Patent Grant
11676783
This application is the U.S. National Phase under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2019/030816, filed on Aug. 6, 2019, which in turn claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2018-191083, filed on Oct. 9, 2018, the entire disclosures of which Applications are incorporated by reference herein.
The present disclosure generally relates to press-type input devices and press-rotate-type input devices, and specifically, to a press-type input device including pressing members and a press-rotate-type input device including a rotor.
Patent Literature 1 discloses a rotation-type electric component. The rotation-type electric component disclosed in Patent Literature 1 includes a housing, an operation shaft which is hollow, a rotation detector, and a push switch. The housing includes a bearing section which is hollow. The operation shaft is rotatably held by the bearing section. The rotation detector is accommodated in the housing and detects the rotation of the operation shaft. The push switch is accommodated in the housing and is driven along with a push operation in the axis direction of the operation shaft. The operation shaft is rotatably held by the outer periphery of the bearing section. An accommodation section is provided on an outer peripheral side of the bearing section of the housing to have an annular shape. The rotation detector and the push switch are disposed in the accommodation section having the annular shape.
If the rotation-type electric component of the Patent Literature 1 is provided with two or more push switches, an operator may perform so-called double clicking even though he or she intends to give a push operation to the operation shaft only once. In contrast, the push switch may not be easily driven.
Patent Literature 1: JP 4934550 B2 (paragraph [0015])
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide: a press-type input device configured to detect pushing force by a detection unit no matter where on a pressure receiving surface of the press-type input device the pushing force is exerted; and a press-rotate-type input device.
A press-type input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first pressing member, a second pressing member, a base, and a holding member. The first pressing member has a pressure receiving surface and a first axis and is tiltable around the first axis by the pressure receiving surface being pushed. The second pressing member has a second axis and is tiltable around the second axis by being pushed due to a tilt of the first pressing member. The base includes a detection unit configured to detect a tilt of the second pressing member. The holding member is configured to hold, together with the base, the first pressing member and the second pressing member. A location of at least one of the first axis or the second axis is variable in accordance with a pushed location of the pressure receiving surface. The second axis and the detection unit do not overlap each other when viewed in a direction vertical to the pressure receiving surface.
A press-rotate-type input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the press-type input device, a rotor, and a circuit block. The press-type input device has a cylindrical part. The rotor surrounds the cylindrical part and is rotatable around the cylindrical part. The circuit block is held by the base of the press-type input device and is configured to detect a rotation amount of the rotor.
The first pressing member 31 has a pressure receiving surface 310. The first pressing member 31 has a first axis S1 (see
The second pressing member 32 has a second axis S2 (see
The base 4 includes a detection unit 40. The detection unit 40 detects a tilt of the second pressing member 32.
The holding member 2 has an opening 20. The holding member 2 exposes the pressure receiving surface 310 from the opening 20 and holds, together with the base 4, the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32.
The location of at least one of the first axis S1 or the second axis S2 is variable in accordance with a pushed location on the pressure receiving surface 310. The second axis S2 and the detection unit 40 do not overlap each other when viewed in a direction vertical to the pressure receiving surface 310.
In the press-type input device 1, when the pressure receiving surface 310 of the first pressing member 31 is pushed, the first pressing member 31 tilts around the first axis S1. In this embodiment, the location of the first axis S1 varies in accordance with a pushed location on the pressure receiving surface 310, and therefore, a direction in which the first pressing member 31 tilts also varies.
Next, the first pressing member 31 which tilts pushes the second pressing member 32, and the second pressing member 32 then tilts around the second axis S2. In this embodiment, the location of the second axis S2 varies in accordance with a pushed location on the second pressing member 32, and therefore, a direction in which the second pressing member 32 tilts also varies. However, the second axis S2 is present at a location where the second axis S2 does not overlap the detection unit 40 when the press-type input device 1 is viewed in the direction vertical to the pressure receiving surface 310. Thus, the detection unit 40 can detect a tilt of the second pressing member 32.
Thus, according to the press-type input device 1, pushing force is detectable by the detection unit 40 no matter where on the pressure receiving surface 310 the pushing force is exerted.
The press-type input device 1 will be described further in detail below with reference to
As illustrated in
The first pressing member 31 is, for example, a resin molded body and is electrically insulating. The first pressing member 31 is an annular member. More specifically, the first pressing member 31 includes a body part 311 and a flange 312 as illustrated in
The body part 311 of the first pressing member 31 is a disk-shaped member. The body part 311 has a first surface 311a and a second surface 311b. The first surface 311a is in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The second surface 311b is in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The first surface 311a and the second surface 311b are flat surfaces, are parallel to each other, and are respectively front and rear surfaces of the body part 311. The first surface 311a and the second surface 311b are annular band-like surfaces when viewed along a Z-axis direction. At the center of the body part 311, a through hole 313 which is circular is provided parallel to the Z-axis.
The flange 312 of the first pressing member 31 protrudes parallel to an XY plane from an outer peripheral surface of the body part 311. The flange 312 has a uniform width and a uniform thickness. The flange 312 is provided with four ribs 314a to 314d. The four ribs 314a to 314d may form supporting points when the first pressing member 31 tilts. The four ribs 314a to 314d protrude in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The two ribs 314a and 314c are present at symmetrical locations on a straight line L1X which is parallel to the X-axis and which extends through a center C1 of the through hole 313. The remaining two ribs 314b and 314d are present at symmetrical locations on a straight line L1Y which is parallel to the Y-axis and which extends through the center C1 of the through hole 313. The four ribs 314a to 314d are present at locations which are in the XY plane and which are symmetrical to each other about the center C1 of the through hole 313. The four ribs 314a to 314d are arranged at equal intervals along the flange 312. The flange 312 is further provided with a projection 315.
The first pressing member 31 has the pressure receiving surface 310. The pressure receiving surface 310 is the first surface 311a of the body part 311. The pressure receiving surface 310 is a surface which receives force in the negative direction of the Z-axis from the outside of the press-type input device 1.
The second pressing member 32 is, for example, a resin molded body and is electrically insulating. The second pressing member 32 is an annular member. More specifically, the second pressing member 32 includes a body part 321 and a flange 322 as illustrated in
The body part 321 of the second pressing member 32 is a disk-shaped member. The body part 321 has a first surface 321a and a second surface 321b. The first surface 321a is in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The second surface 321b is in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The first surface 321a and the second surface 321b are flat surfaces, are parallel to each other, and are respectively front and rear surfaces of the body part 321. The first surface 321a and the second surface 321b are annular band-like surfaces when viewed along the Z-axis direction. At the center of the body part 321, a through hole 323 which is circular is provided parallel to the Z-axis. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the through hole 323 of the second pressing member 32 is equal to the inner diameter of the through hole 313 of the first pressing member 31.
