Operation device and control method of control unit in operation device

Abstract

To provide an operation device and a control method of the operation device configured to implement energy saving.SOLUTION: An operation device includes a control unit and accommodates a switch that makes a change of a state of a contact-point mechanism that contacts with or separates from a contact point and that makes a change of a state of a non-contact point mechanism that is detected or not detected. The control unit is connected by wire to a terminal of the contact-point mechanism, connected by wire to the non-contact point mechanism, controls electricity supplied to the non-contact point mechanism, switches on / off output based on determining a change in the state of the contact point mechanism and a change in the state of the non-contact point mechanism, switches to on-output when determining contact of a contact point of the contact-point mechanism or detection of the non-contact point mechanism during the off-output, then stops electricity supplied to the non-contact point mechanism, switches to off-output when determining separation of the contact point of the contact-point mechanism, and resumes supplying power to the non-contact point mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device and a control method for a control unit of the operating device.

Background Art

[0002] As an input device for electronic devices such as computers, operating devices such as a mouse equipped with a switch such as a microswitch have become widespread. In particular, these days, various characteristics are required for a mouse used for computer games called e-sports. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a microswitch applicable as a switch of a mouse. The microswitch disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses optical elements such as a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and the circuit is opened and closed by the optical elements.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A switch that opens and closes a circuit with an optical element as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the power consumption increases because it is necessary to energize the element constantly or intermittently.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a main object thereof is to provide a switch capable of reducing the power consumption of an element.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an operating device using such a switch.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the operating device described in the present application includes a control unit and is an operating device capable of accommodating a switch in which the contact connection / disconnection state of a contact mechanism changes and the detection presence / absence state of a contactless mechanism changes. The control unit is wired to the terminals of the contact mechanism and is also wired to the terminals of the contactless mechanism, controls the energization of the contactless mechanism, and based on determining the change in the state of the contact mechanism and the change in the state of the contactless mechanism, switches between an on output and an off output. When it is determined that there is contact of the contacts of the contact mechanism or detection of the contactless mechanism during the off output, it switches to the on output, then stops the energization of the contactless mechanism, and when it is determined that the contacts of the contact mechanism are separated, it switches to the off output and resumes the energization of the contactless mechanism. This is the gist of the present invention.

[0008] Furthermore, the operating device described in the present application includes a control unit and is an operating device capable of accommodating a switch in which the contact connection / disconnection state of a contact mechanism changes and the detection presence / absence state of a contactless mechanism changes. The control unit is wired to the terminals of the contact mechanism and is also wired to the terminals of the contactless mechanism, controls the energization of the contactless mechanism, and is capable of switching between an on output and an off output based on determining the change in the state of the contact mechanism or the change in the state of the contactless mechanism. It always stops the energization of the contactless mechanism, outputs on when it is determined that the contacts of the contact mechanism are in contact, and outputs off when it is determined that the contacts of the contact mechanism are separated. This is the gist of the present invention.

[0009] Also, the operating device described in the present application includes a control unit and is an operating device capable of accommodating a switch in which the contact connection / disconnection state of a contact mechanism changes and the detection presence / absence state of a contactless mechanism changes. The control unit is wired to the terminals of the contact mechanism and is also wired to the terminals of the contactless mechanism, energizes the contactless mechanism, determines the change in the state of the contact mechanism and the change in the state of the contactless mechanism, and based on the determination, switches between an on output and an off output. During the on output, a period for stopping the energization of the contactless mechanism is provided, and when it is determined that the contacts of the contact mechanism are in a separated state, it switches from the on output to the off output. This is the gist of the present invention.

[0010] Also, the control method of the control unit of the operating device described in the present application is a control unit provided in an operating device that houses a switch in which the contact connection / disconnection state of the contact mechanism changes and the detection presence / absence state of the contactless mechanism changes, and is wired to the terminal of the contact mechanism and the terminal of the contactless mechanism, and based on determining the change in the state of the contact mechanism and the change in the state of the contactless mechanism, switches between an on output and an off output to an external device, and controls energization to the contactless mechanism. The control method of the control unit is such that when it is determined that the contacts of the contact mechanism are in contact or there is detection of the contactless mechanism during the off output, it switches to the on output, then stops energization to the contactless mechanism, and when it is determined that the contacts of the contact mechanism are separated, it switches to the off output and resumes energization to the contactless mechanism.

[0011] Also, the control method of the control unit of the operating device described in the present application is a control unit provided in an operating device that houses a switch in which the contact connection / disconnection state of the contact mechanism changes and the detection presence / absence state of the contactless mechanism changes, and is wired to the terminal of the contact mechanism and the terminal of the contactless mechanism, and based on determining the change in the state of the contact mechanism or the change in the state of the contactless mechanism, switches between an on output and an off output to an external device, and controls energization to the contactless mechanism. The control method of the control unit has, during energization to the contactless mechanism, a mode in which control is performed to be switchable to the on output when it is determined that there is detection of the contactless mechanism, and a mode in which energization to the contactless mechanism is always stopped. In the mode in which energization to the contactless mechanism is always stopped, when it is determined that the contacts of the contact mechanism are in contact, the on output is performed, and when it is determined that the contacts of the contact mechanism are separated, the off output is performed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] The operating device according to the present invention has excellent effects such as being able to reduce power consumption.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] <Applicable Example> The operating device described in this application is used, for example, as an operating device such as a mouse used for operating a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC). Further, the switch described in this application is incorporated as a micro switch into devices such as various electronic devices including the operating device. Hereinafter, the operating device 1 and the switch 2 illustrated in the drawings will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] <Operating Device 1> First, the operating device 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the operating device 1 described in this application. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the operating device 1 described in this application is applied to a mouse used for operating an electronic device such as a PC. The operating device 1 includes a pressing operation unit 10 such as a mouse button that receives a pressing operation by a user's finger, and a rotating operation unit 11 such as a mouse wheel that receives a rotating operation by a user's finger. Note that the rotating operation unit 11 is configured to receive not only a rotating operation but also a pressing operation, and also functions as the pressing operation unit 10. Further, a signal line 12 for outputting an electrical signal to an external device such as a PC is connected to the operating device 1. Note that the operating device 1 is not limited to wired communication using the signal line 12, and can output an electrical signal by various communication methods such as wireless communication. Furthermore, the operating device 1 is provided with a switching operation unit 13 such as a push button on the side that receives a switching operation for switching the energization method. The user performs various operations on the operating device 1, such as a pressing operation of the pressing operation unit 10, a rotating operation of the rotating operation unit 11, and a moving operation (drag) of moving the operating device 1 while pressing the pressing operation unit 10.

