Operating device and operation detection method

Abstract

To provide an operating device and an operating detection method that improve durability. [Solution] The operating device 1 is generally configured to include a housing 12, an operating unit 2 having an operating knob 20 protruding from the housing 12 and accepting tilting and pushing operations in at least one direction, a detection unit 6 that detects changes in the magnetic field 32 accompanying the tilting and pushing operations of the operating unit 2 in three mutually orthogonal axes, and a magnet 3 that moves while in contact with the bottom surface 110 of the housing 12 during tilting operations to change the magnetic field 32 acting on the detection unit 6, and is pressed against the bottom surface 110 during pushing operations, changing the magnetic field 32 acting on the detection unit 6 in a manner different from that of tilting operations while the distance L1 to the detection unit 6 remains unchanged.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device and an operating detection method. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional technology, a multi-directional input device is known that comprises a housing with a space having an opening at the top, a substantially cylindrical operating body having an operating part protruding upward from the opening, a push switch installed in the space, and a magnetic sensor unit including a magnetic material and a magnetic sensor, wherein the swinging of the operating body moves the magnetic material in an arbitrary direction relative to the magnetic sensor, and the magnetic sensor senses the change in the magnetic force of the magnetic material to obtain the direction and amount of swinging of the operating body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] This multi-directional input device detects the oscillating motion applied to the operating body using a magnetic sensor and detects the pressure applied to the operating body using a push switch. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3241053 Gazette [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Conventional multi-directional input devices detect pressure applied to an operating object using a push switch that contacts the operating object. However, repeated pressing can cause the push switch to malfunction or cracks in the solder joints electrically connecting the push switch to the circuit board, resulting in low durability.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an operating device and an operating detection method that improve durability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides an operating device comprising: a housing; an operating unit having an operating knob protruding from the housing and receiving tilting and pushing operations in at least one direction; a detection unit that detects changes in the magnetic field accompanying the tilting and pushing operations of the operating unit in three mutually orthogonal axes; and a magnetic field generating unit that moves while in contact with the bottom surface of the housing during tilting operations to change the magnetic field acting on the detection unit, and that changes the magnetic field acting on the detection unit in a manner different from that of tilting operations while being pressed against the bottom surface and maintaining a constant distance from the detection unit during pushing operations.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides an operation detection method for an operating device comprising a housing, an operating part having an operating knob protruding from the housing and receiving tilting and pushing operations in at least one direction, a magnetic field generating part that generates a magnetic field, and a detection part that detects changes in the magnetic field accompanying the tilting and pushing operations of the operating part, wherein during a tilting operation, the magnetic field generating part moves while in contact with the bottom surface of the housing, changing the magnetic field acting on the detection part, and during a push operation, the magnetic field generating part is pressed against the bottom surface, and the distance to the detection part does not change, causing the magnetic field acting on the detection part to change in a way that is different from that of the tilting operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, durability can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1(a) shows an example of the operating device according to the first embodiment before it is operated, and Figure 1(b) shows an example of the operating device when the tilting operation is performed. [Figure 2] Figure 2(a) is a top view showing an example of a controller equipped with the operating device according to the first embodiment, Figure 2(b) is a perspective view showing an example of a controller, and Figure 2(c) is an example of a block diagram of the operating device. [Figure 3]FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing an example of a magnetic path and magnetic flux density before a push operation of an operating device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of the magnetic path and magnetic flux density after the push operation. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of a detection result before an operation of an operating device according to the first embodiment, FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing an example of the detection result after a tilting operation, and FIG. 4(c) is a diagram showing an example of the detection result after a push operation. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of a state before an operation of an operating device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of a magnetic field acting on a detection unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of a state after a tilting operation of an operating device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of a magnetic field acting on a detection unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing an example of a state before a push operation of an operating device according to the second embodiment, FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of a magnetic field acting on a detection unit before the push operation, FIG. 7(c) is a diagram showing an example of a state after the push operation, and FIG. 7(d) is a diagram showing an example of a magnetic field acting on a detection unit after the push operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing an example of a detection result before an operation of an operating device according to the second embodiment, FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing an example of the detection result after a tilting operation, and FIG. 8(c) is a diagram showing an example of the detection result after a push operation.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] [[ID=二十二]] [[ID=二十三]](Summary of the embodiment)[[ID=二十四]] The operating device according to this embodiment is generally configured to include a housing, an operating unit having an operating knob protruding from the housing and accepting tilting and pushing operations in at least one direction, a detection unit that detects changes in the magnetic field accompanying the tilting and pushing operations of the operating unit in three mutually orthogonal axes, and a magnetic field generating unit that moves while in contact with the bottom surface of the housing during tilting operations to change the magnetic field acting on the detection unit, and that changes the magnetic field acting on the detection unit in a manner different from that of tilting operations while being pressed against the bottom surface and maintaining a constant distance from the detection unit during pushing operations.

