Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses an operation input device capable of providing a user with a tactile sensation. In this operation input device, when the user pushes a button and the button reaches a predetermined position, a reaction force is applied to the button by driving of an electric motor contained in the operation input device. Previously proposed arrangements are disclosed by <CIT> and <CIT>.

An operation input device having a function of providing a user with a tactile sensation tends to have a greater number of components than an operation input device that does not have such a function. This results in an increased number of working processes for mounting the components in the operation input device.

Hereinafter, operation input devices proposed in the present disclosure will be described. In the present specification, an operation input device <NUM> used for operation of a game machine will be described as an example of the operation input devices proposed in the present disclosure (hereinafter, the operation input device will be referred to simply as an input device). Note that the present disclosure may be applied to input devices used for operation of information processing devices other than game machines (for example, an input device used for operation of a simulation device, input devices used for operation of a vehicle, a ship, an aircraft, etc.).

In the following description, directions indicated by "X1" and "X2" in <FIG> will be referred to as a rightward direction and a leftward direction, respectively, and directions indicated by "Y1" and "Y2" will be referred to as a forward direction and a rearward direction, respectively. In addition, directions indicated by "Z1" and "Z2" will be referred to as an upward direction and a downward direction, respectively. In the input device <NUM>, a support shaft <NUM> (see <FIG>) is disposed along a left-right direction, and in the following description, the "left-right direction" means a direction along an axis Ax1 of the support shaft <NUM>. The above directions are used to describe relative positional relations between elements (components, members, and portions) of the input device <NUM>, and are not used to identify the posture of the input device <NUM> when in use.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the input device <NUM> has a plurality of operation members on an upper surface thereof. For example, four operation buttons 3a are provided on a right part of the upper surface of the input device <NUM>. In addition, a cross key <NUM> having four protruding portions 4a is provided on a left part of the upper surface of the input device <NUM>. Further, a plate-shaped operation pad <NUM> is provided between the operation buttons 3a and the cross key <NUM>. The operation pad <NUM> has, for example, a touch sensor for sensing the position of a finger of a user touching a surface of the operation pad <NUM>. The operation pad <NUM> may be configured to be depressed in response to receiving a pushing operation by the user. Two joysticks 6R and <NUM> are provided on the rearward side of the operation pad <NUM>. Each of the joysticks 6R and <NUM> can be tilted in a front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and directions at angles with these directions. In addition, the input device <NUM> has a grip portion GR extending rearward from a right part thereof, and a left grip portion GL extending rearward from a left part thereof.

When using the input device <NUM>, the user operates the above-mentioned operation members while holding the grip portions GL and GR with left and right hands, respectively. The input device <NUM> is a device used by the user in a game play, and transmits signals in accordance with operations performed on the above-mentioned operation members to the game machine. The number of operation members, the types of the operation members, and the shape of the input device are not limited to the examples illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the input device <NUM> may be configured to be held with one hand by the user. In this case, the number of joysticks and the number of grips may be one. In addition, the input device <NUM> may not have the operation pad <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the input device <NUM> has a cabinet <NUM> that forms the exterior thereof. The cabinet <NUM> has, for example, a lower cabinet 2A that forms a lower-side portion thereof, and an upper cabinet 2B that forms an upper-side portion thereof and which is coupled to the lower cabinet 2A in an up-down direction. The above-mentioned operation members, such as the operation buttons 3a, the cross key <NUM>, and the joysticks 6R and <NUM>, project upward through openings defined in the upper cabinet 2B. The operation pad <NUM> is disposed inside an opening defined in the upper cabinet 2B.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the input device <NUM> has a plurality of operation members on a front surface thereof as well. Specifically, an operation button <NUM> and an operation button <NUM> are provided on a right part of the front surface, and an operation button <NUM> and an operation button <NUM> are provided on a left part of the front surface as well. The operation buttons <NUM> are disposed below the operation buttons <NUM>.

Each operation button <NUM> is permitted to move between an initial position (i.e., the position of the operation button <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>) and a maximum push position (i.e., the position of the operation button <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>), which is away rearward from the initial position, and moves from the initial position toward the maximum push position in response to receiving a pushing operation by the user. In the input device <NUM>, the operation button <NUM> is a generally-called trigger button and is capable of moving in the front-rear direction around the axis Ax1 (see <FIG> and <FIG>) positioned at an upper portion thereof. If a front surface of the operation button <NUM> receives a pushing operation by the user, the operation button <NUM> moves rearward around the axis Ax1. In other words, the operation button <NUM> is capable of moving in a direction along a plane perpendicular to the axis Ax1 (this plane corresponds to a "first plane" mentioned in the claims). As is not the case with the input device <NUM>, the operation button <NUM> may be supported so as to be permitted to move parallel to the front-rear direction.

The input device <NUM> has a button driving unit 10R (see <FIG> and <FIG>) installed in a right part of the input device <NUM>, and a button driving unit <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) installed in a left part of the input device <NUM>. In the input device <NUM>, the button driving units 10R and <NUM> are disposed below the operation members disposed on the upper surface of the input device <NUM>. Specifically, the button driving unit <NUM> on the left side is disposed below the cross key <NUM> disposed on the left part of the upper surface of the input device <NUM>, while the button driving unit 10R on the right side is disposed below the operation buttons 3a to 3d disposed on the right part of the upper surface of the input device <NUM>. When features common to the two button driving units 10R and <NUM> are described in the following description, reference numeral "<NUM>" is assigned to the button driving unit.

The number of button driving units <NUM> is not limited to the example of the input device <NUM>. For example, in the case of a stick-like operation input device capable of being operated with one hand, the number of operation buttons <NUM> (i.e., trigger buttons) and the number of button driving units <NUM> having them may be one.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the button driving unit <NUM> has a movable member <NUM> disposed on the rearward side of the operation button <NUM>, and an electric motor <NUM> for moving the movable member <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> is capable of moving in a direction along a plane that crosses the left-right direction (more specifically, a plane perpendicular thereto). The movable member <NUM> pushes the operation button <NUM> toward the initial position in response to receiving power of the electric motor <NUM>. The button driving unit <NUM> includes a transmission system M for transferring the power of the electric motor <NUM> to the movable member <NUM>. The transmission system M has, for example, an intermediate gear <NUM> disposed between the movable member <NUM> and the electric motor <NUM>.

The movable member <NUM> applies, to the operation button <NUM>, a force acting in a direction opposite to a direction in which the user pushes the operation button <NUM>. The input device <NUM> drives the electric motor <NUM> to move the movable member <NUM> in accordance with a signal (i.e., an instruction) received from the game machine. For example, when the user has pushed the operation button <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> restricts the movement of the operation button <NUM> (in other words, the movable member <NUM> functions as a stopper against the movement of the operation button <NUM>). This makes it possible to provide, to the user, a sense of a character operated by the user in a virtual space of a game having touched a hard object. In another example, when the user pushes the operation button <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> may apply, to the operation button <NUM>, a reaction force (i.e., a force acting in the direction opposite to the direction in which the user pushes the operation button <NUM>) that matches the amount of movement (i.e., the amount of pushing) of the operation button <NUM>. This makes it possible to provide a sense of a character operated by the user in a virtual space of a game having touched an elastic object. In yet another example, when the user pushes the operation button <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> may cause the operation button <NUM> to vibrate in the front-rear direction.

