JP2011108062A - Rotational input device and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rotational input device allowing for smooth rotation of a rotating member, when a user starts rotation of the rotating member. <P>SOLUTION: The rotation input device 30 includes: a rotating member 31, which is rotatable through a user operation; an exciting coil 39 for imparting tactile sense to a user, by giving a rotational member 31 a resistance force for resisting force in the rotating direction within a resistance imparting limit, in a range of rotation angle that allows for the rotation of the rotating member 31; and a control unit 42 for controlling the excitation coil 39, so as to avoid giving the rotating member 31 a resistance force that imparts tactile sense, when it is determined that the rotating member 31 is decided as being stationary at a rotation position, corresponding to the resistance imparting limit. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a rotary input device and an electronic device, and more particularly to a rotary input device and an electronic device that give a tactile sensation to a user by applying resistance to a rotating member that is rotated by the user.

  DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART Conventionally, the rotation input apparatus and electronic device which give a user a tactile sensation by giving resistance to the rotating member which a user rotates are known (for example, refer patent document 1).

  In Patent Document 1, when a rotating knob (rotating member) is rotated by a user operation, a resistance force that resists the force in the rotating direction is applied at a predetermined timing to the user operating the rotating knob. 2. Description of the Related Art A rotation input device that gives a sense of force (tactile sensation) is known. Such a rotation input device is configured to detect a rotation angle of the rotation member rotated by a user operation and to apply a resistance force to the rotation member based on the detected rotation angle of the rotation member. .

  Conventionally, a device that locks the rotating member so as not to rotate by applying a resistance force to the rotating member has also been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Patent Document 2 discloses a rotating fluid knob (rotary input device) including a rotating knob (rotating member) and an armature coil (resistance applying unit) that can lock the rotating knob rotated by energization. Has been. In the rotating fluid knob according to Patent Document 2, when the rotating knob is rotated in a predetermined direction, a braking angle is set to lock the rotating knob so as not to rotate in the predetermined direction by energizing the armature coil. . Thereby, when the rotary knob is rotated to the braking angle, the rotation of the rotary knob is locked and the rotary knob is fixed at the braking angle. Here, the rotating fluid knob according to Patent Document 2 is configured to temporarily unlock the rotating knob in order to rotate the rotating knob again in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction from the braking angle.

JP-A-2005-19113 JP 2002-108470 A

  However, in the rotation input device according to Patent Document 1, when the user starts to rotate the rotating member in one direction, a resistance force that resists the rotating direction may be applied to the rotating member in advance. In particular, when the rotating member is stopped at a rotation angle that applies a resistance force to the rotating member, it is considered that a resistance force is always applied to the rotating member. There is a problem that it may be difficult to rotate the rotating member smoothly when starting to rotate. Even when the unlocking method of the rotating fluid knob (rotating input device) according to Patent Document 2 is applied to the rotating input device of Patent Document 1, the rotating fluid knob (rotating) according to Patent Document 2 is applied. Since the input device is configured to lock the rotary knob (rotary member), when the rotary member is locked when the rotary member starts to rotate, the rotary member is locked in a predetermined direction (locked direction). There is a problem that it cannot be rotated by itself.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. One object of the present invention is to enable rotation of a rotating member smoothly when a user starts to rotate the rotating member. An input device and an electronic device are provided.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  A rotation input device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a rotation member that can be rotated by an operation by a user, and a resistance that resists rotational force in the rotation member in a resistance application range in a rotation angle range in which the rotation member can rotate. A resistance applying unit that provides tactile sensation to the user by applying force, and the resistance applying unit provides tactile sensation to the rotating member when it is determined that the rotating member is stopped at a rotational position corresponding to the resistance applying range. A control unit that performs control without applying the resistance force to be applied.

  In the rotation input device according to the first aspect, as described above, when it is determined that the rotating member is stopped at the rotation position corresponding to the resistance applying range, the resistance applying unit provides tactile sensation to the rotating member. When the user applies a rotational force to the rotating member in order to rotate the rotating member in one direction by controlling so as not to apply the resisting resistance force, the rotating member is positioned at a rotational position corresponding to the resistance applying range. Even in this case, since the resistance force against the rotation direction is not applied to the rotating member, the rotating member can be smoothly rotated when the user starts to rotate the rotating member. In addition, when it is determined that the rotating member is stopped at the rotation position corresponding to the resistance applying range, the resistance applying unit controls the rotating member so as not to apply a resistance force that provides tactile sensation. Power consumption can be reduced as much as no resistance is applied to the member.

  The rotation input device according to the first aspect preferably further includes an angle detection unit capable of detecting a rotation position when the rotation member rotates, and the control unit detects the rotation position of the rotation member detected by the angle detection unit. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the rotating member has stopped at a rotating position corresponding to the resistance applying range for a predetermined time or more, and it is determined that the rotating member has stopped at a rotating position corresponding to the resistance applying range for a predetermined time or more. In this case, the resistance applying unit is configured to perform control so as not to apply a resistance force that gives a tactile sensation to the rotating member. If comprised in this way, since resistance force is not provided to a rotating member after predetermined time passes, it can prevent that resistance force continues being provided even if the user is not operating. As a result, there is no energization for imparting resistance, so power consumption can be reduced accordingly.

