Input device

Abstract

This input device comprises a housing, a rocking lever, a detection means that detects a rocking state of the rocking lever, and a decorative cover attached to an upper part of the housing with the rocking lever inserted through an opening in the decorative cover. The housing has a right-side engaging part formed on a right-side outer wall part and a left-side engaging part formed on a left-side outer wall part. The decorative cover has a right-side engaged part to be engaged by the right-side engaging part and a left-side engaged part to be engaged by the left-side engaging part such that upward movement is restricted. The housing has a first hole part and a second hole part which are drilled downward from a top surface. The decorative cover has a first protruding part and a second protruding part which are erected downward from a bottom surface and which are inserted into the first hole part and the second hole part, respectively. A first crush rib formed on one of either the first hole part or the first protruding part to press against the other and a second crush rib formed on one of either the second hole part or the second protruding part to press against the other are provided.

Description

Input device

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device.

[0002] Conventionally, as an input device used for a controller of a game machine or the like, an input device provided with a swing lever that can be swung in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction has been disclosed.

[0003] Regarding such an input device, for example, in Patent Document 1 below, a technique is disclosed in which a snap-in structure including an engagement hole of a cover and an engagement convex portion of a body is provided on two side wall portions of four side wall portions of the cover.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-135732

[0005] However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to form the cover slightly larger than the housing, there is a possibility that the cover may rattle due to the clearance between the cover and the housing. For this reason, in the technique of Patent Document 1, for example, when a vibration actuator is arranged nearby, there is a possibility that abnormal noise may be generated due to the vibration caused by the rattling of the cover.

[0006] An input device according to an embodiment includes a housing, a swing lever that is swingably supported in the housing and extends upward from the housing, a detection unit that detects the swing state of the swing lever, and a decorative cover attached to the upper part of the housing with the swing lever penetrating through an opening. The housing has a right locking portion formed on the right outer wall portion and a left locking portion formed on the left outer wall portion. The decorative cover has a right locked portion locked by the right locking portion and a left locked portion locked by the left locking portion so that upward movement is restricted. The housing has a first hole portion and a second hole portion drilled downward from the upper surface. The decorative cover has a first protrusion portion and a second protrusion portion protruding downward from the lower surface and inserted into the first hole portion and the second hole portion, respectively, and a first crush rib formed on one of the first hole portion and the first protrusion portion and pressed against the other, and a second crush rib formed on one of the second hole portion and the second protrusion portion and pressed against the other.

[0007] According to the input device according to an embodiment, rattling of the decorative cover can be suppressed.

[0008] External perspective view of the input device according to one embodiment External perspective view of the input device according to one embodiment (with the decorative cover separated) External perspective view of the input device according to one embodiment (with the decorative cover, housing, and frame removed) Cross-sectional perspective view of the input device according to one embodiment in the YZ plane External perspective view of the decorative cover of the input device according to one embodiment viewed from below External perspective view of the decorative cover and housing of the input device according to one embodiment (separated from each other) External perspective view of the decorative cover and housing of the input device according to one embodiment (separated from each other) Plan view of the housing of the input device according to one embodiment. External perspective view of the decorative cover and housing of the input device according to one embodiment (connected to each other) External perspective view of the decorative cover and housing of the input device according to one embodiment (connected to each other) Figure showing the arrangement of each thickened part of the decorative cover and housing of the input device according to one embodiment Cross-sectional perspective view of the decorative cover of the input device according to one embodiment Figure showing a comparative example of the molding method of the annular disc part Figure showing a comparative example of the molding method of the annular disc part

[0009] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. For convenience, in the following description, the Z-axis direction will be defined as the vertical direction, the X-axis direction as the front-back direction, and the Y-axis direction as the left-right direction. However, the positive Z-axis direction will be defined as upward, the positive X-axis direction as forward, and the positive Y-axis direction as rightward.

[0010] Furthermore, while the terms right, left, front, back, up, and down were used in the description of the scope of claims, these expressions are not related to the relative positions of the object and the observer, nor to the direction of gravity. They simply represent one direction along the imaginary X-axis as right and the other direction as left, one direction along the imaginary Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis as front and the other direction as back, and one direction along the imaginary Z-axis perpendicular to both the X-axis and Y-axis as up and the other direction as down.