The electric motor <NUM> is, for example, a stepping motor, a servomotor, or the like. The electric motor <NUM> may alternatively be a geared motor containing a reduction gear. A control device (i.e., a control device included in the input device <NUM>, or the game machine) performs torque control, position control, and/or speed control with respect to the electric motor <NUM>.

The button driving unit <NUM> has a holder <NUM>. The holder <NUM> holds the electric motor <NUM>. In addition, the holder <NUM> supports the operation buttons <NUM>, the transmission system M, and the movable member <NUM> so as to permit movement thereof. This configuration enables an assembler of the input device <NUM> to treat each of the electric motor <NUM>, the operation buttons <NUM>, the transmission system M, and the movable member <NUM> as a unitary component, which may lead to improved workability in assembling.

Note that, in the input device <NUM>, the operation members on which a reaction force due to the movable member <NUM> does not act, e.g., the operation buttons <NUM> (see <FIG>) disposed above the operation buttons <NUM>, are held by the cabinet <NUM>. Alternatively, the operation members on which a reaction force due to the movable member <NUM> does not act, such as the operation buttons <NUM>, may also be supported by the holder <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> is fixed to, for example, the cabinet <NUM> using, for example, an engagement portion having a hook or a screw. The input device <NUM> may have a frame housed in the cabinet <NUM> and supporting a circuit board <NUM>, the operation members 3a and 4a provided on the upper side of the input device <NUM>, etc. The holder <NUM> may be fixed to the frame using, for example, an engagement portion having a hook or a screw.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the holder <NUM> includes a right holder member 40R and a left holder member <NUM> coupled to each other in the left-right direction. That is, the holder <NUM> includes the right holder member 40R and the left holder member <NUM> coupled to each other in a direction (i.e., the left-right direction) along the above-mentioned axis Ax1. A housing chamber to house the transmission system M is secured inside the right holder member 40R and the left holder member <NUM>. Constituent elements of the holder <NUM> are not limited to the two holder members 40R and <NUM>, but three or four members may be used to constitute the holder <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the input device <NUM> has the support shaft <NUM> positioned on the axis Ax1 (see <FIG> and <FIG>). The operation button <NUM> is supported by the holder <NUM> through the support shaft <NUM>, and is capable of moving along a circular arc Cr (see <FIG>) centered on the support shaft <NUM>. In the input device <NUM>, the operation button <NUM> moves in the front-rear direction around the support shaft <NUM>.

The support shaft <NUM> is supported by the holder <NUM>. In more detail, as illustrated in <FIG>, a tubular supported portion <NUM> is formed at the upper portion of the operation button <NUM>, and the support shaft <NUM> is inserted inside the supported portion <NUM>. The holder members 40R and <NUM> have shaft support portions 41a and 41b (see <FIG>), respectively. The shaft support portions 41a and 41b hold a right part and a left part, respectively, of the support shaft <NUM> with the support shaft <NUM> being inserted in the supported portion <NUM>.

In a front view of the operation button <NUM> (i.e., when the operation button <NUM> is viewed in the direction in which the operation button <NUM> is pushed), the shaft support portions 41a and 41b are hidden by the operation button <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, recessed portions 20c are defined in side portions of the operation button <NUM>, and the shaft support portions 41a and 41b are positioned inside (i.e., on the rearward side of) the recessed portions 20c. This configuration is able to reduce the distance between the shaft support portions 41a and 41b on the right and left sides, and reduce the width of the holder <NUM> in the left-right direction. This facilitates layout of components inside the cabinet <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the operation button <NUM> has an exterior portion 20A that forms the exterior of the operation button <NUM>, and a body portion 20B provided inside the exterior portion 20A. In the input device <NUM>, the exterior portion 20A and the body portion 20B are integrally molded of a resin, for example. That is, the body portion 20B and the exterior portion 20A may be formed of the resin in a common molding process. As is not the case with the input device <NUM>, the body portion 20B may be formed separately from the exterior portion 20A, and be attached to the exterior portion 20A using an engagement portion having a hook or a screw. In this case, the supported portion <NUM> may be formed in the body portion 20B. This enables the assembler of the input device <NUM> to treat each of the electric motor <NUM>, the body portion 20B of the operation button <NUM>, the transmission system M, and the movable member <NUM> as a unitary component. In addition, the exterior portion 20A alone can be made replaceable according to preference of the user.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the exterior portion 20A has a pressed surface 20a facing forward of the input device <NUM> to receive a pushing operation by the user, and a lateral wall 20b extending rearward from an outer peripheral edge of the pressed surface 20a. The above-mentioned recessed portions 20c are defined in the lateral wall 20b. The shaft support portions 41a and 41b overlap with the pressed surface 20a in the front view of the operation button <NUM>.

A supporting structure for the operation button <NUM> is not limited to the example of the input device <NUM>. For example, the support shaft <NUM> may be formed integrally with the operation button <NUM>. In this case, the support shaft <NUM> may be formed by protruding portions projecting from left and right side surfaces (for example, the lateral wall 20b) of the operation button <NUM>. In another example, the support shaft <NUM> may be molded integrally with one or both of the right holder member 40R and the left holder member <NUM>. That is, one or both of the right holder member 40R and the left holder member <NUM> may have formed therein a protruding portion projecting inwardly of the holder <NUM>, and this protruding portion(s) may function as the support shaft <NUM>.

The movement of the operation button <NUM> also is not limited to the example of the input device <NUM>. The operation button <NUM> may be supported so as to move, for example, in a straight line in a direction along a plane that crosses the left-right direction, instead of moving along the circular arc Cr centered on the support shaft <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> has stoppers 43a and 43b that define a movable range of the operation button <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the stopper 43a is formed in, for example, the right holder member 40R. The stopper 43a abuts on the operation button <NUM> in the initial position to restrain the operation button <NUM> from moving beyond the initial position. The stopper 43a projects forward from the right holder member 40R, for example, to abut on an upper wall 20d (see <FIG>) of the operation button <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the stoppers 43b are formed in, for example, both of the right holder member 40R and the left holder member <NUM>. The stoppers 43b abut on the operation button <NUM> in the maximum push position to restrain the operation button <NUM> from moving beyond the maximum push position. The stoppers 43b abut on, for example, an edge of the lateral wall 20b of the operation button <NUM>. The positions of the stoppers 43a and 43b are not limited to the examples of the input device <NUM>. For example, the stopper 43a which defines the initial position may be formed in the cabinet <NUM> instead of the holder <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the input device <NUM> has an elastic member <NUM> (for example, a spring) to push the operation button <NUM> toward the initial position. When in the initial position, the operation button <NUM> is pressed against the stopper 43a by receiving an elastic force of the elastic member <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> is also attached to the holder <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> is also attached to the right holder member 40R, for example.

A sensor <NUM> (see <FIG>) to sense the pushing operation by the user is disposed on the rearward side of the operation button <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is, for example, a sensor capable of sensing the amount of pushing of the operation button <NUM> (i.e., the amount of movement of the operation button <NUM>). The sensor <NUM> has, for example, a sensor board 29a having a resistor formed therein, and an electrically conductive rubber 29b disposed on the forward side of the resistor. The electrically conductive rubber 29b is pressed by the operation button <NUM>. The area of contact between the electrically conductive rubber 29b and the resistor changes in accordance with the amount of pushing, and the resistance value of the resistor changes in accordance with the change in the area of contact. Accordingly, the amount of pushing of the operation button <NUM> can be sensed on the basis of the resistance value, in more detail, on the basis of a voltage acting on the resistor. As described above, the operation button <NUM> has the exterior portion 20A and the body portion 20B. The body portion 20B is positioned on the forward side of the sensor <NUM>, and when the operation button <NUM> has received a pushing operation by the user with the pressed surface 20a, the body portion 20B pushes the sensor <NUM>. Note that the type of the sensor <NUM> is not limited to the type of sensor using the electrically conductive rubber 29b. Also note that, in place of the sensor <NUM>, a sensor (e.g., an ON/OFF switch) to sense ON/OFF of the operation on the operation button <NUM> may be disposed on the rearward side of the operation button <NUM>.

