KR20130034799A - Multi direction input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A multi-direction input device is provided to sense push inputs which are more than the number of direction push sensors using a few of the direction push sensors. CONSTITUTION: A control unit(10) moves a direction and includes a center shaft(13) which prevents input errors generated by the rotation and breakaway of a direction push button. A multi-direction push unit(30) transmits a direction push input signal to the control unit and senses the direction push input of a direction push button. A multi-direction moving unit(50) transmits a direction moving input signal to the control unit by sensing the direction moving input of the control unit. A memory unit stores data corresponding to a program and the direction push input and the direction moving input. The control unit processes the inputs by extracting the data corresponding to a direction push input signal and a direction moving input signal.

Description

Multi-Directional Inputs {MULTI DIRECTION INPUT DEVICE}

According to the present invention, the multi-directional push input and the multi-directional moving input may be performed independently or simultaneously, thereby integrating various functions such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a keypad of a portable terminal as well as a game controller or a remote controller. A multidirectional input device that can be performed.

Recently, with the development of science and technology and the development of information processing technology, various information devices have become high performance, multifunctional and miniaturized. Accordingly, the input devices used for various information devices have also become high performance, multifunctional and miniaturized.

However, input devices currently used in various information apparatuses have a large number of buttons or keys for inputting various functions, which makes it difficult to miniaturize them.

In addition, input devices currently used in various information apparatuses have a problem in that the number of data that can be input in one operation and one phoneme is limited so that various functions cannot be performed and repeated input operation is required for one phoneme character input.

In addition, input devices currently used for various information devices are limited to character input and simple cursor movement, and thus, various functions cannot be integrated and performed, and a separate input device suitable for a desired function needs to be additionally installed.

The present invention is to improve the above-mentioned problems, the multi-directional push unit that can perform a multi-directional push input and the multi-directional moving unit that can perform a multi-directional move input is combined with the multi-directional push input The direction movement input can be performed independently or simultaneously, so that various inputs can be performed, and the multi-directional push input and the multi-directional movement input are not only dramatically increased. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-directional input device capable of quickly inputting accurate data by providing a means for preventing an input error that may occur when performing the operation.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-directional input device capable of detecting a push input in more directions than the number of direction push detection sensors using a small number of direction push detection sensors.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a multi-directional input device that can be embedded in a portable terminal or can be attached to or detached from a portable terminal like an accessory.

In order to achieve the above object, the multidirectional push input and the multidirectional movement input of the present invention may be independently performed, or a multidirectional input device, which may be simultaneously performed, includes a direction push button for performing a direction push input and a direction. A control unit which includes a central axis for preventing an input error due to rotation and departure of the direction push button when pressing the input, and performing a direction movement input; and sensing a direction push input of the direction push button, and detecting a detected direction push input signal A multi-directional pressing unit for transmitting a control direction to the control unit; and a multi-directional moving unit for detecting a direction movement input of the operation unit and transmitting a detected direction movement input signal to the control unit; and a program and a direction pressing input necessary for the multi-directional input device. A memory unit for storing data corresponding to a direction movement input; And receiving the direction pressing input signal and the direction moving input signal from the multi-directional pressing unit and the multi-directional moving unit, and receiving data corresponding to the received direction pressing input signal and the direction moving input signal from the memory unit. And a controller for extracting and input processing.

In the multi-directional input device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the multi-directional push unit capable of performing the multi-directional push input and the multi-directional moving unit capable of performing the multi-directional move input are combined, and thus the multi-directional push input and the multi-directional move input. Can be performed independently or simultaneously, so that a large amount of data that cannot be realized in the conventional input device can be input in one operation and one character input method.

In addition, it prevents an input error due to rotation and departure that can be inadvertently caused by multi-directional movement input, and a central axis that can prevent input error due to rotation and separation that can inadvertently occur during multi-directional push input. The first moving guide and the second moving guide can be provided to quickly input accurate data.

In addition, by using a small number of direction pressing sensors, it is possible to detect more pressing inputs in a direction than the number of direction pressing sensors.

In addition, it may be embedded in a portable terminal or may be attached to or detached from a portable terminal such as an accessory, and thus may be applied to various types of terminals.

1 and 2 are exploded views of a multidirectional input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a cross-sectional view of a multidirectional input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a view showing an upper portion of the operation unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
5 and 6 are views showing the arrangement of the pressing detection sensor of the multi-directional pressing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
7 and 8 are exploded views showing a modification of the multidirectional input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a diagram illustrating a direction movement input of the multi-directional input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
10 and 11 illustrate an example of using a multidirectional input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
12 is an exploded view of a multidirectional input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
13 and 14 illustrate an example of using a multidirectional input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art may easily implement the present invention. In the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in order to clearly describe the present invention, and like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the specification.

 Throughout the specification, when a part is said to include a certain component, it means that it may further include other components, except to exclude other components unless otherwise stated. In addition, the term '... unit' described in the specification means a unit for processing at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software.