The first surface 321a of the body part 321 of the second pressing member 32 is provided with two bosses 326a and 326b. The two bosses 326a and 326b may form supporting points when the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32 tilt. The two bosses 326a and 326b each has a tip end which is hemispherical. The two bosses 326a and 326b protrude in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The two bosses 326a and 326b are present at symmetrical locations on a straight line L2Y which is parallel to the Y-axis and which extends through a center C2 of the through hole 323.
The flange 322 of the second pressing member 32 protrudes from an outer peripheral surface of the body part 321 parallel to the XY plane. The flange 322 has a uniform width. The flange 322 is provided with two ribs 324a and 324b. The two ribs 324a and 324b protrude in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The two ribs 324a and 324b are present at symmetrical locations on a straight line L2X which is parallel to the X-axis and which extends through the center C2 of the through hole 323. The rib 324b tilts in the negative direction of the Z-axis as the distance from the center C2 increases (see
The second surface 321b of the body part 321 of the second pressing member 32 is provided with one boss 326c. The boss 326c may form a supporting point when the second pressing member 32 tilts. The boss 326c has a tip end which is hemispherical. The boss 326c protrudes in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The boss 326c and the detection unit 40 provided to the base 4 are present at symmetrical locations on the straight line L2X which is parallel to the X-axis and which extends through the center C2 of the through hole 323.
In this embodiment, the size of an outer peripheral circle of the flange 312 of the first pressing member 31 is equal to the size of an outer peripheral circle of the body part 321 of the second pressing member 32. In addition, an outer peripheral circle of the flange 322 of the second pressing member 32 is larger than the outer peripheral circle of the flange 312 of the first pressing member 31. That is, the second pressing member 32 is slightly larger than the first pressing member 31.
The base 4 is, for example, a resin molded body and is electrically insulating. As illustrated in
The base 4 includes the detection unit 40. The detection unit 40 is provided to the first surface 4a of the base 4. More specifically, the detection unit 40 is provided at a location where the detection unit 40 faces the second surface 321b of the second pressing member 32 in the Z-axis direction. The detection unit 40 detects the tilt of the second pressing member 32. The detection unit 40 is a push switch. In this case, when the second pressing member 32 tilts and pushes the detection unit 40, the detection unit 40 detects the tilt of the second pressing member 32. Alternatively, the detection unit 40 may be a photoelectric sensor such as a photo interrupter. This case will be described in a fifth embodiment.
Two or more detection units 40 may be provided, but in the present embodiment, one detection unit 40 is provided. As compared to a case where two or more detection units 40 are provided, multiple clicks, such as double clicks can be reduced.
The holding member 2 is, for example, a resin molded body and is electrically insulating. As illustrated in
The opening 20 has a circular shape having a size the same as the size of an outer peripheral circle of the body part 311 of the first pressing member 31. Alternatively, the opening 20 may be larger than the outer peripheral circle of the body part 311 of the first pressing member 31 and smaller than the outer peripheral circle of the flange 312 of the first pressing member 31.
As illustrated in
The first housing section 201 of the holding member 2 has a first inner peripheral surface 201a and a first bottom surface 201b. The first bottom surface 201b is an annular band-like surface when viewed along the Z-axis direction. An inner flange 23 protrudes from the first inner peripheral surface 201a parallel to the XY plane. The inner flange 23 has a uniform width and a uniform thickness. The first bottom surface 201b is a surface of the inner flange 23, the surface being in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The inner flange 23 has a surface which is in the positive direction of the Z-axis and which is flush with the first surface 2a. The opening 20 is surrounded by a tip end of the inner flange 23. The inner flange 23 further has a recess 23a. The projection 315 of the first pressing member 31 can be fit in the recess 23a.
The second housing section 202 of the holding member 2 has a second inner peripheral surface 202a and a second bottom surface 202b. The second bottom surface 202b is annular band-like surfaces when viewed along the Z-axis direction and is in the negative direction of the Z-axis. In addition, the second inner peripheral surface 202a is provided with a projection 214. The projection 214 can be fit into the recess 325 of the second pressing member 32.
As illustrated in
The first inner peripheral surface 201a has a circular shape having substantially the same as the size of the outer peripheral circle of the body part 321 of the second pressing member 32. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface 201a may be larger than the outer peripheral circle of the body part 321 of the second pressing member 32.
The second inner peripheral surface 202a has a circular shape having substantially the same as the size of the outer peripheral circle of the flange 322 of the second pressing member 32. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the second inner peripheral surface 202a may be larger than the outer peripheral circle of the flange 322 of the second pressing member 32.
In the holding member 2, the first surface 2a, the first bottom surface 201b, the second bottom surface 202b, and the second surface 2b are parallel surfaces. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Next, an assembling method of the press-type input device 1 will be described.
First, the first pressing member 31 is accommodated in the housing section 200 of the holding member 2. At this time, the projection 315 of the first pressing member 31 is fit into the recess 23a formed in the holding member 2. This reduces positional displacement of the first pressing member 31 in the circumferential direction. The “positional displacement in the circumferential direction” refers to positional displacement around a straight line which is parallel to the Z-axis and which extends through the center of the opening 20. Note that the straight line which is parallel to the Z-axis and which extends through the center of the opening 20 extends through the center C1 of the through hole 313 and the center C2 of the through hole 323.
Second, the second pressing member 32 is accommodated in the housing section 200 of the holding member 2. At this time, the projection 214 of the holding member 2 is fit into the recess 325 of the second pressing member 32. This reduces positional displacement of the second pressing member 32 in the circumferential direction.
Next, in a state where the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32 are accommodated in the housing section 200 of the holding member 2, the second surface 2b of the holding member 2 is placed on the first surface 4a of the base 4, and the holding member 2 and the base 4 are coupled to each other. The holding member 2 and the base 4 are coupled to each other by, for example, inserting screws and the like into the through holes 22 of the holding member 2 and the through holes 42 of the base 4. The press-type input device 1 shown in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
A line segment (a line segment of the straight line L2Y) connecting two contact points (apexes of the two bosses 326a and 326b) of the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32 and a line segment (a line segment of the straight line L2X) connecting two contact points of the second pressing member 32 and the base 4 intersect each other (see
When viewed in the direction (the direction parallel to the Z-axis) vertical to the pressure receiving surface 310, the bosses 326a, 326b, and 326c are arranged substantially adjacent to the outer peripheral circle of the body part 321 of the second pressing member 32. When locations of the apexes of the bosses 326a, 326b, and 326c and a location where the pushing force is exerted on the detection unit 40 are connected, a substantially square shape is formed. Thus, the two contact points of the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32 and the two contact points of the second pressing member 32 and the base 4 are located at apexes of the substantially square shape.
