JP6056006B2 - Electrostatic switch device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrostatic switch device that detects an operation from a change in capacitance.

  In recent years, electrostatic switches have been widely used as the price of ICs (Integrated Circuits) that detect electrostatic capacitance has been reduced.

  For example, replacement of a conventional mechanical switch device with an electrostatic switch device has also been proposed for a switch operated by an operator in a passenger compartment of a passenger car.

  Such a conventional electrostatic switch device will be described with reference to FIG.

  The figure is a perspective view of a conventional electrostatic switch device 20.

  The electrostatic switch device 20 is disposed on the ceiling of the passenger compartment and illuminates the passenger compartment. The electrostatic switch device 20 includes a storage unit 12 that stores small items and an illumination unit 14 that illuminates the vehicle interior. The accommodating portion 12 is configured by covering a substantially box-shaped accommodating space with a lid that can be freely opened and closed.

  The illumination unit 14 is provided with a plurality of lamps that illuminate the vehicle interior. In addition, the illumination unit 14 is integrally incorporated with a switch unit that controls ON / OFF of each lamp. Three electrostatic capacitance type electrostatic switches that detect an operator's finger to the illumination lens 16 based on a change in electrostatic capacitance are mounted on the switch unit.

  An illumination lens 16 is provided on the surface of the illumination unit 14 on the vehicle interior side. The illumination lens 16 is divided into three regions, and translucent portions 18A, 18B, and 18C are formed. The translucent portions 18A, 18B, and 18C transmit light from the light source and guide it into the vehicle interior, and also function as a touch portion that is touched by the operator's fingers when turning on / off the illumination.

  The electrostatic switch device 20 is used to illuminate the interior of the vehicle. When an operator touches the translucent portions 18A, 18B, and 18C, the lamp corresponding to each contact position is turned on or off.

  An electrostatic switch device that can detect a sliding operation in which a finger slides in an arc on the upper surface of the electrostatic switch device has already been reported.

  As prior art document information related to the invention of this application, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 are known.

JP 2012-138232 A JP 2010-244776

  However, the conventional electrostatic switch device is compatible with a pressing operation or a sliding operation with a finger or the like, but when the curvature of the sliding portion is large, it is difficult to dispose the sliding detection electrode. The degree of freedom in arranging the motion detection electrodes was small.

  The present invention solves such conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electrostatic switch device suitable for the flexible arrangement of sliding detection electrodes.

In order to achieve the above object, an electrostatic switch device according to the present invention includes a sliding operation unit on which an object slides, and a plurality of sliding detection electrodes that are arranged inside the sliding operation unit and can be bent independently. A control circuit for controlling an operation signal corresponding to the sliding direction of the object and its output based on a change in capacitance detected from the plurality of sliding detection electrodes connected to the plurality of sliding detection electrodes, and sliding A wiring board on which all of the plurality of sliding detection electrodes arranged on the inside of the operation unit are arranged , and the control circuit includes current position data created from the capacitance detected from the plurality of sliding detection electrodes; Still data that is the previous current position data, clock rotation data corresponding to the operation in the clockwise direction with respect to the still data, and counterclockwise rotation data corresponding to the operation in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the still data, Current position data and clock rotation data Nb is the number of matches, Nb is the number of matches between the current position data and the counterclockwise rotation data, and Nd is the number of matches between the current position data and the stationary data. The operation signal and the output corresponding to the operation direction showing the largest number among them are controlled. Thereby, the electrostatic switch apparatus suitable for arrangement | positioning of a flexible sliding detection electrode can be provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the sliding operation unit on which the object slides, the plurality of sliding detection electrodes arranged inside the sliding operation unit and bendable independently, and the plurality of sliding detections A control circuit that outputs an operation signal corresponding to a sliding direction of an object based on a change in capacitance detected from a plurality of sliding detection electrodes connected to the electrode, and a plurality of terminals disposed inside the sliding operation unit And a wiring board on which all the sliding detection electrodes are arranged. Thereby, the electrostatic switch apparatus suitable for arrangement | positioning of a flexible sliding detection electrode can be provided.

1 is an exploded perspective view of an electrostatic switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Perspective view of the electrostatic switch device Development view of the electrode substrate used in the electrostatic switch device Flow chart showing control of the electrostatic switch device A perspective view of a conventional electrostatic switch device

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electrostatic switch device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electrostatic switch device 100 in which the components are combined.

  Here, the electrostatic switch device 100 includes a cover 21, a circuit board 22, a base 23, a wiring board 24, and a housing 25.

