WO2010087229A1 - Operation mode selecting device and electronic device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an operation mode selecting device wherein the contact reliability is not reduced for a long period of time if the device is frequently operated, and a predetermined feel obtained by clicking the device can be maintained.  In the operation mode selecting device, a plurality of first and second whole ICs (33, 34) are disposed on a printed board (30), and an operation dial (60) provided with a mode selecting magnet (51) having opposite magnetic poles alternately on the same circumference thereof is rotatably supported above the printed board (30).  When the operation dial (60) is rotated at a predetermined angle, a clicking feel is applied to an operator, and the magnetic poles of the mode selecting magnet (51) are detected by the first and second whole ICs (33, 34), to output the rotational position of the operation dial (60).

Description

Operation mode selection device and electronic apparatus using the same

The present invention relates to an operation mode selection device, and more particularly to an operation mode selection device that is incorporated in a mobile phone, a digital camera, a video camera, and the like and can select an operation mode.

Conventionally, as an operation mode selection device capable of selecting an operation mode, for example, there is a mode setting dial 3 incorporated in a camera (see Patent Document 1). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 of Patent Document 1, the mode setting dial 3 has a dial body 5, a subframe 6, a click plate 36, and a code plate 37. In the mode setting dial 3, the operation mode is selected by switching the output signal by changing the contact resistance with the brush 39 sliding along the conductor pattern 371 as the dial body 5 rotates.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7 of Patent Document 1, the mode setting dial 3 obtains a click feeling at the time of mode selection operation by combining the recess 361 of the click plate 36 and the click ball 38.

JP 2002-107810 A

However, in the above-described mode setting dial 3, if the operation frequency of the operation mode is high, the spring force of the brush 39 decreases due to fatigue, the contact pressure decreases, and the contact reliability decreases.
Similarly, when the operation frequency of the operation mode is high, there is a problem that the click feeling becomes weak due to wear of the recess 361 of the click plate 36.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an operation mode selection device capable of maintaining a predetermined click feeling while maintaining contact reliability for a long period of time even if the operation frequency is high.

In order to solve the above problems, an operation mode selection device according to the present invention is for selecting at least one mode in which different magnetic poles are alternately provided on the same circumference above a printed circuit board on which a plurality of magnetic pole detection elements are arranged. An operation mode selection device that rotatably supports an operation dial on which a magnet is arranged, and by rotating the operation dial to operate, giving a click feeling to the operator at every predetermined angle, The magnetic pole of the mode selection magnet is detected by the magnetic field detection element, and the rotation position of the operation dial is output.

According to the present invention, the magnetic pole of the mode selection magnet is detected by the magnetic field detection element, and the rotation position of the operation dial is output. For this reason, even if the operation frequency of the operation dial increases, there is no decrease in contact pressure due to a decrease in spring force unlike the conventional example, and contact reliability does not decrease.

As an embodiment according to the present invention, a click feeling movable magnet in which magnetic poles are alternately provided on the same circumference is arranged on the operation dial, and the position differs from the click feeling movable magnet at the same pitch. Click feeling fixed magnets with magnetic poles alternately arranged on the same circumference are arranged, and the click feeling generated by the attractive force and repulsive force between the click feeling movable magnet and the click feeling fixed magnet is controlled by the operation. It is good also as a structure provided to a dial.
According to this embodiment, a desired click feeling can be obtained by the attractive force and the repulsive force between the click feeling movable magnet and the click feeling fixed magnet. For this reason, even if the operation frequency of the operation dial is high, the click feeling does not become weak due to wear unlike the conventional example, and the desired click feeling can be maintained.

As another embodiment according to the present invention, a mode selection magnet and a click feeling movable magnet may be arranged on the same circumference on the operation dial.
According to the present embodiment, the installation space for the mode selection magnet and the click feeling movable magnet can be saved, so that a thin and small-diameter operation mode selection device can be obtained.

As another embodiment according to the present invention, the magnetic pole of the mode selection magnet and the magnetic pole of the click feeling movable magnet may have different pitches.
According to the present embodiment, various mode settings and click feelings can be obtained by changing the magnetic poles.

As a different embodiment according to the present invention, all or part of the click-sensitive movable magnet may be used as the mode selection magnet.
According to the present embodiment, by using the click feeling movable magnet also as the mode selection magnet, it becomes possible to set various modes.

As a new embodiment according to the present invention, an automatic return movable magnet having magnetic poles alternately arranged on the same circumference is arranged on the operation dial, and at the same position as the automatic return movable magnet. In the return force generated by the attractive force and the repulsive force between the automatic return movable magnet and the automatic return fixed magnet, the automatic return fixed magnet having different magnetic poles alternately provided on the same circumference is arranged. The operation dial may be automatically returned to the position before the operation.
According to this embodiment, the operation dial can be automatically returned by a return force generated by an attractive force and a repulsive force between the automatic return movable magnet and the automatic return fixed magnet. For this reason, even if the operation frequency of the operation dial increases, there is no deterioration due to wear and fatigue of the component parts, and it is difficult for malfunctions to occur.
Moreover, it is only necessary to arrange a plurality of magnets so as to face each other. For this reason, not only is the degree of freedom of design large and easy to design, but a large installation space is not required, and a simple structure and a small operation mode selection device can be obtained.

