Operating device

Abstract

An operation device 100 according to the present invention can retain assured interlocking relationship between component members even when such a force that is causing an operation member to incline beyond the upper-limit inclination angle is applied onto the operation member, and the device comprises: an inclination-operatable lever, a belt-like first resistor which is provided so as to extend in a first direction on the surface of a substrate, a first interlocking member which rotationally moves in association with an inclination operation performed on the lever, and a first holder which holds a first slider and slides the first slider on the surface of the first resistor by being moved in a first direction via a first drive transmission part in association with the rotational movement of the first interlocking member. The first drive transmission part has a first projection, which is provided integrally with the first holder and which projects in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a first engagement part which is provided integrally with the first interlocking member and which has a pair of holding pieces that hold the first projection. The first projection has a projection part which has an element along a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions and which projects toward a portion between the pair of holding pieces.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device in which an input is made by tilting an operating member in a desired direction. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an operating device in which input is performed by tilting an operating member such as an operating lever, and which can improve the accuracy of returning an output signal to a value indicating the neutral state when the lever returns to a neutral state. This operating device includes a tiltable lever, a strip-shaped first resistor extending in a first direction on a surface of a substrate, a first actuator that rotates in response to tilting of the lever, and a first holder that holds a first slider and moves in the first direction via a first drive transmission unit in response to rotation of the first actuator, thereby sliding the first slider on the surface of the first resistor. In this operating device, the first drive transmission unit has a cylindrical first protrusion that is integral with the first holder and protrudes in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a first engagement unit that is integral with the first actuator and has a pair of clamping pieces that clamp the first protrusion from both sides in the first direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 246003 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an operating device that detects the tilting of an operating member, the operating member may be subjected to external forces, including strong impacts such as when dropped, which could cause the pair of clamping pieces to collide with the bottom surface and be damaged. Ideally, the pair of clamping pieces should be designed as short as possible to prevent them from colliding with the bottom surface even when subjected to such impacts. However, if the pair of clamping pieces is short, there is a risk that the upper tilt angle may be exceeded when the operating member is tilted, causing the pair of clamping pieces to disengage. Even when such an external force is applied to the operating member, it is necessary to avoid collision between the pair of clamping pieces and the bottom surface while preventing the disengagement between the members within the range of elastic deformation of the members linked to the operating member.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an operating device that can maintain a reliable interlocking relationship between members even when a force exceeding the upper limit tilt angle of the operating member is applied to the operating member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An operating device according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a lever that can be tilted, a band-shaped first resistor extending in a first direction on the surface of a substrate, a first interlocking member that rotates in response to tilting of the lever, and a first holder that holds the first slider and moves in the first direction via a first drive transmission unit in response to rotation of the first interlocking member, thereby sliding the first slider on the surface of the first resistor, wherein the first drive transmission unit has a first protrusion that is integral with the first holder and protrudes in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a first engagement unit that is integral with the first interlocking member and has a pair of clamping pieces that clamp the first protrusion from both sides in the first direction, and the first protrusion has a protrusion that protrudes between the pair of clamping pieces and has a component in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0007] With this configuration, even if the first interlocking member is tilted beyond a predetermined upper tilt angle due to an impact or the like, the clamping piece located on the outside will come into contact with the first protrusion, preventing the first protrusion from moving further outward, thereby preventing the first protrusion from falling off.

[0008] In the above operating device, the protruding portion may be configured to protrude, when the first interlocking member is at a predetermined upper tilt angle limit, to a region that is closer to the rotation axis of the first interlocking member in the third direction than an outer inner end portion, which is an end portion of the inner surface of the outer clamping piece that is located on the outer side of the pair of clamping pieces, and that does not contact the inner surface of the outer clamping piece. By providing a protruding portion on the first protrusion in this manner, even if the outer clamping piece is tilted unexpectedly, the protruding portion of the first protrusion can be brought into contact with the inner surface of the outer clamping piece, preventing the first protrusion from falling off.

[0009] In the above operating device, the pair of clamping pieces may be configured such that, when not clamping the first protrusion, the distance between one of the clamping pieces and the other of the clamping pieces is smaller than the diameter of the first protrusion and the gap between the pair of clamping pieces extends along the third direction, one of the clamping pieces clamps the first protrusion while elastically deforming. This reduces the clearance between the pair of clamping pieces and the first protrusion to zero, thereby eliminating backlash between the first protrusion and the first engagement portion.

