push button

Abstract

To provide a push button that allows a clear recognition of its depression.SOLUTION: A button body 2 is supported so as to be capable of being pressed and rotated. A protruding member 30 is provided on the button body 2 and has an inclined surface 40 formed so as to be inclined in the circumferential direction of the button body 2 with respect to the direction along the stroke direction. When the button body 2 is pressed, a guide member 10 comes into contact with the inclined surface 40 of the protruding member 30 and guides the protruding member 30 in the circumferential direction of the button body 2, thereby causing the button body 2 to rotate. The press member 20 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the button body 2 and presses down the switch in the rotation direction of the press member 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a push button. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an input operation in which the operation knob is pushed downward and an input operation in which the operation knob is rotated. Patent Document 2 discloses a switch element that can When operated, the push knob also pushes, and the rotor of the rotary push knob Rotary push knob is not linked to rotary operation when the rotary is operated. A shoe switch device is disclosed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-103509 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-241317 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, it is difficult for users to visually recognize the location and function of the push buttons. If you are in a situation where you cannot clearly recognize that you have pressed the button, you may mistakenly press the button. In the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document, when a pushing action is performed, the Since only the desired member is pressed, it is not clear that the user has pressed the desired push button. It may not be clearly recognizable.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a push button that allows a user to clearly recognize that the button has been pressed. The purpose of this website is to provide a [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a push button comprising: a button body supported to allow for depression and rotational movements; a protrusion member provided on the button body, the protrusion member having a sloped surface formed so as to be inclined in a circumferential direction of the button body relative to a direction along a first direction that is a direction in which the button body is pushed; a guide member that comes into contact with the sloped surface of the protrusion member and guides the protrusion member in a circumferential direction of the button body when the button body is pushed; and a push member provided on the button body, which pushes a switch when the button body is pushed; wherein the button body rotates as the protrusion member is guided by the guide member, and the push member rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the button body, thereby pushing down the switch in the rotational direction of the push member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a push button is provided that allows the user to clearly recognize that the button has been pressed. It is possible. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a push button according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a push button according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a view showing the vicinity of a protrusion member and a guide member according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a push button according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a push button according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the arrangement between a push-down member and a switch according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the arrangement between a push-down member and a switch according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a protrusion member according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are views showing a protrusion member according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are views showing a protrusion member according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a push button according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a push button according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a push button according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a push button device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The elements are numbered the same.

[0010] 1 and 2 are diagrams showing a push button 1 according to a first embodiment. 2 shows a perspective view of the push button 1 according to the first embodiment. A side view of the above is shown.

[0011] The push button 1 includes a button body 2, a guide member 10 (10A, 10B), and a pressing member 20. and protruding members 30 (30A, 30B). Note that FIG. 1 shows only two protruding members 30 Although the number of protruding members 30 is shown as 30A and 30B, the number of protruding members 30 is arbitrary. Although guide members 10A and 10B are shown, the number of guide members 10 is arbitrary. The number of members 10 may be the same as the number of protruding members 30. These will be described later. The same applies to the embodiment.

[0012] The push button 1 (button body 2) is pressed in the direction indicated by arrow A in Figures 1 and 2. As a result, the pressing member 20 moves toward the switch 4, and the pressing member 20 presses the switch 4. This causes the switch 4 to operate and perform a predetermined function. In this embodiment, the push button 1 (button body 2) is pressed in the direction of arrow A. When the button is pressed, the push button 1 (button body 2) moves in a cylindrical shape as shown by the arrow Br. The push button 1 is configured to rotate along the circumferential direction of the tongue body 2. When pressed, (button body 2) rotates in the direction of arrow Br and moves forward in the direction of arrow A. The direction indicated by the arrow A, that is, the direction in which the button body 2 is pressed, is referred to as the stroke. The direction indicated by the arrow Br is referred to as the work direction (first direction).

[0013] For convenience of explanation, X, Y, and Z orthogonal coordinate axes are introduced. A YZ coordinate system is shown. The Y axis corresponds to the direction along the stroke direction. The rotation direction of the push button 1 corresponds to the -Y direction. The rotation direction of the push button 1 corresponds to the -ZX plane. Also, when the button body 2 is viewed from the +Y side, the rotation direction is counterclockwise. do.

[0014] The button body 2 has a cylindrical shape. When viewed in the direction of arrow A (-Y direction), The user places a finger or the like on the top surface 2a formed on the +Y side of the button body 2. and push the button body 2 in the direction of arrow A (-Y side). The top surface 2a may be knurled. By doing so, the user can feel the rotation of the button body 2 with a stronger tactile sensation. In addition, a protruding member 30 and a pressing member 20 are provided on the bottom surface 2b of the button body 2. The protruding member 30 and the pressing member 20 may be formed integrally with the button body 2. .

[0015] The button body 2 is supported so as to be capable of being pressed and rotated. The button body 2 is supported by a support member 6 so as to be capable of being pressed and rotated. As described above, the pushing action is the action in the direction of arrow A, and the rotating action is the action in the direction of arrow B. The support member 6 is, for example, the top surface of a housing that accommodates the push button 1. The support member 6 may have a hole formed in a shape corresponding to the circular shape of the button body 2. The hole and the side surface 2c of the button body 2 slide together, so that the button body 2 is pressed. The support member 6 may be supported so as to be capable of being pushed in and rotated. The method of supporting the button body 2 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the support member 6 may be The central axis (rotation axis) provided on the support may be supported.

