Input apparatus

An input apparatus includes an operating member that receives an operating force, a casing holding the operating member so as to move in the vertical direction, a first switch and a second switch that switch between on-state and off-state as the operating member moves, a first magnetic substance attached to the casing, a second magnetic substance that moves together with the operating member, and a third magnetic substance disposed so as to come into contact with the first magnetic substance and the second magnetic substance when the operating member is not receiving an operating force and so as to come into contact with one of the first magnetic substance and the second magnetic substance when the operating member is receiving an operating force. At least one of the first magnetic substance, the second magnetic substance, and the third magnetic substance is a magnet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to input apparatuses.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is a known input apparatus in the related art that includes a slide member movable in the direction of pressing operation, a slide guide that guides the movement of the slide member, and a switch unit to be pressed by the slide member (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-045608). This input apparatus includes a first magnet attached to the slide member and a second magnet attached to the slide guide. The first magnet and the second magnet are disposed at positions at which they attract each other with a space therebetween when no pressing operation is being performed. This configuration allows the input apparatus to reduce or eliminate wobbling of the slide member when no pressing operation is being performed.

However, in the input apparatus, the first magnet and the second magnet are disposed away from each other all the time. For this reason, wobbling of the slide member serving as a movable member may not be eliminated.

It is therefore preferable to provide an input apparatus in which wobbling of the movable member is assuredly prevented.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides an input apparatus including a movable member that receives an operating force, a fixing member that fixes the movable member so as to move in a plurality of operating directions, a switch that switches between on-state and off-state as the movable member moves, a first magnetic substance attached to the fixing member, a second magnetic substance that moves together with the movable member, and a third magnetic substance disposed so as to come into contact with each of the first magnetic substance and the second magnetic substance in a state in which the movable member is not receiving an operating force and so as to come into contact with one of the first magnetic substance and the second magnetic substance in a state in which the movable member is receiving an operating force, wherein at least one of the first magnetic substance, the second magnetic substance, and the third magnetic substance is a magnet.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An input apparatus100according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings.FIGS. 1A and 1Bare schematic diagrams illustrating a configuration example of the input apparatus100. Specifically,FIG. 1Ais a top view of the input apparatus100.FIG. 1Bis a cross-sectional view of an X-Z plane including a dashed-dotted line L1inFIG. 1Aviewed from the −Y side.

The input apparatus100is configured to be operated in a plurality of operating directions. In the present embodiment, the input apparatus100is configured for the operator to perform an upward pulling operation (+Z direction) and a downward pushing operation (−Z direction). The input apparatus100is disposed, for example, in a center console of a vehicle, and is used for operating an air conditioner or the like.

Specifically, the input apparatus100mainly includes an operating member10, a slide member11, a casing12, a first magnetic substance13, a second magnetic substance14, a third magnetic substance15, a switch mechanism20, a first switch21, and a second switch22. The input apparatus100is configured so that, when a pushing operation is performed, the first switch21is turned on, and when a pulling operation is performed, the second switch22is turned on.

The operating member10is part of a movable member, which is configured to receive an operating force. In the present embodiment, the operating member10has a cylindrical shape centered on an axis CA. The operating member10is configured for the operator to push the upper surface (+Z-side surface) and to pinch and pull up the cylindrical surface. Alternatively, the operating member10may have another shape, such as a polygonal columnar shape or an elliptic cylindrical shape. The operating member10is also configured, when a pushing operation is performed, to move to the lower limit position, when a pulling operation is performed, to move to the upper limit position, and when no pushing operation and no pulling operation are performed, to come to rest at the neutral position.

The slide member11is part of the movable member, which is configured to move according to the operating force. In the present embodiment, the slide member11includes a joint portion11a, an engaging portion11b, and a connecting portion11cand is configured to slide in the direction of the pushing operation and the pulling operation, that is, in the Z-axis direction.

The joint portion11ais configured to be joined to the operating member10. In the present embodiment, the joint portion11ais joined to the operating member10via a snap-fit configuration. Alternatively, the joint portion11amay be joined to the operating member10via another joining structure or with an adhesive. The joint portion11a, that is, the slide member11, may be integral to the operating member10.

The engaging portion11bis configured to movably engage with the casing12. In the present embodiment, the engaging portion11bis configured to slidably engage with the inner wall surface of a cylindrical guide portion12aformed inside the casing12in the operating direction (the Z-axis direction). Alternatively, the engaging portion11bmay be configured to slidably engage with the outer wall surface of the guide portion12ain the operating direction.

The connecting portion11cis configured to be connected to the switch mechanism20. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion11cis configured to operate the switch mechanism20so that, when a pushing operation is performed, the first switch21is turned on, and when a pulling operation is performed, the second switch22is turned on. Specifically, the connecting portion11cincludes two columnar members extending downward from the lower surface of the joint portion11a. The details of the connection between the connecting portion11cand the switch mechanism20will be described later.