≪ Embodiment 1 >

Hereinafter, a multidirectional input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 and 2 are exploded views of a multidirectional input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the multidirectional input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The multi-directional input device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is the operation unit 10 for performing the multi-directional push input and the multi-directional movement input by the user's input operation, and the direction pressing input of the operation unit 10 The multi-directional pressing unit 30 detects and transmits the detected direction pressing input signal to the controller (not shown), and detects the direction movement input of the manipulation unit 10, and transmits the detected direction movement input signal to the controller (not shown). The multi-directional moving unit 50 to transmit, a memory unit (not shown) for storing the data corresponding to the program and the direction pressing input and the direction movement input necessary for the multi-directional input device 100, and the multi-directional pressing unit 30 And a control unit (not shown) for extracting data corresponding to the direction pressing input signal and the direction moving input signal received from the multi-directional moving unit 50 from the memory unit (not shown).

The operation unit 10 detects an input error due to rotation and departure of the center push button 11 which performs the center push input by the user's input operation and the direction push button 17 which may be inadvertently generated during the direction push input. And a direction push button 17 for performing the direction push input by the user's input operation.

Coupling the center push button 11 to the central axis (13). As shown in FIG. 2, a protrusion 12 having a hook shape is formed at a lower portion of the center push button 11, and an opening 14 for coupling with the center push button 11 is formed at the central axis 13. do. The central push button 11 is easily separated from the central axis 13 by being coupled to the opening 14 formed in the central axis 13 by the hook-shaped protrusion 12 formed below the central push button 11. Is prevented. This is easily coupled to the opening 14 through the inclined surface of the projection 12, and after completion of the coupling, the plane of the projection 12 is coupled to the opening 14 by the center push button 11 It uses the principle that is not easily separated by the central axis (13). The method of coupling the center push button 11 to the opening 14 of the central axis 13 is not limited to the above-described example, but may be combined in various ways, and will be omitted by those skilled in the art. .

Coupling the central axis 13 to the directional push button 17. The central axis 13 is formed with a pressing error prevention portion 15 for preventing rotation and departure of the direction push button 17 which may be unintentionally generated when the direction push is input, and is pressed at the center of the direction push button 17. An opening 18 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the central axis 13 on which the error prevention part 15 is formed is formed. In this case, the pressing error prevention unit 15 may be convexly protruded toward the side of the central axis 13 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or may be concave. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pressing error prevention unit 15 may protrude in a circular shape on the side of the central axis 13, or may protrude in various shapes such as a triangle and a quadrangle. In addition, the pressing error prevention unit 15 may be formed concave on the side of the central axis 13 in various shapes such as a circle, a triangle, a square. The direction push button 17 at the time of the direction push input by the central axis 13 formed by convex protrusion or concave on the side of the push error prevention part 15 is coupled to the opening 18 formed in the direction push button 17. This is inadvertently rotated and disengaged to prevent input errors from occurring.

As shown in FIG. 4, a push direction display unit 19 may be formed on the direction push button 17 to indicate a direction in which the push input is possible so that a user may easily perform the direction push input. The pressing direction display unit 19 is formed of a concave shape, a convex shape, a picture, a color, data (characters, symbols, numbers, etc.) input by the direction pressing input and the direction moving input, a light emitting part such as a coating film or an LED to prevent slipping, and the like. Can be. When the direction push display unit 19 is formed of a light emitting unit such as an LED, an electric circuit for supplying power to the light emitting unit and the light emitting unit such as an LED may be formed in the direction push button 17. In addition, the light emitting unit and the electric circuit is formed on the first printed circuit board (FPCB) 37 of the multi-directional pressing unit 30, the direction push button 17 is formed of a material that passes the light emitted from the light emitting unit It can also indicate the direction in which the push input can be performed. In addition to the above-described example, the direction pressing display unit 19 may be formed in various ways, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted since a person skilled in the art can easily know.

As shown in FIG. 2, a lower portion of the direction push button 17 fixes a pressing return member 31 of the multi-directional push part 30 so that a groove 21 may be formed to help the input of the direction push easily and accurately. In addition, a protrusion (not shown) may be formed to smoothly contact the push button 17 of the directional push button 17 and the multi-directional push part 30. If the height of the pressing return member 31 is greater than the distance between the direction pressing button 17 and the pressing detecting part 40 of the multidirectional pressing part 30, the pressing return member 31 is bent in the other direction when the direction pressing is input. In order to prevent the touch detection sensor 35 from being contacted or not properly contacted, a groove 21 for fixing the press return member 31 may be formed at the lower portion of the direction push button 17, and the press return member 31 may be formed. ) Is smaller than the distance between the direction push button 17 and the push detection unit 40, the direction push button 17 protrudes below the direction push button 17 so that the direction push input is performed smoothly. H) may be formed.

The operation unit 10 performs a center push input by pressing the center push button 11 coupled to the central axis 13 while the user puts a finger on the control unit 10, and the direction push button 17 The direction pressing input is performed by pressing any one direction (the direction in which the direction pressing input is possible), and the direction moving input is performed by moving the operation unit 10 in the direction. At this time, the manipulation of the direction pressing input, the center pressing input, and the direction movement input by contacting the operation unit 10 is not limited to the user's finger, and various auxiliary means are in contact with the operation unit 10, and the direction pressing input, the center pressing input, and the like. You can also manipulate the direction movement input.

The components of the manipulation unit 10 are not limited to the above-described components but may further include various components, or may be omitted. For example, the formation of the center push button 11 can be omitted. When the center push button 11 is not formed, the opening 14 for coupling with the center push button 11 is not formed in the central axis 13.