  In the rotation input device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the controller applies resistance until it determines that the rotating member has rotated after determining that the rotating member has stopped at the rotation position corresponding to the resistance applying range. It is comprised so that control which does not give resistance to a part may be performed. If comprised in this way, since a resistance force is not provided to a rotating member until a user rotates a rotating member, power consumption can be reduced.

  In the rotation input device according to the first aspect, preferably, a resistance non-giving range including a rotation angle range other than the resistance providing range is set together with the resistance applying range, and the control unit corresponds to the resistance applying range. When it is determined that the rotation position is stopped for a predetermined time or more, the resistance application unit applies resistance to the rotation member by switching the resistance application range where the rotation member is stopped to the resistance non-application range. It is configured to perform control. If comprised in this way, a resistance provision part can be easily controlled so that resistance force may not be provided to a rotation member by switching the resistance provision range which the rotation member has stopped to the resistance non-application range.

  In this case, preferably, the control unit determines that the rotating member has rotated when the resistance applying range where the rotating member is stopped is switched to the resistance non-applying range. Is controlled to return to the resistance application range. If comprised in this way, after it begins to rotate, resistance can be provided as originally set.

  In the rotation input device according to the first aspect, preferably, a resistance non-giving range including a resistance giving range and a rotation angle range other than the resistance giving range is set, and the resistance giving range is smaller than the resistance non-giving range. It is comprised so that it may become. If comprised in this way, when the user rotates the rotating member, the resistance applying range passes in a shorter time than the resistance non-applying range, so the resistance force applied to the rotating member when passing through the resistance applying range is reduced. I can feel it clearly. Thereby, a clear tactile sensation can be given to the user.

  The rotary input device according to the first aspect preferably further includes a power supply unit that supplies power to the control unit, and the control unit is located at a position corresponding to the resistance application range when the power supply unit is turned on. Even when the rotating member is located, the resistance applying unit is configured to perform control so as not to apply a resistance force to the rotating member. If constituted in this way, when the rotating member is rotated with the power supply unit turned on at the time of start-up (when the power is turned on), it is possible to reliably prevent the rotating member from being given a resistance force. The rotating member can be smoothly rotated even when the user starts to rotate the rotating member at the time of startup (when the power is turned on).

  In the rotation input device according to the first aspect, preferably, the angle detection unit includes a capacitance type angle detection unit. With this configuration, even when a component that generates magnetic flux such as an electromagnet is disposed in the vicinity of the angle detection unit, the rotation angle of the rotating member is detected by a change in capacitance that is not affected by the magnetic flux. The rotation angle of the rotating member can be accurately detected.

  In the rotation input device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the resistance applying unit includes an excitation coil, and the rotation member is made of a magnetic material and is attracted by electromagnetic force generated by the excitation coil when the excitation coil is energized. By doing so, a resistance force against the force in the rotation direction is applied, and a tactile sensation is provided to the user. If comprised in this way, the resistance force which resists the force of a rotation direction can be easily provided to a rotating member by the rotating member which consists of an exciting coil and a magnetic material.

  An electronic device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a rotating member that can be rotated by an operation by a user, and a resistance force that resists the rotating member in a rotational direction in a resistance application range in a rotation angle range in which the rotating member can rotate. A resistance imparting unit that imparts a tactile sensation to the user, and the resistance imparting unit imparts a tactile sensation to the rotating member when it is determined that the rotating member is stopped at a rotational position corresponding to the resistance applying range. And a control unit that performs control without applying the resisting force.

  In the electronic apparatus according to the second aspect, as described above, when it is determined that the rotating member is stopped at the rotation position corresponding to the resistance applying range, the resistance applying unit provides tactile sensation to the rotating member. When the user applies a rotational force to the rotating member in order to rotate the rotating member in one direction by controlling not to apply the resistance force, the rotating member is positioned at a rotation position corresponding to the resistance applying range. In this case, since the resisting force against the rotation direction is not applied to the rotating member, the rotating member can be smoothly rotated when the user starts to rotate the rotating member. In addition, when it is determined that the rotating member is stopped at the rotation position corresponding to the resistance applying range, the resistance applying unit controls the rotating member so as not to apply a resistance force that provides tactile sensation. Power consumption can be reduced as much as no resistance is applied to the member.