The casing12is configured to function as a fixing member that holds the movable member so as to be movable in a plurality of operating directions. In the present embodiment, the casing12has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes the guide portion12aand a supporting portion12b.

The guide portion12ais configured to engage with the engaging portion11bof the slide member11, as described above. In the present embodiment, the guide portion12ahas a cylindrical shape centered on the axis CA, as illustrated inFIG. 2.FIG. 2is a top view of the input apparatus100inFIG. 1A, in which the operating member10and the slide member11are omitted. However, the guide portion12amay have any other shape that enables the guide portion12ato engage with the engaging portion11bof the slide member11. For example, the guide portion12amay have another cylindrical shape, such as a hollow square column shape. Other examples include a combination of a plurality of independent partial cylindrical shapes and a combination of a plurality of columnar shapes.

The guide portion12amay be configured to prevent the engaging portion11bof the slide member11from rotating about the axis CA. Specifically, the guide portion12amay have a groove or a rib extending in the Z-axis direction along the cylindrical inner wall. In this case, the engaging portion11bmay have a rib or a groove formed so as to fit in the groove or on the rib of the guide portion12a. Alternatively, the guide portion12amay be configured so that the engaging portion11bof the slide member11rotates about the axis CA.

The supporting portion12bis configured to support the first magnetic substance13. In the present embodiment, the supporting portion12bis formed so as to protrude upward (in the +Z direction) from an upper surface12t(a +Z side surface) of the casing12to support the first magnetic substance13at the upper end, as illustrated inFIG. 1B. Specifically, the supporting portion12bhas a cylindrical shape centered on the axis CA, as illustrated inFIG. 2. However, the supporting portion12bmay have any other shape that can support the first magnetic substance13. For example, the supporting portion12bmay have another cylindrical shape, such as a hollow square column shape. Other examples include a combination of a plurality of independent partial cylindrical shapes and a combination of a plurality of columnar shapes.

The first magnetic substance13is a magnetic substance attached to the fixing member. In the present embodiment, the first magnetic substance13is a metallic magnetic substance. Specifically, the first magnetic substance13is a cylindrical iron plate centered on the axis CA, as illustrated inFIG. 2, and is fitted in a recess formed at the upper end of the supporting portion12bof the casing12, as illustrated inFIG. 1B. Alternatively, the first magnetic substance13may be fixed to the fixing member with an adhesive or using another fixing method. The first magnetic substance13may have another shape other than the cylindrical shape. The first magnetic substance13is made of a plate-like member having a through-hole. Alternatively, the first magnetic substance13may be made of a plate-like member having no through-hole.

The second magnetic substance14is a magnetic substance that moves together with the movable member. In the present embodiment, the second magnetic substance14is a metallic magnetic substance. Specifically, the second magnetic substance14is a cylindrical iron plate centered on the axis CA, as illustrated inFIG. 2, and is fixed to the joint portion11aof the slide member11with an adhesive, as illustrated inFIG. 1B. Alternatively, the second magnetic substance14may be fitted in a recess formed in the movable member or may be fixed using another fixing method. The second magnetic substance14may have another shape other than the cylindrical shape. The second magnetic substance14is made of a plate-like member having a through-hole. Alternatively, the second magnetic substance14may be made of a plate-like member having no through-hole. In the present embodiment, the second magnetic substance14is disposed inside the through-hole of the first magnetic substance13.

The third magnetic substance15is a magnetic substance that is disposed so as to be in contact with each of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14in a state in which the movable member is receiving no operating force and to come into contact with one of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14when the movable member receives an operating force. In the present embodiment, the third magnetic substance15is a magnet. Specifically, the third magnetic substance15is a cylindrical permanent magnet centered on the axis CA, as illustrated inFIG. 2, and is disposed so as to be attracted to the individual lower surfaces (−Z side surfaces) of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14, as illustrated inFIG. 1B. Alternatively, the third magnetic substance15may be a temporary magnet, such as an electromagnet.FIG. 1Billustrates a state in which the third magnetic substance15is attracted to each of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14because the operating member10is not receiving an operating force, that is, wobbling of the operating member10and the slide member11serving as the movable member is not generated.

In the present embodiment, the third magnetic substance15is configured to move in both of the axial direction and the radial direction. Alternatively, the third magnetic substance15may be configured to be limited in radial movement. For example, the casing12may have a guide that restricts the radial movement of the third magnetic substance15. This applies also to the axial direction.

The permanent magnet forming the third magnetic substance15is preferably magnetized in the vertical direction (in the Z-axis direction). The third magnetic substance15is magnetized and disposed so that, for example, the top is the north (N) pole, and the bottom is the south (S) pole, or the top is the S pole and the bottom is the N pole.

