Arrow keys

Abstract

It provides a simple directional keypad that allows the player to move the character in the desired direction. [Solution] The directional key (1) includes a key top (10) having an operation surface (S1) and a back surface facing the operation surface (S2), a first magnet (21) connected to a first portion (11) of the back surface, a second magnet (22) connected to a second portion (12) spaced apart from the first portion of the back surface in a first direction, and a magnetic sensor (30) facing the back surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and positioned between the first magnet and the second magnet in the first direction. At least one of the first magnet and the second magnet is configured so that its position in the second direction can be changed by operation on the operation surface. The magnetic sensor is positioned so that it can detect a change in the magnetic field corresponding to a change in the position of at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet in the second direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a directional key. [Background technology]

[0002] A directional key such as a cross key may be used on game console controllers, remote controls, mobile devices, etc. For example, by operating the directional key, the character controlled by the player moves in the desired direction.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a magnetic coordinate position indicating device that includes a magnet and Hall elements arranged at equal intervals in a radial pattern that spreads out in all directions with the center of the magnet as the origin of a Cartesian coordinate system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-149474 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The magnetic coordinate position indicating device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has four sensors (Hall elements) arranged for one magnet, and the signals from each sensor must be analyzed. For example, from the perspective of reducing costs and power consumption, a simpler device is desired.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objects is to provide a directional key that can detect operations with a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the following means are provided.

[0008] A directional key according to a first aspect includes a key top having an operation surface and a back surface facing the operation surface, a first magnet connected to a first portion of the back surface, a second magnet connected to a second portion of the back surface spaced apart from the first portion in a first direction, and a magnetic sensor facing the back surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and positioned between the first magnet and the second magnet in the first direction. At least one of the first magnet and the second magnet is configured so that its position in the second direction can be changed by operation on the operation surface. The magnetic sensor is positioned so that it can detect a change in a magnetic field corresponding to a change in the position of at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet in the second direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The direction key according to the above aspect has a simple structure and can detect the operation of the direction key. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a direction key according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the directional key according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a first cross-sectional view of the direction key according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a second cross-sectional view of the directional key according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a first operation of a direction key according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second operation of the direction key according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a third operation of the direction key according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a fourth operation of the direction key according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a fifth operation of the directional key according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a sixth operation of the direction key according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram of a game controller equipped with a directional key according to a first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a direction key according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The drawings used in the following description may show characteristic portions enlarged for convenience in order to make the features easier to understand, and the dimensional ratios of each component may differ from the actual ones. The materials, dimensions, etc. exemplified in the following description are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Appropriate changes can be made within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] For convenience of explanation, directions are defined as follows. The X, Y, and Z directions are defined with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The direction in which the key top 10 of the directional key 1 and the magnetic sensor 30 face each other is defined as the Z direction. The plane perpendicular to the Z direction is defined as the XY plane. The direction perpendicular to the X direction within the XY plane is defined as the Y direction. For example, the operation surface S1 of the key top 10 may extend along the XY plane. In this specification, the magnetic sensor 30 when viewed from the Z direction is defined as the origin of a Cartesian coordinate system, and the direction from the magnetic sensor 30 toward the first magnet 21 is defined as the −X direction, the direction from the magnetic sensor 30 toward the second magnet 22 is defined as the +X direction, the direction from the magnetic sensor 30 toward the third magnet 23 is defined as the +Y direction, and the direction from the magnetic sensor 30 toward the fourth magnet 24 is defined as the −Y direction. Hereinafter, the +X direction may be referred to as the “right,” the −X direction as the “left,” the +Y direction as the “up,” and the −Y direction as the “down.”

[0013] "First embodiment" Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a directional key 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the directional key 1 according to the first embodiment as viewed from the Z direction. Fig. 3 is an XZ cross-sectional view of the directional key 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a YZ cross-sectional view of the directional key 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0014] The directional key 1 includes a key top 10, a first magnet 21, a second magnet 22, a third magnet 23, a fourth magnet 24, and a magnetic sensor 30. The directional key 1 may include a substrate 40 that supports the magnetic sensor 30. The substrate 40 is not particularly limited.