[0011] (Overview of the input device 100) Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is an external perspective view of the input device 100 according to one embodiment (with the decorative cover 130 separated).

[0012] The input device 100 shown in Figure 1 is used in controllers for game consoles and the like. As shown in Figure 1, the input device 100 has a columnar, swingable operating member 120 that extends upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) from the opening 131A of the decorative cover 130. The input device 100 can be swung not only forward (direction of arrow D1 in the figure), backward (direction of arrow D2 in the figure), left (direction of arrow D3 in the figure), and right (direction of arrow D4 in the figure) by the operating member 120, but also in all directions between these directions. The input device 100 can also output an operation signal corresponding to the swing operation (swing direction and swing angle) of the operating member 120 to the outside via an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) 112. Furthermore, the input device 100 can be pressed downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) of the operating member 120. The input device 100 can also output an operation signal corresponding to the pressing operation of the operating member 120 to the outside via the FPC 112.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, the input device 100 has a decorative cover 130 that is detachable from the housing 102. The decorative cover 130 is a resin component that has an internal space 130A with an opening on the lower side (negative Z-axis side) and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape that is slightly larger than the housing 102. The decorative cover 130 is attached to the top of the housing 102 by fitting the housing 102 into the internal space 130A through the opening on the lower side (negative Z-axis side). In this way, the decorative cover 130 covers the top surface and each side of the housing 102, improving the appearance of the housing 102.

[0014] The upper surface of the decorative cover 130 has an annular disc portion 131 that rises upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) along the dome shape of the housing 102. The annular disc portion 131 can cover the dome shape of the housing 102 while avoiding interference with the dome shape of the housing 102. In the center of the upper surface of the annular disc portion 131, there is an opening 131A that forms a circle when viewed from above. As a result, the annular disc portion 131 has an annular shape when viewed from above. When the decorative cover 130 is attached to the housing 102, the operating member 120 can be inserted through the opening 131A, allowing the operating member 120 to extend upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) from the opening 131A.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 102 is a resin component having an upwardly convex dome shape. The housing 102 has a storage space 102B inside the dome shape, and the various components are assembled inside this storage space 102B. In addition, the housing 102 has a circular opening 102A formed at the top of the dome shape when viewed from above.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, a frame 110 is attached to the bottom of the housing 102. The frame 110 is a flat, metal member. The frame 110 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above (positive Z-axis direction). By being attached to the bottom of the housing 102, the frame 110 closes off the storage space 102B of the housing 102. For example, the frame 110 is formed by various processing methods (e.g., punching, bending, etc.) applied to a metal plate. The frame 110 has a pair of left and right claw portions 110A on each of its front (positive X-axis) and rear (negative X-axis) edges, extending upward (positive Z-axis direction) and with their upper ends bent inward at a right angle. As shown in Figure 2, the frame 110 is fixedly connected to the housing 102 by each claw portion 110A engaging with the edge of the housing 102.

[0017] (Internal configuration of the input device 100) Figure 3 is an external perspective view of the input device 100 according to one embodiment (with the decorative cover 130, housing 102, and frame 110 removed). Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a cross-section of the input device 100 according to one embodiment in the YZ plane.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the input device 100 includes an operating member 120, a first interlocking member 104, a second interlocking member 106, a shaft 103, a spring 108, a first sliding member 105, a second sliding member 107, a pressing member 109, an FPC 112, and a metal sheet 113 inside the housing 102.

[0019] The operating member 120 is an example of a "rocking lever," and is a member that is rocked by an operator. The operating member 120 has a lever portion 120A and a base portion 120B. The lever portion 120A is a generally columnar portion that extends upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) from the base portion 120B, extends upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) above the opening 102A of the housing 102, and is the portion that is rocked by an operator. The base portion 120B is a generally cylindrical portion that supports the lower end of the lever portion 120A inside the housing 102 and rocks in conjunction with the rocking operation of the lever portion 120A.

