Patents by Inventor Kunio Hosono

Kunio Hosono has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20250073573
    Abstract: A controller has: a case; a manipulation unit, in a plate-like shape, disposed in the case so as to be exposed from the case; and a haptic sensor that detects a rotation manipulation for the manipulation unit. The haptic sensor has a distortion generating body fixed to the center of the manipulation unit and also has a distortion sensor disposed on the distortion generating body. The manipulation unit has non-slip portions, which are paired in the left-right direction, in the vicinity of both ends of the upper surface of the manipulation unit in the left-right direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventors: Tetsu NUMATA, Tetsuo MURANAKA, Masaki OTA, Kunio HOSONO, Yasuji HAGIWARA
  • Publication number: 20250073572
    Abstract: A haptic sensor has: a distortion generating body; first distortion sensors for detecting a rotation manipulation; and second distortion sensors for detecting a tilt manipulation. The distortion generating body has: a base in a plate-like shape; a first column disposed on one surface of the base; and a plurality of second columns disposed on a single circumference, the center of which is the first column, on another surface of the base. On the base of the distortion generating body, the first distortion sensors are placed on a circumference shared between the first distortion sensors and the plurality of second columns. On the base of the distortion generating body, the second distortion sensors are placed around the first column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventors: Tetsu NUMATA, Tetsuo MURANAKA, Kunio HOSONO, Masaki OTA, Yasuji HAGIWARA
  • Publication number: 20250076995
    Abstract: An input device includes a strain generation body having an operation shaft, a load sensor configured to detect a load in a horizontal direction applied to the operation shaft, an operation member disposed in an upper portion of the operation shaft, the operation member being configured to be operated in a pressing operation, a switch section configured to detect the pressing operation performed by using the operation member, and a controller configured to output a detection value of the load in the horizontal direction detected by the load sensor and a detection value of the pressing operation detected by the switch section to an external device. The controller is configured not to update the output value of the detection value of the load in the horizontal direction while the pressing operation is being detected by the switch section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventors: Kunio HOSONO, Tetsuo MURANAKA, Tetsu NUMATA, Sadayuki YAGINUMA
  • Patent number: 12242675
    Abstract: A multi-way input device includes a strain-generating element, strain detection elements, and a tilt operation unit including an operation shaft configured to tilt. The strain-generating element includes a base portion, detection arms extending in respective directions from the base portion, support legs, and locking arms each of which is provided to extend from the base portion, each of the locking arms having an upper surface and being situated between adjacent detection arms among the detection arms. The upper surface of each of the locking arms contacts a lower surface of the tilt operation unit, and each of the detection arms does not contact the lower surface of the tilt operation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2024
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunio Hosono, Yasuji Hagiwara, Tetsuo Muranaka, Sadayuki Yaginuma
  • Publication number: 20250068261
    Abstract: An input device includes a strain generation body having a base and a pillar section extending from the base in a vertical direction, and four strain sensors disposed to the base of the strain generation body. The four strain sensors are disposed in four directions different by 90° with respect to a center of the pillar section, the pillar section has protrusions on an outer circumferential surface in a tip portion, the protrusions protruding in a horizontal direction, the protrusions includes two protrusions protruding in directions opposite to each other with respect to the center of the pillar section, and the two protrusions are provided, with respect to the center of the pillar section, in directions different from the four directions in which the four strain sensors are disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2024
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Inventors: Kunio HOSONO, Sadayuki YAGINUMA
  • Publication number: 20240411337
    Abstract: A multidirectional input device is capable of performing a tilting operation and a pressing operation. The device includes a strain inducing body that includes a cylindrical portion and one or more deformable portions provided on an outer side of the cylindrical portion, a plunger provided inside of the cylindrical portion of the strain inducing body, a strain detecting element provided at the deformable portion of the strain inducing body, a substrate provided on a bottom portion of the cylindrical portion of the strain inducing body, and an elastic member provided between the substrate and a bottom portion of the plunger. The strain inducing body is fixed to a device main body at an outer end portion of the deformable portion. The substrate is fixed to the strain inducing body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventors: Kunio HOSONO, Tetsuo MURANAKA
  • Patent number: 12088986
    Abstract: An input device includes a housing and a strain-generating body including a cylindrical portion with an upper end surface, the strain-generating body being secured to the housing. The input device includes four strain sensors, the four strain sensors being secured around the cylindrical portion of the strain-generating body. The input device includes an operation panel having a lower surface, the operation panel including a shaft, the shaft being situated on the lower surface and at a central portion of the operation panel, and the shaft being inserted into the cylindrical portion of the strain-generating body to be secured to the strain-generating body. The upper end surface of the cylindrical portion of the strain-generating body and the lower surface of the operation panel are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sadayuki Yaginuma, Kunio Hosono, Tetsuo Muranaka, Yasuji Hagiwara
