JP5782917B2 - Operation input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation input device including a core that is displaced in the axial direction of a coil by the action of an operation input, and more particularly to an apparatus capable of applying vibration to the core.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an input device that detects an input position and a pressing force when a user's finger is pressed using a resistance film type touch panel and applies vibration to the touch panel (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this input device, an input position and a pressing force are detected by a voltage measurement circuit, while vibration is given to a user by a vibration motor or the like.

JP 2005-275632 A

  However, in the above-described prior art, the function of detecting an operation input and the function of applying vibration are realized by separate and independent configurations, and thus the input device is likely to be large. Also, the configuration for realizing the function of giving vibration is complicated.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an operation input device that can realize a function of detecting an operation input and a function of applying vibration with a simple configuration.

In order to achieve the above object, an operation input device according to the present invention comprises:
Coils,
A core that is displaced in the axial direction of the coil by the action of an operation input;
A first yoke portion disposed so as to cover an outer peripheral side surface, an upper surface and a lower surface of the coil;
A second yoke portion disposed at the inner lower portion of the coil;
An elastic body that supports the core;
The coil outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of displacement of the core,
The core is movable by a magnetic attraction generated between the core and the second yoke portion by a current flowing through the coil.

In order to achieve the above object, an operation input device according to the present invention includes:
Coils,
A core that is displaced in the axial direction of the coil by the action of an operation input;
A first yoke portion disposed so as to cover an outer peripheral side surface, an upper surface and a lower surface of the coil;
A second yoke portion disposed at the inner lower portion of the coil;
An elastic body supporting the core;
Detecting means for detecting a displacement amount of the core based on a signal output from the coil;
Control means for moving the core by causing a current to generate a magnetic attractive force between the core and the second yoke portion to flow through the coil is provided.

  According to the present invention, the function of detecting an operation input and the function of giving vibration can be realized with a simple configuration.

FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the operation input device 1 in an initial operation state in which an operation input does not act on the core 13. It is a front view sectional view of operation input device 1 in the state where core 13 is an operation end point. It is a front view sectional view of operation input device 2 in the operation initial state. It is a front view sectional view of operation input device 2 in an operation end point state. It is the graph which showed the relationship between the stroke amount of a core, and magnetic attraction force. It is front view sectional drawing of the operation input apparatus 3 in the operation initial state. It is a front view sectional view of operation input device 3 in an operation end point state. 4 is a front sectional view of a part of the operation input device 3. FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of a part of the operation input device 3. FIG. It is a block diagram of an example of a control circuit including a detection unit that detects a change in inductance and a control unit that moves an operation unit. It is the figure which showed the waveform in each point of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional views of an operation input device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Since the outer shape of the operation input device 1 is substantially cylindrical, the overall view of the operation input device 1 is omitted. For the same reason, an overall view of other operation input devices described later is also omitted.

  The operation input device 1 is an operation interface that receives an operation input by an operator's finger or the like input from the normal direction side of the XY plane in an orthogonal coordinate system determined by X, Y, and Z axes. The operation input device 1 outputs an output signal that changes according to the operation input received by the operation unit. An operation input by the operator is detected based on the output signal. By detecting the operation input, it is possible to make the computer grasp the operation content corresponding to the detected operation input.

  The operation input device 1 is mounted or connected to a predetermined host. Specific examples of the host include electronic devices such as mobile terminals (mobile phones, mobile game machines, music and video mobile players, etc.), game machines, personal computers, vehicle computers, operation controllers, mice, and electrical appliances. The connection form between the operation input device 1 and the host may be a wired connection or a wireless connection. The operation input device 1 itself may be an electronic device such as an operation controller or a mouse.

  The operation input device 1 can move an object displayed on the screen of a display mounted on or connected to such a host according to the operation content intended by the operator. The object displayed on the screen is, for example, an instruction display such as a cursor or a pointer. A display object such as a character may be used. In addition, when an operator gives a predetermined operation input, a desired function of the electronic device corresponding to the operation input can be exhibited.

  The operation input device 1 is an operation interface capable of forcibly applying a stimulus that acts on the tactile sensation of an operator who operates the operation unit by the operation unit.