It is a top view for demonstrating the structure of the mobile telephone by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the mobile telephone shown in FIG. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the rotation input apparatus of the mobile telephone shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the structure of the rotation input apparatus of the mobile telephone shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the structure of the rotation input apparatus of the mobile telephone shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the value of the rotation angle which the control part of the rotation input apparatus of the mobile telephone shown in FIG. 1 can acquire. It is a figure for demonstrating the resistance provision range and resistance non-application range of the rotation input device of the mobile telephone shown in FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a control flow of a control unit for an exciting coil when a rotating member is rotated in the rotary input device of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a control flow of a control unit when the rotary input device is turned on in the rotary input device of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the mobile telephone by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the resistance provision range and resistance non-application range of the rotation input device of the mobile telephone by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the control flow of the control part with respect to the exciting coil when the rotation member is rotated in the rotation input device of the mobile telephone by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating when switching the resistance provision range of the rotation input device of the mobile telephone by 2nd Embodiment of this invention to a resistance non-given range.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, with reference to FIGS. 1-7, the structure of the mobile telephone 1 by 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mobile phone 1 controls the mobile phone body 10 (see FIG. 1), the display unit 20, the rotation input device 30, the button input unit 50, and the mobile phone 1. The main control unit 60 (see FIG. 2) and a power supply unit 70 that supplies power to each unit of the mobile phone 1 are configured. The mobile phone 1 is an example of the “electronic device” in the present invention. The display unit 20, the rotary input device 30, the button input unit 50, and the power supply unit 70 are electrically connected to the main control unit 60 as shown in FIG.

  The rotation input device 30 is configured to be able to be rotated and pressed by a user, and is configured to be able to input predetermined parameters in accordance with a user operation. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the rotary input device 30 is provided with a rotary member 31 on which an input operation is performed by a user, and a support that rotatably supports the rotary member 31 provided on the lower side of the rotary member 31. The base 32 is included. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a space is formed between the rotating member 31 and the support base 32, and a plurality of members are arranged in this space. In addition, a pressure-sensitive sensor 34 on which the detection unit 33 is mounted is disposed on the lower side of the support base 32. The support base 32 is an example of the “resistance applying portion” in the present invention.

  The input operation of the rotating member 31 by the user includes a rotating operation for rotating the rotating member 31 and a pressing operation for pressing the rotating member 31 in the axial direction (vertical direction) of the rotating shaft.

  The rotating member 31 is made of a magnetic material containing iron. The rotating member 31 is formed in a disc shape having an opening 31 a in the center, and is provided at a position covering the upper opening of the support base 32. The upper surface of the rotation member 31 constitutes an operation surface on which the user performs input operations such as a rotation operation and a pressing operation. On the upper surface of the rotating member 31, a protrusion 31b that functions as a slip stopper or the like when the user performs an input operation is formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a groove 31c is formed on the lower surface side of the rotating member 31. The groove 31c accommodates and holds a sliding member 37 and a rotor (rotor) 38a, which will be described later.

  The support base 32 is made of a magnetic material containing iron. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the support base 32 includes a disc-shaped bottom plate portion 32a having an opening in the center, a side wall portion 32b protruding upward from an edge portion of the bottom plate portion 32a, and a bottom plate. The cylindrical portion 32c is formed so as to protrude upward from the center on the upper surface side of the portion 32a and has an opening (a male hole formed in the inner surface) communicating with the opening of the bottom plate portion 32a. . As shown in FIG. 4, a groove 32d is formed in the side wall 32b so as to partially cut away the upper portion of the side wall 32b. The side wall 32b is formed with an opening 32e for pulling out a cable portion 39b of an exciting coil 39 to be described later.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a washer 35 is disposed in the opening 31 a of the rotating member 31. A screw 36 serving as a rotating shaft of the rotating member 31 is inserted into the through hole 35 a of the washer 35. The screw 36 is screwed into a female screw formed inside the cylindrical portion 32 c of the support base 32, thereby fixing the washer 35 and the rotating member 31 to the support base 32 so as to be rotatable around the screw 36. It has a function.

  An annular sliding member 37 is attached to the lower surface of the rotating member 31. The outer peripheral portion of the sliding member 37 is configured to have an outer diameter that is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the groove portion 31 c of the rotating member 31. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the sliding member 37 is accommodated in a groove portion 31 c provided on the lower surface of the rotating member 31 so that the center of the sliding member 37 and the center of the rotating member 31 coincide. . The sliding member 37 is fixed to the rotating member 31 and is configured to rotate together with the rotating member 31.

  A rotor (rotor) 38 a of the electrostatic encoder 38 is disposed on the lower surface of the rotating member 31. The electrostatic encoder 38 includes a rotor (rotor) 38a and a stator (stator) 38b that detects the rotational position of the rotor (rotor) 38a when the rotor (rotor) 38a is rotated together with the rotating member 31. The cable portion 38c mainly transmits a detection signal (detection value) detected by the stator (stator) 38b to the outside (control unit 42). The electrostatic encoder 38 is an example of the “angle detector” and the “capacitance angle detector” of the present invention. The rotor (rotor) 38a is made of a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) and has a circular electrode portion 38d therein. The electrode part 38d of the rotor (rotor) 38a is arranged so as to be eccentric with respect to the central part of the rotor (rotor) 38a. Thereby, when the rotor (rotor) 38a rotates, the distance between the electrode part 38d of the rotor (rotor) 38a and four electrode parts 38e (to be described later) of the stator (stator) 38b becomes the rotor (rotor). ) The capacitance is changed according to the rotation angle of 38a. Further, the rotor (rotor) 38 a is accommodated in an inner portion of the inner peripheral portion of the sliding member 37 and is fixed to the lower surface of the rotating member 31. As a result, the rotor (rotor) 38 a is configured to rotate together with the rotating member 31. The configuration of the stator (stator) 38b and the cable portion 38c will be described in detail later.