The contact surface CS1between the first magnetic substance13and the third magnetic substance15and the contact surface CS2between the second magnetic substance14and the third magnetic substance15are configured to be substantially flush with each other. Specifically, the contact surface CS1and the contact surface CS2are configured to be located on the same horizontal plane. However, the flush plane may be an inclined plane inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

The contact surface CS1and the contact surface CS2are configured to be perpendicular to the moving direction of the movable member, in other words, configured so that the two magnetic substances come into contact with each other on one plane. This configuration can reduce or prevent rubbing of the two magnetic substances when the two magnetic substances come into or out of contact with each other. Alternatively, the contact surface CS1and the contact surface CS2may be configured so that the two magnetic substances rub against each other when coming into or out of contact with each other. For example, at least one of the contact surface CS1and the contact surface CS2may be configured to have a stepped portion, in other words, configured so that the two magnetic substances come into contact with each other on two surfaces. Specifically, the two magnetic substances may be configured to come into contact with each other on a surface perpendicular to the axis CA which is the moving direction of movable member and a surface parallel to the axis CA. In this case, the surface parallel to the axis CA may be a curved surface extending in the circumferential direction of the third magnetic substance15, or a flat surface extending in the radial direction of the third magnetic substance15.

An elastic member may be disposed between at least one of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14and the third magnetic substance15. The elastic member may be, for example, a magnetic substance or a non-magnetic substance having magnetic permeability. An example of the elastic member is an elastic sheet, which is disposed so as to form at least one of the contact surface CS1and the contact surface CS2. The elastic sheet is bonded to, for example, at least one of the two relevant magnetic substances with an adhesive. At least one of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15may be formed of an elastic magnetic substance.

In the configuration ofFIG. 1B, the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14may be magnets, and the third magnetic substance15may be a metallic magnetic substance, or all of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15may be magnets.

The switch mechanism20is configured to switch the switch between on-state and off-state according to the movement of the movable member. In the present embodiment, the switch mechanism20includes a switch actuator20a, a supporting member20b, a pivot shaft20c, a connecting shaft20d, a first dome-like member20e, and a second dome-like member20f.

The switch actuator20ais a mechanism that switches the switch between on-state and off-state in conjunction with the movement of the movable member. In the present embodiment, the switch actuator20ais configured to pivot about the pivot shaft20csupported by the supporting member20b. The switch actuator20aincludes a first protrusion20a1configured to push the first dome-like member20eand a second protrusion20a2configured to push the second dome-like member20f.

The supporting member20bis configured to support the pivot shaft20c. In the present embodiment, the supporting member20bincludes two columnar members extending upward from the bottom of the casing12, as illustrated inFIG. 1BandFIG. 2.

The pivot shaft20cis configured to pivotably support the switch actuator20a. In the present embodiment, the pivot shaft20cis passed through three through-holes formed in the switch actuator20aand the two columnar members forming the supporting member20b.

The connecting shaft20dis configured to connect the switch actuator20ato the slide member11. In the present embodiment, the connecting shaft20dis passed through three through-holes formed in the two columnar members forming the connecting portion11cof the slide member11and the switch actuator20a.

The first dome-like member20eis configured to function as an urging member that returns the operating member10to its neutral position when the operating member10is pushed. In the present embodiment, the first dome-like member20eis a rubber dome, which is configured to dent downward when the operating member10is pushed, so that the first protrusion20a1of the switch actuator20ais brought into contact therewith. This allows the first dome-like member20eto give a tactile feel to the operator when the first switch21switches from off-state to on-state. Furthermore, the dent portion of the first dome-like member20ereturns toward its original shape, thereby generating a restoring force that works to return the operating member10toward the neutral position. The first dome-like member20emay be a metal dome.

The second dome-like member20fis configured to function as an urging member that returns the operating member10to its neutral position when the operating member10is pulled. In the present embodiment, the second dome-like member20fis a rubber dome, which is configured to dent downward when the operating member10is pulled, so that the second protrusion20a2of the switch actuator20ais brought into contact therewith. This allows the second dome-like member20fto give a tactile feel to the operator when the second switch22switches from off-state to on-state. Furthermore, the dent portion of the second dome-like member20freturns toward its original shape, thereby generating a restoring force that works to return the operating member10toward the neutral position. The second dome-like member20fmay be a metal dome.

The first switch21is configured to switch between on-state and off-state with the movement of the movable member. In the present embodiment, the first switch21is a tactile switch including a movable contact21aand a fixed contact21b, as illustrated inFIG. 1B. The first switch21enters off-state when the operating member10is not receiving an operating force, that is, in a state in which the movable contact21aand the fixed contact21bare spaced apart. When the operating member10receives a pushing force, the first switch21enters on-state, that is, a state in which the movable contact21aand the fixed contact21bare in contact.