In addition, the joining order of the operation unit 10 is not limited to the order described above, and after the center axis 13 is coupled to the direction push button 17, the center push button 11 is coupled to the center axis 13. The operation unit 10 may be formed.

The multi-directional pressing unit 30 facilitates the center press input and the direction press input, and the press return to return the operation unit 10 to the original position when the force for the center press input or the direction press input is released. The member 31, the press detection unit 40 which detects the center press input and the direction press input and transmits the detected center press input signal and the direction press input signal to the controller, and the center press input and the direction press input are performed correctly. It includes a multi-directional pusher body 39 for fixing and supporting the push detection unit 40 to be.

In addition to the functions described above, the press return member 31 further performs a function of generating a click feeling to inform the user that the center press input and the direction press input have been performed. The pressing return member 31 may be formed of a rubber dome as shown in FIG. 1, a ring dome as shown in FIG. 7, or a metal dome as shown in FIG. 8. The pressing return member 31 is not limited to the example described above, and any material may be used as the pressing return member 31 as long as it is a material capable of performing the function of the pressing return member 31 described above. The pressing return member 31 is provided at the upper portion of the central pressing sensor 33 and the upper portion of the directional pressing detecting sensor 35, respectively. At this time, the height of the pressing return member 31 provided on the upper portion of the central pressing sensor 33 and the upper pressing sensor 35 may be provided differently. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the height of the press return member 31 provided above the center press sensor 33 is higher than that of the press return member 31 provided above the direction press sensor 35. It may be formed low, or vice versa. In addition, the press return member 31 provided at the upper portion of the center press sensor 33 and the press return member 31 provided at the upper portion of the direction press sensor 35 may be made of the same material, or different from each other. It may be made of a material. Hereinafter, a case where the rubber dome is used as the push return member 31 as shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail.

The pressing return member 31 is formed with a first fastening groove 41 for coupling with the pressing error prevention part 15 of the central axis 13. When the press return member 31 is formed as a ring dome as shown in FIG. 7, an opening for coupling with the entire central axis 13 is formed, and when the press return member 31 is made as a metal dome as shown in FIG. The upper portion of the sensor 33 and the direction pressing sensor 35 is formed separately and coupled.

The push detector 40 may include a center push sensor 33 for detecting a center push input, a direction push sensor 35 for detecting a direction push input, and a center push sensor 33 and a direction push sensor ( And a first printed circuit board (FPCB) 37 for transmitting the center push input signal and the direction push input signal sensed by the controller 35 to a controller (not shown).

At least one of the center press sensor 33 and the direction press sensor 35 may be formed and coupled to the first printed circuit board (FPCB) 37 separately, or the first printed circuit board (FPCB) 37. It may be formed integrally with the.

The center push sensor 33 and the direction push sensor 35 are formed of at least one of a pressure sensor, a touch sensor, a touch sensor, an optical sensor, and a tactile sensor. The center press sensor 33 and the direction press sensor 35 may be formed of any sensor as long as the sensor can detect the center press input and the direction press input in addition to the above-described sensors. Also, the center push sensor 33 and the direction push sensor 35 may be made of the same sensor, or may be made of different sensors.

The number of directional push detection sensors 35 formed on the first printed circuit board (FPCB) 37 is determined by the number of directions in which the push input is possible. For example, when a push input for 8 directions is possible, as shown in FIG. 5, 8 direction push sensor 35 is provided on the first printed circuit board (FPCB) 37 to sense push input for 8 directions. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, four direction pressing sensors 35 may be provided on the first printed circuit board (FPCB) 37 to sense a pressing input for eight directions. Detecting the push input for the eight directions using the eight direction push detection sensor 35 is the same as in the prior art, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and pressing for eight directions using the four direction push detection sensor 35. Sensing an input is described in detail in the following description of the controller (not shown).

In the first printed circuit board (FPCB) 37, a second fastening groove 43 for coupling with the pressing error prevention part 15 of the central axis 13 is formed.

The multi-directional pusher body 39 is provided with a third fastening groove 45 for coupling the push error prevention part 15 of the central axis 13.

The multidirectional pusher body 39 is a groove for engaging the operation unit 10 and the moving return member 53 for returning the multidirectional pusher 30 to its original position when the force for the direction movement input is released. 47 can be formed. The moving return member 53 is coupled to the groove 47. The moving return member 53 is made of a magnetic material having one polarity of either N pole or S pole. Two moving return members 53 are coupled to the multidirectional pusher body 39 as shown in FIG. 1. The number of movable return members 53 coupled to the multidirectional pusher body 39 is not limited to two above, but various numbers of movable return members 53 such as three or four depending on the manufacturing environment are multidirectional pushers. It may be coupled to the body 39. In addition, the position at which the moving return member 53 is coupled to the multidirectional pusher body 39 is not limited, and may be coupled to various positions.

As shown in FIG. 2, a protrusion 48 is formed below the multidirectional pusher body 39 to limit a direction moving radius of the multidirectional input device 100. The projection 48 formed on the lower portion of the multi-directional pusher body 39 is coupled to the groove 52 formed on the upper portion of the multi-directional moving part case 51 and can move only within the groove 52. The direction movement radius of the input device 100 is limited. Two projections 48 may be formed below the multidirectional pusher body 39 to limit the moving radius of the multidirectional input device 100. The number of the projections 48 is not limited to the number described above, but may be changed according to the manufacturing environment.

