JP2010257816A - Rotary input device, and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rotary input device capable of suppressing occurrence of abnormal sound caused by a slide between a slide member and a driving portion when starting and stopping the device by simpler control, and to provide an electronic apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: This rotary input device 10 includes a rotator capable of rotating around an axis. a rotor 15 which rotates conjointly with the rotator, an ultrasonic motor 16 giving rotating force to the rotator through the rotor 15 by vibrating a piezoelectric element 162 making contact with the rotor 15, and an output timing control program 403a to output a drive signal at a period corresponding to the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element 162. In the output timing control program 403a, an output section to output the drive signal and a stop section to output no drive signal are provided, within a prescribed time upon starting and stopping the ultrasonic motor 16, and the ratio of the output section to the stop section is gradually increased within the prescribed time upon starting the motor, and is gradually decreased within the prescribed time upon stopping the motor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a rotary input device and an electronic apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a rotary input device that is employed in electronic devices such as portable terminals, AV devices, and personal computers and that performs an input operation by rotating a rotor.
The rotary input device includes a rotor provided with a sliding member, and a drive unit that applies a rotational force to the rotor. When the drive unit is driven, the sliding member of the rotor and the surface of the drive unit are provided. The driving torque (rotational force) is transmitted to the rotor by the frictional force between the rotor and the rotor so that the rotor rotates.
Such a rotary input device has a problem that abnormal noise is generated due to slippage between the drive unit and the sliding member when the drive unit is driven.
On the other hand, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an oscillator that has an elastic body and a driving electromechanical transducer that generates a plurality of vibrations in the elastic body, and obtains a driving force by the plurality of vibrations. The frequency of the drive frequency signal applied to the piezoelectric element bonded to the elastic body of the vibration actuator in a vibration actuator comprising a relative motion member that is in pressure contact with the child and performs relative motion with the vibrator by a driving force Has been disclosed that realizes silencing by changing the distance from the resonance frequency value of the vibrator.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-18455

  However, although the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 can suppress the generation of abnormal noise, there is a problem that the control is complicated.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a rotary input device and an electronic apparatus that can suppress the generation of abnormal noise due to slippage between a sliding member and a drive unit at the time of start and stop by simpler control. That is.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a rotary input device according to claim 1 is provided.
A rotor that can rotate around an axis in response to the operator's rotation operation,
A sliding member fixed to the rotor and rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor;
A drive unit that applies a rotational force to the rotor via the sliding member by vibrating a vibrator that contacts the sliding member;
Control means for outputting a drive signal at a period corresponding to the resonance frequency of the vibrator;
In the rotary input device with
The control means includes
Within a predetermined time at the time of starting and stopping of the drive unit, an output section for outputting the drive signal at a timing for outputting the drive signal and a stop section for not outputting the drive signal are provided.
The ratio of the output section to the stop section is gradually increased within the predetermined time at the start-up, and gradually decreased within the predetermined time at the stop.

The rotary input device according to the invention of claim 2 is:
A rotor that can rotate around an axis in response to the operator's rotation operation,
A sliding member fixed to the rotor and rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor;
A drive unit that applies a rotational force to the rotor via the sliding member by vibrating a vibrator that contacts the sliding member;
Control means for outputting a drive signal for driving the vibrator;
In the rotary input device with
The control means includes
A first drive control that outputs a drive signal at a cycle corresponding to the resonance frequency of the vibrator, and a second drive control that outputs a drive signal at a cycle different from the first drive control, are configured to be executable.
The second drive control is performed within a predetermined time when the drive unit is started and stopped.

The invention according to claim 3 is the rotary input device according to claim 1 or 2,
Rotation detecting means for detecting a rotation angle of the rotor;
Force sensation presenting means for presenting force sense to an operator who operates the rotor by applying a rotational force to the rotor by the drive unit according to the rotation angle of the rotor detected by the rotation detecting means. And.

An electronic device according to the invention described in claim 4 is
A rotary input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise due to slippage between the sliding member and the drive unit at the time of starting or stopping by simpler control.

