ELECTRONIC DEVICE; PRINT-TYPE INPUT DEVICE, AND ELECTRONIC SWITCH

Abstract

An electronic device comprises a sensor connected to a power supply, a first load connected to a power supply, a sensor control unit configured to control the sensor, and a drive control unit configured to control the drive of the first load, wherein the sensor control unit is configured to acquire a detection value from the sensor in synchronization with a drive cycle, by means of which the drive control unit performs drive control of the first load.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic devices, push-type input devices, and electronic switches. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventionally, in an apparatus to which a plurality of loads requiring large power are attached, when each load is controlled to be turned on or off at a predetermined cycle, there is a method for preventing fluctuations in the power supply voltage that occur when each load is turned on or off. A duty cycle representing a duty cycle from a driving start time to a driving end time with respect to one cycle of each load is determined based on a temperature detected by a temperature sensor before the driving start time of each load, and a driving timing is set based on the determined duty cycle so that the driving start time and the driving end time of each load do not coincide with each other (for example, see PTL (Patent Literature) 1). CITATION LISTPATENT LITERATURE

[0003] [PTL 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-066738 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM SOLVED BY MEANS OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A conventional method for preventing voltage fluctuation sets the drive time so that the start time and the end time of the duty cycle of each load, which is determined based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, do not coincide with each other in order to prevent the fluctuation of the supply voltage that occurs when the load is turned on or off.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide an electronic device capable of preventing the influence of the fluctuation of the supply voltage and obtaining the detection value of the sensor with stable accuracy, a push-type input device and an electronic switch. MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM

[0006] An electronic device of the embodiments of the present disclosure includes a sensor connected to a power supply, a first load connected to the power supply, a sensor control unit configured to control the sensor, and a drive control unit configured to control the drive of the first load, wherein the sensor control unit is configured to acquire a detection value from the sensor in synchronization with a drive cycle by which the drive control unit performs the drive control of the first load. EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An electronic device capable of preventing the influence of the fluctuation of the supply voltage and obtaining the detection value of a sensor with stable accuracy, a pressure-type input device, and an electronic switch can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [ Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a push-type switching device according to an embodiment. [ Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pressure-type switching device according to an embodiment. [ Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the pressure-type switching device according to an embodiment. [ Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of the pressure-type switching device according to an embodiment. [ Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing an electrical configuration of the pressure-type switching device according to an embodiment. [ Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is an external perspective view of a slider included in the push-type input device according to an embodiment. [ Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a side view of a rotatable body included in the push-type input device according to an embodiment. [ Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a drawing illustrating engagement between an upper sliding unit and a lower sliding unit of the slider and a cam unit of the rotating body in the push-type input device according to an embodiment. [ Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a drawing illustrating engagement between the upper slide unit and the lower slide unit of the slider and the cam unit of the rotating body in the push-type input device according to an embodiment. [ Fig. 10A] Fig. 10A is a drawing showing a configuration of a magnetic sensor 107C. [ Fig. 10B] Fig. 10B is a drawing showing an example of waveforms of a +SIN signal 1 and a -SIN signal 1 output from the magnetic sensor 107C. [ Fig. 10C] Fig. 10C is an enlarged view of an angular range AR. [ Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing an example of a peripheral circuit configuration of the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 of the push-type input devices 100-1 to 100-4 of the push-type switching device 10. [ Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing an output voltage VREFH of a power supply 1, a PWM signal 1, and a PWM signal 2. [ Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing an example of a processing table of a light emission control unit 121. [ Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the light emission control unit 121 and a sensor control unit 122 of a controller 120. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure of the electronic device, the push-type input device, and the electronic switch of the present disclosure are described below. <AUS FÜHRUNGSFORMEN> (SUMMARY OF PRESSURE-TYPE SWITCHING DEVICE 10)

[0009] Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a push-type switching device 10 according to an embodiment. The push-type switching device 10 is an example of a push-type input device and an example of an electronic switch. In the following description, for convenience, an X-axis direction is referred to as a front-to-back direction, a Y-axis direction as a left-to-right direction, and a Z-axis direction as a vertical direction. Here, a positive direction of the X-axis is a forward direction, a positive direction of the Y-axis is a right direction, and a positive direction of the Z-axis is an upward direction. These terms refer to the relative positional relationship within the device and do not limit the installation direction or the operating direction of the device.All devices having the same relative positional relationship within the device, even those with different installation directions or operating directions, fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0010] The Fig. The pressure-type switching device 10 shown in Fig. 1 is a device installed in a vehicle, such as an automobile, to receive an operation for selecting a shift position of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 1, the push-type input device 10 includes four push-type input mechanisms 100 (100-1 to 100-4) and a housing 101. The four push-type input mechanisms 100 are arranged in a line in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and are integrated into a single housing 101. Each of the four push-type input mechanisms 100 has an operation button 102 at its uppermost portion, and the operator can perform an operation to select a switching position to the switching position corresponding to the operation button 102 by pressing the operation button 102. (CONFIGURATION OF THE PRINT TYPE INPUT MECHANISM 100)

[0011] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pressure-type switching device 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the pressure-type switching device 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of the pressure-type switching device 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. Fig. 3 shows a cross section of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 included in the push-type switching device 10 in the XZ plane (a cross section along the line shown in Fig. AA cross-section line shown in Figure 1). Fig. Fig. 4 shows a cross section of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 (particularly the rotating body 105) included in the push-type switching device 10 in the YZ plane (a cross section taken along the axis shown in Fig. 2 shown BB cross-section line).

[0012] As in Fig. 2, each of the four push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4 includes an operation button 102, a housing 101, a slider 103, a light guide 104, a rotary body 105, a rubber layer 106, a substrate 107, and a cover 108.

[0013] The actuation button 102 is a plastic component that receives a push operation from an operator. The actuation button 102 is an example of a switch. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 2, the operation knob 102 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The upper surface of the operation knob 102 is an operation surface 102A, which is substantially horizontal and slightly curved in a concave shape to receive a push operation. The entire portion corresponding to the lower surface of the operation knob 102 is a lower opening 102B. The operation knob 102 is fixedly attached to the upper portion of the slider 103 by fitting the upper portion of the slider 103 into the lower opening 102B from the lower side (negative side of the Z-axis). Thus, the operation knob 102 can move integrally with the slider 103 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). That is, the operation button 102 can push the slider 103 downward (negative direction of the Z-axis) by performing a pressing operation on the operation surface 102A.

[0014] Each operation button 102 has a translucent portion in the shape of a symbol representing a switch position, and when the LED 107B on the lower side emits light, the light guided through the light guide 104 passes through and illuminates the symbol.

[0015] The housing 101 is a container-like resin-made component having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a hollow structure. A slider 103, a light guide 104, a rotating body 105, a rubber layer 106, and a substrate 107 are housed in the housing 101. An upper opening 101A, which has a rectangular shape in plan view, is formed on the upper surface of the housing 101. A slider 103 is arranged in the upper opening 101A so as to be slidable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The entire portion of the housing 101 corresponding to the lower surface is a lower opening 101B. The lower opening 101B is closed by the cover 108. As shown in Fig. 3, a tubular shaft 101C is provided in the housing 101, which is suspended from the surface of the ceiling. As shown in Fig. 3, the shaft 101C is inserted into the upper opening 105b of the rotating body 105 to rotatably support the upper portion of the rotating body 105. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 4, two supporting units 101E are provided inside the housing 101, which are facing each other and are provided with a bearing opening 101D therebetween. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 4, a flange 105E is provided at the lower end portion of the rotating body 105, which extends in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 105. The diameter of the flange 105E is larger than the diameter of the bearing hole 101D. As shown in Fig. 4, the lower end portion of the rotating body 105 is inserted into the bearing hole 101D. At this time, the flange 105E of the rotating body 105 abuts against the upper surfaces of the pair of supporting units 101E. Thus, the lower portion of the rotating body 105 is rotatably supported, that is, the downward movement of the rotating body 105 is restricted.

[0016] The slider 103 is a plastic component disposed in the upper opening 101A of the housing 101 so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) (an example of the "predetermined displacement direction"). The slider 103 comprises a tubular unit 103A having a substantially quadrangular tube shape, with the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) being the tube direction.

[0017] The light guide 104 is a resin-formed component having a quadrangular column shape and is arranged in the tubular unit 103A of the slider 103. The light guide 104 emits the light emitted by the LED 107B mounted on the upper surface 107A of the substrate 107 and incident from the lower surface of the light guide 104 from the upper surface of the light guide 104. As a result, the light guide 104 guides the light emitted by the LED 107B to the operation button 102.