As shown in FIG. 8, a protrusion 49 for coupling with the second moving guide 57 may be formed at the lower center of the multidirectional pusher body 39. The protrusion 49 may be formed in various shapes such as a circle and a polygon.

The components of the multidirectional pusher 30 are not limited to the above-described components, and may further include various components, or may be omitted. For example, one or more of the pressing return member 31 or the central pressing sensor 33 among the above-described components of the multi-directional pressing part may be omitted. When the press return member 31 is omitted, the direction push button 17 is made of a material having elastic force so that when the force on the direction push input is released, it can be returned to its original position.

The multi-directional moving unit 50 may include a multi-directional moving unit case 51 protecting the multi-directional moving unit 50, and the operation unit 10 and the multi-directional pressing unit 30 when the force on the direction moving input is released. A return member (53, 53 ') for returning to the original position, a first moving guide (55) coupled to the multi-directional moving part case (51) and moving only in one of up, down, left, and right directions; The second moving guide 57 is coupled to the first moving guide 55 and moves only in one of the left and right directions, and the lower one of the second moving guide 57 and moves in accordance with the user's direction moving operation. The subject 59 performing the input, the movement detecting sensor 61 detecting the direction movement input of the subject 59, and the direction moving input signal of the subject 59 detected by the movement detecting sensor 61; It includes a second printed circuit board (PCB) (63) for transmitting to the control unit (not shown).

The upper portion of the multi-directional moving part case 51 is formed with a groove 52 for limiting the moving radius of the multi-directional input device 100. The radius of movement of the multidirectional input device 100 by the projection 48 formed at the lower portion of the multidirectional pusher body 39 being coupled to the groove 52 and the projection 48 being movable only in the groove 52. This is limited. In this case, the groove 52 formed on the upper portion of the multi-directional moving part case 51 may be formed in a circular shape as shown in FIG. 1, or may be formed in various shapes such as a square, a triangle, and a polygon. In the multi-directional input device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the movement distance of the multi-directional input device 100 is different when moving in the up, down, left, right direction and when moving in the diagonal direction. It is preferably formed in a square shape.

The lower portion of the multi-directional moving part case 51 may be formed with a groove 54 for coupling the moving return member 53 '. The moving return member 53 'is coupled to the groove 54. The moving return member 53 'is made of a magnetic material having a different polarity from that of the moving return member 53 coupled to the multi-directional pressing body 39. For example, when the movable return member 53 coupled to the multidirectional pusher body 39 is made of a magnetic material having N polarity, the movable return member 53 'coupled to the multidirectional movable part case 51 is S polarized. It is made of a magnetic material having a. Since the movement return member 53 coupled to the multi-directional pusher body 39 and the movement return member 53 'coupled to the multi-directional mover case 51 are magnetic materials having different polarities from each other, a force against the direction movement input When this is released, the operation unit 10 and the multidirectional pusher 30 are returned to their original positions by the force of attracting different polarities. The moving return members 53 'coupled to the multidirectional moving part case 51 are formed in the same number at the positions corresponding to the moving return members 39 coupled to the multidirectional pressing body 39. The movable return member 53 may be made of a material having elastic force such as silicon, rubber, spring, etc. in addition to the magnetic body movable return members 53 and 53 'described above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted since a person skilled in the art can easily know a coupling method. .

The first moving guide 55 is coupled to the lower portion of the multi-directional moving part case 51. As shown in FIG. 2, a first guide line 65 is formed below the multi-directional moving part case 51 to help the first moving guide 55 be moved only in one of up, down, left, and right directions (FIG. 2, the lower moving red line of the multi-directional moving part case 51), the first moving guide 55 moves only in one of the up, down, left and right directions along the first guide line (65).

A second guide line 67 is formed on the first movement guide 55 so that the second movement guide 57 is coupled to move only in one of left, right, and up and down directions (FIG. 2, the first movement guide 55). See red line inside). The second movement guide 57 is coupled to the second guide line 67 to move only in one of left, right, and up and down directions. In this case, the direction in which the second movement guide 57 moves is different from the direction in which the first movement guide 55 moves. For example, when the first movement guide 55 is moved up and down along the first guide line 65, the second movement guide 57 is moved in the left and right directions along the second guide line 67.

The multi-directional moving part case 51 and the first moving guide 55 are positioned in order, and the multi-directional moving part body 39 and the second moving guide 57 are coupled to each other. A groove 69 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the protrusion 49 formed on the lower portion of the multi-directional pressing part 39 is formed on the second moving guide 57, and the lower portion of the multi-directional pressing part body 39 is formed. The protrusion 49 formed at the upper portion of the second moving guide 57 is coupled to the groove 69 formed at the upper portion of the multi-directional pressing part 39 and the second moving guide 57.

A fourth fastening groove 71 is formed in the second moving guide 57 for coupling with the pressing error prevention part 15 of the central axis 13.