The electronic device according to the present invention may be configured such that the above-described operation mode selection device is attached to the housing so that the operation dial can be operated from the outside.

According to the present invention, even when the operation dial is operated more frequently, an electronic device can be obtained in which the contact pressure does not decrease due to a decrease in spring force and the contact reliability does not decrease as in the conventional example.
In addition, even when the operation dial is operated frequently, an electronic device that can maintain a desired click feeling can be obtained without the click feeling being weakened due to wear unlike the conventional example.
Furthermore, it is only necessary to arrange a plurality of magnets so as to face each other. For this reason, there is an effect that not only is the degree of freedom of design large and easy to design, but also a large installation space is not required, and a simple structure and a small electronic device can be obtained.

1A and 1B are a perspective view and a bottom view showing a first embodiment of an operation mode selection device according to the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the operation mode selection apparatus shown in FIG. 1A. It is the disassembled perspective view seen from a different angle of the operation mode selection apparatus shown in FIG. 1A. 4A and 4B are a plan view and a bottom view of the annular holder shown in FIG. 5A is a plan view of the operation mode selection device shown in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 5B and 5C are a cross-sectional view taken along line BB and a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of the operation mode selection device shown in FIG. 5A. 6A is an explanatory diagram showing the magnetic poles of the magnet shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 6B is a table showing modes that can be selected based on FIG. 6A. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the operation mode selection apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is the disassembled perspective view seen from the different angle of the operation mode selection apparatus shown in FIG. 9A is a plan view of the operation mode selection device shown in FIG. 7, and FIGS. 9B and 9C are a cross-sectional view along line BB and a cross-sectional view along line CC of the operation mode selection device shown in FIG. 9A. 10A and 10B are a perspective view and a bottom view showing a third embodiment of the operation mode selection device according to the present invention. FIG. 10B is an exploded perspective view of the operation mode selection device shown in FIG. 10A. FIG. 10B is an exploded perspective view of the operation mode selection device shown in FIG. 10A viewed from a different angle. 13A is a plan view of the operation mode selection device shown in FIG. 10, and FIGS. 13B and 13C are a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB and a cross-sectional view along the line CC of the operation mode selection device shown in FIG. 10A. 14A is an explanatory diagram showing the magnetic poles of the magnet shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 14B is a table showing modes that can be selected based on FIG. 14A. 15A is an explanatory diagram showing a modification of the magnetic poles of the magnet shown in FIG. 14, and FIG. 15B is a table showing modes that can be selected based on FIG. 15A. 16A and 16B are a perspective view and a bottom view showing a fourth embodiment of the operation mode selection device according to the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the operation mode selection apparatus shown in FIG. 16A. It is the disassembled perspective view seen from a different angle of the operation mode selection apparatus shown in FIG. 16A. 19A is a plan view of the operation mode selection device shown in FIG. 16, and FIGS. 19B and 19C are a cross-sectional view along line BB and a cross-sectional view along line CC of the operation mode selection device shown in FIG. 19A. 20A is an explanatory diagram showing the magnetic poles of the magnet shown in FIG. 17, and FIG. 20B is a table showing modes that can be selected based on FIG. 20A.

10: Base 20: Sliding sheet 30: Printed circuit board 33, 34: First and second Hall ICs
40: annular holder 50: fixed magnet for click feeling 51: magnet for mode selection 52: movable magnet for click feeling 60: operation dial 70: push button 100: base 110: fixed magnet for click feeling 120: printed board 131: sliding Sheet 140: Movable magnet for click feeling and mode selection 141: Movable magnet for mode selection 150: Operation dial 161: Cylindrical caulking ring 200: Base 210: Fixed magnet for automatic return 211: Fixed magnet for click feeling 220: Print Substrate 230: sliding sheet 222, 223, 224, 225: first, second, third and fourth Hall ICs
255, 256: Mode selection movable magnet 250: Operation dial holder 257: Sliding sheet 260: Operation dial 264a: Position restriction projection 267, 268: Automatic return (signal) movable magnet 271: Cylindrical caulking ring

An embodiment of an operation mode selection device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings of FIGS.
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, a base 10 in which a substantially C-shaped sliding sheet 20 and a flexible belt-like printed circuit board 30 are bonded and integrated, and a click feeling fixed magnet 50 are mounted. The annular holder 40 is fixed to the base 10 by caulking, the operation dial 60 is integrally assembled with the mode selection magnet 51 and the click feeling movable magnet 52, and the push button 70.