[0017] Inside the operating device 1, the switch 2 described later is accommodated for each of the pressing operation unit 10 and the rotating operation unit 11. When a pressing operation is performed on the pressing operation unit 10, a part inside the pressing operation unit 10 presses the corresponding switch 2. The switch 2 outputs a signal based on the pressing situation from the signal line 12 to an external electronic device such as a PC.

[0018] That is, the operating device 1 described in the present application includes a pressing operation unit 10 that receives a pressing operation from the outside, a rotating operation unit 11 that receives operations such as a rotating operation, and a switching operation unit 13, and further includes a switch 2 inside. Then, the operating device 1 transmits the pressing operation received by the pressing operation unit 10 and / or the rotating operation unit 11 to the switch 2 as a pressure from the outside, and outputs a signal based on the operation of the switch 2 from the signal line 12 to an external electronic device.

[0019] <Switch 2> Next, the switch 2 described in the present application will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the switch 2 described in the present application. In the specification of the present application, regarding the direction of the switch 2 the front left side toward FIG. 2 is defined as the front, the rear right side as the rear, the rear left side as the left, the front right side as the right, the upper side as the top, and the lower side as the bottom. However, this is a direction for convenience of explanation and does not limit the incorporation direction of the switch 2. As described above, the switch 2 is housed as a microswitch inside an electronic device such as the operating device 1, and receives the pressing operation received by parts such as the pressing operation unit 10 of the operating device 1 as a pressure from the outside.

[0020] The switch 2 includes a housing 20 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 20 is formed by a lower base 20a and an upper cover 20b. On the upper surface of the housing 20, a rectangular insertion hole 200 through which a pressing member 21 is inserted is formed at a position shifted to the left from the center in a front view. The pressing member 21 inserted through the insertion hole 200 is a member that moves up and down within a range from an upper first position to a lower second position under the pressure from the outside of the housing 20. The upper end of the pressing member 21 protrudes from the upper surface of the housing 20.

[0021] Further, from the lower surface of the housing 20, a first terminal 220 which is a part of a support member 22 (see FIG. 3 etc. described later), a second terminal 230 which is a part of a contacted member 23 (see FIG. 3 etc. described later), a third terminal pair 240 which is a part of a light emitting unit 24 (see FIG. 3 etc. described later), and a fourth terminal pair 250 which is a part of a light receiving unit 25 (see FIG. 3 etc. described later) protrude. The first terminal 220 protrudes from the left end side of the lower surface of the housing 20. The second terminal 230 protrudes from the vicinity of the center of the lower surface of the housing 20. The third terminal pair 240 and the fourth terminal pair 250 protrude side by side in the front-back and left-right directions from the right end side of the lower surface of the housing 20. The two terminals protruding side by side on the front side of the lower surface of the housing 20 are the third terminal pair 240, and the two terminals protruding side by side on the rear side are the fourth terminal pair 250.

[0022] In the switch 2 formed in this way, the external pressing operation received by the operating device 1 is transmitted to the pressing member 21 as a pressing force from outside the housing 20. The pressing member 21 moves from the upper first position to the lower second position upon receiving the external pressing force, and moves from the lower second position to the upper first position when the external pressing force is released.

[0023] Next, the internal structure of the switch 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example of the switch 2 described in the present application. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the cross-section of the switch 2 described in the present application. FIG. 4 shows the cross-section cut along the vertical plane including the line segment A - B shown in FIG. 2 from the front view point.

[0024] In the housing 20 of the switch 2, a space is secured as an accommodation chamber 201 for accommodating various members for opening and closing an electric circuit. An insertion hole 200 penetrating from the outside of the housing 20 is formed in the upper surface of the accommodation chamber 201, and the pressing member 21 is inserted into the insertion hole 200.

[0025] The various members accommodated in the accommodation chamber 201 will be described. In the accommodation chamber 201, various members such as the aforementioned pressing member 21, support member 22, contacted member 23, light-emitting unit 24, and light-receiving unit 25, as well as a movable member 26, are arranged. A first locking portion 221, which is a part of the support member 22, is arranged on the lower left side in the accommodation chamber 201, and a second locking portion 222, which is a part of the support member 22, is arranged on the lower center side in the accommodation chamber 201. The contacted member 23 is arranged on the lower right side of the accommodation chamber 201. On the lower right side of the accommodation chamber 201 and in front of the contacted member 23, the light-emitting unit 24 is arranged, and behind the contacted member 23, the light-receiving unit 25 is arranged. The movable member 26 is arranged so as to extend left and right in the accommodation chamber 201 and is locked by the first locking portion 221 and the second locking portion 222 of the support member 22.

