KR100798670B1 - A variable resistor - Google Patents

Abstract

(Problem) Suppressing the power consumption at the resistance element of the variable resistor at the time of non-operation.

(Measures) The 1st resistor 11 and the 2nd resistor 12 which have an annular shape are provided in parallel with the board | substrate surface of the 2nd insulating board 31, and spaced apart with respect to the 2nd insulating board 31. FIG. In the first insulating substrate 32 which is disposed to face each other, a conductor 13 is formed on the surface opposite to the second insulating substrate 31. The second insulating substrate 31 or the first insulating substrate 32 is composed of a crosslinkable member capable of pressure contacting the first resistor 11, the second resistor 12, and the conductor 13. A voltage applying unit 14 is formed at an intersection of the imaginary line L1 dividing the first resistor 11 into the first resistor 11 and the voltage applying unit 14 and the first resistor 11. The voltage application portion 16 is formed at an intersection with the second resistor 12 facing each other with the central portion of the interposed portion therebetween. The voltage is applied from the voltage output section 21 between the voltage applying sections 14 and 16, and in the non-pressurized state in the standby state, the first resistor 11 and the second resistor 12 are turned off so that power consumption is reduced. It was set as the structure which does not produce | generate.

Description

Variable Resistors {A VARIABLE RESISTOR}

1 is a configuration diagram in which an electronic control unit is connected to a variable resistor according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2A is a plan view of an insulating substrate on the resistance element formation side of the variable resistor shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 2B is a plan view of an insulating substrate on the conductor formation side of the variable resistor shown in Fig. 1.

3 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure of the variable resistor shown in FIG. 1.

Fig. 4 (a) is a diagram showing an unused state before touch on the operation surface of the variable resistor in the above embodiment, and Fig. 4 (b) shows a use state where the operation surface of the variable resistor is touched in the embodiment. It is a figure, and FIG.4 (c) is a figure which shows the use state which slid the touch position of the operation surface of a variable resistor in the said embodiment.

Fig. 5A is a circuit schematic diagram of a variable resistor in an unused state corresponding to Fig. 4A, and Fig. 5B is a circuit of a variable resistor in a use state corresponding to Fig. 4B. It is a schematic diagram.

FIG. 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the circuit schematic diagram shown in FIG. 5 (b). FIG.

Fig. 7A is a plan view of an insulating substrate on the resistance element formation side in a modification in which the arrangement of the resistor and the conductor is changed, and Fig. 7B is a plan view of the conductor in the same modification.

Fig. 8A is a plan view of an insulating substrate on the resistance element formation side of a variable resistor in a modification in which the conductor shape is modified, and Fig. 8B is an insulating substrate on the conductor formation side in the same modification. Top view of the.

Fig. 9A is a plan view of an insulating substrate on the resistance element formation side in a modification in which the resistor is made into a rectangular shape, and Fig. 9B is a plan view of an insulating substrate on the conductor formation side in the same modification. .

10 is a configuration diagram of a conventional pressure contact type variable resistor.

(Explanation of the sign)

1: variable resistor

2: electronic control unit

11, 41, 62: first resistor

12, 42, 63: second resistor

13, 43, 51, 65: conductor

14, 15, 16, 17: voltage applying unit

18: voltage extraction section

31, 61: second insulating substrate (second substrate)

32, 64: first insulating substrate (first substrate)

33: spacer

21: voltage output unit

22: A / D converter

23: CPU unit

L1, L2: virtual line

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 6-53015

The present invention relates to a variable resistor that can be used in an information input device capable of inputting analog information to an electronic control device by touch.

There is an information input device using a variable resistor for inputting desired analog information to electronic control devices of various devices (see Patent Document 1, for example). In such an information input device, a pressure-contact type variable resistor is used.

