Multi-directional input device

Abstract

To secure a space at a back side of a central part in an operation knob while improving operability.SOLUTION: In a multidirectional input device 10, a base 20 is provided at a rear face side of an operation knob 40. A detection plate 30 extends in a circumferential direction of the operation knob 40, and a supported part 30A of the detection plate 30 is fixed to the base 20. A strain gauge 60 is provided in a detection part 30B of the detection plate 30, and the operation knob 40 is coupled to the detection part 30B by a coupling shaft 42 so as not to relatively move. Thus, an operation force inputted to the operation knob 40 is transferred to the detection part 30B and the detection part 30B is deformed, such that strain caused by the deformation of the detection part 30B can be detected by the strain gauge 60. A plurality of coupling shafts 42 are disposed at eccentric positions with respect to an axial line AL of the operation knob 40. Therefore, a space AR can be secured at the back side of a central part in the operation knob 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In the multi-directional input device (seat switch structure) described in Patent Document 1 below, a knob is provided at the tip of a shaft, and a plate-shaped portion of a detection plate is provided at the base end of the shaft. Four strain gauges are provided on one side of the plate-shaped portion. The outer periphery of the plate-shaped portion of the detection plate is fixed by a frame. The strain gauges detect strain on the detection plate when the knob is operated, thereby making it possible to detect each of the knob rotation, tilt, and push-in operations. As a result, an input device using strain gauges can detect knob operations with a relatively small amount of operation, for example, thereby improving the operability of the multi-directional input device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-82034 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In some multi-directional input devices, for example, to improve convenience, an electrical component for lighting, such as an LED, is disposed on the rear side of the center of the knob, and the center of the knob is illuminated by the electrical component. However, if the structure of the sheet switch structure described above is applied to such a multi-directional input device, the shaft is connected to the center of the knob, making it difficult to dispose the electrical component on the rear side of the center of the knob. In other words, there is a problem in that it is not possible to secure a space for disposing the electrical component on the rear side of the center of the knob.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-directional input device that can improve operability while ensuring placement space behind the center of the operation knob. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One or more embodiments of the present invention are a multi-directional input device including: an operation knob to which an operation force is input; a base provided opposite the back side of the operation knob; a plurality of detection plates configured to include a supported portion extending circumferentially around the operation knob and supported by the base; and a detection portion that deforms when the operation force is transmitted; a strain gauge provided in the detection portion that detects strain when the detection portion deforms; and a plurality of connecting portions that connect the operation knob and the detection portion so that they cannot move relative to each other and are located at positions eccentric to the center of the operation knob. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to secure a space behind the central portion of the operation knob while improving operability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a multi-directional input device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-directional input device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a rear view of the multi-directional input device shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the rear side. [Figure 4] 2 is a front view of the multi-directional input device shown in FIG. 1 with the operation knobs and the base plate removed; FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the multi-directional input device shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 1) of the multi-directional input device shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the other side in the second direction. [Figure 7]7 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 1) of the multi-directional input device shown in FIG. 1 as seen from one side in the first direction and one side in the second direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a multi-directional input device according to a second embodiment with the operation knobs and the substrate removed. [Figure 9] 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 6 of a multi-directional input device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7 of a multi-directional input device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment) 1 to 7, a multidirectional input device 10 according to a first embodiment will be described. Arrow A, as shown in the drawings, indicates the front side of the multidirectional input device 10, and in the following description, when the front-rear direction is used, it will refer to the front-rear direction of the multidirectional input device 10 unless otherwise specified. The rear side of the multidirectional input device 10 corresponds to the rear side of the present invention, and the front-rear direction corresponds to the facing direction of the present invention. In the following description, a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction is referred to as a first direction (see arrows B and C in FIG. 1), and a direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from the front side is referred to as a second direction (see arrows D and E in FIG. 1).

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the multidirectional input device 10 is generally cylindrical in shape with its height extending in the front-to-rear direction, and is relatively low in height. The multidirectional input device 10 includes a base 20, a detection plate 30, an operation knob 40, a substrate 50, and a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) strain gauges 60. The multidirectional input device 10 is configured to be capable of being pressed, slid, and rotated. When the multidirectional input device 10 is pressed, the operation knob 40 is pressed rearward. When the multidirectional input device 10 is slid, the operation knob 40 is slid in the radial direction. When the multidirectional input device 10 is slid, the operation knob 40 is rotated in the circumferential direction. Each component of the multidirectional input device 10 will be described below.