  In addition, a disc-shaped exciting coil 39 is disposed on the support base 32. The exciting coil 39 is an example of the “resistance applying unit” in the present invention. The exciting coil 39 is mainly configured by a coil portion 39a and a cable portion 39b (see FIG. 4) extending from the coil portion 39a. The exciting coil 39 is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 32a of the support base 32 by a double-sided tape 40 in a state where the center of the coil portion 39a is arranged to coincide with the center of the rotating member 31. Further, since the support base 32 can be magnetized by the magnetic flux generated by the coil part 39a, the rotating member 31 can be attracted to the support base 32 when the coil part 39a is energized. When the rotating member 31 is attracted to the support base 32, the sliding member 37 fixed to the rotating member 31 is pressed against the upper surface of the side wall portion 32 b of the support base 32. It is possible to provide a resistance against resistance. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the cable portion 39 b of the exciting coil 39 is led out to the outside through an opening portion 32 e provided in the side wall portion 32 b of the support base 32, and energization control by the control portion 42 described later. Thus, the coil portion 39a can be energized at a predetermined timing.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a stator (stator) 38 b of the electrostatic encoder 38 is disposed on the top of the exciting coil 39. In addition, the stator (stator) 38b of the electrostatic encoder 38 is arranged above the exciting coil 39 by the double-sided tape 41 in a state where the center of the stator (stator) 38b is aligned with the center of the rotating member 31. It is fixed to. The stator (stator) 38b has a disk shape and is disposed so as to face the rotor (rotor) 38a. The stator (stator) 38b is made of FPC and has four electrode portions 38e therein. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the cable portion 38c is led out to the outside via the groove portion 32d of the support base 32, and the signal detected by the electrode portion 38e of the stator (stator) 38b is transmitted to the outside (control portion). 42) can be transmitted.

  In the first embodiment, the electrostatic encoder 38 is configured to be able to detect the rotation position (rotation angle) of the rotating member 31 with a resolution of 256 (an integer value of 0 to 255). That is, the electrostatic encoder 38 detects rotational positions at intervals of about 1.4 degrees obtained by dividing 360 degrees by 256 when the rotating member 31 (rotor (rotor) 38a) is rotated once (360 degrees). Is possible. The electrostatic encoder 38 is configured to be able to acquire different detection values corresponding to each of 256 stages of rotational positions. Thereby, the electrostatic encoder 38 can detect the rotational position of the rotating member 31 as an absolute rotational angle rather than a relative angular change.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a pressure sensor 34 is disposed below the support base 32. The pressure-sensitive sensor 34 is provided to detect pressure when the user presses the rotating member 31 in the axial direction (downward) of the screw 36. Specifically, the pressure-sensitive sensor 34 mainly includes a pressure-sensitive sensor unit 34a in which the detection unit 33 is disposed, and a cable unit 34b for transmitting a signal detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 34a to the outside. Has been. The pressure-sensitive sensor part 34 a has a disk shape and is attached to the lower part of the bottom plate part 32 a of the support base 32. In addition, four detection units 33 are arranged above the pressure-sensitive sensor unit 34 a, and the four detection units 33 are attached at intervals of about 90 degrees around the rotation center axis of the rotation member 31. As shown in FIG. 4, the cable portion 34 b is provided to supply power to the detection unit 33 and to transmit a signal output from the detection unit 33 to the outside (control unit 42). Moreover, the detection part 33 is arrange | positioned in the position corresponding to the position of the leg part 32f (refer FIG. 5) provided in the lower surface of the support stand 32. FIG.

  Further, the pressure sensor 34, the exciting coil 39, and the stator (stator) 38b of the electrostatic encoder 38 are connected to the control unit 42 of the rotation input device 30 as shown in FIG. Further, a RAM 43 and a ROM 44 are connected to the control unit 42. Unlike the main control unit 60 that controls the mobile phone 1, the control unit 42 mainly controls the rotary input device 30 such as performing control for giving an operational feeling to the user's operation of the rotary input device 30. It has a function to control.

  Specifically, in the first embodiment, the control unit 42 is configured to acquire a detection signal of the rotational position of the rotating member 31 output from the electrostatic encoder 38. The control unit 42 is configured to control energization to the excitation coil 39 to give the user a tactile sensation with respect to the rotation operation based on the acquired rotation angle (rotation position). That is, in the rotation input device 30, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, among the values obtained by dividing the rotation angle of 360 degrees into 256 divisions (0 to 255), “0” (0 degrees), “4” (about 5 .6 degrees), "8" (about 11.2 degrees) ... "248" (about 348.8 degrees), "252" (about 354.4 degrees) corresponding resistance application range, and resistance application range The resistance non-giving range provided so as to correspond to values other than is preset in the program. That is, the resistance application range and the resistance non-application range are set in advance so as to be arranged at a ratio of 1: 3, and the resistance application range is configured to be smaller than the resistance non-application range. The control unit 42 is configured to energize the excitation coil 39 when the rotation angle is acquired and the value (rotation angle) corresponding to the resistance application range is obtained. When the value (rotation angle) corresponding to the range is reached, the excitation coil 39 is not energized.

