Operating device

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to an operation device comprising: a housing; an operation member which has a shaft part extending in one direction and is capable of a tilting action for rotating around a first rotation axis which intersects the direction of extension of said shaft part; a first linking member which rotates in response to the tilting operation of the operation member and has a first axial support part supported by the housing so as to be capable of rotating around the first rotation axis; a recovery member which imparts a recovery force to the operation member by which the operation member recovers to a neutral position; a biasing member which imparts the recovery force to the operation member via the recovery member; and a first rotation detection unit which detects the rotation of the first linking member. The recovery member comprises: a bottom section which contacts the end section of the operation member on one side in the extension direction; and a receiving section which receives one end of the biasing member and is provided in the periphery of the bottom section. The biasing member imparts the recovery force to the operation member, and causes a plurality of engaging parts provided to the outer-peripheral side of the receiving section to elastically engage with the housing. As a result, it is possible to stabilize the sliding action of the recovery member and suppress variation in the recovery of the operation member to the neutral position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device that performs input by tilting an operating member in a desired direction.

Background Art

[0002] As an operating device that performs input by tilting an operating member such as an operating lever, Patent Document 1 discloses a first interlocking member that is rotatable and has a long groove, and a second interlocking member that is disposed in a direction orthogonal to the first interlocking member, is rotatable, and has a long groove, a frame body that internally bridges the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member, an operating shaft that is inserted into the long groove of the first interlocking member, is swingably supported by the second interlocking member, and is tiltable with the pivot portion as a fulcrum, and a plurality of electric components that are driven via the first and second interlocking members by the operation of the operating shaft. A multi-directional input device is disclosed, characterized in that the operating shaft is formed of a plate material and has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In this multi-directional input device, a dish-shaped return member formed larger than the operating body is disposed below the operating body. Further, a lower frame body having a cylindrical holding wall for holding the return member so as to be vertically movable is disposed. A return spring is disposed in a compressed manner between the return member and the lower frame body to elastically bias the return member upward.

[0003] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a composite switch that is multifunctional, has good operability, and can be miniaturized. This composite switch includes multi-directional switch means that sends a predetermined control signal according to the tilting direction and tilting angle when the operating portion is tilted, and stops the control signal when the operating portion returns to the initial position, and push button switch means that is disposed around the multi-directional switch means on the movement locus of the operating portion when the operating portion is tilted, and opens and closes by pressing and releasing the pressure by the tilting of the operating portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] In an operating device, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, there may be provided a return member that returns a tilted operating member to a neutral position. A return force is applied to the operating member from a biasing member via this return member. When the operating member is tilted, the biasing member is pressed by the return member, and when the tilting of the operating member is released, the biasing force of the biasing member is applied to the operating member via the return member. The return member slides in one direction with respect to the housing by the tilting and release of the tilting of the operating member.

[0006] If rattling occurs in the sliding operation of this return member, the posture of the return member is likely to collapse when returning the operating member to the neutral position, which hinders the sliding operation of the return member. Also, if the sliding operation of the return member becomes unstable, variations are likely to occur in the return of the operating member to the neutral position.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an operating device capable of stabilizing the sliding operation of a return member and suppressing variations in the return of an operating member to a neutral position. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention includes a housing, an operating member having a shaft body portion extending in one direction and capable of tilting operation by rotating around a first rotation axis intersecting the extending direction of the shaft body portion, a first shaft support portion rotatably supported by the housing around the first rotation axis, a first interlocking member that rotates in conjunction with the tilting operation of the operating member, a return member that applies a return force to return the operating member to a neutral position, a biasing member that applies a return force to the operating member via the return member, and a first rotation detection portion that detects the rotation of the first interlocking member. The return member includes a bottom portion that contacts one end portion in the extending direction of the operating member, and a receiving portion provided around the bottom portion and receiving one end of the biasing member. The biasing member is an operating device characterized by applying a return force to the operating member and elastically engaging a plurality of engaging portions provided on the outer peripheral side of the receiving portion with the housing.

[0009] According to such a configuration, when the biasing member applies a return force to the operating member, the engaging portion is elastically engaged with the housing. Due to this elastic engagement, the tilting recovery force applied to the return member is relaxed, and accurate return of the operating member to the neutral position is realized.

[0010] In the above operating device, at least one of an engaging receiving portion that engages with the engaging portion in the housing and the engaging portion may have a surface inclined with respect to the biasing direction of the biasing member. Thereby, when the engaging portion is elastically engaged with the housing, the contact position between the engaging portion and the engaging receiving portion is displaced in the biasing direction according to the engaging pressure. Therefore, the return member inclined with respect to the biasing direction is likely to return in the direction along the biasing direction.

[0011] In the above operating device, the housing may have an elastic deformation portion so that the engaging portion is elastically engaged with the housing, or the return member may have an elastic deformation portion so that the engaging portion is elastically engaged with the housing. Thereby, reliable elastic engagement between the engaging portion and the housing is realized by the elastic deformation portion.