[0026] The support member 22 and the contacted member 23 will be further described. FIG. 5 is a schematic external view showing an example of the support member 22 and the contacted member 23 provided in the switch 2 described in the present application. FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating only the support member 22 and the contacted member 23 arranged in the switch 2 from the front view point of the switch 2. The support member 22 and the contacted member 23 illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are all formed of a conductive metal plate and are arranged separately in the housing 20. The support member 22 is in a thin plate shape and is erected so that the normal direction is the front-rear direction. The lower part of the support member 22 is formed as a first terminal 220 protruding from the lower surface of the housing 20. The upper part of the support member 22 located in the accommodation chamber 201 is bifurcated left and right, with the left side formed as the first locking portion 221 and the right side formed as the second locking portion 222. The first locking portion 221 and the second locking portion 222 are bent forward so as to easily lock the movable member 26.

[0027]

[0028] ​The contacted member 23 is formed in a thin plate shape that stands upright such that the normal direction is the front-rear direction, and is erected at a position behind the light-emitting unit 24 and in front of the light-receiving unit 25, separated from the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25. The lower portion of the contacted member 23 is formed as a second terminal 230 that protrudes from the lower surface of the housing 20. The upper portion of the contacted member 23 located within the accommodation chamber 201 becomes a contacted portion 231 that the movable member 26 contacts when the pressing member 21 is in the second position and the movable member 26 is pressed by the pressing member 21. In the contacted member 23, a light-shielding plate 232 that shields the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 24 is formed below the contacted portion 231, and a through-hole 233 through which the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 24 passes is provided in the light-shielding plate 232.

[0029] The light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 will be further described. FIG. 6 is a schematic external view showing an example of the light-emitting unit 24 included in the switch 2 described in the present application. The light-emitting unit 24 illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6 emits light upon receiving energization from a control unit CU (see FIG. 11 etc. described later), and the light-receiving unit 25 receives the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 24. The light-receiving unit 25 can detect the received light only while being energized from the control unit CU. The light-emitting unit 24 is configured using a light-emitting element 241 such as an LED. The light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 is molded within a resin unit housing 242, and the third terminal pair 240 protrudes from the unit housing 242. Inside the unit housing 242, two substantially linear lead frames 243 are arranged. One end of the lead frame 243 protrudes from the inside of the unit housing 242 to the outside and serves as the third terminal pair 240. The other end side of the lead frame 243 is located within the unit housing 242, on which the light-emitting element 241 is mounted and bonded by a wire 244. The light-emitting element 241, the lead frame 243, and the wire 244 are arranged at the bottom of a recess formed within the unit housing 242. The recess formed within the unit housing 242 is filled with a resin having a high transmittance such as an epoxy resin during the manufacturing process, and members such as the light-emitting element 241 are molded within the unit housing 242 in a state visible from the outside. FIG. 6 shows the light-emitting unit 24 in a state where the inside is visible with a resin having a high transmittance filled within the unit housing 242. The light-receiving unit 25 is configured using a light-receiving element 251 such as a PD (Photo Diode) or a PT (Photo Transistor) as a detection unit for detecting light. The light-receiving element 251 can detect light while being energized from the control unit CU. Since the configuration of the light-receiving unit 25 is substantially the same as that of the light-emitting unit 24, the description of the light-emitting unit 24 will be referred to, and detailed description will be omitted. Note that the light-emitting element 241 and the third terminal pair 240 described as the configuration of the light-emitting unit 24 shall be read as the light-receiving element 251 and the fourth terminal pair 250 for understanding the light-receiving unit 25.

[0030] Inside the housing 20 of the switch 2, the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 are arranged such that the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25 face each other at positions where the light emitted from the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 is received by the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25. By energizing the light-emitting unit 24 through the third terminal pair 240, the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 emits light. Since the energization state of the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25 changes when light is detected, an on-signal based on the change in the energization state due to light reception is output from the fourth terminal pair 250.

[0031] The movable member 26 will be further described. The movable member 26 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a member formed of a conductive metal plate and is arranged in the accommodation chamber 201 such that its longitudinal direction is in the left-right direction. The left end side of the movable member 26 is locked to the first locking portion 221 and serves as a fixed end functioning as a swing fulcrum 260. The right end side of the movable member 26 is a movable contact portion 261 that swings as a free end and comes into contact with and separates from the contact portion 231 of the contacted member 23 by swinging. Further, the right end side of the movable member 26 is a substantially rectangular light-shielding piece 262 bent downward from the movable contact portion 261. The light-shielding piece 262 is formed such that its normal direction is in the front-rear direction, and a substantially rectangular transmission window 263 through which the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 24 passes is provided. The light-shielding piece 262 is positioned in front of the contacted member 23 and behind the light-emitting unit 24, and enters between the contacted member 23 and the light-emitting unit 24 in a state separated from the contacted member 23 and the light-emitting unit 24. Note that an urging portion 264 functioning as a return spring that is punched out near the center of the movable member 26 and bent in an arc shape is formed, and the tip of the urging portion 264 is locked to the second locking portion 222 formed near the center in the accommodation chamber 201. The urging portion 264 generates a reaction force against the pressing of the pressing member 21.

