 133-2) are provided in the substrate 130. The through holes (133-1, 133-2) have an arc shape formed along a circumference centered at the intersection with the rotation center axis AX when viewed in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 130. As shown in FIG. 8, when viewed in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 130, the through holes (133-1, 133-2) of the substrate 130 are centered at the intersection of the rotation center axis AX and the substrate 130, and are disposed inside a circle C passing through the outermost edge portions (132-1A, 132-2A, 132-3A, 132-4A) that are farthest from the center among the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4. The circle C is an example of a "virtual circle". Also, when viewed in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 130, the through holes (133-1, 133-2) of the substrate 130 are formed in a region B between the tilt detection switches (132-1 to 132-4) and the pressure detection switch 131.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, on the upper surface 130A (an example of "one side surface") of the substrate 130, a pressure detection switch 131, tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4, an LED 134, and LEDs 135-1 to 135-4 are mounted. The pressure detection switch 131 is disposed at the center (on the rotation center axis AX) of the upper surface 130A of the substrate 130. The pressure detection switch 131 is provided with a protrusion 131A protruding upward (in the positive Z-axis direction). The pressure detection switch 131 switches to an on state when the upper surface of the protrusion 131A is pressed.

[0037] The tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 are an example of the "second detection unit". The tilt detection switch 132-1 is arranged on the front side (positive X-axis side) of the pressure detection switch 131. The tilt detection switch 132-2 is arranged on the rear side (negative X-axis side) of the pressure detection switch 131. The tilt detection switch 132-3 is arranged on the right side (positive Y-axis side) of the pressure detection switch 131. The tilt detection switch 132-4 is arranged on the left side (negative Y-axis side) of the pressure detection switch 131. Each of the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 is provided with a protrusion 132A protruding upward (positive Z-axis direction). Each of the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 switches to the ON state when the upper surface of the protrusion 132A is pressed.

[0038] The cover 104 is a flat member made of synthetic resin that closes the lower opening 108D of the housing 108. The cover 104 is fixed to the housing 108 in a state where the lower opening 108D of the housing 108 is closed by any fixing method (for example, snap fit engagement, screwing, etc.).

[0039] (Configuration of the pressure detection mechanism) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a pressure detection mechanism included in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 15(a) is a diagram for explaining an assembly process of assembling the knob 102, the holder 106, and the actuator 110 included in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 15(b) is an upper perspective view of a configuration in which the knob 102, the holder 106, and the actuator 110 included in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment are assembled. FIG. 15(c) is a lower perspective view of a configuration in which the knob 102, the holder 106, and the actuator 110 included in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment are assembled.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, the lower tip portion 102Bc of the shaft portion 102B of the knob 102 is in contact with the protrusion 131A of the pressing detection switch 131 provided on the upper surface 130A of the substrate 130. The shaft portion 102B of the knob 102 is inserted into the support shaft 111 of the actuator 110 shown in FIG. 11(a). Thus, the knob 102 is held slidably in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). As shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 14, the shaft portion 102B of the knob 102 has an outer shape with a cylindrical shape centered on the rotation center axis AX. Further, a groove is formed in the shaft portion 102B of the knob 102, which is constituted by a surface (slide guide 102Ba) that extends vertically along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 102B and intersects a circle centered on the rotation center axis AX. The slide guide 102Ba of the knob 102 is provided in contact with the slide guide 111A protruding from the support shaft 111 of the actuator 110 shown in FIG. 11(a) toward the rotation center axis AX. The slide guide 111A of the actuator 110 and the slide guide 102Ba of the knob 102 are shaped to guide the first operation portion 102A of the knob 102 and the vertical slide of the shaft portion 102B by sliding. The slide guide 102Ba of the knob 102 is shaped to restrict the rotation of the knob 102. Since the slide guide 102Ba of the knob 102 is arranged in a direction intersecting a circle centered on the rotation center axis AX, when the shaft portion 102B of the knob 102 attempts to rotate in the rotation direction D6 or the rotation direction D7, it interferes with the slide guide 111A of the actuator 110. As shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 14, the knob 102 has a contact portion 102Bb protruding from the shaft portion 102B in a direction away from the rotation center axis AX in the XY plane direction in the figure. The contact portion 102Bb and the contact portion 111B protruding from the actuator 110 shown in FIG. 11 are in a stopper shape that defines the limit position on the upper end side of the stroke of the vertical slide of the knob 102 by coming into contact. When no pressing operation force is applied to the first operation portion 102A by the operator, the knob 102 is pushed upward by the restoring force from the pressing detection switch 131, and the contact portion 102Bb is biased against the contact portion 111B of the actuator 110.As a result, the knob 102 is held by the pressure detection switch 131 and the actuator 110. Incidentally, it is preferable that the contact portion 102Bb of the knob 102 and the contact portion 111B of the actuator 110 have a snap-in shape. When the contact portion 102Bb and the contact portion 111B have a snap-in shape, the knob 102 can be assembled according to the modes shown in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b), so that the process of assembling the knob 102 is facilitated. At this time, after the knob 102 is disposed above the structure in which the holder 106 and the actuator 110 are fitted, it slides downward and is combined with the structure. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15(c), the tip portion 102Bc of the knob 102 is inserted into the opening 110F provided at the center of the base portion 110D of the actuator 110.