[0010] In the above operating device, the protrusion may be configured to protrude in the third direction toward the rotation axis of the first interlocking member further than the outer inner end of the outer clamping piece of the first interlocking member when it is at its upper limit tilt angle and is in a state where it is most elastically deformed outward.By setting the shape of the protrusion so that the outer clamping piece and the protrusion come into contact once the upper limit tilt angle is exceeded, even if the outer clamping piece is elastically deformed to the limit where it will become plastically deformed when the operating member is at its upper limit tilt angle, the first protrusion is reliably prevented from falling off.

[0011] In the above operating device, when viewed along the second direction, the outline of the first protrusion may be circular on the side facing the board in the third direction, and the outline of the protruding portion may be configured to protrude beyond an imaginary line formed by extending the circle in the third direction toward the rotation shaft of the first interlocking member. This more reliably prevents the first protrusion from falling off when the outer clamping piece elastically deforms than when the shape of the first protrusion when viewed along the second direction is circular.

[0012] In the above operating device, when viewed along the second direction, the first protrusion may have a recessed portion provided on the outer side of the protruding portion in the first direction and having an outline passing inside the imaginary line, thereby forming a contact relief between the protruding first protrusion and the pair of clamping pieces when the pair of clamping pieces contact the first protrusion while rotating. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an operating device that can maintain a reliable interlocking relationship between the operating members even when a force that exceeds the upper limit tilt angle of the operating member is applied to the operating member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an appearance of an operating device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of an operating device (with the case removed) according to one embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the operating device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an operating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an FPC included in the operating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of sliders on the surface of an FPC according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a top view illustrating an engagement state between a slider and an interlocking member according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a bottom view showing an engagement state between a slider and an interlocking member according to an embodiment; FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a first drive transmission unit according to one embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a first drive transmission unit. [Figure 11A] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams illustrating the external shape of a first protrusion. [Figure 11B]4A and 4B are schematic diagrams illustrating the external shape of a first protrusion. [Figure 12] 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the first drive transmission unit. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating contact states between a pair of clamping pieces and a first protrusion. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating contact states between a pair of clamping pieces and a first protrusion. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating contact states between a pair of clamping pieces and a first protrusion. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of components that have already been described will be omitted as appropriate.

[0016] (Overview of the operation device 100) 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of an operating device 100 according to one embodiment. In the following description, for convenience, the Z-axis direction in the figure is defined as the up-down direction, the X-axis direction in the figure is defined as the front-rear direction, and the Y-axis direction in the figure is defined as the left-right direction. The X-axis direction in the figure is defined as an example of a "first direction," the Y-axis direction in the figure is defined as an example of a "second direction," and the Z-axis direction in the figure is defined as an example of a "third direction."

[0017] An operating device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is used as a controller for a game machine or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, operating device 100 has lever 120, a columnar operating member that extends upward from opening 102A of case 102 and can be tilted. Operating device 100 can be tilted not only in the front-to-back direction (the directions of arrows D1 and D2 in the figure) and the left-to-right direction (the directions of arrows D3 and D4 in the figure) but also in all directions between these directions using lever 120. In addition, operating device 100 can output an operation signal corresponding to the tilting operation (tilting direction and tilt angle) of lever 120 to the outside via FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) 112.

[0018] (Configuration of operation device 100) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of the operating device 100 (with the case 102 removed) according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the operating device 100 according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the operating device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the operating device 100 includes a case 102, a lever 120, a first interlocking member 104, a second interlocking member 106, a shaft 103, a spring 108, a first holder 105, a second holder 107, a pressing member 109, a frame 110, an FPC 112, and a metal sheet 113.

[0020] Case 102 has a dome shape that protrudes upward. Each component part is assembled in the internal space of case 102. Case 102 has an opening 102A that is circular in plan view from above, formed at the top of the dome-shaped portion.

[0021] Lever 120 is an operating member that is tilted by an operator. Lever 120 has lever portion 120A and base portion 120B. Lever portion 120A is a generally cylindrical portion that extends upward from opening 102A of case 102 and is the portion that is tilted by an operator. Base portion 120B is a generally cylindrical portion that supports the lower end of lever portion 120A inside case 102 and rotates in response to the tilting operation of lever portion 120A.

[0022] First interlocking member 104 has a dome shape that is curved convexly upward, and has slot-shaped opening 104A that extends in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction in the figure) along the curved shape. First interlocking member 104 has rotation shaft 104B that protrudes outward from each of both ends in the left-right direction, and rotation shaft 104B is supported by case 102, so that first interlocking member 104 is rotatable in the front-back direction (X-axis direction in the figure) around rotation shaft 104B as a rotation center in response to tilting operation of lever 120 in the front-back direction (X-axis direction in the figure).