[0032] The switch 2 configured as described above has the pressing member 21 move downward upon receiving an external pressing force, thereby pressing the movable member 26. When the movable member 26 is pressed down, the movable contact portion 261 and the light-shielding piece 262 on the right end side, which is the free end of the movable member 26, move downward. When the movable contact portion 261 of the movable member 26 moves downward, the movable contact portion 261 contacts the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23. When the movable contact portion 261 of the movable member 26 contacts the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23, conduction is established from the first terminal 220 of the support member 22 to the second terminal 230 of the contacted member 23. When conduction is established between the first terminal 220 and the second terminal 230, it becomes possible to close the first circuit outside the switch 2 and output an on signal. When the light-shielding piece 262 of the movable member 26 moves downward, the optical path leading from the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 to the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25 passes through the transmission window 263 formed in the light-shielding piece 262. Therefore, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 during energization from the control unit CU passes through the transmission window 263 formed in the light-shielding piece 262 of the movable member 26, and further passes through the transmission hole 233 formed in the light-shielding plate 232 of the contacted member 23, and reaches the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25. When the light-receiving element 251 detects the reception of light from the light-emitting element 241 during energization from the control unit CU, it becomes possible to output an on signal in the on state. Also, when the movable contact portion 261 of the movable member 26 moves downward, the movable contact portion 261 contacts the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23. When the movable contact portion 261 of the metal movable member 26 hits the contacted portion 231 of the metal contacted member 23, a metallic sound is generated. The user recognizes the metallic sound generated when the movable member 26 hits the contacted member 23 as a click sound. Also, the user recognizes the feeling of the movable member 26 hitting the contacted member 23 as a click feeling. By appropriately designing the materials and shapes of the movable member 26 and the contacted member 23, it is also possible to control the sound and the feeling generated when the movable member 26 hits the contacted member 23, and adjust the click sound and the click feeling. For example, by using materials and shapes that are less likely to generate a click sound, it is possible to achieve quieting during clicking.

[0033] When the pressing of the pressing member 21 is released, the movable member 26 is biased upward by the reaction force of the biasing portion 264. When the movable member 26 is biased upward, the pressing member 21 moves upward. When the movable member 26 is biased upward by the biasing portion 264, the movable contact portion 261 and the light shielding piece 262 located on the right end side of the movable member 26 rise. When the movable contact portion 261 of the movable member 26 rises, the movable contact portion 261 separates from the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23. When the movable contact portion 261 of the movable contact portion 261 member and the contacted portion 231 of the contacted member 23 are separated, the insulation state is established between the first terminal 220 of the support member 22 and the second terminal 230 of the contacted member 23. When the insulation is established between the first terminal 220 and the second terminal 230, the first circuit is opened. When the light shielding piece 262 of the movable member 26 rises, the light emitted from the light emitting element 241 of the light emitting unit 24 is blocked by the light shielding piece 262 and becomes the off state. Next, the opening and closing of the circuit by the switch 2 described in the present application will be described. FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic cross-sectional views showing an example of the switch 2 described in the present application. FIGS. 7 and 8 show a cross-section cut along a vertical plane including the line segment A-B shown in FIG. 2 from a front view point. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the outer shapes of the support member 22 and the contacted member 23 hidden by the housing 20 are shown by broken lines. FIG. 7 shows a state where the pressing member 21 is not receiving an external pressing and is located at the upper first position, and FIG. 8 shows a state where the pressing member 21 is receiving an external pressing and has descended to the lower second position. By transitioning from the state illustrated in FIG. 7 where no pressing is received to the state illustrated in FIG. 8 where pressing is received, the right end side of the movable member 26 descends and the movable member 26 contacts the contacted member 23. When the movable member 26 and the contacted member 23 come into contact, conduction is established from the first terminal 220 of the support member 22 to the second terminal 230 of the contacted member 23. When conduction is established between the first terminal 220 and the second terminal 230, a current flows as indicated by the solid line arrow in FIG. 8 and the on state is achieved. When the external pressing is released and the state illustrated in FIG. 7 is restored, the flowing current is interrupted and the off state is achieved.

[0034] Next, the opening and closing of the circuit by the switch 2 described in the present application will be described. FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic cross-sectional views showing an example of the switch 2 described in the present application. FIGS. 7 and 8 show a cross-section cut along a vertical plane including the line segment A-B shown in FIG. 2 from a front view point. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the outer shapes of the support member 22 and the contacted member 23 hidden by the housing 20 are shown by broken lines. FIG. 7 shows a state where the pressing member 21 is not receiving an external pressing and is located at the upper first position, and FIG. 8 shows a state where the pressing member 21 is receiving an external pressing and has descended to the lower second position. By transitioning from the state illustrated in FIG. 7 where no pressing is received to the state illustrated in FIG. 8 where pressing is received, the right end side of the movable member 26 descends and the movable member 26 contacts the contacted member 23. When the movable member 26 and the contacted member 23 come into contact, conduction is established from the first terminal 220 of the support member 22 to the second terminal 230 of the contacted member 23. When conduction is established between the first terminal 220 and the second terminal 230, a current flows as indicated by the solid line arrow in FIG. 8 and the on state is achieved. When the external pressing is released and the state illustrated in FIG. 7 is restored, the flowing current is interrupted and the off state is achieved. Next, the opening and closing of the circuit by the switch 2 described in the present application will be described. FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic cross-sectional views showing an example of the switch 2 described in the present application. FIGS. 7 and 8 show a cross-section cut along a vertical plane including the line segment A-B shown in FIG. 2 from a front view point. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the outer shapes of the support member 22 and the contacted member 23 hidden by the housing 20 are shown by broken lines. FIG. 7 shows a state where the pressing member 21 is not receiving an external pressing and is located at the upper first position, and FIG. 8 shows a state where the pressing member 21 is receiving an external pressing and has descended to the lower second position. By transitioning from the state illustrated in FIG. 7 where no pressing is received to the state illustrated in FIG. 8 where pressing is received, the right end side of the movable member 26 descends and the movable member 26 contacts the contacted member 23. When the movable member 26 and the contacted member 23 come into contact, conduction is established from the first terminal 220 of the support member 22 to the second terminal 230 of the contacted member 23. When conduction is established between the first terminal 220 and the second terminal 230, a current flows as indicated by the solid line arrow in FIG. 8 and the on state is achieved. When the external pressing is released and the state illustrated in FIG. 7 is restored, the flowing current is interrupted and the off state is achieved.