[0041] When the operator is not pressing the knob 102, as shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 131A of the pressure detection switch 131 is in contact with the tip portion 102Bc of the knob 102. At this time, the protrusion 131A of the pressure detection switch 131 is in a state of being slightly pressed by the tip portion 102Bc of the knob 102. At this time, the protrusion 131A of the pressure detection switch 131 pushes up the tip portion 102Bc of the knob 102 by the restoring force of the elastic deformation portion (not shown) provided inside the pressure detection switch 131. At this time, the elastic deformation portion is slightly bent, but is not bent to the extent that the pressure detection switch 131 is turned on, and the pressure detection switch 131 is in an off state.

[0042] When the operator presses the knob 102 in the pressing direction D1 (downward), the knob 102 slides downward, and the tip portion 102Bc of the shaft portion 102B of the knob 102 presses the protrusion 131A of the pressure detection switch 131. As a result, the pressure detection switch 131 is turned on. When released from the operating force of the pressing operation, the knob 102 returns to the neutral position by the restoring force from the pressure detection switch 131.

[0043] Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a curved incident surface 102Bd is formed at the lower end of the shaft portion 102B of the knob 102 (the portion on the negative X-axis side) by cutting a part of the lower end. The incident surface 102Bd is disposed above an LED 134 provided on the upper surface 130A of the substrate 130 (at a position on the negative X-axis side of the pressure detection switch 131). The LED 134 is disposed at a position where the light emitted from the LED 134 is incident from the incident surface 102Bd of the knob 102.

[0044] Incidentally, the knob 102 is an example of the "third member". Further, the pressure detection switch 131 is an example of the "third contact". When viewed in plan from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 130, the pressure detection switch 131 is provided at a position overlapping the intersection where the rotation center axis AX intersects the substrate 130. Further, the configuration related to pressure detection including the knob 102 and the pressure detection switch 131 is an example of the "third detection unit". The composite input device 100 according to an embodiment includes the "third detection unit", so that when the operator performs a pressing operation on the knob 102, it is possible to detect that the operation has been performed.

[0045] (Configuration of the rotation detection mechanism) FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams showing the configuration of a rotation detection mechanism provided in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 shows the rotation detection mechanism as viewed from the upper surface 130A side of the substrate 130. FIG. 7 shows the rotation detection mechanism as viewed from the lower surface 130B side of the substrate 130. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a holder 106 provided in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 17 is a top view of a holder 106 provided in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a holder 106 provided in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a housing 108 provided in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 20(a) is a bottom view of a housing 108 provided in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 20(b) is a bottom view of a configuration in which the knob 102, the light guide 103, the holder 106, the torsion spring 107, the housing 108, and the actuator 110 provided in the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment are assembled.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the holder 106 is connected to the knob 102 and is a member that rotates together with the knob 102 as the knob 102 is rotationally operated. As shown in FIGS. 15(a) to 15(c), the holder 106 is disposed between the knob 102 and the actuator 110. The holder 106 is supported by the actuator 110 in that a rotationally supported portion 106D, which will be described in detail later, is supported by the rotation support portion 112 of the actuator 110.