[0011] (About Base 20) As shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 , the base 20 is made of a resin material and is formed into a double cylindrical shape with its axial direction extending in the front-to-rear direction. Specifically, the base 20 includes an outer cylinder 22 that forms the outer periphery of the base 20 and an inner cylinder 24 that forms the inner periphery of the base 20. The base 20 also has a plurality of base support portions 26 (four in this embodiment) that serve as support portions connecting the outer cylinder 22 and the inner cylinder 24. The base support portions 26 are formed into a substantially rectangular block shape with their thickness direction extending in the front-to-rear direction, and are disposed between the outer cylinder 22 and the inner cylinder 24 to connect them. Specifically, the base support portions 26 are disposed on both sides of the base 20 in the first direction and on both sides of the base 20 in the second direction. The front and rear surfaces of the base support portions 26 are flush with the front and rear surfaces of the outer cylinder 22 and the inner cylinder 24, respectively. The base support portions 26 are formed with fixing bosses 26A for fixing a substrate 50 (described later). The fixed boss 26A is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with its axial direction extending in the front-rear direction, and protrudes forward from the base support portion 26. The base 20 may be made of a metal material.

[0012] In addition, the space between the outer tube 22 and the inner tube 24 in the base 20 is configured as a storage section 20A for storing the detection section 30B of the detection plate 30 described later, and the storage section 20A is divided into four locations around the circumference of the base 20 by the base support section 26.

[0013] (Regarding the detection plate 30) The detection plate 30 is made of a metal plate and is formed integrally with the base 20 by a method such as insert molding. The detection plate 30 is formed in a substantially annular plate shape with its thickness in the front-to-rear direction, and is disposed between the outer cylinder 22 and the inner cylinder 24 of the base 20. A portion of the detection plate 30 is embedded in the middle of the base support portion 26 in the front-to-rear direction, and is formed integrally with the base support portion 26. In this way, the detection plate 30 is supported by the base 20. The portion of the detection plate 30 supported by the base support portion 26 is configured as a supported portion 30A, and the detection plate 30 has four supported portions 30A.

[0014] In the detection plate 30, the portions between adjacent supported portions 30A in the circumferential direction are configured as detecting portions 30B. As a result, the detecting portions 30B extend in a curved line along the circumferential direction of the base 20 at positions eccentric to the axis AL of the multi-directional input device 10 in a front view (see FIGS. 3 and 4). In addition, in the detection plate 30, the supported portions 30A and the detecting portions 30B are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the detection plate 30 at four locations. A connecting hole 30C for connecting a connecting shaft 42 (described later) is formed through a longitudinal intermediate portion of the detecting portion 30B. That is, one connecting hole 30C is formed on one side in the first direction (the side in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 4) and one side in the second direction (the side in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 4) of the detection plate 30, and the four connecting holes 30C are arranged every 90 degrees around the circumferential direction of the detection plate 30.

[0015] (Regarding operation knob 40) 1, 2, 6, and 7, the operation knob 40 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom that is open to the rear. Specifically, the operation knob 40 includes a disk-shaped knob base portion 40A whose thickness direction is in the front-to-rear direction, and a cylindrical knob tube portion 40B that extends rearward from the outer periphery of the knob base portion 40A. The operation knob 40 is disposed coaxially with the base 20, with the knob base portion 40A covering the base 20 from the front side and the knob tube portion 40B covering the base 20 from the radially outer side. In other words, the axis AL passes through the center of the operation knob 40.

[0016] The knob base 40A is integrally provided with a plurality of (four in this embodiment) connecting shafts 42 (see FIGS. 4 and 7) as connecting portions. The connecting shafts 42 are formed in a generally cylindrical shape with their axial direction extending in the front-to-rear direction and are arranged coaxially with the connecting hole 30C of the detection plate 30 described above. The connecting shaft 42 extends rearward from the knob base 40A, and the rear end of the connecting shaft 42 is arranged adjacent to the front side of the detection unit 30B of the detection plate 30. A connecting screw SC1 is inserted into the connecting hole 30C from the rear side and threadedly engages with the inner periphery of the connecting shaft 42, thereby connecting the rear end of the connecting shaft 42 to the detection unit 30B so as to be immovable relative to the detection unit 30B. In other words, the operation knob 40 and the detection plate 30 are connected to each other so as not to be movable relative to each other by the connecting shaft 42, which is arranged at a position eccentric to the axis AL of the operation knob 40 (multi-directional input device 10).