[0012] An operation detection method according to another embodiment includes an operating device comprising a housing, an operating part having an operating knob protruding from the housing and receiving tilting and pushing operations in at least one direction, a magnetic field generating part that generates a magnetic field, and a detection part that detects changes in the magnetic field accompanying the tilting and pushing operations of the operating part, wherein in the tilting operation, the magnetic field generating part moves while in contact with the bottom surface of the housing to change the magnetic field acting on the detection part, and in the pushing operation, the magnetic field generating part is pressed against the bottom surface and the distance to the detection part does not change, causing the magnetic field acting on the detection part to change in a way that is different from that of the tilting operation.

[0013] These operating devices and operation detection methods can detect push operations without contact, thus improving durability compared to methods that determine on / off status by pressing, such as push switches.

[0014] [First Embodiment] (Overview of Operating Device 1) Figure 1(a) shows an example of the operating device according to the first embodiment before it is operated, and Figure 1(b) shows an example of the operating device when a tilting operation is performed. Figure 2(a) is a top view showing an example of a controller on which the operating device according to the first embodiment is mounted, Figure 2(b) is a perspective view showing an example of a controller, and Figure 2(c) is an example of a block diagram of the operating device. Figure 3(a) shows an example of the magnetic path and magnetic flux density of the operating device according to the first embodiment before a push operation, and Figure 3(b) shows an example of the magnetic path and magnetic flux density after a push operation. The tilting operation refers to the operation of tilting the operating unit 2 in any direction.

[0015] In the figures relating to the embodiments described below, the ratios and shapes between figures may differ from the actual ratios and shapes. Also, in Figure 2(b), the main signal and information flows are indicated by arrows. First, the outline of the operating device 1 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1(a) to 3(b), the operating device 1 of this embodiment is generally configured to include a housing 12, an operating unit 2 having an operating knob 20 protruding from the housing 12 and accepting tilting and pushing operations in at least one direction, a detection unit 6 that detects changes in the magnetic field 32 accompanying the tilting and pushing operations of the operating unit 2 in three mutually orthogonal axes, and a magnet 3 as a magnetic field generating unit that moves while in contact with the bottom surface 110 of the housing 12 during tilting operations to change the magnetic field 32 acting on the detection unit 6, and is pressed against the bottom surface 110 during pushing operations, changing the magnetic field 32 acting on the detection unit 6 in a manner different from that of tilting operations while the distance L1 to the detection unit 6 remains unchanged.

[0017] The operating device 1 is attached to the operating section 2 between the operating knob 20 and the magnet 3, and includes a magnetic material 4 that changes the magnetic path 33 of the magnetic field 32 in response to a change in the distance L2 from the magnet 3 in response to a push operation. When the magnetic material 4 approaches the magnet 3 during a push operation, the magnetic path 33 is shortened, and the magnetic flux density increases as a change in the magnetic field 32 acting on the detection unit 6.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the magnet 3 has a hemispherical shape with a flat surface that contacts the bottom surface 110 of the housing 12, a protruding portion 30 that protrudes from the upper surface 312 of the hemispherical portion 31, and an opening 300 provided in the protruding portion 30 along the direction of the push operation. The operating portion 2 has a shaft portion 21 that is inserted into the opening 300 and moves inside the opening 300 during the push operation.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the magnet 3 has a protruding portion 30 facing the magnetic material 4, and the distance L2 between the protruding portion 30 and the magnetic material 4 is shortened by the pushing operation, thereby shortening the magnetic path 33 that passes through space and increasing the magnetic flux density acting on the detection unit 6.

[0020] The operating device 1 is positioned between the operating knob 20 and the magnet 3 and includes an elastic body 5 that accumulates elastic force when pushed and releases the elastic force after the push operation to return the operating knob 20 to its position before the push operation.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2(c), the operating device 1 includes a detection unit 6 and a control unit 7 that is electrically connected to the controlled device 9.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the operating device 1 is located in the case 80 of the controller 8. The controller 8 may also contain a push switch, a battery, and other components in addition to the operating device 1. The operating knob 20 of the operating device 1 protrudes from the opening 81 of the case 80.

[0023] The operating knob 20 can be tilted in any direction on the XY plane, for example, on the left-to-right X-axis and the bottom-to-top Y-axis as shown in Figure 2(a). In other words, the operating device 1 is, for example, a joystick device. The X and Y axes, for example, as shown in Figure 2(a), have their origins below the center of the operating knob 20 and are located at the magnetic sensing point 60 of the detection unit 6. The Z axis, for example, as shown in Figure 3(a), is the direction of the push operation (direction of arrow A) and is a coordinate axis with the top of the paper being positive.