[0047] Also, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the holder 106 has two arms 106A1 and 106A2 extending downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) from a base portion 106E, which will be described in detail later. The arms 106A1 and 106A2 are integrally formed with the holder 106. When the holder 106 rotates, the arms 106A1 and 106A2 rotate integrally with the holder 106 about the axis of the rotation center axis AX. The arms 106A1 and 106A2 are an example of an "insertion portion". As shown in FIG. 15(c), the arms 106A1 and 106A2 are inserted into the opening 110E of the actuator 110.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the substrate 130 has through holes 133-1 and 133-2 having an arc shape along a circumference centered on the intersection of the rotation center axis AX and the substrate 130. The arm 106A1 of the holder 106 is inserted into the through hole 133-1. When the holder 106 rotates about the rotation center axis AX, the arm 106A1 of the holder 106 is movable in the circumferential direction within the through hole 133-1. Also, the arm 106A2 of the holder 106 is inserted into the through hole 133-2. When the holder 106 rotates about the rotation center axis AX, the arm 106A2 of the holder 106 is movable in the circumferential direction within the through hole 133-2. As shown in FIG. 8, when viewed in plan from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 130, the rotation detection switches 137 and 138 are disposed inside a circle C centered on the intersection of the rotation center axis AX and the substrate 130 and passing through the outer edge portions of the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, two rotation detection switches 137 and 138 are provided on the lower surface 130B (an example of "the surface on the other side") of the substrate 130. The rotation detection switch 137 is disposed outside the through-hole 133-1 in the clockwise direction and has a protrusion 137A protruding toward the side surface of the tip of the arm 106A1. The rotation detection switch 138 is disposed outside the through-hole 133-2 in the counterclockwise direction and has a protrusion 138A protruding toward the side surface of the tip of the arm 106A2.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when no operating force for rotation operation is applied to the knob 102, the lower ends of the arm 106A1 and the arm 106A2 are located between the protrusion 137A of the rotation detection switch 137 and the protrusion 138A of the rotation detection switch 138. As a result, the rotation detection switches 137 and 138 are in an off state.

[0051] When a clockwise rotation operation of the knob 102 is performed, the knob 102, the holder 106, the arm 106A1, and the arm 106A2 rotate in the clockwise direction together. Thereby, the side surface of the tip of the arm 106A1 presses the protrusion 137A of the rotation detection switch 137 in the rotation direction. As a result, the rotation detection switch 137 is turned on.

[0052] On the other hand, when a counterclockwise rotation operation of the knob 102 is performed, the knob 102, the holder 106, the arm 106A1, and the arm 106A2 rotate in the counterclockwise direction together. Thereby, the side surface of the tip of the arm 106A2 presses the protrusion 138A of the rotation detection switch 138 in the rotation direction. As a result, the rotation detection switch 138 is turned on.

[0053] Still, the holder 106 is an example of the "first member". Also, the rotation detection switches 137 and 138 are examples of the "first contact points". Further, the holder 106 and the rotation detection switches 137 and 138 constitute the "first detection unit". The composite input device 100 according to one embodiment can detect the rotation operation by the knob 102 by including the "first detection unit". As shown in FIG. 10, when viewed in plan from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 130, the holder 106 and the rotation detection switches 137 and 138 are centered on the intersection of the rotation center axis AX and the substrate 130 and are arranged inside a circle C passing through the outer edge portions of the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4.

[0054] (Arrangement of Rotation Detection Switches 137 and 138) FIG. 8 is a plan view of a substrate 130 included in the composite input device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 8, in a plan view from above, the rotation detection switches 137 and 138 provided on the lower surface 130B of the substrate 130 are arranged inside the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 provided on the upper surface 130A of the substrate 130. Thereby, the composite input device 100 according to one embodiment can realize a composite input device with a small mounting area.

[0056] In particular, in the composite input device 100 according to one embodiment, the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 (second contact points) and the pressure detection switch 131 (third contact point) are provided on the lower surface 130B of the substrate 130, and the rotation detection switches 137 and 138 (first contact points) are provided on the lower surface 130B of the substrate 130. Thereby, the composite input device 100 according to one embodiment can arrange the rotation detection switches 137 and 138 so as to overlap the tilt detection switches 132-3 and 132-4 in a plan view from above as shown in FIG. 8, and thus can realize a composite input device with an even smaller mounting area.

[0057] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, in a plan view from above, the through holes 133-1 and 133-2 provided in the substrate 130 are arranged inside the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 provided on the upper surface 130A of the substrate 130. Thereby, the composite input device 100 according to one embodiment can realize a composite input device with a small mounting area.