[0015] The keytop 10 is a button that allows the user to control direction. The structure of the keytop 10 is not limited as long as it allows direction control. For example, the keytop 10 may be one that can tilt like a seesaw in the direction of operation, with the center as a fulcrum when viewed from the Z direction. Also, for example, the keytop 10 may be one in which the operation point is pressed in the -Z direction from the initial position. Furthermore, the keytop 10 is not limited to a round key with a cross button arranged on a disk as shown in FIG. 1, but may be a cross key without a disk.

[0016] The keytop 10 has an operation surface S1 operated by the user and a back surface S2 facing the operation surface S1. The back surface S2 has a first portion 11, a second portion 12, a third portion 13, and a fourth portion 14 to which a first magnet 21, a second magnet 22, a third magnet 23, and a fourth magnet 24 are connected, respectively. The first portion 11 and the second portion 12 are, for example, at the same position in the Y direction and spaced apart in the X direction. The third portion 13 and the fourth portion 14 are, for example, at the same position in the X direction and spaced apart in the Y direction. The line connecting the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 at the shortest distance and the line connecting the third portion 13 and the fourth portion 14 at the shortest distance may be perpendicular to each other, for example.

[0017] The first magnet 21 is connected to the first portion 11. The second magnet 22 is connected to the second portion 12. The third magnet 23 is connected to the third portion 13. The fourth magnet 24 is connected to the fourth portion 14. These may be connected directly or indirectly via another component.

[0018] Each of the first magnet 21, the second magnet 22, the third magnet 23, and the fourth magnet 24 is configured so that its position in the Z direction can be changed by the user's operation of the operation surface S1. For example, the first magnet 21 may be connected to the first portion 11 so that its position in the Z direction changes in conjunction with the position of the first portion 11 in the Z direction. When the user presses a position of the operation surface S1 facing the first portion 11, the first portion 11 of the keytop 10 moves down in the -Z direction, and the first magnet 21 connected to the first portion 11 also moves down in the -Z direction in conjunction with this. Similarly to the first magnet 21, each of the second magnet 22, the third magnet 23, and the fourth magnet 24 may also be configured so that its position in the Z direction changes in conjunction with the second portion 12, the third portion 13, and the fourth portion 14, respectively.

[0019] Furthermore, the first magnet 21 and the third magnet 23 may be configured so that their positions in the Z direction can be changed simultaneously by an operation on the operation surface S1. Similarly, the first magnet 21 and the fourth magnet 24 may be configured so that their positions in the Z direction can be changed simultaneously by an operation on the operation surface S1, the second magnet 22 and the third magnet 23 may be configured so that their positions in the Z direction can be changed simultaneously, or the second magnet 22 and the fourth magnet 24 may be configured so that their positions in the Z direction can be changed simultaneously.

[0020] The first magnet 21, the second magnet 22, the third magnet 23, and the fourth magnet 24 can each be a known magnet, and the type of magnet does not matter. Hereinafter, when the first magnet 21, the second magnet 22, the third magnet 23, and the fourth magnet 24 are described without distinction, they may be simply referred to as magnets. The magnets may be, for example, neodymium magnets, ferrite magnets, samarium-cobalt magnets, aluminum-nickel-cobalt magnets, etc. The shape of each magnet does not matter in particular, and may be circular or polygonal (for example, rectangular) when viewed from the Z direction.

[0021] The magnetization direction of each magnet is not particularly limited. For example, each magnet may be magnetized in the Z direction. When each magnet is magnetized in the Z direction, the magnetic sensor 30 can more easily detect positional changes of the magnets in the Z direction.

[0022] The magnetic sensor 30 is located opposite the back surface S2 of the key top 10 in the Z direction. The magnetic sensor 30 is located so that it can detect changes in the magnetic field according to changes in the position of the magnets in the Z direction. The magnetic sensor 30 detects changes in the magnetic field that occur on the magnetically sensitive surface of the magnetic sensor 30 when the position of any magnet in the Z direction changes.

[0023] The position of the magnetic sensor 30 in the Z direction is not particularly important. For example, the magnetic sensor 30 may be at the same height as the magnet in the initial state when the operation surface S1 is not being operated, or may be located in the +Z direction from the magnet, or may be located in the -Z direction from the magnet. For example, the length Lz of a perpendicular line drawn from the bottom surface of the magnet to an imaginary plane extending along the top surface of the magnetic sensor 30 may be 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less. This length Lz may be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the magnet and the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnet.