[0023] The second interlocking member 106 is provided above and overlaps the first interlocking member 104. The second interlocking member 106 has a shape that is curved convexly upward, and has an elongated hole-shaped opening 106A that extends in the front-to-rear direction (the X-axis direction in the figure) along the curved shape. The second interlocking member 106 has a rotation shaft 106B that protrudes outward from each of both ends in the front-to-rear direction, and as the rotation shaft 106B is supported by the case 102, the second interlocking member 106 is provided to be rotatable in the left-to-right direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure) about the rotation shaft 106B as a rotation center in response to tilting of the lever 120 in the left-to-right direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure).

[0024] The first holder 105 is provided on the right side (positive side of the Y-axis) of the first interlocking member 104. The first holder 105 holds the first slider 105A at its bottom surface. The first holder 105 has a longitudinal shape extending in the sliding direction (X-axis direction) of the first slider 105A. The first holder 105 is provided so as to be slidable in the sliding direction (X-axis direction) of the first slider 105A. A first protrusion 105B that protrudes toward the first interlocking member 104 is provided at the center of the side surface of the first holder 105 on the first interlocking member 104 side (negative side of the Y-axis).

[0025] The second holder 107 is provided on the front side (positive side of the X-axis) of the second interlocking member 106. The second holder 107 holds the second slider 107A at its bottom surface. The second holder 107 has a longitudinal shape extending in the sliding direction (Y-axis direction) of the second slider 107A. The second holder 107 is provided so as to be slidable in the sliding direction (Y-axis direction) of the second slider 107A. A second protrusion 107B that protrudes toward the second interlocking member 106 is provided at the center of the side surface of the second holder 107 on the second interlocking member 106 side (negative side of the X-axis).

[0026] 2 to 4, first interlocking member 104 and second interlocking member 106 overlap each other so that openings 104A and 106A intersect each other. With first interlocking member 104 and second interlocking member 106 overlapping each other, lever portion 120A of lever 120 passes through openings 104A and 106A and is assembled to base portion 120B of lever 120, and is then installed in case 102 together with base portion 120B.

[0027] First interlocking member 104 has first engaging portion 104C protruding downward from pivot shaft 104B on the positive side of the Y-axis. First engaging portion 104C engages with first protrusion 105B of first holder 105. When lever 120 is tilted in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), first interlocking member 104 rotates in the front-rear direction together with base 120B of lever 120, and first engaging portion 104C slides first holder 105 in the front-rear direction. This changes the electrical connection state between first slider 105A held at the bottom of first holder 105 and resistors 116 and 117 provided on FPC 112, and an operation signal is output from connection portion 112B of FPC 112 with a resistance value corresponding to the tilting operation (tilting direction and tilt angle) of lever 120 in the front-rear direction.

[0028] The second interlocking member 106 has a second engaging portion 106C that protrudes downward from a rotation shaft 106B on the positive side of the X-axis. The second engaging portion 106C engages with a second protrusion 107B of the second holder 107. When the lever 120 is tilted left or right (in the Y-axis direction), the second interlocking member 106 rotates left or right together with the base 120B of the lever 120, and the second engaging portion 106C slides the second holder 107 left or right. This changes the electrical connection state between the second slider 107A held at the bottom of the second holder 107 and the resistors 115 and 117 provided on the FPC 112, and an operation signal is output from the connection portion 112B of the FPC 112, with a resistance value corresponding to the left or right tilt operation (tilt direction and tilt angle) of the lever 120.

[0029] Shaft 103 has a shaft portion 103A and a bottom plate portion 103B. Shaft portion 103A is a round bar-shaped portion that is inserted into through-hole 120C of lever 120. Bottom plate portion 103B is a disk-shaped portion that is integrally provided at the lower end of shaft portion 103A.

[0030] With the shaft portion 103A of the shaft 103 inserted, the spring 108 is incorporated into an opening 120D (see FIG. 4) on the bottom side (negative side of the Z axis) of the lever 120 together with the shaft 103. The spring 108 urges the lever 120 upward and also urges the bottom plate portion 103B of the shaft 103 downward. As a result, when the operator releases the tilting operation of the lever 120, the spring 108 presses the bottom plate portion 103B of the shaft 103 against the upper surface and center of the frame 110, causing the bottom plate portion 103B to be in a horizontal state, thereby returning the lever 120 to the neutral state.