[0017] (Regarding the substrate 50) 2, 6, and 7, the substrate 50 is formed in a generally cross-shaped plate shape with its thickness extending in the front-to-rear direction. Specifically, the substrate 50 extends from its center in both first and second directions. The substrate 50 is disposed between the knob base 40A of the operation knob 40 and the base 20, and is disposed adjacent to the front side of the fixing boss 26A of the base 20. Four fixing holes 50A are formed through the substrate 50 at positions corresponding to the fixing bosses 26A. Fixing screws SC2 are inserted into the fixing holes 50A from the front and screwed into the inner periphery of the fixing boss 26A, thereby fixing the substrate 50 to the fixing boss 26A.

[0018] A plurality of electrical components 52 (see FIG. 2) are mounted on the front surface of the substrate 50, behind the central portion of the operation knob 40. Specifically, the electrical components 52 are disposed radially inward of the operation knob 40 with respect to the connecting shaft 42. The electrical components 52 are configured as components such as LEDs.

[0019] (About strain gauge 60) As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the strain gauges 60 are formed in a substantially rectangular sheet shape with the thickness in the front-rear direction and are attached to the front surface of the detection unit 30B of the detection plate 30. Specifically, the strain gauges 60 are attached to both longitudinal ends of the four detection units 30B. Note that in FIGS. 4 and 5, numerals are added to the end of the reference numerals of the strain gauges 60 to distinguish the eight strain gauges 60. Specifically, the strain gauge 60 arranged adjacent to the base support unit 26 on one side in the first direction on one circumferential side of the detection plate 30 (the side in the direction of arrow F in FIG. 4) is designated as strain gauge 60-1, and the numerals added increase as the strain gauge 60-1 is positioned first and moves toward one circumferential side.

[0020] The strain gauges 60 are attached to the detection unit 30B with their longitudinal directions substantially aligned with the longitudinal direction of the detection unit 30B. Specifically, the strain gauges 60 (strain gauges 60-1, 60-4, 60-5, and 60-8) arranged on both sides of the base support parts 26 arranged on both sides in the first direction are arranged with their longitudinal directions aligned with the second direction, and the strain gauges 60 (strain gauges 60-2, 60-3, 60-6, and 60-7) arranged on both sides of the base support parts 26 arranged on both sides in the first direction are arranged with their longitudinal directions aligned with the first direction. The strain gauges 60 are configured as strain gauges that detect strain in the detection unit 30B based on a tensile load or a compressive load acting in their longitudinal direction. As will be described in detail later, the strain gauges 60 are configured as strain gauges that detect strain in the detection unit 30B caused by deformation of the detection unit 30B when various operating forces are input to the operation knob 40.

[0021] Each strain gauge 60 forms a Wheatstone bridge circuit (not shown), and the Wheatstone bridge circuit is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown). When the control unit applies a voltage to each Wheatstone bridge circuit, an output voltage proportional to the applied voltage and proportional to the change in electrical resistance of the strain gauge 60 is output to the control unit. When a compressive load acts on the strain gauge 60, the control unit detects a negative strain value, and when a tensile load acts on the strain gauge 60, the control unit detects a positive strain value. The control unit detects each operation of the operating knob 40 based on the load pattern detected from the eight strain gauges 60.

[0022] (Action and effect) Next, the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described while explaining the pressing operation, sliding operation, and rotation operation of the multi-directional input device 10 by the operator.

[0023] When the operator presses the multidirectional input device 10, the operator presses the operation knob 40 rearward. This applies a rearward pressing force to the operation knob 40 and the force is applied from the connecting shaft 42 to a longitudinally intermediate portion of the detection unit 30B in the detection plate 30. In the detection plate 30, both longitudinal ends of the detection unit 30B are connected to the supported portion 30A, which is fixed to the base support portion 26 of the base 20. Therefore, in the detection plate 30, the four detection units 30B are bent and deformed so that the longitudinally intermediate portion of each detection unit 30B is displaced rearward. As a result, a tensile load acts on the strain gauges 60-1 to 60-8, and the control unit detects positive strain values ​​in all of the strain gauges 60-1 to 60-8. Therefore, the control unit detects the operator's pressing operation on the multidirectional input device 10 based on the detection results from the strain gauges 60-1 to 60-8.