[0012] In the above-described operating device, the elastic deformation part may have a sheet-like member extending along the biasing direction of the biasing member, the engaging part may be provided on the outer peripheral side of the sheet-like member, and when the engaging part engages with the housing, the sheet-like member may be bent and the engaging part may move to the inner peripheral side of the return member. Thereby, the engaging part moves to the inner peripheral side of the return member due to the engaging pressing force caused by the bending of the sheet-like member, and reliable elastic engagement between the engaging part and the housing is realized.

[0013] In the above-described operating device, when viewed in the extending direction when the operating member is in the neutral position, a plurality of engaging parts may be provided on the same circumference centered on the center of the bottom, and when elastic engagement occurs, the bottom may receive a force in one direction along the circumference due to the movement of the plurality of engaging parts. Thereby, the engaging pressing force when the plurality of engaging parts elastically engage acts as a force that rotates the bottom in the in-plane direction as a whole, the variation in the engaging pressing force by the plurality of engaging parts is gradually eliminated, and the in-plane offset of the bottom is suppressed.

[0014] In the above-described operating device, it is preferable that three or more engaging parts are provided. In this way, by providing three or more engaging parts, the directions of the engaging pressing forces of the plurality of engaging parts are generated in at least three directions, and the in-plane offset of the bottom of the return member is suppressed.

[0015] In the above-described operating device, the operating member and the first interlocking member may be in contact with each other, and the first shaft support portion of the first interlocking member may be pressed against the housing by the biasing force of the biasing member transmitted from the operating member to the first interlocking member. Thereby, play is less likely to occur in the movement of the operating member and the first interlocking member.

[0016] In the above-described operating device, the first interlocking member may be configured to be elastically bent by the biasing force of the biasing member. In this way, since the first interlocking member is elastically bent, it is suppressed that all of the biasing force of the biasing member is applied to the return member, and an increase in the resistance load in the elastic engagement between the engaging part and the housing is suppressed.

[0017] In the above-described operating device, it may further include a second shaft support portion that is supported by the housing so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis that intersects the first rotation axis, a second interlocking member that rotates in conjunction with the tilting operation of the operation member, and a second rotation detection portion that detects the rotation of the second interlocking member.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an operating device that stabilizes the sliding operation of the return member and suppresses variations in the return of the operation member to the neutral position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the members once described will be omitted as appropriate.

[0021] (Configuration of the operating device) FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an operating device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the operating device according to the present embodiment. The operating device 1 according to the present embodiment is a device that receives an input by tilting an operating member 20 with respect to a housing 10. In the description of the present embodiment, among the rotation axes in the tilting operation of the operating member 20, the first rotation axis AX1 is parallel to the X axis, the second rotation axis AX2 is parallel to the Y axis, and the axis (neutral axis AX3) in the neutral position of the operating member 20 is assumed to be parallel to the Z axis. Also, in the Z-axis direction, the side where the operating member 20 in the neutral position extends is referred to as the upper side (up, upward) in the Z-axis direction, and the opposite side is referred to as the lower side (down, downward) in the Z-axis direction.

[0022] The operating device 1 includes a housing 10, an operating member 20, a first interlocking member 30, a second interlocking member 40, a biasing member 51, a first rotation detection unit 60, and a second rotation detection unit 70. The housing 10 is provided in a substantially box shape having an opening at the lower part. A hole 10h for arranging the operating member 20 is provided at the center of the upper part of the housing 10. A bottom plate member 15 is provided as a part of the housing 10 at the opening part of the lower part of the housing 10. As a non-limiting example of the constituent material of the housing 10, resin-based materials such as polyesters such as polybutylene terephthalate and polyamides, and metal-based materials such as iron-based materials, aluminum-based materials, and copper-based materials can be mentioned. The bottom plate member 15 may be made of the same material as the constituent material of the housing 10, or may be made of a different material. As a specific example in the case where the constituent materials of both are different, the housing 10 is made of a resin-based material and the bottom plate member 15 is made of a metal-based material.

[0023] The operation member 20 has a cylindrical portion 21 disposed inside the housing 10 and a shaft body portion 22 that extends outward from the inside of the housing 10 through the hole 10h. When the operation member 20 is in the neutral position, the extending direction D of the shaft body portion 22 is parallel to the Z-axis. On the other hand, when the operation member 20 is tilted, the extending direction D of the shaft body portion 22 is non-parallel to the Z-axis. Further, the operation member 20 is tiltable about the first rotation axis AX1 and the second rotation axis AX2 with respect to the housing 10.

[0024] The first interlocking member 30 has a first shaft support portion 31 that is rotatably supported by the housing 10 about the first rotation axis AX1, and is provided so as to rotate in conjunction with the tilting operation of the operation member 20. The first interlocking member 30 is provided in a frame shape having a hole 30h at the center. The operation member 20 is inserted through the central hole 30h of the first interlocking member 30. A fitting protrusion 23 protrudes from the cylindrical portion 21 of the operation member 20, and the fitting protrusion 23 is slidably fitted into a fitting hole 30a provided in the first interlocking member 30. Examples of the material constituting the first interlocking member 30 that are not limited include resin-based materials such as polyacetal, polyester, and polyamide.

