JP4456492B2 - pointing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pointing device that is used when connecting to an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, a PDA, a mobile phone, or a car navigation system and inputting position information and information indicating a direction. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pointing device that can also make a definite input.

  The pointing device is connected to a personal computer, for example, and outputs position information or direction information, and is used to move a pointer or cursor to be displayed on a display to a predetermined position. Thus, when the cursor or the like is moved to a predetermined position, it is possible to provide a more convenient pointing device if a signal for selecting an icon or the like displayed at that position (hereinafter referred to as a confirmation signal) can be output together. .

  Patent Document 1 discloses a pointing device in which an input button is disposed below a trackball. Patent Document 2 discloses a pointing device including an operation unit in which the operation unit moves in the XY plane. A switch is provided below the operation unit.

No. 7-49549 JP 2002-149337 A

  However, the pointing device of Patent Document 1 is thick because the part operated by the operator is a ball. If the ball is made small in order to reduce the size of the device, it becomes difficult to operate. In the pointing device of Patent Document 2, a switch provided in the lower part is turned on by pressing the operation unit, but it is necessary to maintain the operation unit on the switch in order to press the switch. . Therefore, it is necessary to move the operation unit within the area where the switch exists. It is also conceivable to provide a switch mechanism inside the operation unit. However, in this case, it is necessary to secure a space for accommodating the switch and wiring in the operation unit, and the structure becomes complicated and large. In addition, since the wiring to the switch moves as the operation unit moves, there is a problem that the feeling of operation is deteriorated and the wiring is easily cut.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a pointing device that can perform a definite input operation together with a pointing operation with a simple configuration.

  The object includes an electromagnetic conversion element arranged in a predetermined plane, and a magnetic field generating means that faces the electromagnetic conversion element and whose opposing surface is inclined with respect to the predetermined plane, and is parallel to the predetermined plane In the pointing device, the position detection unit that performs position detection based on the output signal of the electromagnetic conversion element when the electromagnetic conversion element and the magnetic field generation unit move relative to each other is arranged on each of two orthogonal axes, An operation unit is arranged to move in a plane including the two axes, and when the operation unit moves, either the electromagnetic conversion element or the magnetic field generation unit moves in parallel with the predetermined surface. And a pointing device provided with a definite input mechanism for depressing the operation unit to perform deterministic input. The definite input mechanism preferably employs a structure including an elastic member that is elastically deformed when the operation unit is pressed.

  In addition, the elastic member is an elastic plate disposed under the entire region where the operation unit moves, and the elastic plate is deformed when the operation unit is pressed down, and a definite input switch disposed at a lower position. It can be set as the structure provided with the protrusion which presses.

  The support plate provided in the housing includes a plurality of holes, the elastic plate includes a plurality of protrusions corresponding to the holes, and a part of the plurality of protrusions is for pressing the confirmation input switch. The other projections may be used for positioning.

  Further, the elastic member is an elastic plate provided in a housing, and the elastic plate is provided with a projection that deforms when the operation unit is pressed down and pushes a predetermined input switch disposed below. Also good.

  Further, the elastic member may be a spring member that holds the operation unit at a fixed position, and may include a flange portion that is provided so that a definite input switch disposed below the entire region in which the operation unit moves can be pressed.

  Further, the elastic member is a rubber or a spring material fixed to the bottom surface of the housing that is elastically deformed when the operation unit is pressed, and the bottom of the housing has a structure for pressing down a definite input switch. Good.

  Further, the fixed input switch may be a form arranged on a substrate on which the pointing device is set, or a pointing device formed by setting a housing on the substrate on which the fixed input switch is arranged.

  In addition, the elastic member is an elastic plate disposed under the entire area where the operation unit moves, and the elastic plate is deformed when the operation unit is pressed down, and is a separated circuit arranged at a predetermined position below. A structure provided with conductive protrusions that contact and electrically connect to the pattern may also be used.