[0024] When the operator slides the multidirectional input device 10, the operator presses the operation knob 40 in the radial direction. For example, when the operator slides the multidirectional input device 10 toward one side in the second direction (the direction of arrow D in FIGS. 4 and 5 ), a sliding force toward one side in the second direction is input to the operation knob 40. That is, a sliding force toward one side in the second direction is input to the front end of the connecting shaft 42. Furthermore, the rear end of the connecting shaft 42 is connected to the detection unit 30B of the detection plate 30 so as not to move relative to the detection unit 30B. Therefore, the operation knob 40 tilts so that the portion on one side in the second direction is displaced rearward and the portion on the other side in the second direction is displaced forward. As a result, in the detection plate 30 arranged on one side in the second direction, two detection units 30B are bent and deformed so that the longitudinal middle portions of the respective detection units 30B are displaced rearward (see arrow a in FIG. 5 ). As a result, a tensile load acts on strain gauges 60-1 to 60-4, and the control unit detects positive strain values ​​in strain gauges 60-1 to 60-4. Meanwhile, in the detection plate 30 arranged on the other side in the second direction, two detection units 30B are bent so that the longitudinal middle portions of each detection unit 30B are displaced forward (see arrow b in FIG. 5). As a result, a compressive load acts on strain gauges 60-5 to 60-8, and the control unit detects negative strain values ​​in strain gauges 60-5 to 60-8. Therefore, the control unit detects a sliding operation by the operator to one side in the second direction based on the detection results from strain gauges 60-1 to 60-8.

[0025] When the operator rotates the multidirectional input device 10, the operator applies a rotational force to the operation knob 40 in the circumferential direction. For example, when the operator rotates the multidirectional input device 10 in one circumferential direction (the direction of arrow F in FIG. 4), a rotational force in the one circumferential direction is input to the operation knob 40. As a result, a rotational force in the one circumferential direction is input to the connecting shaft 42. Furthermore, the rear end of the connecting shaft 42 is connected to the detection unit 30B of the detection plate 30 so as not to move relative to the detection unit 30B. Therefore, the rotational force in the one circumferential direction acts on a longitudinal middle portion of the detection unit 30B. As a result, a compressive load acts on the strain gauges 60-2, 60-4, 60-6, and 60-8, which are arranged on one circumferential side of the connecting shaft 42, and the control unit detects negative strain values ​​in the strain gauges 60-2, 60-4, 60-6, and 60-8. Meanwhile, a tensile load acts on strain gauges 60-1, 60-3, 60-5, and 60-7, which are arranged on the other circumferential side of connecting shaft 42, and the control unit detects positive strain values ​​in strain gauges 60-1, 60-3, 60-5, and 60-7. Therefore, the control unit detects a rotation operation by the operator to one circumferential side based on the detection results from strain gauges 60-1 to 60-8.

[0026] As described above, in the multidirectional input device 10, the base 20 is provided on the back side of the operation knob 40. The detection plate 30 extends along the circumferential direction of the operation knob 40, and the supported portion 30A of the detection plate 30 is fixed to the base support portion 26 of the base 20 and supported by the base 20. The detection plate 30 also has a detection portion 30B extending from the supported portion 30A, and the detection portion 30B is provided with a strain gauge 60. The operation knob 40 is connected to the detection portion 30B by the connecting shaft 42 so as not to move relative to the detection portion 30B. As a result, an operating force input to the operation knob 40 is transmitted to the detection portion 30B, and strain caused by deformation of the detection portion 30B can be detected by the strain gauge 60. As a result, operations on the operation knob 40 can be detected using the strain gauge 60. Therefore, operations on the multidirectional input device 10 can be detected even with a relatively small amount of operation on the multidirectional input device 10. This improves the operability of the multidirectional input device 10.

[0027] Here, the multiple connecting shafts 42 are disposed at positions eccentric to the axis AL of the operation knob 40. That is, the operation knob 40 and the detection unit 30B of the detection plate 30 are connected at a position eccentric to the axis AL so as to be immovable relative to each other. This makes it possible to ensure a space AR (see FIG. 7) on the rear side of the central portion of the operation knob 40. As a result, as in this embodiment, the circuit board 50 can be disposed so as to overlap the space AR, and electrical components 52 can be mounted on the circuit board 50.