  • Publication number: 20240201798
    Abstract: A multi-way input device includes a strain-generating element, strain detection elements, and a tilt operation unit including an operation shaft configured to tilt. The strain-generating element includes a base portion, detection arms extending in respective directions from the base portion, support legs, and locking arms each of which is provided to extend from the base portion, each of the locking arms having an upper surface and being situated between adjacent detection arms among the detection arms. The upper surface of each of the locking arms contacts a lower surface of the tilt operation unit, and each of the detection arms does not contact the lower surface of the tilt operation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Kunio HOSONO, Yasuji HAGIWARA, Tetsuo MURANAKA, Sadayuki YAGINUMA
  • Patent number: 11740649
    Abstract: A multidirectional input device includes an operation input part, a base, and a load detector. The operation input part includes an operation stick, two coupled parts configured to convert a tilt of the operation stick into two rotation angles orthogonal to each other, at least one return spring configured to return the operation stick to an upright position, and a frame accommodating the two coupled parts, the at least one return spring, and a part of the operation stick. The base has a plate shape and is provided below the frame. The load detector is provided on the frame or the base and is configured to detect a load applied to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunio Hosono, Masaru Komatsu, Sadayuki Yaginuma, Yasuji Hagiwara
  • Publication number: 20230065480
    Abstract: An input device includes a housing and a strain-generating body including a cylindrical portion with an upper end surface, the strain-generating body being secured to the housing. The input device includes four strain sensors, the four strain sensors being secured around the cylindrical portion of the strain-generating body. The input device includes an operation panel having a lower surface, the operation panel including a shaft, the shaft being situated on the lower surface and at a central portion of the operation panel, and the shaft being inserted into the cylindrical portion of the strain-generating body to be secured to the strain-generating body. The upper end surface of the cylindrical portion of the strain-generating body and the lower surface of the operation panel are in contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Sadayuki YAGINUMA, Kunio HOSONO, Tetsuo MURANAKA, Yasuji HAGIWARA
  • Patent number: 11417478
    Abstract: A multidirectional input apparatus with a switch includes a strain generating body including at least a cylindrical portion and a first plate portion; a plurality of strain sensors; a wiring substrate; a contact rubber configuring the switch together with an electrode on the wiring substrate; and a button. The contact rubber includes a base portion, a movable portion, and a deformable portion. The movable portion is movable to a first position when the deformable portion is not deformed, and to a second position when the deformable portion is deformed. A center of a lower surface of the button contacts an upper surface of the movable portion when the movable portion is at the first and second positions. When the movable portion moves from the first position to the second position and contacts the electrode, a protruding portion on the lower surface of the button presses the wiring substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sadayuki Yaginuma, Kunio Hosono, Tetsuo Muranaka, Yasuji Hagiwara
  • Publication number: 20220100223
    Abstract: A multidirectional input device includes an operation input part, a base, and a load detector. The operation input part includes an operation stick, two coupled parts configured to convert a tilt of the operation stick into two rotation angles orthogonal to each other, at least one return spring configured to return the operation stick to an upright position, and a frame accommodating the two coupled parts, the at least one return spring, and a part of the operation stick. The base has a plate shape and is provided below the frame. The load detector is provided on the frame or the base and is configured to detect a load applied to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Kunio HOSONO, Masaru KOMATSU, Sadayuki YAGINUMA, Yasuji HAGIWARA
  • Publication number: 20220013311
    Abstract: A multidirectional input apparatus with a switch includes a strain generating body including at least a cylindrical portion and a first plate portion; a plurality of strain sensors; a wiring substrate; a contact rubber configuring the switch together with an electrode on the wiring substrate; and a button. The contact rubber includes a base portion, a movable portion, and a deformable portion. The movable portion is movable to a first position when the deformable portion is not deformed, and to a second position when the deformable portion is deformed. A center of a lower surface of the button contacts an upper surface of the movable portion when the movable portion is at the first and second positions. When the movable portion moves from the first position to the second position and contacts the electrode, a protruding portion on the lower surface of the button presses the wiring substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Sadayuki YAGINUMA, Kunio HOSONO, Tetsuo MURANAKA, Yasuji HAGIWARA
  • Patent number: 11221640