In addition, the four ribs 314a to 314d of the first pressing member 31 are respectively arranged to substantially overlap the location where the pushing force is exerted on the detection unit 40, the apex of the boss 326a, the apex of the boss 326c, and the apex of the boss 326b. Thus, when viewed in the direction vertical to the pressure receiving surface 310, the four contact points of the first pressing member 31 and the holding member 2 overlap the two contact points of the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32 and the two contact points of the second pressing member 32 and the base 4.
As illustrated in
When the press-type input device 1 is viewed from the positive to negative direction of the Z-axis, the first surface 4a of the base 4 is viewed through the through hole 313 and the through hole 323. At least viewed part of the base 4 may be transparent. In this case, the detection unit 40 is not viewed through the through hole 313 and the through hole 323 (see
Next, operation of the press-type input device 1 will be described with reference to
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As described above, the first pressing member 31 has the first axis S1. The first axis S1 is not a fixed axis. In other words, the location of the first axis S1 is variable in accordance with a pushed location on the pressure receiving surface 310. That is, the first pressing member 31 is tiltable around the first axis S1 by the pressure receiving surface 310 being pushed.
The second pressing member 32 has the second axis S2. The second axis S2 is also not a fixed axis. In other words, the location of the second axis S2 is variable in accordance with a pushed location on the pressure receiving surface 310. That is, the second pressing member 32 is tiltable around the second axis S2 by being pushed due to the tilt of the first pressing member 31.
Note that when viewed in the direction (the Z-axis direction) vertical to the pressure receiving surface 310, the second axis S2 and the detection unit 40 do not overlap each other. If the second axis S2 and the detection unit 40 overlapped each other, the detection unit 40 could not detect the tilt of the second pressing member 32 even when the second pressing member 32 tilts around the second axis S2.
In practice, θ may be any angle. Moreover, as long as the point Q is present on the pressure receiving surface 310, the line segment OQ may also have any length.
According to the press-type input device 1 of the present embodiment, pushing force is detectable by the detection unit 40 no matter where on the pressure receiving surface 310 the pushing force is exerted. Note that the pressure receiving surface 310 may be fully pressed. In this case, the first pressing member 31 does not tilt but moves in the negative direction of the Z-axis, and the first pressing member 31 pushes the two bosses 326a and 326b in the negative direction of the Z-axis. Then, a second axis S2 which is parallel to the Y-axis and which extends through the rib 324b and the boss 326c appears, and the second pressing member 32 tilts around the second axis S2 in a similar manner to the case shown in
Mainly, in the present embodiment, the configuration of a first pressing member 31 is different from the configuration of the first pressing member 31 in the press-type input device 1 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, the first pressing member 31 of the present embodiment is not provided with four ribs 314a to 314d as illustrated in
Moreover, when viewed in the direction (the Z-axis direction) vertical to the pressure receiving surface 310, a contact surface (in the present embodiment, an annular surface of the flange 312) of the first pressing member 31 and the holding member 2 overlaps the two contact points of the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32 and two contact points of the second pressing member 32 and a base 4. Thus, a holding state of the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32 is further stabilized.
Note that the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the first pressing member 31 is not provided with a projection 315 and that the holding member 2 does not have a recess 23a. Also in the present embodiment, the first pressing member 31 may be provided with the projection 315, and the holding member 2 may have the recess 23a in order to reduce positional displacement of the first pressing member 31 in the circumferential direction.
Next, operation of the press-type input device 1 will be described with reference to
When the point Q on the pressure receiving surface 310 of the first pressing member 31 is pushed, a point S which is on an outer perimeter of the flange 312 and which is at a location symmetrical to the point Q about the point O is a contact point to the first bottom surface 201b of the holding member 2. A first axis S1 which extends through the point S and which is vertical to a line segment SQ appears, and the first pressing member 31 tilts around the first axis S1. The location of the first axis S1 is variable depending on an arbitrary angle θ. As the first pressing member 31 tilts, the two bosses 326a and 326b move in the negative direction of the Z-axis. Then, a second axis S2 which extends through a boss 326c and which is parallel to a straight line connecting apexes of the bosses 326a and 326b appears, and the second pressing member 32 tilts around the second axis S2. As a result, the second pressing member 32 pushes the detection unit 40, and the detection unit 40 detects the tilt of the second pressing member 32.
As to the second pressing member 32, the bosses 326a and 326b are equidistant from a straight line connecting the apex of the boss 326c to the point P. Each of the distances from the second axis S2 to the bosses 326a and 326b is half of the distance from the second axis S2 to the point P. Therefore, a pushing load at the point Q is equally divided between the bosses 326a and 326b, and additionally, a pushing load at the bosses 326a and 326b is equal to a pushing load at the point P. Moreover, the sum of travel distances of the bosses 326a and 326b is equal to the travel distance of the point P.
As to the first pressing member 31, the bosses 326a and 326b are equidistant from a straight line connecting the point Q to the point S. When the point Q is located near the outer perimeter of the pressure receiving surface 310 and the distance from the point O to each of the bosses 326a and 326b is substantially equal to the line segment OQ, the distance from the first axis S1 to the boss 326a is OQ(1+sinθ), and the distance from the first axis S1 to the boss 326b is OQ(1−sinθ). When the pushing load at the point P is denoted by Fsw, and the pushing load at the point Q is denoted by F, it can be seen from the following formula (1) of a balance around the first axis S1 that the pushing load Fsw at the point P is equal to the pushing load F at the point Q.
[Formula 1]
2OQ×F=OQ(1+sin θ)Fsw+OQ(1−sin θ)Fsw (1)
Similarly, when the stroke at the point P is denoted by Tsw, and the stroke at the point Q is denoted by T, it can be seen from the following formula (2) that the stroke Tsw at the point P is equal to the stroke T at the point Q.