[0031] When lever 120 is pressed downward, pressing member 109 is pressed downward by rotation shaft 104B on the negative Y-axis side of first interlocking member 104, thereby pressing metal sheet 113 provided on FPC 112 downward and elastically deforming metal sheet 113, thereby bringing a switch circuit formed on FPC 112 into a conductive state. As a result, a switch-on signal indicating that lever 120 has been pressed downward is output from FPC 112.

[0032] The frame 110 is a flat metal member that closes the opening on the bottom side of the case 102. For example, the frame 110 is formed by performing various processing methods (such as punching or bending) on ​​a metal plate. The frame 110 is provided with a pair of claws 110A on each of its front edge (positive side of the X-axis) and rear edge (negative side of the X-axis). As shown in FIG. 1, the claws 110A engage with the edges of the case 102, thereby fixedly joining the frame 110 to the case 102.

[0033] The FPC 112 is an example of a "substrate" and is a flexible film-like wiring member. The FPC 112 has an extension portion 112A extending from the top surface of the frame 110 toward the side of the frame 110 (the negative Y-axis direction in the figure), and is connected to the outside by a connection portion 112B provided at the tip of the extension portion 112A. The FPC 112 transmits an operation signal corresponding to the operation (tilting operation and pressing operation) of the lever 120 to the outside. The FPC 112 is formed by covering both surfaces of a strip-shaped conductor wiring (e.g., copper foil, etc.) with a flexible, insulating film-like material (e.g., polyimide resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc.).

[0034] (FPC112 configuration) Fig. 5 is a plan view of FPC 112 included in operating device 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, resistors 115, 116, and 117, each of which is planar and strip-shaped, are provided on the surface of FPC 112. For example, resistors 115, 116, and 117 are each formed by printing a carbon fiber material into a thin film.

[0035] The resistor 115 is provided along the edge of the front side (positive side of the X-axis) of the FPC 112. The resistor 115 has a strip shape that extends linearly in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0036] The resistor 116 is provided along the edge on the right side (positive side of the Y axis) of the FPC 112. The resistor 116 has a strip shape that extends linearly in the front-to-rear direction (X axis direction).

[0037] Resistor 117 is provided along a corner on the front side (positive side of the X-axis) and right side (positive side of the Y-axis) of FPC 112. Resistor 117 has an L-shape consisting of linear portion 117A and linear portion 117B. Linear portion 117A has a strip shape that extends linearly in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). Linear portion 117B has a strip shape that extends linearly in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction).

[0038] (Configuration regarding sliding of sliders 105A and 107A) Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of sliders 105A and 107A on the surface of FPC 112 according to one embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the engagement between sliders 105A and 107A and interlocking members 104 and 106 according to one embodiment from above. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the engagement between sliders 105A and 107A and interlocking members 104 and 106 according to one embodiment from below.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 6, on the surface of the FPC 112, the linear portion 117B of the resistor 117 and the resistor 116 are spaced apart from each other and are aligned in a straight line in the X-axis direction along the right edge (positive side of the Y-axis) of the FPC 112. As shown in Fig. 6, the first holder 105 is disposed across the surface of the linear portion 117B of the resistor 117 and the surface of the resistor 116. A first slider 105A made of metal and shaped like a leaf spring is provided on the bottom surface of the first holder 105. The first slider 105A slides on the surfaces of the linear portion 117B and the resistor 116 (an example of a "first resistor") as the first holder 105 moves in the X-axis direction. Specifically, a contact point 105Aa (see FIG. 8) provided at the end of the first slider 105A on the negative side of the X-axis slides on the surface of the resistor 116. Also, a contact point 105Ab (see FIG. 8) provided at the end of the first slider 105A on the positive side of the X-axis slides on the surface of the linear portion 117B.

[0040] 6, on the surface of the FPC 112, the linear portion 117A of the resistor 117 and the resistor 115 are spaced apart from each other and are aligned in a straight line in the Y-axis direction along the front edge (positive side of the X-axis) of the FPC 112. As shown in FIG. 6, the second holder 107 is disposed across the surface of the linear portion 117A of the resistor 117 and the surface of the resistor 115. A second slider 107A made of metal and shaped like a leaf spring is provided on the bottom surface of the second holder 107. The second slider 107A slides on the surfaces of the linear portion 117A and the resistor 115 (an example of a "second resistor") as the second holder 107 moves in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, contact point 107Aa (see FIG. 8) provided at the end of second slider 107A on the Y-axis negative side slides on the surface of resistor 115. Also, contact point 107Ab (see FIG. 8) provided at the end of second slider 107A on the Y-axis positive side slides on the surface of linear portion 117A.