[0018] The rotating body 105 is a generally tubular member having a vertical direction as the tubular direction. The rotating body 105 is arranged on the side of the slider 103 so as to be rotatable about the axis of the rotation axis with a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) as the axis direction of the rotation axis. The outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 105 is engaged with the slider 103 to be rotated in accordance with the vertical displacement of the slider 103 (details of the engagement will be described later). As shown in Fig. 3, a magnet 105A is embedded in the lower opening 105a of the rotating body 105. As shown in Fig. 3, a shaft unit 101C of the housing 101 is inserted into the upper opening 105b of the rotating body 105. In this way, the rotating body 105 is rotatably supported by the housing 101. An annular torsion spring 105B (an example of a "biasing means") is provided around the shaft 101C of the housing 101 in the upper opening 105b of the rotating body 105. One end of the torsion spring 105B is fixed to the shaft unit 101C, and the other end of the torsion spring 105B is fixed to the rotating body 105. As a result, the rotating body 105 is always biased counterclockwise when viewed from above by the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 105B.The rotating body 105 rotates clockwise when viewed from above according to the downward displacement (negative Z-axis direction) of the slider 103 by the pushing operation, and can then rotate counterclockwise when viewed from above (return direction) due to the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 105B when the pushing operation is released. As a result, the rotating body 105 can rotate to the initial position of the rotating body 105 and return to the initial position when the rubber dome 106A of the rubber layer 106, which will be described later, pushes the slider 103 upward (positive Z-axis direction), and the slider 103 returns to the initial position before the pushing operation.

[0019] The rubber layer 106 is a sheet-like member provided over the upper surface 107A of the substrate 107. The rubber layer 106 is formed of an elastic material (e.g., silicone rubber, etc.). Since the rubber layer 106 covers the upper surface 107A of the substrate 107 over the entire area, even if water penetrates into the interior of the housing 101, the upper surface 107A of the substrate 107 can be prevented from becoming covered with water.

[0020] Two rubber domes 106A are integrally formed on the rubber layer 106 at positions opposite the lower surfaces of the sliders 103. Each rubber dome 106A is an example of a mechanism that provides a "click" feeling. Each rubber dome 106A is formed in a convex shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the rubber layer 106. When the pressing operation is performed, each rubber dome 106A is pressed by the lower surface of the slider 103 to elastically deform ("inversely bend") its dome-shaped portion, thereby imparting a click feeling to the pressing operation. Furthermore, as described above, when the pushing operation is released, each rubber dome 106A can push the slider 103 upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) by the elastic force (return-to-initial shape force) generated by the rubber dome 106A, thereby returning the slider 103 to the initial position before the pushing operation.

[0021] The substrate 107 is a flat, plate-shaped component. The substrate 107 has a quadrangular shape in plan view. Within the housing 101, the substrate 107 is fixedly attached to the upper surface of the cover 108 in a horizontal position with respect to the XY plane. For example, a PWB (Printed Wiring Board) is used as the substrate 107. An LED (Light Emitting Diode) 107B and a magnetic sensor 107C are mounted on an upper surface 107A of the substrate 107.

[0022] The LED 107B is provided at a position directly below the light guide 104. The LED 107B can be illuminated under the control of a controller 120 provided on the outside (see Fig. 5) Emit light. By emitting light, the LED 107B can emit light into the light guide 104. For example, the LED 107B, as shown in Fig. 5, an LED element 107B1 emitting orange light and an LED element 107B2 emitting white light are shown. The LED element 107B1 emitting orange light is an example of a first load, and the LED element 107B2 emitting white light is an example of a second load.

[0023] Each LED 107B is driven and controlled by the light emission control unit 121 of the controller 120, described later, with either the orange LED element 107B1 or the white LED element 107B2 being turned on to emit light, and the other being turned off to not emit light. For the push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4, the orange LED element 107B1 is turned on for the LED 107B of one push-type input mechanism 100 where the operation button 102 is pressed, and the white LED element 107B2 is turned on for the LEDs 107B of the remaining three push-type input mechanisms 100 where the operation button 102 is not pressed.

[0024] In each push-type input mechanism 100, the orange LED element 107B1 is lit when the operation button 102 is pressed, and the white LED element 107B2 is lit when the operation button 102 is not pressed. In each push-type input mechanism 100, the orange LED element 107B1 and the white LED element 107B2 are not lit at the same time; instead, one of them is lit. Therefore, the operator can confirm which of the four operation buttons 102 is pressed by the light emission color (illumination color). The light emission state in each push-type input mechanism 100 is maintained until the operator presses another operation button 102. The orange color and white color of the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 are only examples, and the light emission colors can be arbitrarily different.

[0025] The magnetic sensor 107C is provided at a position immediately below the rotating body 105 and faces the magnet 105A mounted on the lower surface of the rotating body 105. The magnetic sensor 107C can detect the rotation angle of the rotating body 105 by detecting a change in the direction of the magnetic flux that accompanies the rotation of the magnet 105A. The magnetic sensor 107C can send a rotation angle signal indicating the detected rotation angle to the controller 120 (see Fig. 5) provided externally via the connector 108A. The push-type input mechanism 100 according to one embodiment uses a magnetic sensor 107C (GMR sensor) as an example of a "sensor" for detecting a rotation angle. However, the push-type input mechanism 100 is not limited to this and can be used as another example of a "sensor" for detecting a rotation angle, and can be used as a sensor of a different type (e.g., optical, mechanical, electrostatic, resistive, etc.), or a switch that is turned on or off by a push operation can be used as a sensor.

[0026] The magnetic sensor 107C includes a plurality of GMR elements for detecting a rotation angle of the rotating body 105. The magnetic sensor 107C is an example of a sensor. The configuration of the magnetic sensor 107C will be described later with reference to Fig. 10A described.

[0027] The cover 108 is a resin-formed flat plate for closing the lower opening 101B of the housing 101. The cover 108 is fixed to the housing 101 with four screws 109 passing through the cover 108. A rectangular tubular connector 108A is provided on the lower surface of the cover 108 so as to protrude downward. Inside the connector 108A, a plurality of connector pins (not shown) are arranged so as to hang from the lower surface of the substrate 107. When an external connector (not shown) is inserted into the connector 108A, the majority of the pins of the connector are electrically connected to the external connector. (ELECTRICAL CONFIGURATION OF THE PRESSURE-TYPE SWITCHING DEVICE 10)

[0028] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing an electrical configuration of the pressure-type switching device 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the push-type switching device 10 includes four push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4 and a controller 120. Each push-type input mechanism 100 includes the LED 107B and the magnetic sensor 107C. The electronic device according to this embodiment will be described later with reference to Fig. 11 described.

[0029] The controller 120 is connected to the LED 107B and the magnetic sensor 107C, which are provided in each pressure-type input mechanism 100, via a connector 108A (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) provided in the pressure-type switching device 10. The controller 120 includes a light emission control unit 121, a sensor control unit 122, and a switching determination unit 123. The light emission control unit 121 is an example of a drive control unit.

[0030] The controller 120 is implemented by a computer including a CPU (central processing unit), RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), HDD (hard disk drive), an input and output interface, an internal bus, and the like. The light emission control unit 121, the sensor control unit 122, and the switching determination unit 123 represent functions of programs executed by the controller 120 as functional blocks.

[0031] The light emission control unit 121 controls the light emission of the LEDs 107B included in each push-type input mechanism 100. When the switching state determined by the switching determination unit 123 indicates that a push operation has been performed, the light emission control unit 121 turns on the orange LED element 107B1 and off the white LED element 107B2. When the switching state determined by the switching determination unit 123 indicates that no push operation has been performed, the white LED element 107B2 is turned on and the orange LED element 107B1 is turned off.

[0032] As described above, when the light-emitting control unit 121 switches between turning on and off the orange LED element 107B1 and the white LED element 107B2 of the LED 107B of each push-type input mechanism 100, the operation button 102 subject to push-type operation lights up orange, and the three operation buttons 102 not subject to push-type operation light up white. The light-emitting control unit 121 does not turn on the orange LED element 107B1 and the white LED element 107B2 in each push-type input mechanism 100 simultaneously, but turns one of them on and the other off. When each pressure-type input device 100 enters an abnormal state that cannot be recognized in normal operation, the switching element 152 is controlled so that the orange LED element 107B1 is not accidentally turned on.

