JP4996548B2 - Multi-directional operation switch device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to, for example, a multi-directional operation switch device that can be used to perform a scroll operation of screen display contents in a car navigation device and can displace an operation knob in an axis orthogonal direction.

  Conventionally, in order to perform a scroll operation of the screen display contents of the car navigation device, the operation direction of the operation knob is detected based on the ON / OFF states of the four direction detection switches arranged in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the operation knob, A multidirectional operation switch device in which the screen display is scrolled in accordance with the operation direction is known from, for example, Patent Document 1.

  In this conventional multidirectional operation switch device, direction detection switches are provided at four positions every 90 degrees (for example, up, down, left, and right) at equal intervals in the circumferential direction in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the shaft-shaped operation knob.

Then, if the direction detection switch is turned on alone based on the turned-on state of the direction detection switch, the direction corresponding to the direction detection switch is determined as the operation direction, and the two direction detection switches are turned on. If so, the intermediate position between these two direction detection switches is determined as the operation direction.
JP 2008-041531 A

However, in the conventional multi-directional operation switch device, when the operation knob is tilted toward the intermediate position between the two direction detection switches, the following problems have occurred.
That is, there are variations in the installation position of the direction detection switch, and the operation direction of the user's operation knob is rarely operated accurately to the intermediate position between the two detection switches from the initial operation. For this reason, when two direction detection switches are turned on, it is rare that they are turned on simultaneously. First, one of the two direction detection switches is turned on, and the other direction detection switch is delayed. Is turned on.

In such a case, the operation direction determination device first determines that the operation is performed in the direction indicated by the ON of one direction detection switch, and then determines that the operation is performed at an intermediate position indicated by the ON of the two direction detection switches. To do.
Therefore, when scrolling is executed based on the determination of the operation direction, the user feels that scrolling has been performed in a direction different from the operation intention, and the user may feel uncomfortable.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the conventional problems as described above, and an object thereof is to provide a multidirectional operation switch device capable of preventing a direction determination different from a user's operation intention. To do.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, in the present invention, an operation knob that extends along an axis orthogonal to the substrate and is supported by the substrate so as to be displaceable in a biaxial plane direction orthogonal to the axis, A direction detection switch that is installed at a plurality of locations and is arranged to switch between ON and OFF according to the displacement direction of the operation knob, and the operation knob is displaced in the middle direction between the direction detection switches adjacent in the circumferential direction. A displacement sensor provided to detect that the operation knob has been displaced by a set displacement amount equal to or greater than a displacement amount at which both of the adjacent direction detection switches are switched ON and OFF, and the displacement sensor A direction determination device that determines an operation direction of the operation knob based on an ON / OFF state of the direction detection switch at the time when the displacement of the operation knob of the set displacement amount is detected. It was a multi-directional operation switch device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the multidirectional operation switch device according to the first aspect, the displacement sensor is separated in a neutral position of the operation knob with a contact point facing each other, and the displacement detection state of the operation knob Thus, the multi-directional operation switch device is characterized in that it has a switch structure in which the contact points facing each other come into contact with each other and the displacement of the operation knob is further restricted.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the multidirectional operation switch device according to the first or second aspect, the operation knob is provided with a dial switch that is rotatable about the axis, The multi-directional operation switch device is provided with a cancel control device for canceling a signal from the dial switch when detecting a displacement in the direction perpendicular to the axis.