[0016] The pressing member 20 presses the switch 4 when the button body 2 is pressed. In the first embodiment, the switch 4 is disposed on the −Y side of the pressing member 20. The pressing member 20 in the first state is pressed from the bottom surface 2b of the button body 2 to the switch 4 side, that is, -Y When the button body 2 is pressed in the direction of arrow A, that is, in the -Y direction, When the push-down member 20 is inserted, it also moves in the direction of arrow A, i.e., in the -Y direction. As a result, the pressing member 20 presses the switch 4 in the direction of the arrow A, that is, in the -Y direction. In addition, an inclined surface 22 is provided on the -Y side of the pressing member 20, that is, on the portion facing the switch 4. When the pressing member 20 presses the switch 4, any position of the inclined surface 22 is It may contact switch 4.

[0017] The protruding members 30 (30A, 30B) are arranged on the bottom surface 2b of the button body 2 and on the side of the switch 4. The protruding member 30 is formed so as to protrude in the -Y direction. 1, the hook portion 32 may be formed so as to be engageable with the material 10. The members 30A and 30B are arranged on the bottom surface 2b of the button body 2, with the center of the bottom surface 2b sandwiched between them. For convenience, in the initial state, along the X-axis direction, It is assumed that two protruding members 30A and 30B are provided. A protruding member 30A is provided on the +X side of the center, and a protruding member 30B is provided on the -X side. Moreover, the protruding member 30 is formed with an inclined surface 40 .

[0018] The guide members 10 (10A, 10B) are provided in the vicinity of the protruding members 30. The guide member 10A is provided near the protruding member 30A, and the guide member 10B is provided near the protruding member 30B. In addition, in FIG. 1, the guide member 10 is formed in a generally arcuate shape. The member 10 is provided between the two protruding members 30 along the circumferential direction of the button body 2. However, the guide members 10 are arranged only in the vicinity of the corresponding protruding members 30. The guide member 10 may be fixed to a housing that accommodates the push button 1, for example. In other words, the guide member 10 may be freely moved relative to the support member 6 that supports the button body 2. As will be described later, the guide member 10 may be fixed at an angle of 0 degrees. As will be described later, when the button body 2 is pressed, the guide member 10 guides the button body 2 in the direction of the arrow. Then, while contacting the inclined surface 40 of the protruding member 30, the protruding member 30 is moved in the circumferential direction of the button body 2. When the protruding member 30 moves in the direction of the arrow B, the button body 2 moves in the direction of the arrow Br. The direction of arrow B corresponds to the direction of arrow Br.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a view showing the vicinity of the protrusion member 30 and the guide member 10 according to the first embodiment. The protruding member 30 has an inclined surface 40. The inclined surface 40 is inclined in the direction along the stroke direction (Y-axis direction). The inclined surface 4 is formed so as to be inclined in the circumferential direction of the button body 2 with respect to the inclined surface 4. 0 is tilted in the opposite direction to the rotation direction with respect to the Y axis when viewed from the opposite side of the button body 2. In other words, the inclined surface 40 is formed in the direction of the arrow B when viewed from the -Y side. The tilt is in the direction of arrow Bx (+Z direction in Figure 3), which is the opposite direction to the direction of arrow Bx (-Z direction in Figure 3). It is formed as follows.

[0020] In addition, even if an inclined surface 12 is formed on the surface of the guide member 10 facing the protruding member 30, The inclined surface 12 is formed to be inclined to the same side as the inclined surface 40 of the protruding member 30. Preferably, the slope of the inclined surface 12 is greater than the slope of the inclined surface 40 .

[0021] When the button body 2 is pressed in the direction of the arrow A, the protruding member 30 is also pressed in the direction of the arrow A. As a result, the tip 12a of the guide member 10 abuts against the slope 40. The button body 2 is further pushed in the direction of the arrow A, and the protruding member 30 moves in the direction of the arrow A. Then, the inclined surface 40 slides on the tip 12a of the guide member 10 in the direction of the arrow C. The inclination of 40 allows the protruding member 30 to move not only in the direction of arrow A but also in the direction of arrow B. do.

[0022] That is, when the button body 2 is pressed, the guide member 10 contacts the inclined surface 40, The protruding member 30 is guided in the circumferential direction (the direction of the arrow B). When the guide member 10 is inserted, the guide member 10 moves the protruding member 30 in the direction of arrow B while contacting the inclined surface 40. That is, the guide is made in the direction opposite to the inclination direction of the slope 40 (the direction of the arrow Bx). The button body 2 rotates in the direction of the arrow Br in conjunction with the movement of the protruding member 30. When the button body 2 is pressed, the button body 2 moves in the direction of the arrow A. In other words, when the button body 2 is pressed, the button body 2 rotates in the direction of the arrow Br. While moving in the direction of mark A, rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the +Y side.

[0023] Here, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 40 in the circumferential direction with respect to the direction along the Y axis direction is In this case, the button body 2 is pressed by a certain amount (pressing length) S. In this case, the larger the inclination angle θ, the greater the movement of the protruding member 30 in the circumferential direction (direction along the ZX plane). Therefore, when the button body 2 is pressed by the pressing amount S, the tilt The larger the angle θ, the larger the rotation amount R. For example, when the button body 2 is pressed by only the amount S, When pressed, the amount of rotation R may be proportional to S*tanθ.

