JP5877306B2 - Input unit and input device using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input unit mainly used for operation of a vehicle control system or a portable electronic device, and an input device using the same.

  In recent years, as vehicle control systems and portable electronic devices become more sophisticated, input devices that are thin and capable of complex operations have been demanded.

  Such a conventional input device will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional input device, and FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view. In FIG. 9, the operation bodies 3A to 3D are substantially spherical and are made of a magnet, and the N pole and the S pole are at a predetermined angle. They are formed alternately at intervals. The holding case 10 includes an upper case 1 and a lower case 2.

  Here, the operating bodies 3 </ b> A to 3 </ b> D are rotatably mounted between the upper case 1 and the lower case 2 by the rotation shaft 4. In addition, the operating bodies 3A to 3D are opposed to a magnetic body 5 such as iron disposed between the upper case 1 and the lower case 2, and the operating bodies 3A to 3D and the magnetic body 5 are attracted by a magnetic force to operate the operating bodies 3A to 3D. The body 3 is prevented from rotating unintentionally.

  A magnetic detection element 7 and a push switch 8 are disposed on the wiring board 6, and the upper surfaces of the magnetic detection element 7 and the push switch 8 are covered with a cover sheet 9. And the magnetic detection element 7 and operation body 3A-3D are arrange | positioned facing each other, and the input device 20 is comprised.

  The input device 20 configured as described above is built in a portable electronic device such as a cellular phone. Here, for example, when a cursor display for selecting a plurality of icon displays and a desired icon display is displayed on a liquid crystal display (not shown) of the portable electronic device, the operator operates the input device 20 to display the cursor display. The desired icon display can be selected by moving.

  For example, when the operator rotates the operating bodies 3A and 3B, the cursor display moves up and down, and when the operating bodies 3C and 3D are rotated, the cursor display moves left and right. When the upper surface of the upper case 1 is pressed while the cursor display is moved to the desired icon display position, the push switch 8 is turned on and the desired icon display selection is confirmed.

  That is, when the operating bodies 3A to 3D are operated, the cursor display can be moved up, down, left, and right. When the cursor display is moved so as to overlap the desired icon display and the upper surface of the upper case 1 is pressed, the desired icon display is displayed. It was possible to perform the selection confirmation process.

  As prior art document information related to the invention of this application, for example, Patent Document 1 is known.

JP 2011-118796 A

  In the conventional input device 20 described above, the operating bodies 3A to 3D and the magnetic body 5 are opposed to suppress unintended rotation of the operating bodies 3A to 3D. Is diversifying. In some cases, it is used in an on-vehicle environment with a lot of vibration, and when the configuration becomes complicated, it becomes difficult to incorporate the electronic device into an electronic device. Therefore, it is required to improve the vibration resistance with a simple configuration.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an input device with improved vibration resistance with a simple configuration.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is particularly configured to include a support plate that is formed in a ring shape with a magnetic body and is arranged to face a plurality of operating bodies on the inner peripheral side.

  According to the present invention, a support plate that is formed in a ring shape with a magnetic body and is configured to include a support plate that is disposed to face a plurality of operation bodies on the inner peripheral side, whereby the support plate that faces the plurality of magnetic bodies is provided. As a result, the configuration is simplified, and the portion where the operating body faces the support plate becomes longer, so that an input device with improved vibration resistance can be provided.

Sectional drawing of the input device by one embodiment of this invention Exploded perspective view of the input device Top view of the input device Top view of the main part of the input device Layout showing the layout of the input device Screen view of vehicle display system using the same input device Top view of an input device according to another embodiment Sectional drawing of the input device by other embodiment Sectional view of a conventional input device Exploded perspective view of the input device

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  These drawings are partially enlarged in size for easy understanding of the configuration.

(Embodiment)
1 is a sectional view of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof, and FIG. 3 is a top view thereof. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG.

  Here, the input device 60 is slidable vertically along the push switch 21, the circuit board 22 on which the push switch 21 is mounted, the guide 23 placed on the upper surface of the circuit board 22, and the guide 23. The input unit 24 is disposed, and a panel 25 having a hole 25A that is disposed on the upper surface of the input unit 24 and exposes the upper surface of the input unit 24 is provided.