The sensor <NUM> is attached to the holder <NUM>. Accordingly, the assembler of the input device <NUM> is able to treat each of the electric motor <NUM>, the operation button <NUM>, the transmission system M, the movable member <NUM>, and the sensor <NUM> as a unitary component, which may lead to an additional improvement in workability in assembling. In addition, this configuration is able to prevent a displacement in relative positions of the sensor <NUM> and the operation button <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the holder <NUM> has a mounting wall <NUM> positioned on the rearward side of the operation button <NUM>, and facing forward. The sensor board 29a is mounted on a forward side of the mounting wall <NUM>. The disposition of and a supporting structure for the sensor <NUM> are not limited to the examples of the input device <NUM>.

Each operation button <NUM> (see <FIG>) may also be attached to the holder <NUM>. For example, the operation button <NUM> may be attached to the holder member 40R, i.e., one of the holder members, so as to be capable of moving forward and rearward with respect to the holder member 40R. An operation on the operation button <NUM> may be sensed by the sensor <NUM>. For example, a switch 29d to be pressed by the operation button <NUM> may be provided on the sensor board 29a.

One of the two holder members 40R and <NUM> has a greater width in the left-right direction (i.e., the direction along the axis Ax1) than the other holder member. In the input device <NUM>, the width of the right holder member 40R in the left-right direction is greater than the width of the left holder member <NUM> in the left-right direction as illustrated in <FIG>. Then, the sensor <NUM> is attached to the right holder member 40R. That is, the mounting wall <NUM> is formed in the right holder member 40R. Thus, the width of the holder member 40R, i.e., one of the holder members, is increased to make it easier to attach the sensor <NUM> to the holder member 40R.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the above-mentioned shaft support portion 41a projects forward from the mounting wall <NUM>. In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, a clamping portion 42a to fasten a cable 29c extending from the sensor board 29a may be formed in an upper portion of the mounting wall <NUM>.

The movable member <NUM> is capable of moving in a direction along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. The holder <NUM> supports the movable member <NUM> so as to permit movement of the movable member <NUM>. For example, the movable member <NUM> is capable of moving around the axis Ax1 or a straight line parallel to the axis Ax1.

In the input device <NUM>, both of the operation button <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> are capable of moving around the support shaft <NUM> (i.e., the axis Ax1), and the holder <NUM> supports the operation button <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> through the support shaft <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the movable member <NUM> has a supported portion <NUM> positioned on the axis Ax1. The supported portion <NUM> is, for example, annular, and the support shaft <NUM> is inserted inside the supported portion <NUM>. The supported portion <NUM> of the operation button <NUM> and the supported portion <NUM> of the movable member <NUM> are positioned between the shaft support portion 41b of the right holder member 40R and the shaft support portion 41a of the left holder member <NUM>. The shaft support portions 41a and 41b support both end portions of the support shaft <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the movable member <NUM> is disposed on the rearward side of the operation button <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> has a projecting portion <NUM> extending toward the operation button <NUM>. An end portion of the projecting portion <NUM> abuts on the rearward side of the operation button <NUM>. A receiving surface 20e (see <FIG>) is defined in the operation button <NUM> (in more detail, the body portion 20B), and the end portion of the projecting portion <NUM> abuts on the receiving surface 20e. The receiving surface 20e is away from the axis Ax1 in a radial direction.

The configuration in which both of the operation button <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> move around the shared support shaft <NUM> is able to prevent wear between the operation button <NUM> and the movable member <NUM>. That is, when the operation button <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> have moved with the projecting portion <NUM> pushing the receiving surface 20e, relative positions of the end portion of the projecting portion <NUM> and the receiving surface 20e do not change. Thus, wear of the end portion of the projecting portion <NUM> and the receiving surface 20e due to long-term use of the input device <NUM> can be prevented.

The position of the movable member <NUM> in the left-right direction is displaced from a center of the operation button <NUM> in the left-right direction. As illustrated in <FIG>, the position of the movable member <NUM> is displaced, for example, leftward (i.e., in the direction indicated by "X2") with respect to the center of the operation button <NUM>. The position of the receiving surface 20e is also displaced from the center of the operation button <NUM>. This arrangement of the movable member <NUM> makes it easier to secure a space to accommodate another component right behind the operation button <NUM>. The above-mentioned sensor <NUM>, for example, is disposed on the rearward side of the operation button <NUM>.

The position of the supported portion <NUM> of the movable member <NUM> is also displaced from the center of the operation button <NUM> in the left-right direction, and as illustrated in <FIG>, the supported portion <NUM> and the supported portion <NUM> of the operation button <NUM> are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The width of the supported portion <NUM> in the left-right direction is smaller than the width of the exterior portion 20A of the operation button <NUM> in the left-right direction.

The positions of the supported portion <NUM> and the supported portion <NUM> in the left-right direction are between the right side surface (i.e., a right side surface of the lateral wall 20b) of the operation button <NUM> and the left side surface (i.e., a left side surface of the lateral wall 20b) of the operation button <NUM>. This configuration contributes to reducing the width of the button driving unit <NUM> in the left-right direction, i.e., the width of the holder <NUM> in the left-right direction. This in turn facilitates the layout of the components inside the cabinet <NUM>. As is not the case with the example of the input device <NUM>, the positions of the supported portions <NUM> and <NUM> may partially protrude rightward or leftward beyond the position of one of the right side surface and the left side surface of the exterior portion 20A.

The disposition of the movable member <NUM> is not limited to the example of the input device <NUM>. For example, the position of the movable member <NUM> in the left-right direction may correspond with the position of the center of the operation button <NUM> in the left-right direction.

The input device <NUM> has the button driving units 10R and <NUM> in the right part and the left part, respectively, thereof. The two button driving units 10R and <NUM> have substantially the same structure, instead of being symmetrical in structure. Accordingly, in each of the two button driving units 10R and <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> is displaced in the same direction (for example, leftward) from the center of the operation button <NUM>. This configuration makes it possible to share components between the two button driving units 10R and <NUM>, which leads to a reduction in production cost of the button driving units 10R and <NUM>. Note that a sign indicating the type or function of a button may be printed on the exterior portion 20A of the operation button <NUM>. In this case, the right and left button driving units 10R and <NUM> may differ in this sign. In other words, the right and left button driving units 10R and <NUM> may have the same structure with respect to the components except the operation button <NUM>.

The supporting structure for the movable member <NUM> is not limited to the example of the input device <NUM>. For example, the support shaft <NUM> may be formed integrally with the movable member <NUM>. That is, the movable member <NUM> may have formed therein protruding portions projecting rightward and leftward therefrom, and these protruding portions may be used as the support shaft <NUM>. In yet another example, the holder <NUM> may have a guide to guide the direction in which the movable member <NUM> moves, and the movable member <NUM> may be supported by the guide instead of by the support shaft <NUM>.