[0024] The hook portion 32 is attached to the guide member 10 along the ZX plane at the tip of the protruding member 30. The button body 2 is formed to protrude toward the +Y side, that is, the side to be pressed. When the guide member 10 tries to move in the opposite direction, the hook portion 32 contacts the bottom surface 10 on the -Y side of the guide member 10. This restricts the movement of the button body 2 to the +Y side. Therefore, the button body 2 can be prevented from coming off from a housing or the like in which the push button 1 is housed. Cut.

[0025] The push button 1 may have a biasing member. When the pressing of the button body 2 is stopped and the pressing action to the button body 2 is released, The biasing member is formed of an elastic member such as a spring. The biasing member may be configured to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the button body 2 (the direction of the arrow Br in FIG. 3). The button body 2 or the protruding member 30 may be biased in the direction of the arrow. When the pushing operation is released, the protruding member 30 is biased in the direction opposite to the arrow B. Then, the inclined surface 40 slides on the tip 12a of the guide member 10 in the direction opposite to the arrow C. As a result, button body 2 moves to the +Y side while rotating clockwise when viewed from the +Y side.

[0026] 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the push button 1 according to the first embodiment. The operation of the push button 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Assuming that the button body 2 is pressed in the direction of the arrow 30A, as shown in FIG. As described above, the guide member 10A guides the moving object 10 in the direction of the arrow Ba. On the −X side of the protruding member 30A, the protruding member 30B is guided by the guide member 10B, Therefore, the button body 2 moves in the direction of the arrow Bb. In other words, it rotates in the direction of the arrow Br. Also, the button body 2 is pressed in the direction of the arrow A. Then, the pressing member 20 moves in the -Y direction, that is, in the direction indicated by the arrow Ac, and approaches the switch 4. At this time, the button body 2 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the +Y side, so the pressing member 20 also rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the +Y side.

[0027] Assume that the button body 2 is further pressed in the direction of arrow A from the state shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the protruding member 30A is guided by the guide member 10A as described above. Similarly, on the −X side of the protruding member 30A, The protruding member 30B is guided by the guide member 10B and moves further in the direction of the arrow Bb. Therefore, the button body 2 rotates further counterclockwise as viewed from the +Y side, that is, in the direction of the arrow Br. Furthermore, as the button body 2 is pressed in the direction of arrow A, the pressing member 20 rotates. The pressing member 20 moves in the Y direction, that is, in the direction indicated by the arrow Ac. Press the button in the -Y direction, that is, in the direction indicated by the arrow Ac. At this time, the button body 2 is pressed in the +Y direction. Since the pressing member 20 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the +Y side, the pressing member 20 also rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the +Y side. do.

[0028] In this way, when the button body 2 of the push button 1 according to the first embodiment is pressed, The inclined surface 40 of the protruding member 30 slides on the guide member 10, and the guide member 10 guides the protruding member 30. By doing so, the button body 2 rotates. The user who pressed the button 1 noticed that the button body 2 rotated when the button body 2 was pressed. , can be sensed by touch.

[0029] If the button body does not rotate, the user cannot tell whether the button body has been pressed or not by looking at the button. This is determined by detecting only the movement of the main body in the stroke direction. It is difficult for users to visually recognize the location and function of the push buttons. If you are unable to clearly recognize that you have pressed the button, you may mistakenly press the button. There it is.

[0030] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the user presses the button body 2 in conjunction with the button operation. The user can feel the sensation of the button body 2 rotating. When you press the button, you can feel that the button body 2 moves not only in the stroke direction but also in the rotation direction. This increases the sensation that the user can feel when pressing the button body 2. Therefore, the user can more clearly recognize that the button body 2 has been pressed. Cut.

[0031] By changing the inclination direction of the inclined surface 40 of the protruding member 30, the rotation of the button body 2 can be adjusted. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the inclined surface 40 is When the button body 2 is pressed, The protrusion member 30 is guided in the -Z direction by the guide member 10, and the button body 2 is guided in the +Y direction. It rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the side.

[0032] 3, the inclined surface 40 is in the -Z direction (the arrow Bx) when viewed from the -Y side. In this way, when the button body 2 is pressed, the protrusion The rising member 30 is guided in the +Z direction (the opposite direction to the arrow B) by the guide member 10. Therefore, the button body 2 rotates clockwise when viewed from the +Y side.

[0033] In this way, two push buttons 1 with different rotation directions may be arranged side by side on the housing. This allows the user to rotate the device in different directions when pressing two push buttons 1. The rotation of the direction can be sensed by the sense of touch. The two push buttons 1 can be distinguished. In other words, the user can visually distinguish between the push buttons 1. By simply pressing the push button 1, it is possible to distinguish between the two push buttons 1 without having to This becomes:

[0034] Also, the above two push buttons 1 each operate different functions of the switch 4. In other words, the functions of the two push buttons 1 and the corresponding switch 4 can be For example, the push button 1 may be rotated counterclockwise. Switch 4, which corresponds to push button 1 rotating clockwise, activates the UP operation, and The switch 4 corresponding to the push button 1 may actuate the DOWN action. With this configuration, when the user presses the push button 1, the user can feel the following through their tactile sense: Therefore, the function corresponding to the push button 1 can be recognized. This can prevent the user from accidentally pressing the push button 1. Even if the user does not recognize the functions corresponding to the multiple push buttons 1 arranged side by side, It can be recognized.