[0025] The second interlocking member 40 has a second shaft support portion 41 that is rotatably supported by the housing 10 about the second rotation axis AX2, and is provided so as to rotate in conjunction with the tilting operation of the operation member 20. The second interlocking member 40 has an arch portion 42 that is curved in an arch shape. A hole 42h is provided at the center of the arch portion 42 of the second interlocking member 40. The shaft body portion 22 of the operation member 20 is inserted through the central hole 42h of the arch portion 42 of the second interlocking member 40. A convex portion 22a is provided on the shaft body portion 22 of the operation member 20, and in a state where the operation member 20 is inserted through the hole 42h of the arch portion 42, the convex portion 22a abuts against the arch portion 42 so that the shaft body portion 22 is slidably fitted into the hole 42h.

[0026] Further, the second interlocking member 40 is arranged so as to straddle the first interlocking member 30 in the Y-axis direction. With the second interlocking member 40 straddling the first interlocking member 30 and the shaft body portion 22 of the operating member 20 inserted through the hole 30h of the first interlocking member 30 and the hole 42h of the second interlocking member 40, they are incorporated inside the housing 10. As a non-limiting example of the constituent material of the second interlocking member 40, resin-based materials such as polyacetal, polyester, and polyamide can be mentioned.

[0027] The biasing member 51 biases the operating member 20 and presses the first shaft support portion 31 of the first interlocking member 30 against the housing 10, and imparts a restoring force to the operating member 20 to return the operating member 20 to the neutral position. The biasing member 51 is, for example, a coil spring. The biasing member 51 biases the operating member 20 via the restoring member 45.

[0028] The restoring member 45 is arranged below the operating member 20 (on the side of the bottom plate member 15 rather than the first interlocking member 30) and is pushed downward by the tilting of the operating member 20. The biasing member 51 is incorporated between the restoring member 45 and the receiving bottom portion 151 that abuts against the bottom plate member 15.

[0029] The restoring member 45 has a bottom portion 451 that contacts the first end portion 25, which is one end portion (the lower end portion) in the extending direction of the operating member 20, and a receiving portion 452 that is provided around the bottom portion 451 and receives one end of the biasing member 51. That is, one end (the upper end portion) of the biasing member 51 is received by the receiving portion 452, and the other end (the lower end portion) is received by the receiving bottom portion 151. Thereby, the biasing member 51 biases the operating member 20 upward via the restoring member 45.

[0030] Further, a plurality of engaging portions 453 are provided on the outer peripheral side of the receiving portion 452. The engaging portions 453 engage with the housing 10. Thereby, the restoring member 45 serves as a guide when sliding in the vertical direction with respect to the housing 10. In the present embodiment, the plurality of engaging portions 453 are configured to elastically engage with the housing 10. The engagement between the engaging portion 453 and the housing 10 will be described later.

[0031] The first rotation detection unit 60 detects the rotation of the first interlocking member 30, and the second rotation detection unit 70 detects the rotation of the second interlocking member 40. The first rotation detection unit 60 includes, for example, an electric resistance type sensor 61 and a brush 62. Also, the second rotation detection unit 70 includes, for example, an electric resistance type sensor 71 and a brush 72. The electric resistance type sensors 61 and 71 are formed on a circuit board 90 such as a flexible printed circuit board. The brushes 62 and 72 are respectively attached to holders 63 and 73, and the holders 63 and 73 together with the brushes 62 and 72 are provided so as to be slidable on the electric resistance type sensors 61 and 71.

[0032] The holder 63 to which the brush 62 is attached is slidable by the swing of a claw portion 301 provided on the first interlocking member 30. Thus, the claw portion 301 swings due to the rotation of the first interlocking member 30 around the first rotation axis AX1, and the holder 63 slides on the electric resistance type sensor 61 due to the swing. Since the electric resistance value changes according to the position of the brush 62 on the electric resistance type sensor 61, the rotation of the first interlocking member 30 around the first rotation axis AX1 can be detected based on the electric resistance value.

[0033] Also, the holder 73 to which the brush 72 is attached is slidable by the swing of a claw portion 401 provided on the second interlocking member 40. Thus, the claw portion 401 swings due to the rotation of the second interlocking member 40 around the second rotation axis AX2, and the holder 73 slides on the electric resistance type sensor 71 due to the swing. Since the electric resistance value changes according to the position of the brush 72 on the electric resistance type sensor 71, the rotation of the second interlocking member 40 around the second rotation axis AX2 can be detected based on the electric resistance value.