[0058] (Configuration of Tilt Detection Mechanism) FIG. 9 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the tilt detection mechanism provided in the composite input device 100 according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the configuration of the tilt detection mechanism provided in the composite input device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0059] The "tilt detection mechanism" provided in the composite input device 100 is configured to include an actuator 110 and tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the actuator 110 generally has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) along the rotation center axis AX around the rotation center axis AX. As shown in FIG. 9, the second cylindrical portion 106C of the holder 106 is fitted into the actuator 110, so that the actuator 110 tilts in the tilt operation direction together with the knob 102 and the holder 106 as the knob 102 is tilted. Further, at the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the actuator 110, four pressing portions 113 arranged at 90° intervals are provided to protrude outward in the radial direction. The pressing portion 113 has a shape obtained by longitudinally dividing a cylinder into two parts by a plane, and the cut surface having a planar shape is arranged facing downward.

[0061] Also, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, each of the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 is arranged at a position facing the pressing surface 113A of each of the four pressing portions 113 of the actuator 110 on the upper surface 130A of the substrate 130.

[0062] (Operation of Tilt Detection Mechanism) As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the tilting operation by the knob 102 is not performed, the actuator 110, together with the knob 102 and the holder 106, is in a vertically standing state (i.e., a state without inclination with respect to the rotation center axis AX).

[0063] At this time, none of the protrusions 132A of the tilting detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 is pressed by the pressing portion 113 of the actuator 110. Therefore, each of the tilting detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 is in an off state.

[0064] When the tilting operation by the knob 102 is performed, the actuator 110, together with the knob 102 and the holder 106, is in a tilted state in the tilting operation direction (i.e., a state tilted with respect to the rotation center axis AX).

[0065] At this time, among the tilting detection switches 132-1 to 132-4, the protrusion 132A of one switch in the tilting operation direction is pressed by the pressing surface 113A of one pressing portion 113 in the tilting operation direction. As a result, one switch in the tilting operation direction becomes an on state.

[0066] Note that the actuator 110 is an example of the "second member". Also, the tilting detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 are examples of the "second contacts". Further, the actuator 110 and the tilting detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 constitute a "second detection unit". The composite input device 100 according to one embodiment can detect the tilting operation by the knob 102 by including the "second detection unit". When viewed in plan from a direction perpendicular to the substrate 130, the tilting detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 are arranged at 90° intervals along a circumference centered on the intersection where the rotation center axis AX intersects the substrate 130. The arrangement of the tilting detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 corresponds to the tilting directions D2 to D5 shown in FIG. 1.

[0067] (Fitting configuration between the holder 106 and the actuator 110) FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the fitting configuration of a holder 106 and an actuator 110 included in the composite input device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 11(a), 11(b), and 22(a), the holder 106 has a first cylindrical portion 106B, a second cylindrical portion 106C, a base portion 106E, and a protrusion 106F. The first cylindrical portion 106B has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) along the rotation center axis AX around the rotation center axis AX. The second cylindrical portion 106C is provided integrally with the lower end portion of the first cylindrical portion 106B and has a cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than the first cylindrical portion 106B centered on the rotation center axis AX. A rotation supported portion 106D is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 106C. The base portion 106E is a portion that connects the first cylindrical portion 106B and the second cylindrical portion 106C and is provided between the first cylindrical portion 106B and the second cylindrical portion 106C, and has a planar shape parallel to the XY plane direction. The protrusion 106F protrudes downward from the lower end of the first cylindrical portion 106B and is a portion that abuts against the base portion 110D of the actuator 110. Further, the protrusion 106F is a portion that serves as the winding core of the main body portion 107A of the torsion spring 107.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the actuator 110 has an annular base portion 110D provided parallel to the XY plane, a first wall portion 110B extending upward from the outer edge portion of the base portion 110D, and a second wall portion 110C extending upward from the upper end portion of the first wall portion 110B. Further, the actuator 110 has a support shaft 111 having a cylindrical shape centered on the rotation center axis AX and extending upward from the base portion 110D. The actuator 110 also has four pressing portions 113 protruding from the first wall portion 110B in the front, rear, left, and right directions. The pressing portions 113 of the actuator 110 are disposed above the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 and are provided in contact with the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4.

[0070] The first wall portion 110B of the actuator 110 has a shape formed by cutting out a part from a spherical shape, and is a portion provided in contact with the support surface 114 of the housing 108 shown in FIG. 12. Due to the restoring force of the tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4, the first wall portion 110B of the actuator 110 is biased against the support surface 114 of the housing 108. As a result, the actuator 110 rotates with respect to the housing 108 about the center of the spherical shape formed by the first wall portion 110B as the center, with the first wall portion 110B sliding on the support surface 114 of the housing 108.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the second wall portion 110C of the actuator 110 is an assembly formed by a plurality of plate-shaped bodies extending upward from the upper end portion of the first wall portion 110B. Each plate-shaped body constituting the second wall portion 110C is arranged along the outer circumference of a cylindrical shape having the rotation center AX as the central axis. When the plate-shaped bodies constituting the second wall portion 110C are connected, they have a cylindrical shape having the rotation center AX as the central axis. The actuator 110 has a rotation support portion 112 protruding from the second wall portion 110C toward the rotation central axis AX.