[0035] As another means for letting the user know that the push button 1 has been pressed, e.g. For example, a method is adopted in which push button 1 is vibrated when it is pressed. This method requires a mechanism to vibrate the push button 1, In contrast to this, in the first embodiment, the button body 2 is provided with the inclined surface 40. By forming the protruding member 30 having the protruding portion 30, when the button body 2 is pressed, the button body In this way, the body 2 can be rotated by the simple structure of the protruding member 30. , the user can clearly recognize that the push button 1 has been pressed.

[0036] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the protruding member 30 is provided with a hook portion 32 for preventing separation. By forming the inclined surface 40 on the button body 2, the button body 2 can be rotated when the button body 2 is pressed. In this way, the protruding member 30 has a mechanism for preventing separation and a button body By providing a mechanism for rotating the 2, the user can It is possible to clearly recognize that the push button 1 has been pressed.

[0037] In addition, in this embodiment, when the button body 2 is pressed, the button body 2 rotates. In conjunction with this, the pressing member 20 also rotates. This allows for greater freedom in design. This will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0038] 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating the arrangement between the push-down member 20 and the switch 4 according to the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the pressing member 20. The pressing member 20 has a flat surface 20a that faces the switch 4. In this case, the initial state is The distance between the opposing surface 20a of the pressing member 20 and the switch 4 is constant at L. The pressing member 20 is pressed from the initial state until the switch 4 is pressed. The stroke is constant at L.

[0039] FIG. 7 shows a case where an inclined surface 22 is provided on the surface of the pressing member 20 facing the switch 4. In this case, in the initial state, the inclined surface 22 of the pressing member 20 and the switch The distance between the inclined surface 22 and the switch 4 can be any value between L1 and L2. L1 is the shortest distance between the inclined surface 22 and the switch 4, and L2 is the longest distance between the inclined surface 22 and the switch 4. .

[0040] In this case, as in state (A), when the button body 2 is pressed by the pressing amount L1, Then, the tip of the pressing member 20, that is, the side of the inclined surface 22 closest to the switch 4, In the first embodiment, the button body 2 As the pressing member 20 rotates, the inclined surface 22 also rotates. As shown in (B), the pressing member 20 first comes into contact with the switch 4 at an arbitrary position on the inclined surface 22. In this case, the pressing member 20 may be configured to first contact the switch 4. The amount of depression can be any amount between L1 and L2. The degree of freedom in designing the amount of depression required to press down the switch 4, and the distance between the switch 4 and the pressing member 20 This improves the degree of freedom in designing the space between the two.

[0041] As will be described later, the angle of inclination of the inclined surface 40 can be changed to allow the user to press the button. The tactile sensation the user receives when pressing the body 2 changes. Even if the tank body 2 is pushed in in the same way, the angle of inclination relative to the Y-axis increases. As the rotation increases, the weight (resistance) against the pushing action increases. Therefore, by adjusting the tilt angle, the tactile sensation when the button body 2 is pressed can be adjusted appropriately. It can be adjusted as needed.

[0042] <Modification of the First Embodiment> Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the modification of the first embodiment, the protruding member The inclined surface 40 of the 30 has a plurality of inclined surface portions 42 with different inclination angles.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a protrusion member 30X according to a first modification of the first embodiment. The inclined surface 40 of the protruding member 30X according to the modification includes an inclined surface portion 42A (first inclined surface portion) and an inclined surface portion 42B. The slope portion 42B has a surface portion 42B (second slope portion). The slope portion 42B is located at the +Y The inclination angle of the inclined surface portion 42A is set to θ a and the inclination angle of the inclined surface portion 42B is θb, θa>θb. The inclination angle θb of the portion 42B is smaller than the inclination angle θa of the slope portion 42A.

[0044] Therefore, when the guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42A, the button body 2 is pushed in. The rotation amount when the guide member 10 is pressed in by the amount S is The amount of rotation is larger than the amount of rotation when the button body 2 is pressed by the amount S. When the button body 2 is pressed from the state where the guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42A, The user senses by touch the rotation of the button body 2, which is large compared to the amount of pressing. On the other hand, when the button body 2 is pushed in and the guide member 10 comes into contact with the inclined surface portion 42B, The user presses the button body 2 more rapidly than when the guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42A. It feels like the amount of rotation relative to the amount of insertion has become smaller.

[0045] In addition, the pushing action felt by the user when the guide member 10 is in contact with the slope portion 42A The weight (resistance force) against the guide member 10 is determined by the user's The weight (resistance) of the guide member 10 is greater than the weight (resistance) of the guide member 10 that you feel. When the user is in contact with the sloped surface portion 42A, the user feels a large resistance to the pushing action. On the other hand, when the button body 2 is pushed in and the guide member 10 comes into contact with the inclined surface portion 42B, The guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42A, and the guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42A. I feel like the resistance has decreased.