As shown in FIG. 2, the base 10 is a disk made of a thin metal material, and is provided with caulking holes 11 at an equal pitch on the same circumference.

The sliding sheet 20 has a substantially C-shape capable of covering the base 10 and is provided with a crimping hole 21 at a position corresponding to the crimping hole 11 of the base 10.

The printed circuit board 30 has a connection portion 31 formed at one end thereof, and a push button switch 32 is mounted at the other end, and the first and second Hall ICs 33 and 34 are provided in the vicinity of the push button switch 32. Is implemented. The sliding sheet 20 and the pleton substrate 30 have the same thickness dimension so that an operation dial 60 described later can slide smoothly.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the annular holder 40 includes a large-diameter outer ring 41 and a small-diameter inner ring 43 arranged concentrically and integrated with each other via a pair of connecting portions 42 and 42. is there.
The outer peripheral ring 41 has an annular rib 41a projecting from the inner peripheral edge of the upper surface thereof, and a notch 41b for assembling the click feeling fixing magnet 50 formed on the upper surface thereof. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the outer peripheral ring 41 has a caulking protrusion 44 provided at a position corresponding to the caulking hole 11 of the base 10 on the lower surface thereof, and the first and second Hall ICs 33, An escape portion 45 is formed at a position corresponding to 34. The escape portion 45 is provided with a support protrusion 45a for securing the strength of the outer peripheral ring 41.
For convenience of explanation, the crimping protrusions 44 in FIGS. 2 to 4 are shown in a crimped state.

As shown in FIG. 4, the inner ring 43 is provided with a pair of fitting vertical grooves 46, 46 facing each other along the axial center at the inner peripheral edge thereof. In the vicinity, recesses 46a and 46a for preventing idling are provided. Further, the inner ring 40 is provided with a pair of fitting longitudinal grooves 47, 47 facing the outer peripheral edge portion along the axial center, and is detached so as to be adjacent to the fitting longitudinal grooves 47, 47. Stop projections 47a and 47a are provided, respectively.

The click-sensing fixed magnet 50 is formed, for example, by magnetizing an N pole and an S pole alternately after forming an injection molding magnetic material into an arc shape. For example, the arc-shaped fixed magnet 50 for click feeling having an angle of 90 degrees may be magnetized so that six magnetic poles coexist.
The operation feeling of the operation dial 60 can be adjusted by changing the arc length of the click feeling fixed magnet 50. Further, the magnetizing operation is not limited to the radial direction, and may be performed in the axial direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, the mode selection magnet 51 is obtained by magnetizing a magnetic material formed in a semicircular arc shape to the S pole, N pole, and S pole by 60 degrees. On the other hand, the movable magnet 52 for a click feeling has a total of 12 polarities by magnetizing a magnetic material formed in a semicircular arc shape alternately with S and N poles by 15 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation dial 60 has a fitting hole 61 and a donut shape capable of covering the base 10. The operation dial 60 is provided with an operation projection 62 on the outer peripheral surface thereof and a notch 63 for a mark. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the operation dial 60 has an annular groove 64 into which the mode selection magnet 51 and the click feeling movable magnet 52 can be fitted, and an inner peripheral edge portion of the annular groove 64. Projecting toward the center of the engaging claws 65, 65.

The push button 70 has an outer diameter that can be fitted into the fitting hole 61 of the operation dial 60, and has an operation projection 72 projecting from the lower end surface of the shaft portion 71 projecting from the center of the lower surface thereof. At the same time, engaging projections 73 are provided so as to protrude laterally from the lower edge of the shaft portion 71.

Next, the assembly process of the aforementioned component parts will be described.
First, the sliding sheet 20 and the printed circuit board 30 are bonded and integrated to the base 10. On the other hand, the click feeling fixed magnet 50 is positioned and fixed at a predetermined position in the notch 41 b of the annular holder 40, while the mode selection magnet 51 and the click feeling movable magnet 52 are disposed in the annular groove 64 of the operation dial 60. Mating and fixing. Then, after the fitting claw portion 65 of the operation dial 60 is dropped into the fitting vertical groove 47 of the annular holder 40, the operation dial 60 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, so that the fitting claw portion 64 is prevented from coming off. By moving over 47a, the operation dial 60 is rotatably secured to the annular holder 40. Next, the push button 70 is fitted into the fitting hole 61 of the operation dial 60, and the engagement protrusion 73 of the push button 70 is fitted into the engagement vertical groove 46 of the annular holder 40. Then, while pushing down the push button 70, the push button 70 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, and the engagement protrusion 73 is engaged with the idling prevention recess 46a. Finally, the caulking protrusion 44 of the annular holder 40 is inserted into the caulking hole 11 of the base 10 and fixed by caulking to complete the assembling operation.