[0033] The switching determination unit 123 determines the switching state of the operation button 102 (an example of a switch) by the operation operation for each push-type input mechanism 100 based on the detection signal (i.e., the result of detecting the rotation angle by the magnetic sensor 107C) supplied from the magnetic sensor 107C of each push-type input mechanism 100. The detection signal of the magnetic sensor 107C is acquired by the sensor control unit 122 at a predetermined time and forwarded to the switching determination unit 123. As described in detail later, the magnetic sensor 107C outputs, for example, four measured values ​​according to the position of operation of the operation button 102, and the switching determination unit 123 determines the switching state of the operation button 102 according to a majority vote based on the measured value level of the four measured values.The switching state indicates whether the pressing operation is performed or not. (UPPER SLIDING UNIT 103B AND LOWER SLIDING UNIT 103C OF THE SLIDER 103)

[0034] Fig. 6 is an external perspective view of the slider 103 included in a push-type input device 100-1 according to an embodiment. Fig. Fig. 6 shows a lateral surface of the back side (negative direction of the X-axis) of the tubular unit 103A of the slider 103 provided in the push-type input mechanism 100-1. As shown in Fig. 6, the slider 103 provided in the push-type input mechanism 100-1 includes an upper slide unit 103B and a lower slide unit 103C protruding from the lateral surface of the back side (negative direction of the X-axis) of the tubular unit 103A.

[0035] The upper slide unit 103B is provided slightly above (positive direction of the Z-axis) and slightly to the left (negative direction of the Y-axis) of the lower slide unit 103C. An opening 103D is formed between the upper slide unit 103B and the lower slide unit 103C. The upper slide unit 103B has a curved upper slide surface 103Ba facing the opening 103D (convex toward the opening 103D). The lower slide unit 103C has a curved lower surface 103Ca facing the opening 103D (convex toward the opening 103D). The upper slide unit 103B and the lower slide unit 103C are provided at positions facing each other, and between them is a cam unit 105D, which will be described later (see Fig. 8 and Fig. 9). (CAM UNIT 105D OF ROTATING BODY 105)

[0036] Fig. 7 is a side view of the rotating body 105 included in the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to an embodiment. Fig. Fig. 7 shows a front (positive X-axis) outer peripheral surface 105C of the rotating body 105 included in the push-type input mechanism 100-1. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, a helical cam unit 105D protrudes from a front (positive X-axis) outer peripheral surface 105C of the rotating body 105 included in the push-type input mechanism 100-1. The cam unit 105D extends counterclockwise, as viewed from above, along the outer surface 105C from the upper end toward the lower end. The cam unit 105D is formed spirally so that its height gradually decreases from the upper end toward the lower end. The upper inclined surface of the cam unit 105D is an upper cam surface 105Da (an example of a “cam surface”), which is slidable when the upper sliding surface 103Ba (see Fig. 6) of the slider 103. The upper cam surface 105Da converts the sliding force of the slider 103 into the rotational force of the rotating body 105. The rear (lower) inclined surface of the upper cam surface 105Da of the cam unit 105D is a lower cam surface 105Db, which is displaceable when the lower sliding surface 103Ca (see Fig. 6) of the slide 103 rests against it.

[0037] As in Fig. 7, the upper cam surface 105Da has a rotation start portion P1, an intermediate rotation portion P2, and a rotation end portion P3.

[0038] The rotation start section P1 is a section in which the upper slide unit 103B of the slider 103 slides until the stroke amount of the operation knob 102 reaches the stroke amount S1 (corresponding to the “start of rotation of the rotating body”).

[0039] The rotation intermediate section P2 is a section in which the upper slide unit 103B of the slider 103 slides until the stroke amount of the operation knob 102 reaches the stroke amount S2 from the stroke amount S1 (corresponding to the “center of rotation of the rotating body”).

[0040] The rotation end portion P3 is a portion in which the upper slide unit 103B of the slider 103 slides when the stroke amount of the operation knob 102 is equal to or larger than the stroke amount S2 (corresponding to the “end of rotation of the rotating body”). (ENGAGEMENT STATE BETWEEN SLIDE 103 AND ROTATING BODY 105)

[0041] Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are drawings illustrating the engagement between the upper slide unit 103B and the lower slide unit 103C of the slider 103 and the cam unit 105D of the rotating body 105 in the push-type input device 100-1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 8 is an external perspective view of the slider 103 and the rotating body 105 as seen from above (positive Z-axis direction) and from the right (positive Y-axis direction). Fig. 9 is a sectional view in the YZ plane of the slider 103 and the rotating body 105 as seen from the front (positive X-axis direction), and only the slider 103 shows a sectional view.

[0042] As in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the cam unit 105D of the rotating body 105 is arranged in the opening 103D between the upper sliding unit 103B and the lower sliding unit 103C of the slider 103. As shown in Fig. 9, the upper cam surface 105Da of the cam unit 105D is slidably in contact with the upper sliding surface 103Ba of the upper sliding unit 103B. As shown in Fig. 9, the lower cam surface 105Db of the cam unit 105D is slidably in contact with the lower slide surface 103Ca of the lower slide unit 103C.

[0043] Thus, in the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to an embodiment, when the slider 103 moves downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) according to the push operation of the operation button 102, the upper slide surface 103Ba of the upper slide unit 103B provided on the slider 103 slides the upper cam surface 105Da of the cam unit 105D provided on the rotating body 105 toward the lower end thereof, and the rotating body 105 is driven to rotate clockwise as viewed from above. Thus, in the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to an embodiment, in accordance with the push operation of the operation button 102, the rotating body 105 can be rotated clockwise as viewed from above.Furthermore, since the rotating body 105 is always biased counterclockwise (in the reverse rotation direction) when viewed from above by the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 105B, the upper cam surface 105Da of the cam unit 105D always abuts against the upper slide surface 103Ba of the upper slide unit 103B. Therefore, in the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to an embodiment, the rotating body 105 does not rotate away from the slider 103 even if vibration or impact occurs, and the rotation angle of the rotating body 105 accompanying the push operation can be reliably set in accordance with the downward movement amount (negative Z-axis direction) of the slider 103.

[0044] Furthermore, in the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to an embodiment, when the push operation of the operation button 102 is released, the rotating body 105 can be rotated counterclockwise, viewed from above, by the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 105B provided in the upper opening 105b of the rotating body 105. Thus, in the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to an embodiment, while the upper cam surface 105Da of the cam unit 105D provided in the rotating body 105 is always in contact with and sliding against the upper slide surface 103Ba of the upper slide unit 103B provided in the slider 103, the rotating body 105 will rotate following the upward movement of the slider 103 (in the positive Z-axis direction) by the elastic force of the rubber dome 106A.As a result, in the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to an embodiment, the slider 103 is pushed upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) by the rubber dome 106A to return the slider 103 to the initial position before the push operation and to bring the rotating body 105 to the initial position.

[0045] In the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to an embodiment, the slider 103 has a lower sliding unit 103C. As a result, in the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to an embodiment, although the slider 103 is moved upward by the biasing force of the rubber dome 106A, when the push operation of the operation button 102 is released, the rotation of the rotating body 105 in the reverse direction (counterclockwise as viewed from above) is disrupted due to the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 105B, because the rotating body 105 is caught by foreign matter or the like, and the rotation of the rotating body 105 cannot follow the upward movement of the slider 103.When the lower sliding unit 103C of the slider 103, which is separated from the lower cam surface 105Db of the cam unit 105D with a gap in the normal return state, is moved upward by the pressing force of the rubber dome 106A, the lower sliding unit 103C abuts against the lower cam surface 105Db of the cam unit 105D provided on the rotating body 105, which is stopped in place, and the rotating body 105 can be driven to rotate in the return rotation direction (counterclockwise as viewed from above) while the lower sliding surface 105Db slides toward the upper end of the cam surface.As a result, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to an embodiment can forcibly rotate the rotating body 105 in the return rotation direction (counterclockwise as viewed from above) even when the rotating body 105 cannot be driven to rotate solely by the elastic force generated by the torsion spring 105B due to the capture of foreign objects or the like, and can reliably return the rotating body 105 to the initial rotation angle before the push operation.