[0046] Here, we will explain the change in resistance force. First, let us consider the resistance force as a normal force. Let N be the normal force acting on the slope portion 42. The component of the normal force in the Y-axis direction is N. Since it is sin θ, if the inclination angle θ is large, the component of the normal force in the Y-axis direction also becomes large. Therefore, the resistance force felt by the user when pressing the button body 2 in the Y-axis direction is When the guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42A, it is more likely that the guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42B. Next, consider the case where the resistance force is considered to be a frictional force. The pushing force in the -Y direction against the body 2 is F. When the guide member 10 contacts the inclined surface portion 42A, When the inclined surface 42A is in the horizontal position, a normal force Na corresponding to F1a=Fsinθa is applied to the inclined surface 42A. Therefore, the inclined surface portion 42A is subjected to a friction force (kinetic friction force) proportional to the normal force Na. On the other hand, when the guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42B, the inclined surface portion 42B has F A normal force Nb corresponding to 1b=Fsinθb may be applied. A friction force (kinetic friction force) proportional to the normal force Nb acts on the Therefore, the friction force acting on the inclined surface portion 42A is larger than that acting on the inclined surface portion 42B. The direction of movement in the slope portion 42 corresponds to the direction of inclination. Therefore, the resistance force at the inclined surface portion 42 corresponds to the friction force. The weight (resistance) against the pushing action felt by the user when the inclined surface portion 42A is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42A. ) corresponds to the pushing action that the user feels when the guide member 10 contacts the slope portion 42B. It is greater than the weight (resistance) it faces.

[0047] By forming the inclined surface 40 of the protruding member 30X in this shape, for example, the following configuration can be achieved. Until the pressing member 20 comes into contact with the switch 4, the guide member 10 is inclined at the inclined surface portion 42. After the push-down member 20 contacts the switch 4, the guide member 10 contacts the inclined surface portion 42B. The components of the push button 1 and the switch 4 are arranged so that they are in contact.

[0048] This allows the user to experience significant resistance to the depressing action before switch 4 operates. This allows the user to easily detect the amount of force and the amount of rotation of the button body 2. This can prevent the switch 4 from being operated erroneously. Since there is a large resistance to the push before the button operates, it is best to touch the button with a light force. Since the push button 1 is difficult to press simply by touching it, it is possible to prevent malfunctions. By detecting a large rotation of the button body 2, if the push button 1 is accidentally touched, This makes it possible to more clearly recognize that the push button 1 has been pressed, thereby preventing erroneous operation. can be done.

[0049] As described above, the functions of the switches 4 corresponding to the two push buttons 1 and 2 are When the rotation directions of the push buttons 1 are associated with each other, the user can Before pressing the button 1, the function corresponding to the button can be recognized. When pressed, the amount of rotation of the push button 1 before the switch 4 operates is large. When the user presses down on push button 1, the push button 1 is pressed down before switch 4 is activated. For example, as mentioned above, the rotation direction of the counterclockwise Switch 4, which corresponds to push button 1 rotating clockwise, activates the UP operation, and Suppose that the switch 4 corresponding to the push button 1 activates the DOWN operation. The user pressed down push button 1 to activate the UP operation, but push button 1 When the user senses that the switch has rotated clockwise, the user must press the It is possible to recognize that the push button 1 that was pressed was incorrect. Push button 1 that you want to operate and rotate it counterclockwise. When the user senses this, the user presses the push button before the switch 4 operates. Therefore, you can more reliably operate the correct button. Cut.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a protrusion member 30Y according to a second modification of the first embodiment. The inclined surface 40 of the protruding member 30Y according to the modification includes an inclined surface portion 42C (third inclined surface portion) and an inclined surface portion 42D. The slope portion 42D has a surface portion 42D (fourth slope portion). The slope portion 42D is located at the +Y The inclination angle of the inclined surface portion 42C is set to θ c and the inclination angle of the inclined surface portion 42D is θd, 0≦θc<θd. The inclination angle θd of the surface portion 42D is larger than the inclination angle θc of the slope portion 42C.

[0051] Therefore, when the guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42C, the button body 2 is pushed in. The rotation amount when the guide member 10 is pressed in by the amount S is The amount of rotation is smaller than the amount of rotation when the button body 2 is pressed by the amount S. When the button body 2 is pressed from the state where the guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42C, The user senses by touch the rotation of the button body 2, which is a small amount of rotation relative to the amount of depression. In other words, while the guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42C, if θc≠0, If θc=0, the user feels that the rotation of the button body 2 is small. Furthermore, since the inclination angle θc of the sloped portion 42C is small, Therefore, when the guide member 10 is in contact with the slope portion 42C, the resistance to the movement is small. When the pressing force is small, the user feels a small resistance to the pressing action.

[0052] The inclined surface 40 of the protruding member 30Y according to the second modification includes an inclined surface portion 42C and an inclined surface portion 42D, there is a step portion 43. Therefore, when the button body 2 is pushed in, the guide portion When the material 10 comes into contact with the step portion 43, a large resistance force acts against the pushing operation. The user pushes the button body 2 against this resistance, and the guide member 10 contacts the inclined surface portion 42D. When the guide member 10 contacts the inclined surface portion 42C, the user feels that the button is The user feels that the amount of rotation relative to the amount of pressing of the main body 2 has increased. The resistance to the pushing action is increased compared to when the member 10 is in contact with the slope portion 42C. I feel like I've grown up.