[0024] The magnetic sensor 30 is located between the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 in the X direction. The magnetic sensor 30 may be located midway between the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 in the X direction. The midway between the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 may be within a range of ±10% or less of the length Lx of the line segment connecting the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 at the shortest distance in the X direction from the midpoint between the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22. The position of the magnetic sensor 30 in the X direction may be the same as the positions of the third magnet 23 and the fourth magnet 24 in the X direction.

[0025] The magnetic sensor 30 is located between the third magnet 23 and the fourth magnet 24 in the Y direction. The magnetic sensor 30 may be located midway between the third magnet 23 and the fourth magnet 24 in the Y direction. The midway between the third magnet 23 and the fourth magnet 24 may be within a range of ±10% or less of the length Ly of the line segment connecting the third magnet 23 and the fourth magnet 24 at the shortest distance in the Y direction from the midpoint between the third magnet 23 and the fourth magnet 24. The position of the magnetic sensor 30 in the Y direction may be the same as the positions of the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 in the Y direction.

[0026] The magnetic sensor 30 may be located at the intersection of a line segment connecting the first magnet 21 and the second magnet 22 at the shortest distance in the X direction and a line segment connecting the third magnet 23 and the fourth magnet 24 at the shortest distance in the Y direction.

[0027] The magnetic sensor 30 is a sensor whose output changes in response to changes in the magnetic field. There is no particular restriction on the magnetic sensor 30 as long as its output changes in response to changes in the magnetic field. The magnetic sensor 30 may be, for example, a magnetic Hall sensor or a magnetoresistive element. The magnetoresistive element may be an anisotropic magnetoresistive element (AMR element), a giant magnetoresistive element (GMR element), or a tunneling magnetoresistive element (TMR element). The magnetic sensor 30 may be a two-axis magnetic sensor capable of detecting changes in the magnetic field in two axes, the X direction and the Y direction.

[0028] The directional key 1 according to this embodiment can be produced by preparing and assembling the key top 10, the first magnet 21, the second magnet 22, the third magnet 23, the fourth magnet 24, and the magnetic sensor 30.

[0029] Next, we will explain the operation and control of the directional key 1. Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the first operation of the directional key 1 according to the first embodiment. The first operation is an operation of pressing a position facing the first portion 11 of the operation surface S1 of the key top 10 (hereinafter referred to as the first position).

[0030] When the first position on the operation surface S1 is pressed, the first magnet 21 moves down in the -Z direction. When the position of the first magnet 21 changes, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 30 changes. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 5 represents the displacement of the first magnet 21 in the Z direction. The vertical axis of FIG. 5 represents the change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 30. The change in the magnetic field is the change in magnetic field strength. The graph shows the change in magnetic field strength when the initial state before the operation surface S1 is operated is used as a reference (denoted as 0 mT in the graph). Bx represents the change in the magnetic field in the X direction, and By represents the change in the magnetic field in the Y direction.

[0031] When the first position on the operation surface S1 is pressed, the magnetic field in the X direction detected by the magnetic sensor 30 changes. When the first position on the operation surface S1 is pressed, for example, the absolute value of the magnetic field strength in the X direction detected by the magnetic sensor 30 increases. On the other hand, the magnetic field in the Y direction detected by the magnetic sensor 30 does not substantially change. "Substantially does not change" means that the change in the magnetic field is sufficiently small, that is, the change in the magnetic field is greater than 0 and less than the first threshold value TH1. The first threshold value TH1 is the absolute value of the magnetic field strength at which it is not determined that the operation surface S1 has been operated. While FIG. 5 illustrates a case where the first threshold value TH1 is 1 mT, the first threshold value TH1 can be appropriately set depending on the specifications of the directional key 1. For example, as described below, when determining whether or not the operation surface S1 has been pressed, the first threshold value TH1 may be set to 10% of the maximum change in the magnetic field strength. Furthermore, for example, as described below, when determining the amount of pressure applied to the operation surface S1 (for example, when evaluating the output from the magnetic sensor 30 stepwise or continuously), the first threshold value TH1 may be set to 1% of the maximum change in the magnetic field strength.