[0072] The actuator 110 has an opening 110A formed by the second wall portion 110C. A holder 106 supported by the second wall portion 110C of the actuator 110 is disposed within the opening 110A. The second wall portion 110C of the actuator 110 and the second cylindrical portion 106C of the holder 106 are disposed opposite to each other.

[0073] The support shaft 111 is a portion that inserts the shaft portion 102B of the knob 102 through the cylindrical shape formed by the support shaft 111 and supports the knob 102 so as to be slidable up and down. Further, the support shaft 111 is a portion inserted into the first cylindrical portion 106B of the holder 106, and by the outer peripheral surface contacting the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 106B of the holder 106, it serves as the rotation axis of the holder 106 and guides the rotation of the holder 106.

[0074] The base 110D of the actuator 110 is a part that connects the first wall portion 110B and the support shaft 111. Further, the base 110D of the actuator 110 is a part that contacts the protrusion 106F of the holder 106 shown in FIGS. 22(a) and 22(b) and supports the holder 106. An opening 110E through which the arms 106A1 and 106A2 of the holder 106 are inserted is provided in the base 110D of the actuator 110. The opening 110E has an arc shape centered on the rotation center axis AX. An opening 110F through which the tip 102Bc of the shaft portion 102B of the knob 102 is inserted is provided in the base 110D of the actuator 110. The opening 110F is provided at a position intersecting the rotation center axis AX of the base 110D of the actuator 110. Two openings 110G through which the engaging portion 107C of the torsion spring 107 is inserted and locked are provided in the base 110D of the actuator 110. The opening 110G has an arc shape centered on the rotation center axis AX. The radius of the arc formed by the opening 110G is larger than the radius of the arc formed by the opening 110F.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 19 to 20(b), the housing 108 has eight guide wall portions 108E. The guide surface 108Ea of the housing 108 is shaped to prevent the actuator 110 from rotating in the tilting directions D2 to D5 when the knob 102 tilts, and to restrict the actuator 110 from rotating in the rotation directions D6 and D7. The guide wall portion 108E of the housing 108 has a flat plate shape that is parallel to any one of the tilting directions D2 to D5 and extends in the vertical direction. Two guide wall portions 108E are provided for each of the tilting directions D2 to D5. The two guide wall portions 108E are arranged to face each other with the pressing portion 113 of the actuator 110 sandwiched therebetween. The guide wall portion 108E has a guide surface 108Ea that is provided in contact with the pressing portion 113 of the actuator 110. The housing 108 has a support surface 114 that is provided in contact with the first wall portion 110B of the actuator 110. The support surface 114 of the housing 108 has a concave shape corresponding to the first wall portion 110B.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 11(a), the holder 106 is arranged above the opening 110A of the actuator 110, and then, as shown in Fig. 11(b), it is fitted into the cylindrical shape formed by the second wall portion 110C of the actuator 110. At the same time, the support shaft 111 of the actuator 110 is inserted into the cylindrical shape formed by the first cylindrical portion 106B of the holder 106. Also at the same time, the arms 106A1 and 106A2 of the holder 106 are inserted into the opening 110E formed in the base portion 110D of the actuator 110. Also at the same time, the rotation support portion 112 of the actuator 110 and the rotation supported portion 106D of the holder 106 are fitted together. Also at the same time, the protrusion 106F of the holder 106 shown in Figs. 22(a) and 22(b) abuts against the base portion 110D of the actuator 110. Also, at this time, the torsion spring 107 is incorporated between the holder 106 and the actuator 110. In this way, the holder 106 and the actuator 110 are integrated by combining the parts that guide the rotation. As a result, the holder 106 is rotatably held by the actuator 110 in the circumferential direction about the rotation center axis AX.