[0046] Furthermore, even if the cam unit 105D or both the upper slide unit 103B and the lower slide unit 103C of the slider 103 are damaged and disappear, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to an embodiment can return the rotating body 105 to the original rotation angle by the biasing force in the rotation return direction from the torsion spring 105B.

[0047] The opening 103D between the upper slide unit 103B and the lower slide unit 103C is provided with a slight opening relative to the cam unit 105D so that the cam unit 105D can slide smoothly in the opening 103D. This opening may cause the cam unit 105D to wobble in the opening 103D.

[0048] As described above, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to an embodiment biases the cam unit 105D to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from above by the biasing force generated by the torsion spring 105B provided in the rotating body 105. Thus, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to an embodiment can always bias the cam unit 105D in a direction in which the cam unit 105D is pressed against the upper slide unit 103B, that is, by moving the cam unit 105D in a direction in the opening 103D, wobbling can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the rotation angle of the rotating body 105 from becoming unstable due to the wobbling of the cam unit 105D, even when the rotating body is subjected to shock or vibration.

[0049] Furthermore, as described above, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to an embodiment can prevent the previous rotation (excessive rotation) of the rotating body 105 in response to the rapid operation of the slider 103 by constantly urging the cam unit 105D in the direction in which it abuts against the upper slide unit 103B, so that the rotating body 105 can reliably follow the vertical (Z-axis) displacement of the slider 103.

[0050] In addition, between the rotating body 105 and the components that rotatably support the rotating body 105 (the shaft unit 101C of the housing 101 and the pair of support units 101E (see Fig. 4)), a slight opening is provided for smooth rotation of the rotating body 105. This opening may cause the rotating body 105 to wobble in the horizontal and vertical directions. Therefore, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to one embodiment inclines the upper slide surface 103Ba and the upper cam surface 105Da at a predetermined inclination angle so that their height positions gradually decrease outward in the radial direction of the rotating body 105. Due to this inclination, the plate thickness of the cam unit 105D is set to decrease from the inside to the outside in the radial direction along the rotation center axis (vertical direction).When the upper cam surface 105Da is pressed against the upper sliding surface 103Ba by the urging force of the torsion spring 105B, this inclination causes the rotating body 105 to exert a reaction force in the direction perpendicular to the inclined surface of the upper cam surface 105Da. The component of this reaction force becomes a downward (toward the supporting unit 101E) and a horizontal (in the direction of the rotation center axis) reaction force. By means of this reaction force, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to an embodiment can bias the rotating body 105 downward (toward the supporting unit 101E) and horizontal (in the direction of the rotation center axis) to one side within the opening between the rotating body and the component that rotatably supports the rotating body 105.Therefore, the push-type input mechanism 100-1 according to one embodiment can prevent the horizontal and vertical wobble of the rotating body 105 and rotate the rotating body 105 stably. Therefore, it is possible to reliably track the rotation operation of the rotating body 105 with respect to the vertical (Z-axis) displacement of the slider 103.

[0051] Although the rubber dome 106A is used as an example of a “dome-shaped elastic body” in the present embodiment, it is not limited thereto, and as another example of a “dome-shaped elastic body,” a dome-shaped metal member capable of inverted operation or the like may also be used.

[0052] Although the “cam surface” is provided on the rotating body 105, it is not limited thereto, and the “cam surface” may also be provided on the slider 103. < SWITCHING DETERMINATION PERFORMED BY THE SWITCHING DETERMINATION UNIT 123>

[0053] The switching determination unit 123 determines the switching state of the operation button 102 according to a majority vote based on the four outputs (detection signals) of the magnetic sensor 107C. More specifically, the sensor control unit 122 acquires the detection signal of the magnetic sensor 107C at a predetermined timing and outputs it to the switching determination unit 123, and the switching determination unit 123 determines the switching state of the operation button 102 according to a majority vote based on the four outputs (detection signals) of the magnetic sensor 107C. Here, the four outputs of the magnetic sensor 107C will be described. < STRUCTURE OF THE MAGNETIC SENSOR 107C>

[0054] Fig. 10A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the magnetic sensor 107C. The magnetic sensor 107C includes four GMR sensor units 107C1-107C4. The GMR sensor units 107C1-107C4 are examples of a plurality of sensor units, and a configuration in which the magnetic sensor 107C includes four GMR sensor units 107C1-107C4 will be described. The magnetic sensor 107C may include three or more GMR sensor units.

[0055] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10A, each of the GMR sensor units 107C1-107C4 has two GMR elements connected in series between the power supply Vdd and ground (GND), the GMR sensor units 107C1 and 107C2 are connected in parallel, and the GMR sensor units 107C3 and 107C4 are connected in parallel.

[0056] The resistance of each of the GMR elements of the GMR sensor unit 107C1-107C4 changes when the direction of the magnetic flux changes due to the rotation of the magnet 105A, which is linked to the push-button operation of the operation button 102. A sine wave is output from the junction point of the two GMR elements connected in series. The polarities of the four GMR elements included in the GMR sensor units 107C1 and 107C2 are adjusted so that the GMR sensor units 107C1 and 107C2 output the +SIN signal 1 and the -SIN signal 1, whose phases differ by 180 degrees. Similarly, the polarities of the four GMR elements included in the GMR sensor units 107C3 and 107C4 are set so that the GMR sensor units 107C3 and 107C4 output the +SIN signal 2 and the -SIN signal 2 whose phases differ by 180 degrees.

[0057] The push-type switching device 10 can detect the rotation angle of the rotating body 105 based on the +SIN signal 1, -SIN signal 1, +SIN signal 2, and -SIN signal 2. The rotation angle of the rotating body 105 corresponds to the degree of push operation by the push operation of the operation button 102. The degree of push operation is the degree by which the operation button 102 is pressed down.

[0058] Fig. 10B is a drawing showing an example of waveforms of the +SIN signal 1 and the -SIN signal 1 output by the magnetic sensor 107C. In Fig. In FIG. 10B, the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of the magnet 105A, and the vertical axis represents the voltage values ​​of the +SIN signal 1 and the -SIN signal 1. A position (leftmost) where the rotation angle of the magnet 105A is -30 degrees corresponds to a state where no pressing operation is performed on the operation button 102 and the pressing amount is zero. A position (right end) where the rotation angle of the magnet 105A is +30 degrees corresponds to a state where the operation button 102 is pressed and the operation button 102 is fully depressed to the lowest position. In this state, the pressing amount is the maximum value.

[0059] When the rotation angle of the magnet 105A changes due to the pressure operation, the +SIN signal 1 and the -SIN signal 1 change within a range of ±30 degrees, as shown in Fig. 10B. At this time, in the angular range AR, before and after the rotation angle of the magnet 105A reaches zero degrees, the +SIN signal 1 and the -SIN signal 1 change linearly. For example, the angular range AR is in the range of ±30 degrees. Here, the waveforms of the +SIN signal 1 and the -SIN signal 1 are described, but the same applies to the +SIN signal 2 and the -SIN signal 2.

[0060] A specific example is that the +SIN signal 1 and the -SIN signal 1 change within a range of ±30 degrees when the rotation angle of the magnet 105A changes due to the push operation, and the change is not limited to ±30 degrees. As long as the range of changes of the +SIN signal 1 and the -SIN signal 1 when the rotation angle of the magnet 105A changes due to the push operation is within the range in which the +SIN signal 1 and the -SIN signal 1 change linearly, any angle range can be used.

[0061] Fig. Figure 10C is an enlarged view of the angular range AR. In Fig. In Figure 10C, the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of the magnet 105A, and the vertical axis represents the voltage values ​​of the +SIN signal 1 and the -SIN signal 1. Fig. 10C shows the waveforms of the +SIN signal 1 and the -SIN signal 1, and the waveforms of the +SIN signal 2 and the -SIN signal 2 are similar.

[0062] The push-type switching device 10 determines on or off (on / off determination) by means of a push operation using the angular range AR in which the +SIN signal 1, the -SIN 1 signal, the +SIN signal 2, and the -SIN signal 2 output from the magnetic sensor 107C change linearly with respect to the rotation angle of the magnet 105A. < CONFIGURATION OF THE PERIPHERAL CIRCUITS OF THE LED ELEMENTS 107B1 AND 107B2>

[0063] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a peripheral circuit configuration of LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 of the push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4 of the push-type switching device 10. The peripheral circuit includes the switching elements 151-153. The push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4 have the same configuration and include an LED element 107B1 and 107B2, a switching element 151-153, and a magnetic sensor 107C.