[Formula 2]
Tsw={OQ(1+sin θ)/(2OQ}T+{OQ(1−sin θ)/(2OQ)}T (2)
According to the press-type input device 1 of the present embodiment, pushing force is detectable by the detection unit 40 no matter where on the pressure receiving surface 310 the pushing force is exerted. In particular, when the point Q is located near the outer perimeter of the pressure receiving surface 310, a push operation (the pushing load and the stroke) given to the pressure receiving surface 310 can be, substantially as it is, transmitted as a push operation (the pushing load and the stroke) given to the detection unit 40 no matter where to the entire perimeter of the pressure receiving surface 310 the push operation is given.
Mainly, in the present embodiment, the configurations of a first pressing member 31 and a second pressing member 32 are respectively different from the configurations of the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32 in the press-type input device 1 according to the first embodiment.
Specifically, the present embodiment includes a transparent member 316 which is circular and which is provided parallel to a Z-axis at the center of a body part 311 of the first pressing member 31. The first pressing member 31 is an annular member surrounding the transparent member 316. The transparent member 316 has a first surface 316a and a second surface 316b. The first surface 316a is a flat surface and is in a positive direction of the Z-axis. The second surface 316b is a convex spherical surface and is in a negative direction of the Z-axis. The first surface 316a and the second surface 316b are respectively front and rear surfaces of the transparent member 316.
The body part 311 of the first pressing member 31 has a first surface 311a surrounding the first surface 316a of the transparent member 316. The first surface 311a of the body part 311 protrudes in the positive direction of the Z-axis beyond the first surface 316a of the transparent member 316. The first surface 311a of the body part 311 and the first surface 316a of the transparent member 316 form a pressure receiving surface 310.
As illustrated in
The present embodiment includes a transparent member 327 which is circular and which is provided parallel to the Z-axis at the center of a body part 321 of the second pressing member 32. The second pressing member 32 is an annular member surrounding the transparent member 327. The transparent member 327 has a first surface 327a and a second surface 327b. The first surface 327a is in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The second surface 327b is in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The first surface 327a and the second surface 327b are flat surfaces, are parallel to each other, and are respectively front and rear surfaces of the transparent member 327.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
When the press-type input device 1 is viewed from the positive to negative direction of the Z-axis, the first surface 4a of the base 4 is viewed through the transparent member 316 and the transparent member 327. At least viewed part of the base 4 may be transparent. In this case, a detection unit 40 is not viewed through the transparent member 316 and the transparent member 327 (see
In the present embodiment, along the direction (the Z-axis direction) vertical to the pressure receiving surface 310, the second pressing member 32 and the base 4 are in contact with each other at two points one of which is the detection unit 40. The other point is the boss 326c. The first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32 are in contact with each other at one point (see
Note that the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the first pressing member 31 is not provided with a projection 315 and that the holding member 2 does not have a recess 23a. Also in the present embodiment, the first pressing member 31 may be provided with the projection 315, and the holding member 2 may have the recess 23a in order to reduce positional displacement of the first pressing member 31 in the circumferential direction.
Next, operation of the press-type input device 1 will be described with reference to
When the point Q on the first surface 311a, which is the pressure receiving surface 310, of the body part 311 of the first pressing member 31 is pushed, a point S which is on an outer perimeter of the flange 312 and which is at a location symmetrical to the point Q about the point O is a contact point to the first bottom surface 201b of the holding member 2. A first axis S1 which extends through the point S and which is vertical to a line segment SQ appears, and the first pressing member 31 tilts around the first axis S1. The location of the first axis S1 is variable depending on an arbitrary angle θ. As the first pressing member 31 tilts, a contact point of the second surface 316b, which is the convex spherical surface, of the transparent member 316 of the first pressing member 31 and the first surface 327a, which is the flat surface, of the transparent member 327 of the second pressing member 32 also moves in the negative direction of the Z-axis. Then, a second axis S2 which extends through the boss 326c and which is parallel to the Y-axis appears, and the second pressing member 32 tilts around the second axis S2. As a result, the second pressing member 32 pushes the detection unit 40, and the detection unit 40 detects the tilt of the second pressing member 32.
When the point Q is located near the outer perimeter of the pressure receiving surface 310, the contact point (in the present embodiment, the point O) of the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32 is the midpoint of the distance from the first axis S1 to the point Q and is the midpoint of the distance from the second axis S2 to the point P. Thus, a pushing load and a stroke at the point Q is substantially the same as a pushing load and a stroke at the detection unit 40.
When the center (in the present embodiment, the point O) of the first surface 316a, which is the pressure receiving surface 310 of the first pressing member 31, of the transparent member 316 is pushed vertically to the pressure receiving surface 310, the first pressing member 31 does not tilt but moves in the negative direction of the Z-axis. When the contact point (in the present embodiment, the point O) of the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32 pushes the second pressing member 32, the second axis S2 which extends through the boss 326c and which is parallel to the Y-axis appears, and the second pressing member 32 tilts around the second axis S2. As a result, the second pressing member 32 pushes the detection unit 40, and the detection unit 40 detects the tilt of the second pressing member 32.
According to the press-type input device 1 of the present embodiment, pushing force is detectable by the detection unit 40 no matter where on the pressure receiving surface 310 the pushing force is exerted. In particular, when the point Q is located near the outer perimeter of the pressure receiving surface 310, a push operation (the pushing load and the stroke) given to the pressure receiving surface 310 can be, substantially as it is, transmitted as a push operation (the pushing load and the stroke) given to the detection unit 40 no matter where to the entire perimeter of the pressure receiving surface 310 the push operation is given.
In the present embodiment, a first pressing member 31 is light transmissive. The first pressing member 31 is a rectangular member. More specifically, the first pressing member 31 has a body part 311 which is a member having a rectangular shape and having four round corners. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the body part 311 has no through hole 313.
The first pressing member 31 includes a flange 312 protruding parallel to an XY plane from an outer peripheral surface of the body part 311. The flange 312 has a uniform width and a uniform thickness. As illustrated in
A second pressing member 32 is a rectangular frame-shaped member. More specifically, the second pressing member 32 has a body part 321 which is a member having a rectangular frame shape and having four round corners, and the body part 321 has two sides parallel to an X-axis and two sides parallel to a Y-axis.
The body part 321 has two projections 328a and 328b each provided at the center of a corresponding one of the two sides parallel to the X-axis. Each of the two projections 328a and 328b has a semi-circular disk shape and protrudes in the positive direction of a Z-axis. The two projections 328a and 328b are present at symmetrical locations on a straight line which is parallel to the Y-axis and which extends through the center of a through hole 323. The two projections 328a and 328b serve in a similar manner to the two bosses 326a and 326b of the second pressing member 32 in the first embodiment.