10 is a configuration diagram of a pressure contact type variable resistor described in Patent Document 1 described above. As shown in the same figure, the variable resistor 100 is provided with the resistance element 101 of a predetermined length, and the flexible short circuit element 102 mutually arrange | positioned apart from the resistance element 101, and the resistance element 101 The positive electrode of the battery 104 is connected to the terminal 103 on one end side of the terminal), and the terminal 105 on the other end side of the resistance element 101 is grounded.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the short-circuit element 102 is pressurized toward the resistance element 101 at an arbitrary position, the short-circuit element 102 and the resistance element 101 are formed at the contact point P corresponding to the press position. It is conducting. When the total resistance value of the resistance element 101 is R, the resistance values of both sides of the contact point P are R1, R2 (R = R1 + R2), and the DC voltage of the battery 104 is Vs, the short-circuit element 102 Output voltage Vout becomes Vout = (Vs / R) × R2, and appears in the output terminal 106. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the output voltage Vout is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 107 and sent to the CPU 109 via the input / output interface 108 for use in various controls.

However, since the above-described variable resistor 100 is configured to always apply the voltage Vs between the both ends of the resistance element 101, there is a problem that power is consumed in the resistance element 101 even during non-operation. . For example, in a device using a battery as a power source, such as a portable terminal device, since the standby power of the variable resistor 100 shortens the use time of the device, the variable resistor ( It is desirable to suppress the standby power of 100).

This invention is made | formed in view of such a point, and an object of this invention is to provide the variable resistor which can suppress the power consumption in the resistance element at the time of non-operation.

Means to solve the problem

The variable resistor of this invention is the 1st board | substrate which has the flexibility which became an operation side of the side by which one side was pressurized operation, the 2nd board | substrate with which one side mutually opposed with respect to the other surface of this 1st board | substrate, and the said 1st In a state in which the first resistor forms an annular shape formed on one of the other surface of the substrate and one surface of the second substrate, and is formed on the same substrate surface as the first resistor and insulated from the first resistor in the ring of the first resistor. The second resistor formed in an annular shape and the other of one surface of the first substrate and one surface of the second substrate, and the pressing according to the pressing position according to the pressing operation to the operation side of the first substrate. And a conductor for conducting a corresponding position between the first resistor and the second resistor, wherein a portion of the first resistor is in a first voltage applying portion, and a portion of the second resistor is in a second voltage applying portion, respectively. Cylinder is connected and, to the first voltage between the first voltage applying unit and the second voltage applying unit characterized in that is possible to configure.

According to the above structure, since the 1st and 2nd resistors which comprise the resistance element of a variable resistor are insulated from each other, in a standby state in which the operation side of a 1st board | substrate is not pressurized, a 1st, 2nd resistor is in a non-conductive state. It is maintained and power consumption in the first and second resistors does not occur. On the other hand, in the use state in which the operating side surface of the first substrate is pressed, the first and second resistors are conducted by the conductor at a position corresponding to the pressing position, and an output voltage according to the pressing position can be obtained.

In the variable resistor, the first resistor is electrically connected to the first voltage applying section at an intersection crossing the first virtual line that divides the first resistor into two, and the second resistor is connected to the first resistor. And a conductive portion connected to the second voltage applying portion at or near the intersection with the first virtual line opposed to and connected to the connecting portion of the first voltage applying portion with the center portion of the first resistor interposed therebetween.

Thereby, the position detection of the direction along a 1st virtual line is attained. Moreover, in the position detection of the direction along a 1st virtual line, the 2nd resistor and 2nd voltage application part which oppose from the connection part of a 1st resistor and a 1st voltage application part across the center part of a 1st resistor from this connection part. Since the range reaching the connecting portion becomes a range where the touch position can be detected, a long operating range can be ensured and the output voltage can be changed in accordance with the press position.

In the variable resistor, the first resistor divides the first resistor into two, and is electrically connected to a third voltage applying unit at an intersection of a second virtual line crossing the first virtual line. The resistor is electrically connected to the fourth voltage applying unit at or near the intersection with the second virtual line facing the center of the first resistor between the first resistor and the third voltage applying unit. And a voltage can be applied between the third voltage applying unit and the fourth voltage applying unit.

As a result, position detection in the direction along the first virtual line becomes possible, and position detection in the direction along the second virtual line becomes possible. Moreover, also in the position detection of the direction along a 2nd virtual line, the 2nd resistance body and the 4th voltage application part which oppose from the connection part of a 1st resistor and a 3rd voltage application part across the center part of a 1st resistor from this connection part. Since the range which reaches a connection part becomes a range which can detect a touch position, a long operation range can be ensured.