[0041] 6 to 8, a first protrusion 105B that protrudes toward the first interlocking member 104 is provided in the center of the side surface of first holder 105 on the first interlocking member 104 side (Y-axis negative side). As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, first protrusion 105B engages with first engagement portion 104C of first interlocking member 104. First protrusion 105B of first holder 105 and first engagement portion 104C of first interlocking member 104 form second drive transmission portion A2. As a result, first holder 105 moves in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) via second drive transmission portion A2 as first interlocking member 104 rotates. At this time, the first slider 105A held by the first holder 105 slides on the straight portion 117B and the surface of the resistor 116 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction).

[0042] 6 to 8, a second protrusion 107B that protrudes toward the second interlocking member 106 is provided at the center of the side surface of the second holder 107 on the second interlocking member 106 side (the negative side of the X axis). As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the second protrusion 107B engages with a second engagement portion 106C of the second interlocking member 106. The second protrusion 107B of the second holder 107 and the second engagement portion 106C of the second interlocking member 106 form a first drive transmission portion A1. As a result, the second holder 107 moves in the left-right direction (the Y axis direction) via the first drive transmission portion A1 as the second interlocking member 106 rotates. At this time, the second slider 107A held by the second holder 107 slides on the surfaces of the linear portion 117A and the resistor 115 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0043] With this configuration, in operating device 100 according to one embodiment, second slider 107A slides left and right (in the Y-axis direction) on the surfaces of straight portion 117A and resistor 115 as lever 120 is tilted left and right (in the Y-axis direction). As a result, the resistance value between the terminal connected to resistor 117 and the terminal connected to resistor 115 changes depending on the amount of movement of second slider 107A (i.e., the tilt angle of lever 120). An external device can detect the tilt operation and tilt angle of lever 120 in the left and right direction (in the Y-axis direction) based on the change in the resistance value between the two terminals.

[0044] In addition, in operating device 100 according to one embodiment, first slider 105A slides in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) on the surfaces of straight portion 117B and resistor 116 as lever 120 is tilted in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction). As a result, the resistance value between the terminal connected to resistor 117 and the terminal connected to resistor 116 changes depending on the amount of movement of first slider 105A (i.e., the tilt angle of lever 120). An external device can detect the tilt operation and tilt angle of lever 120 in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction) based on the change in the resistance value between the two terminals.

[0045] (Configuration of the first drive transmission part A1) FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a first drive transmission unit A1 according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the first drive transmission unit A1. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first drive transmission unit A1 is configured by a first protrusion 105B of a first holder 105 and a first engagement portion 104C of a first interlocking member 104. As shown in FIG. 9, the first engagement portion 104C has a pair of clamping pieces 104Ca and 104Cb that clamp the first protrusion 105B from both sides in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The first protrusion 105B clamped between the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca and 104Cb has a protrusion C that has a component in the Z direction and protrudes between the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca and 104Cb.

[0046] 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams illustrating the outer shape of the first protrusion 105B, each showing a plan view of the first protrusion 105B as viewed in the Y direction. 11A, the outer contour of the first protrusion 105B has a circular lower side (a semicircular shape with approximately the lower half being circular), and an upper side that protrudes upward (toward the rotation axis 104B of the first interlocking member 104 in the third direction (Z-axis direction)) beyond an imaginary line S of the lower semicircular circle. This protruding portion is protrusion C.

[0047] The outline of the first protrusion 105B shown in FIG. 11B is semicircular on the lower side, as in FIG. 11A, but has two protrusions C on the upper side that protrude above the imaginary line S of the lower semicircular circle. Although the outline of the first protrusion 105B is not limited to these, the lower side is semicircular and the upper side has a protruding portion C that protrudes above the imaginary line S. In either example, the outline of the first protrusion 105B has a recessed portion R that passes inside the imaginary line S of the circle. In this embodiment, the recessed portion R is connected to the protruding portion C.

[0048] Here, when the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb are not clamping the first protrusion 105B, the distance between one clamping piece 104Ca and the other clamping piece 104Cb may be smaller than the diameter of the first protrusion 105B.

[0049] For example, one of the clamping pieces 104Ca has a smaller width in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) than the other of the clamping pieces 104Cb, and therefore has greater elasticity than the other of the clamping pieces 104Cb.