The body part 321 has an outer peripheral surface from which a flange 322 protrudes parallel to the XY plane. The flange 322 has a uniform width and a uniform thickness. The present embodiment further includes two protruding pieces 329a and 329b. The two protruding pieces 329a and 329b respectively protrude in the positive direction and the negative direction of the X-axis from the center of a corresponding one of two sides, which are parallel to the Y-axis, of the flange 322 of the body part 321. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the flange 322 has no recess 325.
In the present embodiment, a base 4 further has a through hole 463, a recess 43, and a boss 44. The through hole 463 has a rectangular shape having four round corners and is provided parallel to the Z-axis in the base 4. The recess 43 is provided in the base 4 so as to open in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The recess 43 adjoins the through hole 463 and is communicated with the through hole 463. The recess 43 has a bottom surface provided with a detection unit 40. The boss 44 is provided to a first surface 4a of the base 4. The boss 44 protrudes in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The detection unit 40 and the boss 44 are present at symmetrical locations on a straight line which is parallel to the X-axis and which extends through the center of the through hole 463. The boss 44 serves in a similar manner to the boss 326c of the second pressing member 32 in the first embodiment.
In the present embodiment, as illustrated in
The recess 24 is a space in which the protruding piece 329a of the second pressing member 32 is to be accommodated. The recess 24 is provided in the holding member 2 so as to open in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The recess 24 adjoins a housing section 200 and is communicated with the housing section 200. The recess 24 has a bottom surface provided with the rib 26a. The rib 26a protrudes in the negative direction of the Z-axis.
The recess 25 is a space in which the protruding piece 329b of the second pressing member 32 is to be accommodated. The recess 25 is provided in the holding member 2 so as to open in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The recess 25 adjoins the housing section 200 and is communicated with the housing section 200. The recess 25 has a bottom surface provided with the rib 26b. The rib 26b protrudes in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The ribs 26a and 26b serve in a similar manner to the rib 324a and the rib 324b of the second pressing member 32 in the first embodiment.
The two ribs 26a and 26b face each other in a direction parallel to the X-axis.
In the present embodiment, the press-type input device 1 further includes a light transmitting member 45. The light transmitting member 45 is a rectangular parallelepiped member and is made of, for example, ulexite. The light transmitting member 45 has a first surface 45a and a second surface 45b. The first surface 45a is a flat surface and is in a positive direction of the Z-axis. The second surface 45b is a flat surface and is in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The first surface 45a and the second surface 45b are parallel to each other and are respectively front and rear surfaces of the light transmitting member 45. The first surface 45a and the second surface 45b are rectangular surfaces having four round corners when viewed along a Z-axis direction. The first surface 45a is slightly larger than the through hole 463 formed in the base 4. The second surface 45b has the same size as the through hole 463 formed in the base 4. The thickness of the light transmitting member 45 is greater than the thickness of the base 4. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Moreover, when viewed in the direction (the Z-axis direction) vertical to the pressure receiving surface 310, a contact surface (in the present embodiment, a substantially rectangular annular surface of the flange 312) of the first pressing member 31 and the holding member 2 overlaps the two contact points of the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32 and two contact points of the second pressing member 32 and a base 4. Thus, a holding state of the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32 is further stabilized.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In the present embodiment, when viewed in the direction (the Z-axis direction) vertical to the pressure receiving surface 310, the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32 are substantially rectangular. Along the direction (the Z-axis direction) vertical to the pressure receiving surface 310, two sides (two sides in the X-axis direction) facing each other of the substantially rectangular shape are vertical to a line segment (a line segment parallel to the Y-axis) connecting the two contact points of the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32. The remaining two sides (two sides in the Y-axis direction) facing each other of the substantially rectangular shape are vertical to a line segment (a line segment parallel to the X-axis) connecting two contact points of the second pressing member 32 and the base 4. This stabilizes a holding state of the first pressing member 31 and the second pressing member 32.
Next, operation of the press-type input device 1 will be described with reference to
Also the press-type input device 1 according to the present embodiment which adopts the configuration as described above operates in a similar manner to the press-type input device 1 according to the first and second embodiments in principle.
The press-type input device 1 according to the present embodiment is similar to the press-type input device 1 according to the second embodiment in that components corresponding to the four ribs 314a to 314d in the first embodiment are not provided.
The two projections 328a and 328b of the second pressing member 32 of the present embodiment serve in a similar manner to the two bosses 326a and 326b of the second pressing member 32 in the first embodiment. The ribs 26a and 26b of the holding member 2 of the present embodiment serve in a similar manner to the ribs 324a and 324b of the second pressing member 32 in the first embodiment. The boss 44 of the base 4 of the present embodiment serves in a similar manner to the boss 326c of the second pressing member 32 in the first embodiment.
As illustrated in
The pressure receiving surfaces 310a to 310d are surfaces including the four sides (the straight line parts). The pressure receiving surfaces 310e to 310h are surfaces including round corner parts each located between the two sides (the straight line parts) adjacent to each other. In
When any one surface of the pressure receiving surfaces 310a to 310d is pushed, a side which is one of the sides (the straight line parts) of the outer perimeter of the flange 312 and which is at a location symmetrical to the one surface thus pushed about the point O serves as a first axis S1. The first pressing member 31 tilts around the first axis S1. In
On the other hand, when any one pressure receiving surface of the pressure receiving surfaces 310e to 310h is pushed, a tangential line which is one of tangential lines to the round corners of the outer perimeter of the flange 312 and which is at a location symmetrical to the one pressure receiving surface thus pushed about the point O serves as a first axis S1. The first pressing member 31 tilts around the first axis S1. In
According to the press-type input device 1 of the present embodiment, pushing force is detectable by the detection unit 40 no matter where on the pressure receiving surface 310 the pushing force is exerted.
The press-type input device 1 described above may be incorporated into a press-rotate-type input device 10. The press-rotate-type input device 10 is, for example, a rotary encoder.
Since the press-rotate-type input device 10 includes the press-type input device 1, pushing force is detectable by the detection unit 40 no matter where on the pressure receiving surface 310 the pushing force is exerted. In addition, the rotation amount of the rotor 5 is also detectable.
The press-rotate-type input device 10 will be described further in detail below with reference to
As illustrated in
First, the press-type input device 1 in the press-rotate-type input device 10 will be described.