[0024] The controlled device 9 may be, but is not limited to, a game console, a home appliance, or an in-vehicle device. The controller 8 is connected to these controlled devices 9 by wire or wireless connection. The controller 8 may also be equipped with multiple operating devices 1.

[0025] (Configuration of enclosure 12) As an example, the housing 12 is configured to include an upper housing 10 and a lower housing 11, as shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b). The upper housing 10 is formed using, for example, polyacetal resin (POM resin) or nylon resin, but is not limited to these materials. The lower housing 11 is formed using, for example, polycarbonate resin or polybutadiene resin (PBD resin), but is not limited to these materials.

[0026] The upper housing 10 has a housing opening 100. The operating knob 20 is exposed through this housing opening 100.

[0027] The lower housing 11 has a bottom surface 110. This bottom surface 110 is flat, and when no operation is being performed, the end face 311 of the magnet 3 is in contact with it.

[0028] (Configuration of the control unit 2) As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the operating unit 2 comprises an operating knob 20, a shaft portion 21, and a holding portion 22.

[0029] The operating knob 20 is formed in a disc shape using, for example, a resin material or a metal material. This operating knob 20 is configured to be attached to the end 210 of the shaft portion 21 and detached from the end 210.

[0030] The shaft portion 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape using a high-strength resin, such as glass fiber reinforced resin. The shaft portion 21 has one end 210 to which the operating knob 20 is attached, and the other end 211 is inserted into the opening 300 of the magnet 3.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the shaft portion 21 is provided with a holding portion 22 at the upper part near the operating knob 20. This holding portion 22 has a hemispherical upper part 220 and a cylindrical lower part 221. The lower part 221 is inserted inside the elastic body 5. The holding portion 22 holds the elastic body 5 together with the magnet 3, with the end of the elastic body 5 in contact with the upper part 220.

[0032] (Configuration of magnet 3) The magnet 3 is, for example, a plastic magnet formed by mixing permanent magnet powder with a resin material such as nylon resin, but is not limited to this. As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the magnet 3 has a protruding portion 30 and a hemispherical portion 31. The magnetization of this magnet 3 is, for example, such that the north pole is on the hemispherical portion 31 side and the south pole is on the protruding portion 30 side, but is not limited to this. The magnetic field generating unit is not limited to a plastic magnet, but may also be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

[0033] The protruding portion 30 is inserted into the elastic body 5. As described above, the protruding portion 30 has an opening 300 into which the end portion 211 of the shaft portion 21 is inserted. This opening 300 does not have to penetrate to the end face 311 of the hemispherical portion 31, but it may or may not.

[0034] The hemispherical portion 31 has a shape like a flattened hemisphere. The magnet 3 holds the elastic body 5, which is inserted into the protruding portion 30, in contact with the hemispherical portion 31, together with the holding portion 22.

[0035] When the operating knob 20 is tilted, the hemispherical portion 31 moves with its side surface 310 in contact with the bottom surface 110 of the lower housing 11. At this time, the hemispherical portion 31 is pressed against the bottom surface 110 by the elastic force from the elastic body 5. After the tilting operation is completed, the operating knob 20 returns to its original position due to the elastic force of the elastic body 5.

[0036] (Composition of magnetic material 4) The magnetic material 4 is formed using a ferromagnetic material made of a metallic material such as iron. The magnetic material 4 becomes part of the magnetic path 33 of the magnet 3.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the magnetic material 4 is positioned on the shaft portion 21 adjacent to the holding portion 22. When the operating knob 20 is pushed, the distance L2 between the magnetic material 4 and the magnet 3 decreases. As a result, the magnetic path 33 in the air becomes shorter after the push operation than before the push operation, and the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field 32 increases. In Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the increased magnetic flux density is indicated by a thicker arrow.

[0038] (Structure of elastic body 5) The elastic body 5 is, for example, a coil spring. The elastic body 5 is held between the holding portion 22 of the operating portion 2 and the hemispherical portion 31 of the magnet 3.

[0039] (Configuration of detection unit 6) The detection unit 6 is, for example, a three-axis Hall sensor capable of detecting magnetic fields 32 in mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. The detection unit 6 is configured to output detection information S1 based on changes in the magnetic field 32 to the control unit 7.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1(a), 1(b), 3(a), and 3(b), the detection unit 6 has a magnetic sensing point 60, and outputs detection information S1 corresponding to the change in magnetic flux density and the change in magnetic flux angle as a change in the magnetic field 32 at this magnetic sensing point 60. The magnetic sensing point 60 is the origin of the XYZ coordinate system.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the detection unit 6 is located on the outside of the housing 12, that is, in the case 80 of the controller 8. During tilting, the distance L1 between the magnet 3 and the magnetic sensing point 60 of the detection unit 6 changes. However, during pushing, the distance L1 between the magnet 3 and the detection unit 6 remains constant.