[0034] A displacement detection unit 80 is attached to the circuit board 90. The displacement detection unit 80 includes, for example, a contact pattern 81 formed on the circuit board 90 and a contact sheet 82 disposed on the contact pattern 81. The displacement detection unit 80 detects displacement in a direction different from both around the first rotation axis AX1 and around the second rotation axis AX2 of the operation member 20. In the present embodiment, displacement along the extending direction of the operation member 20 is detected.

[0035] On the first linkage member 30, an arm portion 33 extending above the displacement detection portion 80 is provided on the side opposite to the side where the first shaft support portion 31 is provided. For example, when the operation member 20 is pushed into the direction opposite to the direction in which the operation member 20 extends from the housing 10 (hereinafter, this pushing operation is also referred to as a "push operation"), a fulcrum is located on the side of the first shaft support portion 31, and the arm portion 33 of the first linkage member 30 is pushed toward the displacement detection portion 80 by the pressing force. Due to the displacement of the arm portion 33, the contact sheet 82 is pressed, and the displacement detection portion 80 becomes conductive due to the contact between the contact sheet 82 and the contact pattern 81. Thereby, the push operation of the operation member 20 can be detected.

[0036] (Tilting operation and return operation) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the operation member is in the neutral position. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the operation member is tilted. In FIGS. 3 and 4, a cross-sectional view seen in the X direction (a cross-sectional view in the YZ plane) is shown. As shown in FIG. 3, when the operation member 20 is in the neutral position, the return member 45 is disposed at a position pushed up by the biasing force of the biasing member 51.

[0037] The first end portion 25 of the operation member 20 has a bottom contact portion 251 that contacts the bottom portion 451 of the return member 45. The bottom contact portion 251 protrudes toward the bottom portion 451 in the Z direction from the central portion of the first end portion 25. The bottom contact portion 251 is provided in a cylindrical shape centered on the axis of the operation member 20.

[0038] The bottom 451 against which the bottom contact portion 251 abuts has a central portion that bulges upward more than other portions. When the operating member 20 is in the neutral position, the bottom contact portion 251 abuts against the lowest position of the bottom 451 in the Z direction. Then, the biasing force by the biasing member 51 is applied to the operating member 20 via the return member 45. Due to this biasing force, the bottom contact portion 251 abuts so as to be drawn to the lowest position of the bottom 451 in the Z direction. As a result, a restoring force to the neutral position is applied to the operating member 20.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, when the operating member 20 is tilted, the contact position of the bottom contact portion 251 on the tilted side with the bottom 451 moves toward the center side. Since the periphery of the central portion of the bottom 451 bulges upward more than other portions, the return member 45 overcomes the biasing force of the biasing member 51 and is pushed down by the contact between this bulged portion and the bottom contact portion 251. When the return member 45 is pushed down, the biasing member 51 is compressed.

[0040] When the tilting operation of the operating member 20 is released, the compressed biasing member 51 extends and the return member 45 is pushed up. As a result, the contact position of the bottom contact portion 251 with the bottom 451 moves from the bulged portion around the central portion to a lower position outside thereof. Then, the force that moves the contact position of the bottom contact portion 251 to the lowest position of the bottom 451 in the Z direction becomes a restoring force, and the operating member 20 returns to the neutral position.

[0041] In such tilting and returning operations of the operating member 20, the return member 45 moves in the vertical direction with respect to the housing 10. The vertical movement of the return member 45 is guided by the positional relationship between the housing 10 and the engaging portion 453.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the return member. The return member 45 is configured to receive the operating member 20 above the bottom 451 and receive the biasing member 51 below the receiving portion 452. The outer shape of the return member 45 as viewed in the Z direction is substantially square, and engaging portions 453 are provided at each of the four corners.

[0043] Elastic deformation portions 47 are provided at four corners of the return member 45. The elastic deformation portion has a sheet-like member 471 extending in the Z direction, and an engaging portion 453 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the sheet-like member. Thus, when the engaging portion 453 engages with the housing 10, the sheet-like member bends and the engaging portion 453 moves to the inner peripheral side of the return member 45, and elastic engagement between the engaging portion 453 and the housing 10 is performed.

[0044] The elastic engagement with the housing 10 by the four engaging portions 453 makes it easier to maintain the balance when the return member 45 moves up and down. Although four engaging portions 453 are provided on the return member 45 shown in FIG. 5, three or more engaging portions may be provided. By providing three or more engaging portions 453, the directions of the engagement pressing forces of the plurality of engaging portions 453 (directions along a plane orthogonal to the extending direction) are generated in at least three directions, and the in-plane offset of the bottom portion 451 of the return member 45 is suppressed. Thereby, the operation member 20 can be accurately returned to the neutral position.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the engagement relationship between the return member and the first interlocking member. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the engagement relationship between the return member and the first interlocking member. In FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view taken in the X direction in FIG. 6 (cross-sectional view in the YZ plane) is shown. The operation member 20 is inserted into a central hole 30h of the first interlocking member 30. By slidably fitting the fitting protrusion 23 of the operation member 20 into the fitting hole 30a of the first interlocking member 30, the operation member 20 can tilt around the second rotation axis AX2 with respect to the first interlocking member 30. The first interlocking member 30 is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable around the first rotation axis AX1 with respect to the housing 10. Thus, when the operation member 20 tilts around the first rotation axis AX1, the first interlocking member 30 rotates around the first rotation axis AX1 together with the operation member 20.