[0064] Fig. 11 shows the LED elements 107B1, 107B2 and the switching element 151-153 of the push-type input mechanisms 100-1 and 100-4, and the LED elements 107B1, 107B2 and the switching element 151-153 of the push-type input mechanisms 100-2 and 100-3 are omitted. Fig. 11 shows the magnetic sensor 107C, which includes one in each of the push input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4.

[0065] Here, the electronic device 50 of the embodiment includes the LED element 107B1, the LED element 107B2, the switching element 151-153, and the magnetic sensor 107C of the four push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4, and the controller 120. The electronic device 50 may include at least the light emission control unit 121 and the sensor control unit 122 for the controller 120, and may not include the switching determination unit 123.

[0066] The controller 120, the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 of the push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4, and the four magnetic sensors 107C of the push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4 are connected to the power supply 1. The output voltage of the power supply 1 is VREFH.

[0067] In the push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4, the connection relationships between the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2, the switching element 151-153, the power supply 1, and the controller 120 are the same. Therefore, the connection relationships and operations of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 are described below unless otherwise specified.

[0068] The LED element 107B1 is connected between the power supply 1 and the controller 120, and the LED element 107B2 is connected in parallel with the LED element 107B1 between the power supply 1 and the controller 120.

[0069] A switching element 151 is connected between the LED element 107B1 and the controller 120. The switching element 151 is an example of a first switching element. A switching element 152 is connected between the LED element 107B1 and the power supply 1. The switching element 152 is an example of a second switching element. A switching element 153 is connected between the LED element 107B2 and the controller 120. The switching element 153 is an example of a third switching element. < SWITCHING ELEMENT 151 AND PWM SIGNAL 1>

[0070] The switching element 151 is controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal 1 output from the light emission control unit 121 to turn the LED element 107B1 on and off, and is turned on and off. The switching element 151 is, for example, a MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor).

[0071] PWM signal 1 is an example of a first driving signal. The duty cycle of PWM signal 1 is determined by light emission control unit 121 in accordance with the luminance (an example of the driving level) when LED element 107B1 is emitted. By controlling the driving of LED element 107B1 through PWM control based on PWM signal 1, the current flowing through LED element 107B1 can be constantly controlled and the luminance can be kept constant. When LED element 107B1 is turned on by PWM signal 1, LED element 107B1 is turned on when switching element 151 is turned on, while switching element 152 is turned on by the switching signal. < SWITCHING ELEMENT 152 AND SWITCHING SIGNAL >

[0072] The switching element 152 is turned on and off by a switching signal output from the light-emitting control unit 121 to switch between the power supply from the power supply 1 to the LED element 107B1 and the power supply interruption. This switching signal is not a PWM signal, but rather a switching signal for switching between the power supply from the power supply 1 to the LED element 107B1 and the power supply interruption. This switching signal is an example of a second drive signal. The switching element 152 is, for example, a PNP transistor.

[0073] A switching signal for turning on the switching element 152 is output from the light emission control unit 121 to the switching element 152 of the push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4. The switching signal is switched to a level for turning on the switching element 152 for a period from the time the push operation is performed until the push operation is stopped for the push-type input mechanism 100 (one of the mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4) for which the switching determination unit 123 determines that the push operation has been performed. For the remaining three push-type input mechanisms 100 (the remaining three of 100-1 to 100-4), the switching signal is maintained at a level that turns off the switching element 152.

[0074] As an example, since the push-type switching device 10 is a device in which one of the four operation buttons 102 of the four push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4 is always selected by means of a push operation, the switching signal is switched to a level that turns on the switching element 152 for one of the four switching elements 152 and maintained at a level that turns off the remaining three switching elements 152.

[0075] That is, when the LED element 107B1 of the push-type input mechanism 100 (any of 100-1 to 100-4) including the one operation button 102 on which a push operation has been performed is turned on by the PWM signal 1, the switching element 152 of the push-type input mechanism 100 is turned on by the switching signal, and the switching elements 152 of the remaining three push-type input mechanisms 100 (the remaining three of 100-1 to 100-4) are turned off by the switching signal. By driving the switching element 152 between the power supply 1 and the LED 107B1 by the switching signal, the orange LED element 107B1 is controlled so that it will not turn on accidentally when the respective push-type input devices 100 enter an abnormal state that cannot be detected during normal operation.Although an example of the switching element 152 provided in the respective push-type input mechanisms 100 has been described, the switching element 152 may be provided in any of the four push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4, and the output signal of the switching element 152 may be output to the LED elements 107B1 of the remaining three push-type input mechanisms. < SWITCHING ELEMENT 153 AND PWM SIGNAL 2>

[0076] The switching element 153 is controlled by the PWM signal 2 output from the light-emitting control unit 121 to turn the LED element 107B2 on and off, and is turned on and off. The switching element 153 is, for example, a MOSFET.

[0077] PWM signal 2 is an example of a third driving signal. The duty cycle of PWM signal 2 is determined by light emission control unit 121 in accordance with the luminance (an example of the driving level) when LED element 107B2 is emitted. When switching element 153 is turned on, LED element 107B2 is turned on. By driving LED element 107B2 under PWM control by PWM signal 2, the current flowing through LED element 107B2 can be controlled to have a constant value, and the luminance can be made constant. < OPERATION OF LED ELEMENTS 107B1, 107B2 BY PRESSURE-TYPE INPUT MECHANISMS 100-1 TO 100-4>

[0078] In the entire push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4, the orange LED element 107B1 of the push-type input mechanism (any one of 100-1 to 100-4) having the one operation button 102 in which the push operation was performed is turned on, and the white LED element 107B2 of the push-type input mechanism (the remaining three of 100-1 to 100-4) having the three operation buttons 102 in which the push operation was not performed is turned on. Therefore, to the push-type input mechanism (one of 100-1 to 100-4) including the one operation button 102 on which the push operation was performed, a PWM signal 1 for turning on the switching element 151, a switching signal for turning on the switching element 152, and a PWM signal 2 for turning off the switching element 153 are output from the light emission control unit 121.Further, the light emission control unit 121 outputs to the push-type input mechanisms (the remaining three of the operation buttons 100-1 to 100-4) including the three operation buttons 102 not subject to push operation, a PWM signal 1 for turning off the switching element 151, a switching signal for turning off the switching element 152, and a PWM signal 2 for turning on the switching element 153.

[0079] That is, in the entire pressure-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4, the light emission control unit 121 outputs one PWM signal 1 for turning on one orange LED element 107B1 and three PWM signals 2 for turning on three white LED elements 107B2.

[0080] The reason why the switching element 152 is provided only between the orange LED element 107B1 and the power supply 1 is that the switching element 152 interrupts the power supply path to the orange LED element 107B1, so that the orange LED element 107B1 is not accidentally turned on when the push-type input device 100 enters an abnormal state that cannot be detected in normal operation. < VARIATION OF VOLTAGE VREFH OF POWER SUPPLY 1>

[0081] Fig. Figure 12 is a drawing illustrating the output voltage VREFH of the power supply 1 and a part of a drive cycle of the PWM signal 1 and the PWM signal 2, which have cyclicity. Fig. 12, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the voltage value of the output voltage VREFH and the signal levels (on and off) of the PWM signal 1 and the PWM signal 2. On represents the H (high) level and Off represents the L (low) level.

[0082] Here, for example, a case is described in which a push operation is performed on the operation button 102 of the push-type input mechanism 100-1. Fig. The PWM signal 1 shown in Fig. 12 is a PWM signal that the light-emitting control unit 121 outputs to turn on the orange LED element 107B1 of the push-type input mechanism 100-1. Furthermore, since the three PWM signals 2 that the light-emitting control unit 121 outputs to turn on and off the white LED element 107B2 of the push-type input mechanisms 100-2 to 100-4 are turned on and off at the same time, Fig. 12, the PWM signal 2 that the light emission control unit 121 outputs to the push-type input mechanism 100-2 and the PWM signal 2 output to the push-type input functions 100-3 and 100-4 are omitted. The PWM signal 2 that drives the white LED element 107B2 of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 and the PWM signal 1 that drives the orange LED element 107B1 of the push-type input mechanisms 100-2 to 100-4 are also omitted.