  The push switch 21 is an automatic return type switch that produces a predetermined moderation feeling when pressed.

  The circuit board 22 includes a wiring board 31, a connector 32 and a control circuit 33 arranged on the upper surface or the lower surface of the wiring board 31.

  Here, the wiring board 31 is made of paper phenol, glass-filled epoxy, or the like, and a plurality of wiring patterns (not shown) are formed on the upper and lower surfaces by copper foil or the like. The push switch 21 is disposed at the approximate center of the upper surface of the wiring board 31, the connector 32 is disposed on the side of the push switch 21, and the control circuit 33 formed of a semiconductor element such as a microcomputer is disposed on the lower surface of the wiring board 31. The Note that the push switch 21 and the connector 32 are electrically connected to the control circuit 33 via the wiring pattern of the wiring board 31.

  The guide 23 is made of an insulating resin such as acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer synthetic resin and has a rectangular box shape with an open top surface. Here, the guide 23 includes a bottom plate portion 23B having a hole 23A in the center of the bottom surface, and a side wall portion 23C having a substantially frame shape when viewed from above, and the side wall portion 23C includes a guide portion 23D that extends upward from the bottom plate portion 23B side. It is provided with a recess.

  The input unit 24 is a unit that is operated by an operator by touching the upper surface with a finger or the like, and is formed in a rectangular box shape having an opening on the lower surface. The configuration of the input unit 24 will be described below.

  Here, the input unit 24 covers the lower case 41, the wiring board 42 placed on the lower case 41, the four magnetic field detection elements 43 mounted on the upper surface of the wiring board 42, and the magnetic field detection element 43. A cover sheet 44, a holding case 49 disposed above the cover sheet 44, operating bodies 46A to 46D, and a support plate 47 are provided.

  The holding case 49 includes an upper case 48 and an intermediate case 45, and a support plate 47 disposed between the upper case 48 and the intermediate case 45 around the operating bodies 46A to 46D and the operating bodies 46A to 46D. Holding.

  Here, the lower case 41 is made of an insulating resin such as acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer synthetic resin, and has a rectangular box shape with an open top. Further, the bottom surface of the lower case 41 is provided with a pressing portion 41A protruding downward, and the lower surface of the pressing portion 41A is in contact with the upper surface of the push switch 21.

  The wiring board 42 is made of paper phenol, epoxy with glass, or the like, and a plurality of wiring patterns (not shown) are formed on the upper and lower surfaces by copper foil or the like. On the upper surface of the wiring board 42, magnetic field detecting elements 43 are arranged at four positions, front, rear, left and right, with the approximate center as the center. The wiring board 42 includes a wiring cable (not shown) extending from the wiring board 42, and the wiring cable is connected to the connector 32, whereby each magnetic field detecting element 43 is connected to the wiring pattern and the wiring cable. Is electrically connected to the control circuit 33.

  The cover sheet 44 is formed of a non-magnetic elastic material such as silicone rubber and has flexibility. Here, the cover sheet 44 is disposed so as to cover all the magnetic field detection elements 43.

  Further, the middle case 45 is made of an insulating resin such as acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer synthetic resin, and is formed in a rectangular box shape with an open bottom surface. Here, the wiring board 42, the magnetic field detection element 43, and the cover sheet 44 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 45 </ b> A configured between the lower case 41 and the middle case 45. The middle case 45 is provided with a circular hole 45B above the magnetic field detection element 43, and the cover sheet 44 is exposed from the circular hole 45B.

  The upper case 48 is made of an insulating resin such as polycarbonate, and is formed in a rectangular box shape with an open bottom surface. Here, the upper case 48 protrudes in a cylindrical shape at the upper end, and has an operation portion 48A on the upper surface thereof, and four circular holes 48B near the center of the operation portion 48A. Further, the side surface of the upper case 48 constitutes a side wall 48C, and projections (not shown) are provided on the inner side of the side wall 48C in front, rear, left and right, and the projections are fitted to the guide 23D. Further, the upper case 48 is provided with dust removal holes 48D that are connected to the outside of the upper case 48 from the lower surface of the operation portion 48A, and the dust discharge grooves 48E are provided outward from the front, rear, left and right dust discharge holes 48D. Is provided.