It is a perspective view of a mobile phone provided with the rotary input device of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the mobile telephone of 1st Embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view of the rotary input device of FIG. It is sectional drawing in the IV-IV line of FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the rotary input device of FIG. 3. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the drive control circuit which concerns on control of the frequency unit at the time of starting / stopping of an ultrasonic motor. It is an example which shows the drive signal produced | generated by the drive control circuit of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the output timing control process performed in the mobile telephone of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the mobile telephone of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing performed in the mobile telephone of 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.
[First Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, as an electronic device including the rotary input device according to the present invention, a cellular phone that performs a voice call by wireless communication will be described as an example.
In the following description, in the mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment, the side on which the rotary input device 10 and the display screen G are arranged faces the front side, and the side on which the rotary input device 10 and the display screen G are arranged. The side is the rear side. The side on which the display screen G is arranged is the upper side, the side on which the rotary input device 10 is arranged is the lower side, and the direction orthogonal to both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is the left-right direction.

In this embodiment, various operation inputs are performed on the mobile phone 1 by the rotary input device 10. For example, when the rotor 13 of the rotary input device 10 is rotated, the screen displayed on the display screen G is selectively switched or scrolled according to the rotation operation. Further, a rotational force is applied to the rotor 13 in accordance with the rotation angle of the rotor 13 by this rotation operation, and a force sense is presented to the operator.
Here, the “force sensation” is not a tactile sensation by simple vibration but a sense of weight applied to the finger when the rotor is rotated. Specifically, it means a feeling that the rotation is light or heavy. More specifically, for example, it refers to the feeling on the finger when the rotor 13 is rotated at a force of 0.05 Ncm or more at 3 to 6 msec or 1 to 5 degrees.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mobile phone 1 includes a rotary input device 10 for an operator to perform an input operation, a mobile phone unit 30 operated by the rotary input device 10, and a mobile phone. And a main control unit 40 that performs overall control of the telephone 1.

First, the rotary input device 10 of this embodiment will be described.
2 to 5, for example, the rotary input device 10 is provided on the rear side of the rotor 13 that can be manually rotated by the operator, and rotates the rotor 13. And a support base 18 that is freely supported, and the whole has a substantially disk shape.

The rotor 13 includes a circular front surface portion 131 having an opening 131a at the center, and a peripheral surface portion 132 that protrudes rearward from the edge portion of the front surface portion 131 over the entire circumference. 18 is provided at a position that covers the front side of the rotary input device 10, thereby forming a front surface and a peripheral surface of the rotary input device 10.
The front surface portion 131 is an operation surface for an operator to perform a rotation operation. The operator rotates the rotor 13 while pressing one point of the front surface portion 131 with a fingertip or holding the peripheral surface portion 132. Then, an input operation to the mobile phone unit 30 is performed.
The rotor 13 may be formed of a heat-dissipating material such as aluminum, a material that is highly resistant to external impacts, or may be formed of a resin or the like.

  The support base 18 includes a base 181 and a PCB substrate 182 connected to the base 181. The support base 18 is provided at a position that covers the opening on the rear side of the rotor 13. Is made.

The base 181 includes a substantially donut-like pedestal portion 1811 having an open center, and four extending portions 1812 extending outward from the peripheral edge of the pedestal portion 1811.
Each extending portion 1812 is provided with a screw hole 1812a for screw attachment and a protrusion 1812b extending rearward on the rear surface outside the screw hole 1812a.
The base 181 is made of a material such as polycarbonate.

  The PCB substrate 182 has a flat plate ring shape having substantially the same outer diameter as that of the rotor 13, and a base portion 1811 of the base 181 is fitted and attached to the opening 182a at the substantially center. The PCB substrate 182 is provided with four mounting holes 182b for attaching the protrusions 1812b protruding from the rear surfaces of the extending portions 1812 of the base 181 corresponding to the protrusions 1812b. Then, the base portion 181 of the base 181 is attached to the opening portion 182a of the PCB substrate 182, and the protrusions 1812b of the base 181 are fitted into the attachment holes 182b of the PCB substrate 182, so that the PCB substrate 182 and the base 181 are integrated. Connected.