In the present embodiment, the second surface 311b of the body part 311 of the first pressing member 31 is provided with two bosses 317a and 317b as illustrated in
As illustrated in
In the present embodiment, the second surface 321b of the body part 321 of the second pressing member 32 is provided with a pressing section 365 as illustrated in
As illustrated in
In the present embodiment, the holding member 2 is an annular member as illustrated in
The cylindrical part 21 includes a first cylindrical part 211 and a second cylindrical part 212. The inner diameter and the outer diameter of the second cylindrical part 212 is larger than those of the first cylindrical part 211. The first cylindrical part 211 and the second cylindrical part 212 are directly connected to each other and is provided with a difference in height at the border therebetween. The first cylindrical part 211 has a tip end at which the inner flange 23 protrudes radially inward. The opening 20 is surrounded by a tip end of the inner flange 23. The inner flange 23 has a surface which is in the positive direction of the Z-axis and which is the first surface 2a.
The flange 213 protrudes radially outward at a tip end of the second cylindrical part 212. The flange 213 has a surface which is in the negative direction of the Z-axis and which is the second surface 2b. The second surface 2b has a plurality of bosses 213b. The bosses 213b are used to fix the holding member 2 to the base 4. Part of the flange 213 is cut out to provide a cutout 213a. The cutout 213a has a shape along the outer shape of a body part 830 of the circuit block 8.
In the present embodiment, the base 4 is an annular member as illustrated in
The body part 460 has a first surface 460a and a second surface 460b. The first surface 460a is in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The second surface 460b is in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The first surface 460a and the second surface 460b are respectively front and rear surfaces of the body part 460. The first surface 460a and the second surface 460b are annular band-like surfaces when viewed along a Z-axis direction.
The outer wall 461 protrudes from an outer peripheral edge of the body part 460 in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The outer wall 461 has an opening 461a. Part of the circuit block 8 provided on an inner side of the base 4 is pulled out of the base 4 through the opening 461a. The opening 461a is closed with a closing piece 703 of the fixing bracket 7 (see
The base 4 includes the detection unit 40. The detection unit 40 detects the tilt of the second pressing member 32. The detection unit 40 is a photoelectric sensor. More specifically, the detection unit 40 includes a light-emitting unit a light-receiving unit which face each other with the slit 40a provided therebetween. The shielding plate 363 of the second pressing member 32 is inserted into the slit 40a and shields light from the light-emitting unit to the light-receiving unit, and thereby, the detection unit 40 detects the tilt of the second pressing member 32. A specific example of the detection unit 40 is a photo interrupter. The detection unit 40 is provided at a location where the detection unit 40 faces the shielding plate 363 of the second pressing member 32 in the Z-axis direction.
The base 4 has the dome 41. The dome 41 is a member which provides to a user a clicking feeling (moderation feeling) when the user pushes the first pressing member 31. The dome 41 is a member which can be buckled or elastically deformed. The dome 41 which can be buckled is, for example, a metal dome. The dome 41 which can be elastically deformed, is, for example, a rubber dome. The dome 41 is provided on the first surface 460a. The dome 41 is provided to face the pressing section 365 of the second pressing member 32 in the Z-axis direction. A boss reception part 467 having a concave surface is provided at a location symmetrical to the dome 41 about the center C3 of the through hole 463. The boss 326c of the second pressing member 32 is disposed in the boss reception part 467 (see
As illustrated in
The flexible printed wiring board 83 includes the body part 830 and the extension section 831. The body part 830 is reinforced by a reinforcing plate 85 disposed thereon (see
The body part 830 includes the detection unit 40 and the two rotation detection units 80. The two rotation detection units 80 each have a structure similar to the structure of the detection unit 40. That is, each rotation detection unit 80 includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit which face each other with a slit 80a provided therebetween. As illustrated in
The extension section 831 extends from the body part 830. The extension section 831 extends through the opening 461a formed in the base 4 and is pulled out of the base 4. The extension section 831 is covered with a coverlay 84 for protection of wiring. The wiring is formed from the detection unit 40 and the rotation detection unit 80 to the terminal part 831a which is a tip end of the extension section 831. The terminal part 831a is reinforced by a reinforcing plate 87 disposed thereon. The length of the extension section 831 is not particularly limited.
The rotor 5 surrounds the cylindrical part 21 of the holding member 2. The rotor 5 is rotatable around the cylindrical part 21.
The rotor 5 is, for example, a resin molded body and is electrically insulating. As illustrated in
At the center of the body part 50, a through hole 500 which is circular is provided parallel to the Z-axis. The body part 50 has a first surface 51 and a second surface 52. The first surface 51 is in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The second surface 52 is in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The first surface 51 and the second surface 52 are respectively front and rear surfaces of the body part 50. The first surface 51 and the second surface 52 are annular band-like surfaces when viewed along the Z-axis direction.
The cylindrical part 53 protrudes in the positive direction of the Z-axis such that the first surface 51 of the body part 50 is divided into two parts. The cylindrical part 53 divides the first surface 51 into an outer side area 51a and an inner side area 51b. The outer side area 51a is an annular band-like area present on an outer side of the cylindrical part 53. The inner side area 51b is an annular band-like area present on an inner side of the cylindrical part 53. The outer side area 51a and the inner side area 51b are concentric. The center of the outer side area 51a and the center of the inner side area 51b correspond to the center of the through hole 500.
The body part 50 includes an outer wall 54 and an inner wall 55. The outer wall 54 protrudes from an outer peripheral edge of the body part 50 in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The inner wall 55 protrudes from an inner periphery of the body part 50 in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The through hole 500 is surrounded by the inner wall 55 and penetrates parallel to the Z-axis through the inner wall 55.
The flange 56 protrudes parallel to the XY plane from an outer peripheral surface of the outer wall 54 of the body part 50. The flange 56 has a uniform width.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In the present embodiment, the press-rotate-type input device 10 includes two spring members 60 as illustrated in
The plate spring unit 601 has a shape conforming to the outer peripheral shape of the outer wall 54 of the rotor 5. In the present embodiment, the plate spring unit 601 has an arc-like shape. The plate spring unit 601 overlaps the concave-convex surface 560 of the flange 56 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the rotor 5.
The clicking projection 602 is integrated with the plate spring unit 601. The clicking projection 602 protrudes in U-shape toward the flange 56 at a central part of the plate spring unit 601. The clicking projections 602 are each insertable into and removable from a recess between each two adjacent projections 561 of the plurality of projections 561 of the concave-convex surface 560 of the flange 56.