  In the first embodiment, the control unit 42 is positioned at the rotational position corresponding to the resistance application range even when the rotating member 31 is positioned at the rotational position (rotation angle) corresponding to the resistance application range. When it is located for a predetermined time (about 10 msec) or longer, the excitation coil 39 is not energized. Then, after determining that the rotating member 31 is stopped at the rotation position corresponding to the resistance applying range, the control unit 42 performs control not to apply the resistance force to the exciting coil 39 until it is determined that the rotating member 31 has rotated. Configured to do.

  In addition, the control unit 42 detects a pressing operation of the user in the substantially axial direction (vertical direction) of the rotating member 31 by the detection unit 33 and, based on the detected signal, a tactile sensation (clicking feeling) pressed by the user. It is configured to control energization to the exciting coil 39 to be applied.

  The RAM 43 has a function of temporarily storing a rotation angle output from the electrostatic encoder 38, a counter value of a time measurement counter described later, and the like. The ROM 44 has a function of storing a setting value (10 msec) of a time measurement counter, a control execution program of the control unit 42 of the rotary input device 30, and the like.

  The button input unit 50 includes a power switch 50a. When the power switch 50a is pressed (long-pressed) for a predetermined time (about 3 seconds), the rotary input device 30 or the display unit 20 by the power unit 70 is displayed. Is configured to start (power is turned on) or stop (power is turned off). Further, when the mobile phone 1 is turned on or off, the rotary input device 30 is also turned on or off.

  Next, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 8, the control flow of the control unit 42 when controlling the resistance force against the rotating direction of the rotating member 31 of the rotary input device 30 of the mobile phone 1 according to the first embodiment. Will be described. In the first embodiment, the control flow of the control unit 42 is executed every 1 msec.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8, in step S1, the rotation angle (detected value) detected by the electrostatic encoder 38 is read by the control unit 42 (see FIG. 2). At this time, the obtained rotation angle is temporarily stored in the RAM 43, and the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, it is determined whether or not a counter value of a time measurement counter, which will be described later, is on. The time measurement counter has a function as a timer for measuring the time during which the rotating member 31 is stopped at the same rotation angle (value). If it is determined in step S2 that the counter value of the time measurement counter is not on, the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the time measurement counter is switched on, and the process proceeds to step S4. If it is determined that the counter value of the time measurement counter is on, the process proceeds to step S4.

  Thereafter, in step S4, it is determined whether or not the read rotation angle corresponds to the resistance application range (“0”, “4”, “8”... “248”, “252”). If it is determined in step S4 that the read rotation angle does not correspond to the resistance application range (corresponds to the resistance non-application range), the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the process proceeds to step S6 without energizing the exciting coil 39. Thereafter, in step S6, the counter value of the time measurement counter is cleared, and the control flow of the control unit 42 for the exciting coil 39 when the rotating member 31 is rotated ends. If it is determined in step S4 that the read rotation angle corresponds to the resistance application range, the process proceeds to step S7.

  Thereafter, in step S7, it is determined whether or not the rotation angle read this time is the same as the rotation angle read last time (1 msec before). Specifically, among the values (rotation angles) obtained by dividing the rotation angle 360 degrees readable by the electrostatic encoder 38 into 256 divisions (0 to 255), the value read this time is the same as the value read last time. It is determined whether or not the predetermined value corresponding to the resistance application range remains. If it is determined in step S7 that the rotation angle read this time is not the same as the rotation angle read last time, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the exciting coil 39 is energized, and the process proceeds to step S9. Thereafter, in step S9, the counter value of the time measurement counter is cleared, and the control flow of the control unit 42 for the exciting coil 39 when the rotating member 31 is rotated ends. If it is determined in step S7 that the rotation angle read this time is the same as the rotation angle read last time, the process proceeds to step S10.

  Thereafter, in step S10, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the time measurement counter has exceeded a set value (10 msec) (whether it is 10 msec or more or 9 msec or less). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the time measurement counter exceeds the set value (10 msec) by comparing the set value (10 msec) stored in the ROM 44 with the counter value. When it is determined in step S10 that the counter value of the time measurement counter does not exceed the set value, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, after a predetermined value (1 msec) is added to the counter value of the time measurement counter, the control flow of the control unit 42 for the excitation coil 39 when the rotating member 31 is rotated ends.

  If it is determined in step S10 that the counter value of the time measurement counter has exceeded the set value (10 msec), the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the process proceeds to step S13 without energizing the exciting coil 39. Thereafter, in step S13, the time measurement counter is switched to the OFF state, and the control flow of the control unit 42 for the excitation coil 39 when the rotating member 31 is rotated ends. In the first embodiment, when the rotating member 31 has not been rotated for 10 msec or longer as described above, the energization of the exciting coil 39 for applying a resistance force to the rotating member 31 is not performed. As a result, when the user tries to rotate the rotating member 31, no resistance force is applied to the rotating member 31.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9, the control flow of the control unit 42 when the rotary input device 30 of the mobile phone 1 according to the first embodiment is turned on will be described.