The PCB substrate 182 is provided with four hole portions 182c having diameters slightly larger than the screw holes 1812a at positions overlapping the screw holes 1812a of the base 181, corresponding to each screw hole 1812a. The screws 19 are screwed into the screw holes 1812a of the base 181 through the holes 182c of the PCB board 182 from the rear side of the board 182, so that the PCB board 182 and the base 181 are fixed.
Further, on the rear surface side of the PCB substrate 182, four pressure sensors 20 as pressure detecting means for detecting an axial (front-rear direction) pressure with respect to the rotor 13 are arranged.

  Further, a bearing 12 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the opening 131 a of the front surface portion 131 of the rotor 13, and a screw 11 serving as a rotation shaft of the rotor 13 is inserted into a through hole 12 a in the center of the bearing 12. It is inserted and provided. Then, from the front side of the rotor 13, the screw 11 is inserted into the through hole 12 a of the bearing 12, and the rear end portion of the screw 11 protruding rearward is formed in the center opening 1811 a of the base portion 1811 provided in the base 181. The screw 11 and the support base 18 are fixed by screwing into a female screw formed on the inner peripheral surface. Thereby, the rotor 13 is connected to the support base 18 so as to be rotatable around the screw 11.

  A code wheel 133 is fixed to the inner surface (rear surface) of the front surface portion 131 of the rotor 13. The code wheel 133 is disposed so that the center of the code wheel 133 coincides with the center of the rotor 13, and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 13. On the rear surface of the code wheel 133, a reflection surface for reflecting light is printed at a predetermined pitch along the circumferential direction with two detection patterns of A phase and B phase.

On the inner peripheral side of the code wheel 133, for example, a rotor (sliding member) 15 made of a material such as polymer polyethylene and having a flat plate ring shape is disposed.
The rotor 15 is disposed at a position sandwiched between a stator 161 (described later) and the rotor 13, and is arranged so that the center of the rotor 15 coincides with the center of the rotor 13. The adhesive layer 14 is fixed to the rotor 13 and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 13. That is, the front surface of the rotor 15 is bonded to the rear surface of the first adhesive layer 14 bonded to the rear surface of the front surface portion 131 of the rotor 13, and the rear surface of the rotor 15 is a convex portion of the stator 161. In contact with. The rear surface of the rotor 15 has a high friction coefficient, and rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of the traveling wave generated by the vibration of the stator 161 contacting the rear surface.

  In addition, a space is formed between the rotor 13 and the support base 18. In this space, a photo interrupter 183 that detects the rotational angular displacement of the code wheel 133 and a drive unit that applies a rotational force to the rotor 13. The control unit 21 that performs overall control of the rotary input device 10, the input / output unit 22 that transmits and receives various signals to and from the main control unit 40, and the like are disposed.

The photo interrupter 183 is a reflective photo interrupter composed of a light emitting element 1831 such as an LED and a light receiving element 1832 such as a photo IC, and is mounted at a position facing the code wheel 133 on the front surface of the PCB substrate 182. The control unit 21 is connected.
The light receiving element 1832 has at least two light receiving surfaces and outputs detection signals of A phase and B phase having a phase difference of 90 degrees from each other.
The photo interrupter 183 detects the amount of rotation and the direction of rotation of the rotor 13 by receiving the reflected light of the light emitted from the light emitting element 1831 toward the code wheel 133 and counting the light, and the detection result Is output to the control unit 21. The control unit 21 outputs the detection result from the photo interrupter 183 to the main control unit 40 via the input / output unit 22, and the main control unit 40 determines the rotation angle of the rotor 13 based on the detection result. Is identified.
Note that the photo interrupter 183 constitutes a rotation detection unit together with the code wheel 133.

  The ultrasonic motor 16 includes, for example, a piezoelectric element 162 serving as a vibrator, a ring-shaped stator (vibrating body) 161, and the like, and is driven according to a control signal from the control unit 21 so that the rotor 13 is pivoted. Rotate around.

The stator 161 is fitted into a ring-shaped concave portion 1811 b formed on the front surface of the pedestal portion 1811 included in the base 181, and is fixed to the base 181 by a flat plate-shaped second adhesive layer 17.
Since the second adhesive layer 17 is provided at a position inside the ultrasonic motor 16 from the position where the piezoelectric element 162 is provided, the second adhesive layer 17 does not hinder the vibration of the piezoelectric element 162. That is, the driving torque of the ultrasonic motor 16 is not dropped.