[0020] The operating member 120 is pivotable in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) and the left-to-right direction (Y-axis direction). Specifically, the operating member 120 is supported by the first interlocking member 104 so as to be pivotable in the left-to-right direction (Y-axis direction) by fitting a pair of front and rear shaft portions (not shown) provided on the base portion 120B into a pair of front and rear bearing holes (not shown) provided on the first interlocking member 104. Furthermore, since the operating member 120 is held by the first interlocking member 104, which is supported by the housing 102 so as to be pivotable in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), it is pivotable in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) together with the first interlocking member 104.

[0021] The first interlocking member 104 is a frame-shaped member made of resin. The first interlocking member 104 has an elongated hole-shaped opening 104A that extends in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). An operating member 120 is inserted through the opening 104A. The first interlocking member 104 has shaft portions 104B that protrude outward at each of its ends in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The left-side (negative Y-axis side) shaft portion 104B of the first interlocking member 104 is fitted into a first bearing hole 102C formed on the left-side (negative Y-axis side) of the housing 102, thereby supporting it so that it can swing in the front-back direction (Z-axis direction). The right-side (positive Y-axis) shaft portion 104B of the first interlocking member 104 is fitted into a bearing space 102E, which is the space between the inner wall surface on the right side (positive Y-axis) of the housing 102 and the upper surface of the pressing member 109, within the storage space 102B of the housing 102, thereby supporting it so as to be able to swing in the front-rear direction (Z-axis direction). As a result, the first interlocking member 104 swings in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) with the pair of shaft portions 104B as the pivot point, in conjunction with the swing of the operating member 120 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). Note that when the operating member 120 swings in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), the first interlocking member 104 is configured so as not to interfere with the operating member 120, allowing the operating member 120 to swing in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) within the opening 104A.

[0022] The second interlocking member 106 is mounted on top of the first interlocking member 104. The second interlocking member 106 is a resin member that extends in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) while curving upward in a convex shape. The second interlocking member 106 has an elongated hole-shaped opening 106A that extends in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) along its curved shape. The operating member 120 is inserted through the opening 106A. The second interlocking member 106 has shaft portions 106B that protrude outward at each of its ends in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The pair of front and rear shaft portions 106B of the second interlocking member 106 are fitted into a pair of front and rear second bearing holes 102D formed on both the front and rear sides of the housing 102 (see Figure 2). As a result, the second interlocking member 106 is supported so as to be able to swing in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The second interlocking member 106 swings in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) as the operating member 120 swings, with the pair of shaft portions 106B as the pivot point. The second interlocking member 106 is designed so that when the operating member 120 swings in the front-back direction (X-axis direction), the operating member 120 can move in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) within the opening 106A without interfering with the operating member 120.

[0023] The first slide member 105 is a resin member having a longitudinal shape extending in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The first slide member 105 is slidably mounted on the base 112A of the FPC 112 and on the left side (negative Y-axis side) of the first interlocking member 104 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). A first sliding contact member (not shown) made of metal is attached to the lower surface of the first slide member 105, which slides on the resistor patterns 112Da and 112Db provided on the base 112A of the FPC 112 as the first slide member 105 slides.

[0024] The second slide member 107 is a resin member having a longitudinal shape extending in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The second slide member 107 is provided so as to be slidable in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) on the base 112A of the FPC 112 and on the front side (positive X-axis side) of the second interlocking member 106. A second metal sliding contact member (not shown) is attached to the lower surface of the second slide member 107, which slides on the resistor patterns 112Db and 112Dc provided on the base 112A of the FPC 112 as the second slide member 107 slides.

[0025] The shaft 103 has a shaft portion 103A and a bottom plate portion 103B. The shaft portion 103A is a round rod-shaped portion that extends in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The bottom plate portion 103B is a disc-shaped portion integrally provided at the lower end of the shaft portion 103A. The shaft 103 is incorporated into the operating member 120 by being inserted through a through hole 120C that extends vertically (Z-axis direction) inside the operating member 120 from a bottom opening 120D provided at the bottom of the operating member 120, and becomes able to swing together with the operating member 120.