In yet another example, the movable member <NUM> may be supported by a support shaft different from the support shaft <NUM>. In this case, the support shaft <NUM> that supports the operation button <NUM> and the support shaft that supports the movable member <NUM> may be disposed in parallel and be supported by the holder <NUM>. In this case also, the operation button <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> move in a direction along the plane perpendicular to the axis Ax1.

It is desirable that the support shaft that supports the movable member <NUM> be positioned on the inner side of a locus (i.e., the circular arc Cr, see <FIG>) of the operation button <NUM>. In other words, it is desirable that the support shaft <NUM> and the support shaft that supports the movable member <NUM> be positioned on the same side of the circular arc Cr. This configuration contributes to reducing a change in relative positions of the projecting portion <NUM> and the receiving surface 20e when the operation button <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> have moved with the projecting portion <NUM> of the movable member <NUM> pushing the receiving surface 20e of the operation button <NUM>. This in turn contributes to preventing wear thereof.

In yet another example, the movable member <NUM> may be supported so as to move, for example, in a straight line in a direction along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction, instead of moving along the circular arc. In this case, the holder <NUM> may have formed therein a guide to guide the direction in which the movable member <NUM> moves. Specifically, it is desirable that the movable member <NUM> move in a direction that matches a locus (i.e., the circular arc Cr, see <FIG>) of the receiving surface 20e of the operation button <NUM>. This will contribute to reducing a change in relative positions of the end portion of the projecting portion <NUM> and the receiving surface 20e when the operation button <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> have moved with the projecting portion <NUM> of the movable member <NUM> pushing the receiving surface 20e of the operation button <NUM>, and preventing wear thereof. Here, the direction that matches the locus of the receiving surface 20e is, for example, a direction of a tangent to the circular arc Cr, which is the locus of the receiving surface 20e.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the movable member <NUM> has a body portion <NUM> extending in a radial direction of the support shaft <NUM> from the supported portion <NUM>, and the projecting portion <NUM> extending from the body portion <NUM> toward the receiving surface 20e of the operation button <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> has formed therein a gear portion 33a in the shape of a circular arc and engaged with the intermediate gear <NUM> as described below.

The movable member <NUM> is capable of moving between the most forward position (see <FIG>) and a standby position (see <FIG>). When in the most forward position, the movable member <NUM> abuts on the receiving surface 20e of the operation button <NUM> in the initial position (see <FIG>). When in the standby position, the movable member <NUM> is apart from the receiving surface 20e of the operation button <NUM> in the maximum push position (see <FIG>). Defining the standby position thus makes it possible to cause the movable member <NUM> to strike against the operation button <NUM> after the movable member <NUM> is accelerated by the electric motor <NUM>, when the operation button <NUM> is in the maximum push position. This in turn makes it possible to increase an impact on the operation button <NUM>, thus providing the user with this impact as a tactile sensation.

Note that the movable range of the movable member <NUM> is not limited to the example of the input device <NUM>. For example, when in the standby position, the movable member <NUM> may abut on the receiving surface 20e of the operation button <NUM> in the maximum push position.

The holder <NUM> has stoppers 44a and 44b that define the movable range of the movable member <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the stopper 44a abuts on the movable member <NUM> in the most forward position to restrain the movable member <NUM> from moving beyond the most forward position. When the movable member <NUM> is in the most forward position, the stopper 44a abuts on, for example, a forward end surface 33c of the body portion <NUM> (e.g., a forward end surface of the gear portion 33a). Meanwhile, as illustrated in <FIG>, the stopper 44b (see <FIG>) abuts on the movable member <NUM> in the standby position to restrain the movable member <NUM> from moving beyond the standby position. When the movable member <NUM> is in the standby position, the stopper 44b abuts on, for example, an upper end 33d (see <FIG> and <FIG>) of the gear portion 33a of the body portion <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> may have formed therein a guide 45a to guide the direction in which the movable member <NUM> moves. As illustrated in <FIG>, a protruding portion in the shape of a circular arc, for example, may be formed as the guide 45a on an inner surface of the left holder member <NUM>. In this case, a guide groove 33e into which the guide 45a is fitted may be formed in a side surface of the movable member <NUM>. In the example illustrated in the figure, a guide 33f, which is a protruding portion in the shape of a circular arc, is formed on a side surface of the movable member <NUM> on an opposite side. A guide groove into which the guide 33f is fitted may be formed in an inner surface of the right holder member 40R.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the electric motor <NUM> is disposed, for example, on the rearward side of the operation button <NUM>. The electric motor <NUM> has a rotating shaft 35c having a gear 35b attached thereto. In addition, the electric motor <NUM> has a body portion 35a containing a stator and a rotor. The rotor is capable of rotating relative to the stator, and rotates together with the rotating shaft.

The electric motor <NUM> is disposed such that the rotating shaft 35c extends along a plane that crosses the axis Ax1 (more specifically, a plane perpendicular thereto). That is, the electric motor <NUM> is disposed such that the rotating shaft 35c extends parallel to the plane perpendicular to the axis Ax1.

In a plan view of the button driving unit <NUM>, the rotating shaft 35c and the body portion 35a of the electric motor <NUM> are arranged in the front-rear direction. This posture of the electric motor <NUM> enables installation of the button driving units <NUM> using spaces in the grip portions GR and GL (see <FIG>) of the input device <NUM>. A battery <NUM> and the circuit board <NUM>, for example, are disposed between the right and left button driving units 10R and <NUM> (see <FIG>). The above-described disposition of the electric motors <NUM> leads to an increase in the width of the battery <NUM> in the left-right direction, and ensuring sufficient capacity of the battery <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM> is disposed on the upper side of the intermediate gear <NUM> described below. The electric motor <NUM> is disposed such that, in a side view of the button driving unit <NUM>, an axis Ax2 of the rotating shaft 35c is at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane h1. That is, the axis Ax2 of the electric motor <NUM> is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane h1, and extends rearward and downward.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the body portion 35a of the electric motor <NUM> is positioned on the rearward side of the intermediate gear <NUM>. The intermediate gear <NUM> is positioned on the rearward side of the movable member <NUM>. That is, the movable member <NUM>, the intermediate gear <NUM>, and the body portion 35a are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the axis Ax1. This arrangement facilitates the layout of the components inside the cabinet <NUM> of the input device <NUM>.

As described above, the electric motor <NUM> is held by the holder <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the holder <NUM> has a motor holder portion <NUM> that holds the electric motor <NUM>. The motor holder portion <NUM> covers only a part of the body portion 35a of the electric motor <NUM>, leaving a rest of the body portion 35a exposed from the holder <NUM> (see <FIG>). In more detail, as illustrated in <FIG>, the motor holder portion <NUM> covers an outer circumferential surface of a forward portion (i.e., a half on a side on which the rotating shaft lies) of the body portion 35a. A rearward portion of the body portion 35a projects rearward from the holder <NUM>, and an outer circumferential surface of the rearward portion is exposed from the holder <NUM>. This configuration contributes to preventing heat from accumulating in the body portion 35a. As illustrated in <FIG>, a rear end surface of the body portion 35a has terminals 35e and is exposed from the holder <NUM>.