An operation method when the operation mode selection device having the above-described configuration is assembled to a housing (not shown) of the digital camera will be described.
By turning the operation dial 60, the operation mode (not shown) displayed around the operation dial 60 in the housing of the digital camera is matched with the notch 63 for the mark of the operation dial 60. At this time, the operation dial 60 slides on the sliding sheet 20 and the printed circuit board 30 by rotating the operation dial 60 about the axis of the annular holder 40. In particular, by rotating the operation dial 60 by 15 degrees, a click feeling can be obtained by the mutual repulsive force and attractive force of the click feeling fixed magnet 50 and the click feeling movable magnet 52. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the mode selection magnet 51 integrated with the operation dial 60 is positioned above the pair of first and second Hall ICs 33 and 34. The first and second Hall ICs 33 and 34 respectively detect.
Accordingly, by rotating the operation dial 60 by 30 degrees, four modes can be detected while feeling a click, and the detection results are output via a control circuit (not shown), and a desired mode can be selected.
Next, by pushing the push button 70, the push button switch 32 is driven and the selected mode is output.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the second embodiment has the same operating principle as the first embodiment described above, but mainly differs in the mounting structure of the operation dial 60 and the push button 70. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the same component and description is abbreviate | omitted.
That is, the operation mode selection device according to the second embodiment is provided with the base 10 in which the substantially C-shaped sliding sheet 20 and the flexible belt-like printed circuit board 30 are bonded and integrated, and the click feeling fixed magnet 50. An annular holder 40 that is caulked and fixed to the base 10, an operation dial 60 in which the mode selection magnet 51 and the click-sensing movable magnet 52 are integrally assembled, and engaged and fixed to the base 10 to prevent the operation dial 60 from coming off. The fixing ring 80 and the push button 70 which is prevented from being detached from the fixing ring 80 so as to be pushed down.

As shown in FIG. 7, the base 10 is a disk made of a thin metal material, and is provided with caulking holes 11 at an equal pitch on the same circumference. The base 10 has a pair of substantially T-shaped elastic claws 12, 12 cut and raised at positions facing each other about the axis.

The sliding sheet 20 has a substantially C-shape that can cover the base 10 as in the first embodiment, and is provided with a crimping hole 21 at a position corresponding to the crimping hole 11 of the base 10.

The printed circuit board 30 has a connection portion 31 formed at one end thereof, and a push button switch 32 is mounted at the other end, and first and second Hall ICs 33 and 34 are provided in the vicinity of the push button switch 32. Implemented. The sliding sheet 20 and the pleton substrate 30 have the same thickness dimension so that an operation dial 60 described later can slide smoothly. The printed circuit board 30 is provided with a notch 35 and a fitting hole 36 at positions corresponding to the elastic claws 12, 12 of the base 10.

As shown in FIG. 7, the annular holder 40 has an annular rib 41 a protruding from the inner peripheral edge of the upper surface of the outer ring 41, and a notch 41 b for assembling the click feeling fixing magnet 50 on the upper surface. is there. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the outer peripheral ring 41 is provided with a caulking projection 44 at a position corresponding to the caulking hole 11 of the base 10 on the lower surface thereof, and the first and second Hall ICs 33, An escape portion 45 is formed at a position corresponding to 34. The escape portion 45 is provided with a support protrusion 45a for securing the strength of the outer peripheral ring 41. For convenience of explanation, the crimping protrusions 44 in FIGS. 7 and 8 are shown in a crimped state.

The click feeling fixed magnet 50, the mode selection magnet 51, and the click feeling movable magnet 52 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the operation dial 60 has a fitting hole 61 and a substantially donut shape that can cover the base 10. The operation dial 60 is provided with an operation projection 62 on the outer peripheral surface thereof and a notch 63 for a mark. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the operation dial 60 is formed with an annular groove 64 into which the mode selection magnet 51 and the click-sensing movable magnet 52 can be fitted, and an inner peripheral edge of the annular groove 64. An annular rib 66 for fitting is provided along the portion.

As shown in FIG. 7, the fixing ring 80 has an outer diameter that can be fitted into the fitting hole 61 of the operation dial 60, and a pair of fitting vertical grooves 81, 81 are opposed to the inner peripheral surface thereof. In addition, there are provided idling prevention concave portions 82 and 82 in the vicinity of the engaging vertical grooves 81 and 81, respectively. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the fixing ring 80 has support projections 83, 83 projecting downward from the lower end edge portion of the inner peripheral surface thereof, and a substantially T-shape on the outer surface of the support projection 83. An engaging groove portion 84 having a shape is formed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the push button 70 has an outer diameter that can be fitted into the fitting hole 61 of the operation dial 60, and a shaft portion 71 that can be fitted into the fixing ring 80 on the lower surface thereof. (FIG. 8). The shaft portion 71 has an operation projection 72 projecting from the center of the lower end surface thereof, and engaging projections 73 and 73 projecting laterally from the edge portion of the lower end surface of the shaft portion 71. It is.

