JPH11224570A - Stick controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stick controller which can be manufactured at a low cost and can attain a long lifetime. SOLUTION: A magnetic sensor 1X is placed in an X axis direction and a Y axis direction respectively on a printed board 10, and an operating part 2 having a ring magnet 25 facing to the magnet sensor 1X and a lever 21 is supported so that it can be tilted in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction with a fulcrum at an cross-point of the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. If the lever 21 is tilted in any optional direction, magnetic field strength of a N pole or a S pole of the magnet 25 to the magnetic sensor 1X changes and the change is detected by the magnetic sensor 1X, so that a tilting angle and a tilting direction of the lever 21 is detected by its output signal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a stick controller used as an input device of a personal computer, a game machine or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Displayed on a display of a personal computer or the like.
To move the position of a picture (character) or cursor
Optical, volume and switching input devices
There is. An optical input device is, for example, as shown in FIG.
It is a simple schematic configuration. In FIG. 22, X-axis directions orthogonal to each other
Rotating shafts 70 and 80 are arranged in the direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively.
A plurality of concentric circles (here
Now, disks 71, 81 having eight slits 72, 82
Is attached, and rubber is
Balls 90 are arranged. The ball 90 is
1 to the rotating shafts 70, 80 by a spring 92.
Pressed. Also, slits 72, 82 of each of the disks 71, 81
In the position facing each other, two sensors 73 are respectively provided.
(X₁, X_Two), 83 (Y₁, Y_Two) Is positioned
I have. In this input device, the rotation of the discs 71, 81 is 90
The two sensors 73 (X₁, X_Two), 83
(Y₁, Y _Two) Is output in pulse form (see FIG. 23).
Then, the movement amount and the movement direction are detected from the output.

On the other hand, in a volume type input device, for example, two rotary volumes are provided at an angle of 90 °, the volume axis is rotated by the movement of a stick lever, and the change in the resistance value is determined by the amount and direction of movement. Is output. On the other hand, switching-type input devices include those using conductive rubber and those using microswitches. An input device that uses conductive rubber is a device that outputs conductive direction by providing conductive rubber on a part (contact part) of molded rubber and short-circuiting two electrode patterns provided on a printed circuit board with the conductive rubber. It is.

As an input device using a microswitch, there is, for example, a composite operation switch described in Japanese Patent No. 2649307. In this composite operation switch, four micro switches are arranged so as to surround the operation lever, and the micro switch located in the direction in which the operation lever is inclined is turned on (clicked).

[0005]

However, the optical input device as shown in FIG. 22 has the following problems (1) to (4). Only digital quantities are output, and analog quantities cannot be output. It is necessary to use as many as four sensors, which increases the cost. It is difficult to provide an electrical angle of 90 ° in the fine disks 71, 81 as the plurality of slits 72, 82 in terms of accuracy, cost, mechanicalness, and technology. By using the ball 90 for a long time, the ball 90 is worn out and the ball 9 is worn.
0 slips with respect to the rotation of the rotation shafts 70 and 80,
The detection accuracy of the movement amount and the movement direction decreases. Since the slits 72, 82 are minute, the slits 72, 8
2 may be easily blocked by dust or dirt, and the detection accuracy may be reduced or may not function at all. Since the rotation is caused by the contact between the rotating shafts 70 and 80 and the ball 90, even a small vibration often causes a malfunction. There is no reference point for zero output, and the absolute position cannot be obtained.

The volume type input device has the following problems. The service life is very short, that is, the number of reciprocations of the volume axis is 1 to 20,000 times. The contact of the volume is liable to cause poor contact, resulting in poor reliability. There is no reference point for zero output, and the absolute position is likely to change. Since two rotating volumes are used and the volume axis is rotated by a complicated mechanism, the cost is very high.

[0007] Switching type input devices that use conductive rubber have the following problems. If used for a long period of time, the molded rubber may be broken or a contact failure may easily occur during use, resulting in poor durability. Normally plus X axis direction, minus X axis direction, plus Y axis
Only four directions (front, rear, left and right directions) of the axial direction and the minus Y axis direction can be input, and input in the middle direction (oblique direction) between the X axis direction and the Y axis direction is impossible. Is not suitable as an input device. If the input in the intermediate direction is made possible, eight input units are required, and the operation for indicating the direction becomes complicated, and it is not particularly suitable for game machines. If the diagonal direction can be input using the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, it cannot be used for a game machine or the like that requires a quick operation or a complicated operation.