[0032] 6 is a diagram illustrating the second operation of the directional key 1. The second operation is an operation of pressing a position facing the second portion 12 of the operation surface S1 of the key top 10 (hereinafter referred to as the second position).

[0033] When the second position on the operation surface S1 is pressed, the second magnet 22 moves down in the -Z direction. When the position of the second magnet 22 changes, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 30 changes. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 6 represents the displacement of the second magnet 22 in the Z direction. The vertical axis of the graph in FIG. 6 is the same as that of the graph in FIG. 5.

[0034] When the second position on the operation surface S1 is pressed, the magnetic field in the X direction detected by the magnetic sensor 30 changes. When the second position on the operation surface S1 is pressed, the magnetic field in the X direction detected by the magnetic sensor 30 changes in the opposite direction to when the first position is pressed. When the second position on the operation surface S1 is pressed, for example, the absolute value of the strength of the magnetic field in the X direction detected by the magnetic sensor 30 increases. On the other hand, the magnetic field in the Y direction detected by the magnetic sensor 30 does not substantially change.

[0035] 7 is a diagram illustrating the third operation of the directional key 1. The third operation is an operation of pressing a position facing the third portion 13 of the operation surface S1 of the key top 10 (hereinafter referred to as the third position).

[0036] When the third position on operation surface S1 is pressed, third magnet 23 moves down in the -Z direction. When the position of third magnet 23 changes, the magnetic field detected by magnetic sensor 30 changes. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 7 represents the displacement of third magnet 23 in the Z direction. The vertical axis of the graph in FIG. 7 is the same as that of the graph in FIG. 5.

[0037] When the third position on the operation surface S1 is pressed, the magnetic field in the Y direction detected by the magnetic sensor 30 changes. When the third position on the operation surface S1 is pressed, for example, the absolute value of the strength of the magnetic field in the Y direction detected by the magnetic sensor 30 increases. On the other hand, the magnetic field in the X direction detected by the magnetic sensor 30 does not substantially change.

[0038] 8 is a diagram illustrating a fourth operation of the directional key 1. The fourth operation is an operation of pressing a position facing the fourth portion 14 of the operation surface S1 of the key top 10 (hereinafter referred to as the fourth position).

[0039] When the fourth position on the operation surface S1 is pressed, the fourth magnet 24 moves down in the -Z direction. When the position of the fourth magnet 24 changes, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 30 changes. The horizontal axis of the graph in FIG. 8 represents the displacement of the fourth magnet 24 in the Z direction. The vertical axis of the graph in FIG. 8 is the same as that of the graph in FIG. 5.

[0040] When the fourth position on the operation surface S1 is pressed, the magnetic field in the Y direction detected by the magnetic sensor 30 changes. When the fourth position on the operation surface S1 is pressed, the magnetic field in the Y direction detected by the magnetic sensor 30 changes in the opposite direction to when the third position is pressed. When the fourth position on the operation surface S1 is pressed, for example, the absolute value of the strength of the magnetic field in the Y direction detected by the magnetic sensor 30 increases. On the other hand, the magnetic field in the X direction detected by the magnetic sensor 30 does not substantially change.

[0041] The magnetic sensor 30 is configured to be able to determine the pressed position on the operation surface S1 and the pressing amount of the operation surface S1 based on a change in the magnetic field.

[0042] The pressed position on the operation surface S1 can be determined from the behavior of the change in the magnetic field in the X direction and the behavior of the change in the magnetic field in the Y direction.

[0043] When the magnetic field in the X direction changes and the magnetic field in the Y direction does not substantially change (FIGS. 5 and 6), the magnetic sensor 30 determines that the first position or the second position on the operation surface S1 has been pressed. The magnetic field in the X direction changes in the opposite direction when the first position is pressed and when the second position is pressed. Therefore, by setting the behavior of the change in one magnetic field to when the first position is pressed and the behavior of the change in the other magnetic field to when the second position is pressed, it is possible to determine whether the first position or the second position has been pressed.