Next, the assembly process of the aforementioned component parts will be described.
First, the sliding sheet 20 and the printed circuit board 30 are bonded and integrated to the base 10. On the other hand, the click-feeling fixed magnet 50 is positioned and fixed at a predetermined position in the notch 41b of the annular holder 40. Then, the caulking protrusion 44 of the annular holder 40 is caulked and fixed to the caulking hole 11 of the base 10.
On the other hand, the mode selection magnet 51 and the click feeling movable magnet 52 are fitted and fixed in the annular groove 64 of the operation dial 60. Then, the engaging protrusion 73 of the push button 70 is engaged with the engaging vertical groove 81 of the fixing ring 80 and rotated counterclockwise, so that the engaging protrusion 73 is engaged with the idling prevention recesses 82, 82. To prevent rotation. Further, the fitting annular rib 66 of the operation dial 60 is fitted into the annular holder 40 and positioned. Next, the fixing ring 80 is fitted into the fitting hole 61 of the operation dial 60, and the elastic protrusions 12 and 12 of the base 10 are pushed outward by the support protrusions 83 and 83 of the fixing ring 80, The elastic claw portion 12 is elastically engaged with the engagement groove portion 84 of the support protrusion 83. As a result, the operation dial 60 is pivotably retained so that the assembling work is completed.

The operation method is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 15, the third embodiment includes a base 100 assembled with a click feeling fixed magnet 110, a printed circuit board 120 attached and integrated to the base 100, and a click feeling movable magnet 140. And an operation dial 150 assembled with the mode selection magnet 141, a cylindrical caulking ring 161 fixed to the base 100 to prevent the operation dial 150 from coming off, and a donut-shaped cover for covering the cylindrical caulking ring 161 164.

As shown in FIG. 11, the base 100 is a metal molded product, and a click-feeling fixed magnet 110, which will be described later, is disposed outside an annular rib 102 protruding from the outer peripheral edge of a through hole 101 provided in the center of the base 100. Is formed with a fitting groove 105 and a relief portion 106, 107, 108. Further, the base 10 is provided with position regulating protrusions 103 and 104 on the outer peripheral edge portion of the upper surface thereof.

The click-sensing fixed magnet 110 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. For example, the magnetic material for injection molding is formed into an arc shape, and then the N pole and the S pole are magnetized. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, six-pole magnetic poles may be alternately magnetized on the arc-shaped fixed magnet 110 for a click feeling having an angle of 90 degrees.
The operation feeling of the operation dial 150 can be adjusted by changing the arc length of the click feeling magnet 110. Further, the magnetizing operation is not limited to the radial direction, and may be performed in the axial direction.

The printed circuit board 120 has a substantially C-shaped plane and extends the connection part 121. In particular, the printed circuit board 120 has first, second, and third Hall ICs 122, 123, and 124 mounted at positions corresponding to the relief portions 106, 107, and 108 of the base 100, as shown in FIG. .

The sliding sheet 131 is disposed on the printed circuit board 120 that is bonded and integrated with the base 100, and the sliding ring 130 is assembled to the outer peripheral surface of the annular rib 102.

As shown in FIG. 14, the click feeling and mode selection movable magnet 140 magnetizes a magnetic material formed in a semicircular arc shape of 210 degrees alternately at 15 degrees, S poles and N poles, for a total of 14 poles. It has the polarity. On the other hand, the mode selection magnet 141 is obtained by magnetizing a magnetic material formed in a semicircular arc shape of 120 degrees to the S pole and the N pole by 60 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 11, the operation dial 150 has a fitting hole 151 and a substantially donut shape that can cover the base 100. The operation dial 150 has fitting step portions 152 and 153 sequentially formed on the outer peripheral edge portion of the fitting hole 151, and has a rotation-preventing protrusion 154 protruding from the outer surface thereof. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, the operation dial 60 has circular grooves 155, 156 into which the click feeling and mode selection movable magnet 140 and the mode selection movable magnet 141 can be fitted. is there.

The cylindrical caulking ring 161 can be fitted into the fitting hole 151 of the operation dial 150, and a retaining rib that can be engaged with the upper end of the fitting step 152 via the sliding sheet 160. 162 is formed, and a lower end portion thereof is a crimping portion 163. Then, the cylindrical caulking ring 161 can be hidden by attaching and integrating the cover 164 to the fitting step of the operation dial 150. For convenience of explanation, FIGS. 11 and 12 show the crimping portion 163 in a crimped state.