  Further, the elastic member is an elastic plate provided in a housing, and the elastic plate is deformed when the operation unit is pressed down and is in contact with a separated circuit pattern disposed below and electrically connected. A structure having conductive protrusions may be used.

  Further, the elastic member is a rubber or a spring material fixed to a bottom surface of the casing that is elastically deformed when the operation unit is pressed, and conductive protrusions provided on the bottom surface of the casing are arranged below the casing. A structure may be employed in which the circuit pattern is placed in contact with and electrically connected to the separated circuit pattern.

  The rubber material or the spring material may be formed so as to have a predetermined space inside, and the conductive protrusion may be disposed inside the rubber material or the spring material.

  The separated circuit pattern may be formed on a substrate on which the pointing device is set, or may be formed by setting a housing on the substrate on which the circuit pattern is arranged as a pointing device. Also good.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the pointing device which can perform fixed input operation with simple operation with a simple structure can be provided.

  Embodiments of a pointing device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  The pointing device M according to the first embodiment includes a position detection unit D that can accurately detect the position of the operation unit with a simple configuration. First, the position detection unit D will be described. FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the configuration of the position detection unit D provided in the pointing device M. The position detection unit D is formed to include at least a magnet 1 and an electromagnetic conversion element 3 serving as magnetic field generating means. The electromagnetic conversion element 3 is disposed so as to be located in a predetermined plane. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when three axes A, B, and C that are orthogonal to each other are assumed, the electromagnetic transducer 3 is disposed so as to exist in an AB plane that is at a fixed position in the C-axis direction. The magnet 1 is disposed so as to face one side of the electromagnetic transducer 3 in a direction orthogonal to the AB plane. A surface 2 of the magnet 1 facing the electromagnetic conversion element 3 (hereinafter referred to as an opposing surface 2) is a flat surface that is inclined linearly. More specifically, the magnet 1 has a rectangular shape when projected onto the AB plane, and the longitudinal direction is arranged parallel to the A-axis direction. The facing surface 2 is an inclined surface that is linearly inclined in the A-axis direction. In this structure, the distance between the magnet 1 and the electromagnetic transducer 3 changes approximately linearly. The magnet 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a thickness that changes sequentially in the A-axis direction (thickness in the C-axis direction). A magnetic field MA perpendicular to the AB plane is generated from the facing surface 2 toward the electromagnetic transducer 3.

  In FIG. 1, a quadrangular prism-shaped yoke 5 is disposed on the upper side (opposite side of the magnet 1) of the electromagnetic transducer 3 as a more preferable configuration. The yoke 5 is disposed so as to face the magnet 1 with the electromagnetic conversion element 3 in between. The yoke 5 is arranged in parallel with the electromagnetic transducer 3, that is, the lower surface 6 of the yoke 5 is arranged in parallel with the AB plane. The yoke 5 functions to induce the magnetic field MA so that the magnetic field MA is oriented perpendicular to the electromagnetic transducer 3. Hereinafter, the yoke 5 is referred to as the induction yoke 5.

  As a preferred structure, a quadrangular prism-shaped yoke 4 is connected to the bottom surface of the magnet 1. The yoke 4 functions to suppress the leakage magnetic field of the magnet 1. As shown in FIG. 1, it is more effective to arrange the yoke 4 in contact with the bottom surface of the magnet 1, but the yoke 4 may be disposed away from the bottom surface. The magnet 1 may be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. As the electromagnetic conversion element 3, a Hall element, a magnetoresistive effect element (MR element) or the like can be adopted.

  When the magnet 1 and the electromagnetic conversion element 3 shown in FIG. 1 are relatively moved in the A-axis direction, the electromagnetic conversion element 3 outputs a signal (voltage corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field). The electromagnetic conversion element 3 may be fixed and the magnet 1 may be moved in the A-axis direction, or the magnet 1 may be fixed and the electromagnetic conversion element 3 may be moved in the A-axis direction. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a state when the electromagnetic conversion element 3 is moved. (A) -1 shows the time when the electromagnetic conversion element 3 is on the left side narrow between the induction yoke 5 and the facing surface 2, and (B) -1 shows that the electromagnetic conversion element 3 is between the induction yoke 5 and the facing surface 2. It shows when the gap is on the wide right side. (A) -2 is a side view corresponding to (A) -1, and (B) -2 is a side view corresponding to (B) -1.