  First, when the user presses (holds) the power switch 50a of the button input unit 50 for a predetermined time (about 3 seconds), the mobile phone 1 is switched to the power-on state. Accordingly, power is supplied from the power supply unit 70 to each unit (such as the rotary input device 30) of the mobile phone 1. Thereby, the power supply of the rotation input device 30 is turned on, and the rotation angle (detection value) detected by the electrostatic encoder 38 is read by the control unit 42 (see FIG. 2) in step S21 shown in FIG. Further, the rotation angle (detected value) detected by the electrostatic encoder 38 is acquired by the control unit 42.

  Thereafter, in step S22, control for not energizing the exciting coil 39 is performed. That is, the excitation coil 39 is not energized not only when the rotation position (rotation angle) of the rotating member 31 is in the resistance application range but also in the resistance application range. Control. As a result, it is possible to prevent a resistance force against the direction in which the rotation member 31 rotates from being applied when the rotation input device 30 is activated (when the rotation input device 30 is powered on).

  In step S23, the time measurement counter is switched to the on state, and the control flow of the control unit 42 when the rotary input device 30 of the mobile phone 1 is turned on ends. In addition, after this control flow is complete | finished, the control flow (refer FIG. 8) of the control part 42 at the time of controlling the resistance force resisting the direction which the rotation member 31 of the rotation input device 30 rotates is performed.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, when the rotation member 31 is determined to be stopped at the rotation position corresponding to the resistance application range, the resistance force that the excitation coil 39 provides tactile sensation to the rotation member 31. When the user gives a rotational force to the rotating member 31 in order to rotate the rotating member 31 in one direction by controlling so that the rotating member 31 is not applied, the rotating member 31 is positioned at the rotational position corresponding to the resistance applying range. Even in this case, since the resistance force against the rotation direction is not applied to the rotation member 31, the rotation member 31 can be smoothly rotated when the user starts to rotate the rotation member 31. Further, when it is determined that the rotating member 31 is stopped at the rotation position corresponding to the resistance applying range, the exciting coil 39 is controlled so as not to apply a resistance force that gives a tactile sensation to the rotating member 31. The power consumption can be reduced as much as no resistance is applied to the rotating member 31.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the rotation member 31 is rotated after a predetermined time has elapsed by determining whether or not the rotation member 31 has stopped at the rotation position corresponding to the resistance application range for a predetermined time (10 msec) or more. Since no resistance force is applied to the member 31, power consumption can be reduced by the amount of no resistance force applied to the rotating member 31.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 42 is configured to perform control so that the exciting coil 39 is not imparted with resistance until it is determined that the rotating member 31 has rotated. Since no resistance force is applied to the rotating member 31 until the member 31 is rotated, power consumption can be reduced.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the resistance application range is configured to be smaller than the resistance non-application range, so that when the user rotates the rotating member, the resistance application range is more resistant to resistance. Since it passes in a time shorter than the application range, the resistance force applied to the rotating member 31 when passing through the resistance application range can be clearly felt. Thereby, a clear tactile sensation can be given to the user.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, when the power switch 50a is turned on, the control unit 42 is also in the case where the rotating member 31 is located at a position corresponding to the resistance application range. When the excitation coil 39 is configured to perform control so that no resistance force is applied to the rotating member 31, when the rotating member 31 is rotated while the power supply unit 70 is turned on at the time of startup (when the power is turned on), Since it is possible to reliably prevent the rotation member 31 from being applied with resistance, the rotation member 31 can be smoothly rotated even when the user starts to rotate the rotation member 31 during startup (when the power is turned on). Can do.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 10 to FIG. 12, a rotation input device 130 of the mobile phone 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, when it is determined that the rotating member 31 has stopped for a predetermined time (10 msec) or more at the rotation position corresponding to the resistance application range, the rotating member 31 stops. A description will be given of an example in which the exciting coil 39 performs control so as not to apply a resistance force to the rotating member 31 by switching the resistance applying range to the resistance non-application range.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the control unit 142 of the rotary input device 130 of the mobile phone 100 according to the second embodiment determines that the rotary member 31 has been stopped for a predetermined time (10 msec) or longer, the rotary member 31 is It is configured to switch the stopped resistance application range to the resistance non-application range.