[0046] A part of the lower side of the central portion of the first interlocking member 30 is disposed inside the bottom portion 451 of the return member 45. In the present embodiment, the lower portion 35 of the fitting hole 30a that fits with the fitting projection 23 of the operating member 20 in the first interlocking member 30 is disposed inside the bottom portion 451 of the return member 45. The upper surface of the bottom portion 451 is provided in a shape that is recessed from the outer peripheral side to the inner peripheral side, and the lower portion 35 is arranged in the recess of the bottom portion 451.

[0047] With such a configuration, for example, when a torsional force is applied around the axis of the operating member 20 (see arrow a1 in the figure), a force acts such that the fitting projection 23 tends to come off from the fitting hole 30a, and the hole 30h of the first interlocking member 30 is expanded by this force. At this time, since the lower portion 35 of the fitting hole 30a is surrounded by the bottom portion 451, the movement of the lower portion 35 to the outside is restricted, and the expansion of the hole 30h is suppressed. Thereby, even when a torsional force is applied to the operating member 20, it is possible to prevent the fitting projection 23 from coming off from the fitting hole 30a.

[0048] (Engagement between the engaging portion and the housing) FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams for explaining the engagement between the engaging portion and the housing. FIG. 8 shows the positional relationship between the engaging portion 453 and the housing 10 when the return member 45 is pushed down (an enlarged schematic view of part B shown in FIG. 4). As described above, the engaging portion 453 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the receiving portion 452 of the return member 45 and is configured to elastically engage with the housing 10. Elastic deformation portions 47 that can be elastically deformed toward the inner peripheral side of the return member 45 are provided at the corners of the return member 45. The elastic deformation portion 47 has, for example, a sheet-like member 471 formed in a substantially U shape, and the engaging portion 453 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the sheet-like member 471.

[0049] The housing 10 is provided with an engagement receiving portion 101 that engages with the engagement portion 453. At least one of the engagement portion 453 and the engagement receiving portion 101 has a surface inclined with respect to the biasing direction (Z direction) of the biasing member 51. In the present embodiment, inclined surfaces S1 and S2 are provided on both the engagement portion 453 and the engagement receiving portion 101. The inclined surfaces S1 and S2 are inclined such that they become upper sides as they proceed to the inner peripheral side of the return member 45.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 8, in a state where the return member 45 is pushed down, the engagement portion 453 and the engagement receiving portion 101 are not engaged, and the elastic deformation of the elastic deformation portion 47 does not occur. For this reason, when the return member 45 is pushed down and before the pushed-down return member 45 moves upward and the engagement portion 453 and the engagement receiving portion 101 engage with each other, no engagement pressing force is applied between the engagement portion 453 and the engagement receiving portion 101, and a large resistance is not given to the vertical movement of the return member 45.

[0051] FIG. 9 shows the positional relationship between the engagement portion 453 and the housing 10 when the return member 45 is pushed up by the biasing force of the biasing member 51 (an enlarged schematic view of portion A shown in FIG. 3). When the return member 45 is pushed up, the engagement portion 453 and the engagement receiving portion 101 come into contact with each other, and the engagement portion 453 slides along the inclined surface S2 (see arrow a2 in the figure). As a result, the engagement portion 453 moves to the inner peripheral side of the return member 45 (see arrow a3 in the figure). Thereby, the piece member 471 of the elastic deformation portion 47 is bent and an engagement pressing force is generated, and elastic engagement between the engagement portion 453 and the housing 10 is performed. By such elastic engagement between the engagement portion 453 and the housing 10, the tilting restoration force applied to the return member 45 is relaxed, and accurate restoration of the operation member 20 to the neutral position is realized.

[0052] Here, when the operating member 20 deviates from the neutral position and presses the return member 45, the operating member 20 does not press the center of the return member 45. Instead, corresponding to the inclination of the operating member 20, the bottom contact portion 251 of the operating member 20 presses a portion displaced from the center of the return member 45. For this reason, when the operating member 20 is at the neutral position (initial position) as a reference, the return member 45 not only moves downward by being pushed along the biasing direction, but also is displaced so as to tilt with respect to the biasing direction. As a result, there is variation in the degree of compression of the biasing member 51.