  In the state shown in FIG. 2A, the magnetic field received by the electromagnetic conversion element 3 is large (the magnetic flux density is high). Conversely, in the state shown in FIG. Small (low magnetic flux density). The magnetic field between the induction yoke 5 and the opposing surface 2 changes continuously as shown in FIG. Therefore, a linear output signal can be obtained from the electromagnetic conversion element 3 when the electromagnetic conversion element 3 moves in the position range shown in FIGS. 2 (A) and 2 (B). Therefore, the position of the electromagnetic conversion element 3 in the A-axis direction can be detected based on this output signal. In the pointing device M, the position detection unit D having the above-described configuration is disposed on each of two orthogonal axes.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the pointing device M. FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus M. The pointing device M shown in these drawings includes two position detection units D shown in FIG. In order to omit redundant description, the same parts as those shown in FIG. In addition, since two position detectors D are included, branch numbers (-1, -2) are attached for distinction. In FIG. 4, two orthogonal axes X and Y are virtually used for the description.

  The pointing device M has a mechanical structure assembled on the printed circuit board 10. The pointing device includes a first slider 20 that is movable in the X-axis direction and a second slider 30 that is movable in the Y-axis direction. The first slider 20 is guided by rails 12 provided on the side wall 11 parallel to the X axis provided on the side of the housing 8 disposed on the substrate 10, and the second slider 30 is provided on the side of the housing 8. It is guided by a rail 14 provided on a side wall 13 parallel to the Y axis.

  The first slider 20 has a rectangular shape, and includes a long hole 21 formed at the center and a support frame 22 provided so as to protrude to one end side. An operation unit 40 is fitted in the long hole 21. The operation unit 40 includes an input operation shaft 41 for performing a definite input operation described later. The operator can use the input operation shaft 41 to move the operation unit 40 to a desired position, and press the input operation shaft 41 to perform a definite input. The support frame 22 supports the magnet 1-1, the yoke 4-1, and the induction yoke 5-1 that constitute the first position detection unit D-1. The electromagnetic transducer 3-1 located between the magnet 1-1 and the induction yoke 5-1 is fixed at a predetermined position on the substrate 10 as shown in FIG. The facing surface 2-1 of the magnet 1-1 is linearly inclined in the X-axis direction in which the first slider 20 moves. More specifically, the thickness of the magnet 1-1 decreases from the left side to the right side on the X axis.

  The second slider 30 is placed orthogonally on the first slider 20. The second slider 30 is formed in the same manner as the first slider 20. That is, it includes a long hole 31 formed in the central portion and a support frame 32 provided so as to protrude to one end side. The operation unit 40 is fitted in the long hole 31. The support frame 32 supports the magnet 1-2, the yoke 4-2, and the induction yoke 5-2 that constitute the second position detection unit D-2. The electromagnetic conversion element 3-2 positioned between the magnet 1-2 and the induction yoke 5-2 is fixed at a predetermined position on the substrate 10.

  The operation unit 40 is fitted in the long hole 21 of the first slider 20 and the long hole 31 of the second slider 30. Therefore, when the operator moves the operation unit 40, the first slider 20 and the second slider 30 move, and the magnet 1-1 moves in the X-axis direction and the magnet 1-2 moves in the Y-axis direction. Accordingly, an output signal corresponding to the moving position is output from the electromagnetic conversion element 3-1 and the electromagnetic conversion element 3-2 arranged on each axis. Therefore, the position of the operation unit 40 in the XY plane can be detected.

  In addition, the pointing device M has a structure for stably holding the operation unit 40 when the input operation is not performed (not used) as a preferable configuration, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The part 40 is formed of a plurality of parts. The operation unit 40 includes a rectangular parallelepiped block 43 as a main body. A cutout 44 is provided in the block 43, and a chip component 45 is fitted into the cutout 44. The chip component 45 is a sliding member for smoothing the operation of the operation unit 40 that reciprocates in the long holes 21 and 31 in the sliders 20 and 30.