[0044] Similarly, when the magnetic field in the Y direction changes and the magnetic field in the X direction does not substantially change (FIGS. 7 and 8), the magnetic sensor 30 determines that the third or fourth position on the operation surface S1 has been pressed. When the third position is pressed and when the fourth position is pressed, the magnetic field in the Y direction changes in the opposite direction. Therefore, by setting the behavior of the change in one magnetic field to when the third position is pressed and the behavior of the change in the other magnetic field to when the fourth position is pressed, it is possible to determine whether the third or fourth position has been pressed.

[0045] The directional key 1 can also handle simultaneous pressing of two positions. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a case where the second and third positions of the directional key 1 are pressed simultaneously. When the second and third positions are pressed simultaneously, a change in the magnetic field in the X direction occurs when the second position is pressed, and a change in the magnetic field in the Y direction occurs when the third position is pressed. Similarly, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a case where the second and fourth positions of the directional key 1 are pressed simultaneously. When the second and fourth positions are pressed simultaneously, a change in the magnetic field in the X direction occurs when the second position is pressed, and a change in the magnetic field in the Y direction occurs when the fourth position is pressed.

[0046] Here, the cases where the second and third positions are pressed simultaneously and the second and fourth positions are pressed simultaneously have been specifically illustrated and described, but the same applies to the cases where the first and third positions are pressed simultaneously and the first and fourth positions are pressed simultaneously. When the first and third positions are pressed simultaneously, a change in the magnetic field in the X direction occurs simultaneously when the first position is pressed, and a change in the magnetic field in the Y direction occurs simultaneously when the third position is pressed. When the first and fourth positions are pressed simultaneously, a change in the magnetic field in the X direction occurs simultaneously when the first position is pressed, and a change in the magnetic field in the Y direction occurs simultaneously when the fourth position is pressed.

[0047] The magnetic sensor 30 can determine that two positions have been pressed simultaneously when the magnetic fields in the X and Y directions change simultaneously. The magnetic sensor 30 can also determine which two of the four positions have been pressed simultaneously based on the behavior of the changes in the magnetic fields in the X and Y directions.

[0048] The amount of depression of the operation surface S1 can be determined from the amount of change in the strength of the magnetic field.

[0049] Since the magnetic field changes depending on the amount of pressing of the operation surface S1, there is a correspondence relationship between the amount of pressing of the operation surface S1 and the amount of change in the magnetic field. In other words, there is a correspondence relationship between the amount of pressing of the operation surface S1 and the amount of change in the output from the magnetic sensor 30. For example, the greater the amount of pressing of the operation surface S1, the greater the amount of change from the initial state in the absolute value of the magnetic field strength detected by the magnetic sensor 30, and the greater the amount of change from the initial state in the output from the magnetic sensor 30. By knowing in advance the correspondence relationship between the amount of pressing of the operation surface S1 and the amount of change in the output from the magnetic sensor 30, the amount of pressing of the operation surface S1 can be determined from the output from the magnetic sensor 30.

[0050] For example, the magnetic sensor 30 may continuously determine the amount of depression of the operation surface S1 in accordance with the output from the magnetic sensor 30.

[0051] Furthermore, for example, the magnetic sensor 30 may determine the amount of pressing of the operation surface S1 in stages according to the output from the magnetic sensor 30. When determining the amount of pressing of the operation surface S1 in stages, multiple thresholds are set for the output from the magnetic sensor 30. Since the amount of change in the output from the magnetic sensor 30 corresponds to the amount of change in the magnetic field, multiple thresholds are set for the amount of change in the magnetic field. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a first threshold TH1, a second threshold TH2, a third threshold TH3, and a fourth threshold TH4 may be set. There is no particular limit to the number of thresholds that may be set. The amount of pressing of the operation surface S1 can be determined by determining which threshold the amount of change in the magnetic field has exceeded.

[0052] The directional key 1 according to the first embodiment can determine the pressed position on the operation surface S1 and the pressing amount of the operation surface S1 with a single magnetic sensor 30. The directional key 1 according to the first embodiment has a simple structure and can accurately detect operations in eight directions on the operation surface S1 (up, down, left, right, upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left). Furthermore, in the directional key 1 according to the first embodiment, the key tops 10 and the magnetic sensors 30 are not in contact with each other, allowing for a high degree of freedom in the design of the substrate 40 on which the magnetic sensors 30 are mounted. Furthermore, since the directional key 1 according to the first embodiment has a small number of magnetic sensors 30 for detecting operations on the operation surface S1, it can be manufactured at low cost and consumes little power.