[0050] As a result, when the first protrusion 105B is fitted between one of the clamping pieces 104Ca and the other clamping piece 104Cb, the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb clamp the first protrusion 105B by elastically deforming one of the clamping pieces 104Ca toward the positive side of the X-axis.

[0051] By clamping the first protrusion 105B through the elastic deformation of the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb in this manner, the clearance between the first protrusion 105B of the first holder 105 and the first engagement portion 104C of the first interlocking member 104 becomes zero, thereby eliminating any play between the first protrusion 105B and the first engagement portion 104C.

[0052] Therefore, when lever 120 returns to the neutral state in the X-axis direction, first holder 105 can be returned to the neutral position, and a value indicating the neutral state can also be output as the output value in the X-axis direction in the output signal. Therefore, when lever 120 returns to the neutral state in the X-axis direction, the accuracy with which the output value in the X-axis direction in the output signal returns to the value indicating the neutral state can be improved.

[0053] In particular, in a configuration in which the other clamping piece 104Cb is not easily elastically deformed, the first holder 105 can be returned to the neutral position with higher accuracy by using the other clamping piece 104Cb as the reference position.

[0054] Furthermore, by elastically deforming one of the clamping pieces 104Ca, the clamping force applied to the first protrusion 105B by the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb can be appropriately adjusted, thereby preventing wear on the outer surface of the first protrusion 105B.

[0055] (Operation of the first drive transmission part A1) FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the first drive transmission unit A1. As shown in FIG. 12, the first interlocking member 104 rotates in the front-rear direction about the rotation axis 104B as a rotation center in response to tilting of the lever 120 (see FIG. 9) in the front-rear direction (the X-axis direction in the figure). In FIG. 12, two states in which the first interlocking member 104 is at a predetermined upper limit tilt angle are indicated by two-dot chain lines, along with the first protrusion 105B in those states. The rotation of the first interlocking member 104 also rotates the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb of the first drive transmission unit A1, and the first protrusion 105B that engages with them moves in the front-rear direction (the X-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 12, in the operating device 100 according to this embodiment, when the first interlocking member 104 is at a predetermined upper tilt angle, the protrusion C of the first protrusion 105B protrudes above the outer inner end portion, which is the end portion of the inner surface of the outer clamping piece located on the outer side of the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb (toward the rotation axis 104B of the first interlocking member 104 in the third direction (Z-axis direction)), and into an area that does not contact the inner surface of the outer clamping piece.

[0056] 13 to 15 are schematic diagrams illustrating contact states between the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb and the first protrusion 105B. FIG. 13 shows contact states between the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb and the first protrusion 105B when the lever 120 is in the neutral position. In the state shown in FIG. 13, the inner surfaces Sa, Sb of the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb contact the central portion (semicircular portion) of the outer periphery of the first protrusion 105B. A circle CR1 indicated by a dashed dotted line in the figure is a circular locus centered on the pivot axis 104B that passes through the contact points between the inner surfaces Sa, Sb of the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb and the outer periphery of the first protrusion 105B when the lever 120 is in the neutral position.

[0057] Fig. 14 shows a contact state between the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb and the first protrusion 105B when the lever 120 is tilted to one side in the X-axis direction and at the upper limit tilt angle. In the state shown in Fig. 14, the inner surface Sa of one (lower) of the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb, the clamping piece 104Ca, is in contact with the central portion (semicircular portion) of the outer periphery of the first protrusion 105B, and the inner surface Sb of the other (upper) clamping piece 104Cb, is in contact with the outer periphery of the protruding portion C of the first protrusion 105B. The circle CR2 shown by the dotted line in the figure is the locus of a circle centered on the pivot axis 104B, which passes through the contact point between the inner surface Sa of one (lower) of the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb and the outer periphery of the first protrusion 105B when the lever 120 is tilted to the maximum tilt angle to one side in the X-axis direction.

[0058] Fig. 15 shows a contact state between the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb and the first protrusion 105B when the lever 120 is tilted to the other side in the X-axis direction and at the upper limit tilt angle. In the state shown in Fig. 15, the inner surface Sb of the other (lower) clamping piece 104Cb of the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb contacts the central portion (semicircular portion) of the outer periphery of the first protrusion 105B, and the inner surface Sa of the one (upper) clamping piece 104Ca contacts the outer periphery of the protruding portion C of the first protrusion 105B. The circle CR3 shown by the dashed line in the figure is a locus of a circle centered on the pivot axis 104B, which passes through the contact point between the inner surface of the other (lower) of the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb and the outer periphery of the first protrusion 105B when the lever 120 is tilted to the other upper limit tilt angle in the X-axis direction. Here, the circle CR3 coincides with the circle CR2.