The disposition of the electric motor <NUM> is not limited to the example of the input device <NUM>. For example, the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM> may be positioned on the lower side of the intermediate gear <NUM>, with the axis Ax2 extending rearward and upward. In yet another example, the electric motor <NUM> may be disposed such that the axis Ax2 thereof extends parallel to the support shaft <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the transmission system M has the intermediate gear <NUM>. The intermediate gear <NUM> has a large-diameter gear portion 36a and a small-diameter gear portion 36b. The large-diameter gear portion 36a has a diameter greater than that of the small-diameter gear portion 36b. The rotating shaft 35c of the electric motor <NUM> has attached thereto the gear 35b engaged with the large-diameter gear portion 36a. The gear 35b is a screw gear (worm), and the large-diameter gear portion 36a is a helical gear (worm wheel). The movable member <NUM> has the gear portion 33a (rack) formed therein. The small-diameter gear portion 36b of the intermediate gear <NUM> is engaged with the gear portion 33a.

The transmission system M includes the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM>, the intermediate gear <NUM>, and the gear portion 33a of the movable member <NUM>, and receives rotation of the electric motor <NUM> and transfers this rotation to the movable member <NUM> while reducing the speed thereof. In addition, the transmission system M includes worm gears (i.e., the gears 35b and 36a), and converts the rotation of the electric motor <NUM> around the axis Ax2 along the front-rear direction in a plan view to rotation of the movable member <NUM> around the axis Ax1 along the left-right direction. Moreover, the inclusion of the worm gears (i.e., the gears 35b and 36a) in the transmission system M contributes to preventing a pushing force applied by the user when the operation button <NUM> is pushed by the user from rotating the electric motor <NUM>.

The transmission system M is also supported by the holder <NUM>. In more detail, the intermediate gear <NUM> is supported by the holder <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the intermediate gear <NUM> has support shafts 36c and 36d, and is capable of rotating around the support shafts 36c and 36d. The support shafts 36c and 36d extend rightward and leftward, respectively, and are each parallel to the support shaft <NUM>. The holder <NUM> supports the support shafts 36c and 36d so as to permit rotation thereof. This configuration enables the assembler of the input device <NUM> to treat each of the electric motor <NUM>, the operation button <NUM>, the transmission system M (i.e., the intermediate gear <NUM>), and the movable member <NUM> as a unitary component, which may lead to improved workability in assembling. As illustrated in <FIG>, the support shafts 36c and 36d are positioned on the rearward side of the support shaft <NUM>. The horizontal plane h1 which passes through the support shafts 36c and 36d crosses the operation button <NUM>.

An end portion (specifically, a left end portion) of the support shaft 36d is supported by a shaft support portion 48a (see <FIG>) formed in the left holder member <NUM>. Meanwhile, the right holder member 40R has defined therein an opening 40c (see <FIG>) into which an end portion (specifically, a right end portion) of the support shaft 36c is inserted. A sensor <NUM> (see <FIG>) is attached to the right holder member 40R, and the end portion of the support shaft 36c is held by the sensor <NUM>. Similarly to the left holder member <NUM>, the right holder member 40R may have formed therein a shaft support portion to hold the end portion of the support shaft 36c.

The holder <NUM> houses the intermediate gear <NUM>, the body portion <NUM> of the movable member <NUM>, and the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM>. The gear portions 36a and 36b of the intermediate gear <NUM>, the gear portion 33a of the movable member <NUM>, and the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM> are not exposed to an outside of the holder <NUM>. The projecting portion <NUM> of the movable member <NUM> projects toward the operation button <NUM> through an opening 40a (see <FIG>) having a size that matches the thickness of the projecting portion <NUM> and defined in the holder <NUM>. This configuration contributes to preventing an extraneous object from entering into a gap between the small-diameter gear portion 36b and the gear portion 33a of the movable member <NUM>, or a gap between the large-diameter gear portion 36a and the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM>.

Note that the configuration of the holder <NUM> is not limited to the example of the input device <NUM>. The holder <NUM> may leave a part of the intermediate gear <NUM> exposed to the outside of the holder <NUM> while supporting the intermediate gear <NUM> and the support shaft <NUM>.

Also note that the configuration of the transmission system M is not limited to the example of the input device <NUM>. For example, the transmission system M may not have the worm gears (35b and 36a). In this case, the intermediate gear <NUM> may intervene between the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM> and the gear portion 33a of the movable member <NUM>, or alternatively, the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM> and the gear portion 33a of the movable member <NUM> may be directly engaged with each other.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the button driving unit <NUM> has the sensor <NUM> to sense the position of the movable member <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is attached to a member positioned downstream of the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM> in a path along which the power of the electric motor <NUM> is transferred. In the input device <NUM>, the sensor <NUM> is attached to the support shaft 36c of the intermediate gear <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is, for example, a potentiometer capable of sensing the rotational position of the support shaft 36c of the intermediate gear <NUM>, or an encoder capable of sensing the rotation of the support shaft 36c.

The sensor <NUM> is also attached to the holder <NUM>. In more detail, as illustrated in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> is mounted on a board 39a, and the board 39a is attached to a right side surface of the right holder member 40R. Accordingly, the assembler of the input device <NUM> is able to treat each of the electric motor <NUM>, the operation button <NUM>, the transmission system M, the movable member <NUM>, and the sensor <NUM> as a unitary component.

As described above, the sensor <NUM> for sensing an operation on the operation button <NUM> is also attached to the right holder member 40R. In addition, the right holder member 40R has a width greater than that of the left holder member <NUM> in the left-right direction. This configuration enables an assembly operation of attaching the sensors <NUM> and <NUM> to the right holder member 40R, thereafter attaching the operation button <NUM>, the electric motor <NUM>, etc., to the right holder member 40R, and attaching the intermediate gear <NUM> to the right holder member 40R while fitting the rotational position of the intermediate gear <NUM> to the sensor <NUM>. Finally, the right holder member 40R and the left holder member <NUM> are coupled to each other.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the cable 29c which extends from the sensor <NUM> to sense the movement of the operation button <NUM> is connected to a connector 39b mounted on the board 39a. In addition, a connector 39c is connected to the board 39a. The board 39a has formed therein a conductor line that electrically connects a terminal of the connector 39c and a terminal of the connector 39b, and a conductor line that electrically connects the sensor <NUM> and the connector 39c. A sensing signal obtained by the sensor <NUM> and a sensing signal obtained by the sensor <NUM> are each inputted to the control device (not illustrated) of the input device <NUM> through a cable (not illustrated) connected to the connector 39c, for example. This connection configuration leads to improved workability in an operation of connecting the cables.

The position of the sensor <NUM> is not limited to the example of the button driving unit <NUM>. The button driving unit <NUM> may have a sensor attached to the movable member <NUM>.

As described above, the input device <NUM> has the operation button <NUM> which is capable of moving from the initial position in a direction along a plane that crosses the left-right direction (more specifically, the plane perpendicular thereto) when having received a pushing operation by the user, the movable member <NUM> which is capable of moving in a direction along this plane and capable of pushing the operation button <NUM> toward the initial position, and the electric motor <NUM> which moves the movable member <NUM>. In addition, the input device <NUM> has the holder <NUM> holding the electric motor <NUM>. The holder <NUM> supports the operation button <NUM> and the movable member <NUM> so as to permit the movement of the operation button <NUM> and the movable member <NUM>. The input device <NUM> is able to achieve improved workability in an operation of assembling the input device <NUM>.