[0083] Fig. 12 shows a duty cycle (duty cycle Ton1) in which the PWM signal 1 for driving the orange LED element 107B1 of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 is turned on, and an off cycle (off cycle Toff1) in which the PWM signal 1 is turned off. Similarly, a duty cycle (duty cycle Ton2) in which the PWM signal 2 for driving the white LED element 107B2 of the push-type input mechanism 100-2 is turned on, and an off cycle (off cycle Toff2) in which the PWM signal 2 is turned off are shown.

[0084] One cycle (drive cycle) of PWM signal 1 and PWM signal 2 is the same, the duty cycles of PWM signal 1 and PWM signal 2 are the same, and the on and off times of PWM signal 1 and PWM signal 2 are different from each other. Fig. Figure 12 shows, as an example, a case where one cycle (on-time and off-time) of PWM signal 1 and PWM signal 2 is 5 ms. Note that the duty cycle of PWM signal 1 and PWM signal 2 can be adjusted according to the required luminance, but here, for example, the duty cycle is 85%.

[0085] As an example, the output voltage VREFH of the power supply 1 is converted to 5 V (output voltage 5 V) by a voltage converter or the like from a power source such as a vehicle battery and supplied thereto. Since the output voltage VREFH of the power supply 1 is supplied to the controller 120, the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 of the push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4, and the sensor 107C of the push-type input mechanisms 100-1 to 100-4, the output voltage VREFH varies depending on the on / off state of the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2.

[0086] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, at time t0, both PWM signal 1 and PWM signal 2 are turned on. That is, the orange LED element 107B1 of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 and the three white LED elements 107B2 of the push-type input mechanisms 100-2 to 100-4 emit light. In this state, the output voltage VREFH is lower than 5 V, for example, approximately 4.9 V.

[0087] At time t1, when the PWM signal 2 is switched from on to off, the three white LED elements 107B2 of the push-type input mechanisms 100-2 to 100-4 are turned off, that is, the current load becomes small and the output voltage VREFH increases. To prevent the fluctuation of the output voltage VREFH, the timings at which the three PWM signals 2 and the PWM signal 1 are turned on and off are shifted. That is, the timings at which the three PWM signals 2 and the PWM signal 1 are turned on and off are different from each other. However, the time difference between the timings at which the three PWM signals 2 and the PWM signal 1 are turned on and off is too short for the human eye to detect.

[0088] At time t2, when the PWM signal 1 is turned off from on while the PWM signal 2 is off, the orange LED element 107B1 of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 is turned off, and the output voltage VREFH further rises a little to return to 5 V.

[0089] At time t3, when the PWM signal 2 is switched from off to on, the three white LED elements 107B2 of the push-type input mechanisms 100-2 to 100-4 are turned on, and the output voltage VREFH decreases.

[0090] At time t4, when the PWM signal 1 is switched from off to on while the PWM signal 2 is on, the orange LED element 107B1 of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 is turned on, and the output voltage VREFH further decreases slightly.

[0091] As described above, in a vehicle, power is supplied from a power source such as a battery. Since the amount of power supplied is limited, a voltage fluctuation occurs in the output voltage VREFH due to the switching on and off of the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2. When a voltage fluctuation occurs in the output voltage VREFH, the voltage supplied to the magnetic sensor 107C fluctuates, so the detection value acquired by the magnetic sensor 107C fluctuates. < CONSIDERATION OF PRESSURE-TYPE SWITCHING DEVICE FOR COMPARISON >

[0092] Here, a pressure-type switching device is examined for comparison. The pressure-type switching device for comparison acquires (samples) a detection value from the magnetic sensor 107C in a predetermined sampling cycle that is not associated with a drive cycle in which the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 are turned on and off. If the drive cycle in which the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 are turned on and off differs from the predetermined sampling cycle in which the detection value from the magnetic sensor 107C is acquired, the time at which the detection value from the magnetic sensor 107C is acquired shifts with the elapse of time in the drive cycle.Therefore, the timing at which the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C is acquired varies, such as the timing at which the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 are turned on, the timing at which the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 are turned off, or the timing at which only one of the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 is turned on. In such a state, even if the pressing amount of the operation button 102 is constant, there is a possibility that the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C varies each time the detection value is acquired in a predetermined sampling cycle. This is because the output voltage VREFH is different each time the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C is acquired due to a voltage fluctuation of the output voltage VREFH.

[0093] The above-described variation in the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C in the pressure-type switching device for comparison may lead to an erroneous determination of the switching state of the operation button 102.

[0094] Therefore, in the push-type switching device 10 of the embodiment, the sensor control unit 122 acquires the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C at a timing described below to detect the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C with stable accuracy even when the output voltage VREFH fluctuates. In this way, an erroneous determination of the switching state of the operation button 102 is prevented. < TIME AT WHICH THE SENSOR CONTROL UNIT 122 ACQUIRES THE DETECTION VALUE OF THE MAGNETIC SENSOR 107C >

[0095] The sensor control unit 122 acquires the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C at a time t5 in which a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from a time t4 in which the LED element 107B1 is illuminated later than the LED element 107B2 during the Fig. 12 shown matching (coincident) duration Tr of the duty cycle Ton1 and the duty cycle Ton2.

[0096] The reason why the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C is acquired within the coincident duration Tr is that the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 are both turned on and the output voltage VREFH is stabilized. The reason why the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C is acquired at a time t5 when a predetermined time T1 elapses from a time t4 when the LED element 107B1 is turned on later than the LED element 107B2 is that the output voltage VREFH fluctuates immediately after the LED element 107B1 is turned on, so the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C is acquired with stable accuracy when the output voltage VREFH is stabilized after a little time has passed.The predetermined time T1 may be equal to or longer than the time required from the time the LED element 107B1 is turned on until the output voltage VREFH stabilizes, and may be equal to or shorter than the time the LED element 107B2 is turned off. That is, the predetermined time T1 may be equal to or shorter than the time from a time t4 when the LED element 107B1 is turned on later than the LED element 107B2 to a time t1 when the PWM signal 2 is switched from on to off in the next drive cycle.

[0097] The reason why the detected value of the magnetic sensor 107C is acquired in the coincident duration Tr when both LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 are turned on is that the duty ratio of the PWM signal 1 and the PWM signal 2 is large and the on-duties Ton1 and Ton2 are longer than the off-duties Toff1 and Toff2 in one drive cycle, so that the detected value of the magnetic sensor 107C is acquired more stably and reliably in the coincident duration Tr of the longer on-duties Ton1 and Ton2.

[0098] Although the mode for acquiring the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C during the common period Tr when both the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 are turned on is described here, the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C can be acquired at the time when the output voltage VREFH has stabilized based on the on / off duty cycle of the PWM1 signal and the PWM2 signal. The detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C can also be acquired during the period when both the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 are turned off. This is because the output voltage VREFH is stable even when both the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 are turned off, and the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C can be stably acquired. < TIME SETTING TO ACQUIRE THE DETECTION VALUE >

[0099] In the push-type switching device 10 of the embodiment, in order to acquire a detected value of the magnetic sensor 107C at time t5, processing for notifying the sensor control unit 122 of a timing for acquiring a detected value of the magnetic sensor 107C is included by interrupt processing in a processing table to manage processing in which the light emission control unit 121 sequentially turns on the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2.

[0100] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the processing table of the light emission control unit 121. The processing table of the light emission control unit 121 is data in a table format for storing descriptions to be executed by the light emission control unit 121 in one drive cycle.

[0101] The processing table of the light emission control unit 121 includes, as an example, five channels, and a description for driving the switching element 151 using the PWM signal 1 is registered in channel 0 for the push-type input mechanism (one of 100-1 to 100-4) and includes the one operation button 102 in which the push operation is performed. The descriptions for driving the switching element 153 using the three PWM signals 2-1 to 2-3 are registered in channel 1-3 for the push-type input mechanisms (the remaining three of 100-1 to 100-4) including the three operation buttons 102 in which the push operation is not performed. For simplicity, the three PWM signals 2 are divided here into PWM signals 2-1 to 2-3.

[0102] Furthermore, an interrupt processing (Sensor Read) for notifying the sensor control unit 122 of the time of acquiring the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C is registered in channel 4. Such an interrupt processing can be registered in an empty channel in the processing table of the light emission control unit 121. The interrupt processing for notifying the sensor control unit 122 of the time of acquiring the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C can be set so that the notification is executed at time t5 shown in Fig. 12, is carried out.