  The operation unit 40 is provided with spring members 47 and 48 that act to press the chip component 45 against the inner walls of the sliders 20 and 30. As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the spring member 47 abuts against the inner wall of the elongated hole 21 of the first slider 20 and urges the operating portion 40 in the Y-axis direction. Similarly, the spring member 48 abuts against the inner wall of the elongated hole 31 of the second slider 30 and biases the operation unit 40 in the Y-axis direction. In the assembled state shown in FIG. 4, the spring member 47 is hidden under the upper member.

  As described above, when the spring members 47 and 48 are arranged between the operation unit 40 and the sliders 20 and 30 that hold the operation unit 40 in a reciprocating manner, the operation unit 40 and the inner walls of the sliders 20 and 30 are arranged. A frictional force can be generated during this period. This frictional force is set so as to prevent an excessive load or operation during operation by the operator and prevent the operation unit 40 from moving when the pointing device is moved when not in use. Therefore, it is possible to realize a structure in which the operation unit 40 can be moved smoothly during an input operation and the operation unit 40 is held at a fixed position when no operation is performed. The spring members 47 and 48 may be appropriately selected to have a spring pressure capable of obtaining a desired frictional force.

  Furthermore, the pointing device M is provided with a mechanism for performing a definite input after moving the operation unit 40 to a predetermined position on the XY plane. As shown in FIG. 5, a through-hole 46 through which the input operation shaft 41 is inserted is formed in the block 43 serving as the main body of the operation unit 40. An input operation shaft 41 is slidably inserted in the Z-axis direction from the lower side into the through-hole 46. For the sake of explanation, the axis perpendicular to the X axis and the Y axis is taken as the Z axis.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, an elastic plate 9 is provided inside the housing (frame) 8. As can be confirmed in FIG. 5, when the pointing device M is assembled, the elastic plate 9 is positioned below the operation unit 40. The elastic plate 9 is elastically deformed downward (downward in the Z-axis direction) when the input operation shaft 41 is pressed. A substrate 10 on which a predetermined circuit pattern is formed is located below the elastic plate 9. At a predetermined position of the substrate 10, a confirmation input switch 50 configured to output a confirmation signal when pressed is disposed. The elastic plate 9 may be formed integrally with the housing 8 or may be disposed inside the housing 8. For example, a sheet-like rubber member can be employed as the elastic plate 9 disposed separately in the housing 8. The pointing device M according to the first embodiment may be understood as a structure including the substrate 10 or may be understood as an assembly part on the upper side excluding the separately prepared substrate 10. When the upper assembly portion is used, it is used by being set on the substrate 10 separately prepared by the user.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the input operation shaft 41 and the elastic plate 9 for understanding the invention. When the elastic plate 9 is made of a rubber material, a support plate 80 is formed in the housing 8. The support plate 80 is formed with a plurality of holes. The hole 81 formed in the center is formed so as to allow the protrusion 91 formed on the elastic plate 9 to protrude downward. Another hole 82 formed in the support plate 80 is a positioning hole 82. By fitting another protrusion 92 provided on the elastic plate 9 into the hole 82, the elastic plate 9 is accurately positioned at a predetermined position in the housing 8.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state when the operator presses the input operation shaft 41. FIG. 7 shows a simplified configuration of the peripheral portion to show the operation of the input operation shaft 41. The elastic plate 9 is set so as to be positioned below the entire area in which the input operation shaft 41 moves. Therefore, even if the input operation shaft 41 (operation unit 40) is moved to another position by the pointing operation as shown in (B) from the state where the input operation shaft 41 shown in (A) is in the center position. The elastic plate 9 is present below the input operation shaft 41. Here, when the input operation shaft 41 is pressed down as shown in (C), the elastic plate 9 is deformed and the switch 50 disposed at the lower part can be pressed.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration example of the pointing device M according to the first embodiment. The electrical configuration shown in FIG. 8 can be disposed on the substrate 10 shown in FIG. 4, for example. The electromagnetic conversion element 3-1, which detects the position in the X-axis direction, converts the magnetic field strength into a voltage and outputs it. The amplifier 151 amplifies the voltage value. The A / D converter 152 converts the signal amplified by the amplifier 151 from an analog signal to a digital signal. Similarly, the electromagnetic transducer 3-2 that detects the position in the Y-axis direction converts the magnetic field strength into a voltage and outputs it. The amplifier 153 amplifies the voltage value and supplies the amplified voltage value to the A / D converter 154. The A / D converter 154 converts the analog signal into a digital signal.