[0028] Furthermore, the multiple connecting shafts 42 are provided at positions eccentric to the axis AL of the operation knob 40. This allows the operation knob 40 to be supported at multiple locations by the connecting shafts 42. This stabilizes the support performance of the operation knob 40, which is connected to the detection plate 30 so as not to move relative to it.

[0029] The detection plate 30 is formed in the shape of an annular plate with its thickness in the front-to-rear direction, and the four supported portions 30A and detecting portions 30B are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the detection plate 30. Therefore, the detection plate 30 can be configured as a single member, and multiple detecting portions 30B can be set on the detection plate 30. This reduces the number of parts and contributes to reducing the cost of the multi-directional input device 10.

[0030] Furthermore, the supported portion 30A of the detection plate 30 is integrated with the base support portion 26 of the base 20 by insert molding, and is supported by the base 20. This reduces the number of assembly steps required to assemble the detection plate 30 to the base 20. This therefore contributes to reducing the cost of the multi-directional input device 10 while improving the ease of assembly of the multi-directional input device 10.

[0031] The base 20 also has a housing portion 20A that houses the detection portion 30B of the detection plate 30, and the housing portion 20A penetrates in the front-rear direction. As a result, as in this embodiment, the connecting shaft 42 can be disposed in front of the detection portion 30B, and the connecting screw SC1 can be threaded into the connecting shaft 42 from the rear side, thereby connecting the connecting shaft 42 and the detection portion 30B so that they cannot move relative to each other.

[0032] (Second embodiment) Next, a multi-directional input device 100 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. The multi-directional input device 100 according to the second embodiment is configured similarly to the multi-directional input device 10 according to the first embodiment, except for the following points. In Figures 8 to 10, members configured similarly to the multi-directional input device 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0033] In the multi-directional input device 100, the inner cylinder 24 is omitted from the base 20. Furthermore, in the multi-directional input device 100, the detection plate 30 is formed in the shape of a double annular plate, specifically, the detection plate 30 is configured to include an outer ring portion 32 that forms the outer peripheral portion of the detection plate 30, an inner ring portion 34 that forms the inner peripheral portion of the detection plate 30, and a plurality of connecting plate portions 36 (four in this embodiment) that connect the outer ring portion 32 and the inner ring portion 34.

[0034] The outer ring portion 32 is formed in the shape of an annular plate with its thickness extending in the front-to-rear direction. The outer ring portion 32 is disposed adjacent to the rear side of the base 20 and is integrally formed with the outer tube 22 and the base support portion 26. Thus, in the second embodiment, the outer ring portion 32 corresponds to the supported portion of the present invention. The inner ring portion 34 is formed in the shape of an annular plate disposed radially inside the outer ring portion 32. When viewed from the circumferential direction, the inner ring portion 34 is inclined forward as it extends radially inward. The connecting plate portion 36 is disposed between the outer ring portion 32 and the inner ring portion 34 so as to connect both first-direction and second-direction side portions of the outer ring portion 32 and the inner ring portion 34. That is, the connecting plate portion 36 extends radially inward from the inner peripheral portion of the outer ring portion 32 and is connected to the outer peripheral portion of the inner ring portion 34. The intermediate portion of the connecting plate portion 36 in the extending direction is bent, and the tip of the connecting plate portion 36 is connected to the outer peripheral portion of the inner ring portion 34.

[0035] In the multi-directional input device 100, the portion of the inner ring portion 34 that is connected to the connecting plate portion 36 is configured as a connecting portion 34A, and the inner ring portion 34 has four connecting portions 34A. Furthermore, the portion of the inner ring portion 34 between adjacent connecting portions 34A in the circumferential direction is configured as a detecting portion 30B, and the detecting portions 30B and the connecting portions 34A are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the inner ring portion 34. A connecting hole 30C is formed in the longitudinal middle portion of the detecting portion 30B, and strain gauges 60 are provided on both longitudinal sides of the detecting portion 30B with respect to the connecting hole 30C.