Also, a switching type input device,
There are the following problems to those using a microswitch. Because it uses four very expensive micro switches,
The cost is high. Structurally, the number of parts is very large, and many man-hours and labor are required. Since the microswitch uses contacts, poor contact may occur. The service life is several tens to several tens of millions of clicks, and especially short for use in game machines.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the problems of such various conventional input devices, and has mainly been designed to reduce the cost and extend the life, and furthermore, regardless of whether it is analog or digital. It is an object of the present invention to provide a stick controller which can be used, realizes a simple structure, high accuracy and high reliability, can obtain an absolute position, and is particularly suitable for a game machine.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a stick controller according to claim 1 of the present invention includes at least two magnetic sensors spaced from each other, and the magnetic sensors include: It is characterized by comprising a magnet arranged oppositely, and an operating unit having a lever for operation while holding the magnet and supported so that the lever can be tilted in an arbitrary direction by the operation. And

This stick controller uses a magnetic sensor and a magnet to convert a change in magnetism (magnetic field strength) into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal. You don't have to. That is,
When the operating lever is tilted in an arbitrary direction, the magnet is displaced with respect to the magnetic sensor. Then, the strength of the magnetic field around the magnetic sensor changes, and the magnetic sensor converts the change in the strength of the magnetic field into an electric signal and outputs it. Based on this output signal, the moving amount (inclination angle) and the moving direction (inclination direction)
Is detected. For this reason, the stick controller of the present invention not only can reduce the cost and extend the service life, but also can be used regardless of analog and digital, realizes a simple structure, high accuracy and high reliability, and has an absolute position. And is particularly suitable for game machines.

As a more specific configuration of the stick controller, one magnetic sensor is arranged in each of one direction (X-axis direction) and a direction perpendicular to the direction (Y-axis direction) on the same plane. A stick controller (Claim 2) wherein the section can be tilted in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction with the intersection of both axes as a fulcrum;
Alternatively, the magnetic sensor may be one in each of one direction (X-axis direction) and a direction perpendicular to the direction (Y-axis direction) on the same plane.
A stick controller which is arranged one by one and which can be tilted in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the intermediate direction between the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, with the operation unit as a fulcrum at the intersection of the two axes. ).

The stick controller according to the second and third aspects uses two magnetic sensors, but in the configuration of the second aspect, the lever is inclined in four directions of front, rear, left and right. According to the configuration of the third aspect, the lever can be tilted in eight directions, that is, the front-rear, left-right, and oblique directions. In the present invention, any magnetic sensor may be used as long as it can extract a change in the strength of a magnetic field as an electric signal, and a Hall element and a magnetoresistive element (for example, a magnetic resistance sensor (MR sensor)) Is exemplified.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below based on embodiments. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the stick controller according to the embodiment (a view excluding a magnetic shield cover and a magnetic shield housing), FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. This stick controller comprises a magnetic shield housing 3 made of a magnetic material to make it less susceptible to external magnetism, and a magnetic shield cover 4 also made of a magnetic material and attached to the housing 3. Inside, two magnetic sensors 1X and 1Y and an operation unit 2 are provided.

Inside the housing, a lower case 6 and an upper case 7 fitted to the lower case 6 are provided along the inner wall, and printed in an internal space formed by the lower case 6 and the upper case 7. A substrate 10 is provided. Printed circuit board 1
0 has a circular hole 11 in the center as shown in the plan view of FIG. 4, and the magnetic sensor 1X is arranged around the circular hole 11 in one direction (X-axis direction) in a direction perpendicular to the direction (X-axis direction). The magnetic sensor 1Y is mounted in the (Y-axis direction). A connector 12 for connecting an external circuit is attached to one end of the printed circuit board 10. The connector 12 is located in the opening 7 b of the upper case 7 and connects, for example, a flat cable through the opening 3 a of the magnetic shield case 3. Can be.

The operating section 2 has an operating lever 21, and the lever 21 projects outside through an opening 7 a of the upper case 7 and an opening 4 a of the magnetic shield cover 4. Operation unit 2
Is a lower hemispherical case 23 in which a cylindrical groove 23a is formed in the center, and an upper hemispherical case 2 in which the lever 21 is screwed in the center.
The two hemispherical cases 23 and 24 are fitted to each other to form a hollow spherical body, and a ring-shaped magnet 25 is embedded in the spherical body.