In addition, the operation button <NUM> has the exterior portion 20A and the body portion 20B, and is capable of moving from the initial position in a direction along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction when having received a pushing operation by the user. The button driving unit <NUM> has the body portion 20B, the movable member <NUM> which is capable of moving in a direction along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction and is capable of striking against the body portion 20B to push the operation button <NUM> toward the initial position, the electric motor <NUM> which moves the movable member <NUM>, and the holder <NUM> holding the electric motor <NUM>. The holder <NUM> supports the body portion 20B and the movable member <NUM> so as to permit the movement of the operation button <NUM> and the movable member <NUM>. The button driving unit <NUM> is able to achieve improved workability in the operation of assembling the input device <NUM>.

Note that operation input devices proposed in the present disclosure are not limited to the input device <NUM> described above, and that various modifications may be made thereto.

For example, the operation button <NUM> may be provided on a lower surface or the upper surface of the input device <NUM>. In this case, the operation button <NUM> may move in the up-down direction around an axis or may move in a direction at an angle with respect to both the up-down direction and the front-rear direction.

The holder <NUM> may have a motor bracket to which the electric motor <NUM> is attached, in addition to the right holder member 40R and the left holder member <NUM>. <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a button driving unit <NUM> as an example button driving unit having such a structure. The following description is provided with a focus placed on differences from the button driving unit <NUM>. Concerning features that are not described with respect to the button driving unit <NUM>, the button driving unit <NUM> may be similar in structure to the button driving unit <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the button driving unit <NUM>, a holder has a motor bracket <NUM> to which an electric motor <NUM> is attached, in addition to a right holder member 240R and a left holder member <NUM>. The motor bracket <NUM> is a member formed separately from the holder members 240R and <NUM>. That is, the motor bracket <NUM> is formed using a mold separate from a mold used in a process of molding the holder members 240R and <NUM>. This configuration enables a working process of attaching the electric motor <NUM> to the motor bracket <NUM>, and thereafter attaching the motor bracket <NUM> to the holder members 240R and <NUM>. This simplifies an operation of attaching the electric motor <NUM>. The motor bracket <NUM> may be made of a material either the same as that of the holder members 240R and <NUM>, or different from that of the holder members 240R and <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the two holder members 240R and <NUM> are attached to each other in the left-right direction. The motor bracket <NUM> is attached to one of the holder members (specifically, the right holder member 240R) in the left-right direction. As illustrated in <FIG>, the motor bracket <NUM> and the holder member 240R are fixed to each other, for example, through a fastener (e.g., a screw or a bolt), which is not illustrated, inserted in the left-right direction. Meanwhile, the electric motor <NUM> is attached to the motor bracket <NUM> in a direction that crosses the left-right direction (in more detail, a direction perpendicular thereto). That is, the motor bracket <NUM> and the holder member 240R are fixed to each other, for example, through a fastener (specifically, a screw), which is not illustrated, inserted in the direction that crosses the left-right direction.

In the configuration in which the electric motor <NUM> is directly attached to one of the holder members in a direction that crosses the left-right direction, an opening needs to be defined in an outer wall of the holder member to allow a tool for fastening a fastener (specifically, a screw) for the attachment of the electric motor <NUM> to be inserted into the holder member. To make an explanation with reference to <FIG>, for example, a need will arise to define an opening through which a tool for fixing the electric motor <NUM> to the holder member is to be passed in a wall portion 240a opposed to the electric motor <NUM>. In contrast, in the button driving unit <NUM>, the portion (i.e., the motor bracket <NUM>) to which the electric motor <NUM> is attached in a direction that crosses the left-right direction is a member separate from the holder members 240R and <NUM>. Thus, such an opening does not need to be defined in the holder members 240R and <NUM>. This leads to increased strength of a holder <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the motor bracket <NUM> has a first wall portion 241A to which the electric motor <NUM> is attached. An end surface of a body portion 35a of the electric motor <NUM> is attached to the first wall portion 241A, for example, in a direction at an angle with respect to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The first wall portion 241A has defined therein a plurality of mounting holes 241b (see <FIG>) through which fasteners are to be inserted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the end surface of the body portion 35a of the electric motor <NUM> has formed thereon a positioning portion 35d that surrounds a rotating shaft 35c. The positioning portion 35d is, for example, a protruding portion. The first wall portion 241A of the motor bracket <NUM> has defined therein an opening 241d in which the positioning portion 35d is fitted. The opening 241d has an inside diameter corresponding to an outside diameter of the positioning portion 35d, and relative positions of the electric motor <NUM> and the motor bracket <NUM> are determined by an edge of the opening 241d. The motor bracket <NUM> is a member formed separately from the holder members 240R and <NUM>, and therefore, when the type of the electric motor <NUM> is changed to a type in which the positioning portion 35d has a different size, for example, replacing only the motor bracket <NUM>, instead of the entire holder, will be enough to enable installation of an electric motor <NUM> in which the positioning portion 35d has a different size.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the holder member 240R has defined therein an opening 240e into which the first wall portion 241A of the motor bracket <NUM> is fitted. The first wall portion 241A is slid in the left-right direction with respect to edges 240f and <NUM> of the opening 240e to close the opening 240e. The first wall portion 241A corresponds in size with the opening 240e and reinforces a wall portion of the holder member 240R in which the opening 240e is defined. One of the edges 240f and <NUM> of the opening 240e and an edge of the first wall portion 241A may have defined therein a groove in which another one of the edges 240f and <NUM> and the edge of the first wall portion 241A is caught.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the motor bracket <NUM> has defined therein a mounting hole 241c through which a fastener (specifically, a screw) for attaching the motor bracket <NUM> to the holder member 240R in the left-right direction is inserted. The mounting hole 241c is defined in a mounting wall 241e extending from the first wall portion 241a. The motor bracket <NUM> has defined therein a positioning hole 241d for fixing the position of the motor bracket <NUM> with respect to the holder member 240R. A projection formed on the holder member 240R is fitted into the positioning hole 241d, so that the motor bracket <NUM> is restrained from turning on the mounting hole 241c. In the example of the button driving unit <NUM>, the motor bracket <NUM> has a second wall portion 241B to be attached to a side wall (i.e., a right side wall) <NUM> of the holder member 240R. The positioning hole 241d is defined in the second wall portion 24B.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the motor bracket <NUM> is configured to rotatably support an intermediate gear <NUM>. This configuration contributes to preventing a reduction in accuracy in positioning of a gear (worm gear) 35b of the electric motor <NUM> and the intermediate gear <NUM>. The intermediate gear <NUM> is supported by an annular support portion 241f formed in the second wall portion 241B. A support shaft 36c of the intermediate gear <NUM> is inserted in the support portion 241f.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the example of the button driving unit <NUM>, a body portion 20B and an exterior portion 20A of an operation button <NUM> are formed separately from each other. The body portion 20B is rotatably supported by a support shaft <NUM>, and the exterior portion 20A is attached to the body portion 20B. As is not the case with the example of the button driving unit <NUM>, the exterior portion 20A and the body portion 20B may be formed integrally with each other.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an operation button <NUM> (see <FIG>) may also be attached to the holder <NUM>. For example, the operation button <NUM> may be attached to the holder member 240R, i.e., one of the holder members, so as to be capable of moving forward and rearward with respect to the holder member 240R.

The button driving unit <NUM> may have an elastic member to urge a movable member <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the button driving unit <NUM> has a spring <NUM> (more specifically, a torsion spring) to urge the movable member <NUM>. This configuration brings a gear portion 33a of the movable member <NUM> into constant contact with a small-diameter gear portion 36b of the intermediate gear <NUM>, thus securely restraining vibration of the movable member <NUM>.