[0026] The spring 108 is positioned within the bottom opening 120D provided at the bottom of the operating member 120, with the shaft portion 103A of the shaft 103 inserted inside the spring 108. The spring 108 biases the operating member 120 upward and the bottom plate portion 103B of the shaft 103 downward. As a result, when the operator releases the swinging operation of the operating member 120, the spring 108 presses the bottom plate portion 103B of the shaft 103 against the upper surface and center of the frame 110, making the bottom plate portion 103B horizontal and returning the operating member 120 to a neutral position. Furthermore, when the operator releases the pressing operation of the operating member 120, the spring 108 biases the operating member 120 upward, returning the operating member 120 to its initial height position.

[0027] The pressing member 109 is located below (on the negative Z-axis) the shaft portion 104B on the right side (positive Y-axis) of the first interlocking member 104, and above (on the positive Z-axis) the metal sheet 113 provided on the FPC 112. When the operating member 120 is pressed down by a pressing operation, the pressing member 109 is pressed down by the shaft portion 104B on the right side (positive Y-axis) of the first interlocking member 104, thereby pressing the metal sheet 113 provided on the FPC 112 downward and elastically deforming the metal sheet 113, thereby making the switch circuit formed on the FPC 112 conductive. As a result, the FPC 112 outputs a switch-on signal indicating that the operating member 120 has been pressed.

[0028] The FPC 112 is an example of a "circuit board" and is a flexible, film-like wiring member. The FPC 112 has a base portion 112A, an extension portion 112B, and a connecting portion 112C. The base portion 112A is a rectangular portion when viewed from above (positive Z-axis direction) and is placed on the upper surface of the frame 110. The extension portion 112B is a strip-shaped portion that extends to the right (positive Y-axis direction) from the base portion 112A. The connecting portion 112C is provided at the tip of the extension portion 112B and is a portion that is connected to the outside. The FPC 112 transmits operation signals to the outside in response to the operation of the operating member 120 (rocking operation and pressing operation). The FPC 112 is constructed by covering both surfaces of a strip-shaped conductor wiring (e.g., copper foil) with a flexible and insulating film-like material (e.g., polyimide resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET)).

[0029] (Method for detecting oscillation operation) When the operating member 120 of the input device 100 configured as described above oscillates in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), the first interlocking member 104 oscillates in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) together with the operating member 120, and the first sliding member 105 slides in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) on the FPC 112. At this time, the resistance values ​​of the resistor patterns 112Da and 112Db provided on the base 112A of the FPC 112 change according to the amount of movement of the first sliding member 105. Therefore, an external device can detect the oscillation operation of the operating member 120 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) and the oscillation angle based on this change in resistance value.

[0030] In this embodiment, the "first detection means" for detecting the sliding state of the first slide member 105 consists of a first sliding contact member (not shown) attached to the first slide member 105 and resistor patterns 112Da and 112Db that the first sliding contact member slides against.

[0031] However, this is not limited to the above. For example, the "first detection means" for detecting the sliding state of the first slide member 105 may consist of a magnet attached to the first slide member 105 and a magnetic detection means attached to the housing 102 for detecting the magnetic field generated by the magnet.

[0032] Furthermore, when the operating member 120 of the input device 100 swings in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), the second interlocking member 106 swings in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) together with the operating member 120, and the second slide member 107 slides in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) on the FPC 112. At this time, the resistance values ​​of the resistor patterns 112Db and 112Dc provided on the base 112A of the FPC 112 change according to the amount of movement of the second slide member 107. Therefore, an external device can detect the swinging operation of the operating member 120 toward the second slide member 107 and the swing angle based on this change in resistance value.

[0033] In this embodiment, the "second detection means" for detecting the sliding state of the second slide member 107 consists of a second sliding contact member (not shown) attached to the second slide member 107 and resistor patterns 112Db and 112Dc with which the second sliding contact member slides.

[0034] However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the "second detection means" for detecting the sliding state of the second slide member 107 may consist of a magnet attached to the second slide member 107 and a magnetic detection means attached to the housing 102 for detecting the magnetic field generated by the magnet.