  Further, the operation bodies 46A to 46D are made of a magnet such as a neodymium magnet made of a compound of ferrite, neodymium, iron, and boron in a substantially spherical shape having a diameter of about 2 to 3 mm, and a rotating shaft 461A to 461D is inserted in the center thereof. ing. In addition, the surfaces of the operating bodies 46A to 46D are magnetized alternately with S-pole regions and N-pole regions at substantially equal angular intervals so as to correspond to the rotation angles around the rotation shafts 461A to 461D. For example, if the magnetization interval between the S pole area and the N pole area is 60 degrees, the surfaces of the operating bodies 46A to 46D are all S pole, N pole, S pole, N pole, S pole, and N pole. The six magnetic poles are magnetized.

  And the operation bodies 46A-46D each expose the upper surface from the four circular holes 48B, and form the clearance gap 48F between the operation parts 48A. The lower surfaces of the operating bodies 46A to 46D are disposed in the four circular holes 45B. Here, the rotating shafts 461A to 461D of the operating bodies 46A to 46D are combined and arranged on the lower surface of the upper case 48.

  In other words, the operation bodies 46A to 46D are held by the holding case 49 so as to rotate about the rotation shafts 461A to 461D, and the upper surfaces thereof are exposed from the circular holes 48B so that the operator can rotate them. Has been.

  The support plate 47 is made of a magnetic material such as amorphous cobalt, iron, permalloy, or Ni—Fe alloy, and is formed in a ring shape. The support plate 47 surrounds the operating bodies 46 </ b> A to 46 </ b> D and is disposed on the lower surface of the upper case 48. That is, the support plate 47 is also held by the holding case 49 in the same manner as the operating bodies 46A to 46D.

  Here, since the support plate 47 is made of a magnetic material, the support plate 47 is attracted by a magnetic force at a portion facing the surface of the operating bodies 46A to 46D, so that the operating bodies 46A to 46D are prevented from rotating unintentionally. . Since the support plate 47 is configured in a ring shape surrounding the operating bodies 46A to 46D, the range facing the operating bodies 46A to 46D can be lengthened, and is suitable for attracting the operating bodies 46A to 46D by magnetic force. It has become a structure.

  Further, as shown in the top view of FIG. 4, the support plate 47 includes support portions 471 and 472 that protrude in a substantially T shape on the inner peripheral side. Here, the tips where the support portion 471 branches in a T shape are end portions 471A and 471B, and the tips where the support portion 472 branches in a T shape become end portions 472A and 472B.

  The end portion 471A contacts one end of the rotating shaft 461C and the end portion 471B supports the one end of the rotating shaft 461A from below and supports the upper case 48. Similarly, the end 472A contacts one end of the rotating shaft 461B and the end 472B contacts the other end of the rotating shaft 461D from below, and supports the upper case 48.

  Here, the support portion 471 is supported by the end portions 471A and 471B, and the support portion 472 is supported by the end portions 472A and 472B in contact with the rotation shafts 461A and 461C and the rotation shafts 461B and 461D, respectively. The structure is such that rattling and inadvertent rotation of the operating bodies 46A to 46D at the time are further suppressed.

  Thus, the lower case 41, the wiring board 42, the magnetic field detection element 43, the cover sheet 44, the operating bodies 46A to 46D, the support plate 47, and the holding case 49 are integrated to constitute the input unit 24. Here, since the protrusion on the inner surface of the upper case 48 is fitted in the guide portion 23D, the input unit 24 is movable up and down with respect to the guide 23, and the push portion 41A protruding from the bottom surface of the lower case 41 is operated by the push switch. 21 can be pressed.

  Further, the panel 25 is made of an insulating resin such as polycarbonate, and is configured in a rectangular box shape having a lower surface opening. The input device 60 is configured by covering the panel 25 from above the input unit 24 so as to expose the operation portion 48A from the hole 25A on the upper surface of the panel 25.

