Patent ID: 8803802
Filing Date: 2014-08-12
Classification: G05G,H01F

Abstract:
1. An input device comprising: an operating member to be operated by a user, the operating member supported to be displaceable in directions along a XY plane including an X axis and a Y axis relative to a stationary position defined at an intersection of the X axis and the Y axis and rotatable about a Z axis; a restoring force generating part configured to generate a force to automatically return the operating member to the stationary position; a detector configured to detect an operation state of the operating member; an actuator configured to apply an external force to the operating member, the actuator including an electromagnet, a first magnet and a second magnet, the electromagnet having a core made of a magnetic material and a coil integrated with the core; and a controller configured to control an electric current to the coil in accordance with a detection result of the detector, thereby to control an operation of the actuator; a housing including a case and a cover; a holding member, wherein the holding member is located adjacent to a second surface of the cover, the holding member connects to the operating member through a through hole of the cover and is movable with the operating member, the restoring force generating part is configured to generate the force as a reaction force of elastic deformation, in a static condition, where the operating member is at the stationary position, the restoring force generating part extends along the Z axis, and an axis of the restoring force generating part coincides with an axis of rotation of the operating member, the restoring force generating part has a first end fixed to the holding member on a side of the holding member opposite to the operating member, the detector includes a holder and a plurality of strain gauzes, a second end of the restoring force generating part opposite to the holding member is fixed to the holder, the plurality of strain gauzes are arranged radially about the holder on a plane parallel to the XY plane, the plurality of strain gauzes are configured to detect displacement of the operating member in directions parallel to the XY plane and rotation of the operating member, the operating member is supported by the case through the holding member, the restoring force generating part, the holder, and the plurality of strain gauzes, the holding member is configured such that when the operating member is operated, the holding member is moved with the operating member, the restoring force generating part is configured to deform when the operating member is operated such that a resistance value of the plurality of strain gauzes changes, one of the electromagnet and the first and second magnets is integrated with the operating member, and the other of the electromagnet and the first and second magnets is integrated with the case, at least in the stationary condition, the first magnet and the second magnet are located on opposite sides of the axis of rotation of the operating member, the first magnet has a first opposed surface defining one of magnetic poles, the second magnet has a second opposed surface defining one of magnetic poles, in the stationary condition, the first opposed surface and the second opposed surface are opposed to a first end surface and a second end surface of the core across predetermined clearances, respectively.