[0042] (Configuration of the control unit 7) The control unit 7 is a microcomputer composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs calculations and processing on acquired data according to a stored program, and semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM stores, for example, the program necessary for the control unit 7 to operate. The RAM is used, for example, as a storage area to temporarily store calculation results.

[0043] The control unit 7 determines the direction and angle of the tilt operation and whether or not a push operation was performed based on the detection information S1 obtained from the detection unit 6, and outputs this as operation information S2 to the controlled device 9.

[0044] The control unit 7 may, as described later, determine the amount of the operation of the operation knob 20, i.e., the amount of the push operation, from the magnetic flux density and output it as operation information S2, or the Z component B of the magnetic flux density Z The control unit 7 may be configured to determine that a push operation has been performed and output operation information S2 when the value is above a predetermined threshold. In this embodiment, as an example, when a push operation is determined, the control unit 7 outputs that a push operation has been determined and the amount of the push as operation information S2.

[0045] (Regarding tilting and pushing operations) Figure 4(a) shows an example of the detection result before the operation of the operating device according to the first embodiment, Figure 4(b) shows an example of the detection result after the tilting operation, and Figure 4(c) shows an example of the detection result after the push operation.

[0046] The following section will specifically describe how tilting and pushing operations of the operating device 1 are detected.

[0047] Regarding tilting operations As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the detection unit 6 detects the magnetic flux density and magnetic flux angle of the magnetic field 32 at the magnetic sensing point 60. The control unit 7 determines the direction of the tilting operation and the angle to which the operating knob 20 is tilted based on the detection information S1 based on the magnetic flux density and magnetic flux angle.

[0048] If no tilting or pushing operation is performed, the detection unit 6 outputs the detection result shown in Figure 4(a) as detection information S1 to the control unit 7, as an example.

[0049] When no operation is performed, the magnetic flux density is, as an example, the X component B of the magnetic flux density, as shown in Figure 4(a). X The magnetic flux density is 0.0 mT, and the Y component B of the magnetic flux density is 0.0 mT. Y The magnetic flux density is 0.0 mT, and the Z component B of the magnetic flux density is 0.0 mT. Z This is 45.0 mT.

[0050] When no tilting or pushing operations are performed, the magnetic flux angles are, as an example, as shown in Figure 4(a): ∠XZ is 90.0° in the XZ plane, ∠YZ is 90.0° in the YZ plane, and ∠XY is 45.0° in the XY plane. Note that ∠XZ is the angle relative to the X axis. ∠YZ is the angle relative to the Y axis. ∠XY = 45.0° is the angle relative to the X axis.

[0051] The control unit 7 determines tilt operation and push operation based on the magnetic flux density and magnetic flux angle shown in Figure 4(a).

[0052] Figure 1(b) shows the operating knob 20 tilted in the negative direction of the X-axis in the XZ plane. In this case, the detection unit 6 outputs the detection result shown in Figure 4(b) as detection information S1 to the control unit 7, as an example.

[0053] When a tilting operation is performed, the magnetic flux density is, as an example, the X component B of the magnetic flux density, as shown in Figure 4(b). X The magnetic flux density is 9.0 mT, and the Y component B of the magnetic flux density is 9.0 mT. Y The magnetic flux density is 0.0 mT, and the Z component B of the magnetic flux density is 0.0 mT. Zis 34.0 mT. When the operation knob 20 is tilted in the negative direction of the X-axis, the magnet 3 moves in the positive direction of the X-axis, so the X component B of the magnetic flux density X becomes larger compared to the case without operation, and since it tilts, the Z component B of the magnetic flux density Z becomes smaller compared to the case without operation.

[0054] When the tilting operation is performed, as an example, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the magnetic flux angle in the XZ plane ∠XZ is 75.2°, the magnetic flux angle in the YZ plane ∠YZ is 90.0°, and the magnetic flux angle in the XY plane ∠XY is 45.0°. When the operation knob 20 is tilted in the negative direction of the X-axis, the magnet 3 moves in the positive direction of the X-axis, so the magnetic flux angle ∠XZ is tilted compared to 90° in the case without operation.

[0055] When the control unit 7 acquires the detection information S1 from the detection unit 6, it determines the direction and angle of the tilting operation from the changes in the magnetic flux density and magnetic flux angle in Fig. 4(a).

[0056] ·Regarding the push operation Figs. 3(a) and 3(b) are diagrams of pushing in the operation knob 20. In this case, as an example, the detection unit 6 outputs the detection result shown in Fig. 4(c) as the detection information S\(_1\) to the control unit 7.