  A circuit board 22 is disposed in contact with a rectangular plate-like cover 21 made of an insulating resin or the like.

  The circuit board 22 includes a printed circuit board 31 on which a plurality of wirings (not shown) are arranged, a control circuit 32 including semiconductor elements such as a microcomputer and an IC arranged on the printed circuit board 31, and the printed circuit board 31. A connector 33 is provided.

  The base 23 is a square ring-shaped plate having a hole 23A at the center. The base 23 is made of an insulating resin or the like.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view in which the wiring board 24 is developed. The wiring board 24 is composed of a flexible board such as a flexible printed wiring board. Here, the wiring board 24 is formed by cutting out a predetermined portion of a single board provided with a plurality of electrodes and wirings.

  The wiring board 24 includes a wiring part 41, a sliding detection part 42 adjacent to the wiring part 41, and a contact detection part 43.

  The wiring part 41 includes a terminal part 51 having nine terminals at the lower end, and nine wirings 52 </ b> A to 52 </ b> I extend from each terminal of the terminal part 51. The wiring part 41 is bent upward, and the terminal part 51 is connected to the connector 33.

  The sliding detection part 42 includes a base 61 and eight sliding detection electrode parts 62 </ b> A to 62 </ b> H provided to protrude inward from the inner edge of the base 61.

  The sliding detection electrode portions 62A to 62H can be bent independently of each other, and include the sliding detection electrode 71 and a bent portion 72 having a narrower width than the position where the sliding detection electrode 71 is disposed. In FIG. 3, a lead wire is drawn with respect to the sliding detection electrode 71 and the bent portion 72 of the sliding detection electrode portion 62E. However, in any of the sliding detection electrode portions 62A to 62H, the sliding detection electrode 71 and the bent portion are bent. Part 72 is provided. In addition, since the sliding detection electrode parts 62A-62H are not connected and can be bent independently, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the sliding detection electrode parts 62A-62H is high.

  The sliding detection electrode 71 is made of a conductive metal such as copper. In the sliding detection electrode portions 62A to 62H, wirings 52A to 52H extend from the sliding detection electrode 71 to the wiring portion 41 via the bent portion 72, respectively. The sliding detection electrode portions 62A to 62H are bent at the bent portion 72, the sliding detection electrode 71 protrudes downward with respect to the base portion 61, and the sliding detection electrode portions 62A to 62H are substantially equidistant. Be placed.

  Thus, the wiring substrate 24 is a flexible substrate, and the sliding detection electrode portions 62A to 62H on which the sliding detection electrodes 71 are arranged have the bent portions 72 that are bent, and the bent portions 72 are slid. Since the width is configured to be narrower than the position where the motion detection electrode 71 is disposed, it is easy to dispose the slide detection electrode in a three-dimensional manner. The bent portion 72 has a width of, for example, 2 mm, is easy to bend, and is difficult to return to a planar shape.

  A square contact detection electrode 81 is disposed in the contact detection unit 43, and a wiring 52 </ b> I extends from the contact detection electrode 81. The wiring 52I extends to the wiring part 41.

  In addition, since the plurality of sliding detection electrodes 71 can be manufactured by arranging them on one wiring board 24, manufacturing can be performed easily and at low cost.

  The housing 25 is a rectangular plate and is made of an insulating resin or the like. Here, the lower surface of the housing 25 is provided with a sliding operation portion 25A protruding in a columnar shape toward the left of the center, and a flat contact operation portion 25B is provided on the right side of the sliding operation portion 25A. And the inner side surface of the sliding operation part 25A is constituted by a flat surface having no irregularities. And the sliding detection electrode parts 62A-62H are fixed to the inner surface of the sliding operation part 25A, and the contact detection part 43 is fixed to the position used as the upper surface of the contact operation part 25B. Here, since the inner side surface of the sliding operation portion 25A is configured by a flat surface without unevenness, the sliding detection electrode portions 62A to 62H can be easily fixed.

  The thickness of the housing 25 is preferably set to 0.5 mm to 4.0 mm in order to make it easy to detect changes in the capacitance of the sliding detection electrode 71 and the contact detection electrode 81.

  Here, the plurality of sliding detection electrodes 71 and the contact detection electrodes 81 are electrically connected to the control circuit 32 via the wirings 52 </ b> A to 52 </ b> I and the connector 33. The control circuit 32 detects the capacitance from the plurality of sliding detection electrodes 71 and the contact detection electrode 81, and determines which electrode has a change in capacitance, thereby responding to the operation of the operator. An operation signal is output to the outside of the electrostatic switch device 100.