[0077] The rotation support portion 112 of the actuator 110 is shaped to rotatably support the holder 106 and is shaped to lock the actuator 110 and the holder 106 when a tilting operation is performed on the knob 102. The rotation support portion 112 has a hemispherical shape obtained by cutting out a part from a spherical shape. The rotation support portion 112 of the actuator 110 is a portion that rotatably supports the holder 106. When viewed from above, the rotation support portions 112 of the actuator 110 are provided at intervals of 90° along the circumference formed by the second wall portion 110C. On the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 106C of the holder 106, a rotation-supported portion 106D is formed at a position facing each of the four rotation support portions 112. The rotation-supported portion 106D has a concave shape into which the rotation support portion 112 of the actuator 110 is fitted. The rotation-supported portion 106D of the holder 106 has a concave shape with a curved surface shape formed along the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 106C and is formed parallel to the XY plane direction along the circumference centered on the rotation center axis AX. The rotation-supported portion 106D of the holder 106 has a recessed arc shape when viewed from the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 106C. The rotation support portion 112 of the actuator 110 and the rotation-supported portion 106D of the holder 106 are guide shapes provided in contact with each other. The holder 106 is rotatably supported along the circumference centered on the rotation center axis AX by fitting the rotation-supported portion 106D into the rotation support portion 112 of the actuator 110. The holder 106 is prevented from falling out upward from the actuator 110 by fitting each of the four rotation support portions 112 into each of the four rotation-supported portions 106D. Therefore, when the operator performs a tilting operation on the knob 102, the holder 106 and the actuator 110 tilt integrally without being disassembled. In other words, the holder 106 and the actuator 110 are connected such that relative movement in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis AX is restricted and relative movement in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 106C of the holder 106 is possible.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the composite input device 100 includes a configuration in which the rotationally supported portion 106D is convex and the rotationally supported portion 106D is concave, but a configuration in which the rotationally supported portion 106D is concave and the rotationally supported portion 106D is convex may also be used.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 22(d), in a plan view from a direction parallel to the rotation center axis AX, the rotationally supported portion 106D of the holder 106 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 106C. The rotationally supported portion 106D of the holder 106 is formed along a circumference centered on the rotation center axis AX. Four rotationally supported portions 106D of the holder 106 are provided. This number is the same as the number of rotation support portions 112 of the actuator 110. One rotationally supported portion 106D is formed in an angular range of 50° along a circumference centered on the rotation center axis AX on the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 106C.

[0080] FIG. 23(a) is a cross-sectional view for explaining the arrangement of the holder 106 and the actuator 110 of the composite input device 100 according to one embodiment in the neutral position. FIG. 23(b) is a cross-sectional view for explaining the arrangement of the holder 106 and the actuator 110 of the composite input device 100 according to one embodiment in a state where a rotation operation is performed.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 23(a), in a state where it is released from the operating force and returns to the neutral position, when viewed in a plan view from a direction parallel to the rotation center axis AX, the rotation support portion 112 of the actuator 110 is located at the center of the rotation supported portion 106D of the holder 106. At this time, the angular position θ1 of the end of the rotation supported portion 106D of the holder 106 is located at a predetermined angle (θ) with respect to the angular position θ0 of the end of the rotation support portion 112 of the actuator 110 as a reference (0°). When the operator performs a rotational operation in the rotational direction D7 on the second operation portion 102C of the knob 102, the holder 106 rotates counterclockwise about the rotation center axis AX by the operating force. As shown in Fig. 23(b), when the holder 106 rotates to the end position of the rotational operation, the end of the rotation supported portion 106D of the holder 106 and the rotation support portion 112 of the actuator 110 come into contact, and the holder 106 stops rotating further. Thereafter, when released from the operating force, the holder 106 returns to the neutral position by the restoring force from the torsion spring 107, and transmits the restoring force to the second operation portion 102C of the knob 102 to return the second operation portion 102C to the neutral position. Thus, the operator can perform a rotational operation in the rotational direction D7 on the second operation portion 102C of the knob 102 with a stroke of 0° to 20°.

[0082] Similarly, when the operator performs a rotational operation in the rotational direction D6 on the second operation portion 102C of the knob 102, the holder 106 rotates clockwise about the rotation center axis AX by the operating force, rotates to the end position, and stops rotating further. The operator can perform a rotational operation in the rotational direction D6 on the second operation portion 102C of the knob 102 with a stroke of 0° to 20°.