[0035] (Configuration of decorative cover 130 and housing 102) Figure 5 is a perspective view of the decorative cover 130 of the input device 100 according to one embodiment, viewed from below. Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of the decorative cover 130 and housing 102 (separated from each other) of the input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 8 is a plan view of the housing 102 of the input device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0036] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the decorative cover 130 has a right-side locking portion 132R on the right side (positive Y-axis side) of its side wall. The right-side locking portion 132R is provided hanging downward (negative Z-axis direction) from the right-side (positive Y-axis side) edge of the upper wall portion 130B of the decorative cover 130.

[0037] The right-side locking portion 132R has a rectangular shape when viewed from the right (positive Y-axis direction) in plan view, and has a notch portion 132Ra in the center in the width direction (X-axis direction) that is cut out from the upper end downward (negative Z-axis direction).

[0038] The right-side locking portion 132R has its upper end connected to the right-side (positive Y-axis) edge of the upper wall portion 130B of the decorative cover 130, and is elastically deformable in the expanding direction (positive Y-axis direction) with this connection portion as the fixed end.

[0039] Furthermore, the decorative cover 130 has a left-side locking portion 132L on the left side (negative Y-axis side) of its side wall. The left-side locking portion 132L is provided hanging downward (negative Z-axis direction) from the left side (positive Y-axis side) edge of the upper wall portion 130B of the decorative cover 130.

[0040] The left-side locking portion 132L has a rectangular shape when viewed from the left (negative Y-axis direction) in plan view, and has a notch portion 132La in the center in the width direction (X-axis direction) that is cut out from the upper end downward (negative Z-axis direction).

[0041] The left locking portion 132L has its upper end connected to the edge on the left side (negative Y-axis side) of the upper wall portion 130B of the cosmetic cover 130. With this connection portion as a fixed end, it can be elastically deformed in the spreading direction (negative Y-axis direction).

[0042] In the cosmetic cover 130, the right locking portion 132R is provided near the right front corner portion, and the left locking portion 132L is provided near the left rear corner portion. That is, the right locking portion 132R and the left locking portion 132L are provided in point symmetry.

[0043] Further, the cosmetic cover 130 has a columnar first protrusion 133A and a second protrusion 133B protruding downward (negative Z-axis direction) from the lower surface of the upper wall portion 130B. The first protrusion 133A and the second protrusion 133B are provided in contact with the outer periphery of the annular disk portion 131 on the lower surface of the upper wall portion 130B. The first protrusion 133A and the second protrusion 133B are provided at 180° intervals so as to be point symmetric. The first protrusion 133A is provided on the right side (positive Y-axis side) of the opening 131A. The second protrusion 133B is provided on the left side (negative Y-axis side) of the opening 131A. The first protrusion 133A is inserted into the first hole portion 102Ga of the housing 102. The second protrusion 133B is inserted into the second hole portion 102Gb of the housing 102.

[0044] Further, the first protrusion 133A is provided with a first crush rib 134A. The first crush rib 134A protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the first protrusion 133A toward the outer diameter side and has a rib shape extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The first protrusion 133A has the first crush rib 134A, so that the maximum width (that is, the diameter of the first protrusion 133A + the protruding amount of the first crush rib 134A) is larger than the inner diameter of the first hole portion 102Ga of the housing 102.

[0045] Further, a second crash rib 134B is provided on the second protrusion 133B. The second crash rib 134B protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the second protrusion 133B toward the outer diameter side and has a rib shape extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The second protrusion 133B has the second crash rib 134B, so that the maximum width (that is, the diameter of the second protrusion 133B + the protruding amount of the second crash rib 134B) is larger than the inner diameter of the second hole 102Gb of the housing 102.

[0046] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the housing 102 has a right locking portion 102Ra and a left locking portion 102La.

[0047] The right locking portion 102Ra protrudes at a position corresponding to the right locked portion 132R of the decorative cover 130 on the right outer wall portion 102R of the housing 102. The right locking portion 102Ra is a protrusion having a rectangular shape in a plan view from the right (positive Y-axis direction), has a width smaller than the notch 132Ra of the right locked portion 132R, and can fit into the notch 132Ra of the right locked portion 132R.

[0048] The left locking portion 102La protrudes at a position corresponding to the left locked portion 132L of the decorative cover 130 on the left outer wall portion 102L of the housing 102. The left locking portion 102La is a protrusion having a rectangular shape in a plan view from the left (negative Y-axis direction), has a width smaller than the notch 132La of the left locked portion 132L, and can fit into the notch 132La of the left locked portion 132L.