The fixing parts 603 are located at respective ends of each plate spring unit 601. Each fixing part 603 has a pore 604 in which a joint projection is to extend. The joint projection protrudes from the bracket body 701 of the fixing bracket 7 in a thickness direction of the bracket body 701. In a state where the fixing part 603 is placed to lie over the bracket body 701 such that the joint projection extends through the pore 604 formed in the fixing part 603, a tip end of the joint projection is clamped, thereby fixing the spring member 60 to the fixing bracket 7.
The fixing bracket 7 is a bracket for attaching the rotor 5 to the base 4. The fixing bracket 7 covers the flange 56 of the rotor 5 and the spring member 60 accommodated in the base 4. The fixing bracket 7 is formed from, for example, a steel plate. The fixing bracket 7 includes the bracket body 701 which is annular, the plurality of (in the present embodiment, four) connection pieces 702, and the closing piece 703. The outer diameter of the fixing bracket 7 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the base 4.
The bracket body 701 of the fixing bracket 7 has a through hole 700. The inner diameter of the through hole 700 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the cylindrical part 53 of the rotor 5.
The plurality of connection pieces 702 are parts to be fitted in the grooves 461b formed in the base 4. The closing piece 703 is a part closing the opening 461a formed in the base 4. The plurality of connection pieces 702 and the closing piece 703 protrude from an outer peripheral edge of the bracket body 701. The plurality of connection pieces 702 and the closing piece 703 are apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the bracket body 701.
The knob 9 is, for example, a resin molded body and is electrically insulating. As illustrated in
The knob 9 has the plurality of (in the present embodiment, four) projection sections 91. The plurality of projection sections 91 are provided at substantially equal intervals on a surface of the inner wall 95 facing the outer wall 94. Each projection section 91 is insertable through the groove recesses 58 while guided by the pair of guide projections 581 of the rotor 5 to push the pressure receiving surface 310 of the first pressing member 31.
The knob 9 has the plurality of (in the present embodiment, four) connection sections 92. The plurality of connection sections 92 are provided at substantially equal intervals on the surface of the inner wall 95 facing the outer wall 94. Each connection section 92 has a tip end provided with a claw protruding toward the outer wall 94. When the cylindrical inner wall 95 is inserted into the through hole 500 formed in the rotor 5, the connection sections 92 of the knob 9 are caught in the opening sections 59 of the rotor 5, and connection is thus possible. However, in a direction (in the Z-axis direction) in which the knob 9 is pushed, the claw of the connection section 92 is movable in the opening section 59.
Next, an assembling method of the press-rotate-type input device 10 will be described.
First of all, the circuit block 8 is attached to the base 4. In addition, the second pressing member 32 is placed in the interior of the base 4, the first pressing member 31 is put on the second pressing member 32 and is covered with the holding member 2. The bosses 213b of the holding member 2 are inserted into the through holes 469 formed in the base 4, thereby fixing the holding member 2 to the base 4 by heat caulking or the like. In this way, the press-type input device 1 is assembled at first.
Then, the rotor 5 is attached to the press-type input device 1. Specifically, the cylindrical part 21 of the holding member 2 is inserted into the through hole 500 formed in the rotor 5. The flange 56 of the rotor 5 is disposed in the base 4. The shielding plate 57 of the flange 56 is disposed within a space surrounded by the flange 56 and the base 4.
Next, the fixing bracket 7 to which the spring members 60 are attached is attached to and fixed to the base 4. At this time, the closing piece 703 of the fixing bracket 7 closes the opening 461a of the base 4. The connection pieces 702 of the fixing bracket 7 are fit in the grooves 461b formed in the base 4, and the tip ends of the connection pieces 702 are bent into an L-shape and are clamped, thereby fixing the fixing bracket 7 to the base 4.
As a result, the press-rotate-type input device 10 shown in
Next, operation of the press-rotate-type input device 10 will be described. Note that operation described below is an example in which the knob 9 is attached.
First, a push operation will be described. When a user pushes the knob 9, the projection sections 91 of the knob 9 are inserted into the groove recesses 58 formed in the rotor 5, thereby pushing the pressure receiving surface 310 of the first pressing member 31. This pushes the second pressing member 32, and the shielding plate 363 thereof is inserted into the slit 40a formed in the detection unit 40, and thereby, the detection unit 40 detects the tilt of the second pressing member 32. The dome 41 deforms substantially at the same time, which provides a clicking feeling to a user.
Now, the push operation described above will be supplementarily described with reference to
On the other hand,
No matter where the pressure receiving surface 310 of the first pressing member 31 is pushed, the second pressing member 32 operates substantially in a similar manner to the operation described above. That is, no matter where on the pressure receiving surface 310 pushing force is exerted, the pushing force is detectable by the detection unit 40, and the dome 41 is pushed substantially at the same time, which provides a clicking feeling to the user.
Next, a rotation operation will be described. When a user rotates the knob 9, the rotor 5 rotates, and the shielding plate 57 of the rotor 5 moves on the circumference D in the base 4 (see
In the present embodiment, the pressing member 3 and the rotor 5 are separate members and are configured to operate independently of each other. That is, even when the pressing member 3 is pushed, the rotor 5 is not pushed. In addition, even when the rotor 5 rotates, the pressing member 3 does not rotate.
When the rotor 5 rotates, the pressure receiving surface 310 of the first pressing member 31 exposed through the groove recesses 58 formed in the rotor 5 changes. Since the press-rotate-type input device 10 according to the present embodiment includes the press-type input device 1, pushing force is detectable by the detection unit 40 no matter where on the pressure receiving surface 310 the pushing force is exerted.
As can be seen from the embodiments and the like described above, the present disclosure includes the following aspects. In the following description, reference signs in parentheses are added only to clarify the correspondence relationship to the embodiments.
A press-type input device (1) according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a first pressing member (31), a second pressing member (32), a base (4), and a holding member (2). The first pressing member (31) has a pressure receiving surface (310) and a first axis (S1) and is tiltable around the first axis (S1) by the pressure receiving surface (310) being pushed. The second pressing member (32) has a second axis (S2) and is tiltable around the second axis (S2) by being pushed due to a tilt of the first pressing member (31). The base (4) includes at least one detection unit (40) configured to detect a tilt of the second pressing member (32). The holding member (2) is configured to hold, together with the base (4), the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32). A location of at least one of the first axis (S1) or the second axis (S2) is variable in accordance with a pushed location of the pressure receiving surface (310). The second axis (S2) and the at least one detection unit (40) do not overlap each other when viewed in a direction vertical to the pressure receiving surface (310).