In the multidirectional operation switch device of the present invention, when the operation knob is operated, the displacement sensor detects the displacement of the operation knob when the operation knob is displaced by the set displacement amount, and the direction determination device turns on the direction detection switch. , Operation direction determination based on the OFF state is performed.
Therefore, when the operation direction of the operation knob is operated to an intermediate position between two direction detection switches adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, the displacement by the displacement sensor is surely switched after both the two direction detection switches are switched on and off. Detection is performed, and an operation direction determination based on the ON / OFF state of the direction detection switch is performed.
Accordingly, unlike the conventional case, when the operation is performed in the intermediate position direction, processing corresponding to the fact that only one of the two direction detection switches is turned on is not performed, and the direction determination different from the operation intention of the user is not performed. Can be prevented.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the state in which the displacement of the operation knob is detected by the displacement sensor, the opposing contacts of the displacement sensor abut, and further displacement of the operation knob is restricted. And direction determination of a direction determination apparatus is performed at the contact timing of this displacement sensor.
Therefore, the timing at which the direction determining device performs the direction determination and the timing at which the operation knob displacement is restricted to obtain the feeling of operation moderation can be prevented, thereby preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable with the operation.
In the invention according to claim 3, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, when the operation knob is displaced in the direction orthogonal to the axis, the dial switch may be rotated against the user's intention.
In the present invention, when the dial switch rotates, the cancel control device cancels the signal from the dial switch, thereby preventing the control based on the dial switch signal contrary to the passenger's intention from being executed. Is possible.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The multidirectional operation switch device of this embodiment extends along an axis (Z) orthogonal to the substrate (20), and is displaceable in a biaxial plane direction orthogonal to the axis (Z). And a direction detection switch that is installed at a plurality of locations surrounding the shaft (Z) and is switched so as to be switched on and off according to the displacement direction of the operation knob (10). (2a-2d) and the operation knob (10) are displaced in the middle direction of the direction detection switches (2a-2d) adjacent in the circumferential direction, the adjacent direction detection switches (2a-2d) And a displacement sensor (110) provided to detect that the operation knob (10) has been displaced by a set displacement amount that is greater than or equal to a displacement amount at which ON and OFF are switched. The amount of displacement A direction determination device (100) for determining an operation direction of the operation knob (10) based on ON / OFF states of the direction detection switches (2a to 2d) at the time when the displacement of the knob (10) is detected; A multidirectional operation switch device provided.

  Below, based on FIGS. 1-9, the multidirectional operation switch apparatus of Example 1 of the best embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the multidirectional operation switch device A according to the first embodiment. The multidirectional operation switch device A is used for an input operation of a car navigation device.
The multidirectional operation switch device A performs determination of the operation direction of the operation knob 10 and processing according to the determination based on the switch body 1 having the operation knob 10 and a signal sent from the switch body 1. And a control device (direction determination device) 100.

  The operation knob 10 is configured to be capable of rotating around the axis Z, pressing in the axis Z direction, and sliding in a plane perpendicular to the axis Z (hereinafter referred to as the XY plane). Yes. In the case of the first embodiment, the slide in the XY plane direction, as shown in FIG. 4, is an upward direction a, a downward direction b, a left direction c, a right direction d, an upper right direction e, an upper left direction f, and a lower right direction. It is possible to slide in a total of 8 directions, g and lower left direction h.

Hereinafter, a structure for supporting the operation knob 10 so as to be displaceable in eight directions on the XY plane will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 5, the switch body 1 includes a first substrate 20, a mechanism unit 30, and an operation knob 10.

First, the first substrate 20 will be described.
The first substrate 20 is formed in a substantially octagonal plate shape with resin or the like, and four direction detection switches 2a to 2d are provided on the upper surface thereof in the circumferential direction around the axis Z.
As shown in FIG. 4, these four direction detection switches 2a to 2d are arranged at equal intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction around the axis Z. In the figure, the upper direction a, the lower direction b, and the left It is arranged at four locations in the direction c and the right direction d.
As for these direction detection switches 2a-2d, as shown in FIG. 1, the contact 2p is protruded toward the internal diameter direction which is an axis Z direction. And each direction detection switch 2a-2d is OFF in the state in which the contact 2p protrudes, On the other hand, if the contact 2p is pushed in, it will have a structure switched to ON.

Next, the mechanism unit 30 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the mechanism unit 30 includes a base 31, a slide member 32, a moderation feeling imparting mechanism 330, a pad 35, a damper 36, a base cover 37, and a second substrate 38. .

  The base 31 is fixed to the upper surface of the first substrate 20 with a plurality of screws 22. The base 31 is formed in a cap shape having an outer diameter capable of covering the outer circumference in the radial direction of the four direction detection switches 2a to 2d. The base 31 is provided on the outer circumference of the disc-shaped support plate 315 and the support plate 315. And a cylindrical flange 314 having a cylindrical shape.