The front portion of the stator 161 includes a plurality of convex portions arranged along the circumferential direction, and the rear surface of the stator 161 has a plurality of piezoelectric elements that generate vibration energy in response to application of voltage (drive signal). 162 is arranged along the circumferential direction of the stator 161.
In addition, the rotor 15 is disposed in contact with the front surface of the stator 161.

  The piezoelectric element 162 is connected to the control unit 21. When a drive voltage based on a predetermined drive signal is applied from the control unit 21 to the piezoelectric element 162, the entire stator 161 vibrates due to the ultrasonic vibration of the piezoelectric element 162. Thus, the traveling wave is transmitted to the rotor 15 and the rotor 15 rotates. Then, the rotational force of the rotor 15 is transmitted to the rotor 13 so that the rotor 13 rotates. Furthermore, by controlling the drive frequency of the drive voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 162, the magnitude and direction of rotation of the rotor 13 due to ultrasonic vibration of the piezoelectric element 162 can be freely set.

Here, drive signal output control when the ultrasonic motor 16 is started and stopped will be described.
FIG. 6 is an example of a drive control circuit for the ultrasonic motor 16.
In this drive control circuit, the piezoelectric element 162 has a high-frequency signal oscillator 163 that generates a drive voltage, an amplifier 164 a that amplifies the signal generated by the oscillator 163, and a phase shifter 165. An amplifier 164b that amplifies the shifted signal is connected. A gate 166 is inserted in front of the amplifier 164a and the amplifier 164b, and a timer 167 for receiving an external input signal and generating a timing signal for outputting a drive signal is connected to the gate 166. Yes.

In this drive control circuit, first, an oscillation wave is generated by the oscillator 163 and input to the gate 166. On the other hand, an external input signal is input to the timer 167, and the timer 167 generates the timing signal based on the external input signal and outputs the timing signal to the gate 166.
In the gate 166, an oscillation wave is controlled by a timing signal, and an output section in which a drive signal is output and a stop section in which the drive signal is not output are provided, and the ratio of the output section to the stop section is determined within a predetermined time at the time of startup. A signal S is obtained which is gradually increased at, and gradually decreased within a predetermined time when stopped.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, at start-up, in section 1, there are four output sections for one stop section, and in section 2, there are five output sections for one stop section. One. Thus, the ratio of the output section to the stop section is larger in the section 2 where the time has advanced from the start of the start.
On the other hand, at the time of stop, in section 3, there are six output sections for one stop section, and in section 4, there are five output sections for one stop section. Thus, the ratio of the output section with respect to the stop section is smaller in the section 4 that is approaching complete stop.
In the above example, the case where one stop section is provided alone in sections 1 to 4 has been described as an example. However, the number of stop sections can be set as appropriate, for example, two stop sections are continued. It is good also as providing.
This signal S is amplified by the amplifier 164b after the phase is advanced by 90 ° (delayed by reverse rotation) by the amplifier 164a and by the phase shifter 165, and is applied to the A phase and B phase of the piezoelectric element 162. V1 and high frequency voltage V2. The piezoelectric element 162 connected to the amplifier 164a and the amplifier 164b generates a traveling wave in the stator 161 only during a period in which the high-frequency voltage V1 and the high-frequency voltage V2 are applied, and drives the rotor 15 more quickly (slowly when stopped). At this time, since the rotor 15 itself and the motor load connected thereto have inertial mass, the rotor 15 actually starts (stops) slowly and smoothly.