[0049] Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the housing 102 has a first hole 102Ga and a second hole 102Gb.

[0050] The first hole 102Ga is provided at a position (the right end portion of the upper surface of the housing 102) overlapping with the first protrusion 133A of the decorative cover 130 in a plan view from above, and is a cylindrical hole drilled downward from the upper surface of the housing 102. When the decorative cover 130 is attached to the housing 102, the first protrusion 133A of the decorative cover 130 is inserted into the first hole 102Ga.

[0051] The second hole 102Gb is located at a position that overlaps with the second projection 133B of the decorative cover 130 when viewed from above (the left end of the upper surface of the housing 102), and is a cylindrical hole drilled downward from the upper surface of the housing 102. The second projection 133B of the decorative cover 130 is inserted into the second hole 102Gb when the decorative cover 130 is attached to the housing 102.

[0052] (Bonded state of decorative cover 130 and housing 102) Figures 9 and 10 are external perspective views of the decorative cover 130 and housing 102 (in a bonded state) of an input device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, when the housing 102 is assembled into the internal space 130A of the decorative cover 130 from below (negative Z-axis side), the right-side locking portion 132R of the decorative cover 130 is locked in such a way that the right-side locking portion 102Ra of the housing 102 is fitted into the notch 132Ra, thereby restricting upward movement (in the Z-axis direction) by the right-side locking portion 102Ra.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, when the housing 102 is assembled into the internal space 130A of the decorative cover 130 from below (negative Z-axis side), the left locking portion 132L of the decorative cover 130 is locked in such a way that the left locking portion 102La of the housing 102 is fitted into the notch 132La, thereby restricting upward movement (in the Z-axis direction) by the left locking portion 102La.

[0055] Thus, in this embodiment of the input device 100, the right-side locking portion 132R and the left-side locking portion 132L are locked by the right-side locking portion 102Ra and the left-side locking portion 102La, respectively, thereby maintaining the decorative cover 130 attached to the housing 102 and preventing the decorative cover 130 from easily falling off the housing 102.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the housing 102 is assembled into the internal space 130A of the decorative cover 130 from below (negative Z-axis side), the first projection 133A of the decorative cover 130 is inserted into the first hole 102Ga of the housing 102, and the second projection 133B of the decorative cover 130 is inserted into the second hole 102Gb of the housing 102. As a result, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can accurately position the decorative cover 130 relative to the housing 102 and can suppress rattling of the decorative cover 130 in the horizontal direction (front-back direction, left-right direction, and rotational direction).

[0057] In particular, as shown in Figure 8, the second hole 102Gb of the housing 102 is a circular hole when viewed from above, while the first hole 102Ga of the housing 102 is an elongated hole that, when viewed from above, has an oval shape with the linear direction connecting the first hole 102Ga and the second hole 102Gb as its longitudinal direction.

[0058] As a result, in one embodiment of the input device 100, even if a dimensional error occurs in the spacing between the first projection 133A and the second projection 133B in the decorative cover 130, the first hole 102Ga is an elongated hole and can absorb this dimensional error. Therefore, the first projection 133A and the second projection 133B can each be inserted into the first hole 102Ga and the second hole 102Gb, respectively, without causing distortion in the decorative cover 130.

[0059] Furthermore, when the first projection 133A is inserted into the first hole 102Ga, the first crush rib 134A provided on the first projection 133A is crushed by the inner circumferential surface of the first hole 102Ga and presses against the inner circumferential surface of the first hole 102Ga.

[0060] Similarly, when the second projection 133B is inserted into the second hole 102Gb, the second crush rib 134B provided on the second projection 133B is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the second hole 102Gb and presses against the inner circumferential surface of the second hole 102Gb.

[0061] As a result, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the first projection 133A and the first hole 102Ga are pressed together without any gaps, and the second projection 133B and the second hole 102Gb are pressed together without any gaps, so rattle of the decorative cover 130 in the horizontal direction (front-back direction, left-right direction, and rotational direction) can be further suppressed. Furthermore, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can also suppress rattle of the decorative cover 130 in the vertical direction (up and down direction).