[0036] Furthermore, in the multi-directional input device 100, the connecting shaft 42 of the operation knob 40 is inclined in accordance with the inclination of the inner ring portion 34. That is, the connecting shaft 42 is arranged with its axial direction perpendicular to the front surface of the inner ring portion 34 and is arranged coaxially with the connecting hole 30C. Furthermore, a connecting screw SC1 is threadedly engaged with the connecting shaft 42 from the rear surface side of the inner ring portion 34, and the connecting shaft 42 is connected to the detection unit 30B of the detection plate 30 so as not to be able to move relative to it.

[0037] Also in the multi-directional input device 100, the multiple connecting shafts 42 are disposed at positions eccentric to the axis AL of the operation knob 40. That is, the operation knob 40 and the detection unit 30B of the detection plate 30 are connected at positions eccentric to the axis AL so as to be immovable relative to each other. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, a space AR can be secured behind the central portion of the operation knob 40. As a result, similar to the first embodiment, a circuit board 50 can be disposed behind the central portion of the operation knob 40, and electrical components 52 can be mounted on the circuit board 50.

[0038] In the first and second embodiments, the detection plate 30 is fixed to the base 20 by insert molding, but the method of fixing the detection plate 30 to the base 20 is not limited to this. For example, the detection plate 30 may be fixed to the base 20 by adhering it with double-sided tape or the like, or the detection plate 30 may be fastened to the base 20 with a fixing member such as a screw.

[0039] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the connecting shaft 42 is formed integrally with the operation knob 40, but the connecting shaft 42 may be formed separately from the operation knob 40 and the two may be integrated.

[0040] In the first and second embodiments, the knob base 40A of the operation knob 40 is formed in a disk shape, but the knob base 40A may be formed with, for example, a hole for illumination. In this case, the operation knob 40 may be provided with a cover or the like to cover the hole.

[0041] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the strain gauges 60 are attached to the front surface of the detection unit 30B of the detection plate 30, but the strain gauges 60 may also be attached to the rear surface of the detection unit 30B of the detection plate 30. In this case, for example, when the operator presses the operation knob 40 rearward in a pressing operation on the multidirectional input device 10 by the operator, a compressive load acts on the strain gauges 60-1 to 60-8, and the control unit detects negative strain values ​​in all of the strain gauges 60-1 to 60-8. The control unit may then be configured to detect the operator's pressing operation on the multidirectional input device 10 based on the detection results from the strain gauges 60-1 to 60-8. Furthermore, when the operator performs a sliding operation and a rotating operation on the multi-directional input device 10, if the strain gauges 60 are attached to the rear surface of the detection unit 30B, an inverted load (tensile load or compressive load) is input to each strain gauge 60 compared to when they are attached to the front surface, and the control unit detects the inverted strain value for each strain gauge 60. Based on this detection result, the control unit may be configured to detect the operator's sliding operation and rotating operation on the multi-directional input device 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 10 Multi-directional input device 20 base 20A housing 26 Base support part (support part) 30 Detection plate 30A Supported part 30B Detector 32 Outer ring part (supported part) 40 Operation knob 42 Connection shaft (connection part) 50 boards 52 Electrical parts 60 strain gauges 100 Multi-directional input device

Claims

1. an operation knob to which an operation force is input; a base provided opposite to the rear side of the operation knob; a plurality of detection plates extending in a circumferential direction of the operation knob and including a supported portion supported by the base and a detection portion that deforms when the operation force is transmitted; a strain gauge provided in the detection unit to detect strain when the detection unit is deformed; a plurality of connecting portions that connect the operation knob and the detection portion so as to prevent relative movement between them and are disposed at positions eccentric to a center portion of the operation knob; A multi-directional input device comprising:

2. the detection plate is formed in a circular plate shape along the circumferential direction of the operation knob, and includes a plurality of the supported portions and the detection portions, The multi-directional input device according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the supported portions and the detecting portion are alternately arranged in a circumferential direction of the detecting portion.

3. 3. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, wherein the supported portion is integrated with the base and supported by the base.

4. The base is a supporting portion that supports the supported portion; a housing portion that houses the detection portion; 4. The multi-directional input device according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. The multi-directional input device according to claim 4 , wherein the housing portion penetrates the operation knob and the base in a direction in which the operation knob and the base face each other.

6. A multi-directional input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a substrate is provided between the operation knob and the base, and electrical components are mounted on the substrate radially inward of the operation knob relative to the connecting portion.

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