The pressure-sensitive sensor 20 is fixed to each of four locations on the upper side, lower side, left side, and right side of the rear surface of the PCB substrate 182, and is connected to the control unit 21. The four pressure sensors 20 are arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the rotor 13.
Each pressure-sensitive sensor 20 detects that the rotor 13 is pressed in the axial direction (front-rear direction), and outputs the detection result to the control unit 21.
The control unit 21 outputs the detection result from the pressure sensitive sensor 20 to the main control unit 40 via the input / output unit 22. Then, in the main control unit 40, the pressed position of the rotor 13 is specified based on the detection result, and the pressing force at the pressed position of the rotor 13 is calculated.
As the pressure sensor 20, for example, a resistance film type, a diffusion type, a film type, a capacitance type, a mechanical type, or the like can be used.
Moreover, although the structure provided with the four pressure sensors 20 was demonstrated in this embodiment, the number of the pressure sensors 20 is not restricted to four, and if it is one or more, it is arbitrary.

  The rotor 13, the code wheel 133, and the rotor 15 described above are arranged at positions where the rotation center axes are respectively coaxial, and are rotated around the screw 11 serving as a rotation axis fixed to the support base 18. It is like that.

The control unit 21 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like (all not shown).
The control unit 21 is connected to the main control unit 40 via the input / output unit 22 and outputs signals input from the respective units constituting the rotary input device 10 to the main control unit 40 and the main control unit. In accordance with the control signal input from 40, the operation of each part constituting the rotary input device 10 is centrally controlled.

Specifically, the control unit 21 is connected to a photo interrupter 183 as a rotation detection unit, and in accordance with a control signal input from the main control unit 40 via the input / output unit 22, the light emitting element 1831 of the photo interrupter 183. Is instructed to emit light, and the detection result (detection signal) input from the light receiving element 1832 of the photo interrupter 183 is output to the main control unit 40 via the input / output unit 22. Thereby, in the main control unit 40, the rotation angle of the rotor 13 is specified.
The control unit 21 is connected to the ultrasonic motor 16, and sends a predetermined drive signal to the piezoelectric element 162 of the ultrasonic motor 16 in accordance with a control signal input from the main control unit 40 via the input / output unit 22. Output. Thereby, the rotor 13 rotates around the axis.
The control unit 21 is connected to the pressure sensor 20 and outputs a detection result (detection signal) input from the pressure sensor 20 to the main control unit 40 via the input / output unit 22. Thereby, in the main control part 40, the position where the rotor 13 was pressed and the pressing force when the rotor 13 was pressed are specified.

The input / output unit 22 is connected to the main control unit 40 and outputs a signal input from each unit constituting the rotary input device 10 to the main control unit 40, while controlling a control signal input from the main control unit 40. To the unit 21.
Specifically, the input / output unit 22 carries a signal indicating the rotation position (rotation angle) of the rotor 13 detected by the control unit 21 based on the rotation amount and rotation direction output from the photo interrupter 183. Transmit to the telephone unit 30 side. In addition, the input / output unit 22 performs the rotation operation of the rotor 13 detected by the control unit 21 based on the detection values output from the four pressure sensors 20 arranged on the rear side of the PCB substrate 182. A signal indicating the pressing force and the pressing position is transmitted to the mobile phone unit 30 side.
The signal output from the photo interrupter 183 and each pressure sensor 20 may be configured to be transmitted to the mobile phone unit 30 side as an analog signal without A / D conversion.

Next, the mobile phone unit 30 according to the present embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone unit 30 includes an antenna (not shown), a communication unit 31 that transmits and receives radio signals to and from an external device, and a call unit 32 that allows an operator to make a call with a third party. And a display unit 33 that displays various screens on the display screen G, and a main control unit 40 that performs overall control of the entire mobile phone 1.
In addition, since the communication part 31 and the telephone call part 32 for implement | achieving the telephone call function with an external apparatus by a radio signal use a well-known technique, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

The display unit 33 includes a display screen G such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various screens on the display screen G in accordance with instructions from the main control unit 40.
Various screens displayed on the display screen G are switched according to the rotation operation of the rotor 13 by the operator. For example, when a plurality of thumbnail screens are displayed on the display screen G, when the operator rotates the front portion 131 of the rotor 13, the thumbnail screen displayed on the display screen G according to the rotation operation. Are sequentially selected.

  The main control unit 40 includes a main CPU 401, a RAM 402, a ROM 403, and the like, and is connected to the control unit 21 of the rotary input device 10. The main control unit 40 controls each part of the mobile phone unit 30 based on an input operation signal sent from the rotary input device 10.