  As shown in the layout diagram of FIG. 5, the input device 60 configured as described above is built in the steering wheel 61 of the vehicle with the operation unit 48 </ b> A exposed. And it is electrically connected to the display device 62 of a vehicle via wiring, a cable, etc., and the display system 80 for vehicles is comprised by the input device 60 and the display device 62. FIG.

  Further, the vehicle display system 80 is electrically connected to a vehicle control system such as an air conditioning system 63, an audio system 64, a car navigation system 65, and a telephone / mail system 66 arranged inside the instrument panel of the vehicle. Is done.

  Here, on the display device 62, for example, a map display 71, icon displays 72A to 72D surrounding the map display 71, and a cursor display 73 so as to overlap the map display 71 are displayed at the center.

  The operator moves the cursor display 73 by rotating the operation bodies 46A to 46D of the input device 60, and presses the operation unit 48A, so that a desired icon corresponding to each vehicle control system is obtained. The selection of the displays 72A to 72D is finalized, and each vehicle control system is operated to perform desired control.

  In the arrangement in which the input device 60 is built in the steering wheel, the operating bodies 46A to 46D are exposed to the operator side of the steering wheel.

  The advantage of this arrangement is that when the operator rotates the operating bodies 46A to 46D, dust enters the inside of the operating section 48A from the gap 48F generated between the surroundings of the operating bodies 46A to 46D and the operating section 48A. However, the dust is discharged to the outside of the upper case 48 through the dust discharge hole 48D and the dust discharge groove 48E.

  Thereby, even if dust enters from the gap 48F generated between the operating bodies 46A to 46D and the operating portion 48A, accumulation of dust between the operating bodies 46A to 46D and the magnetic field detecting element 43 is suppressed. In particular, since the operating bodies 46A to 46D are arranged with a part inserted into the circular hole 45B, dust tends to accumulate on the cover sheet 44 in the circular hole 45B, but the dust is discharged in the direction in which gravity acts on the dust. Since there is the hole 48D and the dust exhaust groove 48E, dust is efficiently discharged.

  That is, in the state where the input device 60 is built in the steering wheel, the dust exhaust hole 48D and the dust exhaust groove 48E are inclined so that the dust exhaust hole 48D is on the upper side and the dust exhaust groove 48E is on the lower side. Thus, dust can be discharged.

  Further, changes in display of the display device 62 and input / output of electrical signals when the input device 60 is operated will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, as shown in the screen diagram of FIG. 6, it is assumed that a map display 71 is displayed on the display device 62, icon displays 72 </ b> A to 72 </ b> D are displayed on four sides of the map display 71, and a cursor display 73 is displayed in the approximate center.

  Here, the upper left icon display 72A is an icon display indicating the air conditioning system 63, and the lower left icon display 72B is an icon display indicating the car navigation system 65. The icon display 72C in the upper right is an icon display indicating the audio system 64, and the icon display 72D in the lower right is an icon display indicating the telephone / mail system 66.

  First, when the operator rotates the operating bodies 46A to 46D, the magnetic field below the operating bodies 46A to 46D changes. The magnetic field detection element 43 below the operating bodies 46 </ b> A to 46 </ b> D detects a change in the magnetic field and outputs a magnetic field strength signal to the control circuit 33.

  Then, the cursor display 73 moves corresponding to the rotation operation given by the operator to the operating bodies 46A to 46D. When the operating bodies 46A and 46B are rotated, the cursor display 73 moves left and right, and when the operating bodies 46C and 46D are rotated, the cursor display 73 moves up and down. Further, the operator rotates the operating bodies 46A to 46D to move the cursor display 73 onto, for example, a desired icon display 72C.

  When the operation unit 48A is pressed, the input unit 24 moves and the push switch 21 is pressed by the pressing unit 41A protruding from the bottom surface of the lower case 41. When the push switch 21 is pressed, the push switch 21 is switched from OFF to ON, and a switch signal is output from the push switch 21 to the control circuit 33.