[0053] By forming the inclined surface 40 of the protruding member 30Y in this shape, for example, the following configuration can be achieved. Until the pressing member 20 comes into contact with the switch 4, the guide member 10 is inclined at the inclined surface portion 42. After the pressing member 20 contacts the switch 4, the guide member 10 contacts the inclined surface portion 42D. The components of the push button 1 and the switch 4 are arranged so as to be in contact with each other. The push button 10 is moved so that the guide member 10 contacts the step portion 43 just before the push button 10 contacts the switch 4. 1 and switch 4 are arranged.

[0054] This allows the user to press the button body 2 with a light force before the switch 4 operates. You will feel a strong resistance just before switch 4 operates. The user can more clearly sense the moment when the switch 4 is operated. While the user is pressing the switch 4, the user will sense a large amount of rotation of the button body 2. This allows the user to clearly recognize that switch 4 is functioning. Therefore, the user can feel the haptic sensation (haptics) when pressing the push button 1. can be improved.

[0055] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a protrusion member 30Z according to a third modification of the first embodiment. The inclined surface 40 of the protruding member 30Z according to this modification includes an inclined surface portion 42E (first inclined surface portion), The slope portion 42F (second slope portion, third slope portion) and the slope portion 42G (fourth slope portion) The inclined surface portion 42F is on the +Y side of the inclined surface portion 42E, that is, in the stroke direction. The inclined surface portion 42G is provided on the +Y side of the inclined surface portion 42F, that is, on the stroke side. It is provided on the opposite side to the work direction.

[0056] The inclination angle of the inclined surface portion 42E is θe, the inclination angle of the inclined surface portion 42F is θf, and the inclination angle of the inclined surface portion 42E is θf. If the tilt angle of the 42G is θg, then θe>θf and θf<θg. The inclination angle θf of the inclined surface portion 42F is smaller than the inclination angle θe of the inclined surface portion 42E. The inclination angle θg of the surface portion 42G is larger than the inclination angle θf of the inclined surface portion 42F.

[0057] Since θe>θf, when the guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42E, the button body The rotation amount when the guide member 10 contacts the inclined surface portion 42F is the amount of rotation when the guide member 10 contacts the inclined surface portion 42F. The amount of rotation is larger than the amount of rotation when the button body 2 is pressed by the pressing amount S while the button body 2 is pressed. In other words, when the button body 2 is pushed from the initial state so that the guide member 10 comes into contact with the inclined surface portion 42E, While the button is pressed, the user feels a large rotation amount of the button body 2 relative to the amount of pressing. On the other hand, when the button body 2 is pressed in and the guide member 10 comes into contact with the inclined surface portion 42F, Then, the user feels that the button is pressed more firmly than when the guide member 10 is in contact with the sloped portion 42E. It feels like the amount of rotation relative to the amount of pressure applied to the main body 2 has become smaller.

[0058] In addition, the pushing action felt by the user when the guide member 10 is in contact with the slope portion 42E The weight (resistance) against the guide member 10 is determined by the user's weight when the guide member 10 is in contact with the slope portion 42F. The weight (resistance) of the guide member 10 is greater than the weight (resistance) of the guide member 10 that you feel. When the user is in contact with the sloped surface portion 42E, the user feels a large resistance to the pushing action. On the other hand, when the button body 2 is pushed in and the guide member 10 comes into contact with the inclined surface portion 42F, The guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42E, and the guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42E. I feel like the resistance has decreased.

[0059] In addition, since θf<θg, the pressure when the guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42G is The rotation amount relative to the pushing amount S is the pushing amount when the guide member 10 is in contact with the inclined surface portion 42F. The amount of rotation is larger than the amount S. In other words, when the button body 2 is pushed in, the guide member 10 When the guide member 10 comes into contact with the inclined surface portion 42G, the user feels the same sensation as when the guide member 10 comes into contact with the inclined surface portion 42F. Compared to the previous example, it feels like the amount of rotation relative to the amount of depression of the button body 2 is larger.

[0060] In addition, the pushing action felt by the user when the guide member 10 is in contact with the slope portion 42G The weight (resistance) against the guide member 10 is determined by the user's weight when the guide member 10 is in contact with the slope portion 42F. The weight (resistance) felt by the button body 2 is greater than the weight (resistance) felt by the button body 2. When the guide member 10 is pushed in and comes into contact with the inclined portion 42G, the user Compared to when it was in contact with part 42F, the resistance to the pushing action was greater. feel.

[0061] By forming the inclined surface 40 of the protruding member 30Z in this shape, for example, the following configuration can be achieved. Until the pressing member 20 comes into contact with the switch 4, the guide member 10 is inclined at the inclined surface portion 42. The components of the push button 1 and the switch 4 are arranged so as to contact E. The guide member 1 is in contact with the switch 4 until the switch 4 is fully pressed. The components of the push button 1 and the switch 4 are arranged so that the slanted portion 42F contacts the slanted portion 42F. After the switch 4 is fully pressed by pressing the pressing member 20, the guide member 1 The components of the push button 1 and the switch 4 are arranged so that the 0 contacts the slope portion 42G. do.