  Further, in the rotation input device 130 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, “0” and “1” (0 to about 2....) Among the values obtained by dividing the rotation angle of 360 degrees into 256 (0 to 255). 8 degrees), "8" and "9" (about 11.3 to about 14 degrees), ... "248" and "249" (about 348.8 to about 351.6 degrees) corresponding resistance application range And a resistance non-application range provided to correspond to values other than the resistance application range are set in the program in advance. That is, in the second embodiment, a range corresponding to two consecutive values out of values obtained by dividing the rotation angle of 360 degrees into 256 divisions (0 to 255) and a range corresponding to the subsequent six values are: Each of them is preset in advance so as to alternately become a resistance application range and a resistance non-application range. Further, unlike the resistance application range of the first embodiment, the resistance application range is set over a plurality of values among the values obtained by dividing the rotation angle of 360 degrees into 256 (0 to 255). Since the other configuration of the mobile phone 100 is the same as the configuration of the mobile phone 1 according to the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, a control flow of the control unit 142 when controlling the resistance force resisting the direction in which the rotating member 31 of the rotary input device according to the second embodiment rotates will be described. Steps S1 to S6 are the same as those in the first embodiment (see FIG. 8), and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in step S7, it is determined whether or not the rotation angle read this time is the same as the rotation angle read last time. Specifically, among the values (rotation angles) obtained by dividing the rotation angle 360 degrees readable by the electrostatic encoder 38 into 256 divisions (0 to 255), the value read this time is the same as the value read last time. It is determined whether or not the predetermined value corresponding to the resistance application range remains. If it is determined in step S7 that the rotation angle read this time is not the same as the rotation angle read last time, the process proceeds to step S31.

  Thereafter, in the second embodiment, in step S31, it is determined whether or not the range changing flag is on. Here, the range changing flag is a resistance application range in which the rotating member 31 is stopped when it is determined that the rotating member 31 has stopped for a predetermined time (10 msec) or more at the rotation position corresponding to the resistance applying range. When the range changing flag is in the ON state, the resistance application range is switched to the resistance non-application range. Further, when the range changing flag is in the OFF state, the resistance application range is not switched to the resistance non-application range and remains in the resistance application range. If it is determined in step S31 that the range changing flag is on, the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the change of the resistance applying range during the range change to the resistance non-applying range is canceled, the range changing flag is switched from the on state to the off state, and the state of the range changing flag ( After the OFF state is stored, the process proceeds to step S33. If it is determined in step S31 that the range changing flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S33.

  Thereafter, in step S33, the exciting coil 39 is energized, and the process proceeds to step S34. Thereafter, in step S34, the counter value of the time measurement counter is cleared, and the control flow of the control unit 142 for the exciting coil 39 when the rotating member 31 is rotated ends. If it is determined in step S7 that the rotation angle read this time is the same as the rotation angle read last time, the process proceeds to step S35.

  Thereafter, in step S35, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the time measurement counter has exceeded a set value (10 msec). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the counter value of the time measurement counter exceeds the set value (10 msec) by comparing the set value (10 msec) stored in the ROM 44 with the counter value. When it is determined in step S35 that the counter value of the time measurement counter does not exceed the set value, the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, after a predetermined value (1 msec) is added to the counter value of the time measurement counter, the control flow of the control unit 142 for the excitation coil 39 when the rotating member 31 is rotated ends.

  If it is determined in step S35 that the counter value of the time measurement counter has exceeded the set value (10 msec), the process proceeds to step S37. In step S37, the process proceeds to step S38 without energizing the exciting coil 39. Thereafter, in step S38, the current resistance application range is switched to the resistance non-application range, and the range changing flag is changed to the ON state. For example, when the rotating member 31 is stopped for 10 msec or more in the resistance application range of “0” and “1”, “0” and “1” that are the resistance application range in FIG. 11 are shown in FIG. Thus, it is switched to the resistance non-application range.

  Thereafter, in step S39, the time measurement counter is switched to the OFF state, and the control flow of the control unit 142 for the excitation coil 39 when the rotating member 31 is rotated ends.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, when the control unit 42 determines that the rotating member 31 has stopped for a predetermined time (10 msec) or more at the rotation position corresponding to the resistance application range, the rotating member 31 stops. The resistance at which the rotating member 31 is stopped by switching the resistance applying range to the resistance non-applying range so that the exciting coil 39 performs control so as not to apply the resistance force to the rotating member 31. By switching the application range to the resistance non-application range, the excitation coil 39 can be easily controlled so that no resistance force is applied to the rotating member 31.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, when it is determined that the rotation member 31 has rotated when the resistance application range where the rotation member 31 is stopped is switched to the resistance non-application range, By performing control to return the resistance non-application range to the resistance application range, after starting to rotate, the resistance can be applied as originally set.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, in the case where the resistance application range is provided over a value obtained by dividing 360 degrees of a plurality of rotation angles into 256 divisions (0 to 255), within the resistance application range. Even when the rotation angle (the value obtained by dividing the rotation angle of 360 degrees into 256 divisions (0 to 255)) is changed, the resistance application range is changed to the resistance non-application range, so the resistance application range is changed. When the rotation angle (a value obtained by dividing the rotation angle of 360 degrees into 256 divisions (0 to 255)) is changed within the resistance application range, no resistance force is applied to the rotating member 31.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the first and second embodiments, the example in which the present invention is applied to the mobile phone as an example of the electronic apparatus of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as it is an electronic device, it may be applied to other electronic devices other than a mobile phone such as a portable music player, a remote controller, and a car navigation device.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the rotary input device of the present invention is applied to a mobile phone that is an electronic device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The rotation input device of the present invention may be applied to devices other than electronic devices.