  For example, the electrostatic switch device 100 configured as described above is disposed on a ceiling of a passenger compartment of a passenger car that has a high demand for thinness, and is used by an operator such as a rear seat to change the set temperature of the air conditioner.

  For example, when the operator touches the contact operation unit 25B, the control circuit 32 detects that the capacitance of the contact detection electrode 81 has changed, and changes the set temperature of any air conditioner on the driver's side / passenger side. Or switch. For example, in a state where the set temperature of the air conditioner on the driver's seat side is set, when the operator slides the outer surface of the sliding operation unit 25A in the clockwise direction while touching the outer surface with one or more fingers. The set temperature of the air conditioner on the driver's seat can be raised. On the other hand, when the operator slides counterclockwise while touching the outer surface of the sliding operation unit 25A, the set temperature of the air conditioner on the driver's seat side can be lowered.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing how the control circuit 32 detects the operation direction of the sliding operation unit 25A.

  First, the control circuit 32 determines which sliding detection electrode detects the contact of the operator from the change in capacitance of the sliding detection electrode, and stores it as current position data (S1). Table 1 shows each data stored in the control circuit 32.

  Each data in Table 1 is current position data (Da), clockwise rotation data (Db), counterclockwise rotation data (Dc), and still data (Dd) from the top. Here, P1 to P8 correspond to the sliding detection electrodes 71 of the sliding detection electrode portions 62A to 62H, respectively. Here, “1” is the sliding detection electrode 71 determined to be in contact (that is, a predetermined change in capacitance is detected), and “0” is not determined to be in contact (that is, a predetermined change in capacitance is detected). This is a sliding detection electrode 71.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the control returns to step S <b> 1 in step S <b> 10 and is repeated, and the still data (Dd) is the current position data (Da) one cycle before. The clockwise rotation data (Db) is data obtained by moving the position determined to be in contact with the stationary data (Dd) for one section of the sliding detection electrode 71 in the clockwise direction. The counterclockwise rotation data (Dc) is data obtained by moving the contact-determined position in the counterclockwise rotation direction for one section of the sliding detection electrode 71 with respect to the stationary data (Dd).

  Next, the control circuit 32 compares the current position data (Da) and the clock rotation data (Db), and counts the number of matches (match number Nb) (S2). Further, the control circuit 32 compares the current position data (Da) with the counterclockwise rotation data (Dc), and counts the number of coincidence (coincidence number Nc) (S3). Further, the control circuit 32 compares the current position data (Da) with the still data (Dd), and counts the number of coincidences (coincidence number Nd) (S4).

  Next, the control circuit 32 compares which of the coincidence number Nb, the coincidence number Nc, and the coincidence number Nd is larger (S5). If the coincidence number Nb is the largest, it is determined that the section has been rotated clockwise for one section, and an operation signal corresponding to the clockwise rotation is output (S6). If the coincidence number Nc is the largest, it is determined that the counterclockwise rotation has occurred for one section, and an operation signal corresponding to the counterclockwise rotation is output (S7). If the number of matches Nd is the largest, it is determined that there is no rotation, and no operation signal is output (S8). As a result of comparing the coincidence number Nb, the coincidence number Nc, and the coincidence number Nd, when there are two or more largest ones, or the values of P1 to P8 of the current position data (Da) are all 0 or 1 In this case, it is determined that there is no rotation, and no operation signal is output (S8).

  In the case of (Table 1), it is determined that the coincidence number Nb is the largest and the clock is rotated, and an operation signal corresponding to the clock rotation is output (S6).

  Next, in any of the steps S6 to S8, the clock rotation data (Db), the counterclockwise rotation data (Dc), and the stationary data (Dd) are updated based on the current position data (Da) ( S9). And it returns to the beginning (S10) and repeats.

  As described above, the control circuit 32 compares which of the match number Nb, the match number Nc, and the match number Nd is larger, so even if the number of fingers operated by the operator is changed, in which direction It is possible to determine whether the operation has been performed.

  Although the number of sliding detection electrodes 71 is eight, the present invention can be implemented if it is at least three. If the number of the sliding detection electrodes 71 is six or more, for example, even when the operation is performed using five fingers, there is one sliding detection electrode 71 that does not determine contact, so the determination of the operation direction is not possible. Increased certainty and is suitable.

  The material of the sliding detection electrode 71 is not limited to a conductive metal. Light transmissive materials such as conductive polymers may be used.

  The surface on which the sliding detection electrode 71 is disposed is preferably a flat surface or a curved surface. Examples of the curved surface include a primary curved surface and a quadratic curved surface.