Like the first switch21, the second switch22is configured to switch between on-state and off-state with the movement of the movable member. In the present embodiment, the second switch22is a tactile switch including a movable contact22aand a fixed contact22b, as illustrated inFIG. 1B. The second switch22enters off-state when the operating member10is not receiving an operating force, that is, in a state in which the movable contact22aand the fixed contact22bare spaced apart. When the operating member10receives a pulling force, the second switch22enters on-state, that is, a state in which the movable contact22aand the fixed contact22bare in contact.

Referring next toFIG. 3, the operation of the input apparatus100when the operating member10has received a pushing force will be described.FIG. 3is a cross-sectional view of the input apparatus100when a pushing operation is performed.

When the operating member10receives a pushing force as indicated by arrow AR1inFIG. 3, the slide member11moves downward as indicated by arrow AR2. This causes the second magnetic substance14attached to the slide member11to move downward, as indicated by arrow AR3, and also the third magnetic substance15attracted to the second magnetic substance14to move downward as indicated by arrow AR4. As a result, the third magnetic substance15moves downward away from the first magnetic substance13while remaining attracted to the second magnetic substance14.

The connecting portion11cof the slide member11moves downward together with the downward movement of the slide member11, as indicated by arrow AR5, to pivot the switch actuator20ain the direction of arrow AR6.

The first protrusion20a1of the switch actuator20apresses down the first dome-like member20e, as indicated by arrow AR7, to bring the movable contact21aand the fixed contact21binto contact with each other to bring the first switch21to on-state.

The pressed first dome-like member20egenerates an upward restoring force, that is, a force that returns the operating member10serving as the movable member toward the neutral position. For this reason, when the operator moves his/her hand off the operating member10, the operating member10moves upward back to the neutral position.

Referring next toFIG. 4, the operation of the input apparatus100when the operating member10receives a pulling force will be described.FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view of the input apparatus100when a pulling operation is performed.

When the operating member10receives a pulling force as indicated by arrow AR11inFIG. 4, the slide member11moves upward as indicated by arrow AR12. This causes the second magnetic substance14attached to the slide member11to move upward away from the third magnetic substance15, as indicated by arrow AR13. The third magnetic substance15does not move while remaining attracted to the first magnetic substance13.

The connecting portion11cof the slide member11moves upward together with the upward movement of the slide member11, as indicated by arrow AR14, to pivot the switch actuator20ain the direction indicated by arrow AR15.

The second protrusion20a2of the switch actuator20apresses down the second dome-like member20f, as indicated by arrow AR16, to bring the movable contact22aand the fixed contact22binto contact with each other to bring the second switch22to on-state.

The pressed second dome-like member20fgenerates an upward restoring force, that is, a force that returns the operating member10serving as the movable member toward the neutral position. For this reason, when the operator moves his/her hand off the operating member10, the operating member10moves downward back to the neutral position.

The above configuration allows the input apparatus100to bring the first switch21to on-state when a pushing operation is performed and to bring the second switch22to on-state when a pulling operation is performed. On that basis, when neither of the pushing operation and the pulling operation is performed, the input apparatus100brings the first switch21and the second switch22to off-state and makes the third magnetic substance15attracted to each of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14to prevent or reduce wobbling of the movable member more assuredly.

Furthermore, the input apparatus100is configured to assuredly prevent or reduce wobbling of the movable member at the neutral position by using a magnet only for the third magnetic substance15. This can reduce the manufacturing cost as compared with a case in which two or more of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15are magnets.

Referring next toFIGS. 5A to 5C, an input apparatus100A, which is another configuration example of the input apparatus100, will be described.FIGS. 5A to 5Care diagrams illustrating a configuration example of the input apparatus100A. Specifically,FIG. 5Aillustrates a state in which neither a pressing operation nor a pulling operation is performed, which corresponds toFIG. 1B.FIG. 5Billustrates a state in which a pressing operation is performed, which corresponds toFIG. 3.FIG. 5Cillustrates a state in which a pulling operation is performed, which corresponds toFIG. 4.

The input apparatus100A differs from the input apparatus100in that the third magnetic substance15is disposed so as to be attracted to the upper surface (+Z side surface) of each of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14, but is in common in the others. For this reason, descriptions of the points in common will be omitted, and only the difference will be described in detail. The input apparatus100is configured so that the third magnetic substance15can be attracted to the lower surface (−Z side surface) of each of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14, as illustrated inFIG. 1B.

For the input apparatus100A, it is only required that at least one of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15is a magnet. For example, the first magnetic substance13may be a magnet, and the second magnetic substance14and the third magnetic substance15may be metallic magnetic substances, or alternatively, the second magnetic substance14may be a magnet, and the first magnetic substance13and the third magnetic substance15may be metallic magnetic substances. In still another alternative, the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14may be magnets, and the third magnetic substance15may be a metallic magnetic substance, or alternatively, all of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15may be magnets.

First, referring toFIG. 5B, the operation of the input apparatus100A when the operating member10has received a pushing force will be described.FIG. 5Bis a cross-sectional view of the input apparatus100A when a pushing operation is performed.