As is apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3, the ring-shaped magnet 25 has a spherical surface (hemispherical cases 23, 2).
4) It is spherical so as to be flush with the surface of
It is positioned so as to face the magnetic sensors 1X and 1Y. The upper side of the magnet 25 is an N-pole, the lower side is an S-pole, and an annular boundary L between the N-pole and the S-pole faces the center of the magnetic sensing part of the magnetic sensors 1X and 1Y. Of course, since the boundary L is an intermediate point between the north pole and the south pole, there is no magnetism at the boundary L.

The sphere (hemispherical case 23) is partially inserted into the circular hole 11 of the printed circuit board 10, and the inserted portion rests on the cylindrical support 6a projecting upward from the lower case 6. Thus, the hemispherical case 23 becomes slidable with respect to the support portion 6a, and the sphere is rotatably supported. A support shaft (support member) 27 having a spherical tip is fitted into the groove 23 a of the hemispherical case 23. The support shaft 27 is located at the center of the circular hole 11 of the printed circuit board 10, and is fitted in a cylindrical groove 6 b formed in the center of the lower case 6.
8, it is constantly pressed into the groove 23 a of the hemispherical case 23. In this embodiment, the groove 23 of the lower hemisphere case 23
a, the support shaft 27 and the spring 28 constitute a position setting means. However, the position where the groove 23a, the support shaft 27 and the spring 28 are provided does not need to be on the fulcrum, and is not specified as long as the lever 21 can be positioned at the middle position (reference point).

Therefore, the sphere formed by the hemispherical cases 23 and 24, that is, the lever 21, is moved by the operation to
7, it can be inclined in an arbitrary direction (all directions of 360 °) with the intersection between the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction as a fulcrum. When the lever 21 is not operated, the lever 21 is positioned at the middle position (reference point) by the action of the support shaft 27 and the spring 28, and the state is maintained.

In the stick controller configured as described above, the positional relationship between the magnet 25 and the magnetic sensor 1X (or 1Y) by operating the operation unit 2 is shown in FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. First, in FIG. 5, when the lever 21 is not operated, the lever 21 is positioned at the reference point by the action of the support shaft 27 and the spring 28 as described above. In this state, the N pole of the magnet 25 and the S pole
Since the boundary L of the pole faces the magnetic sensing part of the magnetic sensor 1X (or 1Y), the magnetic sensor 1X (or 1Y) does not detect magnetism and no output is obtained (point 0 in the graph of FIG. 16). .

As shown in FIG. 6, when the lever 21 is tilted in the minus X-axis direction (or minus Y-axis direction), the sphere formed by the hemispherical cases 23 and 24 is supported by the support 6a of the lower case 6. While rotating at the intersection of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Then, the S pole of the magnet 25 gradually increases with respect to the magnetic sensor 1X (or 1Y), so that the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 1X (or 1Y) gradually increases in the negative direction.

Conversely, as shown in FIG. 7, when the lever 21 is tilted in the plus X-axis direction (or plus Y-axis direction), the N pole of the magnet 25 gradually becomes stronger with respect to the magnetic sensor 1X (or 1Y). That is, the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 1X (or 1Y) gradually increases in the positive direction. The relationship between the tilt angle of the lever 21 and the output voltage of the magnetic sensor 1X (or 1Y) is linear as shown in FIG. However, although not shown in this graph, by applying a bias between V _EE and V _CC in the circuit of FIG. 8, it is possible to output not only plus / minus output but all plus voltages. This will be described later. Further, the direction of the N pole and the S pole of the magnet 25 may be reversed,
It is also possible to reverse the positive and negative output changes by reversing the connection of the X and 1Y circuits.

As is clear from the above, when the lever 21 is tilted in each of the plus X-axis direction, minus X-axis direction, plus Y-axis direction, and minus Y-axis direction, the output voltage becomes magnetic in the plus X-axis direction. The sensor 1X is positive, the magnetic sensor 1X is negative in the minus X-axis direction, the magnetic sensor 1Y is positive in the plus Y-axis direction, and the minus Y
In the axial direction, the magnetic sensor 1Y outputs a minus value. or,
When the lever 21 is gradually inclined in, for example, an intermediate direction between the plus X-axis direction and the plus Y-axis direction, the output voltage gradually increases in both directions, and the lever 21 is moved, for example, in the middle direction between the minus X-axis direction and the minus Y-axis direction. , The output voltage gradually becomes negative in both directions. Therefore, an output voltage corresponding to the tilt position of the lever 21 in all directions is obtained from the magnetic sensors 1X and 1Y. And the inclination direction can be detected.