  FIG. 1A is a front cross-sectional view of the operation input device 1 in an initial operation state in which operation input does not act on the operation unit. FIG. 1B is a front sectional view of the operation input device 1 when the core 13 reaches the operation end point state due to the operation input acting on the operation unit. The operation input device 1 includes a coil 11, a core 13, a yoke 14, a yoke 15, and an elastic body 16.

  The coil 11 is formed by winding a wire (conductive wire) into a cylindrical shape. 1A and 1B illustrate a configuration in which the coil 11 is wound around and fixed to the outer peripheral side surface of the cylindrical portion of the bobbin 18.

  The core 13 is a soft magnetic body that is displaced in the axial direction of the coil 11 (in the figure, the vertical direction of the operation input device 1) by an operation input that acts on the operation unit. The core 13 is interlocked with the movement of the operation unit on which the operation input acts directly or indirectly. The core 13 may be a separate component from the operation unit, a part of the operation unit, or the operation unit itself.

  The yoke 14 is a soft magnetic material disposed so as to cover the outer peripheral side surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface of the coil 11. 1A and 1B illustrate a configuration in which the outer shape of the yoke 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape. An opening through which the core 13 can penetrate is formed on the upper surface of the yoke 14.

  The yoke 15 is a soft magnetic material arranged at the inner lower part of the coil 11. 1A and 1B illustrate a configuration in which the yoke 15 includes a cylindrical portion formed so as to follow a lower portion of the inner peripheral side surface of the coil 11 (which may be the inner peripheral side surface of the bobbin 18).

  For example, the core and the yoke may be made of a material having a relative permeability higher than 1, and it is preferable that the relative permeability is 1.001 or more. Specifically, iron, iron alloys (steel, etc.) are mentioned. The relative permeability of iron is 5000. The core and the yoke may be formed from, for example, a steel plate.

  The elastic body 16 is a member that elastically supports the core 13. 1A and 1B illustrate a configuration in which the elastic body 16 is disposed in a space formed in the cylinder of the coil 11 (or in the cylinder of the bobbin 18). The upper end portion of the elastic body 16 is in contact with the lower end portion of the core 13, and the lower end portion of the elastic body 16 is in contact with the lower surface of the yoke 14. Specific examples of the elastic body 16 include a spring, rubber, and sponge.

  When the positional relationship between the coil 11 and the core 13 changes due to the displacement of the core 13, the magnetic permeability around the coil 11 changes, so that the self-inductance of the coil 11 changes. The coil 11 outputs a signal waveform corresponding to the amount of displacement of the core 13 according to the change in inductance. Therefore, by detecting the signal waveform, it is possible to calculate the displacement amount (operation amount) of the operation unit linked to the core 13 and the core 13.

  In addition, the operation input device 1 has a magnetic circuit including a yoke 14, a yoke 15, and a core 13. A magnetic flux is generated in this magnetic circuit in accordance with the current flowing through the coil 11. This magnetic flux generates a magnetic attractive force that attracts the core 13 and the yoke 15 in the gap between the core 13 and the yoke 15. By this magnetic attraction force, the core 13 and the operation unit linked to the core 13 can be forcibly moved. The strength of the magnetic attractive force can be adjusted according to the current flowing through the coil 11.

  The core 13 slides while the side surface of the core 13 contacts the edge of the opening formed on the upper surface of the yoke 14. The lower end of the yoke 15 is in contact with the lower surface of the yoke 14. Since the core and the yoke constituting the magnetic circuit are in contact with each other, the magnetic flux generated in the magnetic circuit can be strengthened (leakage magnetic flux can be reduced) as compared with the case where they are not in contact. As a result, the magnetic attractive force generated in the gap between the core 13 and the yoke 15 can be increased.

  Therefore, according to the operation input device 1 having such a configuration, it is possible to link the core 13 and the core 13 only by passing a current through the coil 11 that can detect the displacement amount of the core 13 and the operation unit that is linked to the core 13. One or two or more reciprocating vibrations can be applied to the operating unit. Therefore, both a function of detecting an operation input acting on the operation unit and a function of applying vibration to the operation unit can be realized with a simple configuration.