When the operating member10receives a pushing force as indicated by arrow AR21inFIG. 5B, the slide member11moves downward as indicated by arrow AR22. This causes the second magnetic substance14attached to the slide member11to move downward away from the third magnetic substance15, as indicated by arrow AR23. The third magnetic substance15does move while remaining attracted to the first magnetic substance13.

The connecting portion11cof the slide member11moves downward together with the downward movement of the slide member11, as indicated by arrow AR24, to pivot the switch actuator20ain the direction of arrow AR25.

The first protrusion20a1of the switch actuator20apresses down the first dome-like member20e, as indicated by arrow AR26, to bring the movable contact21aand the fixed contact21binto contact with each other to bring the first switch21to on-state.

The pressed first dome-like member20egenerates an upward restoring force, that is, a force that returns the operating member10serving as the movable member toward the neutral position. For this reason, when the operator moves his/her hand off the operating member10, the operating member10moves upward back to the neutral position.

Referring next toFIG. 5C, the operation of the input apparatus100A when the operating member10receives a pulling force will be described.FIG. 5Cis a cross-sectional view of the input apparatus100A when a pulling operation is performed.

When the operating member10receives a pulling force as indicated by arrow AR31inFIG. 5C, the slide member11moves upward as indicated by arrow AR32. This causes the second magnetic substance14attached to the slide member11to move upward, as indicated by arrow AR33, and also the third magnetic substance15attracted to the second magnetic substance14to move upward, as indicated by arrow AR34. As a result, the third magnetic substance15moves upward away from the first magnetic substance13while remaining attracted to the second magnetic substance14.

The connecting portion11cof the slide member11moves upward together with the upward movement of the slide member11, as indicated by arrow AR35, to pivot the switch actuator20ain the direction of arrow AR36.

The second protrusion20a2of the switch actuator20apresses down the second dome-like member20f, as indicated by arrow AR37, to bring the movable contact22aand the fixed contact22binto contact with each other to bring the second switch22to on-state.

The pressed second dome-like member20fgenerates an upward restoring force, that is, a force that returns the operating member10serving as the movable member toward the neutral position. For this reason, when the operator moves his/her hand off the operating member10, the operating member10moves downward back to the neutral position.

The above configuration allows the input apparatus100A to bring the first switch21to on-state when a pushing operation is performed and to bring the second switch22to on-state when a pulling operation is performed, like the input apparatus100. On that basis, when neither of the pushing operation and the pulling operation is performed, the input apparatus100A brings the first switch21and the second switch22to off-state and makes the third magnetic substance15attracted to each of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14to prevent or reduce wobbling of the movable member more assuredly.

Referring next toFIGS. 6 to 9, input apparatuses100B to100E, which are still other configuration examples of the input apparatus100, will be described.FIGS. 6 to 9are top views of the input apparatuses100B to100E, respectively, which correspond toFIG. 2. InFIGS. 6 to 9, the illustrations of the operating member10and the switch mechanism20are omitted.

The input apparatuses100B to100E differ from the input apparatus100inFIG. 2in the shapes of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15, but in common in the others. For this reason, descriptions of the common parts will be omitted, and only the differences will be described in detail. The features related to the shapes of the magnetic substances illustrated inFIGS. 6 to 9are also applicable to the input apparatus100A inFIG. 5A.

In the input apparatus100B ofFIG. 6, each of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14is formed of four members. The third magnetic substance15has a cylindrical shape, as in the case of the input apparatus100. Specifically, the first magnetic substance13includes a first left magnetic substance13L, a first upper magnetic substance13U, a first right magnetic substance13R, and a first lower magnetic substance13D arranged at regular angular intervals (for example, at intervals of 45 degrees) about the axis CA. Likewise, the second magnetic substance14includes a second left magnetic substance14L, a second upper magnetic substance14U, a second right magnetic substance14R, and a second lower magnetic substance14D arranged at regular angular intervals (for example, at intervals of 45 degrees) about the axis CA. These eight magnetic substances have a partial cylindrical shape with a central angle α (for example, 45 degrees). However, the central angles of the magnetic substances may differ from one another. For example, the central angle of the first left magnetic substance13L may be larger than the central angle of the second left magnetic substance14L.

The input apparatus100B may be configured such that each of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14is formed of a single member having a partial cylindrical shape, or two, three, or five or more members having a partial cylindrical shape. The central angles α of the magnetic substances may differ from one another. The angular intervals of the magnetic substances may differ from one another.

This configuration allows the input apparatus100B to implement the same function as the function of the input apparatus100using the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14smaller than those of the input apparatus100. This can further reduce the manufacturing cost.