  Moreover, you may arrange | position the electrostatic switch apparatus 100 other than the ceiling of a vehicle. For example, it may be used as a volume control switch for an audio system or an operation switch for a vehicle instrument panel.

  Further, since the sliding detection electrode portions 62A to 62H can be bent independently, that is, the plurality of sliding detection electrodes 71 can also be bent independently, when the shape of the sliding operation portion 25A is a polygon, Even in the case of having the sliding detection electrode 71, the sliding detection electrode 71 can be easily disposed on the inner side surface or the outer side surface of the sliding operation portion 25A.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the sliding operation unit 25A on which the object slides, the plurality of sliding detection electrodes 71 arranged inside the sliding operation unit 25A and bendable independently, A control circuit 32 connected to the plurality of sliding detection electrodes 71 and a wiring board 24 on which the plurality of sliding detection electrodes 71 are arranged. The control circuit 32 detects static electricity detected from the plurality of sliding detection electrodes 71. Based on the change in electric capacity, an operation signal corresponding to the sliding direction of the object is output. Thereby, since the several sliding detection electrode 71 can be bent independently, the electrostatic switch apparatus 100 suitable for arrangement | positioning of the flexible sliding detection electrode 71 can be provided.

  Further, the wiring board 24 has flexibility, and the sliding detection electrode portions 62A to 62H on which the sliding detection electrode 71 is disposed have a bent portion 72 that is bent, and the bent portion 72 is the sliding detection electrode. Since the width is configured to be narrower than the portion where 71 is disposed, it is easy to dispose the sliding detection electrode 71 in a three-dimensional manner.

  Furthermore, since the sliding detection electrode 71 is composed of three or more, it is possible to distinguish the operation directions of clockwise rotation and counterclockwise rotation.

  Further, since the sliding operation unit 25A has a cylindrical shape and the object slides on the side surface of the sliding operation unit 25A, it is easy for the operator to grasp and operate the sliding operation unit 25A.

  Further, the control circuit 32 includes current position data (Da) created from the capacitance detected from the plurality of sliding detection electrodes 71, clock rotation data (Db) corresponding to an operation in the clockwise direction, and a counterclockwise. Counterclockwise rotation data (Dc) corresponding to the operation in the rotation direction, and determining whether the current position data is closer to the clockwise rotation data or the counterclockwise rotation data to determine the sliding direction of the object. For this reason, even when the number of fingers operated by the operator is changed, the operation direction of the operator can be detected.

  The electrostatic switch device according to the present invention has an advantageous effect that the sliding detection electrode can be arranged flexibly.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 Cover 22 Circuit board 23 Base 23A Hole 24 Wiring board 25 Case 25A Sliding operation part 25B Contact operation part 31 Printed circuit board 32 Control circuit 33 Connector 41 Wiring part 42 Sliding detection part 43 Contact detection part 51 Terminal part 52A-52I Wiring 61 Base 62A to 62H Sliding detection electrode portion 71 Sliding detection electrode 72 Bending portion 81 Contact detection electrode 100 Electrostatic switch device

Claims (4)

A sliding operation section on which an object slides, a plurality of sliding detection electrodes arranged inside the sliding operation section and independently bendable, and a plurality of sliding slides connected to the plurality of sliding detection electrodes. A control circuit for controlling an operation signal corresponding to the sliding direction of the object based on a change in capacitance detected from the motion detection electrode and an output thereof, and a plurality of the sliding disposed inside the sliding operation unit In an electrostatic switch device including a wiring board on which all the detection electrodes are arranged ,
The control circuit corresponds to the current position data created from the capacitance detected from the plurality of sliding detection electrodes, the still data that is the previous current position data, and the clockwise operation with respect to the still data. And the counterclockwise rotation data corresponding to the operation in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the stationary data, the current position data and the clock rotation data are compared and the number of coincidence is represented by Nb, When Nc is the number that matches the data and the counterclockwise rotation data, and Nd is the number that matches the current position data and the still data, the largest of the Nb, Nc, and Nd An electrostatic switch device that controls the operation signal and the output corresponding to an operation direction indicating a large number.   The wiring board has flexibility, the sliding detection electrode portion on which the sliding detection electrode is disposed has a bent portion that is bent, and the bending portion is a location on which the sliding detection electrode is disposed. The electrostatic switch device according to claim 1, wherein the electrostatic switch device is configured to be narrower.   The electrostatic switch device according to claim 1, wherein the sliding detection electrode is composed of three or more.   The electrostatic switch device according to claim 2, wherein the sliding operation portion is cylindrical and an object slides on a side surface of the sliding operation portion.

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