[0053] The directional key 1 according to the first embodiment can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, it can be used as the directional key 1 of a game controller 100. In addition to the game controller 100, the directional key 1 can also be used in a mobile terminal, a remote controller, and the like.

[0054] "Second embodiment" 12 is a plan view of a directional key 2 according to the second embodiment. The directional key 2 includes a key top 10′, a first magnet 21, a second magnet 22, and a magnetic sensor 30. The directional key 2 differs from the directional key 1 according to the first embodiment in the shape of the key top 10′ and in the absence of the third magnet 23 and the fourth magnet 24. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0055] The key top 10' has an operation surface S1 operated by the user and a back surface facing the operation surface S1. The back surface S2 has a first portion 11 and a second portion 12 to which a first magnet 21 and a second magnet 22 are connected, respectively. The key top 10' differs from the key top 10 according to the first embodiment in that it does not have a third portion 13 and a fourth portion 14 in the Y direction.

[0056] The directional key 2 according to the second embodiment is similar to the directional key 1, except that the operation surface S1 is not operated in the Y direction. Therefore, the directional key 2 can determine the pressed position on the operation surface S1 and the pressing amount of the operation surface S1 with a single magnetic sensor 30. The directional key 2 according to the second embodiment has a simple structure and can accurately detect operation of the operation surface S1 in two directions (left and right).

[0057] The above describes the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail with reference to the drawings. However, each configuration and combination thereof in each embodiment is an example, and addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0058] Below, we will add some notes about some of the directional keys. (1) A key top having an operation surface and a back surface opposite to the operation surface; a first magnet connected to a first portion of the back surface; a second magnet connected to a second portion of the back surface spaced apart from the first portion in a first direction; a magnetic sensor facing the rear surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and positioned between the first magnet and the second magnet in the first direction; At least one of the first magnet and the second magnet is configured so that a position in the second direction can be changed by an operation on the operation surface, The magnetic sensor is located at a position where it can detect a change in a magnetic field corresponding to a change in the position of at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet in the second direction. (2) The directional key according to (1) further includes a third magnet connected to a third portion of the back surface and a fourth magnet connected to a fourth portion of the back surface, the third portion and the fourth portion are spaced apart in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction at the same position in the first direction that is different from the first portion and the second portion, At least one of the third magnet and the fourth magnet is configured so that the position in the second direction can be changed by an operation on the operation surface, The magnetic sensor is located at a position where it can detect a change in the magnetic field in response to a change in the position of at least one of the third magnet and the fourth magnet in the second direction. (3) In the directional key described in (2), the magnetic sensor is a two-axis magnetic sensor capable of detecting changes in the magnetic field in the first direction and the third direction. (4) In the directional key according to (1), the magnetic sensor is located midway between the first magnet and the second magnet in the first direction. (5) In the directional key according to (2), the magnetic sensor is located midway between the third magnet and the fourth magnet in the third direction. (6) The directional key according to (2) is configured so that the positions of the first magnet and the third magnet in the second direction can be changed simultaneously by operating the operation surface. (7) The directional key according to (2) is configured so that the positions of the first magnet and the fourth magnet in the second direction can be changed simultaneously by operating the operation surface. (8) The directional key according to (2) is configured so that the positions of the second magnet and the third magnet in the second direction can be changed simultaneously by operating the operation surface. (9) The directional key according to (2) is configured so that the positions of the second magnet and the fourth magnet in the second direction can be changed simultaneously by operating the operation surface. (10) In the directional key described in (1), the magnetic sensor is configured so that its output changes in response to changes in the magnetic field, and when the output exceeds a first threshold value, it can be determined that the operating surface has been operated. (11) In the directional key described in (2), the magnetic sensor is configured so that its output changes in response to changes in the magnetic field, and the output is compared with a threshold value set in multiple stages, thereby enabling the amount of pressure on the operating surface to be determined in stages. (12) In the directional key described in (1), the magnetic sensor is configured so that its output changes in response to changes in the magnetic field, and the amount of depression of the operating surface can be continuously determined in response to the output. (13) In the directional key according to (2), the change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor varies depending on the pressed position on the operation surface; the magnetic sensor is configured to be able to determine the pressed position and the pressed amount of the operation surface based on the change in the magnetic field; When a position of the operation surface facing the first portion is pressed, the magnetic field in the first direction detected by the magnetic sensor changes, and the magnetic field in the third direction does not substantially change; When a position of the operation surface facing the second portion is pressed, the magnetic field in the first direction detected by the magnetic sensor changes to a direction opposite to that detected when the position of the operation surface facing the first portion is pressed, and the magnetic field in the third direction does not substantially change; When a position of the operation surface facing the third portion is pressed, the magnetic field in the third direction detected by the magnetic sensor changes, and the magnetic field in the first direction does not substantially change; When a position on the operating surface opposite the fourth portion is pressed, the magnetic field in the third direction detected by the magnetic sensor changes to the opposite direction from when a position opposite the third portion is pressed, and the magnetic field in the first direction does not substantially change. (14) In the directional key according to (2), the change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor varies depending on the position of the operation surface that is pressed; the magnetic sensor can determine the pressed position and the pressed amount of the operation surface based on the change in the magnetic field; When any of the positions facing the first and third portions of the operation surface, the positions facing the first and fourth portions of the operation surface, the positions facing the second and third portions of the operation surface, and the positions facing the second and fourth portions of the operation surface are pressed simultaneously, the magnetic fields in the first direction and the third direction detected by the magnetic sensor change simultaneously. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1, 2 directional keys 10, 10' keycap 11 Part 1 12 Part 2 13 Part 3 14 Part 4 21 First magnet 22 Second magnet 23 Third Magnet 24 Fourth Magnet 30 Magnetic Sensor 40 boards 100 game controllers S1 control surface S2 back side TH1 First threshold TH2 Second threshold TH3 Third Threshold TH4 Fourth Threshold