  In the first and second embodiments, one of the values (rotation angles) obtained by dividing the rotation angle of 360 degrees into 256 divisions (0 to 255) is set as the resistance application range, and the resistance is applied to the three portions. Although an example in which the resistance application range and the resistance non-application range are arranged at a ratio of 1: 3 by setting the non-application range is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. By setting a plurality of the rotation angle of 360 degrees (0 to 255) (rotation angle) as the resistance application range and setting the resistance application range three times as the resistance non-application range, The resistance application range and the resistance non-application range may be arranged in a ratio of 1: 3.

  In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the resistance application range and the resistance non-application range are set by dividing the rotation angle of 360 degrees into 256 (0 to 255) is shown. Not limited to. For example, 360 degrees of the rotation angle may be divided into 512 (0 to 511), and 360 degrees may be divided by a value larger than 256 divisions or may be divided by a value smaller than 256 divisions.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the example in which the rotation angle (detection value) when the rotation member rotates is acquired by the electrostatic encoder is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rotation angle (detection value) may be acquired by a detection device other than the electrostatic encoder, such as an optical encoder that can detect the rotation angle (detection value) when the rotation member rotates.

  In the first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which the energizing coil is not energized when the rotating member stops for 10 msec or more in the resistance application range, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a time other than 10 msec is applied as a time during which the exciting coil is not energized, such as when the energizing coil is not energized when the rotating member stops for 5 msec or more or 20 msec or more within the resistance application range. Also good.

  Moreover, in the said 2nd Embodiment, when a rotation member is located in a resistance provision range for a predetermined time or more, it shows about the example which does not energize an exciting coil by switching only the resistance provision range which has stopped to the resistance non-given range. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the rotating member is positioned in the resistance application range for a predetermined time or more, control may be performed to replace all of the resistance application range and the resistance non-application range.

1 Mobile phone (electronic equipment)
30 Rotation input device 31 Rotating member 32 Support base (resistance applying part)
38 Electrostatic encoder (angle detector, capacitance angle detector)
39 Excitation coil (resistance application part)
42 Control unit 70 Power supply unit

Claims (10)

A rotating member that can be rotated by a user operation;
A resistance imparting unit that imparts a tactile sensation to the user by imparting a resistance force against a force in a rotational direction to the rotating member in a resistance imparting range of a rotation angle range in which the rotating member can rotate;
A control unit that performs control so that the resistance applying unit does not apply a resistance force that provides the tactile sensation to the rotating member when it is determined that the rotating member is stopped at a rotational position corresponding to the resistance applying range. A rotation input device. An angle detection unit capable of detecting a rotation position when the rotation member rotates;
The control unit determines whether or not the rotating member is stopped at a rotating position corresponding to the resistance application range for a predetermined time or more based on the rotating position of the rotating member detected by the angle detecting unit; Control in which the resistance applying unit does not apply a resistance force that gives the tactile sensation to the rotating member when it is determined that the rotating member has stopped at the rotational position corresponding to the resistance applying range for the predetermined time or more. The rotation input device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation input device is configured to perform the following operations.   After the control unit determines that the rotating member is stopped at a rotation position corresponding to the resistance applying range, the control unit does not apply the resistance force to the resistance applying unit until it determines that the rotating member has rotated. The rotation input device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation input device is configured to perform the following. A resistance non-giving range consisting of a rotation angle range other than the resistance giving range is set together with the resistance giving range,
When the control unit determines that the rotation member has stopped at a rotation position corresponding to the resistance application range for a predetermined time or more, the control unit determines the resistance application range in which the rotation member is stopped as the resistance non-application range. The rotation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the resistance applying unit is configured to perform control so as not to apply the resistance force to the rotating member by switching to.   When the control unit determines that the rotation member has rotated when the resistance application range where the rotation member is stopped is switched to the resistance non-application range, the resistance non-application range is set. The rotation input device according to claim 4, wherein the rotation input device is configured to perform control to return to the resistance application range. A resistance non-giving range consisting of a rotation angle range other than the resistance giving range is set together with the resistance giving range,
The rotation input device according to claim 1, wherein the resistance application range is configured to be smaller than the resistance non-application range. A power supply unit for supplying power to the control unit;
The control unit is configured such that when the power supply unit is turned on, the resistance applying unit is configured to move the resistance applying unit with respect to the rotating member even when the rotating member is located at a position corresponding to the resistance applying range. The rotation input device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation input device is configured to perform control without applying a resistance force.   The rotation input device according to claim 1, wherein the angle detection unit includes a capacitance type angle detection unit. The resistance applying unit includes an exciting coil,
The rotating member is made of a magnetic material, and when energized to the exciting coil, the rotating member is attracted by an electromagnetic force generated by the exciting coil, so that a resistance force that resists the force in the rotation direction is applied, and the user feels tactile The rotation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rotation input device is configured to be given. A rotating member that can be rotated by a user operation;
A resistance imparting unit that imparts a tactile sensation to the user by imparting a resistance force against a force in a rotational direction to the rotating member in a resistance imparting range of a rotation angle range in which the rotating member can rotate;
A control unit that performs control so that the resistance applying unit does not apply a resistance force that provides the tactile sensation to the rotating member when it is determined that the rotating member is stopped at a rotational position corresponding to the resistance applying range. And an electronic device.

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