Input device

• US 8,681,092 B2
• Filed: 03/29/2006
• Issued: 03/25/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/29/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited (Fujitsu Limited)
• Original Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited (Fujitsu Limited)
• Inventors: Harada, Keita, Sakurai, Satoshi, Yatsu, Nobuo
• Primary Examiner(s): FRY, MATTHEW A
• Application Number:
  US11/277,785
• Publication Number:
  US 20060221052A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,918 Days
• Field of Search: 345156-161, 345168-169, 227/113
• US Class Current: 345/156
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0338 with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0354 with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2239/024 with inductive switch
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 25/041 having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls

Abstract

An input device including an operation portion to be operated by an external force, a signal generating portion that generates a signal according to a movement of the operation portion, and a tactile sense stimulus mechanism that applies a tactile sense stimulus to an object that applies the external force is provided. The tactile sense stimulus mechanism includes magnetic field generating portions, and a tactile sense stimulus member that is secured to a magnetic field generating portion.

Claims

1. An input device, comprising:

an operation portion to be operated by an external force, the operation portion including an opening formed through a surface of the operating portion in a center thereof;

a signal generating portion that generates a signal according to a movement of the operation portion;

a tactile sense stimulus mechanism that applies a tactile sense stimulus to an object that applies the external force, the tactile sense stimulus mechanism comprising;

a first magnetic field generating portion,

a second magnetic field generating portion, and

a tactile sense stimulus member including a projection, the projection being configured to project upwardly from a position below the surface of the operation portion and the opening and be exposed above the surface of the operation portion and the opening when the tactile sense stimulus member moves upwardly and to retract below the surface of the operation portion and the opening when the tactile sense stimulus member moves downwardly;

wherein the first magnetic field generating portion includes at least two pairs of magnets, each pair having a North magnetic pole and a South magnetic pole that are arranged at given intervals to face each other, and

the second magnetic field generating portion includes a coil and two terminals, each terminal being connected to a different end of the coil and externally extending from the tactile sense stimulus member to be slidably in contact with a wiring pattern for supplying an electric current, wherein the coil is secured to the tactile sense stimulus member so as to be wound around one of the magnets of each respective pair of magnets and such that the coil is interposed between the North magnetic pole and the South magnetic pole of the respective pair of magnets to be movably provided in perpendicular to a direction that connects the North magnetic pole and the South magnetic pole and such that the one magnet of the respective pair is not centered with respect to the respective coil, and

a length of the first magnetic field generating portion is shorter than a length of the second magnetic field generating portion in a movable direction of the tactile sensor member and longer than a maximum movable range of the tactile sensor member, and the length of the second magnetic field generating portion is longer in the movable direction of the tactile sensor member than the maximum movable range of the tactile sensor member.

2. The input device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a magnetic field control portion that changes at least one of the first magnetic field generating portion and the second magnetic field generating portion.

3. The input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein

the coil generates a magnetic field when activated and has a length in a moving direction associated with a movable range of the second magnetic field generating portion with respect to the first magnetic field generating portion.

4. The input device as claimed in claim 3, wherein

the coil includes a portion wound around in a spiral manner.

5. The input device as claimed in claim 3, wherein

the coil includes a portion wound around in a spiral manner, and

the first magnetic field generating portion has magnetic field generating portions provided along the coil.

6. The input device as claimed in claim 3, wherein:

the first magnetic field generating portion includes magnetic field generating portions that are symmetrically provided with respect to the projection.

7. The input device as claimed in claim 1, wherein

the first magnetic field generating portion has a length in a moving direction associated with a movable range of the second magnetic field generating portion with respect to the first magnetic field generating portion.

8. The input device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a yoke that induces magnetism around the North magnetic pole and the South magnetic pole of each of the pair of magnets.

9. The input device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

a guide structure interposed between a chassis and the tactile sense stimulus member to guide the tactile sense stimulus member to a given direction, the guide structure including a guide protrusion of the tactile stimulus member that externally protrudes, and a recess formed on the inner surface of the chassis to receive the guide protrusion.