  The main CPU 401 reads out a processing program stored in the ROM 403 in accordance with input signals input from each part of the mobile phone unit 30 and the rotary input device 10, develops it in the RAM, executes it, and sends a control signal to each part. By outputting, the entire rotary input device is controlled.

  The RAM 402 includes a program storage area for developing various programs executed by the main CPU 401, a data storage area for storing input data, processing results generated when these processing programs are executed, and the like as a work area of the CPU. Used.

  The ROM 403 stores processing programs, data, and the like in advance, and stores various processing programs such as an output timing control program 403a, a rotation detection program 403b, and a force sense presentation program 403c.

The output timing control program 403a is a program that realizes a function of controlling the output timing and outputting a drive signal having a period corresponding to the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element 162, for example.
Specifically, the main CPU 401 outputs the drive signal at a timing for outputting the drive signal within a predetermined time when the ultrasonic motor 16 is activated and stopped by executing the output timing control program 403a. An output section and a stop section in which the drive signal is not output are provided. Then, at the time of start-up, the number of output sections is gradually increased within the predetermined time, and at the time of stop, the number of output sections is gradually decreased.
Note that the main CPU 401 always outputs the drive signal at the timing of outputting the drive signal because the stop section is not provided during the steady drive of the ultrasonic motor 16 (other than when starting and stopping). It has become.
The main CPU 401 functions as a control unit by executing the output timing control program 403a.

The rotation detection program 403b is a program for causing the main CPU 401 to realize a function of detecting the rotation position (rotation angle) of the rotor 13, for example.
Specifically, the main CPU 401 executes the rotation detection program 403b, so that when the operator performs a rotation operation on the rotor 13, the rotation amount and rotation direction of the rotor 13 are changed by the photo interrupter 183. It detects and specifies the rotation angle of the rotor 13 based on the detection result.
The main CPU 401 functions as a rotation detection unit by executing the rotation detection program 403b.

The force sense presentation program 403c is a program that causes the main CPU 401 to realize a function of presenting a force sense to an operator who operates the rotor 13, for example.
Specifically, when the main CPU 401 detects that the rotation position (rotation angle) of the rotor 13 is a predetermined rotation position by executing the rotation detection program 403b, the main CPU 401 executes the force sense presentation program 403c. Then, a rotational force is applied to the rotor 13 by the ultrasonic motor 16 and a force sense is presented to an operator who operates the rotor 13.
The main CPU 401 functions as force sense presenting means by executing the force sense presenting program 403c.

  The rotary input device 10 according to the present embodiment includes the photo interrupter 183, the ultrasonic motor 16, the pressure sensor 20, the control unit 21, the input / output unit 22, and the main control unit 40.

  The control unit 21 is connected to the ultrasonic motor 16, and sends a predetermined drive signal to the piezoelectric element 162 of the ultrasonic motor 16 in accordance with a control signal input from the main control unit 40 via the input / output unit 22. Output. Thereby, the rotor 13 rotates around the axis.

Next, the output timing control processing of this embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
First, when the drive voltage generation timing is reached (FIG. 8; START), in step S11, the main control unit 40 determines whether or not the time point is when the ultrasonic motor 16 is activated or stopped, and when activated. Or when it is not the time of a stop (step S11; NO), it transfers to below-mentioned step S17.
On the other hand, when it is a start time or a stop time (step S11; YES), in the following step S12, the main control unit 40 starts a timer and starts measuring a predetermined time.
Next, in step S13, the main control unit 40 determines whether or not the current time point is an output section of the drive signal. If it is an output section (step S13; YES), the drive signal is output in the subsequent step S14. Execute control. On the other hand, if it is not an output section, that is, if it is a stop section (step S13; NO), in the subsequent step S15, the main control unit 40 performs control to stop the output of the drive signal during this stop section.
Next, in step S16, the main control unit 40 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S16; NO), the main control unit 40 returns to step S13 and repeats the subsequent processing. .
On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (step S16; YES), in the subsequent step S17, the main control unit 40 outputs a drive signal at a normal timing and ends this processing (FIG. 8: END).