[0035] Figures 9 and 10 are schematic cross-sectional views showing an example of the switch 2 described in the present application. Figures 9 and 10 show a cross-section cut along a vertical plane including the line segment C-D shown in Figure 2 from a rightward perspective. Figure 9 shows a state in which the pressing member 21 is not receiving external pressing and is located at the upper first position, and Figure 10 shows a state in which the pressing member 21 has descended under external pressing and is located at the lower second position. By transitioning from the state exemplified in Figure 9 where no pressing is received to the state exemplified in Figure 10 where pressing is received, the right end side of the movable member 26 descends, and the optical path leading from the light-emitting element 241 of the light-emitting unit 24 to the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25 comes to pass through the transmission window 263 formed in the light-shielding piece 262. Therefore, as indicated by the solid-line arrow in Figure 10, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 241 of the energized light-emitting unit 24 passes through the transmission window 263 formed in the light-shielding piece 262 of the movable member 26, passes through the transmission hole 233 formed in the light-shielding plate 232 of the contacted member 23, and reaches the light-receiving element 251 of the light-receiving unit 25. When the energized light-receiving element 251 detects the reception of light from the light-emitting element 241, it becomes an on state. When the external pressing is released and the state exemplified in Figure 9 is restored, the optical path between the light-emitting element 241 and the light-receiving element 251 is blocked and it becomes an off state.

[0036] <Functional Configuration> Next, the functional configuration of the operating device 1 described in the present application will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional configuration of the operating device 1 described in the present application. The switch 2 includes a contact mechanism 27 using members such as a support member 22 and a contacted member 23, and a non-contact mechanism 28 using members such as a light-emitting unit 24 and a light-receiving unit 25. Further, the operating device 1 includes a configuration such as a switching unit SU that interlocks with the switching operation unit 13, and a power supply unit PSU that supplies power to a control unit CU that controls various processes. In FIG. 11, the thin lines connecting the respective configurations indicate wirings that serve as media for various signals, and the thick lines indicate wirings that serve as media for power. The light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 of the non-contact mechanism 28 are energized from the control unit CU via a signal line 12. Also, the line extending to the right toward FIG. 12 indicates the signal line 12 connected to the operating device 1. For example, by configuring the signal line 12 with a communication line conforming to a communication standard such as the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, it can be used as a medium for signal communication and power supply.

[0037] The switching unit SU is a circuit that receives a switching operation in which the switching operation unit 13 switches the energization method as an external switching input when it receives the switching operation. The switching unit SU transmits an external switching input to the control unit CU as a switching signal. Note that the external switching input is not limited to the operation from the illustrated switching operation unit 13, and can be appropriately designed, for example, to receive a switching signal from an external electronic device such as a connected personal computer.

[0038] The control unit CU is configured using a processor such as a microcomputer, and is a circuit that exchanges various commands and signals with the switching unit SU, the power supply unit PSU, the contactless mechanism 28, and the contact mechanism 27, and controls these circuits. Specifically, the control unit CU outputs a signal via the signal line 12 based on the open / closed state of the contact mechanism 27. Further, the control unit CU controls the energization of the light emitting unit 24 and the light receiving unit 25 of the contactless mechanism 28, and when the light receiving unit 25 detects light reception, outputs a signal based on the detection situation via the signal line 12. Furthermore, the control unit CU switches the energization method to the contactless mechanism 28 based on the switching signal from the switching unit SU.

[0039] The power supply unit PSU is a circuit that supplies power to various components provided in the switch 2. The power supply unit PSU may be configured using a battery built into the operation device 1 or the housing of the switch 2, or may be configured as a circuit that controls the power supplied from the outside via the signal line 12.

[0040] Note that the switching unit SU, the control unit CU, and the power supply unit PSU may be arranged inside the housing of the switch 2, or may be arranged outside the housing 20, for example, on a substrate to which the switch 2 is attached, and can be appropriately designed.

[0041] <Signal Processing> Next, the signal processing of the switch 2 described in the present application will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the energization method switching process by the switch 2 described in the present application. The control unit CU provided in the switch 2 executes the energization method switching process when the switching unit SU receives an external switching input such as a switching operation on the switching operation unit 13, for example.

[0042] As the energization method switching process, the control unit CU of switch 2 receives a switching input from the switching unit SU (S101), and switches the energization method based on the received switching input (S102). The energization methods include methods such as high-speed mode, high-speed power-saving mode, and power-saving mode, and can be switched as appropriate. When the power supply unit PSU is configured using a battery, the switching of the energization method may be performed based on the remaining power of the power supply unit PSU. The high-speed mode is an energization method in which the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 of the contactless mechanism 28 are constantly energized, and a high-speed response with a small delay from operation to signal output can be maintained. The high-speed power-saving mode is an energization method that suppresses power consumption while maintaining a high-speed response. The power-saving mode is an energization method that restricts the energization to the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 of the contactless mechanism 28 according to the situation.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the energization control process in the high-speed power-saving mode in switch 2 described in the present application. As the energization control process, the control unit CU of switch 2 energizes the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 of the contactless mechanism 28, monitors whether the contactless mechanism 28 is in the on state, and determines whether the contactless mechanism 28 has become in the on state (S201). When the pressing operation unit 10 of the operation device 1 is pressed, the contact mechanism 27 and the contactless mechanism 28 are in the on state. However, since the responsiveness of the contactless mechanism 28 is high, usually the contactless mechanism 28 becomes in the on state first. The contact mechanism 27 takes more time than the contactless mechanism 28 until it transitions to a stable on state due to factors such as bounce occurring when the movable member 26 contacts the contacted member 23.