Direction push button 17, push return member 31, first printed circuit board (FPCB) 37, multidirectional pusher body 39, multidirectional mover case 51 and first travel guide 55 ) Are placed in order, and the pressing error prevention part 15 of the central axis 13 and the second movement guide 57 are coupled to each other. The operation unit 10 and the multi-directional pressing unit 30 are coupled by combining the pressing error preventing unit 15 and the second moving guide 57. That is, the pressing error prevention portion 15 of the central axis 13 coupled to the direction push button 17, the first fastening groove 41, the second fastening groove 43, the third fastening groove 45 and the first By engaging the four fastening grooves 71, the operation unit 10 and the multi-directional pressing unit 30 are engaged. The pressing error prevention unit 15, the first fastening groove 41, the second fastening groove 43, the third fastening groove 45, and the fourth fastening groove 71 may be coupled by various methods.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the pressing error prevention part 15, the first fastening groove 41, the second fastening groove 43, the third fastening groove 45, and the fourth fastening groove 71 are screws 73. ) Can be combined. A screw groove 16 is formed in the lower portion of the pressing error prevention part 15 as shown in FIG. 2, and includes a first fastening groove 41, a second fastening groove 43, a third fastening groove 45, and The operation part 10 and the multidirectional pressing part 30 are engaged by placing the fourth fastening groove 71 in order and engaging the screw groove 16 and the screw 73.

As another example, the pressing error prevention unit 15, the first fastening groove 41, the second fastening groove 43, the third fastening groove 45, and the fourth fastening groove 71 may be coupled through bolts. . A bolt groove is formed in the lower portion of the pressing error prevention part 15, and the first fastening groove 41, the second fastening groove 43, the third fastening groove 45 and the fourth fastening groove 71 are sequentially formed. The operating unit 10 and the multi-directional pressing unit 30 are coupled by positioning the bolt groove and the bolt in between.

As another example, the pressing error prevention unit 15, the first fastening groove 41, the second fastening groove 43, the third fastening groove 45, and the fourth fastening groove 71 are coupled through an interference fit method. Can be. At this time, a protrusion (not shown) is formed at the lower portion of the pressing error preventing portion 15 instead of the screw groove 16, and a protrusion (not shown) formed at the lower portion of the pressing error preventing portion 15 is sequentially fastened to the first fastening groove. The operation unit 10 and the multi-directional pressing unit 30 are engaged by being forced into the 41, the second fastening groove 43, the third fastening groove 45, and the fourth fastening groove 71.

The method of combining the operation unit 10 and the multidirectional pressing unit 30 is not limited to the above-described method, and the pressing error preventing unit 15, the first fastening groove 41, the second fastening groove 43, and the first Since the three fastening grooves 45 and the fourth fastening grooves 71 can be combined in various ways such as hook fastening or fusion, etc., and those skilled in the art can easily understand, detailed descriptions are omitted.

As described above, by combining the pressing error prevention unit 15 with the first fastening groove 41, the second fastening groove 43, the third fastening groove 45, and the fourth fastening groove 71. 10) and the multi-directional pressing portion 30 is prevented from being separated from each other. In addition, by interposing the multi-directional moving part case 51 and the first moving guide 55 and the pressing error prevention unit 15 and the fourth fastening groove 71, the multi-directional pressing unit 30 and The multidirectional moving parts 50 are prevented from being separated from each other.

The subject 59 is coupled to the lower portion of the second moving guide 57. As shown in FIG. 2, a groove 75 having the same shape as the subject 59 is formed in the lower portion of the second movement guide 57 to couple the subject 59, and the second movement guide 57 is formed. The subject 59 is coupled to the groove 75 formed at the bottom of the body.

When the user places a finger on the operation unit 10 and performs a direction movement operation, the subject 59 is precisely moved in the direction desired by the first movement guide 55 and the second movement guide 57. . For example, when the user places a finger on the operation unit 10 and moves the operation unit 10 in the 9 o'clock direction as shown in FIG. 9, the second movement guide 57 to which the subject 59 is coupled is the second guide. The direction is moved in the 9 o'clock direction along the line 67. At this time, the second guide line 67 prevents the second movement guide 57 from moving in the vertical direction. The direction movement input with respect to the 9 o'clock direction is accurately performed by the second movement guide 57 not moving in the vertical direction.

As another example, when the operation unit 10 is moved in the 5 o'clock direction by the user's direction movement operation, the first moving guide 55 moves in the 6 o'clock direction through the first guide line 65 and the second The movement guide 57 moves in the 3 o'clock direction through the second guide line 67. The first guide line 65 prevents the left and right movement of the first movement guide 55, and the second guide line 67 prevents the movement of the second movement guide 57 in the vertical direction. Direction movement input to the direction is performed correctly. As described above, accurate direction movement input is made by the first movement guide 55, the second movement guide 57, the first guide line 65, and the second guide line 67 without intentional misdirection or misdirection. As this is done, the correct data is entered.

In addition, the first moving guide 55 is coupled to and fixed to the first guide line 65 formed under the multi-directional moving part case 51, and the second moving guide 57 is connected to the first moving guide 55. By being coupled to the second guide line 67 formed in the fixed direction, the multidirectional input device 100 itself is prevented from being inadvertently rotated during the direction pressing input and the direction moving input. This is because the first movement guide 55 and the second movement guide 57, which are formed in a rectangular or rectangular shape rather than a circular shape, are respectively coupled to the first guide line 65 and the second guide line 67 having a linear shape. Is done.

As shown in FIG. 2, a movement detection sensor 61 for detecting a direction movement input of the subject 59 is coupled to the second printed circuit board (PCB) 63.