[0057] When the push operation is performed, as an example, as shown in Fig. 4(c), the X component B of the magnetic flux density X is 0.0 mT, the Y component B of the magnetic flux density Y is 0.0 mT, and the Z component B of the magnetic flux density Z is 67.5 mT. When the operation knob 20 is pushed, the magnetic body 4 approaches the magnet 3, so the magnetic path 33 passing through the air becomes shorter, and the magnetic flux density in the Z-axis direction increases compared to the case without operation.

[0058] When the push operation is performed, the magnetic flux angles are, for example, as shown in Figure 4(c), 90.0° for the XZ plane (∠XZ), 90.0° for the YZ plane (∠YZ), and 45.0° for the XY plane (∠XY). When the operation knob 20 is pushed, the positional relationship between the magnet 3 and the detection unit 6 does not change, so the detected magnetic flux angle is the same as the magnetic flux angle when no operation is performed.

[0059] When the control unit 7 obtains detection information S1 from the detection unit 6, it determines a push operation from the changes in magnetic flux density and magnetic flux angle shown in Figure 4(a).

[0060] (Effects of the first embodiment) The operating device 1 according to this embodiment can improve durability. Specifically, in the operating device 1, as the magnetic material 4 approaches the magnet 3 when a push operation is performed, the magnetic path 33 passing through the air is shortened and the magnetic flux density acting on the detection unit 6 is increased. Compared to cases where on / off status is determined by pressing with contact, such as in a push switch, it becomes possible to detect the push operation without contact, thus improving durability.

[0061] Since the operating device 1 can detect changes in magnetic flux density associated with a push operation, it can detect the amount of the operating knob 20 pressed, i.e., the amount of the push operation, compared to detecting a push operation with a push switch. Because the operating device 1 can detect the amount of pressing, it can perform stepwise control according to the amount of pressing.

[0062] The operating device 1 achieves detection accuracy equivalent to that obtained by detecting with a switch or the like, even though it is non-contact.

[0063] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the magnet rotates in conjunction with the push operation.

[0064] Figure 5(a) shows an example of the state before the operating device according to the second embodiment is operated, and Figure 5(b) shows an example of the magnetic field acting on the detection unit. Figure 6(a) shows an example of the state after the tilting operation of the operating device according to the second embodiment is performed, and Figure 6(b) shows an example of the magnetic field acting on the detection unit. Figure 7(a) shows an example of the state before the push operation of the operating device according to the second embodiment is performed, Figure 7(b) shows an example of the magnetic field acting on the detection unit before the push operation, Figure 7(c) shows an example of the state after the push operation is performed, and Figure 7(d) shows an example of the magnetic field acting on the detection unit after the push operation.

[0065] In the embodiments described below, parts having the same function and configuration as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted. First, an overview of the operating device 1 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0066] As shown in Figures 5(a) to 7(d), the operating device 1 of this embodiment is generally configured to include a housing 12, an operating unit 2 having an operating knob 20 protruding from the housing 12 and accepting tilting and pushing operations in at least one direction, a detection unit 6 that detects changes in the magnetic field 32 associated with the tilting and pushing operations of the operating unit 2 in three mutually orthogonal axes, and a magnet 3 that moves while in contact with the bottom surface 110 of the housing 12 during tilting operations to change the magnetic field 32 acting on the detection unit 6, and is pressed against the bottom surface 110 during pushing operations, changing the magnetic field 32 acting on the detection unit 6 in a manner different from that of tilting operations while the distance L1 to the detection unit 6 remains unchanged.

[0067] The magnet 3 has a hemispherical portion 31 that contacts the bottom surface 110 of the housing 12, and a protruding portion 30 that protrudes from the upper surface 312 of the hemispherical portion 31. The protruding portion 30 has a spiral projection 302. As shown in Figures 7(a) to 7(d), the operating unit 2 has a spiral guide 24 into which the protruding portion 30 is inserted, and which guides the spiral projection 302 to rotate the magnet 3 during a push operation.

[0068] The operating device 1 is positioned between the operating knob 20 and the magnet 3 and includes an elastic body 5 that accumulates elastic force when pushed and releases the elastic force after the push operation to return the operating knob 20 to its position before the push operation.

[0069] In this embodiment, the operating device 1 is located in the case 80 of the controller 8, similar to the first embodiment. The controller 8 may also contain a push switch, a battery, and other components in addition to the operating device 1. The operating knob 20 of the operating device 1 protrudes from an opening 81 in the case 80.

[0070] (Configuration of enclosure 12) As an example, the housing 12 is configured to include an upper housing 10 and a lower housing 11, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b). The upper housing 10 is formed using, for example, polyacetal resin (POM resin) or nylon resin, but is not limited to these materials. The lower housing 11 is formed using, for example, polycarbonate resin or polybutadiene resin (PBD resin), but is not limited to these materials.

[0071] The lower housing 11 has a bottom surface 110. This bottom surface 110 is flat, and when no operation is being performed, the spherical surface 313 of the magnet 3 is in contact with it.