[0053] When the force with which the operating member 20 presses the return member 45 is released from this state, the variation in the degree of compression of the biasing member 51 is directly reflected in the elastic restoring force (biasing force) of the biasing member 51. Therefore, in the biasing force, not only an upward force along the biasing direction but also a tilting restoring force for restoring the tilted state of the return member 45 is applied. This tilting restoring force contributes to returning the operating member 20 to the neutral position, but its direction and magnitude vary depending on the position of the operating member 20 when the force pressing the return member 45 is released, which may prevent the return member 45 from accurately returning to the neutral position. In particular, when the tilting angle of the operating member 20 is large and the degree of non-uniform compression of the biasing member 51 via the return member 45 is large, the variation in the biasing force of the biasing member 51 becomes large, so the tilting restoring force becomes strong, and there is concern that the operating member 20 may be moved to a position beyond the neutral position.

[0054] In order to prevent the occurrence of such problems, it is preferable to have a structure that appropriately alleviates the influence of the tilting restoring force applied to the return member 45 when the force with which the operating member 20 presses the return member 45 is released.

[0055] Regarding this point, in the multi-directional input device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a sliding structure is constituted by the holding wall of the lower frame body and the return member. In the case of such a sliding structure, in the holding wall of the lower frame body, the displacement in which the return member tilts with respect to the biasing direction is restricted. That is, in the multi-directional input device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the degree of tilting of the return member is suppressed by the sliding structure, and it is suppressed that the tilting restoring force becomes excessive. However, in such a configuration, when the tilting angle of the operation member 20 becomes large, the force that supports the tilting of the return member 45 by the holding wall of the lower frame body becomes large. As a result, inevitable local strong contact occurs between the holding wall of the lower frame body and the return member. When the degree of this contact is excessively strong, the return member bites into the holding wall, and the sliding structure cannot operate normally.

[0056] Therefore, in the operation device 1 according to the present embodiment, a sliding structure such as that of the multi-directional input device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is not provided, and by allowing the return member 45 to tilt, the possibility of the above-described failure occurrence is eliminated. On the other hand, when the biasing member 51 applies a restoring force to the operation member 20, the engaging portion 453 is elastically engaged with the housing 10. Due to this elastic engagement, a part of the biasing force of the biasing member 51 is used for elastic deformation of the contact portion between the engaging portion 453 and the housing 10, so that the force transmitted from the biasing member 51 to the return member 45 is attenuated. Thereby, the tilting restoring force applied to the return member 45 is also relaxed, and accurate return of the operation member 20 to the neutral position is realized.

[0057] Further, the elastic engagement between the engaging portion 453 and the housing 10 also has a function of absorbing variations in the manufacture of the operation device 1. Since the operation member 20 is composed of a plurality of movable members (operation member 20, return member 45, first interlocking member 30, etc.), variations in the manufacturing stage of each movable member and variations in the assembly stage of the plurality of movable members inevitably exist.

[0058] Due to these variations, in the operating member 20, the positional relationship in the biasing direction (vertical direction) between the engaging portion 453 and the engaging receiving portion 101 that engages with the engaging portion 453 in the housing 10 is slightly different for each individual. Therefore, by elastically contacting the engaging portion 453 and the engaging receiving portion 101, it becomes possible to provide a width in the position in the biasing direction (vertical direction) when the engaging portion 453 and the engaging receiving portion 101 are engaged. As a result, the engagement between the engaging portion 453 and the engaging receiving portion 101 is stabilized, and the engagement variations for each individual in the operating device 1 are alleviated. In particular, when the operating device 1 has four or more engaging portions 453, since the engagement state between the engaging portion 453 and the engaging receiving portion 101 inevitably varies, such an engagement alleviating mechanism is particularly effective.

[0059] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of the layout of a plurality of engaging portions. When a plurality of engaging portions 453 are provided on the outer peripheral side of the receiving portion 452 in the return member 45, it is preferable to adopt a layout in which variations in the engaging pressing force by the plurality of engaging portions 453 are suppressed. For example, when viewed in the Z direction when the operating member 20 is in the neutral position, a plurality of engaging portions 453 are provided on the same circumference (the circle of the one-dot chain line in the figure) centered on the center of the bottom portion 451, and when elastic engagement occurs, the bottom portion 451 receives a force in one direction (refer to arrow a4 in the figure) along the circumference due to the movement of the plurality of engaging portions 453.

[0060] As an example, when engaging portions 453-1 to 453-4 are provided at each of the four corners of the return member 45, the engaging portion 453-1 is provided to move in the direction shown by arrow Y2 when engaged with the housing 10. The engaging portion 453-3 provided at a position diagonal to the engaging portion 453-1 is provided to move in the direction shown by arrow Y1 (the direction opposite to arrow Y2) when engaged with the housing 10. The engaging portion 453-2 adjacent to the engaging portion 453-1 in the Y direction is provided to move in the direction shown by arrow X1 when engaged with the housing 10. The engaging portion 453-4 adjacent to the engaging portion 453-1 in the X direction (provided at a position diagonal to the engaging portion 453-2) is provided to move in the direction shown by arrow X2 (the direction opposite to arrow X1) when engaged with the housing 10.