Claims

1. a key top having an operation surface and a back surface opposite to the operation surface; a first magnet connected to a first portion of the back surface; a second magnet connected to a second portion of the back surface spaced apart from the first portion in a first direction; a magnetic sensor facing the rear surface in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and positioned between the first magnet and the second magnet in the first direction; At least one of the first magnet and the second magnet is configured so that a position in the second direction can be changed by an operation on the operation surface, The magnetic sensor is located at a position where it can detect a change in a magnetic field corresponding to a change in the position of at least one of the first magnet and the second magnet in the second direction.

2. a third magnet connected to a third portion of the back surface; and a fourth magnet connected to a fourth portion of the back surface, the third portion and the fourth portion are spaced apart in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction at the same position in the first direction that is different from the first portion and the second portion, At least one of the third magnet and the fourth magnet is configured so that a position in the second direction can be changed by an operation on the operation surface, The directional key according to claim 1 , wherein the magnetic sensor is positioned so as to be able to detect a change in a magnetic field in response to a change in the position of at least one of the third magnet and the fourth magnet in the second direction.

3. The directional key according to claim 2 , wherein the magnetic sensor is a two-axis magnetic sensor capable of detecting changes in a magnetic field in the first direction and the third direction.

4. The directional key according to claim 1 , wherein the magnetic sensor is located midway between the first magnet and the second magnet in the first direction.

5. The directional key according to claim 2 , wherein the magnetic sensor is located midway between the third magnet and the fourth magnet in the third direction.

6. The directional key according to claim 2 , wherein the positions of the first magnet and the third magnet in the second direction can be simultaneously changed by operating the operation surface.

7. The directional key according to claim 2 , wherein the positions of the first magnet and the fourth magnet in the second direction can be simultaneously changed by operating the operation surface.

8. The directional key according to claim 2 , wherein the positions of the second magnet and the third magnet in the second direction can be simultaneously changed by operating the operation surface.

9. The directional key according to claim 2 , wherein the positions of the second magnet and the fourth magnet in the second direction can be simultaneously changed by operating the operation surface.

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