The input apparatus100C inFIG. 7is configured such that each of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15is formed of two members. Specifically, the first magnetic substance13includes a first left magnetic substance13L and a first right magnetic substance13R disposed symmetrically about the axis CA, the second magnetic substance14includes a second left magnetic substance14L and a second right magnetic substance14R disposed symmetrically about the axis CA, and the third magnetic substance15includes a third left magnetic substance15L and a third right magnetic substance15R disposed symmetrically about the axis CA. All of the six magnetic substances have a partial cylindrical shape with a central angle α (for example, 45 degrees).

The input apparatus100C may be configured such that each of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15is formed of a single member having a partial cylindrical shape, or three or more members having a partial cylindrical shape. The central angles α of the magnetic substances may differ from one another. The angular intervals of the magnetic substances may differ from one another.

This configuration allows the input apparatus100C to implement the same function as the function of the input apparatus100using the third magnetic substance15smaller than the third magnetic substance15of the input apparatus100B. This can further reduce the manufacturing cost.

The input apparatus100D inFIG. 8is configured such that each of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15is formed of two rectangular members. Specifically, the first magnetic substance13includes a first left magnetic substance13L and a first right magnetic substance13R arranged symmetrically about the axis CA, the second magnetic substance14includes a second left magnetic substance14L and a second right magnetic substance14R arranged symmetrically about the axis CA, and the third magnetic substance15includes a third left magnetic substance15L and a third right magnetic substance15R arranged symmetrically about the axis CA. All of the six magnetic substances have a rectangular shape. The first left magnetic substance13L, the first right magnetic substance13R, the second left magnetic substance14L, and the second right magnetic substance14R have the same size. The third left magnetic substance15L and the third left magnetic substance15L have the same size. The six magnetic substances may have the same size. The six magnetic substances may differ in at least one of the width (the length in the X-axis direction), the height (the length in the Z-axis direction), and the depth (the length in the Y-axis direction).

This configuration allows the input apparatus100D to implement the same function as the function of the input apparatus100using the magnetic substances having a simpler shape than the cylindrical shape or the partial cylindrical shape. The use of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15having the same rectangular shape provides the same function as the function of the input apparatus100. This can further reduce the manufacturing cost.

The input apparatus100E inFIG. 9is configured such that each of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15is formed of two members. Specifically, the first magnetic substance13includes a first left magnetic substance13L and a first right magnetic substance13R arranged symmetrically about the axis CA. The second magnetic substance14includes a second left magnetic substance14L and a second right magnetic substance14R arranged symmetrically about the axis CA. The third magnetic substance15includes a third left magnetic substance15L and a third right magnetic substance15R arranged symmetrically about the axis CA. The six magnetic substances have a partial cylindrical shape and have the same size.

This configuration allows the input apparatus100E to implement the same function as the function of the input apparatus100using the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15having the same partial cylindrical shape and the same size. This can further reduce the manufacturing cost. The third magnetic substance15may be formed of a plurality of rectangular members or a single cylindrical member.

Referring next toFIGS. 10A and 10Band FIGS.10C1to10C3, an input apparatus100F, which is still another configuration example of the input apparatus100, will be described.FIG. 10Ais a top view of the input apparatus100F, andFIG. 10Bis a front view of the input apparatus100F.

The input apparatus100F differs from the input apparatus100inFIG. 1B, which is configured to be operated in a plurality of operating directions along the vertical axis, in that the input apparatus100F can be operated in a plurality of operating directions along a horizontal plane. Specifically, the input apparatus100F is configured so that the operator can perform a rightward pushing operation (+X direction) and a leftward pushing operation (−X direction).

FIG.10C1illustrates the state of the three magnetic substances (the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15) while the operating member10is not receiving an operating force. FIG.10C2illustrates the state of the three magnetic substances while the operating member10is receiving a rightward operating force (in the direction indicated by arrow AR41). FIG.10C3illustrates the state of the three magnetic substances while the operating member10is receiving a leftward operating force (in the direction indicated by arrow AR42). The broken lines in FIG.10C2and FIG.10C3indicate the positions of the magnetic substances while the operating member10is not receiving an operating force, in other words, while the operating member10is at the neutral position. In the examples ofFIGS. 10A and 10Band FIGS.10C1to10C3, the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14are iron plates, and the third magnetic substance15is a permanent magnet. Alternatively, the third magnetic substance15may be a temporary magnet, such as an electromagnet.

When the operating member10is not receiving an operating force, the third magnetic substance15is attracted to each of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14, as illustrated in FIG.10C1.

When the operating member10receives a rightward operating force (indicated by arrow AR41), the second magnetic substance14attached to the operating member10serving as the movable member is separated from the third magnetic substance15to move rightward together with the operating member10, as illustrated in FIG.10C2. The third magnetic substance15does not move while remaining attracted to the first magnetic substance13attached to the casing12serving as the fixing member.

When the operating member10receives a leftward operating force (indicated by arrow AR42), the second magnetic substance14moves leftward together with the operating member10to push the third magnetic substance15to move leftward, as illustrated in FIG.10C3. As a result, the third magnetic substance15is separated from the first magnetic substance13to move leftward together with the second magnetic substance14.