  The microprocessor unit 155 is configured around a CPU. The microprocessor unit 155 calculates X and Y axis coordinate values based on digital signals from the A / D converter 152 on the X axis side and the A / D converter 154 on the Y axis side. Further, a confirmation signal 157 when the confirmation input switch 50 is pressed is also supplied to the microprocessor unit 155. The microprocessor unit 155 outputs a position information signal based on the calculated data and a confirmation signal 157 when the confirmation input switch 50 is pressed to an external device (for example, a computer) via the output unit 156.

(Modification 1)
9 and 10 show a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the input operation shaft 41 and the elastic plate 9. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state when the operator presses the input operation shaft 41 as in FIG. These figures are also schematically shown for explanation. In this structure, the elastic plate 84 is integrally formed inside the housing 8. A side portion of the elastic plate 84 is connected to the inner wall 8WA of the housing 8 via an elastic arm 85.

  In the structure shown in FIG. 7, the elastic plate 9 is separately prepared as an elastic member. However, the structure shown in FIG. 9 can be simplified because the elastic plate 84 is integrally provided in the housing 8. The elastic plate 84 may be retrofitted in the housing 8, but it is desirable that the elastic plate 84 be integrally formed when the housing 8 is manufactured from the viewpoint of obtaining manufacturing efficiency and strength. A protrusion 86 for pressing the switch 50 is provided on the lower surface of the elastic plate 84.

  FIG. 10 shows a simplified configuration of the peripheral portion to show the operation of the input operation shaft 41. The input operation shaft 41 is a part of the operation unit 40, but only the input operation shaft 41 is illustrated. The elastic plate 84 is set so as to be positioned below the entire area in which the input operation shaft 41 moves. Therefore, even if the input operation shaft 41 (operation unit 40) is moved to another position by the pointing operation as shown in (B) from the state where the input operation shaft 41 shown in (A) is in the center position. An elastic plate 84 is present below the input operation shaft 41. Here, as shown in (C), when the input operation shaft 41 is depressed, the elastic arm 85 in the peripheral portion of the elastic plate 84 is deformed, so that the switch 86 disposed on the lower surface of the elastic plate 84 is disposed below. 50 can be pressed.

(Modification 2)
FIG. 11 shows a structural example of another elastic plate provided in the housing 8. In FIG. 11A, an elastic sheet 87 formed of cloth, wire mesh or the like having a certain elastic force is stretched inside the housing 8 and the elastic plate 84 is held down at the center thereof. . In FIG. 11B, a wire 88 having a certain elastic force is stretched inside the housing 8 and the elastic plate 84 is held at the center thereof so that it can be pressed down. Even in such a structure, the input operation shaft 41 can be pushed down by the elastic deformation of the elastic sheet 87 and the wire 88 as in the first embodiment, and the switch 50 can be pressed by the projection 86 on the bottom surface.

  Further, a structure example in which the switch 50 is pressed with the input operation shaft 41 of the pointing device M will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the input operation shaft 41 and the housing 8. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state when the operator presses the input operation shaft 41. In the structure shown here, a holding plate 93 is formed in the housing 8. A through hole 94 is formed at the center of the holding plate 93. An input projection 56 of a switch 55 disposed below the holding plate 93 is fitted in the through hole 94 so as to be movable up and down. The switch 55 has the same function as the switch 50 described above, but differs in that it includes an input protrusion 56 protruding upward.