The movement detection sensor 61 is determined by the type and material of the subject 59. For example, when the subject 59 is made of a magnetic material such as a magnet, the movement detecting sensor 61 may be made of a hall sensor capable of detecting the direction movement of the magnetic material. When the magnetic material is directionally moved by the user's direction movement manipulation, the hall sensor detects a direction movement input of the magnetic material.

As another example, when the subject 59 is formed of a plate that reflects light, the movement detecting sensor 61 emits light to the subject 59 and detects an amount of light reflected from the subject 59 to detect the light. It may be made of an optical sensor that can detect the direction movement input of the specimen (59). Since a method of detecting a direction movement input of a plate, which is the test subject 59, by an optical sensor is the same as that of a conventional optical mouse, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The multi-directional moving part case 51 and the second printed circuit board (PCB) 63 are coupled. The multi-directional moving part case 51 and the second printed circuit board (PCB) 63 may be combined by various methods. For example, the multi-directional moving part case 51 and the second printed circuit board (PCB) 63 may be coupled by screws or bolts 77 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this case, grooves 78 and 79 for coupling with screws or bolts 77 are formed in the multidirectional moving part case 51 and the second printed circuit board (PCB) 63, respectively, and the multidirectional moving part case 51. ) And the multi-directional moving part case 51 and the PCB 63 are coupled by coupling the screw or bolt 77 to the grooves 78 and 79 formed in the second printed circuit board (PCB) 63, respectively. .

As another example, the multi-directional moving part case 51 and the second printed circuit board 63 may be coupled by interference fit. One of the multidirectional moving part case 51 and the second printed circuit board (PCB) 63 is formed with a groove for coupling, and the other is formed with a protrusion for coupling, and the multidirectional moving part case 51 ) And the multi-directional moving part case 51 and the second printed circuit board (PCB) 63 by coupling the protrusions formed on one of the second printed circuit board (PCB) 63 and the groove formed on the other. Is combined.

The method of coupling the multi-directional moving part case 51 and the second printed circuit board (PCB) 63 is not limited to the example described above but may be combined by various methods such as fusion, hook fastening, and the like. The detailed description is omitted since it is easily understood.

The controller (not shown) receives the direction pressing input signal and the direction moving input signal from the multidirectional pressing unit 30 and the multidirectional moving unit 50, and transmits data corresponding to the received signal from the memory unit (not shown). Extract and enter.

In addition, the controller (not shown) determines whether the direction pressing input and the direction moving input are performed independently or simultaneously, and extracts and inputs corresponding data from the memory unit (not shown). At this time, the direction pressing input and the direction movement input are simultaneously performed, not only the direction pressing input and the direction movement input are simultaneously performed, but also returning to the original position when one of the direction pressing input and the direction movement input is performed. Before another input is performed. When the direction pressing input and the direction movement input are each independently performed, the controller (not shown) extracts data corresponding to the received direction pressing input and the direction movement input from the memory unit (not shown) and continuously performs input. When the direction pressing input and the direction movement input are performed at the same time, the data corresponding to the input of the direction pressing input and the direction movement input are simultaneously performed. Extract it from h) and enter it. In this case, the input data differs depending on whether the pressing input for which direction and the moving input for which direction are simultaneously performed.

In addition, the controller (not shown) performs a role of inputting data by determining whether the direction pressing input and the direction moving input are a combination input performed continuously. The controller (not shown) may determine whether the direction pressing input and the direction moving input are a combination input that is continuously performed in various ways. For example, the controller (not shown) may receive one of the direction pressing input signal and the direction movement input signal, and then the other signal is set within a predetermined time (eg, about 0.3 to 0.7 seconds) set by the user or the manufacturer. It is determined whether the direction pressing input and the direction movement input are a combination input performed continuously according to whether the input is continuous. The controller (not shown) extracts data allocated to each of the direction press input and the direction movement input from the memory unit (not shown) when the direction press input and the direction movement input are not continuously performed within a predetermined time. In the case of a combination input in which another input is continuously performed within a predetermined time after one input of the direction pressing input and the direction moving input is performed, the direction pressing input and the direction pressing input are different from the data allocated to each of the direction pressing input and the direction moving input. The data allocated to the combinational input of the direction shift input are extracted from the memory unit (not shown) to perform the input.