[0059] When the first interlocking member 104 rotates due to tilting of the lever 120, the first drive transmission part A1 changes continuously between the state shown in FIG. 13 and the state shown in FIG. 14 and between the state shown in FIG. 13 and the state shown in FIG. 15, in other words, between the state shown in FIG. 14 and the state shown in FIG. 15 via the state shown in FIG. 13.

[0060] In the operation of the first drive transmission unit A1 as described above, under normal use, the inner clamping piece (the lower clamping piece of the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb) applies a force that moves the first protrusion 105B outward while sliding against the first protrusion 105B until the lever 120 reaches the upper tilt angle limit. Therefore, even if the outer clamping piece (the upper clamping piece of the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb) is in contact with the first protrusion 105B, a force greater than the elastic recovery force of the outer clamping piece is not applied to the first protrusion 105B. Note that, from the state shown in FIG. 13 to the state shown in FIG. 14, the clamping piece 104Ca is the inner clamping piece, and the clamping piece 104Cb is the outer clamping piece. From the state shown in FIG. 13 to the state shown in FIG. 15, the clamping piece 104Cb is the inner clamping piece, and the clamping piece 104Ca is the outer clamping piece.

[0061] 13 to 15 correspond to the maximum (circles CR2, CR3) and minimum (circle CR1) of the circle that passes through the contact point between the first protrusion 105B and the inner surfaces of the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb. Therefore, the portions of the inner surfaces of the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb that are located between these circles CR1, CR2, and CR3 become the sliding portions with the first protrusion 105B.

[0062] In normal use, when the lever 120 is at the upper limit tilt angle (the state shown in FIG. 14 or 15 ), an external force is applied to the first interlocking member 104 to rotate it in a direction that reduces the tilt angle (toward returning to the state shown in FIG. 13 ). At this time, the outer clamping piece of the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb applies a force that moves the first protrusion 105B inward while sliding against the first protrusion 105B. Therefore, from the perspective of moving the first protrusion 105B in a normal use environment, the first protrusion 105B does not need to have the protruding portion C (a portion that protrudes further toward (above) the rotation axis 104B of the first interlocking member 104 in the Z-axis direction than the portion that faces the outer inner end when the lever 120 is at the upper limit tilt angle).

[0063] However, due to an impact or the like, the outer clamping piece may temporarily be tilted at an angle greater than the upper limit tilt angle. This state is particularly likely to occur when at least one of the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb is elastically deformable and the first protrusion 105B elastically contacts the inner surface of the clamping piece so as to widen the gap between the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb even in a normal state.

[0064] In this state, there is a risk that only the first protrusion 105B will move outward if there is no protrusion C. In this situation, the first protrusion 105B will not be positioned between the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb (the first protrusion 105B will fall off), and the first drive transmission part A1 will not function normally.

[0065] Therefore, in the operating device 100 according to this embodiment, the first protrusion 105B is provided with a protrusion C that protrudes upward (toward the rotation axis 104B of the first interlocking member 104 in the third direction (Z-axis direction)). This allows the protrusion C to come into contact with the inner surface of the outer clamping piece, preventing the first protrusion 105B from falling off, even if the outer clamping piece is tilted unexpectedly.

[0066] If the protrusion C comes into contact with the inner surface of the outer clamping piece before the first interlocking member 104 reaches the upper tilt angle limit, the accuracy of measuring the tilt angle may be reduced. Therefore, the shape of the protrusion C is set so that the protrusion C does not come into contact with the inner surface of the outer clamping piece at the upper tilt angle limit. That is, it may be preferable to provide a recess R in the shape of the protrusion C. This provides a relief for contact between the protruding first protrusion 105B and the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb when the pair of clamping pieces 104Ca, 104Cb come into contact with the first protrusion 105B while rotating. Therefore, the protrusion C does not come into contact with the inner surface of the outer clamping piece within the upper tilt angle limit, preventing a reduction in the accuracy of measuring the tilt angle.