[0103] Therefore, if the interrupt processing for notifying the sensor control unit 122 of the timing of acquiring the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C is included in the processing table of the light emission control unit 121, the light emission control unit 121 repeatedly executes the interrupt processing of the channel 4 at each drive cycle so that the sensor control unit 122 can acquire the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C at the timing corresponding to the timing in Fig. 12 corresponds to the time t5 shown in each drive cycle.

[0104] The actual processing table of the light emission control unit 121 includes, in addition to the channels and descriptions, further information, which is omitted here. < FLOWCHART >

[0105] Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the light emission control unit 121 and the sensor control unit 122 of the controller 120. Here, the processing performed by the light emission control unit 121 and the sensor control unit 122 for each drive cycle will be described. As an example, a case where a push operation is performed on the operation button 102 of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 will be described.

[0106] When processing is started, the light emission control unit 121 controls the three switching elements 153 of the push-type input mechanisms 100-2 to 100-4 using three PWM signals 2-1 to 2-3 in accordance with the descriptions of channels 1-3 (step S1). As a result, the three white LED elements 107B2 of the push-type input mechanisms 100-2 to 100-4 are turned on.

[0107] The light emission control unit 121 controls the switching element 151 of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 using a PWM signal 1 in accordance with the description of channel 0 (step S2). As a result, the orange LED element 107B1 of the push-type input mechanism 100-1 is turned on.

[0108] In accordance with the description of channel 4, the light emission control unit 121 executes interrupt processing to notify the sensor control unit 122 of the timing for acquiring the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C (step S3).

[0109] The sensor control unit 122 acquires the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C at a time corresponding to the Fig. 12 corresponds to the time t5 in the drive cycle (step S4). That is, the sensor control unit 122 acquires the detection value from the magnetic sensor 107C in synchronization with the drive cycle in which the light emission control unit 121 controls the driving of the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2.

[0110] This completes the processing of steps S1 to S4 in one drive cycle. The light emission control unit 121 and the sensor control unit 122 of the controller 120 repeatedly execute the Fig. 14 shown processing. <effekt>

[0111] The electronic device 50 includes a magnetic sensor 107C connected to the power supply 1, an LED element 107B1 connected to the power supply 1, a sensor control unit 122 for controlling the magnetic sensor 107C, and a light emission control unit 121 for controlling the driving of the LED element 107B1. The sensor control unit 122 acquires a detection value from the magnetic sensor 107C in synchronization with a drive cycle in which the light emission control unit 121 controls the driving of the LED element 107B1.

[0112] Therefore, in each drive cycle, the detection value from the magnetic sensor 107C can be acquired with stable accuracy while the output voltage VREFH of the power supply 1 is stable.

[0113] Therefore, it is possible to provide the electronic device 50 capable of acquiring the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C with stable accuracy while preventing the influence of the fluctuation of the power supply voltage VREFH. It is also possible to provide the pressure-type switching device 10 including the electronic device 50 capable of acquiring the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C with stable accuracy while preventing the influence of the fluctuation of the power supply voltage VREFH.

[0114] The electronic device 50 further includes a switching element 151 connected between the LED element 107B1 and the light emission control unit 121, and the light emission control unit 121 drives the switching element 151 with the PWM signal 1, thereby controlling the driving of the LED element 107B1.

[0115] Since the driving of the LED element 107B1 can be controlled by the PWM control based on the PWM signal 1, the current flowing through the LED element 107B1 can be controlled with a constant current and the luminance can be formed constantly.

[0116] In addition, the sensor control unit 122 acquires a detection value in a duty cycle Ton1 in which the LED element 107B1 is turned on in a drive cycle in which the light emission control unit 121 controls the drive of the LED element 107B1. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electronic device 50 capable of acquiring the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C with stable accuracy by preventing the influence of the fluctuation of the power supply voltage VREFH in a state where the power supply voltage VREFH is stabilized in the duty cycle Ton1 of the LED element 107B1.

[0117] The sensor control unit 122 acquires a detection value at a time t5 when a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the light emission control unit 121 turned on the LED element 107B1 in the duty cycle Ton1. By allowing a predetermined time T1 to elapse after the LED element 107B1 is turned on, the fluctuation of the power supply voltage VREFH is stabilized and the detection value is acquired at a stable time, thereby preventing the variation of the detection value.

[0118] The electronic device 50 further includes a switching element 152 connected between the LED element 107B1 and the power supply 1, and the light emission control unit 121 drives the switching element 151 by means of the PWM signal 1 and drives the switching element 152 by means of the switching signal, thereby controlling the driving of the LED element 107B1.

[0119] When the switching signal of the switching element 152, which is located between the power supply 1 and the LED element 107B1, switches between on and off, the LED element 107B1 is supplied with power from the power supply 1. Therefore, when each push-type input device 100 enters an abnormal state that cannot be detected during normal operation, the switching element 152 can interrupt the power supply path to the orange LED element 107B1 to prevent the orange LED element 107B1 from being accidentally turned on.

[0120] The electronic device 50 further includes an LED element 107B2 connected to the power supply 1, and a switching element 153 connected between the LED element 107B2 and the light emission control unit 121, and the light emission control unit 121 drives the switching element 153 by means of the PWM signal 2 for controlling the driving of the LED element 107B2.

[0121] Therefore, the light emission control unit 121 can simultaneously control the driving of the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 and provide the operator with visual discrimination by means of the light emission of the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2.

[0122] The sensor control unit 122 acquires a detection value from the magnetic sensor 107C in synchronization with a drive cycle in which the light emission control unit 121 controls the driving of the LED element 107B1 and the LED element 107B2.

[0123] Therefore, it is possible to provide an electronic device 50 that can acquire a detection value from the magnetic sensor 107C with stable accuracy in a state where the output voltage VREFH of the power supply 1 is stable in synchronization with a drive cycle in which the drive control of the LED element 107B1 and the LED element 107B2 is performed for each drive cycle, and that can acquire the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C with more stable accuracy. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the pressure-type switching device 10 including the electronic device 50 capable of obtaining the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C with stable accuracy by preventing the influence of the fluctuation of the power supply voltage VREFH.

[0124] Furthermore, the sensor control unit 122 acquires a detection value from the magnetic sensor 107C in the coincident duration Tr during which the LED element 107B1 and the LED element 107B2 are turned on in a drive cycle in which the light emission control unit 121 controls the driving of the LED element 107B1 and the LED element 107B2.

[0125] When the duty cycle of the PWM signal 1 and the PWM signal 2 for driving the LED element 107B1 and the LED element 107B2 is large, the detection value can be stably acquired by the magnetic sensor 107C in a longer duty cycle Ton1 and Ton2.

[0126] Furthermore, PWM signal 1 and PWM signal 2 are pulse width modulation signals for controlling the driving levels of LED element 107B1 and LED element 107B2, respectively, and the switching signal is a switching signal for switching between supplying and interrupting power from power supply 1 to LED element 107B1. The current flowing through LED element 107B1 and LED element 107B2 can be controlled by a constant current, and the luminance can be kept constant.

[0127] Since the timings at which PWM signals 1 and 2 turn on the LED element 107B1 and the LED element 107B2 are different from each other, the fluctuation of the output voltage VREFH of the power supply 1 can be prevented, and the output voltage VREFH of the power supply 1 can be stabilized at an early time, and the detection value can be acquired more stably by the magnetic sensor 107C. Especially, when the number of pressure-type input mechanisms 100 is large, the fluctuation of the output voltage VREFH of the power supply 1 caused by the turning on and off of the LED element 107B2 becomes large, so it is very effective that the timings at which PWM signal 1 and PWM signal 2 turn on the LED element 107B1 and the LED element 107B2 are different from each other.

[0128] Since the electronic device 50 includes a plurality of sets of LED elements 107B1, switching elements 151, switching elements 152, LED elements 107B2, and switching elements 153, it is possible to accommodate a configuration with a plurality of push-type input mechanisms 100. Furthermore, as the number of push-type input mechanisms 100 is large, the fluctuation of the output voltage VREFH of the power supply 1 caused by the on-off state of the LED elements 107B2 becomes larger, and therefore, the effect of obtaining the detected value from the magnetic sensor 107C in synchronization with the drive cycle of the LED elements 107B1 becomes greater. Therefore, the detected value from the magnetic sensor 107C can be obtained with stable accuracy in each drive cycle even if the number of the pressure-type input mechanisms 100 is large and the fluctuation of the output voltage VREFH of the power supply 1 becomes larger.

