Multidirectional input device including a position detector that detects a neutral position and a moving direction of the movable body

A multidirectional input device of the present disclosure includes a case, a movable body that is mounted on the case so as to be movable in a plurality of directions with a predetermined neutral position as a base point, a first position detector that outputs a first signal in response to a position of the movable body, a second position detector that outputs a second signal when the movable body is located at the neutral position, and a controller that detects a moving direction of the movable body by the first signal. The controller corrects a threshold value for determination for detecting the moving direction in response to the first signal and the second signal.

This application is a U.S. national stage application of the PCT International Application No. PCT/JP2015/004453 filed on Sep. 2, 2015, which claims the benefit of foreign priority of Japanese patent application 2014-179876 filed on Sep. 4, 2014 and Japanese patent application 2014-209577 filed on Oct. 14, 2014 the contents all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a multidirectional input device used for operation of an electronic device. The present technology mainly relates to a multidirectional input device used for operation of various electronic devices in a motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, multidirectional input devices enabling various operation such as rotary operation, pressing operation, and moving operation are provided in instrument panels, combination switches, or the like in vehicle interior. Multidirectional input devices enabling operation of various electronic devices such as a car navigation device, an audio device, and an air conditioner in vehicle interior are increasing. Furthermore, multidirectional input devices enabling operation of headlights, windshield wipers, or direction indicators of vehicles are increasing. A multidirectional input device having various functions and enabling more reliable operation is required.

As conventional multidirectional input devices, for example, PTL 1 and PTL 2 are known.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multidirectional input device of the present disclosure includes a case, a movable body that is mounted on the case so as to be movable in a plurality of directions with a predetermined neutral position as a base point, a first position detector that outputs a first signal in response to a position of the movable body, a second position detector that outputs a second signal when the movable body is located at the neutral position, and a controller that detects a moving direction of the movable body by the first signal. The controller corrects a threshold value for determination for detecting the moving direction in response to the first signal and the second signal.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Prior to description of an exemplary embodiment, a problem of conventional multidirectional input devices noticed by inventor(s) is described.

In the conventional multidirectional input devices, in a case where ambient temperature change, voltage variation of a power supply or the like is caused during use, a voltage signal output from a light receiving/emitting element varies in response to reflected light from a reflection part. For example, it is assumed that a voltage signal of 3 V is set to be output in a state where the multidirectional input device is located at a neutral position. However, in a case where ambient temperature change or voltage variation of a power supply is caused during use, a voltage signal of 1.5 V is output although an operation body and a movable body are each located at a neutral position. In this case, although the operation body and the movable body are each located at the neutral position, for example, a controller erroneously detects that the operation body is operated to move in a right direction.

As described above, the conventional multidirectional input devices have a problem that a voltage value of an output signal varies depending on a surrounding environment or the like, the controller performs erroneous detection, and malfunction is caused.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described with reference toFIG. 1AtoFIG. 5B.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1Ais a sectional view of multidirectional input device26according to this exemplary embodiment.FIG. 2is an exploded perspective view of multidirectional input unit22in multidirectional input device26of this exemplary embodiment.FIG. 3is a block diagram of multidirectional input device26according to this exemplary embodiment.FIG. 4is a sectional view in operation of multidirectional input unit22according to this exemplary embodiment.FIG. 4illustrates a state where operation body21is operated to move in a right direction of the drawing.FIG. 5AandFIG. 5Beach are a signal waveform diagram of multidirectional input device26according to this exemplary embodiment.

First, a configuration of multidirectional input device26of the exemplary embodiment is described.

As illustrated inFIG. 1A, case11is made of insulation resin, and is formed in a substantially disk shape. Slider12is made of insulation resin. Wall parts11A formed on an upper surface of case11are inserted into grooves12A provided in a right-left direction on a lower surface of slider12made of resin. Slider12is mounted on the upper surface of case11so as to be movable in the right-left direction.