[0044] In step S201, when the light-receiving element 251 detects light and the contactless mechanism 28 becomes in the on state (S201: YES), the control unit CU causes the operation device 1 to output an on signal (S202). After the control unit CU outputs the on signal, it determines whether the contact mechanism 27 has become in the on state (S203).

[0045] In step S203, when it is determined that the contact mechanism 27 is in the ON state (S203: YES), the control unit CU stops energizing the light emitting element 241 of the non-contact mechanism 28 (S204) and stops energizing the light receiving element 251 (S205). By performing restriction processing such as stopping energization, signal output to the outside will be performed only by the contact mechanism 27. The determination process in step S203 is a process that takes into account the time difference from when the non-contact mechanism 28 becomes the ON state until the contact mechanism 27 becomes the ON state. Note that a sufficient predetermined standby time may be set until the contact mechanism 27 becomes the ON state, and as an alternative process to the determination process in step S203, a standby process for the predetermined standby time may be configured to be executed. When configured to execute the standby process, the determination process in step S203 can be omitted. That is, it is possible to configure to output an ON signal in step S202, execute the standby process for the predetermined standby time, and then execute the process of stopping energization to the light emitting element 241 in step S204. The sufficient predetermined standby time until it becomes the ON state is a time that also takes into account the time until the bounce generated when the movable member 26 contacts the contacted member 23 subsides.

[0046] After stopping energization to the light emitting element 241 and the light receiving element 251 of the non-contact mechanism 28, the control unit CU monitors whether the contact mechanism 27 has transitioned to the OFF state (S206). In step S206, when the contact mechanism 27 becomes the OFF state (S206: YES), the control unit CU stops outputting the ON signal to the outside (S207). Then, the control unit CU releases the stop of energization to the light emitting element 241 of the non-contact mechanism 28 (S208), releases the stop of energization to the light receiving element 251 (S209), resumes energization, returns to step S201, and repeats the subsequent processing.

[0047] In step S201, when it is determined that the OFF state is maintained (S201: NO), the control unit CU repeats the process of step S201 that monitors the non-contact mechanism 28 to determine whether it has become the ON state. That is, the ON state of the non-contact mechanism 28 is monitored until the non-contact mechanism 28 becomes the ON state.

[0048] In step S203, when it is determined that the contact mechanism 27 is not in the on state (S203: NO), the control unit CU repeats the process of step S203 that monitors the contact mechanism 27 to determine whether it has become in the on state. That is, the state of the contact mechanism 27 is monitored until the contact mechanism 27 becomes in the on state. As described above, when the standby process is executed instead of the determination process of step S203, the monitoring process itself becomes unnecessary.

[0049] In step S206, when the contact mechanism 27 maintains the on state (S206: NO), the control unit CU repeats the process of step S206 that monitors the contact mechanism 27 to determine whether it has transitioned to the off state. That is, the state of the contact mechanism 27 is monitored until the contact mechanism 27 becomes in the off state.

[0050] As described above, when the switch 2 provided in the operating device 1 outputs an on signal based on the light detection status of the light receiving element 251 and then starts outputting the on signal by the contact between the movable member 26 and the contacted member 23, the energization to the light emitting element 241 and the light receiving element 251 is restricted. Further, when the movable member 26 separates from the contacted member 23 and stops outputting the on signal, the switch 2 releases the restriction on the energization to the light emitting element 241 and the light receiving element 251 and resumes the energization. Thereby, while maintaining the response speed by the non-contact mechanism 28, it is possible to reduce the power consumption during the period from the stop to the restart of the energization. As described above, the energization control process is executed. The high-speed mode is an energization method that constantly energizes the light emitting unit 24 and the light receiving unit 25 of the non-contact mechanism 28. The power saving mode is an energization method that constantly stops the energization to the light emitting unit 24 and the light receiving unit 25 of the non-contact mechanism 28.

[0051] The high-speed mode is an energization method that constantly energizes the light emitting unit 24 and the light receiving unit 25 of the non-contact mechanism 28. The power saving mode is an energization method that constantly stops the energization to the light emitting unit 24 and the light receiving unit 25 of the non-contact mechanism 28.

[0052] Next, waveform diagrams of signals in each energization method are exemplified. FIG. 14 is a waveform diagram showing an example of signal processing by the switch 2 described in the present application. FIG. 14 shows a waveform diagram in the high-speed mode. In FIG. 14, the waveform (MOUSE) shown at the top indicates the pressed state of the operating device 1. The state located at the upper position indicates the off state where it is not pressed, and the state located at the lower position indicates the on state where it is pressed. The waveform (LED) shown second from the top indicates the energization state of the light-emitting element 241. The state located at the upper position indicates the off state where it is not energized, and the state located at the lower position indicates the light-emitting state where it is energized. The waveform (PD) shown at the bottom indicates the light reception detection state of the light-receiving element 251. The state located at the upper position indicates the insensitive state where light reception is not detected, and the state located at the lower position indicates the sensitive state where light reception is detected.