Further, the support plate 315 is provided with a cylindrical portion 311 penetrating through the central portion thereof, and four elongated holes 312 are opened on the same circumference in the circumferential direction. Each elongated hole 312 is a position overlapping each direction detection switch 2a to 2d in the axis Z direction, and the contact 2p of each direction detection switch 2a to 2d is opened to a position exposed in the axis Z direction. (See FIG. 1).
Furthermore, two slide grooves are formed on the end surface of the support plate 315 in the axis Z direction (hereinafter referred to as the front side in the axis Z direction and the upper side in FIG. 5 is referred to as the front surface and the end surface in the opposite direction is referred to as the rear surface). Reference numeral 313 denotes a direction orthogonal to the axis Z. In the first embodiment, the reference numeral 313 extends in the c and d directions (this is referred to as the Y direction), and is arranged symmetrically about the axis Z.

  Further, an outer peripheral contact 111 constituting a displacement detection switch (displacement sensor) 110 described later is provided on the inner periphery of the cylindrical flange 314.

Next, the slide member 32 will be described.
The slide member 32 is formed in a substantially cross-shaped thin plate shape. An insertion hole 321 is provided in the central portion of the slide member 32, and two slide grooves 322 are formed on the front surface of the slide member 32. The two slide grooves 322 are formed in a concave groove shape, and extend in the a and b directions (this is the X direction) with the axis Z as the center.

  Although not shown in detail, a protrusion is formed on the rear surface of the slide member 32, and this protrusion is slidably inserted into a slide groove 313 formed in the base 31. Thus, the slide member 32 is supported so as to be slidable in the Y direction (a and b directions) with respect to the base 31.

Next, the pad 35 will be described.
The pad 35 is formed in a substantially disk shape. Further, a pin receiving portion 351 is provided at the center portion of the pad 35. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pin receiving portion 351 has a center portion of the pad 35 protruding forward in a substantially V-shaped cross section, so that a concave recess 351 a is formed on the rear surface of the pad 35. ing.

  Further, an inner cylinder part 352 for fitting is formed on the outer periphery of the pin receiving part 351, and the inner cylinder part 352 for fitting is fitted tightly to the inner circumference of the damper 36 coupled to the rear surface of the second substrate 38. Has been. As a result, the pad 35 is integrally coupled to the second substrate 38. The damper 36 prevents vibration from being transmitted to the pad 35 via the second substrate 38 in accordance with each operation of the operation knob 10.

  Furthermore, a slide rail (not shown) having a convex cross section is formed on the lower surface of the pad 35 so as to be slidable in the Y direction along the slide groove 322 of the slide member 32 shown in FIG. Thus, the pad 35 is coupled to the slide member 32 so as to be slidable in the Y direction.

  That is, the pad 35 is supported so as to be slidable in the Y direction with respect to the slide member 32, and is supported so as to be slidable in the X direction together with the slide member 32 with respect to the base 31. The substrate 20 and the base 31 are supported so as to be slidable in the X and Y directions on the XY plane.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a square or circular cylindrical switch pressing cylinder 354 is formed on the rear surface of the pad 35. The switch pressing cylinder 354 is disposed close to the inner diameter direction of the contact 2p of each direction detection switch 2a to 2d.

  Further, an outer peripheral flange 355 projects rearward from the outer periphery of the pad 35. The outer peripheral flange 355 is opposed to the inner periphery of the cylindrical flange 314 of the base 31 through a gap in the outer diameter direction, and the inner peripheral contact 112 is opposed to the outer peripheral contact 111 provided on the cylindrical flange 314 described above. Is provided.

The inner peripheral contact 112 and the outer peripheral contact 111 constitute a displacement detection switch (displacement sensor) 110. When an operation knob 10 described later is slid in the XY plane direction, the slide amount becomes a set amount. If it exceeds, both circumferential contacts 111 and 112 come into contact with each other, and it is detected that the operation knob 10 is displaced by a preset slide amount.
This preset slide amount is the amount by which the direction detection switches 2a to 2d arranged in the slide direction are switched from OFF to ON when they are slid in the directions a, b, c, and d in FIG. When the operation knob 10 is slid, two of the direction detection switches 2a to 2d are surely turned from OFF to ON when the control knob 10 is slid in the directions e, f, g, and h in FIG. The slide amount is set to be switched.