    Abstract: A multidirectional input device includes a frame, a plate-shaped base below the frame, a load detector provided on the frame or the base, and circuitry. The frame stores part of a tiltable operation stick and a tilt detector. The circuitry is configured to output an output signal representing the direction and the magnitude of an operation on the operation stick, based on the angle detection value of the tilt of the operation stick detected by the tilt detector and the load detection value of a load applied to the frame detected by the load detector. The circuitry is configured not to output the output signal or to output the output signal that sets the magnitude of the operation to zero, when the load detection value detected by the load detector is less than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Muranaka, Kunio Hosono, Sadayuki Yaginuma, Yasuji Hagiwara
  • Publication number: 20210271283
    Abstract: A multidirectional input device includes a frame, a plate-shaped base below the frame, a load detector provided on the frame or the base, and circuitry. The frame stores part of a tiltable operation stick and a tilt detector. The circuitry is configured to output an output signal representing the direction and the magnitude of an operation on the operation stick, based on the angle detection value of the tilt of the operation stick detected by the tilt detector and the load detection value of a load applied to the frame detected by the load detector. The circuitry is configured not to output the output signal or to output the output signal that sets the magnitude of the operation to zero, when the load detection value detected by the load detector is less than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Tetsuo MURANAKA, Kunio HOSONO, Sadayuki YAGINUMA, Yasuji HAGIWARA
  • Patent number: 11042179
    Abstract: A multidirectional input device includes a frame, a plate-shaped base below the frame, a load detector provided on the frame or the base, and circuitry. The frame stores part of a tiltable operation stick and a tilt detector. The circuitry is configured to output an output signal representing the direction and the magnitude of an operation on the operation stick, based on the angle detection value of the tilt of the operation stick detected by the tilt detector and the load detection value of a load applied to the frame detected by the load detector. The circuitry is configured not to output the output signal or to output the output signal that sets the magnitude of the operation to zero, when the load detection value detected by the load detector is less than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Muranaka, Kunio Hosono, Sadayuki Yaginuma, Yasuji Hagiwara
  • Publication number: 20210181779
    Abstract: A multidirectional input device includes a frame, a plate-shaped base below the frame, a load detector provided on the frame or the base, and circuitry. The frame stores part of a tiltable operation stick and a tilt detector. The circuitry is configured to output an output signal representing the direction and the magnitude of an operation on the operation stick, based on the angle detection value of the tilt of the operation stick detected by the tilt detector and the load detection value of a load applied to the frame detected by the load detector. The circuitry is configured not to output the output signal or to output the output signal that sets the magnitude of the operation to zero, when the load detection value detected by the load detector is less than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Tetsuo MURANAKA, Kunio HOSONO, Sadayuki YAGINUMA, Yasuji HAGIWARA
  • Patent number: 9472355
    Abstract: An oscillator-type switch includes a base, an elastic member mounted on the base and flexible in an up-down direction, an oscillation member having a base portion mounted on the elastic member and a driving section connected from the base portion in a first horizontal direction along an upper surface of the base, a key top set on the oscillation member, a reversal spring applying a reaction force to a downward movement of the driving section, and a pressure-sensitive switch sheet detecting the downward movement of the driving section. The elastic member is arranged for a center line in the first horizontal direction within a range in which the elastic member is mounted on the oscillation member to be positioned outside a projection area of the operation unit in the first horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunio Hosono, Masahiro Takata, Takahiro Murakami
  • Publication number: 20150221454
    Abstract: An oscillator-type switch includes a base, an elastic member mounted on the base and flexible in an up-down direction, an oscillation member having a base portion mounted on the elastic member and a driving section connected from the base portion in a first horizontal direction along an upper surface of the base, a key top set on the oscillation member, a reversal spring applying a reaction force to a downward movement of the driving section, and a pressure-sensitive switch sheet detecting the downward movement of the driving section. The elastic member is arranged for a center line in the first horizontal direction within a range in which the elastic member is mounted on the oscillation member to be positioned outside a projection area of the operation unit in the first horizontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Kunio Hosono, Masahiro Takata, Takahiro Murakami
  • Patent number: 6152627
    Abstract: A keyboard device includes a plurality of keyswitches each having a keytop movable up and down, wherein the angle of the keytop varies depending on whether the keytop is in an initial position or in a pressed position. In this structure, the keytop moves in a direction corresponding to the motion of an operator's finger and thus smooth operations can be achieved, as opposed to a conventional keyboard device in which a keytop moves vertically while maintaining itself horizontal and thus the motion of the keytop occurs in a direction different from the motion of an operator's finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Watanabe, Tsuyoshi Narusawa, Yoshirou Koutaka, Kunio Hosono