Next, the assembly process of the aforementioned component parts will be described.
First, the click feeling fixing magnet 110 is fitted and fixed in the fitting groove 105 of the base 100, and the printed circuit board 120 is bonded and integrated at a predetermined position, and then the sliding sheet 131 and the sliding ring 130 are assembled. . On the other hand, the click feeling and mode selection movable magnet 140 and the mode selection magnet 141 are fitted and fixed in the fitting grooves 155 and 156 of the operation dial 150. Next, the cylindrical caulking ring 161 is fitted into the fitting hole 151 of the operation dial 150 via the sliding sheet 160, and the fitting hole 101 of the base 100 is fitted and fixed by caulking. Finally, the assembly operation is completed by attaching a cover 164 to the fitting step 153 of the operation dial 150.

An operation method when the operation mode selection device having the above-described configuration is assembled to a housing (not shown) of the digital camera will be described. An imaging lens (not shown) is assembled in the fitting hole 151 of the operation dial 150.
First, by rotating the operation dial 150, the operation mode (not shown) displayed around the operation dial 150 in the housing of the digital camera is matched with the rotation prevention protrusion 154 of the operation dial 150. At that time, the operation dial 150 rotates about the axis of the base 100 and slides on the surfaces of the sliding sheet 131, the sliding ring 130 and the sliding sheet 160. In particular, by rotating the operation dial 150 by 15 degrees, a click feeling is generated by the mutual repulsive force and attractive force between the click feeling fixed magnet 110 and the click feeling and mode selecting movable magnet 140.
Further, since the mode selection movable magnet 141 integrated with the operation dial 150 is positioned on the first, second, and third Hall ICs 122, 123, 124, the first, second, and third Hall ICs 122, 123, 124 detects the magnetic pole directly above.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, by rotating the operation dial 150 by 30 degrees, five modes can be detected while feeling a click, and the detection results are output via a control circuit (not shown). A desired mode can be selected. And it can image | photograph by pushing the shutter switch attached to the housing which is not shown in figure.
In the present embodiment, the rotation-preventing protrusion 154 of the operation dial 150 abuts against the position-regulating protrusions 103 and 104 of the base 100, thereby preventing a failure due to over-rotation.

Further, as an application example of the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the mounting positions of the first, second, and third Hall ICs 122, 123, and 124 with respect to the base 100 are adjusted. On the other hand, by attaching the click feeling and mode selection movable magnet 140 and the mode selection movable magnets 141 and 142 to the operation dial 150, an operation mode selection device capable of selecting six operation modes is obtained.

As shown in FIGS. 16 to 20, the fourth embodiment includes a base 200 assembled with an automatic return magnet 210 and a click-feeling fixed magnet 211, and a printed circuit board 220 attached and integrated to the base 200. The operation dial receiver 250 having the click feeling and mode selection movable magnets 255 and 256 mounted on the same circumference on the lower surface, and the automatic return movable magnets 267 and 268 also functioning as signal movable magnets on the lower surface have the same circle. An annular operation dial 260 that is disposed on the circumference and is rotatably supported by the operation dial receiver 250 and a fitting hole 261 of the operation dial 260 are fitted into the fitting hole 201 of the base 200. A cylindrical caulking ring 271 fixed by caulking, and a door for concealing the cylindrical caulking ring 271. A nut-like cover 274, consisting of.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the base 200 is a flat, substantially donut-shaped metal molded product, and has an arc-shaped partition wall 203 on the outer side of the annular rib 202 formed on the outer peripheral edge of the fitting hole 201. Further, support protrusions 208 are provided in a discontinuous manner on the same circumference as the partition wall 203. Further, a rotation-preventing protrusion 204 and a rotation-preventing protrusion 205 are provided on the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the base 200. Further, an arcuate fitting groove 206 is formed between the annular rib 202 and the partition wall 203, and an arcuate fitting groove 207 is formed between the partition wall 203 and the rotation preventing projection 205. Is formed. Further, the base 200 is formed with relief portions 209a, 209b, 209c, and 209d so that a Hall IC, which will be described later, can be fitted to the outer peripheral edge thereof.

In the arc-shaped fitting grooves 206 and 207 of the base 200, arc-shaped automatic return fixing magnet 210 and click feeling fixing magnet 211 are respectively fitted and integrated. The fixed magnet 210 for automatic return and the fixed magnet 211 for click feeling are magnetized alternately with N and S poles at an equal pitch after being formed into an arc shape with a magnetic material for injection molding. The automatic return magnet 210 and the click feeling fixed magnet 211 are assembled at a predetermined pitch.

The printed circuit board 220 has a substantially plane C shape and extends the connecting portion 221 outward. In particular, as shown in FIG. 18, the printed circuit board 220 has first, second, third, and fourth Hall ICs 222, 223 at positions corresponding to the relief portions 209a, 209b, 209c, and 209d of the base 200. 224 and 225 are respectively mounted. However, the fourth Hall IC 225 is disposed on the inner side of the first, second, and third Hall ICs 222, 223, and 224 disposed on the same circumference, and on the same circumference as the fitting groove 206 of the base 200. It is the arrangement located in. Further, a fitting slit 226 is formed at a position corresponding to the support protrusion 208 of the base 200.