In addition, in the above example, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the case in which the direction pressing input signal is sensed by providing the direction pressing sensor 35 to correspond one-to-one with the number of directions of the pressing input has been described. The number of direction push detection sensors 35 formed on the first printed circuit board (FPCB) 37 may be configured to be smaller than the number of directions in which the push input is possible. In this case, the direction pressing input signal is received from one direction pressing detecting sensor 35 or two direction pressing detecting sensors 35 to input various data. do. That is, when a direction pressing input signal is received from one direction pressing sensor 35, the controller extracts and inputs data corresponding to the received direction pressing input signal from the memory unit (not shown). When a direction pressing input signal is received from the two direction pressing detection sensors 35, the controller (not shown) extracts third data other than the data allocated to the two direction pressing input signals received from the memory unit (not shown). To enter. In this case, the input third data varies depending on which direction pressing input signals are received from two direction pressing sensors 35 located in which direction. For example, a direction pressing input for eight directions is possible, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, when four direction pressing sensors 35 are formed on the first printed circuit board (FPCB) 37, a controller (not shown) is illustrated. ) Determines whether the direction pressing input signal is received from one direction pressing sensor 35 or whether the direction pressing input signal is received from the two direction pressing sensors 35, and determines the direction of the pressing input. The data allocated to the direction in which the input is performed is extracted from the memory unit (not shown) and input. For example, when the direction pressing input signal is received from the direction pressing sensor 35 positioned in the 12 o'clock direction (1 direction), the controller (not shown) is assigned to the 12 o'clock direction (1 direction) where the direction pressing input is performed. The extracted data from the memory unit (not shown) to perform input. As another example, when a direction pressing input signal is received from the direction pressing sensor 35 positioned in the 12 o'clock direction (1 direction) and the direction pressing sensor 35 positioned in the 3 o'clock direction (3 directions), the control unit receives the 12 o'clock position. It is understood that the direction pressing input for the direction (2 directions) between the direction pressing detection sensor 35 positioned in the direction (1 direction) and the direction pressing detection sensor 35 positioned in the 3 o'clock direction (3 directions) is performed. Data corresponding to the corresponding direction (two directions) is extracted from the memory unit (not shown) to perform input. The same applies to the fourth, sixth and eighth directions of FIG. 6. As described above, the controller (not shown) determines whether the direction pressing input signal is received from one direction pressing sensor 35 or the direction pressing input signal is received from the two direction pressing sensing sensors 35. Even if the direction pressing sensor 35 is provided, the direction pressing input signal for the eight directions may be detected and input may be performed.

In addition, the controller (not shown) may display data processed by the center push input, the direction push input, and the direction movement input on the display unit of various electronic devices.

The memory unit (not shown) stores a program and an operating system required for the multidirectional input device. In addition, the memory unit stores data allocated to the direction pressing input and the direction moving input.

The multidirectional input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be mounted in a multifunction controller, a smart phone, and a portable terminal as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In addition, the multi-directional input device according to the embodiment of the present invention can be used by being embedded in any electronic device that requires an input device for inputting data in addition to the above-described example. Electronic devices with built-in multi-directional input devices can easily perform various functions that could not be performed with conventional input devices through multi-directional input devices, and can easily input a large number of data.

≪ Embodiment 2 >

Hereinafter, a multidirectional input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

12 is an exploded view of the removable multidirectional input device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, descriptions of the same components as the multidirectional input device 100 according to the first embodiment described above among the components and the coupling method of the multidirectional input device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be omitted. Only the other parts are explained in detail.

The multidirectional input device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is formed independently and has a feature of being detachable to various types of portable information devices.

The multi-directional input device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the operation unit 10, the multi-directional pressing unit 30, the multi-directional moving unit 50, the housing 80, the power supply unit, the data transmission and reception unit, the control unit (Not shown) and a memory unit (not shown).

The housing 80 protects the multidirectional input device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and serves to prevent foreign substances from entering the multidirectional input device 100. The housing 80 is formed of an upper housing 81 and a lower housing 83. An opening 82 is formed in the upper housing 81 to expose the operation unit 10 and the multidirectional pusher 30 or the operation unit 10, the multidirectional pusher 30, and the multidirectional mover 50. The center press input, the direction press input, and the direction movement input are performed by the user operating the manipulation unit 10 exposed through the opening 82 of the upper housing 81. The shape of the opening 82 formed in the upper housing 81 may be formed in various shapes according to the shape of the multidirectional input device. The upper housing 81 and the lower housing 83 may be combined by various methods, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted since those skilled in the art will readily understand. In addition, the shape of the housing 80 is not limited to the rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 9, and may be any shape as long as it is a structure which can be attached or detached to various portable information devices.

The multidirectional input device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be coupled to an electronic device that transmits and receives data to and from the multidirectional input device 100 using a coupling means 85 coupled to the lower housing 83. Can be. For example, the multidirectional input device 100 may be coupled to an electronic device using a tong-shaped coupling means 85. Since the multi-directional input device 100 and the electronic device according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be combined by various methods and can be easily understood by those skilled in the art, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. The direction input device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be used in conjunction with an electronic device that transmits and receives data using a coupling means 85 formed in the lower housing 83 as described above. You can also send and receive data apart from. However, it is preferable to use it after attaching it to be fixed to the electronic device for convenience of input.

The power supply unit includes a battery 86 for applying power to the multidirectional input device 100 and a power button (or power switch) 87 for performing power ON / OFF of the multidirectional input device 100. The position at which the battery 86 and the power button 87 are formed is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 12, and is formed at various positions to supply power to the multidirectional input device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Can supply In addition, since the method of charging the battery 86 of the power supply unit is the same as the conventional method, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The data transmission / reception unit includes a data transmission / reception module 88 for interfacing with various kinds of electronic devices and a data transmission / reception module 88 and an interlocking button (or interlocking switch) 89 for interworking the electronic device with the multidirectional input device 100. The multi-directional input device 100 and various kinds of electronic devices are interlocked so that data can be transmitted and received to each other by the interlocking button 89. In addition, the multi-directional input device 100 transmits a direction pressing input signal and a direction moving input signal generated by the multi-directional push input and the multi-directional moving input to the electronic device through the data transmitting / receiving module 88, and from the electronic device. Receives a processing result signal for the direction pressing input signal and the direction moving input signal. In addition, it is more preferable if a dedicated application for installing the multidirectional input device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is compatible with various information devices. The multi-directional input device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be used after the user downloads the dedicated application through the Internet or installs a dedicated application on the user's information device. The multidirectional input device 100 and the electronic device according to the second embodiment of the present invention may transmit and receive data through various methods such as Bluetooth and infrared rays.