[0062] (Arrangement of each component) Figure 11 is a diagram showing the arrangement of each component of the decorative cover 130 and housing 102 of the input device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0063] As shown in Figure 11, the right-side locking structure, consisting of the right-side locking portion 102Ra of the housing 102 and the right-side locked portion 132R of the decorative cover 130, is located in the right front region of the housing 102.

[0064] Furthermore, the left-side locking structure, which consists of the left-side locking portion 102La of the housing 102 and the left-side locked portion 132L of the decorative cover 130, is located in the left rear region of the housing 102.

[0065] Furthermore, the first fixing structure, which consists of the first hole 102Ga of the housing 102 and the first projection 133A of the decorative cover 130, is located in the right rear region of the housing 102.

[0066] Furthermore, the second fixing structure, consisting of the second hole 102Gb of the housing 102 and the second projection 133B of the decorative cover 130, is located in the left front region of the housing 102.

[0067] As a result, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the decorative cover 130 is fixed to the housing 102 at four isolated points (right front region, left rear region, right rear region, and left front region), so the decorative cover 130 can be stably fixed to the housing 102.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the housing 102 has a first mounting tab 102HR and a second mounting tab 102HL for external mounting, the first mounting tab 102HR is located in the right rear region of the housing 102, and the second mounting tab 102HL is located in the left front region of the housing 102.

[0069] As a result, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can prevent interference between the first mounting tab 102HR and the right-side locking structure, and can also prevent interference between the second mounting tab 102HL and the left-side locking structure.

[0070] (Configuration of the annular disc portion 131 of the decorative cover 130) Figure 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a decorative cover 130 provided in an input device 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the decorative cover 130 has an annular disc portion 131 with an opening 131A formed in the center. As shown in Figure 12, the inner circumferential plate thickness t1 of the annular disc portion 131 is greater than the outer circumferential plate thickness t2. That is, the annular disc portion 131 gradually becomes thinner from the inner side to the outer side.

[0071] As a result, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, when the annular disc portion 131 is injection molded, the molten resin on one half of the circumference and the molten resin on the other half of the circumference merge. Because the inner circumference is thicker, the molten resin flows more easily, while the outer circumference is thicker, the molten resin flows less easily. Therefore, the inner circumference merges first, and then the mixture expands towards the outer circumference as it mixes inside, making it less likely for weld marks to form at the merging point.

[0072] (Comparative Example) Figures 13A and 13B show comparative examples of the molding method for the annular disc portion 131.

[0073] Figure 13A shows a molding method for the annular disc portion 931 of a comparative example, illustrating how the annular disc portion 931 is injection molded when the wall thickness on the inner circumference of the annular disc portion 931 is equal to the wall thickness on the outer circumference.

[0074] Figure 13B shows the molding method for the annular disc portion 131 of this embodiment, illustrating how the annular disc portion 131 is injection molded when the wall thickness on the inner circumference of the annular disc portion 131 is greater than that on the outer circumference.

[0075] As shown in Figure 13A, in the comparative example, the annular disc portion 931 has equal thickness on the inner and outer sides. Therefore, at the point where the molten resin on one half of the circumference and the molten resin on the other half of the circumference merge, the inner and outer sides merge simultaneously, making the weld marks WL that form at this merging point easily noticeable.

[0076] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13B, in this embodiment, the annular disc portion 131 has a greater thickness on the inner circumference than on the outer circumference. Therefore, at the point where the molten resin on one half of the circumference and the molten resin on the other half of the circumference merge, the inner circumference merges first, and then the two molten resins mix internally and expand outwards. This makes it difficult to create weld marks at the merging point. The gate (resin inlet) is set on the opposite side of the merging point.

[0077] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims.

[0078] For example, in this embodiment, a first crush rib 134A is provided on the first projection 133A of the decorative cover 130, and a second crush rib 134B is provided on the second projection 133B of the decorative cover 130. However, conversely, a first crush rib may be provided on the first hole 102Ga of the housing 102, and a second crush rib may be provided on the second hole 102Gb of the housing 102.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, in this embodiment, the second hole 102Gb of the housing 102 is a round hole and the first hole 102Ga of the housing 102 is an elongated hole, but conversely, the second hole 102Gb of the housing 102 may be an elongated hole and the first hole 102Ga of the housing 102 may be a round hole.