Thus, even if the operating member10is operated not in the vertical direction but in the lateral direction, the input apparatus100F can implement the same function as the function of the input apparatus100using the three magnetic substances. In other word, when a rightward pushing operation is performed, the first switch (not illustrated) can be brought to on-state, and when a leftward pushing operation is performed, the second switch (not illustrated) can be brought to on-state. On that basis, when neither the rightward pushing operation nor the leftward pushing operation is performed, the input apparatus100F brings the first switch and the second switch to off-state, and makes the third magnetic substance15attracted to each of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14, thereby preventing or reducing wobbling of the movable member more assuredly.

Referring next toFIGS. 11A and 11Band FIGS.11C1to11C3, an input apparatus100G, which is still another configuration example of the input apparatus100, will be described.FIG. 11Ais a top view of the input apparatus100G, andFIG. 11Bis a front view of the input apparatus100G.

The input apparatus100G mainly differs from the input apparatus100inFIG. 1B, which is configured to operate the operating member10in a plurality of operating directions along the vertical axis, in that the operating member10can be pivoted about a pivot shaft PS in a plurality of directions. Specifically, the input apparatus100G is configured so that the operator can perform a clockwise pivoting operation and a counterclockwise pivoting operation.

FIG.11C1illustrates the state of the three magnetic substances (the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15) while the operating member10is not receiving an operating force. FIG.11C2illustrates the state of the three magnetic substances while the operating member10is receiving a clockwise operating force (in the direction indicated by arrow AR51). FIG.11C3illustrates the state of the three magnetic substances while the operating member10is receiving a counterclockwise operating force (in the direction indicated by arrow AR52). The broken lines in FIG.11C2and FIG.11C3indicate the positions of the magnetic substances while the operating member10is not receiving an operating force, in other words, while the operating member10is at the neutral position. In the examples ofFIGS. 11A and 11Band FIGS.11C1to11C3, the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14are iron plates, and the third magnetic substance15is a permanent magnet. Alternatively, the third magnetic substance15may be a temporary magnet, such as an electromagnet.

When the operating member10is not receiving an operating force, the third magnetic substance15is attracted to each of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14, as illustrated in FIG.11C1.

When the operating member10receives a clockwise operating force (in the direction indicated by arrow AR51), the second magnetic substance14attached to the operating member10serving as the movable member is separated from the third magnetic substance15and pivots clockwise together with the operating member10, as illustrated in FIG.11C2. The third magnetic substance15does not move while remaining attracted to the first magnetic substance13attached to the casing12serving as the fixing member.

When the operating member10receives a counterclockwise operating force (in the direction indicated by arrow AR52), the second magnetic substance14pivots counterclockwise together with the operating member10to push and move the third magnetic substance15counterclockwise, as illustrated in FIG.11C3. As a result, the third magnetic substance15is separated from the first magnetic substance13and moves counterclockwise together with the second magnetic substance14.

Thus, even if the operating member10is operated not linearly but pivotally, the input apparatus100G can implement the same function as the function of the input apparatus100using the three magnetic substances. In other words, when a rightward pivoting operation is performed, the first switch (not illustrated) can be brought to on-state, and when a leftward pivoting operation is performed, the second switch (not illustrated) can be brought to on-state. On that basis, when neither a rightward pivoting operation nor a leftward pivoting operation is performed, the input apparatus100G brings the first switch and the second switch to off-state and makes the third magnetic substance15attracted to each of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14, thereby preventing or reducing wobbling of the movable member more assuredly.

As described above, the input apparatus100(hereinafter including the input apparatuses100A to100G) according to the embodiments of the present invention includes the operating member10serving as a movable member that receives an operating force, the casing12serving as a fixing member that holds the operating member10so as to move in a plurality of operating directions, the first switch21and the second switch22that are switched between on-state and off-state by the movement of the operating member10, the first magnetic substance13attached to the casing12, the second magnetic substance14that moves together with the operating member10, and the third magnetic substance15disposed so as to come into contact with each of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14when the operating member10is not receiving an operating force and to come into contact with one of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14when the operating member10is receiving an operating force. At least one of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15is a magnet. This configuration allows the input apparatus100to prevent or reduce wobbling of the operating member10when the operating member10is not receiving an operating force.

Furthermore, this configuration allows the magnetic force of the magnet forming at least one of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15to function as the pretension of each of the first switch21and the second switch22. This allows adjusting the magnitude of the pretension by adjusting the magnetic force of the magnet. This configuration also allows the magnetic force of the magnet to function as a force for interfering with the operation of the input apparatus100. The magnitude of an operating load (a force necessary for operating the operating member10) can therefore be adjusted by adjusting the magnetic force of the magnet.