[0072] (Configuration of the control unit 2) As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the operating unit 2 comprises an operating knob 20 and a shaft portion 21.

[0073] The operating knob 20 is formed in a disc shape using, for example, a resin material or a metal material. This operating knob 20 is configured to be attached to the end 210 of the shaft portion 21 and detached from the end 210.

[0074] The shaft portion 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape using a high-strength resin, such as glass fiber reinforced resin. The shaft portion 21 has an insertion hole 23 into which the operating knob 20, the elastic body 5, and the protruding portion 30 of the magnet 3 are inserted.

[0075] The operating knob 20 is inserted into the end 210 side of the insertion hole 23 and attached to the shaft portion 21. The elastic body 5 is positioned in the insertion hole 23 between the operating knob 20 and the magnet 3. The magnet 3 is inserted into the end 211 side of the insertion hole 23.

[0076] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the insertion hole 23 is provided with a helical guide 24 on the inner surface of the end 211 side. The helical projection 302 of the magnet 3 is inserted into this helical guide 24.

[0077] (Configuration of magnet 3) Magnet 3 is, for example, a plastic magnet molded by mixing permanent magnet powder with a resin material such as nylon resin. However, it is not limited to this. As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), Magnet 3 has a protruding portion 30 and a hemispherical portion 31.

[0078] In the planes of Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the magnet 3 has the left side of the hemispherical portion 31 magnetized as the north pole and the right side as the south pole. As shown in Figure 5(b), the magnet 3 is magnetized such that the magnetic field 32 projected onto the detection unit 6 is directed from left to right.

[0079] The protruding portion 30 is inserted into the insertion hole 23. The elastic body 5 applies elastic force to press the magnet 3 against the bottom surface 110 of the housing 12, since the operating knob 20 is attached to the shaft portion 21.

[0080] Therefore, when the operating knob 20 is tilted, the hemispherical portion 31 moves while the spherical surface 313 is in contact with the bottom surface 110 of the lower housing 11. At this time, the hemispherical portion 31 is pressed against the bottom surface 110 by the elastic force from the elastic body 5. After the tilting operation is completed, the operating knob 20 returns to its original position due to the elastic force of the elastic body 5.

[0081] (Structure of elastic body 5) The elastic body 5 is, for example, a coil spring. The elastic body 5 is inserted into the insertion hole 23 of the shaft portion 21.

[0082] (Configuration of detection unit 6) The detection unit 6 is, for example, a three-axis Hall sensor capable of detecting magnetic fields 32 in mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. The detection unit 6 is configured to output detection information S1 based on changes in the magnetic field 32 to the control unit 7.

[0083] As shown in Figures 5(a) to 7(d), the detection unit 6 has a magnetic sensing point 60, and outputs detection information S1 corresponding to the change in magnetic flux density and the change in magnetic flux angle as a change in the magnetic field 32 at this magnetic sensing point 60. The magnetic sensing point 60 is the origin of the XYZ coordinate system.

[0084] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 6(a), the detection unit 6 is located on the outside of the housing 12, that is, in the case 80 of the controller 8. During tilting, the distance L1 between the magnet 3 and the magnetic sensing point 60 of the detection unit 6 changes. However, during pushing, the distance L1 between the magnet 3 and the detection unit 6 remains constant.

[0085] (Configuration of the control unit 7) The control unit 7 is a microcomputer composed of, for example, a CPU that performs calculations and processing on acquired data according to a stored program, semiconductor memory such as RAM and ROM. The ROM stores, for example, the program necessary for the control unit 7 to operate. The RAM is used, for example, as a storage area to temporarily store calculation results.

[0086] The control unit 7 determines the direction and angle of the tilt operation and whether or not a push operation was performed based on the detection information S1 obtained from the detection unit 6, and outputs this as operation information S2 to the controlled device 9.

[0087] The control unit 7 may also determine the amount the operating knob 20 is pressed based on the magnetic flux density and output it as operation information S2, or it may determine the Z component B of the magnetic flux density. Z The control unit 7 may be configured to determine that a push operation has been performed and output operation information S2 when the value is above a predetermined threshold. In this embodiment, as an example, when a push operation is determined, the control unit 7 outputs that a push operation has been determined and the amount of the push as operation information S2.

[0088] (Regarding tilting and pushing operations) Figure 8(a) shows an example of the detection result before the operation of the operating device according to the second embodiment, Figure 8(b) shows an example of the detection result after the tilting operation, and Figure 8(c) shows an example of the detection result after the push operation.

[0089] The following section will specifically describe how tilting and pushing operations of the operating device 1 are detected.

[0090] Regarding tilting operations As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the detection unit 6 detects the magnetic flux density and magnetic flux angle of the magnetic field 32 at the magnetic sensing point 60. The control unit 7 determines the direction of the tilting operation and the angle to which the operating knob 20 is tilted based on the detection information S1 based on the magnetic flux density and magnetic flux angle.