In the examples described above, the gear portion 33a is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the movable member <NUM>. Alternatively, the movable member may have, formed in an inner side of the movable member, a gear formed so as to surround the small-diameter gear portion of the intermediate gear and to be engaged with the small-diameter gear portion 36b. <FIG> are diagrams illustrating a button driving unit <NUM> as an example button driving unit having such a structure. The following description is provided with a focus placed on differences between the button driving units <NUM> and <NUM> and the button driving unit <NUM>. Concerning features that are not described with respect to the button driving unit <NUM>, the button driving unit <NUM> may be similar in structure to the button driving units <NUM> and <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the button driving unit <NUM> has a movable member <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> is capable of moving around a support shaft <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> has a wall portion 334a that faces a small-diameter gear portion 336b of an intermediate gear <NUM> in an axial direction (i.e., the left-right direction), and an outer peripheral portion 334b (see <FIG>) that projects from the wall portion 334a toward the intermediate gear <NUM>, and which is positioned in a radial direction with respect to the small-diameter gear portion 336b. The small-diameter gear portion 336b is covered by the wall portion 334a and the outer peripheral portion 334b. A gear portion 334c (see <FIG>) that meshes with the small-diameter gear portion 336b is formed on an inner surface of the outer peripheral portion 334b. That is, the gear portion 334c is a generally-called internal gear. The small-diameter gear portion 336b is positioned between the outer peripheral portion 334b and the support shaft <NUM> (i.e., a center of rotation).

When a front surface of an operation button <NUM> is pushed and the movable member <NUM> receives a force from the operation button <NUM> to rotate around the support shaft <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> applies, to the intermediate gear <NUM>, a force to cause the intermediate gear <NUM> to rotate. This force causes a force to move the position of the intermediate gear <NUM>. If the position of the intermediate gear <NUM> changes, and a large-diameter gear portion 336a of the intermediate gear <NUM> is pressed against a gear 35b of an electric motor <NUM>, friction between the large-diameter gear portion 36a and the gear 35b can become excessive to inhibit smooth movement of the gear 35b and the intermediate gear <NUM>.

However, the arrangement of the movable member <NUM>, the intermediate gear <NUM>, and the electric motor <NUM> in the example of the button driving unit <NUM> can prevent occurrence of such a problem. As illustrated in <FIG>, the small-diameter gear portion 336b of the intermediate gear <NUM> is positioned on the forward side (i.e., the side on which the support shaft <NUM> lies) of the outer peripheral portion 334b of the movable member <NUM>. Accordingly, when the front surface of the operation button <NUM> has been pushed, the movable member <NUM> applies, to the intermediate gear <NUM>, a force (for example, a force F1 in <FIG>) to cause the position of the intermediate gear <NUM> to move forward or obliquely forward. Meanwhile, the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM> is positioned rearward of a center of rotation of the intermediate gear <NUM>. That is, in a side view of the button driving unit <NUM>, the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM> is positioned on an opposite side of the outer peripheral portion 334b of the movable member <NUM> with respect to the small-diameter gear portion 336b of the intermediate gear <NUM>. Accordingly, even if the position of the intermediate gear <NUM> changes due to the force applied from the movable member <NUM> to the intermediate gear <NUM>, the large-diameter gear portion 336a of the intermediate gear <NUM> will not be pressed against the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM> with excessive force, allowing smooth rotation of the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM> and the intermediate gear <NUM> to be maintained.

In addition, when compared to the example in which the gear portion 33a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the movable member <NUM>, the configuration in which the small-diameter gear portion 336b of the intermediate gear <NUM> is disposed on the inner side of the outer peripheral portion 334b of the movable member <NUM> is able to achieve an increased distance between the gear portion 334c of the movable member <NUM> and the support shaft <NUM>. This leads to increased torque of the movable member <NUM>, making it possible to apply a greater force to the operation button <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the outer peripheral portion 334b of the movable member <NUM> is positioned on the lower side of the small-diameter gear portion 336b. Accordingly, when the front surface of the operation button <NUM> is pushed and the movable member <NUM> rotates around the support shaft <NUM>, the movable member <NUM> applies, to the intermediate gear <NUM>, a force to rotate the intermediate gear <NUM> counterclockwise. Thus, teeth of the large-diameter gear portion 336a which are engaged with the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM> press the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM> obliquely rearward and upward. A body portion 35a of the electric motor <NUM> is positioned obliquely rearward and upward of the gear 35b. That is, when the front surface of the operation button <NUM> has been pushed, the teeth of the large-diameter gear portion 336a press the gear 35b of the electric motor <NUM> toward the body portion 35a of the electric motor <NUM>.

On a rotating shaft 35c of the electric motor <NUM>, to which the gear 35b is attached, a force that attracts the rotating shaft 35c toward the body portion 35a acts due to a magnetic force inside the electric motor <NUM>. When the rotating shaft 35c and the gear 35b are pulled forward (i.e., when the rotating shaft 35c and so on are pulled in a direction away from the body portion 35a) against such a magnetic force, the rotating shaft 35c can slightly move to cause slight collision noise. In the button driving unit <NUM>, when a direction in which the gear portion 334c (i.e., internal teeth) of the movable member <NUM> strikes against the small-diameter gear portion 336b (i.e., a direction indicated by "D1" in <FIG>) is defined as a first direction, the body portion 35a of the electric motor <NUM> is positioned in the first direction of the gear portion 35b. Specifically, when the front surface of the operation button <NUM> has been pushed, the gear portion 334c (i.e., the internal teeth) of the movable member <NUM> strikes against the small-diameter gear portion 336b obliquely rearward and upward. The body portion 35a of the electric motor <NUM> is positioned obliquely rearward and upward of the gear portion 35b of the electric motor <NUM>. Accordingly, when the front surface of the operation button <NUM> has been pushed, the teeth of the large-diameter gear portion 336a push the gear 35b and the rotating shaft 35c of the electric motor <NUM> toward the body portion 35a of the electric motor <NUM>. This leads to preventing occurrence of collision noise. Note that the direction in which the gear portion 334c of the movable member <NUM> strikes against the small-diameter gear portion 336b when the front surface of the operation button <NUM> has been pushed, and the direction in which the body portion 35a of the electric motor <NUM> is positioned with respect to the gear portion 35b of the electric motor <NUM>, may not necessarily coincide with each other, but may be at an angle with respect to each other.

The shape of the movable member <NUM> having the gear portion 334c which is an internal gear is not limited to the example of the driving unit <NUM>. For example, the movable member <NUM> may have the shape of a circular arc, surrounding an outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter gear 336b. In this case, the movable member <NUM> may not have the wall portion 334a positioned in the axial direction with respect to the small-diameter gear 336b.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the movable member <NUM> has a projecting portion 332a to push the operation button <NUM>. An extent to which the projecting portion 332a projects forward is smaller than an extent to which the projecting portion <NUM> of each of the movable members <NUM> and <NUM> of the above-described button driving units <NUM> and <NUM> projects. The movable member <NUM> has a reinforcing wall 332b extending from a base portion of the projecting portion 332a toward a supported portion <NUM>. The reinforcing wall 332b protrudes forward relative to the wall portion 334a in which the gear portion 334c engaged with the small-diameter gear portion 336b of the intermediate gear <NUM> is formed. Presence of the reinforcing wall 332b makes it possible to achieve a reduced length of the projecting portion 332a, and achieve increased strength. For example, a reduction in the likelihood that the projecting portion 332a will be bent when the projecting portion 332a pushes the operation button <NUM> can be achieved.