  On the other hand, a flange 42 is provided on the lower end side of the input operation shaft 41 and protrudes outward in parallel with the XY plane. The flange portion 42 is formed in such a size that the input projection 56 can be pressed down no matter where the input operation shaft 41 moves in the XY plane.

  FIG. 13 shows a simplified configuration of the peripheral portion to show the operation of the input operation shaft 41. The collar portion 42 is set so that the input projection 56 of the switch 55 can be pressed in the entire region where the input operation shaft 41 moves. Therefore, even if the input operation shaft 41 (operation unit 40) is moved to another position by the pointing operation as shown in (B) from the state where the input operation shaft 41 shown in (A) is in the center position. An input projection 56 is present below the flange 42. Therefore, as shown in (C), when the input operation shaft 41 is pressed, the input protrusion 56 of the switch 55 disposed below can be pushed by the collar 42.

  In the structure of the second embodiment, an input operation shaft 41 is provided on a block 43 serving as a main body of the operation unit 40 so as to be movable up and down. For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, the input operation shaft 41 can be moved up and down with respect to the block 43 by inserting a leaf spring 95 between the block 43 and the input operation shaft 41, and the input operation shaft 41. The leaf spring 95 is set so that a high position (position in the Z-axis direction) is kept constant.

  According to the embodiment described above, a member that is elastically deformed when the input operation shaft 41 is pressed can be disposed, and the switches 50 and 55 can be pressed in the entire region in which the input operation shaft 41 moves. Therefore, it is possible to provide a pointing device that can easily perform a confirmation input after performing a pointing operation.

  The above-described embodiment employs a structure in which the switch disposed in the lower part is turned on by the protrusion, but is not limited to such a structure. For example, when a pattern PA and a pattern PB in which electrical connections are separated as shown in FIG. 14 are formed at predetermined positions on the substrate 10 and a conductive member that electrically connects these patterns is pressed down, a structure is formed. As in the above-described embodiment, a pointing device that can perform a definite input can be obtained.

  The basic structure of the pointing device M described below is the same as the structure described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIG. 8 shown with respect to the pointing device M of the first embodiment, and therefore redundant description is omitted. In the following, a characteristic structure for pressing and confirming the input operation axis 41 will be described with reference to a schematic diagram. Further, in the following drawings, a portion where the above-described separation pattern is formed is indicated by a symbol “SP”.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the fixed input mechanism according to the third embodiment. The structure shown in FIG. 15 is a structure in which the housing 8 is lowered when the input operation shaft 41 is pressed. Here, (A) is a plan view schematically showing the pointing device M, (B) is a side view thereof, and (C) is a bottom view thereof. Although the illustration of the operation unit 40 is omitted in FIG. 15, the input operation shaft 41 is fixed to the block 43 of the operation unit 40. Since the operation unit 40 is restricted from moving up and down by the sliders 20 and 30 as described above, the force of the operator pressing the input operation shaft 41 is transmitted to the housing 8.

  As shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C, the bottom surface 8BT of the housing 8 is provided with a protrusion 100 having conductivity to electrically connect the separation pattern SP. Further, an elastically deformable rubber member 101 formed in a truncated cone shape or a dome shape is disposed on the bottom surface 8BT. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which the structure shown in FIG. 15 is set on the substrate 10. The structure shown in FIG. 15 is arranged so that the protrusion 100 fixed to the bottom surface 8BT of the housing 8 faces the separation pattern SP arranged at a predetermined position of the substrate 10. In addition, it is preferable to provide a recess 15 for positioning the rubber member 101 on the substrate 10 side. As described above, the pointing device referred to in the present invention may be a device in a semi-finished product state before being set on the substrate 10 shown in FIG. 15, or the device is assembled to the substrate 10 as shown in FIG. It may be understood as a completed device.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state when the operator presses the input operation shaft 41. When assembled as shown in FIG. 16, the conductive protrusion 100 and the separation pattern SP are arranged with a predetermined interval K. This interval is set smaller than the deformation amount H at which the rubber member 101 buckles when the input operation shaft 41 is pressed. As shown in FIG. 17B, the separation pattern SP can be connected by the protrusion 100 by pressing the input operation shaft 41.