[0083] (Other characteristic configurations) Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 24, other characteristic configurations of the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment, cut along a plane passing through the rotation center axis AX. FIG. 24 is a top view of the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the composite input device 100 according to an embodiment, cut along the cutting line G-G shown in FIG. 24.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 12, the actuator 110 is supported by the holder 106 when the rotation support portion 112 of the holder 106 engages with the rotation support portion 112 of the actuator 110. Here, as shown in FIG. 12, since the rotation support portion 112 of the actuator 110 has a hemispherical shape obtained by cutting out a part from a spherical shape, when cut along a plane passing through the rotation center axis AX and viewed in cross section, the cross section of the rotation support portion 112 has a semi-circular shape. On the other hand, the rotation supported portion 106D of the holder 106 has a semi-circular cross section and has a concave shape that fits with the rotation support portion 112. Therefore, the contact point between the rotation support portion 112 and the rotation supported portion 106D has a semi-circular cross section, and the semi-circular shape includes both a portion substantially perpendicular to the upward (positive Z-axis direction) and a portion substantially perpendicular to the downward (negative Z-axis direction). Further, the rotation supported portion 106D and the rotation support portion 112 are provided at a position close to an imaginary line obtained by extending the arc formed by the support surface 114, which will be described in detail later. As a result, in the composite input device 100 according to one embodiment, when the operator performs a tilting operation on the knob 102 and a force in the upward (positive Z-axis direction) is applied to the contact point between the rotation support portion 112 and the rotation supported portion 106D, the engagement between the rotation support portion 112 and the rotation supported portion 106D is not released. Similarly, as a result, in the composite input device 100 according to one embodiment, when the operator performs a tilting operation on the knob 102 and a force in the downward (negative Z-axis direction) is applied to the contact point between the rotation support portion 112 and the rotation supported portion 106D, the engagement between the rotation support portion 112 and the rotation supported portion 106D is not released. In other words, for example, when the operator performs a tilting operation on the knob 102 and applies an operating force in the left-right direction with respect to the plane of FIG. 12, the holder 106 and the actuator 110 rotate integrally in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions with respect to the plane of FIG. 12. At this time, an upward (positive Z-axis direction) force or a downward (negative Z-axis direction) force is applied to the contact point between the rotation supported portion 106D and the rotation support portion 112. However, since the rotation supported portion 106D and the rotation support portion 112 include a portion substantially perpendicular to the direction of the force in any case where an upward or downward force is applied, the engagement state between the holder 106 and the actuator 110 is not released by the operating force of the tilting operation.Therefore, there is no misalignment between the parts of the holder 106 and the actuator 110. Further, the holder 106 and the actuator 110 do not disassemble.

[0085] Also, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the shaft portion 102B of the knob 102 has a cylindrical shape centered on the rotation center axis AX and is inserted into the support shaft 111 of the actuator 110. Further, the knob 102 has a light diffusion portion 102Be formed in an intermediate portion between the shaft portion 102B and the first operation portion 102A. The outer shape of the light diffusion portion 102Be has a quadratic surface shape and has a one-sheet hyperboloid shape. In the present embodiment, when the light diffusion portion 102Be is cut perpendicular to the rotation center axis AX, the outer shape of the cut surface is a perfect circle wherever the light diffusion portion 102Be is cut, but this may be an ellipse.

[0086] The area of the shaft portion 102B cut perpendicular to the rotation center axis AX is smaller than the area of the first operation portion 102A viewed in a plan view from a direction parallel to the rotation center axis AX. And the area of the light diffusion portion 102Be cut perpendicular to the rotation center axis AX at the height position where the radius is the smallest is smaller than the area of the shaft portion 102B cut perpendicular to the rotation center axis AX. As a result, most of the light from the LED 134 guided inside the shaft portion 102B hits the light diffusion portion 102Be and is reflected before reaching the first operation portion 102A, the traveling direction changes, and after being diffused, it reaches the first operation portion 102A. Therefore, the luminance distribution of the first operation portion 102A that is illuminated and displayed is uniform without bias.

[0087] Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the first wall portion 110B of the actuator 110 has a shape obtained by cutting out a part from a spherical shape. Further, inside the housing 108, the support surface 114 provided to face the first wall portion 110B of the actuator 110 has a concave shape having a spherical shape with the same radius of curvature as the first wall portion 110B of the actuator 110. Thereby, in the composite input device 100 according to one embodiment, when the operator performs a tilting operation on the knob 102, the actuator 110 has the outer surface of the first wall portion 110B in sliding contact with the support surface 114 of the housing 108. Then, the actuator 110 rotates about the center of the spherical shape formed by the first wall portion 110B.