[0067] The contact point between the outer clamping piece and the protrusion C when the tilt angle of the lever 120 increases is not limited. In the upper tilt angle state shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the end of the inner surface of the outer clamping piece (the outer inner end) is located at the lowest position, which increases the likelihood of contact with the first protrusion 105B. However, the shape of the protrusion C may be designed so that the contact point with the outer clamping piece is on the inner surface above the outer inner end. In FIGS. 14 and 15 , the recess R functions as a relief, and the outer clamping piece contacts the first protrusion 105B at a position above the outer inner end. Because the outer inner end is relatively susceptible to plastic deformation and breakage, such contact may be preferable from the perspective of reliably preventing the first protrusion 105B from falling off. Furthermore, the shape and material of the protrusion C are preferably designed so that the protrusion C elastically deforms when it comes into contact with the outer clamping piece, preventing the first protrusion 105B from falling off.

[0068] Here, in the above description, the first drive transmission part A1 has been taken as an example, but the second engagement part 106C of the second drive transmission part A2 may also have a similar configuration.

[0069] In this way, according to the operating device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide an operating device 1 that can maintain a reliable interlocking relationship between components even when a force that exceeds the upper limit tilt angle of the lever 120 is applied to the lever 120.

[0070] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, while the lever 120 has been described as being tiltable about both the X-axis and the Y-axis, it may be configured to be tiltable only about the X-axis (or only about the Y-axis). Furthermore, those skilled in the art may appropriately add, delete, or modify components of the above-described embodiments, or appropriately combine features of the configuration examples of the embodiments, as long as they include the gist of the present invention. These modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 100...Operating device 102…Case 102A…Opening 103...shaft 103A…Shaft part 103B…Bottom plate part 104...First interlocking member 104A…Opening 104B... Rotating shaft 104C...First engagement portion 104Ca...One of the clamping pieces 104Cb...The other side of the clamping piece 105...First holder 105A...First slider 105Aa...contact part 105Ab...contact part 105B...First protrusion 106...Second interlocking member 106A…Opening 106B... Rotating shaft 106C...Second engagement portion 107...Second holder 107A...Second slider 107Aa...Contact part 107Ab…Contact part 107B...Second protrusion 108...Spring 109...Pressing member 110...frame 110A…Claw part 112...FPC 112A…Extension part 112B...Connection 113...Metal sheet 115, 116, 117...Resistor 117A,117B…Straight section 120...lever 120A...Lever section 120B…Base 120C...Through hole 120D…Opening A1...First drive transmission part A2: Second drive transmission section C…Protrusion CR1, CR2, CR3... yen D1, D2, D3, D4...arrows R…Concave part S...Virtual line Sa, Sb...inner surface

Claims

1. A lever that can be tilted, a strip-shaped first resistor extending in a first direction on the surface of the substrate; a first interlocking member that rotates in response to a tilting operation of the lever; a first holder that holds a first slider and moves in the first direction via a first drive transmission unit in accordance with rotation of the first interlocking member, thereby causing the first slider to slide on the surface of the first resistor; Equipped with The first drive transmission unit includes: a first protrusion that is integrally provided on the first holder and protrudes in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a first engaging portion that is integrally provided with the first interlocking member and has a pair of clamping pieces that clamp the first protrusion from both sides in the first direction; and the first protrusion has a protruding portion that protrudes between the pair of clamping pieces while having a component in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, The protrusion is When the first interlocking member is at a predetermined upper limit tilt angle, The outer clamping piece of the pair of clamping pieces protrudes toward the rotation axis of the first interlocking member in the third direction from the outer inner end portion, which is the end portion of the inner surface of the outer clamping piece located on the outer side of the pair of clamping pieces, and into an area that does not contact the inner surface of the outer clamping piece. An operating device characterized by:

2. The pair of clamping pieces are When the first protrusion is not clamped, the distance between one of the clamping pieces and the other of the clamping pieces is smaller than the diameter of the first protrusion, The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein, in a state in which the gap between the pair of clamping pieces extends along the third direction, one of the clamping pieces clamps the first protrusion while elastically deforming.

3. 3. The operating device of claim 2, wherein the protrusion protrudes in the third direction toward the pivot axis of the first interlocking member further than the outer inner end when the outer clamping piece of the first interlocking member at the upper tilt angle is most elastically deformed outward.

4. When viewed along the second direction, the outer shape of the first protrusion is circular on a side facing the substrate in the third direction, The operating device according to claim 1 , wherein the outline of the protrusion protrudes beyond an imaginary line formed by extending the circle in the third direction toward the rotation axis of the first interlocking member.

5. When viewed along the second direction, The operating device according to claim 4 , wherein the first protrusion has a recessed portion provided on the outer side of the protruding portion in the first direction, the recessed portion having an outline passing through the inside of the imaginary line.

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