[0062] Here, "deep pressing" means that switch 4 is pressed deeply and the pressing depth of switch 4 is This is a state in which a different function is activated than when the pressure is shallow. This can be an operation corresponding to a "long press" state. For example, switch 4 activates the volume up function. When Switch 4 is pressed deeply, the volume is lower than when Switch 4 is pressed shallowly. The speed of increase may be increased. Also, for example, the switch 4 may be configured to turn on or off the power supply function of the device. When activating the device, if switch 4 is pressed too shallowly, the device will wake up from sleep mode. In the fully pressed state, the device may be powered off or powered on.

[0063] As a result, as in the first modification, the user can press the switch 4 before it operates. It can detect large resistance to movement and large rotation of the button body 2. This prevents the user from accidentally operating the switch 4. Furthermore, when switch 4 is fully pressed, it provides a large resistance to the pressing action. This allows the user to sense a large amount of rotation of the button body 2. It is possible to more clearly recognize that the switch 4 has been fully pressed.

[0064] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the position of the push-down member and the switch is The positional relationship is different from that of the first embodiment. The configuration is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted as appropriate. Abbreviated.

[0065] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a push button 1 according to the second embodiment. The push button 1 according to the second embodiment includes a button body 2, a guide member 10, and a push member 2. 0 and a protruding member 30. In addition, the second embodiment is also substantially the same as the first embodiment. Similar XYZ Cartesian coordinate axes are introduced to

[0066] As in the first embodiment, the push button 1 (button body 2) moves in the direction indicated by the arrow A, i.e., in the direction of -Y. When the pressing member 20 is pressed in the direction, the pressing member 20 presses the switch 4. The switch 4 is operated to execute a predetermined function. When the button 1 (button body 2) is pressed in the direction of arrow A, the button moves as shown by arrow Br. The button 1 (button body 2) is configured to rotate along the circumferential direction of the button body 2. There are.

[0067] Here, the shapes of the button body 2, the guide member 10 and the protrusion member 30 according to the second embodiment are as follows: 1. The position of the guide member 10 and the protruding member 30 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. The positional relationship is substantially the same as in the first embodiment. The mechanism is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. The explanation will be omitted.

[0068] In the first embodiment, the switch 4 is disposed on the −Y side of the pressing member 20. In contrast to this, in the second embodiment, the switch 4 is disposed on the side of the pressing member 20 in the rotation direction. In FIG. 11, the switch 4 is disposed on the −X side of the pressing member 20.

[0069] As in the first embodiment, when the button body 2 is pressed in the direction of the arrow A, i.e., in the -Y direction, In conjunction with this, the pressing member 20 also moves in the direction of the arrow Ac, that is, in the -Y direction. As in the first embodiment, the button body 2 rotates in the direction of the arrow Br, and the button is pressed in conjunction with this. The lower member 20 also rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow Bc. The pressed side surface 24 abuts against the switch 4. As a result, the pressing member 20 is pressed down in the direction of the arrow Bc, that is, in the rotation direction of the pressing member 20.

[0070] 12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the push button 1 according to the second embodiment. Assume that the button body 2 is pressed in the direction of arrow A from the state shown in Figure 1. As shown in 2, the button body 2 rotates in the direction of the arrow Br. Then, the pressing member 20 moves in the direction of the arrow Ac and rotates in the direction of the arrow Bc. As a result, the side surface 24 of the pressing member 20 comes closer to the switch 4 .

[0071] Suppose that the button body 2 is further pressed in the direction of arrow A from the state shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the button body 2 rotates further in the direction of the arrow Br. In conjunction with the movement of the main body 2, the pressing member 20 moves further in the direction of the arrow Ac, and Then, the side surface 24 of the pressing member 20 abuts against the switch 4. As a result, the pusher 20 pushes the switch 4 in the direction of the arrow Bc, i.e., the rotation of the pusher 20. Press down in the rotation direction.

[0072] In this embodiment, the button body 2 is configured to rotate when pressed. Therefore, the pressing member 20 formed integrally with the button body 2 also rotates. In the second embodiment, the rotation of the pressing member 20 is utilized to cause the pressing member 20 to press the switch 4. In other words, the switch 4 is arranged on the rotation direction side of the pressing member 20. The side surface 24 of the pressing member 20 presses the switch 4 as the pressing member 20 rotates. With this configuration, the switch 4 is pressed on the -Y side of the push button 1, that is, when the button body 2 is pressed. This eliminates the need to position the push button 1 and the switch 4 in the direction of insertion. The degree of freedom in designing the arrangement between the two is improved. In comparison, the space required for arranging the push button 1 and the switch 4 in the Y-axis direction can be reduced. It becomes Noh.

[0073] (Embodiment 3) Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a push button device 100 according to the third embodiment. The device 100 includes the push button 1 (1A, 1B) according to the above-described embodiment, a housing 102, and In the example of FIG. 14, the push button device 100 has two push buttons 1. However, the number of push buttons 1 can be any number equal to or greater than two. The device may be any device having a push button.

[0074] The housing 102 accommodates the push button 1. The housing 102 has holes 110A and 110B formed in the top surface 102a thereof. The push button 1A is embedded in the hole 110A. A push button 1B is embedded in the hole 110B. The push button 1B may be supported so as to be capable of being pushed in and rotated. B may be supported so as to allow pushing and rotating operations.