[0129] A push-type switching device 10 includes an operation button 102 operated by an operator, a rubber dome 106A that imparts a click feeling to the push operation, a slider 103 that slides in a predetermined sliding direction in accordance with the push operation, a rotating body 105 that rotates in accordance with the sliding of the slider 103, a magnetic sensor 107C that is connected to a power supply 1 and detects a measured value corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotating body 105, an LED element 107B1 that is connected to the power supply 1, a sensor control unit 122 that controls the magnetic sensor 107C, and a light emission control unit 121 that controls the driving of the LED element 107B1.The sensor control unit 122 acquires a detection value from the magnetic sensor 107C in synchronization with a drive cycle in which the light emission control unit 121 controls the driving of the LED element 107B1.

[0130] Therefore, the detection value from the magnetic sensor 107C can be acquired with stable accuracy in a state where the output voltage VREFH of the power supply 1 is stable in each drive cycle.

[0131] Therefore, it is possible to provide a pressure-type switching device 10 capable of obtaining the detected value of the magnetic sensor 107C with stable accuracy by preventing the influence of the fluctuation of the power supply voltage VREFH.

[0132] Furthermore, since the push-type switching device 10 includes a plurality of sets of the operation button 102, the rubber dome 106A, the slider 103, the rotating body 105, the magnetic sensor 107C, and the LED element 107B1, it is possible to handle a configuration having a plurality of operation buttons 102.

[0133] The push-type switching device 10 is a push-type switching device 10 that includes the operation button 102 for selecting the shift position of the vehicle, the magnetic sensor 107C connected to the power supply 1 and detecting the measured value according to the position of operation of the operation button 102, the LED element 107B1 connected to the power supply 1, the sensor control unit 122 for controlling the magnetic sensor 107C, and the light emission control unit 121 for controlling the driving of the LED element 107B1. The sensor control unit 122 acquires the detected value of the magnetic sensor 107C in synchronization with a drive cycle in which the light emission control unit 121 controls the driving of the LED element 107B1.

[0134] Therefore, the detected value from the magnetic sensor 107C can be acquired with stable accuracy in a state where the output voltage VREFH of the power supply 1 is stable in each drive cycle.

[0135] Therefore, a pressure-type switching device 10 can be provided which is capable of acquiring the detected value of the magnetic sensor 107C with stable accuracy by preventing the influence of the fluctuation of the power supply voltage VREFH.

[0136] Further, since a plurality of operation buttons 102 are provided to select a plurality of shift positions of the vehicle, and a plurality of sets of the magnetic sensor 107C and the LED element 107B1 corresponding to the plurality of operation buttons 102 are included, a configuration having a plurality of operation buttons 102 can be accommodated. <variation>

[0137] The electronic device 50 and the push-type switching device 10 (push-type input device and an example of an electronic switch) of the embodiment have been described above, but the modification may be made as follows.

[0138] Instead of acquiring the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C in a state where the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 are turned on, the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C may be acquired in a state where the voltage VREFH is returned to 5 V in a state where the LED elements 107B1 and 107B2 are turned off.

[0139] Although the embodiment in which the first load and the second load are the LED element 107B1 and the LED element 107B2 has been described above, at least one of the first load and the second load may not be an LED, but may be, for example, a motor or an electromagnet.

[0140] Further, although the mode in which the sensor control unit 122 obtains the detection value of the magnetic sensor 107C has been described above, an electrostatic sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a strain sensor, or the like may be used instead of the magnetic sensor 107C.

[0141] Furthermore, although the mode in which the push-type shift device 10 has a plurality of shift positions and the operation button 102 corresponding to each shift position has been described above, the push-type shift device 10 may be configured to have only one operation button 102. For example, the configuration may be such that two shift positions, the parking position and the drive position, can be operated by turning on and off the one operation button 102. For example, the configuration may be such that the parking position is set when the operation button 102 is not pressed, and the drive position is switched when the push operation is performed.

[0142] The electronic device, the push-type input device, and the electronic switch according to the present disclosure are described above, and the present invention is not limited to the specifically described embodiments, but various variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0143] This application is based on and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-074591, filed with the Japan Patent Office on April 28, 2022. The entire contents of this application are hereby incorporated by reference. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 10 Push-type switching device (an example of a push-type input device, and an example of an electronic switch) 50 electronic devices 100,100-1 to 100-4 Print-type input mechanisms 107B1 LED element (an example of a first load) 107B2 LED element (an example of a second load) 107C Magnetic sensor (an example of a sensor) 120 controllers 121 Light emission control unit 122 Sensor control unit 123 Switching determination unit 151 Switching element (an example of the first switching element) 152 Switching element (an example of the second switching element) 153 Switching element (an example of the third switching element) QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2022-074591

[0143] < / variation> < / effekt>

Claims

[1] An electronic device comprising: a sensor connected to a power supply; a first load connected to the power supply; a sensor control unit configured to control the sensor; and a drive control unit configured to control a drive of the first load, wherein the sensor control unit is configured to acquire a detection value from the sensor in synchronization with a drive cycle by which the drive control unit performs drive control of the first load. [2] The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a first switching element connected between the first load and the drive control unit, wherein the drive control unit is configured to perform the drive control of the first load by driving the first switching element with a first drive signal. [3] The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor control unit is configured to detect the detection value during a duty cycle in which the first load is turned on in the drive cycle by which the drive control unit performs the drive control of the first load. [4] The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the sensor control unit is configured to detect the detection value when a predetermined period required for an output voltage to stabilize has elapsed after the drive control unit turns on the first load. [5] The electronic device according to claim 2, further comprising a second switching element connected between the first load and the power supply, wherein the drive control unit is configured to perform the drive control of the first load by driving the first switching element with the first drive signal and driving the second switching element with a second drive signal. [6] The electronic device according to claim 5, further comprising: a second load connected to the power supply; and a third switching element connected between the second load and the drive control unit, wherein the drive control unit is configured to perform the drive control of the second load by driving the third switching element with a third drive signal. [7] The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the sensor control unit is configured to acquire the detection value from the sensor in synchronization with the drive cycle by which the drive control unit performs the drive control of the first load and the second load. [8] The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the sensor control unit is configured to detect the detection value from the sensor during a duty cycle in which the first load and the second load are turned on in the drive cycle by which the drive control unit performs the drive control of the first load and the second load. [9] The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the first drive signal and the third drive signal are pulse width modulation signals configured to control drive levels of the first load and the second load, respectively, and wherein the second drive signal is a switching signal configured to switch between supplying and interrupting power from the power supply to the first load. [10] The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein a timing at which the first drive signal and the third drive signal turn on the first load and the second load, respectively, is different. [11] The electronic device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, comprising a plurality of sets of the first load, the first switching element, the second switching element, the second load, and the third switching element. [12] A print-type input device comprising: a switch in which a push operation is performed by an operator; a click-feeling mechanism configured to provide a click-feeling to the pressing operation; a slider configured to perform sliding in a predetermined sliding direction in accordance with the pushing operation; a rotating body configured to rotate in accordance with the sliding of the slider; a sensor connected to a power source and configured to detect a measured value corresponding to a rotation angle of the rotating body; a first load connected to the power source; a sensor control unit configured to control the sensor; and a drive control unit configured to perform drive control of the first load, wherein the sensor control unit is configured to acquire a detection value from the sensor in synchronization with a drive cycle by which the drive control unit performs the drive control of the first load. [13] The push-type input device according to claim 12, comprising a plurality of sets of the switch, the mechanism for transmitting a click feeling, the slider, the rotating body, the sensor and the first load. [14] An electronic switch comprising a switch configured to select a shift position of a vehicle, comprising: a sensor connected to a power source and configured to detect a measured value corresponding to an operating position of the switch; a first load connected to the power source; a sensor control unit configured to control the sensor; and a drive control unit configured to perform drive control of the first load, wherein the sensor control unit is configured to acquire a detection value from the sensor in synchronization with a drive cycle by which the drive control unit performs the drive control of the first load. [15] The electronic switch according to claim 14, comprising a plurality of sets of the sensor and the first load corresponding to a plurality of switches, the plurality of switches being provided to select a plurality of shift positions of the vehicle.

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