Further, movable body13is made of insulation resin, and wall parts13A are provided in a front-rear direction on a lower surface of movable body13. Wall parts13A are inserted into grooves12B formed on an upper surface of slider12, and movable body13is mounted on the upper surface of slider12so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 1AandFIG. 2, slider12is mounted on the upper surface of case11so as to be slidable in the right-left direction. Furthermore, movable body13is mounted on the upper surface of slider12so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction orthogonal to the right-left direction. Accordingly, movable body13is mounted so as to be movable in the right-left direction, in the front-rear direction, and in a plurality of directions between the right-left direction and the front-rear direction, in a state where movable body13is restrained from rotating relative to case11via slider12. That is, movable body13is mounted on case11via slider12so as to be movable in any direction.

On upper and lower surfaces of wiring board14, a plurality of wiring patterns (not illustrated) are formed. Light receiving/emitting element16is provided on the upper surface of wiring board14. Light receiving/emitting element16is formed from a light emitting diode, a phototransistor, or the like. On the lower surface of movable body13, reflection part13B formed from a plurality of substantially stepped planar parts is provided. Light receiving/emitting element16is disposed so as to face reflection part13B at a predetermined gap. Combination of light receiving/emitting element16and reflection part13B is represented by position detector30.

Furthermore, restraint member17is made of insulation resin, and is formed in a pin shape. Spring18is spirally wound. Spring18is housed in guide part11B located at a central part of case11in a slightly warped state. A restraint part is formed such that an upper end of restraint member17urged by spring18is in elastic contact with a central part of cam part13C on the lower surface of movable body13, and movable body13is urged to a neutral position.

Next, another position detector (neutral position detector40) different from position detector30configured of light receiving/emitting element16and reflection part13B is described. Neutral position detector40configured of light receiving/emitting element19and arm part17A is a position detector provided in order to detect a neutral position. In restraint member17, arm part17A is provided. Arm part17A extends laterally from restraint member17.

On the upper surface of wiring board14, light receiving/emitting element19is provided. Light receiving/emitting element19is disposed so as to face arm part17A. Light receiving/emitting element19is formed by, for example, a photo-interrupter including a light emitting diode, a phototransistor, or the like. As described above, neutral position detector40is configured of light receiving/emitting element19and arm part17A.

Cover20and operation body21are each made of insulation resin. Cover20is fixed to the upper surface of case11to cover slider12, movable body13, and the like. Further, operation body21is fixed to an upper end of a cylindrical shaft of movable body13, protruding from an opening hole in an upper surface of cover20. As described above, multidirectional input unit22is configured.

Multidirectional input unit22is mounted on, for example, a console box provided on a lateral side of a driver's seat in a motor vehicle, while operation body21protrudes upward. Further, light receiving/emitting element16of position detector30, and light receiving/emitting element19of neutral position detector40are electrically connected to controller25of a microcomputer and the like in control unit24such as an audio device of a motor vehicle, via a connector (not illustrated), or lead wires23A,23B.

As illustrated in the block diagram ofFIG. 3, an output terminal of controller25is connected to an input terminal of light receiving/emitting element19of neutral position detector40via lead wire23A. Predetermined periodic signals (refer toFIG. 5A) are output from controller25to light receiving/emitting element19of neutral position detector40. Furthermore, an output terminal of light receiving/emitting element19of neutral position detector40is connected to an input terminal of light receiving/emitting element16of position detector30, and an output terminal of light receiving/emitting element16is connected to an input terminal of controller25via lead wire23B.

The predetermined periodic signals output from controller25to light receiving/emitting element19are pulse-like signals as illustrated in the signal waveform diagram ofFIG. 5A. These signals are, for example, pulse-like signals of 50 Hz to 500 Hz at a voltage of 5 V.

As described above, multidirectional input device26is configured of multidirectional input unit22and controller25.

[Normal Operation of Multidirectional Input Unit22]

Next, operation of multidirectional input unit22in a state where operation body21is not operated, the upper end of restraint member17is in elastic contact with the central part of cam part13C, and movable body13is located at a neutral position is described.

As illustrated inFIG. 1A, at a time of engine start or driving a vehicle, operation body21is not operated. That is, movable body13is located at the neutral position. When movable body13is located at the neutral position, arm part17A extending on a lateral side of restraint member is located above light receiving/emitting element19disposed so as to face arm part17A. Accordingly, arm part17A which becomes a shield is not interposed between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of light receiving/emitting element19. Therefore, at this time, light is incident upon the light receiving part from the light emitting part. A voltage signal of a predetermined cycle is output to light receiving/emitting element16from light receiving/emitting element19.