[0091] If no tilting or pushing operation is performed, the detection unit 6 outputs the detection result shown in Figure 8(a) as detection information S1 to the control unit 7, as an example.

[0092] When no operation is performed, the magnetic flux density is, as an example, the X component B of the magnetic flux density, as shown in Figure 8(a). X The magnetic flux density is 30.0 mT, and the Y component B Y The magnetic flux density is 0.0 mT, and the Z component B of the magnetic flux density is 0.0 mT. Z This is 0.0mT.

[0093] When no tilting or pushing operations are performed, the magnetic flux angles are, for example, as shown in Figure 8(a), 0.0° for the XZ plane, 45.0° for the YZ plane, and 0.0° for the XY plane. Note that the magnetic flux angle ∠XZ is the angle relative to the X axis. The magnetic flux angle ∠YZ is the angle relative to the Y axis. The magnetic flux angle ∠XY = 45.0° is the angle relative to the X axis.

[0094] The control unit 7 determines tilt operation and push operation based on the magnetic flux density and magnetic flux angle shown in Figure 8(a).

[0095] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show the operating knob 20 tilted in the positive direction of the X axis in the XZ plane. In this case, the detection unit 6 outputs the detection result shown in Figure 8(b) as detection information S1 to the control unit 7, as an example.

[0096] When a tilting operation is performed, the magnetic flux density is, as an example, the X component B of the magnetic flux density, as shown in Figure 8(b). X The magnetic flux density is 15.0 mT, and the Y component B of the magnetic flux density is Y The force is 7.0 mT, and the Z component B of the magnetic flux density is Z The value is 8.0 mT. When the operating knob 20 is tilted in the positive direction of the X axis, the magnet 3 moves in the negative direction of the X axis, and the X component B of the magnetic flux density X The Y component B of the magnetic flux density becomes smaller compared to the case without the operation. Y , and Z component B Z The size is slightly larger compared to when no operation is performed. The operation knob 20 is tilted slightly in the Y-axis direction compared to the X-axis.

[0097] When tilting is performed, the magnetic flux angles are, for example, as shown in Figure 8(b), 28.0° for the XZ plane, 49.0° for the YZ plane, and 25.0° for the XY plane. When the operating knob 20 is tilted in the positive direction of the X axis, the magnet 3 moves in the negative direction of the X axis, and the magnetic flux angles ∠XZ, ∠YZ, and ∠XY increase compared to when there is no operation.

[0098] When the control unit 7 obtains detection information S1 from the detection unit 6, it determines the direction and angle of the tilt operation from the changes in magnetic flux density and magnetic flux angle shown in Figure 8(a).

[0099] • About push operations Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show the operation knob 20 in the pressed position. In this case, the detection unit 6 outputs the detection result shown in Figure 8(c) as detection information S1 to the control unit 7, as an example.

[0100] When a push operation is performed, the magnetic flux density is, as an example, the X component B of the magnetic flux density, as shown in Figure 8(c). X The magnetic flux density is 15.0 mT, and the Y component B of the magnetic flux density is Y The force is 15.0 mT, and the Z component B of the magnetic flux density is Z The force is 0.0 mT. When the operating knob 20 is pushed, the magnet 3 rotates counterclockwise in the plane of the paper shown in Figure 7(d), so the magnetic field 32 acting on the detection unit 6 also rotates, and the X component B of the magnetic flux density is different compared to when there is no operation. X , and component Y B Y The magnetic flux density will be the same. Note that, for example, magnet 3 rotates 45° before and after the push operation, but is not limited to this.

[0101] When a push operation is performed, as an example, as shown in Figure 8(c), the magnetic flux angles are 0.0° for the XZ plane (∠XZ), 0.0° for the YZ plane (∠YZ), and 45.0° for the XY plane (∠XY). When the operation knob 20 is pushed, the magnet 3 rotates while the relative position of the magnet 3 and the detection unit 6 does not change. Therefore, the detected magnetic flux angles change from 45.0° to 0.0° for the magnetic flux angle ∠YZ and from 0.0° to 45.0° for the magnetic flux angle ∠XY before and after the push operation.

[0102] When the control unit 7 obtains detection information S1 from the detection unit 6, it determines a push operation from the changes in magnetic flux density and magnetic flux angle shown in Figure 8(a).

[0103] (Effects of the second embodiment) The operating device 1 according to this embodiment can improve durability. Specifically, in the operating device 1, the magnet 3 rotates without changing the distance L1 between the magnet 3 and the detection unit 6 in conjunction with the push operation, and the detection unit 6 rotates and detects the resulting magnetic field 32. Compared to cases where on / off status is determined by pressing with contact, such as with a push switch, the operating device 1 can detect the push operation without contact, thus improving durability.