Moreover, it is preferable that a said 1st virtual line and a said 2nd virtual line are orthogonal. Thereby, the output voltage shown according to a press position can be used as coordinate information on the plane defined by the direction (Y axis) along a 1st virtual line, and the direction (X axis) along a 2nd virtual line.

Further, in the variable resistor, it is preferable that the first and second resistors and the conductors are arranged to face each other so as to be foldable. As a result, since the first and second resistors and the conductors are directly disposed to face each other, the variable resistor can be miniaturized.

In the variable resistor, it is preferable that the conductor is formed to have a width wider than any of the widths of the first and second resistors forming the annular shape. Accordingly, in the pressurized state, the wide conductor can be reliably brought into contact with the first and second resistors, and the first and second resistors can be reliably conducted.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that in the variable resistor, the first and second resistors are formed by the same printing process.

By this structure, the resistivity of a 1st, 2nd resistor can be made uniform, and the variation of an output voltage can be suppressed.

Implement the invention  Best form for

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, one Embodiment of this invention is described in detail with reference to an accompanying drawing.

FIG. 1: is a structural explanatory drawing which shows the state which connected the electronic control part to the variable resistor which concerns on this embodiment.

In the variable resistor 1, a resistance element for obtaining an output voltage according to a touch position is divided into a first resistor 11 and a second resistor 12. Both the first resistor 11 and the second resistor 12 are annular. The second resistor 12 is disposed inside the ring of the first resistor 11 in a state of being insulated from the inner circumferential edge of the first resistor 11. The annular conductor 13 is disposed to face the first resistor 11 and the second resistor 12. The voltage application parts 14 and 15 which become a 1st, 3rd voltage application part are formed in the two places where the 1st resistor 11 shifted by almost 90 degree | times. The second resistors 12 are two positions that are shifted by almost 90 degrees, and are the voltage applying units 16 and 17 that become second and fourth voltage applying units at positions displaced from the voltage applying units 14 and 15 of the first resistor 11. ) Is formed. In the present example, the voltage applying parts 14 to 17 are directly formed in a part of the resistors 11 and 12, but the voltage applying parts 14 to 17 are formed at positions away from the resistors 11 and 12, and the voltage is better. It can also be comprised so that it may connect through electroconductive conductive pattern or conducting wire.

The configuration of the variable resistor 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2A, 3B and 3. FIG. 2A is a plan view of the first resistor 11 and the second resistor 12 formed on the substrate, and FIG. 2B is a plan view of the conductor 13 formed on the substrate.

As shown to Fig.2 (a), the 1st resistor 11 and the 2nd resistor 12 are formed on the board surface of the 2nd insulating board 31 used as a 2nd board | substrate. Both the first resistor 11 and the second resistor 12 have an annular shape having different inner diameters, and are arranged concentrically in an insulated state in which both are insulated to the extent that they do not short.

As for the 1st resistor 11, the voltage application part 14 is electrically connected to the one intersection with the linear virtual line L1 which divides the said 1st resistor 11 into 2 parts. The first resistor 11 further divides the first resistor 11 into two and the voltage applying portion 15 is provided at one intersection of the linear virtual line L2 orthogonal to the virtual line L1. It is connected electrically. The predetermined voltage Y-Vin can be applied to the voltage applying unit 14, and the predetermined voltage X-Vin can be applied to the voltage applying unit 15.