On the other hand, in reflection part13B disposed on the lower surface of movable body13, for example, a planar part at a lowermost end in the central part is disposed so as to face light receiving/emitting element16, as illustrated inFIG. 1A. That is, in the planar part at the lowermost end in the central part among the plurality of planar parts of reflection part13B, a gap between reflection part13B and light receiving/emitting element16is the narrowest.

Then, a voltage is applied to light receiving/emitting element16from controller25, light receiving/emitting element16emits light, this light is reflected on the planar part at the lowermost end of reflection part13B, and light receiving/emitting element16receives reflected light. At this time, the gap between reflection part13B and light receiving/emitting element16is the narrowest, and therefore the reflected light becomes strong light. A voltage (for example, 3 V in a case of a normal ambient temperature and a normal voltage state) in response to this strong reflected light is superimposed with a predetermined periodic signal input from light receiving/emitting element19of neutral position detector40, and neutral position signal N1illustrated inFIG. 5Bis output from light receiving/emitting element16to controller25.

Then, controller25detects that neutral position signal N1is a signal of a predetermined cycle, and determines that movable body13is located at the neutral position. At the same time, controller25stores a fact that a voltage value when movable body13is located at the neutral position (neutral position voltage signal N1) is 3 V.

(Moving Operation in Right Direction)

Now, operation of multidirectional input unit22when operation body21is operated to move in the right direction is described with reference toFIG. 4.

Operation body21is operated to move in a predetermined direction by a hand or the like in a state where a plurality of menus and the like are displayed on a liquid crystal display panel (not illustrated) of a car navigation or the like in front of the driver's seat. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4, when operation body21is operated to move in the right direction, movable body13moves the upper surface of case11in the right direction since operation body21is fixed to the upper end of the cylindrical shaft of movable body13.

At this time, movable body13is moved in the right direction, so that a state is changed such that the upper end of restraint member17comes into elastic contact with a left side from the central part of cam part13C. Restraint member17moves downward, and arm part17A moves into a space between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of light receiving/emitting element19. At this time, arm part17A blocks light to be incident upon the light receiving part from the light emitting part. Accordingly, the light from light emitting part is not incident upon the light receiving part. In a state where the light from light emitting part is not incident upon the light receiving part, a neutral position signal of a predetermined cycle is not output from light receiving/emitting element19.

With the movement of movable body13in the right direction, reflection part13B also moves in the right direction. At this time, in light receiving/emitting element16, a planar part of reflection part13B, having a slightly large gap between reflection part13B and light receiving/emitting element16, faces light receiving/emitting element16. At this time, light receiving/emitting element16and the reflection part are slightly spaced apart from each other, and therefore reflected light received by light receiving/emitting element16is slightly weak. A voltage (for example, a nearly constant voltage of 1.5 V illustrated inFIG. 5B) in response to this slightly weak reflected light is output as position signal R1from light receiving/emitting element16to controller25.

Then, controller25detects that position signal R1is not the signal of the predetermined cycle, and determines that movable body13is not located at the neutral position. At the same time, a voltage value of position signal R1falls within a preset threshold value (which is, for example, a reference value of 1.5 V and within a range from 1.25 V to 1.75 V) for right direction determination, and therefore controller25detects that operation body21and movable body13are operated to move in the right direction.

(Moving Operation in Left Direction and Front-rear Direction)

Next, a case where operation body21is operated to move in a left direction is described. Note that operation when operation body21is operated to move right, and operation when operation body21is operated to move left are similar, and a state where operation body21is operated to move left is not illustrated.

Movable body13once returns to the neutral position, and thereafter further moves the upper surface of case11in the left direction. At this time, restraint member17moves downward, and controller25detects that movable body13is not located at the neutral position, similarly to the case of the movement in the right direction described above.