  Here, a magnetic field strength signal is input from the magnetic field detection element 43 to the control circuit 33 and a switch signal is input from the push switch 21, and the control circuit 33 receives an operation signal corresponding to the magnetic field strength signal and the switch signal from the input device 60. Output.

  The operation signal is input to the display device 62, and the display device 62 changes the display to a control screen corresponding to the operation signal and corresponding to the icon display 72C.

  That is, the operator can easily control each vehicle control system by rotating the operation bodies 46A to 46D and pressing the operation unit 48A.

  For example, the input unit 24 and the input device 60 can be modified as shown in the top view of FIG. 7 and the cross-sectional view of FIG.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7A, markers 151 such as protrusions and depressions may be arranged around the operating bodies 46A to 46D. By arranging the marker 151, the positions of the operating bodies 46 </ b> A to 46 </ b> D can be recognized with the sense of touch of the fingertips without visually checking the operating bodies 46 </ b> A to 46 </ b> D. It is more desirable to arrange the marker 151 on the side corresponding to the rotation direction of the operating bodies 46A to 46D.

  Further, it is not circular as in the operation unit 48A, but may be polygonal as in the operation unit 148A. In particular, the operation unit may have any shape.

  Further, like the operating bodies 146A to 146D shown in FIG. 7B, the operating bodies 146A and 146C that rotate left and right and the operating bodies 146B and 146D that rotate back and forth are alternately arranged along the clockwise direction indicated by the arrow C. It may be arranged. With such an arrangement, it is possible to cope with a clockwise or counterclockwise operation of the fingertip.

  Furthermore, a shape having a predetermined curve along the operation bodies 146A to 146D in a top view may be formed as a support plate 147 shown in FIG. When the distance between the support plates 146A to 146D is reduced, the magnetic force works strongly, and inadvertent rotation of the operation bodies 146A to 146D can be further suppressed.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.7 (d), the two operation bodies of operation body 246A, 246B may be sufficient. There may be a plurality of operating bodies. When there are two operating bodies, it is desirable to use an elliptical or rectangular frame-shaped support plate such as the support plate 247.

  Furthermore, it may be a cylindrical or columnar operating body, such as operating bodies 346A to 346D shown in FIG. The operating body may be any shape that can be rotated.

  Further, the rotation shaft inserted into the operating bodies 46A to 46D is not limited to a circular section. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, a rotary shaft 157 having a polygonal cross section may be provided. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.

  As described above, when the rotary shaft 157 having a polygonal cross section is used, when the operating body 46A to 46D is rotated, a sense of moderation is generated when the surface where the rotary shaft 157 is in contact with the support plate 47 changes to the adjacent surface. Therefore, the operator can perform the operation more reliably.

  Here, it is desirable that the number of magnetic poles formed on the outer surfaces of the operating bodies 46A to 46D coincide with the number of sides constituting the outer shape of the cross section of the rotating shaft. For example, when the S poles, N poles, S poles, N poles, S poles, and N poles are formed around the outer surfaces of the operating bodies 46A to 46D, the rotary shaft has a hexagonal cross section, that is, the outer shape of the cross section. It is desirable to configure the number of sides to be six sides. Thereby, the cycle in which the magnetic field change occurs in the magnetic field detection element 43 below the operating bodies 46A to 46D can coincide with the cycle in which the operator feels moderation.

  For example, when the operator feels moderation, the cursor display 73 displayed on the display device 62 is moving, and the input system display in which the operator's touch and the display device 62 display change are synchronized. Thus, the operator can more reliably perform the operation while confirming his / her own operation.

  Note that the input device 60 is not necessarily built in the steering wheel, and may be disposed, for example, between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, or may be built in a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone. However, the configuration built in the steering wheel and the configuration built in the portable electronic device are suitable in terms of efficiently discharging dust.

  This is because when the steering wheel or the portable electronic device is used, the entire input device 60 rotates, so that the dust inside the upper case 48 is likely to move and the probability of being discharged from the dust exhaust hole 48D is increased. is there.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the support plate 47 is provided that is formed in a ring shape with a magnetic body and is arranged to face the plurality of operation bodies 46A to 46D on the inner peripheral side and is held by the holding case 49. Thus, the input unit 24 is configured.