Next, the moderation feeling imparting mechanism 330 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the moderation imparting mechanism 330 includes a spring 33, a center pin 34, and a pin receiving portion 351.
The spring 33 is a coil spring that can be expanded and contracted in the axis Z direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the center pin 34 is supported so as to be slidable in the axis Z direction with respect to the cylindrical portion 311 of the base 31 with its rear end portion being fitted inside the spring 33. The front end portion is in pressure contact with the concave portion 351 a of the pin receiving portion 351.
Therefore, when the pad 35 is slid in the XY plane direction, the recess 351a with respect to the center pin 34 is displaced in the direction perpendicular to the axis Z, and the center pin 34 is retracted while shortening the spring 33. Therefore, the greater the amount of displacement of the pad 35 in the direction perpendicular to the axis Z, the greater the pressing force of the center pin 34 against the recess 351a, and a sense of moderation with respect to the displacement of the operation knob 10 is obtained.

Next, the base cover 37 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the base cover 37 is formed in a circular cap shape and covers the front surface of the pad 35 and is coupled to the base 31. In addition, an opening 371 is provided in the center portion of the base cover 37, and a damper 36 coupled to the second substrate 38 is inserted therethrough.

Next, the second substrate 38 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the second substrate 38 includes a substrate body 381, a dial switch 382, and a pressing switch 383.
As described above, the substrate body 381 is coupled to the pad 35 and is connected to the circuit portion of the first substrate 20 by the cable 384.

The dial switch 382 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and an inner cylinder part 382a fixed to the board body 381 with screws 380, and a dial supported on the outer periphery of the inner cylinder part 382a so as to be rotatable around an axis Z. And a guide portion 422.
The pressing switch 383 is disposed inside the inner cylinder portion 382 a of the dial switch 382 and is supported by the substrate body 381.

Next, the operation knob 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the operation knob 10 includes a pressing operation unit 41 and a dial 42.
The pressing operation unit 41 includes a push button 411 and a button guide unit 412. The button guide portion 412 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is supported on the inner side of the inner cylinder portion 382a of the dial switch 382 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction, as shown in FIG. Inside the button guide portion 412, a pressing portion 412 a that is in contact with the upper surface of the pressing switch 383 and can press the pressing switch 383 in the axis Z direction is integrally formed.
The push button 411 is attached to the button guide portion 412 so as to close the opening on the front surface of the button guide portion 412.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the dial 42 includes a grip portion 421 and a dial guide portion 422. The dial guide part 422 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is mounted on the outer periphery of the inner cylinder part 382a of the dial switch 382 so as to be relatively rotatable as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the grip portion 421 is formed in a ring shape and is coupled to the front end portion of the dial guide portion 422. The pressing operation unit 41 described above is provided on the inner periphery of the grip portion 421 so as to be relatively movable in the axis Z direction.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the direction detection switches 2 a to 2 d, the dial switch 382, and the pressing switch 383 described above are connected to the control circuit 100 provided on the first substrate 20. The control circuit 100 and a car navigation device (not shown) are connected via the communication means 200. The first substrate 20 is provided with a buzzer 201 that emits a sound according to an operation and an indicator 202 for illumination.

The case where the multidirectional operation switch device A configured as described above is used for an input operation of a car navigation device (not shown) will be described.
When selecting an arbitrary menu from a plurality of menus displayed on the operation screen of the car navigation device (not shown), the occupant rotates the grip portion 421 in the left or right direction around the axis Z. Do. As a result, the dial switch 382 is rotated and a signal corresponding to the rotation operation amount is output from the dial switch 382. The control circuit 100 outputs a signal indicating the rotational operation amount to the car navigation device, and the cursor is moved in accordance with the rotational operation amount on the screen.

  Therefore, the occupant can stop the rotation operation and place the cursor at an arbitrary menu position on the screen when the cursor reaches the desired arbitrary menu position on the screen.

Next, the occupant presses the push button 411 backward in the axis Z direction when selecting the menu where the cursor is arranged. As a result, the button guide portion 412 is pushed in, the push portion 412a pushes the push switch 383, and an ON signal is output. Therefore, based on the output from the control circuit 100, the car navigation device executes a process for determining the menu at the cursor position.
When the occupant releases the push button 411, the push button 411 returns to the original position.

  Next, when the map is displayed on the screen of the car navigation device, the occupant can scroll the screen by operating the operation knob 10 in the eight directions (arrow a to arrow h) shown in FIG. It can be slid in either direction and scrolled in that direction.