Next, an example of a circuit relating to the magnetic sensors 1X and 1Y in the stick controller will be described. FIG. 8 shows an example in which a Hall element is used as the magnetic sensor, and the Hall element S corresponding to the magnetic sensor 1X is used.
FIG. 8A shows a circuit related to X, and FIG. 8B shows a circuit related to the Hall element SY corresponding to the magnetic sensor 1Y.
Since the circuits for the X-axis direction and the circuits for the Y-axis direction have exactly the same configuration, only the circuit for the X-axis direction will be described here.

In FIG. 8A, the voltage applied between V _{CC and} V _EE passes through resistors R ₁ and R ₂ ,
Flow to X. If the Hall element SX has no magnetism, the resistance R
_3, the output connected to R _4, the voltage is not generated.
This is because the N pole of the magnet 25 and the S pole
The same applies to a case where the pole boundary L faces no-magnetic force. Here, when the lever 21 is operated and the N pole approaches the Hall element SX, a positive voltage is applied to the terminal side of the Hall element SX connected to the resistor R ₄ , and a negative voltage is applied to the terminal side connected to the resistor R _3. Occur. The output voltage of this Hall element SX is
Is input to the amplifier IC _2, is output as the positive voltage than OUT by an amplification factor determined by the resistor R _5.

On the contrary, the operation of the lever 21 causes the hole
When the south pole approaches the element SX, the resistance R _ThreeHo connected to
A positive voltage is applied to the terminal side of the_FourConnected to
A negative voltage is generated on the terminal side of the Hall element SX
You. The output voltage of the Hall element SX is determined by an amplifier IC_TwoTo
Input, the resistance R_FiveAccording to the amplification rate determined by
Is output as a negative voltage from OUT.

Of course, it is also possible to reverse the detection of the N pole and the S pole by exchanging the output terminals of the Hall element SX. Also, by inputting reversing the output of the Hall element SX to positive and negative input of the amplifier IC _2, it is possible to retrieve the reverse output. Note that the variable resistance V
R ₁ adjusts the offset of the amplifier IC ₂ and the balance of the Hall element SX, and adjusts OUT to 0 V when the lever 21 is located at the reference point.

Next, the plus X axis direction, plus Y axis direction,
A switch function for inputting four directions of the minus X axis direction and the minus Y axis direction will be described. Of course, an IC in which the magnetic sensor itself has a switching function may be used,
Here, general ones will be described. 9 and 1
0 shows an example of the circuit. FIG. 9 shows a circuit for the X-axis direction, and FIG. 10 shows a circuit for the Y-axis direction. Since both circuits have exactly the same configuration, only the circuit for the X-axis direction will be described. The operation of the basic circuit is the same as that of the circuit shown in FIG. 8, so that only the parts added to the circuit of FIG. 8 will be described.

In the circuit shown in FIG._TwoOutput
Voltage is the IC that constitutes the analog comparison circuit_Three, IC_Four
Is input to For example, for GND, V_CC= + 5V,
V_EE= −5V, IC_TwoThe output of the lever 21
When it is located at the reference point during non-operation, the voltage is 0V.
You. 0V for this GND is V_EEIC based on
_Three, IC_FourFrom the perspective of the comparator composed of_EE
+ 5V. If the resistance R₇, R₈Partial pressure ratio
With CV₁To V_EEIs set to + 7V, and the resistance R₉, R_Ten
CV at the partial pressure ratio of_TwoTo V_EEIs set to + 3V
When the lever 21 is located at the reference point, the Hall element
Since the output of SX is 0V, IC_TwoInput is 0V
, IC_TwoIs 0 V with respect to GND. This 0
V is V which is the reference of the comparator._EE+ 5V for
It has become.