  The protrusion 100 is preferably one that elastically deforms when it comes into contact with the separation pattern SP. The protrusion 100 can be formed using a conductive rubber member, a rubber member with carbon coating applied to the surface 100S, or a rubber member with a conductive metal attached to the lower surface. FIG. 18 is an enlarged schematic view of the rubber member 101 that buckles (elastically deforms) when the input operation shaft 41 is pressed.

(Modification 3)
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the third embodiment. Although the rubber member 101 of the pointing device of Example 3 is arranged so that the upper side is wide, the rubber member 102 shown in FIG. 19 may be arranged so that the lower side is widened.

(Modification 4)
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another modified example of the third embodiment. The rubber member 101 of the pointing device of Example 3 was disposed for elastic deformation. In the structure shown in this modification, the rubber member 103 has a conductive protrusion 104 formed therein, and contacts the separation pattern SP provided on the substrate 10 when buckled. Employing such a structure is preferable because the separation pattern SP can be protected.

(Modification 5)
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing still another modification of the third embodiment. A plurality of rubber members 101 of the pointing device of Example 3 were arranged on the peripheral portion. In the structure shown in this modification, a rubber member 110 that is formed so as to surround the lower portion of the housing 8 is provided. A conductive protrusion 111 is formed in the rubber member 110 using a space. When the rubber member 110 is buckled, the protrusion 111 contacts the separation pattern SP provided on the substrate 10. When such a structure is employed, the circuit on the substrate 10 can be protected together with the separation pattern SP.

  In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of examples are shown for the case where the switch 50 for definite input is arranged on the substrate 10 and the case where the separation pattern SP is formed on the substrate. The structure example shown for the switch may be appropriately changed and applied to the separation pattern. Similarly, the structure example shown for the separation pattern may be appropriately changed and applied to the switch. Moreover, although the example which uses a rubber member as an elastic member was shown, it replaced with a rubber member and may employ | adopt a spring spring material.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

It is the figure which expanded and showed the structure of the position detection part with which the pointing device is provided. It is the figure which showed the mode when the electromagnetic transducer of FIG. 1 was moved, (A) -1 shows the time when the electromagnetic transducer is on the left side narrow between the induction yoke and the opposing surface, (B) -1 is a view showing a state where the electromagnetic conversion element is on the right side between the induction yoke and the opposing surface. Further, (A) -2 is a side view corresponding to (A) -1, and (B) -2 is a side view corresponding to (B) -1. It is the figure shown about the magnetic field generate | occur | produced between an induction | guidance | derivation yoke and an opposing surface. It is the perspective view which showed the external appearance of the pointing device. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the pointing device shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a relationship between an input operation shaft 41 and an elastic plate 9 of the pointing device shown in FIG. 4. It is the figure which showed a mode when an operator pressed down an input operation axis | shaft. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of the pointing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a relationship between an input operation shaft and an elastic plate in Modification 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state when the operator presses an input operation axis in the first modification. It is the figure shown about the structural example of the other elastic board provided in a housing | casing. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a relationship between an input operation shaft and an elastic plate in Example 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state when an operator presses an input operation axis in the second embodiment. It is the figure shown about the separation pattern formed on the board | substrate. It is the figure shown about the definite input mechanism which concerns on Example 3. FIG. It is the figure which showed a mode that the structure shown in FIG. 15 was set to a board | substrate. It is the figure which showed a mode when the operator pressed down an input operation axis about Example 3. It is the figure which expanded and showed typically the mode of the rubber member which elastically deforms when an input operation axis | shaft is pressed. FIG. 10 is a view showing a modified example of the third embodiment. It is the figure shown about the other modification of Example 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a view showing still another modification of the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 (1-1 to 1-4) Magnet (magnetic field generating means)
2 (2-1 to 2-4) Opposing surface 3 (3-1 to 3-4) Electromagnetic transducer 4 (4-1 to 4-4) Yoke 5 (5-1 to 5-4) Induction yoke 8 Housing Body 9 Elastic plate 10 Substrate 12, 14 Rail 20 First slider 25 Guide shaft 30 Second slider 35 Guide shaft 37, 38 Spring member 40 Operation part 41 Input operation shaft 47, 48, 49 Spring member 50 Press member 81 Hole 91 Projection M Pointing device D Position detector