  In addition, since the yoke 15 is disposed at the lower inner side of the coil 11, it is possible to increase the magnetic attractive force when the operation unit reaches the operation end point, compared with the case where the yoke 15 is not provided. This point will be described.

  2A and 2B are schematic cross-sectional views of the operation input device 2 without the yoke 15. FIG. 2A is a front cross-sectional view of the operation input device 2 in an initial operation state in which the operation input does not act on the operation unit. FIG. 2B is a front sectional view of the operation input device 2 when the core 13 reaches the operation end point state due to the operation input acting on the operation unit.

  When the position of the core 13 that has hit a hard stop mechanism (not shown) and stroked to a position where it cannot be mechanically displaced is the end point of the stroke, In order to generate a vibration that stimulates the fingertip at the end point, the core 13 must not be mechanically fixed at the operation end point. Therefore, it is necessary to set the protrusion amount of the core 13 so that the operation end point is in front of the stroke end point.

  On the other hand, when a gap for generating a magnetic attractive force is formed between the core 13 and the yoke 14 as in the operation input device 2, the magnetic attractive force generated between the gaps becomes stronger as the gap approaches zero. Become. Therefore, as indicated by the curve L1 in FIG. 3, the strongest magnetic attractive force F1 is generated at the stroke end point S1. However, since the operation end point S2 must be provided before the stroke end point S1 as described above, in the case of the configuration of the operation input device 2, the maximum magnetic attraction force F1 that can be generated by the operation input device 2 is used. However, only a small magnetic attractive force F2 can be generated at the operation end point S2.

  In contrast, in the case of the operation input device 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a yoke 15 having a cylindrical portion having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the core 13 is provided below the yoke 14 surrounding the outer periphery of the coil 11. ing. Therefore, even if the core 13 is displaced to the operation end point, the yoke 15 and the core 13 do not interfere mechanically. Therefore, when the gap between the yoke 15 and the core 13 is set to be zero at the operation end point S2, the maximum magnetism that can be generated by the operation input device 1 as shown by the curve L2 in FIG. The suction force F1 can be generated at the operation end point S2.

  Thus, by providing the yoke 15, the maximum magnetic attraction force can be generated at the operation end point without restricting the stroke of the core 13 in the Z direction (that is, the axial direction of the coil 11) at the operation end point. Compared with the case where the yoke 15 is not provided, it is possible to give a strong tactile feeling to the fingertip of the operator.

  Next, the configuration of the operation input device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

  4A and 4B are schematic cross-sectional views of the operation input device 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a front cross-sectional view of the operation input device 3 in an operation initial state in which an operation input does not act on the operation unit. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the operation input device 3 when the core 23 reaches the operation end point state. The operation input device 3 includes a coil 21, a core 23, a return spring 26, a yoke 24, a yoke 25, and a yoke 27. The description of the same configuration as the above-described operation input device is omitted.

  The coil 21 is fixed to the bobbin 28 by winding a wire (conductive wire) in a cylindrical shape. The coil 21 has a cylindrical shape, but may have another cylindrical shape such as a rectangular tube shape. 4A and 4B illustrate a configuration in which the coil 21 is wound around and fixed to the outer side surface of the cylindrical portion of the bobbin 28.

  The core 23 is a cylindrical soft magnetic body having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the coil 21. The core 23 is displaced in the axial direction of the coil 21 in conjunction with the movement of the operation unit on which the operation input acts directly or indirectly. The core 23 moves in the space inside the cylindrical portion of the bobbin 28. The displacement amount of the core 23 changes continuously according to the input amount of the operation input acting from above the core 23. The core 23 is a displacement member that changes the inductance of the coil 21 by displacing the axis of the coil 21 by an operation input acting on the core 23. As the core 23 strokes in the direction approaching the lower surface of the yoke 24, the inductance of the coil 21 increases, and as the core 23 moves in a direction away from the lower surface of the yoke 24, the inductance of the coil 21 decreases. The core 23 is preferably a columnar soft magnetic body if the coil 21 is cylindrical, and is preferably a prismatic soft magnetic body if the coil 21 is a rectangular tube.

  The return spring 26 is a support member that elastically supports the core 23 so as to be displaceable in the axial direction of the coil 21. The return spring 26 is disposed in a space formed between the core 23 and the lower surface of the yoke 24.

  The yoke 24 is a columnar soft magnetic body disposed so as to cover the outer peripheral side surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface of the coil 21. The yoke 25 includes a cylindrical portion formed so as to follow a lower portion of the inner peripheral side surface of the coil 21 (which may be the inner peripheral side surface of the bobbin 28). The yoke 27 is a cylindrical soft magnetic body formed so as to extend along the upper part of the inner peripheral side surface of the coil 21 (or the inner peripheral side surface of the bobbin 28). The inner diameter of the yoke 27 is large enough to allow the upper part of the core 23 to enter.

  The operation input device 3 includes a magnetic circuit including a yoke 24, a yoke 25, a core 23, and a yoke 27. The current flowing through the coil 21 generates a magnetic flux Φ in this magnetic circuit. The arrows in the figure indicate the direction of the magnetic flux Φ. The core 23 and the yoke 25 are arranged in the inner space of the coil 21 so that the direction of the gap between the lower surface of the core 23 and the upper surface of the yoke 25 is parallel to the axis of the coil 21.

  The core 23 slides while the outer peripheral side surface of the core 23 contacts the inner peripheral side surface of the yoke 27. The upper end of the yoke 27 is in contact with the upper surface of the yoke 24, and the lower end of the yoke 25 is in contact with the lower surface of the yoke 24. When the core and the yoke constituting the magnetic circuit are in contact with each other, the magnetic flux generated in the magnetic circuit can be strengthened (leakage magnetic flux can be reduced) as compared with the case where they are not in contact. As a result, the magnetic attractive force generated in the gap between the core 23 and the yoke 25 can be increased.

  Further, if there is no yoke 27, the magnetic flux generated in the magnetic circuit is not weakened by the non-contact of the core 23 and the yoke 24 even in the state of FIG. It is required to do. For this purpose, for example, the height of the core 23 must be increased so that the core 23 contacts the yoke 24 even in the state of FIG. 4B. However, when the height of the core 23 is increased, the core 23 protrudes upward with respect to the yoke 24 in the state shown in FIG. 4A, so that it is difficult to reduce the size of the operation input device 3. Further, since the volume of the core 23 increases, the weight of the operation input device 3 may increase.

  On the other hand, by providing the yoke 27, the core 23 can contact the yoke 24 via the yoke 27 even in the state of FIG. 4B. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the magnetic flux generated in the magnetic circuit from being weakened without increasing the height of the core 23. In addition, since it is not necessary to increase the height of the core 23, it is possible to prevent the operation input device from being enlarged and increased in weight.

  Further, in the operation input device 3, when the core 23 is pushed by an operation input, a gap formed between the yoke 25 and the yoke 27 is narrowed by the magnetic flux relay of the core 23. As the gap is narrowed, the self-inductance of the coil 21 increases. By evaluating the increase of the self-inductance by passing a current through the coil 21, it is possible to detect the pushing amount of the core 23 and the operation unit linked to the core 23. At the same time, separately from the current that flows through the coil 21 in order to detect the amount of pushing, the core 23 can generate vibration that stimulates the operator by flowing a current larger than that current through the coil 21.

  In addition, since the operation input device 3 can also serve as a product case, the yoke 24 arranged outside the coil 21 can increase the size of the coil 21 to the maximum with respect to the size of the product. As a result, the efficiency of the magnetic field strength generated with respect to the product size can be improved.

  Further, by arranging cylindrical yokes 25 and 27 on the inner diameter of the coil 21, a columnar space is provided inside the coil 21. A gap between the core 23 and the yoke 25 is formed in the cylindrical space. Thereby, the magnetic flux generated by the coil 21 can be guided to the inner wall surface side of the coil 21, and a space in which the return spring 26 can be disposed can be created.

  Therefore, the operation input device 3 can minimize the members (core 23 and return spring 26) that are displaced and deformed by the operation input. Further, the magnetic flux generated, the inductance, and the feedback force given to the operator can be efficiently exhibited with respect to the size of the product. Furthermore, since the size of the core 23 can be reduced, the weight of the core 23 that is a movable part can be reduced, and the responsiveness when the feedback force is generated can be improved.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 5, a cylindrical recess 23 c having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the return spring 26 is formed on the lower surface 23 b of the core 23. The recess 23 c functions as a guide for smoothly extending and retracting the return spring 26 in the axial direction of the coil 21. The upper end of the return spring 26 contacts a spring receiving surface 23d that is the bottom surface of the recess 23c.

  Further, the magnetic flux density of the concave portion 23 c formed in the central portion of the core 23 is lower than the magnetic flux density of the magnetic flux guided to the inner wall surface side of the coil 21 by the yokes 25 and 27. Therefore, the return spring 26 can be fixed by the recess 23c without reducing the efficiency of the magnetic circuit.

  Moreover, the return spring 26 can be lengthened by providing the recessed part 23c. Therefore, the degree of freedom in design and strength (durability) of the return spring 26 in the compression direction can be improved. Moreover, since the weight of the core 23 which is a movable part can be reduced by forming the recessed part 23c, the responsiveness at the time of feedback force generation can be improved.

  Further, the core 23 has a flange portion 23 e provided at a lower portion of the side surface of the core 23, and the bobbin 28 has a flange portion 28 a provided on the inner side surface of the cylindrical portion of the bobbin 28. The flange portion 28a limits the position at which the core 23 can be returned by the return spring 26 by combining the upper surface of the flange portion 23e and the lower surface of the flange portion 28a in contact with each other. Thereby, the position of the core 23 is fixed by the return force of the return spring 26 in the initial operation state where the operation input does not act on the core 23 via the operation unit. That is, the return spring 26 is disposed between the lower surface of the yoke 24 and the core 23 in a state where the return force in the direction in which the core 23 is separated from the lower surface of the yoke 24 is applied to the core 23 by the return spring 26.

  Further, by making the inner diameter d2 of the yoke 25 larger than the outer diameter d1 of the flange portion 23e of the core 23, the core 23 can enter the inner space of the yoke 25. Therefore, if the height from the lower surface to the upper surface of the yoke 24 is the same, when the inner diameter d2 is larger than the outer diameter d1, the maximum possible stroke of the core 23 is larger than when the inner diameter d2 is smaller than the outer diameter d1. The length can be increased.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, by making the inner diameter d3 of the cylindrical portion of the yoke 27 larger than the inner diameter d4 of the flange portion 28a, the soft magnetic core 23 and the soft magnetic yoke 27 are in direct contact with each other. It is possible to prevent sliding. The stroke of the core 23 is guided by the flange portion 28a. Therefore, by making the bobbin 28 a material such as a resin suitable for the guide, wear accompanying the stroke of the core 23 can be reduced, and the frictional force when the upper portion of the side surface of the core 23 slides the edge of the flange portion 28a. Can be reduced.

  Next, a detection unit that detects a change in the inductance of the coil and a control unit that moves the core by flowing a current through the coil will be described.

  The detection unit is a detection unit that outputs a detection signal corresponding to an analog displacement amount that continuously changes in the operation unit by electrically detecting a change in the inductance of the coil. The detection unit may be configured by a detection circuit mounted on a substrate (not shown).

  For example, the detection unit detects a physical quantity that changes equivalently to a change in the inductance of the coil, and outputs the detected value of the physical quantity as a value equivalent to the displacement amount of the operation unit. In addition, the detection unit may calculate the inductance of the coil by detecting a physical quantity that changes equivalently to the change in the inductance of the coil, and output the calculated value of the inductance as a value equivalent to the displacement of the operation unit. Good. Further, the detection unit may calculate the displacement amount of the operation unit from the detected value of the physical quantity or the calculated value of the inductance, and output the calculated value of the displacement amount.

  Specifically, the detection unit supplies a pulse signal to the coil to generate a signal waveform that changes in accordance with the magnitude of the inductance of the coil, and changes the inductance of the coil based on the signal waveform. Is preferably detected electrically.

  For example, as the amount of downward displacement of the operation unit in the upper region of the upper end surface of the coil increases, the magnetic permeability around the coil increases and the inductance of the coil increases. As the inductance of the coil increases, the amplitude of the pulse voltage waveform generated at both ends of the coil by supplying the pulse signal also increases. Therefore, by setting the amplitude as a physical quantity that changes equivalently to the change in the inductance of the coil, the detection unit detects the amplitude and sets the detected value of the amplitude as a value equivalent to the displacement amount of the operation unit. Can be output. The detection unit can also calculate the inductance of the coil from the detected value of the amplitude, and output the calculated value of the inductance as a value equivalent to the displacement amount of the operation unit.

  Further, as the inductance of the coil increases, the slope of the pulse current waveform flowing through the coil becomes gentle due to the supply of the pulse signal. Therefore, by setting the inclination as a physical quantity that changes equivalently to the change in the inductance of the coil, the detection unit detects the inclination and sets the detected value of the inclination as a value equivalent to the displacement amount of the operation unit. Can be output. The detection unit can also calculate the inductance of the coil from the detected value of the tilt, and output the calculated value of the inductance as a value equivalent to the displacement amount of the operation unit.

  The detection unit is, for example, a detection unit that detects a change in the inductance of the coil by supplying a first pulse signal to the coil. The detection unit supplies a pulse current (first pulse current) corresponding to the first pulse signal to the coil, and based on a pulse voltage (first pulse voltage) generated at both ends of the coil, the inductance of the coil Detect changes. The displacement amount of the operation unit can be calculated according to the detection result of the change in the inductance of the coil.

  On the other hand, the control unit is, for example, a control unit that generates a magnetic field that moves the operation unit by supplying a second pulse signal having a phase different from that of the first pulse signal to the coil. A magnetic field generated by a pulse current (second pulse current) corresponding to the second pulse signal flowing through the coil generates a force that pulls the operation unit to and from the coil together with the core. The operation unit is vibrated by fluctuations in the magnitude of the force generated when the second pulse signal is supplied to the coil. That is, since the second pulse signal is a signal whose amplitude temporarily changes, the magnitude of the force applied to the operation unit can be varied.

  The first pulse signal and the second pulse signal may be a rectangular wave, a triangular wave, or a sawtooth wave.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example of a control circuit including a detection unit that detects a change in inductance and a control unit that moves the operation unit. The control circuit is calculation means for detecting a change in inductance of the coil L. The control circuit is connected to an arithmetic circuit 70 such as a CPU, a drive circuit 76 connected to the first output port 71 of the arithmetic circuit 70, and a second output port 72 and an AD port 73 of the arithmetic circuit 70. A receiving circuit 77. The coil L is connected to the arithmetic circuit 70 via the receiving circuit 77 and the driving circuit 76.

  The drive circuit 76 controls the output current of the constant current source 76 a according to the output signal from the output port 71 of the arithmetic circuit 70, thereby causing a current to flow through the coil L. The receiving circuit 77 inputs a voltage generated when a current flows through the coil L to the peak hold circuit 77b through the amplifier 77a (may be input to the bottom hold circuit). The peak value (analog value) peak-held by the peak hold circuit 77b is input to the AD port 73 and converted into a digital value by the AD converter.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing waveforms at each point in FIG. A rectangular wave voltage waveform is output from the output port 71 of the arithmetic circuit 70. With this voltage, the constant current circuit 76a passes a constant current through the coil. As a result, the coil generates a voltage V2 having a differential waveform. As the voltage waveform V2, a waveform 2-1 synchronized with the rising edge of the voltage waveform V1 is obtained, and a waveform 2-2 synchronized with the falling edge of the voltage waveform V1 is obtained. The waveform 2-2 is a waveform whose positive and negative sides are opposite to those of the waveform 2-1. The amplifier 77a amplifies the voltage waveform V2 to a size suitable for the dynamic range of the AD converter. Depending on whether the voltage waveform V2 is peak-held or bottom-held, the held value is taken into the AD converter (AD port 73). Since the amplitude values of the waveforms 2-1 and 2-2 increase in proportion to the magnitude of the inductance of each coil, the magnitude of the inductance of each coil can be evaluated by detecting this amplitude value.

  Thus, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, vibration can be generated simply by applying an applied voltage to the coil for detecting the inductance for feedback. For example, the detection function of the operation unit and the vibration generation function can be realized only by changing the frequency, voltage, interval, and the like of the waveform output from the drive circuit of the detection circuit unit for detecting the inductance. Thus, the configuration is extremely simple, and no additional actuator is required.

  A so-called method of vibrating an entire product (for example, an operation controller) including an operation input device such as a vibration motor can be changed only by the strength and time of vibrating the entire product. However, if it is embodiment of this invention, the change of force can be directly output to an operation part. Therefore, for example, if a plurality of operation input devices are mounted, feedback can be output (vibrated) for each operation unit. Moreover, since it is possible to suppress the feedback vibration from being transmitted to the hand holding the product such as the operation controller, a direct tactile sensation can be given.

  Further, the vibration motor needs to increase the number of rotations in order to increase the amplitude of vibration, and since it takes time until the rotation increases, the response is low, and the vibration frequency and amplitude cannot be individually controlled. However, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the force is output only to the relatively light part of the operation unit, so that the tactile sensation such as a click feeling is output with one pulse by changing the output pulse. In addition, it is possible to output a tactile sensation like vibration by repeating pulses. In addition, since the amplitude, frequency, pulse width, and the like can be freely changed, the tactile sensation can be changed as necessary.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, improvements, and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Substitutions can be added. You may combine the structure of each part of the above-mentioned Example.

  For example, the support member that elastically supports the operation unit is not limited to an elastic member such as a return spring, but may be a rubber member, a sponge member, or a cylinder filled with air or oil.

  Further, the operation input device of the present invention is not limited to fingers and may be operated with the palm of the hand. Moreover, you may operate with a toe or a sole. The surface touched by the operator may be a flat surface, a concave surface, or a convex surface.

1 to 3 operation input devices 11 coil 13 core 14 yoke portion 15 yoke portion 16 elastic body 18 bobbin 23 core 23b lower surface 23c recess 23d spring receiving surface 23e flange portion 24 yoke portion 25 yoke portion 26 return spring 27 yoke portion 28 bobbin 28a flange 70 arithmetic circuit 76 driving circuit 77 receiving circuit Φ magnetic flux

Claims (11)

Coils,
A core that is displaced in the axial direction of the coil by the action of an operation input;
A first yoke portion disposed so as to cover an outer peripheral side surface, an upper surface and a lower surface of the coil;
A second yoke portion disposed at the inner lower portion of the coil;
An elastic body that supports the core;
The coil outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of displacement of the core,
The operation input device, wherein the core is moved by a magnetic attractive force generated between the core and the second yoke portion by a current flowing through the coil.   The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the second yoke portion has a cylindrical portion.   The operation input device according to claim 2, wherein an inner diameter of the cylindrical portion is larger than an outer diameter of the core.   The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic body is arranged inside the coil.   The operation input device according to claim 4, wherein the core has a recess that receives the elastic body. A bobbin for fixing the coil;
The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the core is displaced inside the bobbin. The core has a first flange portion provided on a side surface of the core;
The bobbin has a second flange portion provided inside the bobbin,
The operation input device according to claim 6, wherein the second flange portion is combined with the first flange portion to limit a position where the core can be returned by the elastic body.   The operation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a third yoke portion disposed on an inner upper portion of the coil.   The operation input device according to claim 8, wherein the third yoke portion has a cylindrical portion into which the core can enter. A third yoke portion disposed on the inner upper side of the coil;
The third yoke part has a cylindrical part into which the core can enter,
The operation input device according to claim 7, wherein an inner diameter of the cylindrical portion of the third yoke portion is larger than an inner diameter of the second flange portion. Coils,
A core that is displaced in the axial direction of the coil by the action of an operation input;
A first yoke portion disposed so as to cover an outer peripheral side surface, an upper surface and a lower surface of the coil;
A second yoke portion disposed at the inner lower portion of the coil;
An elastic body supporting the core;
Detecting means for detecting a displacement amount of the core based on a signal output from the coil;
An operation input device comprising: control means for moving the core by causing a current to generate a magnetic attractive force between the core and the second yoke portion to flow through the coil.

Images