  As a result, when the ultrasonic motor 16 is started and stopped, the rotor 15 gradually approaches and comes into close contact with the ultrasonic motor 16 and is generated when the rotor 15 comes into contact with the ultrasonic motor 16. Sound hardly occurs. Therefore, the abnormal noise which has been conventionally generated when the ultrasonic motor 16 is started and stopped is prevented, and the ultrasonic motor 16 exhibits quietness in all operation control regions.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the output section for outputting the drive signal at the timing of outputting the drive signal within the predetermined time when the ultrasonic motor 16 is started and stopped, and the drive signal A stop section that does not output is provided, and the ratio of the output section to the stop section is gradually increased within a predetermined time during startup, and gradually decreased within a predetermined time when stopped.
For this reason, the rotor 15 and the ultrasonic motor are caused by the fact that the force acting in the rotational direction applied to the rotor 13 and the inertial force in the rotational direction of the rotor 13 are not constant at the time of starting and stopping. Sliding between 16 is prevented.
Moreover, since the frequency setting of the ultrasonic motor 16 is one, the control is easier than the method of gradually changing the frequency.
Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise due to slippage between the rotor 15 and the ultrasonic motor 16 at the time of starting and stopping with simpler control.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment. In addition, about the structure similar to 1st Embodiment, the code | symbol same as 1st Embodiment is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the mobile phone 2 of the present embodiment includes a rotary input device 10 </ b> A, a mobile phone unit 30 </ b> A, and a main control unit 40 </ b> A that performs overall control of the mobile phone 2. .
As shown in FIG. 9, the main control unit 40A includes an output frequency control program 403d instead of the output timing control program 403a of the first embodiment.

The output frequency control program 403d is, for example, a program that causes the main CPU 401 to realize a function of outputting a drive signal for driving the piezoelectric element 162 using two stages of frequencies.
Specifically, the main CPU 401 executes the output frequency control program 403d to output a drive signal at a cycle corresponding to the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element 162, and at a cycle different from the first drive control. And a second drive control that outputs a drive signal.
Then, the second drive control is performed within a predetermined time when the ultrasonic motor 16 is started and stopped, while the first drive control is performed during the steady drive of the ultrasonic motor 16.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, when starting the ultrasonic motor 16, the main CPU 401 increases the vibration of the stator 161 by one step within the predetermined time (second drive control) by the output frequency control program 403d, After the elapse of time, the vibration of the stator 161 is maximized (first drive control). Further, when the ultrasonic motor 16 is stopped, the main CPU 401 is stopped after the vibration of the stator 161 is lowered by one step by the output frequency control program 403d (second drive control). That is, when the ultrasonic motor 16 is started and stopped, the drive signal corresponding to the resonance frequency is not suddenly applied (stopped), but the frequency is increased (decreased) in two stages. Increase (decrease) in two stages.
The main CPU 401 functions as a control unit by executing the output frequency control program 403d.

Next, the drive control processing of this embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
First, when the drive voltage generation timing is reached (FIG. 10; START), in step S21, the main control unit 40 determines whether or not the time point is when the ultrasonic motor 16 is started or stopped, and when it is started. Or when it is not at the time of a stop (step S21; NO), it transfers to below-mentioned step S25.
On the other hand, when it is a start time or a stop time (step S21; YES), in the subsequent step S22, the main control unit 40 starts a timer and starts elapse of a predetermined time.
Next, in step S23, the main control unit 40 creates and outputs a drive signal having a period different from the resonance frequency.
Next, in step S24, the main control unit 40 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S24; NO), the main control unit 40 returns to step S23 and repeats the subsequent processing. .
On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (step S24; YES), in the subsequent step S25, the main control unit 40 creates and outputs a drive signal having a period corresponding to the resonance frequency, and ends this processing (FIG. 9; END).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first drive control that outputs the drive signal at a cycle corresponding to the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element 162 and the second drive that outputs the drive signal at a cycle different from the first drive control. The second drive control is performed within a predetermined time when the ultrasonic motor 16 is started and stopped.
For this reason, the force between the rotor 15 and the ultrasonic motor 16 caused by the longitudinal force applied to the rotor 13 at the time of start and stop and the inertial force in the rotation direction of the rotor 13 are not constant. Slip is prevented.
In addition, since the frequency setting of the ultrasonic motor 16 is switched to two, control is easier compared to a method of gradually changing the frequency.
Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise due to slippage between the rotor 15 and the ultrasonic motor 16 at the time of starting and stopping with simpler control.