Neutral position detector40is electrically conducted, for example, for several seconds to several tens of seconds at a predetermined time interval of one minute to two minutes by controller25. During the conduction, neutral position detector40is operated. When movable body13moves from the right direction to the left direction, movable body13is instantly at the neutral position. However, in a case where movable body13is located at the neutral position for a very short time, controller25is set so as not to store a voltage value of neutral position signal N1.

With the movement of movable body13in the left direction, reflection part13B also moves in the left direction. Then, another planar part faces light receiving/emitting element16, and for example, position signal L1of 2.5 V is output from light receiving/emitting element16. Position signal L1of 2.5 V falls within a preset threshold value (which is, for example, a reference value of 2.5 V and within a range from 2.25 V to 2.75V) for left direction determination, and therefore controller25detects that operation body21and movable body13are operated to move in the left direction.

In a case where operation body21is operated to move in a front direction or a rear direction, with the movement of reflection part13B in the front or rear direction, for example, light receiving/emitting element16outputs a voltage signal of 1.0 V in a case of the movement in the front direction, and outputs a voltage signal of 2.0 V in a case of the movement in the rear direction. In a case where the voltage signal is 1.0 V, the voltage signal falls within a preset threshold value (which is, for example, a reference value of 1.0 V and within a range from 0.75 V to 1.25V) for front direction determination, and therefore controller25detects that movable body13is operated to move in the front direction. In a case where the voltage signal is 2.0 V, the voltage signal falls within a preset threshold value (which is, for example, a reference value of 2.0 V and within a range from 1.75 V to 2.25 V) for rear direction determination, and therefore controller25detects that movable body13is operated to move in the rear direction.

Thus, when neutral position signal N1of the predetermined cycle is input, controller25determines that movable body13is located at the neutral position, and detects and stores the voltage value of neutral position signal N1.

When operation body21is operated to move in each direction, a position signal in response to the moving direction is output from light receiving/emitting element16to controller25, with movement of movable body13. Then, controller25detects which direction operation body21and movable body13move. A cursor, a pointer or the like displayed on the liquid crystal display panel via the electronic circuit of the vehicle is moved in an operated direction, and a desired menu is selected from the plurality of menus.

Furthermore, after moving operation in a direction different from the neutral position is performed, when the hand is separated from operation body21, restraint member17moves upward by elastic return force of spring18, and comes into elastic contact with the central part from the left or right side of cam part13C. Consequently, operation body21and movable body13return to the neutral position.

That is, operation body21of the multidirectional input device, mounted on the console box or the like around his/her hand of a driver, is operated to move in the right-left direction, the front-rear direction, or various directions between the right-left direction and the front-rear direction, so that various operation of a device in the vehicle, for example, selection of the plurality of menus displayed on the liquid crystal display panel, can be performed.

[Operation after Voltage Variation of Multidirectional Input Device]

Next, a case where output from light receiving/emitting element16of position detector13varies depending on ambient temperature change, voltage variation of a power supply, or the like is described.

When operation body21and movable body13are located at the neutral position, neutral position signal N1is input to controller25. Neutral position signal N1is a signal obtained by superimposition of a voltage detected by light receiving/emitting element16with the signal of the predetermined cycle output from light receiving/emitting element19. When neutral position signal N1is input to controller25, controller25determines that movable body13is located at the neutral position. At the same time, controller25stores the voltage value of neutral position signal N1when movable body13is located at the neutral position.

At this time, it is assumed that neutral position signal N1lowers. For example, neutral position signal N1is assumed to be varied to 1.5 V. In this case, controller25detects that neutral position signal N1is varied to 1.5 V with respect to reference voltage 3 V of normal neutral position signal N1, and stores a fact that a rate of change to a voltage after variation to a reference voltage is 1/2.

Controller25reflects the rate of change of 1/2 detected at the neutral position to the reference value, as a threshold value for voltage signal determination in a case where movable body13is located in the right direction. More specifically, the reference value is corrected from 1.5 V to 0.75 V, and the range is corrected to 0.625 V to 0.875 V.

Additionally, controller25reflects the rate of change of 1/2 detected at the neutral position to the reference value, as a threshold value for voltage signal determination in a case where movable body13is located in the left direction. More specifically, the reference value is corrected from 2.5 V to 1.25 V, and the range is corrected to 1.125 V to 1.375 V.

Furthermore, controller25reflects the rate of change of 1/2 detected at the neutral position to the reference value, as a threshold value for voltage signal determination in a case where movable body13is located in the front direction. More specifically, the reference value is corrected from 1.0 V to 0.5 V, and the range is corrected to 0.375 V to 0.625 V.

Furthermore, controller25reflects the rate of change of 1/2 detected at the neutral position to the reference value, as a threshold value for voltage signal determination in a case where movable body13is located in the rear direction. More specifically, the reference value is corrected from 2.0 V to 1.0 V, and the range is corrected to 0.875 V to 1.125 V.

That is, in the multidirectional input device of the exemplary embodiment, in a case where the voltage of the position signal output from light receiving/emitting element16varies depending on ambient temperature change, voltage variation of a power supply or the like, when movable body13is located at the neutral position, controller25can store the voltage value of the position signal in the neutral position state. Additionally, controller25detects change from the normal predetermined reference voltage, and corrects the threshold value of each reference value and range used when each operating direction is determined, in response to the change. Accordingly, even when the voltage signal output from light receiving/emitting element16varies, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection in determination of the operating direction of movable body13.

Note that, in the above description, controller25corrects a threshold value for determination for determining the operating direction, by use of the rate of change in the voltage of neutral position signal N1at the neutral position. More specifically, the threshold value for determination is corrected by proportion of the rate of change to the reference value. However, the threshold value may be corrected by a predetermined correction ratio other than proportion of variation in a voltage in response to a property of light receiving/emitting element16or a circuit component.

In a state where operation body21is not operated, namely, in a state where movable body13is in a stationary state of being held at the neutral position, controller25conducts a voltage to light receiving/emitting element19intermittently once per predetermined time, for example, one minute to two minutes, in order to suppress power consumption. When a voltage is conducted to light receiving/emitting element19, controller25detects the neutral position of movable body13. At the same time, controller25detects the voltage signal output from light receiving/emitting element16, compares the detected voltage signal with the normal reference voltage, and corrects the threshold value of each moving direction in response to a comparison result.

That is, multidirectional input device26of this exemplary embodiment includes case11, and movable body13that is mounted on case11so as to be movable in the plurality of directions with the predetermined neutral position as a base point. Furthermore, multidirectional input device26includes position detector30that outputs a position signal in response to a position of movable body13, and neutral position detector40that outputs a signal when movable body13is located at the neutral position. Additionally, multidirectional input device26includes controller25that detects a moving direction of movable body13by a signal output from position detector30. Controller25corrects the threshold value for determination for detecting the moving direction in response to the signal output from position detector30and the signal output from neutral position detector40.

According to this configuration, controller25can detect that movable body13is located at the neutral position by the signal output from neutral position detector40and the signal output from the position detector30. At the same time, controller25can detect the position signal from position detector30. Additionally, controller25can correct the threshold value for determination in order to detect the moving direction, in response to the change in the voltage value of the position signal when movable body13is located at the neutral position.

Accordingly, in multidirectional input device26of this exemplary embodiment, erroneous detection of the operating direction (moving direction) can be prevented even in a case where the voltage signal output from light receiving/emitting element16varies depending on ambient temperature change, voltage variation of a power supply, or the like. Additionally, the multidirectional input device of this exemplary embodiment enables reliable operation.

Generally, neutral position detector40and controller25are connected by two input and output lead wires. Additionally, position detector30and controller25are also connected by two input and output lead wires. That is, a total of four lead wires are needed.

However, in the multidirectional input device of this exemplary embodiment, controller25outputs a predetermined periodic signal to neutral position detector40, and neutral position detector40outputs a second signal synchronized with the predetermined periodic signal to position detector30.

According to this configuration, a configuration by a total of two lead wires23A,23B, in which controller25, and each of neutral position detector40and position detector30are each connected by one lead wire, is possible. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a number of signal lines. The multidirectional input device of this exemplary embodiment becomes more inexpensive than a multidirectional input device having four signal lines.

Herein, a modification of the multidirectional input device of this exemplary embodiment is described with reference toFIG. 1B.

FIG. 1Bis a sectional view of the modification of the multidirectional input device of this exemplary embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 1B, also in the multidirectional input device having multidirectional input unit22with controller15incorporated therein, it is possible to attain inexpensive controller having a reduced number of pins of a microcomputer and the like. A difference betweenFIG. 1AandFIG. 1Bis as follows. In multidirectional input device26illustrated inFIG. 1A, controller25is externally mounted on multidirectional input unit22via lead wires23A,23B. On the other hand, in multidirectional input device26illustrated inFIG. 1B, controller15is incorporated in multidirectional input unit22. Other components inFIG. 1Bare similar to the components inFIG. 1A, and therefore denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

Furthermore, a predetermined periodic signal is output from controller25to neutral position detector40, neutral position detector40outputs neutral position signal N1synchronized with the predetermined periodic signal to position detector30, and the position signal is superimposed with neutral position signal N1to be output to controller, as an aperiodic voltage signal. According to this configuration, controller25can reliably determine that movable body13is located at the neutral position, when the signal output from neutral position detector40is the predetermined periodic signal.

Note that, when the position signal is, for example, an aperiodic substantially constant voltage signal, the controller can more reliably determine that movable body13is not located at the neutral position, but moves in any direction, from the voltage. Accordingly, signal determination is further facilitated, and operating direction can be more reliably detected.

That is, in multidirectional input device26of this exemplary embodiment, controller25more preferably outputs the predetermined periodic signal to neutral position detector40, and neutral position detector40more preferably outputs the signal synchronized with the predetermined periodic signal to position detector30.

According to this configuration, controller25can more reliably detect whether the movable body is not located at the neutral position.

Note that, in the multidirectional input device of the exemplary embodiment, neutral position detector40has light receiving/emitting element19, and detects the neutral position by output from light receiving/emitting element19by vertical movement of arm part17A accompanied with vertical movement of restraint member17. However, in place of light receiving/emitting element19and arm part17A, a magnet may be fixed to arm part17A of restraint member17, and a magnetism detection element such as a hall element may be disposed so as to face the magnet. Even when the neutral position is detected by output from the magnetism detection element accompanied with vertical movement of the arm part, the present invention can be implemented.

A method for detection in neutral position detector40is performed by use of change of light or magnetism, so that contact instability or the like due to a surrounding environment or repeated frequent use is unlikely to be caused compared to a switch by mechanical contact/separation, and detection reliability of the multidirectional input device can be enhanced.

Although reliability of detection by multidirectional input device is somewhat degraded, a push switch or a lever switch may be disposed below the arm part17A, and neutral position signal N1may be output by turning on/off of the above switch with vertical movement of arm part17A accompanied with vertical movement of restraint member17.

Furthermore, in multidirectional input device26illustrated inFIG. 1A, multidirectional input device26is configured of multidirectional input unit22and controller25of an electronic circuit or an electronic device in the vehicle connected to multidirectional input unit22. Like multidirectional input device26illustrated inFIG. 1B, controller15is provided in multidirectional input unit22, and detection of the neutral position and detection of the moving direction of movable body13may be performed by multidirectional input device26.

In multidirectional input device26of the exemplary embodiment, arm part17A extends from restraint member17. However, arm part17A does not always have to extend from restraint member17. Arm part17A may be integrally formed with restraint member17, and may not extend from restraint member17.

In multidirectional input device26of the exemplary embodiment, light receiving/emitting element19including the light emitting part and the light receiving part disposed so as to face each other is used in neutral position detector40. However, like light receiving/emitting element16, a light receiving/emitting element including a light emitting part and a light receiving part disposed adjacent to each other may be used. In a case where the light receiving/emitting element including the light emitting part and the light receiving part disposed adjacent to each other is used, arm part17A functions as a reflection part.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The multidirectional input device according to the present disclosure can implement reliable various operations with a simple configuration. The multidirectional input device is mainly useful for operation of various electronic devices of a motor vehicle.

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

11A,13A wall part

11B guide part

13B reflection part

13C cam part

17A arm part

22multidirectional input unit

23A,23B lead wire

26multidirectional input device

40neutral position detector