[0061] That is, the adjacent engaging portions 453 are provided to move in directions different from each other by 90 degrees, and the bottom portion 451 of the return member 45 receives a force in one direction along the circumference (counterclockwise in the example shown in FIG. 10) by the engaging pressing force generated by the movement of the four engaging portions 453-1 to 453-4 as a whole. Thereby, the variation in the engaging pressing force due to the plurality of engaging portions 453-1 to 453-4 is gradually eliminated, and the in-plane offset of the bottom portion 451 is suppressed.

[0062] That is, when a biasing force is applied from the biasing member 51 to the return member 45 that has been pushed by the tilted operating member 20 and is inclined with respect to the biasing direction, the biasing force includes a force (tilt restoring force) that returns the return member 45 to a position along the biasing direction. Due to this tilt restoring force, a variation occurs in the pressing force (engaging pressing force) applied to the housing 10 when each of the plurality of engaging portions 453 engages with the housing 10. If the variation in the engaging pressing force of the plurality of engaging portions 453 causes an in-plane offset of the bottom portion 451 of the return member 45, the neutral position of the operating member 20 will move. This causes a measurement error in the tilt operation in the operating device 1. Therefore, by making the engaging pressing force when the plurality of engaging portions 453 elastically engage be a force that rotates the bottom portion 451 in the in-plane direction as a whole (for example, the force in the direction indicated by arrow a4 in the figure), the variation in the engaging pressing force due to the plurality of engaging portions 453 will be gradually eliminated. By eliminating the variation in the engaging pressing force, the in-plane offset of the bottom portion 451 of the return member 45 is suppressed, and the operating member 20 can be accurately returned to the neutral position.

[0063] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the load absorption by the first interlocking member. In the operating device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the urging member 51 compressed by the tilting of the operating member 20 has the force maintaining the tilting of the operating member 20 released, it generates an urging force to return to the state before compression. This urging force is first applied to the return member 45 and transmitted to the operating member 20 that contacts the bottom portion 451 of the return member 45. In the operating device 1, since the operating member 20 and the first interlocking member 30 are in contact with each other, the urging force is transmitted from the operating member 20 to the first interlocking member 30, and presses the housing 10 at the first shaft support portion 31 of the first interlocking member 30. That is, in the operating device 1, the first shaft support portion 31 is a stopper that stops the movement of the member based on the urging force. With the configuration in which the first shaft support portion 31 is pressed against the housing 10 by the urging force, play is less likely to occur in the movement of the operating member 20 and the first interlocking member 30.

[0064] Here, as described above, in the operating device 1 according to the present embodiment, the return member 45 has the engaging portion 453, and the urging force of the urging member 51 is partially attenuated by the elastic engagement between the engaging portion 453 and the housing 10. It is necessary that the degree of this attenuation is appropriately controlled. The urging force of the urging member 51 is also partially attenuated by the contact resistance at the contact portion between the return member 45 and the operating member 20 and the contact resistance at the contact portion between the operating member 20 and the first interlocking member 30. Therefore, in order for the first shaft support portion 31 of the first interlocking member 30 to appropriately press the housing 10, the urging force must remain even after being attenuated by the above-described elastic engagement and these frictional resistances. Expressing this in an equation is as follows. Urging force of urging member 51 > Attenuation due to elastic engagement of engaging portion 453 + Frictional resistance of each part (1)

[0065] When this relational expression cannot be maintained, the return force when the operating member 20 returns to the neutral position is not appropriately generated, and the operating member 20 does not return to the neutral position. In particular, when the tilting angle of the operating member 20 is small, the pushing depth of the return member 45 is shallow and the urging force of the urging member 51 is small. For this reason, there is a concern that when the urging force is attenuated by the elastic engagement of the engaging portion 453, the above formula (1) cannot be satisfied.

[0066] Therefore, in the operating device 1 according to the present embodiment, the first linking member 30 is given a certain degree of elasticity when it abuts against the housing 10 without excessively increasing the degree of attenuation due to the elastic engagement of the engaging portion 453. As a result, when the biasing force of the biasing member 51 is applied to the first linking member 30 via the return member 45 and the operating member 20, the first linking member 30 is elastically deformed as shown in FIG. 11 when it is pressed toward the housing 10 (upper side). Note that in FIG. 11, the degree of deformation of the first linking member 30 is emphasized.

[0067] When the first linking member 30 is elastically deformed in this way, a part of the biasing force of the biasing member 51 is accumulated as this elastic deformation. As a result, a part of the biasing force of the biasing member 51 is not only attenuated as elastic deformation in the elastic engagement at the engaging portion 453 of the return member 45, but is also dispersed and attenuated by the elastic deformation of the first linking member 30. That is, it is possible to prevent all of the biasing force from being applied to the return member 45, and the burden on the return member 45 is alleviated. Thereby, an increase in the resistance load when the engaging portion 453 elastically engages with the housing 10 is suppressed, and the return force of the operating member 20 to the neutral position is stably ensured.