The printed circuit board 220, the automatic return fixing magnet 210 and the click feeling fixing magnet 211 are covered with a sliding sheet 230. On the other hand, sliding rings 240 and 241 are assembled to the outer peripheral surfaces of the annular rib 202 and the partition wall 203, respectively.

The operation dial receiver 250 has an outer diameter that can be fitted inside the rotation-preventing protrusion 205 and the rotation-preventing protrusion 204 of the base 200, and an operation dial 260 (to be described later) can be fitted to the inner peripheral edge thereof. An annular step 251 is provided. In addition, the operation dial receiver 250 has a mode selection protrusion 252 provided on the outer surface thereof. Further, the operation dial 250 has fitting grooves 253 and 254 in which arc-shaped click feeling and mode selection movable magnets 255 and 256 can be arranged on the same circumference on the lower surface thereof. The click feeling and mode selection movable magnets 255, 256 are formed in an arc shape with a magnetic material for injection molding, and thereafter, N poles and S poles are alternately magnetized at equal pitches.

As shown in FIG. 17, the operation dial 260 has a substantially donut shape that can be assembled to the operation dial receiver 250. A pair of operation projections 264 and 264 are provided on the upper surface of the operation dial 260. An engaging step 262 and a fitting step 263 are provided at the periphery. Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the operation dial 260 has fitting grooves 265 and 265 for fitting automatic return movable magnets 267 and 268 that also function as signal movable magnets in the vicinity of the inner periphery of the lower surface thereof. 266 are formed on the same circumference. Further, the operation dial 260 is provided with a position restricting projection 264a projecting laterally so as to be located immediately below the operation projection 264. The operation dial 260 is rotatably disposed on the operation dial receiver 250 via a ring-shaped sliding sheet 257.

The cylindrical caulking ring 271 has an annular rib 272 extending laterally at an upper opening edge thereof, and a caulking portion that can be caulked by fitting a lower end thereof into the fitting hole 201 of the base 200. 273. For convenience of explanation, in FIGS. 17 and 18, the crimping portion 273 is illustrated in a crimped state.

The donut-shaped cover 274 has an inner diameter that can cover the cylindrical caulking ring 271 and an outer diameter that can be fitted to the fitting step 263 of the operation dial 260.

Next, the assembly process of the aforementioned component parts will be described.
First, the automatic return fixing magnet 210 and the click feeling fixing magnet 211 are fitted and fixed in the fitting grooves 206 and 207 of the base 200, respectively. On the other hand, the fitting slits 226 of the printed circuit board 220 of the base 200 are fitted to the supporting protrusions 208 to be bonded and integrated, so that the relief portions 209a, 209b, 209c, 209d of the base 200 are first and first. The second, third, and fourth Hall ICs 222, 223, 224, and 225 are respectively fitted.

Next, the fitting slits 231 and 232 of the sliding sheet 230 are fitted into the partition wall 203 and the supporting projection 208, respectively, and positioned. Further, the sliding ring 240 is fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the annular rib 202 and the sliding ring 241 is fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the partition wall 203.

The operation dial receiver 250 incorporating the click feeling and mode selection movable magnets 255 and 256 is fitted between the partition wall 203 of the base 200 and the rotation preventing protrusion 205. Then, the operation dial 260 in which the automatic return (signal) movable magnets 267 and 268 are incorporated is fitted into the annular step portion 251 of the operation dial holder 250 via the ring-shaped sliding sheet 257. Next, the sliding ring 270 is positioned on the fitting step 262 of the operation dial 260, and the caulking portion 273 protrudes from the fitting hole 201 of the base 200 with the cylindrical caulking ring 271 fitted in the fitting hole 261. And fix with caulking. As a result, the annular rib 272 of the cylindrical caulking ring 271 is engaged with the fitting step 262 of the operation dial 260, and the operation dial 260 is rotatably prevented from coming off from the base 200. Finally, the doughnut-shaped cover 274 is bonded and integrated to the annular rib 272 of the cylindrical caulking ring 271 to complete the assembly operation.

Thereby, as shown in FIG. 19, the mode selection movable magnets 255 and 256 and the automatic return (signal) movable magnets 267 and 268 are positioned on the same plane. The mode selection movable magnets 255 and 256 are rotatable above the first, second, and third Hall ICs 222, 223, and 224. On the other hand, the automatic return (signal) movable magnets 267 and 268 are rotatable above the fourth Hall IC 225 and the automatic return magnet 210, respectively. Further, the position regulating projections 264 a and 264 a of the operation dial 260 can be brought into contact with the end portions of the partition wall 203 and the support projection 208, respectively.