[0104] Since the operating device 1 can detect changes in magnetic flux density associated with a push operation, it can detect the amount of the operating knob 20 pressed, i.e., the amount of the push operation, compared to detecting a push operation with a push switch. Because the operating device 1 can detect the amount of pressing, it can perform stepwise control according to the amount of pressing.

[0105] The operating device 1 achieves detection accuracy equivalent to that obtained by detecting with a switch or the like, even though it is non-contact.

[0106] Herein, an operation detection method of another embodiment includes an operating device 1 comprising a housing 12, an operating unit 2 having an operating knob 20 protruding from the housing 12 and accepting tilting and pushing operations in at least one direction, a magnet 3 that generates a magnetic field 32, and a detection unit 6 that detects changes in the magnetic field 32 accompanying the tilting and pushing operations of the operating unit 2, wherein in a tilting operation, the magnet 3 moves while in contact with the bottom surface 110 of the housing 12, changing the magnetic field 32 acting on the detection unit 6, and in a pushing operation, the magnet 3 is pressed against the bottom surface 110, and the magnetic field 32 acting on the detection unit 6 is changed in a way that is different from that of the tilting operation while the distance L1 to the detection unit 6 remains unchanged.

[0107] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments are necessarily essential for solving the problem of the invention. Moreover, these embodiments are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1...Operating device, 2...Operating section, 3...Magnet, 4...Magnetic material, 5...Elastic material, 6...Detection section, 7...Control section, 10...Upper housing, 11...Lower housing, 12...Housing, 20...Operating knob, 21...Shaft section, 22...Holding section, 23...Insertion hole, 24...Spiral guide, 30...Protrusion, 31...Hemispherical section, 32...Magnetic field, 33...Magnetic path, 60...Magnetic sensing point, 100...Housing opening, 110...Bottom surface, 210...End, 211...End, 220...Upper part, 221...Lower part, 300...Opening, 302...Spiral projection, 310...Side surface, 311...End face, 312...Top surface, 313...Spherical surface

Claims

1. The casing and The operating section has an operating knob protruding from the housing and accepts tilting and pushing operations in at least one direction, A detection unit for detecting changes in the magnetic field associated with the tilting operation and the pushing operation of the operating unit, A magnetic field generating unit that moves while in contact with the bottom surface of the housing during the tilting operation to change the magnetic field acting on the detection unit, and that changes the magnetic field acting on the detection unit in a manner different from that of the tilting operation while being pressed against the bottom surface and maintaining a constant distance from the detection unit during the push operation, An operating device equipped with it.

2. The operating part is attached to the operating part between the operating knob and the magnetic field generating part, and includes a magnetic material that changes the magnetic path of the magnetic field by changing the distance from the magnetic field generating part in response to the push operation, The magnetic field generating unit increases the magnetic flux density as the magnetic field acting on the detection unit, as the magnetic path is shortened by the approach of the magnetic material during the push operation. The operating device according to claim 1.

3. The magnetic field generating unit has a hemispherical portion that contacts the bottom surface of the housing, and a protruding portion that extends from the upper surface of the hemispherical portion. The aforementioned protrusion has a spiral projection on its side surface. The operating section has a spiral guide into which the protruding portion is inserted, and which guides the spiral projection to rotate the magnetic field generating section during the push operation. The operating device according to claim 1.

4. The magnetic field generating unit has a hemispherical portion having a hemispherical shape with a flat surface that contacts the bottom surface of the housing, a protruding portion that protrudes from the upper surface of the hemispherical portion, and an opening provided in the protruding portion along the direction of the push operation. The operating part is inserted into the opening and has a shaft that moves within the opening during the push operation. The operating device according to claim 2.

5. The magnetic field generating unit has a protruding portion that faces the magnetic material, and the pushing operation shortens the magnetic path through space as the distance between the protruding portion and the magnetic material decreases, thereby increasing the magnetic flux density acting on the detection unit. The operating device according to claim 4.

6. The operating knob and the magnetic field generating unit are positioned together and include an elastic body that accumulates elastic force upon the push operation and releases the elastic force after the push operation to return the operating knob to its position before the push operation. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. An operating device comprising a housing, an operating section having an operating knob protruding from the housing and receiving tilting and pushing operations in at least one direction, a magnetic field generating section that generates a magnetic field, and a detection section that detects changes in the magnetic field accompanying the tilting and pushing operations of the operating section, In the tilting operation, the magnetic field generating unit moves while in contact with the bottom surface of the housing, thereby changing the magnetic field acting on the detection unit. In the push operation, the magnetic field generating unit is pressed against the bottom surface and the distance to the detection unit does not change, and the magnetic field acting on the detection unit is changed to be different from that in the tilting operation. Operation detection method.

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