[0080] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-167519, filed on 26 September 2024, and the entire contents of said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0081] 100 Input device 102 Housing 102A Opening 102B Storage space 102C First bearing hole 102D Second bearing hole 102E Bearing space 102L Left outer wall portion 102La Left locking portion 102R Right outer wall portion 102Ra Right locking portion 102Ga First hole portion 102Gb Second hole portion 102HR First mounting tab 102HL Second mounting tab 103 Shaft 103A Shaft portion 103B Bottom plate portion 104 First interlocking member 104A Opening 104B Shaft portion 105 First sliding member 106 Second interlocking member 106A Opening 106B Shaft portion 107 Second sliding member 108 Spring 109 Pressing member 110 Frame 110A Claw portion 112 FPC 112A Base portion 112B Extension portion 112C Connecting portion 112Da, 112Db, 112Dc Resistor pattern 113 Metal sheet 120 Operating member 120A Lever portion 120B Base portion 120C Through hole 120D Bottom opening 130 Decorative cover 130A Internal space 130B Upper wall portion 131 Annular disc portion 131A Opening 132L Left side locking portion 132La Notch portion 132R Right side locking portion 132Ra Notch portion 133A First projection 133B Second projection 134A First crush rib 134B Second crush rib 931 Annular disc portion of comparative example t1 Inner circumference plate thickness t2 Outer perimeter side plate thickness WL Weld marks

Claims

1. With one direction along a virtual X-axis being right and the other direction being left, one direction along a virtual Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis being forward and the other direction being backward, one direction along a virtual Z-axis perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis being upward and the other direction being downward, the device comprises: a housing; a swing lever pivotably supported within the housing and extending upward from the housing; detection means for detecting the swinging state of the swing lever; and a decorative cover attached to the upper part of the housing with the swing lever passing through an opening, wherein the housing has a right-side locking portion formed on the right outer wall and a left-side locking portion formed on the left outer wall, the decorative cover has a right-side locked portion that is locked by the right-side locking portion and a left-side locked portion that is locked by the left-side locking portion so as to restrict upward movement, and the housing has a first hole and a second hole drilled downward from the top surface. The decorative cover has a first projection and a second projection that protrude downward from the bottom surface and are inserted into the first hole and the second hole, respectively. The input device is characterized by comprising a first crush rib formed on one of the first hole and the first projection and pressing against the other, and a second crush rib formed on one of the second hole and the second projection and pressing against the other.

2. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the right-side locking structure, comprising the right-side locking portion and the right-side locked portion, is located in the right-front region of the housing; the left-side locking structure, comprising the left-side locking portion and the left-side locked portion, is located in the left-rear region of the housing; the first fixing structure, comprising the first hole and the first projection, is located in the right-rear region of the housing; and the second fixing structure, comprising the second hole and the second projection, is located in the left-front region of the housing.

3. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the right-side locking structure, comprising the right-side locking portion and the right-side locked portion, is located in the right front region of the housing; the left-side locking structure, comprising the left-side locking portion and the left-side locked portion, is located in the left rear region of the housing; the housing has a first mounting tab and a second mounting tab for external mounting; the first mounting tab is located in the right rear region of the housing; and the second mounting tab is located in the left front region of the housing.

4. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the first hole and the second hole is a round hole, and the other of the first hole and the second hole is an elongated hole that is long in the linear direction connecting the first hole and the second hole.

5. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the decorative cover has an annular disc portion with the opening formed in the center, and the thickness of the inner side plate of the annular disc portion is greater than the thickness of the outer side plate.

6. An input device comprising: a housing; a swing lever pivotably supported within the housing and extending upward from the housing; a detection means for detecting the swinging state of the swing lever; and a resin decorative cover attached to the upper part of the housing with the swing lever passing through an opening, wherein the decorative cover has an annular disc portion with the opening formed in its center, and the inner circumferential plate thickness of the annular disc portion is greater than the outer circumferential plate thickness.

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