In addition, the multi-directional input device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include various modules such as a Bluetooth communication module and an infrared communication module to transmit and receive data to and from various electronic devices.

Components of the multidirectional input device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are not limited to the above-described components but may further include various components, or may be omitted. For example, the multidirectional input device 100 may further include an output unit (not shown). The output unit (not shown) includes at least one of a speaker, a vibration motor, and a display device. The output unit (not shown) outputs the state of the multidirectional input device 100, a signal received from the electronic device, or the like as one or more of voice, vibration, and images.

The multidirectional input device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is separately formed as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, and is connected to various types of electronic devices by wireless or wired to input data. The user may be formed separately from the input device mounted on the electronic device to perform various functions by using an input device connected wirelessly or by wire, and may input a large number of data. Multi-directional input device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be connected to any electronic device that requires an input device for inputting data by wireless or wired to input data.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, of course, the scope of application, and of course, various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims.

Claims (14)

In the multi-directional input device capable of performing a multi-directional push input and a multi-directional move input,
An operation unit including a direction push button for performing a direction push input and a central axis which prevents an input error due to rotation and departure of the direction push button when the direction push input is input, and performing a direction movement input;
A multi-directional pressing unit which detects a direction pressing input of the direction pressing button and transfers the detected direction pressing input signal to a controller;
A multi-directional moving unit which senses a direction moving input of the manipulation unit and transfers the detected direction moving input signal to a control unit;
A memory unit which stores a program required for the multi-directional input device and data corresponding to a direction pressing input and a direction moving input; And
Receives the direction pressing input signal and the direction movement input signal from the multi-directional pressing unit and the multi-directional moving unit, and extracts data corresponding to the received direction pressing input signal and the direction moving input signal from the memory unit. Multi-directional input device characterized in that it comprises a control unit for input processing. The method of claim 1,
And a push direction display unit configured to display a direction in which a push input can be performed on an upper portion of the direction push button. The method of claim 1,
The multi-directional pressing unit,
A push detector including a direction press sensor for detecting the direction press input and a first printed circuit board configured to transmit a direction press input signal detected by the direction press sensor to the controller; And
And a multidirectional pusher body to fix and support the electrical circuit board so that the operation unit and the direction push sensor are smoothly contacted. The method of claim 3,
The operation unit further includes a center push button for performing a center push input,
And the push detector further comprises a center push sensor for detecting the center push input of the center push button. The method of claim 3,
The multidirectional pressing unit further comprises a pressing return member for returning the operation unit to the original position when the force for the center pressing input or the direction pressing input is released. The method of claim 5,
The push return member is located above the center push sensor and the direction push sensor,
And a height of a return member positioned above the center push sensor and the direction push sensor is different from each other. The method of claim 1,
The pressing error prevention portion is formed protruding or concave on the side of the central axis,
The opening of the shape corresponding to the shape of the central axis in which the pressing error prevention portion is formed in the direction push button is formed,
The rotation direction of the direction push button is prevented when the direction push input by the central axis formed with the pressing error prevention portion is coupled to the opening formed in the direction push button. The method of claim 1,
The multi-directional moving unit,
A multi-directional moving part case which protects the multi-directional moving part and has a first guide line so that the first moving guide can move only in one of up, down and left and right directions;
A movement return member for returning the operation portion to its original position when the force on the direction movement input is released;
The first movement in which the second guide line is formed to move only in one of the up, down, left and right directions along the first guide line, and the second movement guide may move only in one of the left, right, and up and down directions; guide;
A second moving guide coupled to the subject and moving only in one of left, right, and up and down directions along the second guide line;
A direction movement sensor for sensing a direction movement input of the subject; And
And a second printed circuit board which transmits the direction movement input signal detected by the direction movement detection sensor to the controller. 9. The method of claim 8,
The moving return member having a different polarity is coupled to a multidirectional pusher body and the multidirectional moving part case, and when the force on the directional moving input is released, the moving return member attracts different polarities. Multi-directional input device, characterized in that the operation unit is returned to its original position. 9. The method of claim 8,
The first moving guide formed as a quadrangle or rectangle is coupled to the first guide line, and the second moving guide and the center is formed after the second moving guide formed as a quadrangle or rectangle is coupled to the second guide line. And the rotation of the multidirectional input device itself is prevented by engaging the shaft. The method of claim 1,
If the number of direction pressing inputs and the number of direction pressing sensors that do not correspond to the one-to-one correspondence and the number of the direction pressing sensors are small, the controller determines whether a signal for the direction pressing input is detected by one direction pressing sensor. The multi-directional input device characterized in that it is detected by the direction pressing sensor to extract the corresponding data from the memory unit and input. The method of claim 1,
The controller detects whether the direction pressing input and the direction movement input are independently performed, simultaneously, or continuously within a predetermined time, and extracts and inputs corresponding data from the memory unit. Direction input device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
A housing configured to detachably attach the multidirectional input device to a portable information device;
A power supply unit applying power to the multidirectional input device; And
And a data transceiving unit for interworking the multidirectional input device with the portable information device and transmitting and receiving data. The method of claim 13,
The multi-directional input device,
The multi-directional input device further comprises an output unit consisting of one or more of a speaker, a vibration motor and a display device.

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