  In the first and second embodiments, the ultrasonic motor 16 is exemplified as the drive unit that applies the rotational force to the rotor 13, but the drive unit may have any configuration as long as it is a vibration wave motor that uses resonance. For example, vibration wave motors such as a linear type, a rotary type, a standing wave type, and a traveling wave type can be used.

  In the first and second embodiments, the mobile phone is exemplified as the electronic apparatus including the rotary input device according to the invention. However, the rotary input device of the invention is not limited to the mobile phone, and the rotary input device is used. The present invention can be applied to any electronic device as long as the input operation by the device can be performed. For example, the rotary input device of the present invention may be applied to other portable terminal devices such as a portable audio player and PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), AV equipment such as a television receiver, a personal computer, and the like. The rotary input device may be incorporated in advance in the electronic device, or may be used by being connected to the electronic device as a single external device.

  In the first and second embodiments, the rotation detection unit is exemplified by the optical rotation detection unit including the annular code wheel 133 and the photo interrupter 183. However, the rotation detection unit is a rotation angle of the rotor 13. Any configuration may be used as long as it can detect. For example, it is possible to use a mechanical type (contact type), a magnetic type, an electrostatic rotation detecting unit that detects a position by changing the capacitance of an electrode, or the like. Further, an absolute type rotary encoder capable of detecting an absolute position in addition to the rotation amount and the rotation direction of the rotor 13 may be used.

1 Mobile phone (electronic equipment)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Rotary input device 13 Rotor 131 Front part 131a Opening part 132 Peripheral surface part 133 Code wheel 14 1st contact bonding layer 141 Base material 142 Adhesive 15 Rotor (sliding member)
16 Ultrasonic motor (drive unit)
161 Stator 162 Piezoelectric Element 17 Second Adhesive Layer 171 Base Material 172 Adhesive 18 Support Base 183 Photointerrupter 20 Pressure Sensor 21 Control Unit 22 Input / Output Unit 30 Mobile Phone Unit 40 Main Control Unit 403a Output Timing Control Program (Control Unit) )
403b Rotation detection program (rotation detection means)
403c Force display program (force display means)
403d Output frequency control program (control means)

Claims (4)

A rotor that can rotate around an axis in response to the operator's rotation operation,
A sliding member fixed to the rotor and rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor;
A drive unit that applies a rotational force to the rotor via the sliding member by vibrating a vibrator that contacts the sliding member;
Control means for outputting a drive signal at a period corresponding to the resonance frequency of the vibrator;
In the rotary input device with
The control means includes
Within a predetermined time at the time of starting and stopping of the drive unit, an output section for outputting the drive signal at a timing for outputting the drive signal and a stop section for not outputting the drive signal are provided.
The rotary input device characterized in that the ratio of the output section to the stop section is gradually increased within the predetermined time during the start-up and gradually decreased within the predetermined time during the stop. A rotor that can rotate around an axis in response to the operator's rotation operation,
A sliding member fixed to the rotor and rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor;
A drive unit that applies a rotational force to the rotor via the sliding member by vibrating a vibrator that contacts the sliding member;
Control means for outputting a drive signal for driving the vibrator;
In the rotary input device with
The control means includes
A first drive control that outputs a drive signal at a cycle corresponding to the resonance frequency of the vibrator, and a second drive control that outputs a drive signal at a cycle different from the first drive control, are configured to be executable.
The rotary input device that performs the second drive control within a predetermined time when the drive unit is started and stopped. Rotation detecting means for detecting a rotation angle of the rotor;
Force sensation presenting means for presenting force sense to an operator who operates the rotor by applying a rotational force to the rotor by the drive unit according to the rotation angle of the rotor detected by the rotation detecting means. The rotary input device according to claim 1, further comprising:   An electronic apparatus comprising the rotary input device according to claim 1.

Images