[0075] The push button 1 according to the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the above-described embodiments. Although not shown, the inside of the push button device 100 Near each push button 1, there is a switch 4 that is operated by the corresponding push button 1. Here, when two switches 4 are pressed, they each perform a different function. Move.

[0076] The push buttons 1A and 1B are configured to rotate in opposite directions when pressed. That is, the push buttons 1A and 1B are configured such that the respective button bodies 2A and 2B are pressed. The direction of rotation when the push button is pressed is different between the push button 1A and the push button 1B. When the button body 2A of the push button 1A is pressed, the button body 2A of the push button 1A moves in the direction indicated by the arrow B1. Also, when you press the button body 2B of the push button 1B, , the button body 2B of the push button 1B rotates clockwise as shown by the arrow B2.

[0077] Preferably, the top surface 2a of the button body 2 is in contact with the top surface 10 of the housing 102. It is arranged so that it does not protrude from 2a. This can reduce the protrusion of the upper surface 102a of the housing 102. The button body 2 according to this embodiment is formed in a circular shape when viewed in the direction of pressing. Even if the button body 2 rotates, the rotation of the button body 2 is prevented by the The obstruction caused by the holes 110 is suppressed.

[0078] The push button device 100 according to the third embodiment is configured as described above. Even without looking at push button 1, just press push button 1 and the corresponding button will be activated. For example, if switch 4 corresponding to push button 1A is UP, DOWN operation and the switch 4 corresponding to the push button 1B operates the DOWN operation. In this case, the user feels a tactile sensation that pressing the push button 1A rotates counterclockwise. Therefore, it can be recognized that the function corresponding to push button 1A is the UP operation. Similarly, the user feels a clockwise rotation when pressing the push button 1B. Therefore, it can be recognized that the function corresponding to push button 1B is the DOWN operation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from pressing the push button 1 by mistake.

[0079] In addition, for visually impaired users who cannot recognize the operation of a push button by appearance, The function of a button is indicated by a Braille symbol placed near the button. However, if the user repeatedly touches the Braille, This may cause the braille protrusions to wear or deteriorate, making it difficult for users to properly recognize the braille. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the push button 1 has different functions. Therefore, even a visually impaired user can easily press the This makes it possible to easily recognize the function of Button 1.

[0080] The push button device 100 according to the third embodiment has two push buttons 1. However, three or more push buttons 1 may be provided. In this case, three or more push buttons The rotation direction and amount of rotation (resistance to the pushing operation) of 1 are made different from each other. Therefore, the functions of three or more push buttons 1 can be recognized by touch. For example, The push button device 100 may have four push buttons 1. In this case, for example, the first The rotation direction of the push button and the second push button is counterclockwise, and the rotation direction of the third push button and The rotation direction of the fourth push button is clockwise. The rotation amount of the first push button (pressing The resistance to the push button (the force of rotation) is compared with the resistance to the push button (the force of rotation) Also, the rotation amount of the third push button (resistance to the pressing action) should be set to The resistance force against the pressing action is set to be larger than the rotation amount of the fourth push button. With this configuration, the functions corresponding to the four push buttons 1 can be recognized by touch. In other words, by making the rotation of multiple push buttons 1 different from each other, The functions corresponding to the two push buttons 1 can be recognized by touch.

[0081] (Variation) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention. For example, the configuration of the modified example of the first embodiment and the configuration of the second embodiment can be modified. Therefore, for example, the protrusion member according to the second embodiment can be The protruding member according to the first modified example may also be used.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the hook portion 32 is formed on the protruding member 30. The protruding member 30 does not necessarily have to have the hook portion 32. The hook portion for this purpose may be provided on a component separate from the protruding member 30. However, However, the protruding member 30 on which the hook portion 32 is formed has a slope 40 formed thereon. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the hook portion and the protruding member separately. The structure is simplified. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 push button 2 Button body 4 Switch 6 Support member 10 Guide member 12 Slope 20 Push-down member 22 Slope 24 Side 30 Protruding member 32 Hook part 40 Slope 42 Slope section 43 Step 100 Push button device 102 Case 110A,110B hole

Claims

1. a button body supported so as to be capable of being pressed and rotated; a protruding member provided on the button body, the protruding member having a slope formed so as to be inclined in a circumferential direction of the button body with respect to a direction along a first direction that is a direction in which the button body is pressed; a guide member that guides the protruding member in a circumferential direction of the button body while contacting the inclined surface of the protruding member when the button body is pressed; a pressing member provided on the button body, the pressing member pressing the switch when the button body is pressed, The button body rotates as the protruding member is guided by the guide member, The pressing member rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the button body, and presses the switch in the rotation direction of the pressing member. Push button.

2. the inclined surface has a plurality of inclined surface portions having different inclination angles, which are inclination angles of the inclined surface in the circumferential direction with respect to the direction along the first direction; The push button according to claim 1 .

3. The inclined surface is a first slope portion; a second inclined surface portion provided on the opposite side of the first direction from the first inclined surface portion and having a smaller inclination angle than the inclination angle of the first inclined surface portion; having The push button according to claim 2.

4. The inclined surface is a third slope portion; a fourth inclined surface portion provided on the opposite side of the third inclined surface portion in the first direction and having a larger inclination angle than the third inclined surface portion; having The push button according to claim 2.

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