[0030] Accordingly, the output + 5V is lower than the comparison voltage CV ₁ = + 7V of IC _3, the output OUT of the IC ₃
+ X = L (Low), and the comparison voltage CV ₂ = + 3
Since V is higher than V, the output OUT-X of IC ₄ becomes L.
Next, when the lever 21 is operated in the plus X-axis direction and the N pole approaches the Hall element SX, the output of the Hall element SX becomes positive, and the voltage amplified by the IC ₂ is +3 with respect to GND.
V. Since this voltage is +8 V with respect to V _EE ,
It becomes larger than the comparison voltage CV _{1 of} IC ₃ , the output OUT + X = H (High) of IC _{3, and} the comparison voltage CV _1
Since it is higher than ₂ , the output OUT-X of IC ₄ becomes L.
Conversely, when the lever 21 is operated in the minus X-axis direction, the S pole approaches the Hall element SX, and the output of the Hall element SX becomes negative. Here, if the output of IC ₂ becomes -3V against GND, the voltage with respect to V _EE + 2V
Therefore, the output OUT + X = L and the output OUT−X = H
Becomes Thus, a switching output according to the tilt direction of the lever 21 can be obtained.

The circuits shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are designed to obtain output signals in four directions (front, rear, left and right). And four oblique directions). For example, the output OUT-X of the output OUT + X and IC ₄ of IC _3, by using an AND circuit (logical product) can be used as 8 directions of the signal.

When this stick controller is applied to a game machine, various relations between the position of the lever 21 of the operation section 2 and the value of the electric analog amount, such as game characteristics and difficulty of operation, are considered. Conditions are required. In terms of cost, material costs and assembly productivity are also very important conditions. Therefore, various form changes can be adopted so as to satisfy those conditions, and the various forms will be described below.

First, in the operation unit 2 of the stick controller of the above embodiment, the ring-shaped magnet 25 is held by a sphere formed by the lower hemisphere case 23 and the upper hemisphere case 24, but the whole sphere is formed as a magnet. The case is shown in FIG. That is, the magnet 30 is a sphere, and the lever 21 is attached to the center of the magnet 30. If this operation unit 2 is used, the output voltage of the magnetic sensor
1 is output as a linear value corresponding to the tilt angle of 1, and the angle range in which the lever 21 can be tilted becomes large.

In the operation unit 2 shown in FIG. 11B, the magnet 31 has a disk shape. That is, the magnet 31 is also a magnet inside the ring-shaped magnet 25 in the operation unit 2 of FIG. 5 and is necessary for the magnetic detection of the magnetic sensor with respect to the inclination angle of the lever 21 among the spherical magnets 30. It is a shape of only a portion. Also in this case, similarly to the magnet 30, the output of the magnetic sensor is linear with respect to the inclination angle of the lever 21.

However, the magnets 30 and 31 shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B are simple in structure because of the large amount of magnets used, but the material cost is slightly higher. Therefore, the magnet 25 (see FIG. 5) according to the above-described embodiment reduces the usage amount of the magnet while keeping the output voltage of the magnetic sensor with respect to the inclination angle of the lever 21 linear characteristics.

In FIG. 13A showing only the hemispherical cases 23 and 24 and the magnet 25, the surface of the magnet 25 facing the magnetic sensor is a spherical surface. Can be. In addition to this, lever 21
Since only the portion necessary for the magnetic detection of the magnetic sensor with respect to the inclination angle is formed as the ring-shaped magnet 25, the cost is extremely reduced as described above.

On the other hand, ferrite,
Although there are rubber, metal, and the like, when the stick controller is used particularly for a game machine, the magnet is required to have durability and wear resistance of about tens to hundreds of millions of times as the number of times the lever 21 is tilted. The durability and abrasion resistance are required not only for the magnets but also for the supporting portions 6a of the lower case 6 on which the operating portion 2 (the lower hemispherical case 23) slides, in addition to the hemispherical cases 23 and 24. Therefore, in addition to making the hemispherical cases 23 and 24, the lower case 6 and the like made of a wear-resistant resin, as shown in FIG. 13B, a ring shape having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the hemispherical cases 23 and 24. Is used so that the surface of the magnet 34 facing the magnetic sensor is located inside the surfaces of the hemispherical cases 23 and 24. By doing so, the magnet 34 does not come into contact with other parts at all, and it is only necessary to use an inexpensive wear-resistant resin.
Wear resistance can be improved. Alternatively, although not shown in the drawing, in the case of FIG.
Even if the surfaces of the magnets 3 and 24 and the magnet 25 are coated with a wear-resistant and non-magnetic material, the same function and effect can be obtained.