[0068] As described above, according to the operating device 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to stabilize the sliding operation of the return member 45 and suppress variations in the return of the operating member 20 to the neutral position.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the elastic deformation portion 47 is provided in the return member 45, but an elastic deformation portion (not shown) may be provided in the housing 10. As a result, the engaging portion 453 elastically engages with the housing 10 in the same manner as described above. Further, the elastic engagement between the engaging portion 453 and the housing 10 may be configured by a structure other than the elastic deformation portion 47. For example, a member having an elastic material may be provided at the engagement position between the engaging portion 453 and the housing 10.

[0070] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, the first rotational movement detection unit 60 and the second rotational movement detection unit 70 may be of a type other than the electric resistance change type (for example, the magnetic change type), and the displacement detection unit 80 may also be of a type other than the contact detection type (for example, the optical detection type, the capacitance detection type). Also, as the operation member 20, an example in which it can be tilted around each of the first rotational axis AX1 and the second rotational axis AX2 has been described, but a configuration in which it can be tilted only around the first rotational axis AX1 (or only around the second rotational axis AX2) may also be possible. Further, with respect to each of the above-described embodiments, those in which a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, deletes, or changes the design of the components, or those in which the features of the configuration examples of each embodiment are appropriately combined, are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0071] 1…Operating device 10…Housing 10h…Hole 15…Bottom plate member 20…Operating member 21…Cylindrical portion 22…Shaft body portion 22a…Convex portion 23…Fitting projection portion 25…First end portion 30…First interlocking member 30a…Fitting hole 30h…Hole 31…First shaft support 33…Arm portion 35…Lower portion 40…Second interlocking member 41…Second shaft support 42…Arch portion 42h…Hole 45…Return member 47…Elastically deformable portion 51…Biasing member 60…First rotational movement detection unit 61, 71…Electric resistance type sensor 62, 72…Brush 63, 73…Holder 70…Second rotational movement detection unit 80…Displacement detection unit 81…Contact pattern 82…Contact sheet 90…Circuit board 101…Engagement receiving part 151…Receiving bottom 251…Bottom contact part 301, 401…Claw parts 451…Bottom 452…Receiving part 453…Engagement part 453-1~453-4…Engagement parts 471…Sheet-like member AX1…First rotation axis AX2…Second rotation axis AX3…Neutral axis D…Extension direction S1, S2…Inclined surfaces X1, X2, Y1, Y2, a1, a2, a3, a4…Arrows

Claims

1. A housing, an operating member having a shaft body portion extending in one direction and capable of tilting about a first pivot axis intersecting the extending direction of the shaft body portion, a first shaft support portion rotatably supported by the housing about the first pivot axis, and a first interlocking member that rotates in conjunction with the tilting operation of the operating member, a return member that applies a return force to return the operating member to a neutral position to the operating member, a biasing member that applies the return force to the operating member via the return member, a first rotation detection unit that detects the rotation of the first interlocking member, and comprising the return member comprises a bottom portion in contact with one end portion of the operating member in the extending direction, and a receiving portion provided around the bottom portion for receiving one end of the biasing member, and comprising the biasing member applies the return force to the operating member and elastically engages a plurality of engaging portions provided on the outer peripheral side of the receiving portion with the housing, an operating device characterized by this.

2. An engaging receiving portion that engages with the engaging portion in the housing, and at least one of the engaging portions has a surface inclined with respect to the biasing direction of the biasing member, the operating device according to claim 1.

3. Since the housing has an elastic deformation portion, the engaging portion elastically engages with the housing, the operating device according to claim 1.

4. Since the return member has an elastic deformation portion, the engaging portion elastically engages with the housing, the operating device according to claim 1.

5. The elastic deformation portion has a sheet-like member extending along the biasing direction of the biasing member, the engaging portion is provided on the outer peripheral side of the sheet-like member, when the engaging portion engages with the housing, the sheet-like member bends and the engaging portion moves to the inner peripheral side of the return member, the operating device according to claim 4.

6. When viewed in the extending direction when the operating member is in the neutral position, a plurality of the engaging portions are provided on the same circumference centered on the center of the bottom portion, when the elastic engagement occurs, the bottom portion receives a force in one direction along the circumference by the movement of the plurality of engaging portions, the operating device according to claim 5.

7. Three or more engaging portions are provided, the operating device according to claim 6.

8. The operating member and the first interlocking member are in contact with each other, due to the biasing force of the biasing member transmitted from the operating member to the first interlocking member, the first shaft support portion of the first interlocking member is pressed against the housing, the operating device according to claim 1.

9. The operating device according to claim 8, wherein the first interlocking member is elastically bent by the biasing force of the biasing member.

10. a second shaft support portion rotatably supported by the housing around a second rotation axis intersecting the first rotation axis, and a second interlocking member that rotates in conjunction with the tilting operation of the operation member; a second rotation detection unit that detects the rotation of the second interlocking member; The operating device according to claim 1, further comprising:

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