[0053] In the high-speed mode, since the light-emitting element 241 is intermittently energized, the light-emitting element 241 emits light at regular intervals, and the waveform of the light emission becomes like the pulse wave shown in FIG. 14. The light-receiving element 251 is constantly energized, and when light is emitted from the light-emitting element 241 and the light passing through the transmission window 263 of the movable member 26 and the transmission hole 233 of the contacted member 23 is received, it becomes a sensitive state. Even when the light-emitting element 241 is in the off state, due to afterglow, the transition of the light-receiving element 251 from the sensitive state to the insensitive state changes with a curved waveform. The switch 2 outputs an on signal when the contact mechanism 27 is in the on state or when the light-receiving element 251 of the non-contact mechanism 28 is in the sensitive state. It is also possible to control the output of the on signal only by the non-contact mechanism 28. In that case, an on signal is output when the light-receiving element 251 becomes in the sensitive state, and the output of the on signal is stopped when the insensitive state continues for a certain period. Therefore, since the switch 2 can have a redundant configuration with the non-contact mechanism 28 and the contact mechanism 27, it is possible to enhance the reliability with a high-speed response.

[0054] FIG. 15 is a waveform diagram showing an example of signal processing by the switch 2 described in the present application. FIG. 15 shows a waveform diagram in the high-speed power-saving mode. In FIG. 15, from above, a waveform (MOUSE) indicating the pressed state of the operating device 1, a waveform (LED) indicating the energized state of the light-emitting element 241, and a waveform (PD) indicating the detection state of the light-receiving element 251 are shown. The expression method for these waveforms is the same as that in FIG. 14, and for comparison with FIG. 14, the waveforms shown in FIG. 14 are indicated by broken lines. And the waveform shown at the bottom shows the state of the contact mechanism 27 as a waveform (CONTACT), with the upper part indicating an open state where no on-signal is output and the lower part indicating a closed state where an on-signal is output. In the waveform of the contact mechanism 27, the vibration immediately before the transition from the open state to the closed state and the vibration immediately after the transition from the closed state to the open state indicate a state where bounce of the movable member 26 occurs.

[0055] As also described in the flowchart of FIG. 13, in the high-speed power-saving mode, when the light-receiving element 251 becomes sensitive and then the contact mechanism 27 becomes closed, the switch 2 stops energization to the light-emitting element 241 and the light-receiving element 251. Further, when the movable member 26 separates from the contacted member 23 and stops outputting the on-signal, the switch 2 releases the restriction on energization to the light-emitting element 241 and the light-receiving element 251 and resumes energization. Therefore, the switch 2 described in the present application can reduce the power consumption during the period from the stop to the restart of energization to the light-emitting element 241 and the light-receiving element 251 while maintaining the response speed by the contactless mechanism 28.

[0056] FIG. 16 is a waveform diagram showing an example of signal processing by the switch 2 described in the present application. FIG. 16 shows a waveform diagram in the power-saving mode. In FIG. 16, from above, a waveform (MOUSE) indicating the pressed state of the operating device 1, a waveform (LED) indicating the energized state of the light-emitting element 241, a waveform (PD) indicating the detection state of the light-receiving element 251, and a waveform (CONTACT) indicating the state of the contact mechanism 27 are shown. The expression method for these waveforms is the same as that in FIG. 15. For comparison with FIG. 14, the waveforms shown in FIG. 14 are indicated by broken lines.

[0057] In the power-saving mode, switch 2 always stops supplying power to light-emitting element 241 and light-receiving element 251. Therefore, switch 2 outputs an on signal when contact mechanism 27 is in the closed state, and stops outputting the on signal when it is in the open state. Since the power-saving mode does not supply power to light-emitting element 241 and light-receiving element 251, the power consumption can be significantly reduced.

[0058] As described above, switch 2 etc. described in the present application impose restrictions such as stopping the power supply to light-emitting element 241 and light-receiving element 251 when contact mechanism 27 is in the closed state after light-receiving element 251 becomes sensitive. Further, when movable member 26 separates from contacted member 23 and the output of the on signal stops, switch 2 etc. releases the restriction on the power supply to light-emitting element 241 and light-receiving element 251 and resumes the power supply. Thereby, switch 2 etc. described in the present application can reduce the power consumption during the period from stopping to resuming the power supply to light-emitting element 241 and light-receiving element 251 while maintaining the response speed by contactless mechanism 28. For example, it becomes possible to reduce the power consumed during a moving operation (drag) in which the operating device 1 is moved while the user maintains the state of pressing the pressing operation portion 10 of the operating device 1 such as a mouse.

[0059] Also, switch 2 etc. described in the present application can switch the power supply method in addition to the above-described high-speed power-saving mode by receiving a switching input from switching unit SU. For example, in the high-speed mode in which power is constantly supplied to contactless mechanism 28, it is possible to achieve high-speed response, improve reliability by adopting a redundant configuration with contactless mechanism 28 and contact mechanism 27, and expand functions by controlling different power loads with contactless mechanism 28 and contact mechanism 27, etc., and various excellent effects can be obtained.

[0060] Furthermore, when the power-saving mode is adopted, excellent effects such as being able to reduce power consumption can be obtained.

[0061] The present invention is not limited to each of the embodiments described above, and can be developed into various other forms. Therefore, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in every respect and should not be construed in a limiting sense. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not restricted by the text of the specification in any way. Furthermore, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

[0062] For example, in the above-described embodiment, as the contactless mechanism 28, an optical mechanism using a light-emitting element 241 that emits light and a light-receiving element 251 as a detection unit that detects the light to be detected was shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various mechanisms without contacts can be used. For example, it is possible to apply it to various forms such as configuring the contactless mechanism 28 using a magnet that generates a magnetic force and a Hall element as a detection unit that detects the magnetic force as a detection target.