Hereinafter, an operation when the operation knob 10 is slid in each direction will be described.
First, when the operation knob 10 is disposed at the neutral position shown in FIG. 1, the operation knob 10 and the pad 35 are disposed on the axis Z.
At this time, the switch pressing cylinder 354 of the pad 35 is separated from the contact 2p of each direction detection switch 2a to 2d, and each direction detection switch 2a to 2d is in an OFF state.

Next, a case where the operation knob 10 is slid in the upward direction a from the neutral position will be described. In this case, the pad 35 that slides integrally with the operation knob 10 slides along the slide groove 322 of the slide member 32 and slides in the upward direction a with respect to the first substrate 20 and the base 31.
Along with this, the switch pressing cylinder 354 of the pad 35 pushes the contact 2p of the direction detection switch 2a installed in the upward direction a.

  Accordingly, in this case, only the direction detection switch 2a in the upward direction a of the four direction detection switches 2a to 2d is turned on.

  Further, when the sliding amount of the operation knob 10 reaches the maximum stroke amount, the outer peripheral flange 355 of the pad 35 abuts against the cylindrical flange 314 of the base 31 and the outer peripheral contact 111 of the displacement detection switch 110 provided between the two 355 and 314. The inner peripheral contact 112 comes into contact with the inner contact 112 and is turned ON. At this point, the slide of the operation knob 10 is restricted.

  When the operation knob 10 is slid, the center pin 34 is pushed against the inclined surface of the recess 351a by the sliding of the pad 35 in the XY plane direction, and the spring 33 is shortened and displaced backward.

  Along with the shortening of the spring 33, the pressing force of the center pin 34 against the pad 35 increases, the feeling of moderation increases as the sliding amount of the operation knob 10 increases, and the displacement detection switch 110 is finally turned on. Thus, the slide is regulated and the feeling of moderation is maximized.

Thereafter, when the sliding operation force on the operation knob 10 is removed, the spring 33 is restored, and the center pin 34 presses the pad 35 in the axis Z direction, whereby the pad 35 and the operation knob 10 are returned to the neutral position.
Further, along with the restoration to the neutral position, the displacement detection switch 110 returns to OFF, and the direction detection switch 2a that has been ON until then returns to OFF.

  On the other hand, when the operation knob 10 is slid in an intermediate position direction (directions e, f, g, h) of the four direction detection switches 2a to 2d adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, the operation knob 10 is moved to the upper right direction e. A description will be given by taking the case of sliding as an example. In this case, the pad 35 that slides integrally with the operation knob 10 slides in the upward direction a along the slide groove 322 of the slide member 32, and at the same time, the slide member 32 moves to the right along the slide groove 313 of the base 31. Slide in direction d.

  Accordingly, the operation knob 10 and the pad 35 slide in the upper right direction e, and the switch pressing cylinder 354 of the pad 35 includes the direction detection switch 2a installed in the upper direction a and the direction detection switch installed in the right direction d. When the contact 2p with 2d is pushed in, both switches 2a and 2d are turned on.

  Also in this case, when the slide amount of the operation knob 10 reaches the maximum stroke amount, the outer peripheral flange 355 of the pad 35 abuts against the cylindrical flange 314 of the base 31, the displacement detection switch 110 is turned on, and the slide of the operation knob 10 is performed. Is regulated.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when the operation knob 10 is slid in the eight directions a to h, only one or two direction detection switches 2a to 2d are simultaneously used according to the sliding direction. The relationship between the slide direction and the ON / OFF of the direction detection switches 2a to 2d is the relationship shown in the direction characteristic diagram of FIG. When all the direction detection switches 2a to 2d are OFF, the neutral position is “no direction”.

  Therefore, the control circuit 100 executes a process for determining the operation direction of the operation knob 10 based on the ON / OFF states of the direction detection switches 2a to 2d. In the first embodiment, this process is performed as a displacement detection switch. Executed when 110 becomes ON.

That is, the flowchart of FIG. 8 shows the slide direction determination processing of the control circuit 100. In step S1, the ON / OFF states of the direction detection switches 2a to 2d and the displacement detection switch 110 are read.
In the next step S2, it is determined whether or not the displacement detection switch 110 is ON. If it is OFF, it is determined that the current operation direction is “no direction”, that is, neutral.