On the other hand, in a game device, for example, near the center of the image of a CRT for displaying an image, the input does not change much with a slight change in the tilt of the lever, and at the end of the image, the input does not change even with a slight change in the tilt of the lever. Often needs to be changed significantly. This is because the input device has many structural, operability, or design restrictions, and the inclination angle of the lever cannot be more than a certain value in many cases.

FIG. 12A shows a magnet having a shape for obtaining an output curve corresponding to this, and FIG. 12A shows a magnet having a shape for further improving the durability and wear resistance. It is shown in b). The magnet 32 shown in FIG. 12A has a flat surface facing the magnetic sensor.
The flat surface of the magnet 33 of FIG.
It is located inside the surface of 3, 24. FIG. 14 shows a magnet having a shape for obtaining an output curve in which the above characteristics are further emphasized. The surface of the magnet 35 in FIG. 14 is concave in a spherical shape inside.

The magnet 32 (3) shown in FIGS.
FIG. 17 shows output characteristic curves obtained by a stick controller having an operation unit having 3) and 35. FIG.
7, the characteristic curve of the magnet 32 (33) is a dotted line, and the characteristic curve of the magnet 35 is a solid line. As is clear from FIG. 17, according to the characteristic curves shown by the dotted line and the solid line, the output voltage changes abruptly when the inclination direction angle exceeds a certain value as compared with the linear characteristic shown in FIG. Will be. By using the operation unit that can obtain such a characteristic curve, the degree of difficulty in operating the lever can be freely changed on software.

In order to further emphasize such a characteristic curve, a magnet 36 having a shape as shown in FIG. 18 may be used. The magnet 36 has a concave surface in a concave shape. According to the characteristic curve obtained by the magnet 36, as shown in FIG. 19, when the inclination direction angle becomes a certain value or more, the output voltage changes. Become noticeable. In this case, the fact that the magnetic force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance can be used. For example, in the circuits shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, by making the magnetic force largely change near the inclination angle of the switching lever, it is possible to stably and accurately input.

By the way, particularly in game machines, 4
In many cases, two signals in the direction must not be synchronously output. In this case, the signals of the circuits in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 may be processed using exclusive OR (Exclusive OR).
It may not be possible. To cope with such a case, for example, an operation unit having a form as shown in FIG. 15 (a plan view (a) and a side view (b) of the operation unit excluding the lever) is used. Here, guide grooves 40 extending in the latitudinal direction are provided at two places in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of a sphere formed by the lower hemisphere case 23 and the upper hemisphere case 24 having a hole 24a for mounting the lever 21. The guide 41 projecting from the lower case 6 (or the upper case 7) is slidably fitted into each of the guide grooves 40 so that the tilting movement of the operation unit is guided. Therefore, in this structure, the lever 21 can be tilted only in directions (front, rear, left and right) at every 90 ° along the guide 41.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the position setting means for positioning the lever 21 of the operation unit 2 to the middle position (reference point) except when the operation is performed is performed by the lower hemispherical case 2.
Although the third embodiment includes the groove 23a, the support shaft 27, and the spring 28, other embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20A, a bowl-shaped magnetic body 50 as shown in FIG. 20B is attached to the center of the lower hemisphere case 23, and a small gap is provided between the magnetic bodies 50. A magnet 51 having a shape as shown in FIG. The magnet 51 has an outer cylindrical portion as an S pole and an inner cylindrical portion as an N pole, and is held by a holding member 52. The positional relationship between the magnetic body 50 and the magnet 51 is set such that a part of the magnetic body 50 slightly overlaps the magnet 51 when the lever 21 is tilted to the maximum. Note that the holding member 52 may be fixed to an appropriate position of the lower case 6. Further, the positions of the magnetic body 50 and the magnet 51 do not need to be on the fulcrum as described above, and may be shifted from the fulcrum.

According to this configuration, since the magnetic body 50 has a magnetic permeability several thousand times higher than that of air, when the lever 21 is not operated, the magnetic body 50 is attracted to the magnet 51 in order to form the shortest magnetic path. , The state where the lever 21 is located at the reference point is maintained. However, the magnetic body 50 may be replaced with a magnet, or a magnet may be attached to the lower hemispherical case 23 and the magnetic body may be fixed to the holding member 52.