With this aspect, pushing force is detectable by the at least one detection unit (40) no matter where on the pressure receiving surface (310) the pushing force is exerted.
In a press-type input device (1) of a second aspect referring the first aspect, along the direction vertical to the pressure receiving surface (310), the second pressing member (32) and the base (4) are in contact with each other at two contact points one of which is the at least one detection unit (40). The first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32) are in contact with each other at two contact points. A line segment connecting the two contact points of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32) and a line segment connecting the two contact points of the second pressing member (32) and the base (4) intersect each other.
This aspect stabilizes a holding state of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32).
In a press-type input device (1) of a third aspect referring the second aspect, the line segment connecting the two contact points of the second pressing member (32) and the base (4) is a bisector of the line segment connecting the two contact points of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32).
This aspect further stabilizes the holding state of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32).
In a press-type input device (1) of a fourth aspect referring the second or third aspect, the two contact points of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32) and the two contact points of the second pressing member (32) and the base (4) are located at apexes of a substantially square shape.
With this aspect, the pushing force exerted on the pressure receiving surface (310) is detectable by the at least one detection unit (40) without significantly changing the pushing force depending on a place on the pressure receiving surface (310).
In a press-type input device (1) of a fifth aspect referring any one of the first to fourth aspects, along the direction vertical to the pressure receiving surface (310), the first pressing member (31) is in contact with the holding member (2) at a total of four contact points.
This aspect stabilizes a holding state of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32).
In a press-type input device (1) of a sixth aspect referring the fifth aspect, when viewed in the vertical direction with respect to the pressure receiving surface (310), the four contact points of the first pressing member (31) and the holding member (2) overlap the two contact points of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32) and the two contact points of the second pressing member (32) and the base (4).
This aspect further stabilizes the holding state of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32).
In a press-type input device (1) of a seventh aspect referring any one of the second to fourth aspects, along the direction vertical to the pressure receiving surface (310), the first pressing member (31), which has a circular or elliptical shape in a form of a ring, is in contact with the holding member (2). A center of the circular or elliptical shape is a midpoint of the two contact points of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32).
This aspect further stabilizes the holding state of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32).
In a press-type input device (1) of an eighth aspect referring the seventh aspect, when viewed in the direction vertical to the pressure receiving surface (310), a contact surface of the first pressing member (31) and the holding member (2) overlap the two contact points of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32) and the two contact points of the second pressing member (32) and the base (4).
This aspect further stabilizes the holding state of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32).
In a press-type input device (1) of a ninth aspect referring any one of the second to fourth aspects, along the direction vertical to the pressure receiving surface (310), the first pressing member (31), which has a substantially rectangular shape in a form of a ring, is in contact with the holding member (2). A center of the substantially rectangular shape is a midpoint of the two contact points of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32).
This aspect stabilizes a holding state of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32).
In a press-type input device (1) of a tenth aspect referring the ninth aspect, along the direction vertical to the pressure receiving surface (310), two sides of the substantially rectangular shape which face each other are vertical to a line segment connecting the two contact points of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32). Remaining two sides of the substantially rectangular shape which face each other are vertical to a line segment connecting the two contact points of the second pressing member (32) and the base (4).
This aspect stabilizes a holding state of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32).
In a press-type input device (1) of an eleventh aspect referring the tenth aspect, when viewed in the direction vertical to the pressure receiving surface (310), a contact surface of the first pressing member (31) and the holding member (2) overlap the two contact points of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32) and the two contact points of the second pressing member (32) and the base (4).
This aspect stabilizes a holding state of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32).
In a press-type input device (1) of a twelfth aspect referring the first aspect, along the direction vertical to the pressure receiving surface (310), the second pressing member (32) and the base (4) are in contact with each other at two contact points one of which is the at least one detection unit (40). The first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32) are in contact with each other at one contact point. The one contact point of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32) is located on a line segment connecting the two contact points of the second pressing member (32) and the base (4).
This aspect stabilizes a holding state of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32).
In a press-type input device (1) of a thirteenth aspect referring the twelfth aspect, along the direction vertical to the pressure receiving surface (310), the first pressing member (31), which has a circular, elliptical, or rectangular shape in a form of a ring, is in contact with the holding member (2). A center of the circular, elliptical, or rectangular shape is the one contact point of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32).
This aspect stabilizes a holding state of the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32).
In a press-type input device (1) of a fourteenth aspect referring any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the first pressing member (31) and the second pressing member (32) each have an annular shape.
With this aspect, the interior of a through hole (313) formed in the first pressing member (31) and the interior of a through hole (323) formed in the second pressing member (32) can be used for other applications (e.g., display).
In a press-type input device (1) of a fifteenth aspect referring any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the at least one detection unit (40) includes only one detection unit.
With this configuration, multiple clicks such as double clicks can be suppressed.
The press-rotate-type input device (10) of a sixteenth aspect includes the press-type input device (1) of any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, a rotor (5), and a circuit block (8). The press-type input device (1) has a cylindrical part (21). The rotor (5) surrounds the cylindrical part (21) and is rotatable around the cylindrical part (21). The circuit block (8) is held by the base (4) of the press-type input device (1) and is configured to detect a rotation amount of the rotor (5).
With this aspect, both a push operation input and a rotation operation input are possible.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2018-191083 | Oct 2018 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2019/030816 | 8/6/2019 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2020/075377 | 4/16/2020 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8941585 | Minamitani | Jan 2015 | B2 |
| 10020137 | Shitanaka | Jul 2018 | B2 |
| 20040026220 | Inoue et al. | Feb 2004 | A1 |
| 20060230838 | Miyasaka et al. | Oct 2006 | A1 |
| 20200051764 | Hwang | Feb 2020 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1981049 | Oct 2008 | EP |
| 1995753 | Nov 2008 | EP |
| H0561934 | Aug 1993 | JP |
| H09-245580 | Sep 1997 | JP |
| 2004-13507 | Jan 2004 | JP |
| 2006-286458 | Oct 2006 | JP |
| 4934550 | May 2012 | JP |
| Entry |
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| International Search Report issued in corresponding International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2019/030816, dated Oct. 21, 2019, w/Engiish translation. |
| Extended European Search Report dated Nov. 4, 2021 issued in corresponding European Patent Application No. 19871203.6. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20210350987 A1 | Nov 2021 | US |