On the other hand, if it is ON in step S2, the process proceeds to step S4, and the operation direction is determined from the ON / OFF states of the direction detection switches 2a to 2d based on the direction characteristics of FIG.
In the car navigation device (not shown), the map is scrolled on the screen based on the direction determination of the control circuit 100.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the displacement detection switch 110 that is turned ON when the slide operation amount of the operation knob 10 reaches the set amount (maximum stroke amount) is provided, and the operation knob 10 is operated by the maximum stroke amount. In some cases, the direction detection switches 2a to 2d are set to be surely turned on, and the slide direction amount determination of the control circuit 100 is executed when the displacement detection switch 110 is turned on.

For this reason, when the operation knob 10 is slid in the middle position direction (e, f, g, h direction) of the installation positions of the direction detection switches 2a to 2d, two of the direction detection switches 2a to 2d. The operation direction determination is executed in a state where the one is surely turned on.
Therefore, unlike the prior art, processing corresponding to the fact that only one of the two direction detection switches 2a to 2d that should be turned on when operated in the intermediate position direction is turned on is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the direction determination different from the operation intention of the user from being made.

FIG. 9 is a time chart showing an example when the operation knob 10 is slid in the upper right direction e as described above.
In this example, first, the direction detection switch 2a in the upward direction a is turned ON at the timing t1, and then the direction detection switch 2d in the right direction d is turned ON at the timing t2. At time t3 when the operation knob 10 is stroked to the maximum, the displacement detection switch 110 is turned on.

  When such switching of the switches 2a, 2b, and 110 is executed, the control circuit 100 determines “no direction” based on the flow of steps S1 → S2 → S3 until time t3. The Then, at time t3 when the displacement detection switch 110 is turned on, the processing of steps S1 → S2 → S4 is performed, and it is determined as “upper right”.

  In addition, at the time point t4 when the operation knob 10 is returned and the displacement detection switch 110 is switched off, it is determined that there is no direction based on the processing of steps S1 → S2 → S3.

  On the other hand, conventionally, it was determined as “upper” at the time point t1, and then determined as “upper right” at the time point t2. Further, the determination of “upper right” is switched to the determination of “up” at the time t5 when the direction detection switch 2b is turned OFF, and then determined as “no direction” when the direction detection switch 2a is turned OFF. It had been.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, since the user removes the operation force on the operation knob 10 and the operation knob 10 starts to return to the neutral position, it is determined as “no direction”. Thus, the direction determination according to the user's intention can be made even more compared to the case where the determination different from the user's intention is made between t5 and t6.

  Furthermore, when the slide displacement amount of the operation knob 10 reaches the maximum slide amount, the displacement detection switch 110 abuts the inner peripheral contact 112 and the outer peripheral contact 111 to restrict further sliding. Therefore, the timing at which the control circuit 100 executes the direction determination and the processing such as scrolling corresponding thereto is executed can coincide with the timing at which the slide of the operation knob 10 is restricted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable with the operation.

In addition, in the first embodiment, when the displacement detection switch 110 is switched to ON, the slide operation direction is determined based on the ON / OFF states of the direction detection switches 2a to 2d. It is possible to reduce the radial position accuracy of the direction detection switches 2a to 2d with respect to the axis Z.
Accordingly, the allowable amount of the assembly error is increased, so that the assembly performance is improved, and the position of the direction detection switches 2a to 2d is brought close to the axis Z, and the full stroke amount is reduced to improve the operation response. It is also possible.

  Further, since the full stroke position of the operation knob 10 is determined by the displacement detection switch 110, it is not necessary to determine the full stroke amount by the reaction force of the moderation feeling imparting mechanism 330, and the spring 33 of the moderation feeling imparting mechanism 330 is used. The degree of freedom to set a moderation feeling increases.

(Other examples)
Other embodiments will be described below.
In the description of these other embodiments, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. In addition, with regard to the function and effect, the same description as in Example 1 is omitted.

Next, a multidirectional operation switch device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
In the multidirectional operation switch device of the second embodiment, the installation position of the displacement detection switch (displacement sensor) 210 is different from that of the first embodiment.

  That is, the displacement detection switch 210 is installed between the center pin 34 and the first substrate 20. The displacement detection switch 210 includes a pin-side contact 211 provided at the lower end portion of the center pin 34 and a substrate-side contact 212 provided at a position facing the lower end of the center pin 34 in the first substrate 20. . The two contacts 211 and 212 are separated from each other in the axis Z direction at the neutral position of the operation knob 10 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, when the center pin 34 slides backward as the operation knob 10 is slid in the XY plane direction, both the contacts 211 and 212 come into contact, and the displacement detection switch 210 is turned ON. In addition, as the rear slide of the center pin 34 is restricted, the slide of the operation knob 10 is also restricted.

  Even in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the operation knob 10 is slid, the displacement detection switch 210 is turned on after the direction detection switches 2a to 2d are surely slid. Thus, the operation direction is determined.

  Therefore, even in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the direction determination different from the user's operation intention from being made at the time of operation of the operation knob 10 and at the end of the operation. It is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable with the operation timing.

Next, a multidirectional operation switch device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.
The multidirectional operation switch device according to the third embodiment is an example in which the control circuit 100 executes dial cancel processing. That is, when the operation knob 10 is slid in the XY plane direction, the gripping part 421 may be rotated against the user's intention by the force of pressing in the sliding direction. In this dial canceling process, even if a signal is output from the dial switch 382 due to the rotation of the gripping part 421 contrary to the user's intention, the dial canceling process is canceled so that the process corresponding to the signal is not performed. It is processing.

  In the third embodiment, this dial cancellation is performed when the operation knob 10 is slid full stroke and until the set time elapses after returning from the full stroke slide state to the neutral position.

  In executing such a cancel process, the flow of the slide direction determination process is partially different in the third embodiment. First, the slide direction determination process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 will be described.

First, in step S31, the "current direction" that is the latest direction determination result is rewritten to the "previous direction" that is the previous determination result.
Note that steps S1 to S4 subsequent to step S31 are the same processes as the steps in the first embodiment, and therefore, the same step symbols as those in the first embodiment are given and description thereof is omitted.

In steps S32 to S35 subsequent to steps S3 and S4, the timer is started and stopped based on the result of the direction determination process.
That is, in step S32, it is determined whether or not “current direction” is “no direction”. If “no direction”, the process proceeds to step S34, and if not “no direction”, the process proceeds to step S33. . In step S33, the timer is stopped and the timer count is cleared.

On the other hand, in step S34, it is determined whether or not the “previous direction” is “no direction”. If it is not “no direction”, the process proceeds to step S35 to set the timer and start the timer. The time T counted by the timer is set to a time that can be taken between scroll operations, which is normally assumed when scrolling the map, and is set to 0.5 to several seconds, for example. .
Based on the processing of steps S32 → S34 → S35, the timer is started when the operation knob 10 is returned to the neutral direction from the state in which the full-stroke slide operation is performed, and when the full-stroke state is resumed, the timer is stopped. The

Next, the dial cancellation determination process in FIG. 13 will be described.
In step S41, the ON / OFF state of the displacement detection switch 110 is referred to.
In the next step S42, it is determined whether or not the displacement detection switch 110 is ON. If ON, the process proceeds to step S43, and the signal of the dial switch 382 is canceled. On the other hand, if the displacement detection switch 110 is OFF in step S42, the process proceeds to step S44, where it is determined whether or not the timer is counting. If the signal of the switch 382 is canceled and the signal is not being counted, the process proceeds to step S45, and a response to the signal of the dial switch 382 is permitted.

Accordingly, in the third embodiment, when the operation knob 10 is slid and the operation knob 10 is in the full stroke state, and from the full stroke state, it is determined that there is no direction, and the set time which is the count time of the timer Until T elapses, the output of the dial switch 382 is canceled.
Therefore, when the operation knob 10 is slid to scroll the map, even if the dial 42 is rotated against the user's intention, the response to the output of the dial switch 382 is canceled, and the passenger feels uncomfortable. It can prevent giving.

  As described above, the embodiment and Examples 1 to 3 of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment and Examples 1 to 3, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Design changes that do not depart from the gist are included in the present invention.

  For example, in the first to third embodiments, the multi-directional operation switch includes the dial switch 382 and the pressing switch 383 in addition to the direction detection switches 2a to 2d, but is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that at least a plurality of direction detection switches are provided.

  In the first to third embodiments, the operation knob 10 supported to be slidable in the XY plane direction with respect to the first substrate 20 is shown as the operation knob displaceable in the direction orthogonal to the axis Z. The displacement in the orthogonal direction is not limited to the one that slides in the XY plane direction, and one that is tiltably supported around the support point on the first substrate 20 may be used.

  In the first to third embodiments, the direction detection switch is provided at four positions around the axis Z. However, the direction detection switch is not limited to this, and a plurality of three or more around the axis Z are arranged in the circumferential direction. It only needs to be installed at equal intervals. For example, in the case of three installations, six directions can be determined, and in the case of five installations, ten directions can be determined.

In the first to third embodiments, the displacement detection switch 110 that switches from OFF to ON when the slide amount of the operation knob 10 reaches a preset full stroke amount is shown as the displacement sensor. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In contrast to the first to third embodiments, a switch structure that switches from ON to OFF may be used when the full stroke amount is reached. Further, a displacement sensor having a switch structure in which such ON / OFF switching is performed before the full stroke may be used.
Furthermore, the displacement sensor is not limited to a switch structure that switches between ON and OFF when the slide amount of the operation knob 10 reaches a set amount, but a sensor whose signal changes according to the displacement amount of the operation knob 10. For example, a resistor whose resistance value changes according to the amount of displacement and whose current value or voltage value changes may be used.

  In the third embodiment, when the operation knob 10 is slid, the dial cancellation is performed when the displacement detection switch 110 is turned on. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When any one of the direction detection switches 2a to 2d is turned on, it may be determined that the operation knob is operated, and dial cancellation may be performed.

It is sectional drawing which shows the multidirectional operation switch apparatus A of Example 1 of this invention best mode. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which made the operation knob 10 of the multidirectional operation switch apparatus A of Example 1 slide to the orthogonal direction of the axis | shaft Z. 1 is a perspective view showing a multidirectional operation switch device A of Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of the direction detection switches 2a-2d of the multidirectional operation switch apparatus A of Example 1. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a multidirectional operation switch device A of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a circuit explanatory diagram illustrating a control circuit 100 of the multidirectional operation switch device A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a direction determination characteristic diagram of the multidirectional operation switch device A according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a slide direction determination process of the multidirectional operation switch device A according to the first embodiment. 6 is a time chart illustrating an operation example when the operation knob 10 is slid in the multidirectional operation switch device A according to the first embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the multidirectional operation switch apparatus of Example 2 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which slid the operation knob 10 of the multidirectional operation switch apparatus of Example 2 to the orthogonal direction of the axis | shaft Z. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a slide direction determination process of the multidirectional operation switch device according to the third embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of dial cancellation determination processing of the multidirectional operation switch device according to the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

2a to 2d Direction detection switch 10 Operation knob 20 First substrate 42 Dial 100 Control circuit (direction determination device)
110 Displacement detection switch (displacement sensor)
111 Outer contact 112 Inner contact 210 Displacement detection switch 211 Pin side contact 212 Board side contact 330 Moderation imparting mechanism 382 Dial switch 383 Press switch

Claims (3)

An operation knob that extends along an axis orthogonal to the substrate and is supported by the substrate so as to be displaceable in a biaxial plane direction orthogonal to the axis;
A direction detection switch installed at a plurality of locations surrounding the shaft, and arranged to be switched ON and OFF according to the displacement direction of the operation knob;
When the operation knob is displaced in the middle direction between the direction detection switches adjacent in the circumferential direction, the operation knob is set by a set displacement amount that is equal to or greater than a displacement amount at which both of the adjacent direction detection switches are turned on and off. A displacement sensor provided so that it can detect that the
A direction determination device that determines an operation direction of the operation knob based on an ON / OFF state of the direction detection switch when the displacement sensor detects a displacement of the operation knob of the set displacement amount;
Multi-directional operation switch device.   A switch structure in which the displacement sensor is separated in a neutral position of the operation knob in a facing state, and the opposed contact contacts in the displacement detection state of the operation knob to restrict further displacement of the operation knob. The multidirectional operation switch device according to claim 1, wherein: The operation knob is provided with a dial switch that can rotate around the axis,
The multidirectional operation switch according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cancel control device that cancels a signal from the dial switch when detecting a displacement of the operation knob in a direction perpendicular to the axis. apparatus.

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