In the embodiment shown in FIG.
A groove 23b is formed in the center of the inner surface of the inner case. The groove 23b is formed into a spherical shape inside. A ball 60 as a support member is rollably disposed in the groove 23b. Is pressed by the groove 23b. In this configuration, since the ball 60 always tries to be located at the center of the groove 23b, when the lever 21 is not operated, the lever 21 is located at the reference point. Also in this case, the positions of the groove 23b and the spring 61 are not specified on the fulcrum.

In the above embodiment, the two magnetic sensors 1X and 1Y are arranged at an angular interval of 90 °. However, it is not necessary to set the magnetic sensors to 90 °. Also, by calculating the outputs of the two magnetic sensors 1X and 1Y, the tilt angle and the tilt direction of the lever can be detected. Further, the magnet need not be integral with the lever, and the operation of the lever may be indirectly transmitted to the magnet.
Further, since the magnets need only be opposed to the magnetic sensors 1X and 1Y, they need not necessarily be formed in an integrated form such as a ring, and may be individual magnets opposed to the magnetic sensors 1X and 1Y. .

In the above embodiment, two magnetic sensors 1X and 1Y are used, but four magnetic sensors may be used. In this case, two magnetic sensors are arranged on the same plane, for example, in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively. That is, plus X axis direction, minus X axis direction,
Even if the magnetic sensors are arranged in the plus Y-axis direction and the minus Y-axis direction, the inclination angle and the inclination direction of the lever can be similarly detected. However, in this case, the number of parts is increased, and the cost is slightly increased. In particular, M as a magnetic sensor
When using an R sensor, it is necessary to use four sensors based on its magnetic sensing characteristics.

[0048]

The stick controller of the present invention has the following effects because it is configured as described above. (1) The combination of a magnet and a magnetic sensor detects the amount of inclination (inclination angle) and the direction of inclination of the lever, which is significantly greater than conventional input devices that use microswitches or contacts (volumes). Low cost and long life can be realized. (2) It is possible to detect the inclination amount and the inclination direction of the lever irrespective of analog amount and digital amount without contact. (3) The structure is simple, and the reliability and durability are improved. (4) Since the middle position (reference point) of the lever exists, the absolute position can be obtained. (5) By making it possible to obtain a linear output in accordance with the inclination angle of the lever, the operability of the lever is simplified, or by making an extremely exaggerated output, It is possible to improve the operation difficulty. Therefore, an input device optimal for various game machines can be provided. (6) Since the inclination amount and the inclination direction of the lever can be detected by any of the analog amount and the digital amount, not only four directions (front-rear, left-right directions) but also eight directions (front-rear, left-right, and oblique directions).
And 360 ° detection in all directions. (7) With the configuration of claim 12, the amount of magnet used can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. (8) With the configuration of claim 13, the durability can be further improved. (9) With the configuration of claim 14, the influence of external magnetism is reduced, and the reliability of the detection accuracy is further increased. (10) With the configuration of claims 15 to 17, the lever is located at the middle position (reference point) when the lever is not operated, so that the reference point of the lever can be automatically and easily set. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a stick controller according to an embodiment (a state in which a magnetic shield cover and a magnetic shield housing are removed).

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a printed circuit board arranged inside the stick controller of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a magnet of an operation unit and a magnetic sensor in the stick controller of FIG. 1;

6 is a diagram when the lever of the operation unit is tilted in the minus X-axis direction (or minus Y-axis direction) in the state of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram when the lever of the operation unit is tilted in the plus X-axis direction (or plus Y-axis direction) in the state of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a circuit example in the case of using a Hall element as a magnetic sensor and outputting an analog signal of a tilt operation of a lever.

9 is an example of a circuit related to the X-axis direction when a comparator circuit is added to the circuit of FIG.

FIG. 10 is an example of a circuit in the Y-axis direction when a comparator circuit is added to the circuit of FIG.

11A and 11B show another example of the form of the operation unit, and are a diagram (a) when the magnet itself is a sphere and a diagram (b) when the magnet is a disk.

12A and 12B show another example of the surface configuration of the magnet in the operation unit, and are a diagram (a) when the surface is a flat surface and a diagram (b) when the flat surface is located inside.

FIG. 13 shows an operation unit (excluding a lever) shown in FIGS. 2 and 5;
(A) and (b) when the surface of the magnet is located inside.

FIG. 14 is a view showing still another example of the surface configuration of the magnet in the operation unit, in a case where the surface is inwardly spherically recessed.

FIG. 15 shows four directions of tilt movement of the lever (front-back, left-right directions)
FIGS. 3A and 3B are a plan view and a side view showing an example of a case where the present invention is limited to FIGS.