  Therefore, the structure is simplified by providing a single support plate 47 that faces the plurality of operating bodies 46A to 46D, and vibration resistance is improved because the portions of the operating bodies 46A to 46D that face the support plate 47 become longer. improves.

  Moreover, since each operation body 46A-46D is hold | maintained by making at least one end of rotating shaft 461A-461D contact the support plate 47, vibration resistance improves further.

  In addition, since the rotary shaft 157 has a polygonal cross section, the number of magnetic poles formed on the outer surface of the operating bodies 46A to 46D and the number of sides constituting the outer shape of the cross section of the rotary shaft are configured to match. When the operating bodies 46A to 46D are rotated, the change in the magnetic field generated below the operating bodies 46A to 46D can be synchronized with the moderation feeling felt by the operator.

  Further, a clearance 48F through which dust can enter between the operation portion 48A and the operating bodies 46A to 46D and a dust that has entered through the clearance 48F is discharged to the outside of the holding case 49 due to the gravity generated in the dust. Since the dust hole 48D is provided, even if dust enters from the gap 48F, the dust hole 48D can be efficiently discharged, so that stable operation is possible.

  In addition, since the marker 151 formed with a protrusion or a depression is arranged on the upper surface of the operation unit 48A at a position on the side of the operation bodies 46A to 46D, the operation body 46A to 46D can be operated without visual observation. It becomes.

  Furthermore, the circuit board 22 on which the push switch 21 is arranged, the guide 23 arranged on the circuit board 22, and the guide 23 are fitted with the guide 23 so that the push switch 21 can be pressed along the guide 23. , More diverse operations are possible.

  An input unit and an input device using the same according to the present invention have an advantageous effect that vibration resistance can be improved with a simple configuration, and are mainly useful for operation of a vehicle control system or a portable electronic device. is there.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 Push switch 22 Circuit board 23 Guide 23A, 25A Hole 23B Bottom plate part 23C Side wall part 23D Guide part 24 Input unit 25 Panel 31, 42 Wiring board 32 Connector 33 Control circuit 41 Lower case 41A Press part 43 Magnetic field detection element 44 Cover sheet 45 Middle case 45A Storage part 45B, 48B Circular holes 46A-46D, 146A-146D, 246A, 246B, 346A-346D Operating body 47, 147, 247 Support plate 48 Upper case 48A, 148A Operating part 48C Side wall part 48D Dust exhaust hole 48E Dust removal groove 48F Clearance 49 Holding case 60 Input device 61 Steering wheel 62 Display device 63 Air conditioning system 64 Audio system 65 Car navigation system 71 Map display 72A-72D Icon Display 73 cursor display 80 vehicle display system 151 marker 461A~461D, 157 rotary shaft 471 supporting portions 471A, 471B, 472A, 472B end portion

Claims (5)

A plurality of operating bodies having a rotating shaft serving as a center of rotation and having a plurality of magnetic poles magnetized on an outer surface thereof; a holding case that rotatably holds the rotating shaft and exposes the operating body from an operating portion; and a magnetic body A support plate that is formed in a ring shape and arranged to face the plurality of operation bodies on the inner peripheral side and is held by the holding case, and a magnetic field detection element that is arranged below the operation body , Each of the operating bodies is an input unit that is held with at least one end of the rotating shaft in contact with the support plate . The input unit according to claim 1, wherein the rotary shaft has a polygonal cross section, and the number of magnetic poles formed on the outer surface of the operating body coincides with the number of sides constituting the outer shape of the cross section of the rotary shaft. The holding case is provided with a gap through which dust can enter between the operation body and the dust discharge hole for discharging the dust that has entered from the gap to the outside of the holding case by gravity generated in the dust. The input unit according to claim 1. The input unit according to claim 1, wherein a marker formed by a protrusion or a depression is disposed on a position on a side of the operation body on an upper surface of the operation unit. A circuit board on which the push switch is disposed; a guide disposed on the circuit board; and a pressing portion that is fitted to the guide so as to move up and down along the guide and presses the push switch on the bottom surface. An input device comprising: the input unit according to claim 1.

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