Claims (15)

An electromagnetic conversion element disposed in a predetermined plane; and a magnetic field generating means facing the electromagnetic conversion element and having a facing surface inclined with respect to the predetermined plane, wherein the electromagnetic conversion is performed in a direction parallel to the predetermined plane. A pointing device in which a position detection unit that detects a position based on an output signal of the electromagnetic conversion element when an element and the magnetic field generation unit move relative to each other is arranged on each of two orthogonal axes,
An operation unit is arranged to move in a plane including the two axes, and when the operation unit moves, either the electromagnetic conversion element or the magnetic field generation unit moves in parallel with the predetermined surface. Formed into
A pointing device, comprising: a definite input mechanism that depresses the operation unit to perform definite input. The pointing device according to claim 1, wherein the fixed input mechanism includes an elastic member that elastically deforms when the operation unit is pressed. The elastic member is an elastic plate disposed below the entire region in which the operation unit moves,
3. The pointing device according to claim 2, wherein the elastic plate includes a protrusion that is deformed when the operation unit is pressed and presses a predetermined input switch disposed below. 3. The support plate provided in the housing has a plurality of holes,
The elastic plate includes a plurality of protrusions corresponding to the holes, and a part of the plurality of protrusions is for pressing the confirmation input switch, and the other protrusions are for positioning. The pointing device according to claim 3. The elastic member is an elastic plate provided in a housing;
3. The pointing device according to claim 2, wherein the elastic plate includes a protrusion that is deformed when the operation unit is pressed and presses a predetermined input switch disposed below. 3. The elastic member is a spring member that holds the operating portion in a fixed position;
3. The pointing device according to claim 2, further comprising a collar provided so as to be capable of pressing down a definite input switch disposed under the entire area in which the operation unit moves. The elastic member is a rubber or spring material fixed to the bottom surface of the housing that is elastically deformed when the operation unit is pressed,
The pointing device according to claim 2, wherein a definite input switch having a bottom surface of the housing disposed below is pressed. The pointing device according to claim 3, wherein the definite input switch is disposed on a substrate on which the pointing device is set. The pointing device according to claim 3, wherein the pointing device is formed by setting a housing on a substrate on which the definite input switch is arranged. The elastic member is an elastic plate disposed below the entire region in which the operation unit moves,
The elastic plate includes a conductive protrusion that is deformed when the operation unit is pressed down, and is in contact with and electrically connected to a separated circuit pattern disposed below. 2. The pointing device according to 2. The elastic member is an elastic plate provided in a housing;
The elastic plate includes a conductive protrusion that is deformed when the operation unit is pressed down, and is in contact with and electrically connected to a separated circuit pattern disposed below. 2. The pointing device according to 2. The elastic member is a rubber or spring material fixed to the bottom surface of the housing that is elastically deformed when the operation unit is pressed,
3. The pointing device according to claim 2, wherein a conductive protrusion provided on a bottom surface of the casing is in contact with and electrically connected to a separated circuit pattern disposed below the casing. 13. The rubber material or the spring material is formed so as to have a predetermined space inside, and the conductive protrusion is disposed inside the rubber material or the spring material. Pointing device. The pointing device according to claim 10, wherein the separated circuit pattern is formed on a substrate on which the pointing device is set. The pointing device according to claim 10, wherein the pointing device is formed by setting a housing on a substrate on which the circuit pattern is arranged.

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