FIG. 16 is a graph showing a relationship between an inclination direction angle and an output voltage obtained by an operation unit having a magnet having a surface configuration as shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is a graph showing a relationship between an inclination direction angle and an output voltage obtained by an operation unit having a magnet having a surface configuration as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14;

FIG. 18 is a view showing still another example of the surface configuration of the magnet in the operation unit, in a case where the surface is recessed in a concave shape inward.

19 is a graph showing a relationship between an output voltage and a tilt angle obtained by an operation unit having a magnet having a surface configuration as shown in FIG. 18;

20A is a diagram illustrating an example of a structure for positioning a lever of an operation unit at a middle position (reference point), FIG. 20B is a diagram illustrating a magnetic body provided on the operation unit side, and FIG. It is a figure (c) which shows a magnet arranged.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another example of the structure for positioning the lever of the operation unit at the middle position (reference point).

FIG. 22 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a conventional optical input device.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a pulse output obtained by the input device having the configuration of FIG. 22;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1X, 1Y magnetic sensor 2 operation unit 3 magnetic shield case 4 magnetic shield cover 6, 7 lower case, upper case 10 printed circuit board 21 lever 23, 24 lower hemisphere case, upper hemisphere case 25 magnet 30 to 36 magnet L N pole and Boundary with S pole

Claims (17)

[Claims] At least two magnetic sensors spaced apart from each other, a magnet arranged opposite to the magnetic sensors, and a lever for holding and operating the magnet, And an operation unit supported so that the device can be tilted in an arbitrary direction by the operation. 2. The magnetic sensor according to claim 1, wherein one magnetic sensor is arranged in one direction (X-axis direction) and one magnetic sensor in a direction perpendicular to the direction (Y-axis direction) on the same plane. The stick controller according to claim 1, wherein the stick controller can be tilted in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction as a fulcrum. 3. The magnetic sensor is disposed one in each of one direction (X-axis direction) and a direction perpendicular to the direction (Y-axis direction) on the same plane. The stick controller according to claim 1, wherein the fulcrum can be inclined in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and an intermediate direction between the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. 4. The stick controller according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic sensor outputs an analog amount according to an inclination amount (inclination angle) of a lever of the operation unit. 5. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic sensor outputs a switching signal when an amount of inclination (inclination angle) of a lever of the operation unit becomes a predetermined amount or more. Stick controller. 6. A stick according to claim 4, wherein said magnetic sensor outputs four kinds of analog amounts in a plus X-axis direction, a minus X-axis direction, a plus Y-axis direction and a minus Y-axis direction. controller. 7. The stick controller according to claim 4, wherein the output of the analog amount of the magnetic sensor is in all directions. 8. The stick controller according to claim 5, wherein the switching outputs of the magnetic sensor are of four types: a plus X axis direction, a minus X axis direction, a plus Y axis direction, and a minus Y axis direction. 9. The switching output of the magnetic sensor is of eight kinds in a plus X-axis direction, a minus X-axis direction, a plus Y-axis direction, a minus Y-axis direction, and four intermediate directions between the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. 6. The stick controller according to claim 5, wherein: 10. The magnetic sensor, wherein when the lever of the operation unit is located at the middle position (reference point), the magnetic sensing unit is connected to the N pole of the magnet and the S pole.
4. The stick controller according to claim 1, wherein the stick controller is positioned so as to face a boundary between the poles. 11. The stick controller according to claim 1, wherein at least a surface of the magnet facing the magnetic sensor is a spherical surface. 12. The stick controller according to claim 1, wherein the magnet has a ring shape. 13. The stick controller according to claim 1, wherein at least a surface of the magnet facing the magnetic sensor is coated with a wear-resistant and non-magnetic material. 14. The stick controller according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic sensor, the magnet, and the operation unit (excluding the lever) are surrounded by a magnetic material. 15. The stick controller according to claim 1, further comprising a position setting means for positioning the lever of the operation unit at a middle position except when the operation is performed. 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said position setting means comprises a magnet or a magnetic body provided on an operation unit, and a magnet or a magnetic body disposed opposite to said magnet or said magnetic body. The described stick controller. 17. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said position setting means comprises a groove provided in said operating portion, and a supporting member pressed by said groove and movably supported relative to said operating portion. The stick controller according to claim 15, characterized in that: