Multidirectional input device

Abstract

The invention provides a multidirectional input device capable of reducing power consumption in a sleep mode period. A multidirectional input device PD includes an input unit 100 and a capacitance detection IC 200. The input unit 100 includes an operation body 120, a metal piece 130 movable in multiple directions, and various electrodes 141a to 144a, 140b and 150 disposed on a surface of an insulating substrate 110. The capacitance detection IC 200 detects the presence or absence of movement of the operation body 120 through measurement of capacitance between the metal piece 130 and the detection electrode 140b, while it detects a movement direction of the operation body 120 through measurements of capacitances between the metal piece 130 and the respective detection electrodes 141a to 144a. A distance R1 and a distance R2 are substantially the same, where R1 is a planar distance between an outer circumference of an outer peripheral area 132 of the metal piece 130 and inner circumferences of the detection electrodes 141a to 144a at an initial position, and R2 is a planar distance between an inner circumference of the outer peripheral area 132 and an outer circumference of the GND electrode 150.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an electrostatic capacitive multi-directional input device that detects the operating direction of an operating lever. Background technique [0002] Such a multi-directional input device is widely used in various electronic devices such as a mobile phone device and a game machine as a pointing device, a joystick, and the like. This device includes an operating lever operable in multiple directions, a substrate on which a plurality of fixed electrodes are formed, and a movable electrode disposed on the operating lever to face the fixed electrodes. That is, with the above device, when the operating lever is operated, the facing area of ​​the plurality of fixed electrodes and the movable electrode changes accordingly, and the change in the electrostatic capacitance between the two electrodes is measured to detect the operating direction of the operating lever (for example, , Patent Document 1, etc.). [0003] [Patent Doc...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0005] However, it was pointed out that it is necessary to sequentially flow a driving current through a plurality of fixed electrodes when detecting whether the joystick has been moved in the sleep mode, and it is difficult to achieve low power consumption due to this.

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