Next, an operation method when the operation mode selection device having the above-described configuration is assembled in a housing (not shown) of the digital camera will be described. A photographing lens (not shown) is assembled in the fitting hole 261 of the operation dial 260.
First, by rotating the operation dial receiver 250, an operation mode (not shown) displayed around the operation dial receiver 250 in the housing of the digital camera and a mode selection of the operation dial receiver 250 are selected. Align with the projection 252 for use. At that time, a desired click feeling can be obtained by the attractive force and repulsive force between the click feeling fixed magnet 211 and the click feeling and mode selection magnets 255 and 256. Further, the Hall ICs 222, 223, and 224 positioned below the magnetic poles of the click feeling and mode selection magnets 255 and 256 respectively detect the magnetic poles and output predetermined signals via the control circuit. For this reason, a desired operation mode can be selected from a large number of operation modes, as in the above-described embodiment.
In this embodiment, when the operation dial receiver 250 is rotated by a predetermined angle or more, the mode selection projection 252 abuts against the anti-rotation projection 204 or the anti-rotation projection 205, and a failure due to over-rotation. Can be prevented.

Further, the operation dial 260 is rotated until the position restricting projections 264a come into contact with the end portions of the partition wall 203 or the supporting projection 208, respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, when the operation dial 260 is rotated in the direction 1, the N pole of the automatic return magnet 268 is positioned above the Hall IC 225. Therefore, the Hall IC 225 detects the N pole and outputs a signal. On the other hand, when the operation dial 260 is rotated in the direction 2, the south pole of the automatic return magnet 267 is positioned above the Hall IC 225. Therefore, the Hall IC 225 detects the S pole and outputs a signal. For this reason, according to the mode selection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment, a different signal can be output based on a rotation direction. As a result, for example, the lens of the digital camera can be zoomed up or down.

Further, when the operation dial 260 is rotated to a position where the position restricting projection 264a contacts the end of the partition wall 203 or the support projection 208, the automatic return fixed magnet 210 and the automatic return movable magnet 267 or the automatic return. The movable magnet 268 is opposed to the same polarity. For this reason, a return force is generated to return the operation dial 260 to the original state. As a result, when the operator releases his / her hand from the operation dial 260, the operation dial 260 slides on the operation dial receiver 250 via the sliding sheet 257 and returns to the original state.
In the present embodiment, the operation dial 260 can be returned using the magnetic force between the magnets. For this reason, for example, there is an advantage that there is no deterioration due to wear and fatigue, the design is easy, the structure is simple, and a small operation mode selection device can be obtained as compared with the case where the spring force of the elastic spring material is used. .

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the click feeling of the operation dial or the operation dial receiver is obtained by the magnetic force of the magnet has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the click feeling may be obtained by a mechanical structure. For example, an uneven portion provided on the operation dial or the operation dial holder may be engaged with a convex / concave portion provided on the base to obtain a click feeling and be positioned.
Further, the magnetic field detection element is not limited to the Hall IC as long as it can detect a change in magnetic force, and other detection elements may be used.

Of course, the operation mode selection device according to the present invention is not limited to a mobile phone but can be applied to electronic devices such as a digital camera, a video camera, and an audio device.

Claims (7)

1. Operation mode selection that rotatably supports an operation dial in which at least one mode selection magnet having different magnetic poles alternately provided on the same circumference is arranged above a printed circuit board on which a plurality of magnetic pole detection elements are arranged. A device,
   By rotating the operation dial for operation, the magnetic field detecting element detects the magnetic pole of the mode selection magnet while giving the operator a click feeling at every predetermined angle, and the operation dial is rotated. An operation mode selection device that outputs a position.
2. On the operation dial, clickable movable magnets with magnetic poles alternately arranged on the same circumference are arranged, while different magnetic poles with the same pitch are alternately arranged on the same circumference at positions facing the clickable movable magnet. Place the click feeling fixed magnet provided,
   2. The operation mode selection device according to claim 1, wherein a click feeling generated by an attractive force and a repulsive force between the click feeling movable magnet and the click feeling fixed magnet is imparted to the operation dial.
3. 3. The operation mode selection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a mode selection magnet and a click feeling movable magnet are arranged on the same circumference on the operation dial.
4. The operation mode selection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the magnetic pole of the mode selection magnet and the magnetic pole of the click feeling movable magnet have different pitches.
5. 5. The operation mode selection device according to claim 1, wherein all or a part of the click feeling movable magnet is also used as a mode selection magnet.
6. On the operation dial, automatic return movable magnets with magnetic poles alternately arranged on the same circumference are arranged, while different magnetic poles with the same pitch are alternately placed on the same circumference at positions facing the automatic return movable magnets. Place the fixed magnet for automatic return provided,
   6. The operation dial is automatically returned to a position before operation by a return force generated by an attractive force and a repulsive force between the automatic return movable magnet and the automatic return fixed magnet. The operation mode selection device according to any one of the above.
7. An electronic apparatus comprising the operation mode selection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 exposed to a housing so that an operation dial can be operated from the outside.

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