As illustrated in <FIG>, similarly to the button driving unit <NUM>, the button driving unit <NUM> has a motor bracket <NUM> to which the electric motor <NUM> is attached, in addition to a right holder member 340R and a left holder member <NUM>. The motor bracket <NUM> is a member formed separately from the holder members 340R and <NUM>. That is, the motor bracket <NUM> is formed using a mold separate from a mold used in a process of molding the holder members 340R and <NUM>. This configuration enables a working process of attaching the electric motor <NUM> to the motor bracket <NUM>, and thereafter attaching the motor bracket <NUM> to the holder members 340R and <NUM>. This simplifies an operation of attaching the electric motor <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the motor bracket <NUM> has formed therein a tubular support portion 341c which has a support shaft 336c of the intermediate gear <NUM> fitted therein to support the support shaft 336c. A plurality of ribs 341d are arranged along an outer circumferential surface of the support portion 341c. These ribs 341d increase strength of the support portion 341c. The height of each rib 341d (i.e., the distance from a rotation center line Ax4 of the intermediate gear <NUM> to a top of the rib 341d) decreases with decreasing distance from a distal end (i.e., a left end) of the support portion 341c (see <FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the intermediate gear <NUM> has a recessed portion defined around the support shaft 336c, and the support portion 341c is fitted in this recessed portion. The support portion 341c has a portion positioned radially inside of a gear portion (in more detail, the large-diameter gear portion 336a).

An end portion of the intermediate gear <NUM> on one side is supported by the support portion 341c of the motor bracket <NUM>, while an end portion of the intermediate gear <NUM> on an opposite side is covered by the wall portion 334a of the movable member <NUM>, and is not supported by another portion. The above-described configuration in which the support portion 341c of the motor bracket <NUM> is fitted in the recessed portion defined around the support shaft 336c of the intermediate gear <NUM> to support the support shaft 336c of the intermediate gear <NUM> makes it possible to ensure a sufficient length of the support portion 341c, and improve stability in supporting the intermediate gear <NUM>.

In the example of the button driving unit <NUM>, an end portion (i.e., a left end) of the support portion 341c extends leftward beyond a position of the large-diameter gear portion 336a (i.e., a left side surface 336e of the large-diameter gear portion 336a). In addition, the support portion 341c crosses a center Cn of the intermediate gear <NUM> in the left-right direction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the two holder members 340R and <NUM> are attached to each other in the left-right direction. The motor bracket <NUM> is attached to one of the holder members (specifically, the right holder member 340R). As illustrated in <FIG>, the button driving unit <NUM> has a board 39a on which a sensor <NUM> to sense the rotational position of the intermediate gear <NUM> is mounted. The sensor <NUM> is, for example, an encoder. The board 39a is attached to, for example, the right holder member 340R. In more detail, as illustrated in <FIG>, the board 39a is attached to a right side surface of the right holder member 340R, and an end portion 336d of the support shaft 336c of the intermediate gear <NUM> is fitted in an opening of the sensor <NUM>. A change in relative positions of the board 39a and the holder member 340R may be permitted. This will contribute to preventing a mechanical stress from occurring between the sensor <NUM> and the intermediate gear <NUM>.

In the example of the button driving unit <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, the holder member 340R has a plurality of engagement portions 340a, 340b, and 340c which surround an edge of the board 39a. In addition, a projection portion 340d is formed on a side surface of the holder member 340R, and the board 39a has defined therein a hole having a size greater than that of the projection portion 340d. This configuration contributes to preventing a mechanical stress from occurring between the sensor <NUM> and the end portion 336d of the support shaft 336c of the intermediate gear <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the operation button <NUM> has an exterior portion 320A and a body portion 320B. The exterior portion 320A and the body portion 320B are, for example, coupled to each other in the up-down direction. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the body portion 320B has defined therein a groove 320a opening downward. Meanwhile, the exterior portion 320A is formed so as to cover the body portion 320B, and has formed in the inside thereof a projection portion 320b to be fitted into the groove 320a. This restrains the body portion 320B and the exterior portion 320A from being separated from each other in the front-rear direction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the example of the button driving unit <NUM>, an upper portion of the body portion 320B has formed therein a supported portion <NUM> into which the support shaft <NUM> is inserted. The operation button <NUM> is capable of moving around the support shaft <NUM>. On the rearward side of the body portion 320B, a sensor <NUM> on which an electrically conductive rubber 29b to sense a movement thereof is mounted is disposed. The sensor <NUM> may have a switch 29b positioned on the rearward side of an operation button <NUM> (see <FIG>) disposed on the upper side of the operation button <NUM>.

The supported portion <NUM> is capable of moving rearward from an initial position (i.e., a position illustrated in <FIG>) around the support shaft <NUM>. The button driving unit <NUM> may have a structure to prevent the operation button <NUM> from coming off forward when the operation button <NUM> in the initial position has been pulled forward.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the example of the button driving unit <NUM>, the right holder member 340R has formed therein a stopper portion 340e to restrain the operation button <NUM> from coming off forward. The operation button <NUM> has formed therein a stopped portion 320c with which the stopper portion 340e is engaged when the operation button <NUM> moves forward. In more detail, the stopped portion 320c is formed in a rearmost portion of a lower edge of the exterior portion 320A, and projects upward. The stopper portion 340e is positioned on the forward side of the stopped portion 320c.

Since the stopper portion 340e is formed in the holder member 340R instead of in a cabinet <NUM> (see <FIG>) that houses the button driving unit <NUM>, an operation of assembling the button driving unit <NUM> can be made easier.

Note that an operation input device proposed in the present disclosure may be stick-like. In this case, the number of button driving units <NUM> included in the operation input device may be one.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of such a stick-like operation input device. An operation input device <NUM> illustrated in this figure is stick-like, and a user is able to hold the operation input device <NUM> with one hand. The operation input device <NUM> has a button driving unit <NUM>. The button driving unit <NUM> has an operation button <NUM>, a movable member <NUM>, an intermediate gear <NUM>, and an electric motor <NUM>. The operation button <NUM> projects from an outer peripheral surface of a cabinet <NUM> of the operation input device <NUM>, and is capable of moving in a radial direction of the operation input device <NUM> around an axis Ax3. The movable member <NUM> is positioned on the inner side of the operation button <NUM>. The intermediate gear <NUM> is positioned below the movable member <NUM>, and the electric motor <NUM> is positioned below the intermediate gear <NUM>. The operation button <NUM>, the movable member <NUM>, the intermediate gear <NUM>, and the electric motor <NUM> are held by a holder, which is not illustrated.

Note that the operation input device <NUM> has a spherical light emitting portion <NUM> in an uppermost portion thereof. In addition, the operation input device <NUM> has operation buttons <NUM> on an opposite side with respect to the operation button <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An operation input device (<NUM>) comprising:
an operation button (<NUM>) capable of moving from an initial position in a direction along a first plane when having received a pushing operation by a user;
a movable member (<NUM>) capable of moving in the direction along the first plane and capable of pushing the operation button toward the initial position;
an electric motor (<NUM>) that moves the movable member; and
a holder (<NUM>) that holds the electric motor, and supports the operation button and the movable member so as to permit movement of the operation button and the movable member,
characterised by:
wherein
both the operation button and the movable member are capable of moving around a support shaft (<NUM>) that crosses the first plane, and
the holder supports the operation button and the movable member through the support shaft.