The third magnetic substance15is preferably disposed between the slide member11serving as the movable member and the casing12serving as the fixing member. The contact surface CS1between the first magnetic substance13and the third magnetic substance15and the contact surface CS2between the second magnetic substance14and the third magnetic substance15are substantially flush with each other. With this configuration, the second magnetic substance14is disposed inside the through-hole of the first magnetic substance13, as illustrated inFIG. 2, for example. This can increase the space efficiency of the arrangement of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15. In other words, the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15can be housed compactly in a narrow space. This allows the size reduction of the input apparatus100. The first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15can be manufactured at a low cost by pressing a simple iron plate or the like.

An example of the magnet forming at least one of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15is a ring-shaped magnet magnetized so as to have different magnetic poles along the moving direction of the movable member. Specifically, the magnet is a ring-shaped permanent magnet magnetized so as to have different magnetic poles in the Z-axis direction, as illustrated inFIG. 1B. More specifically, the permanent magnet is a plastic magnet, which is an axial anisotropic magnet and is formed of neodymium and ferrite. The permanent magnet therefore has a larger magnetic force than a ferrite plastic magnet and can be manufactured at a lower cost than a neodymium plastic magnet. This configuration allows the input apparatus100to prevent wobbling of the operating member10when the operating member10is not receiving an operating force even using an easy-to-magnetize low-price magnet. Alternatively, the magnet forming at least one of the first magnetic substance13, the second magnetic substance14, and the third magnetic substance15may be a temporary magnet, such as an electromagnet. In this case, the temporary magnet may be configured to have different magnetic poles in the moving direction of the movable member.

In the present embodiment, “the moving direction of the movable member” is equal to the operating direction. Specifically, the moving direction of the slide member11is equal to the moving direction of the operating member10along the operating direction. Alternatively, “the moving direction of the movable member” may differ from the operating direction. For example, the moving direction of the slide member11may be a direction different from the moving direction of the operating member10. Specifically, the moving direction of the operating member10that is equal to the operating direction may be converted to another direction via a direction conversion mechanism, such as a link mechanism. In this case, the slide member11moves in a direction different from the moving direction of the operating member10, in other words, a direction different from the operating direction.

An elastic sheet may be disposed between the third magnetic substance15and at least one of the first magnetic substance13and the second magnetic substance14. This configuration allows the input apparatus100to reduce noise due to a collision between the magnetic substances when the pushing operation or the pulling operation is stopped, so that the operating member10returns to the neutral position.

The input apparatus100preferably includes a dome-like member serving as an urging member configured to return the operating member10to the neutral position, which is a position when the operating member10is not receiving an operating force. Specifically, the input apparatus100includes a first dome-like member20econfigured, when a pushing operation is stopped, to return the operating member10to the neutral position, and a second dome-like member20fconfigured, when a pulling operation is stopped, to return the operating member10to the neutral position. This configuration allows the input apparatus100to use a magnet having a lower magnetic force, in other word, a lower-price magnet, as the urging force of the urging member is larger. This is because the restoration of the operating member10is assisted by the urging member even without the attracting force of the magnet, so that, when the pushing operation or the pulling operation is stopped, the operating member10can be returned to the neutral position more assuredly.

Thus, preferable embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. It is to be understood that various modifications and replacements can be made in the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The features described with reference to the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate unless there is a technical contradiction.

For example, in the above embodiments, the switch mechanism20is configured, using the switch actuator20a, when a pushing operation is performed, to turn on the first switch21and, when a pulling operation is performed, to turn on the second switch22. Alternatively, the switch mechanism20may include a push-pull switch in which two movable contacts and one or two fixed contacts are arranged along the vertical axis.

Although the above embodiments use a dome-like member as the urging member, another member, such as a compression spring, may be employed as the urging member.

The above embodiments are configured such that the contact surface CS1between the first magnetic substance13and the third magnetic substance15and the contact surface CS2between the second magnetic substance14and the third magnetic substance15are substantially flush with each other. Alternatively, the contact surface CS1may be located at a height different from the height of the contact surface CS2(in the Z-axis direction), as illustrated inFIG. 12. In the example ofFIG. 12, an elastic sheet16is bonded to the contact surface CS1and the contact surface CS2. Specifically, an elastic sheet16ais bonded to the lower surface of the first magnetic substance13, and an elastic sheet16bis bonded to the lower surface of the second magnetic substance14.

In the above embodiments, the first magnetic substance13attached to the fixing member is disposed outside the second magnetic substance14which moves together with the movable member in the radial direction of a circle centered on the axis CA. However, the first magnetic substance13may be disposed inside the second magnetic substance14in the radial direction of a circle centered on the axis CA, as illustrated inFIG. 13. In the example ofFIG. 13, the first magnetic substance13is fitted to the upper end of the supporting portion12bof the casing12. The second magnetic substance14is fitted to the lower end of the joint portion11aof the slide member11disposed radially outside the supporting portion12b.