[0088] As described above in detail for one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0089] 100 Composite input device 102 Knob 102A First operation portion 102B Shaft portion 102Ba Slide guide 102Bb Contact portion 102Bc Tip portion 102Bd Incident surface 102Be Light diffusing portion 102C Second operation portion 103 Light guide 103A Main body portion 103B Leg portion 104 Cover 106 Holder 106A1, 106A2 Arms 106B First cylindrical portion 106Ba Connection portion 106C Second cylindrical portion 106D Rotatably supported portion 106E Base portion 106F Protrusion 107 Torsion spring 107A Main body portion Extension parts 107B1 and 107B2 Engagement part 107C Housing 108 Upper surface 108A Base part 108B Opening 108C Lower opening 108D Guide wall part 108E Guide surface 108Ea Cover 109 Opening 109A Actuator 110 Opening 110A First wall part 110B Second wall part 110C Inner peripheral surface 110Ca Base part 110D Opening 110E Opening 110F Opening 110G Support shaft 111 Slide guide 111A Contact part 111B Rotary support part 112 Pressing part 113 Pressing surface 113A Support surface 114 Substrate 130 Upper surface 130A Lower surface 130B Pressure detection switch 131 Projection 131A Tilt detection switches 132-1 to 132-4 Outer edge parts 132-1A, 132-2A, 132-3A, and 132-4A Projection 132A Through holes 133-1 and 133-2 LEDs 134, 135-1 to 135-4 Rotation detection switches 137 and 138 Projections 137A and 138A Rotation center axis AX Region B Circle C

Claims

1. a first detection unit for detecting a rotation operation; a second detection unit for detecting a tilting operation; and a substrate provided perpendicular to the rotation center axis of the rotation operation, when viewed in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the first detection unit is centered on the intersection of the rotation center axis of the rotation operation and the substrate, and is disposed inside a virtual circle passing through the outermost edge portion located farthest from the center of the second detection unit; the first detection unit includes a first member that rotates by the rotation operation from an operator; and a first contact provided on the substrate and turned ON / OFF when the first member transitions; the second detection unit includes a second member that tilts by the tilting operation from an operator; and a second contact provided on the substrate and turned ON / OFF when the second member transitions; the second contact is provided on one side surface of the substrate; the first contact is provided on the other side surface of the substrate A composite input device characterized by the above.

2. Further comprising a third detection unit for detecting a pressing operation The composite input device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. the third detection unit includes a third member that slides by the pressing operation from an operator; and a third contact provided on the substrate and turned ON / OFF when the third member transitions; The composite input device according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. the third contact is provided on the one side surface of the substrate The composite input device according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. a first detection unit for detecting a rotation operation; A second detection unit that detects a tilting operation, a substrate provided perpendicular to the rotation center axis of the rotation operation, When viewed in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the first detection unit is centered on the intersection of the rotation center axis of the rotation operation and the substrate, and is disposed inside a virtual circle passing through the outer edge portion located farthest from the center of the second detection unit, The first detection unit, a first member that rotates by the rotation operation from an operator, a first contact provided on the substrate and turned ON / OFF when the first member transitions, The substrate has a through hole, The first member has an insertion portion inserted into the through hole, and turns ON / OFF the first contact at the insertion portion A composite input device characterized by the above.

6. When viewed in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the through hole is provided inside the virtual circle The composite input device according to claim 5, characterized by the above.

7. When viewed in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the through hole has an arc shape centered on the rotation center axis of the first member The composite input device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the above.

8. Further comprising a housing, The second member has a spherical shape and an outer surface that slidably contacts the housing The composite input device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

9. The third member is a light guide having translucency The composite input device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the above.

10. A first detection unit that detects a rotation operation, A second detection unit that detects a tilting operation, A substrate provided perpendicular to the rotation center axis of the rotation operation, and When viewed in plan view from a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the first detection unit is centered on the intersection of the rotation center axis of the rotation operation and the substrate, and is disposed inside a virtual circle passing through the outer edge portion located farthest from the center of the second detection unit. The first detection unit A first member that rotates by the rotation operation from the operator, and A first contact provided on the substrate and turned ON / OFF when the first member transitions, and The second detection unit A second member that tilts by the tilting operation from the operator, and A second contact provided on the substrate and turned ON / OFF when the second member transitions, and One of the first member and the second member has a rotation supported portion having a concave arc shape when viewed from the circumferential direction provided along a circumference centered on the rotation center axis of the first member. The other of the first member and the second member has a rotation support portion having a protruding spherical shape engaged with the arc shape of the rotation supported portion. The first member and the second member are such that the rotation support portion is engaged with the rotation supported portion, Relative movement in a direction parallel to the rotation center axis with respect to each other is restricted, and relative movement In the circumferential direction is movably connected A composite input device characterized by this.

Images