[0063] Also, for example, in the above-described embodiment, as the contact mechanism 27, a form was shown in which a conductive support member 22 and a contacted member 23 are used, and the circuit is opened and closed by making contact and separating as the conductive movable member 26 swings. The present invention only needs to be an opening / closing mechanism having contacts and is not limited to conductive members. Also, the operation of the movable member 26 is not limited to swinging, and can be applied to various operations such as vertical movement accompanying pressing. That is, if the circuit can be opened and closed by the contact and separation of the movable member 26 that moves, for example, a form in which the contacted member 23 pressed by the movable member 26 that moves downward from above by pressing moves to open and close the circuit can be appropriately designed. Note that for the contactless mechanism 28, it is not necessary for the movable member 26 to be a conductive member.

[0064] Also, for example, in the above-described embodiment, as a limitation on the energization of the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25, a form of stopping the energization was shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to develop it into various forms such as increasing the interval when performing intermittent energization.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the form in which the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 are incorporated in the housing 20 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can be developed in various forms, such as covering the housing 20 over the light-emitting unit 24 and the light-receiving unit 25 attached to the substrate by a mounting method such as surface mounting.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the movable member 26 swings, the form in which the light emitted from the light-emitting element 241 is transmitted is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it can be appropriately designed, such as configuring to shield the light emitted from the light-emitting element 241 when the movable member 26 swings. Also, it can be appropriately designed, such as reflecting the light emitted from the light-emitting element 241 and outputting an on signal according to the light reception state of the reflected light.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0067] 1 Operating device 12 Signal line (output part) 13 Switching operation part 2 Switch 20 Housing 21 Pressing member 22 Support member 23 Contacted member 231 Contacted part 232 Light shielding plate 233 Through hole 24 Light-emitting unit 241 Light-emitting element 25 Light-receiving unit 250 Fourth terminal pair 251 Light-receiving element (detection part) 26 Movable member 262 Light shielding piece 263 Through window 27 Contact mechanism 28 Contactless mechanism SU Switching part CU Control part PSU Power supply part

Claims

1. An operating device that includes a control unit and can accommodate a switch in which the state of contact of a contact mechanism changes and the state of detection of a non-contact mechanism changes, The control unit is a terminal of the contact mechanism and a terminal of the non-contact mechanism, the terminal being wired to control the supply of electricity to the non-contact mechanism; switching between an ON output and an OFF output based on determining a change in the state of the contact mechanism and a change in the state of the non-contact mechanism; When it is determined that the contact of the contact mechanism or the non-contact mechanism is detected during the off output, the output is switched to on, and thereafter, the supply of current to the non-contact mechanism is stopped, and when it is determined that the contact of the contact mechanism is separated, the output is switched to off, and the supply of current to the non-contact mechanism is resumed. An operating device characterized by:

2. An operating device that includes a control unit and can accommodate a switch in which the state of contact of a contact mechanism changes and the state of detection of a non-contact mechanism changes, The control unit is a terminal of the contact mechanism and a terminal of the non-contact mechanism, the terminal being wired to control the supply of electricity to the non-contact mechanism; The output can be switched between ON and OFF based on a change in the state of the contact mechanism or a change in the status of the non-contact mechanism, power supply to the non-contact mechanism is constantly stopped, and when it is determined that the contact of the contact mechanism is in contact, the ON output is generated, and when it is determined that the contact of the contact mechanism is separated, the OFF output is generated. An operating device characterized by:

3. An operating device that includes a control unit and can accommodate a switch in which the state of contact of a contact mechanism changes and the state of detection of a non-contact mechanism changes, The control unit is A terminal of the contact mechanism is connected to a terminal of the non-contact mechanism, and a current is applied to the non-contact mechanism. determining a change in the state of the contact mechanism and a change in the state of the non-contact mechanism, and switching between an ON output and an OFF output based on the determination; a period during which power supply to the non-contact mechanism is stopped during the on output, and when it is determined that the contact of the contact mechanism is in a separated state, the on output is switched to the off output. An operating device characterized by:

4. A control method for a control unit of an operating device that houses a switch in which a contact connection / disconnection state of a contact mechanism changes and a detection / non-detection state of a contactless mechanism changes, the control unit being wired to a terminal of the contact mechanism and to a terminal of the contactless mechanism, and switching between ON and OFF outputs to an external device based on a determination of a change in the state of the contact mechanism and a change in the state of the contactless mechanism, thereby controlling the supply of electricity to the contactless mechanism, comprising: When it is determined that the contact of the contact mechanism or the non-contact mechanism is detected during the off output, the output is switched to the on output. Then, the power supply to the non-contact mechanism is stopped. when it is determined that the contact of the contact mechanism has been separated, the output is switched to the off state and power supply to the non-contact mechanism is resumed. A control method for a control unit of an operating device comprising:

5. A control method for a control unit of an operating device that houses a switch in which a contact connection / disconnection state of a contact mechanism changes and a detection / non-detection state of a contactless mechanism changes, the control unit being wired to a terminal of the contact mechanism and wired to a terminal of the contactless mechanism, and switching between ON and OFF outputs to an external device based on a determination of a change in the state of the contact mechanism or a change in the status of the contactless mechanism, and controlling current supply to the contactless mechanism, comprising: a mode in which control is performed to switch to the on output when it is determined that the non-contact mechanism is detected while the non-contact mechanism is being energized, and a mode in which energization to the non-contact mechanism is always stopped, In a mode in which the supply of electricity to the non-contact mechanism is constantly stopped, the ON output is made when it is determined that the contact of the contact mechanism is in contact, and the OFF output is made when it is determined that the contact of the contact mechanism is separated. A control method for a control unit of an operating device comprising:

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