The second resistor 12 is an intersection intersecting the virtual line L1 and intersects the central portion of the first resistor 11 (an intersection of the virtual lines L1 and L2) with respect to the voltage applying section 14. The voltage application part 16 is electrically connected to the intersection part of the side which opposes to. The second resistor 12 is also an intersecting portion that intersects the imaginary line L2, and is provided at an intersection portion on the side of the second resistor 11 opposite to the voltage applying section 15. The voltage application unit 17 is electrically connected. The ground voltage GROUND can be applied to the voltage applying unit 16 and the voltage applying unit 17. Although not shown in the drawings, through-hole electrodes are formed in the voltage applying units 14 to 17 serving as the electrode portions of the second insulating substrate 31, respectively, and the other surface of the second insulating substrate 31 ( Each voltage application unit 14 to 17 is electrically connected to a plurality of conductive patterns formed on the surfaces on which the resistors 11 and 12 are not formed. In addition, in this embodiment, the said virtual line L1 and L2 are all located on the diameter which divides the 1st, 2nd resistors 11 and 12 into 2 equal parts, and the virtual line L1 and the virtual line L2. The intersection of is located in the center of the 1st, 2nd resistors 11 and 12 which form an annular shape.

As shown in FIG.2 (b), the toroidal conductor 13 which consists of favorable electroconductive material (for example, silver pattern) is formed on the board surface of the 1st insulating board 32 used as a 1st board | substrate. It is. As one surface of the 1st insulating substrate 32, the surface on the opposite side to the surface in which the conductor 13 was formed becomes an operation side surface. The first insulating substrate 32 has flexibility. In a pressurized state in which a pressing force is applied to the operating side surface of the first insulating substrate 32, the conductor 13 is deformed to the extent that the conductor 13 is in sufficient contact with the first and second resistors 11, 12. In the non-pressurized state in which the pressing force on the operation side of the first insulating substrate 32 is released, the conductor 13 is separated from the first and second resistors 11 and 12 to return to the original state. A flexible substrate can be used as the first insulating substrate 32. At the end of the conductor 13, a voltage extracting portion 18 of a conductive pattern for extracting the output voltage Vout to the outside is electrically connected.

As shown in Fig. 2 (a) and (b), the outer diameter of the conductor 13 having an annular shape is approximately the same diameter as the outer diameter of the first resistor 11, and the inner diameter of the conductor 13 is removed. The conductor 13 was arranged so as to have a diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the two resistors 12, and to confront the formation regions of the first and second resistors 11 and 12 arranged concentrically. The conductor 13 is brought into close contact with the corresponding position of the first and second resistors 11 and 12 according to the pressing position almost simultaneously, even when pressing any of the forming regions of the conductor 13 having an annular shape from the operation side. The width of the conductor 13 and the width of the separation between the first and second resistors 11 and 12 are set so that they can conduct. In this embodiment, by making the conductor 13 wider than the width of the 1st, 2nd resistors 11 and 12, the conductor 13 which is wide in a pressurized state is made into the 1st, 2nd resistor 11 , 12) to ensure contact with each other so that the first and second resistors 11 and 12 can be reliably conducted.

In addition, although not shown in FIG. 3, the printing sheet which has the flexibility which printed various displays including a press area is mounted or affixed on the operation side surface of the 1st insulating board 32. As shown in FIG.

3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a side cross-sectional structure of the variable resistor 1. With respect to the second insulating substrate 31, the first and second resistors 11 and 12 forming surfaces of the second insulating substrate 31 and the conductor 13 forming surfaces of the first insulating substrate 32 face each other. The first insulating substrate 32 is spaced apart from each other and disposed to face each other. When the spacer 33 interposed between the second insulating substrate 31 and the first insulating substrate 32 is pressed and deformed by the first insulating substrate 32, the conductor 13 becomes the first and second resistors ( 11, 12) to form a space (space width) suitable for folding. The outer peripheral portions of the second insulating substrate 31 and the first insulating substrate 32 are held by the holding member 34.

Here, the manufacturing process of the 1st, 2nd resistors 11 and 12 is demonstrated. On the substrate surface of the second insulating substrate 31, a screen (print mask) on which a pattern corresponding to the shape and the width of the first and second resistors 11 and 12 is formed is disposed, and the resistor material (from the screen) is placed. For example, carbon ink) is screen printed and the resistor material is heated. As a result, since the first resistor 11 and the second resistor 12 are formed of the same resistive material, the electrical properties such as the resistivity of the first resistor 11 and the second resistor 12 are uniform. This can suppress variations in the output voltage Vout.

Next, the electronic control unit 2 on the information input device side connected to the variable resistor 1 will be described. The electronic control unit 2 is provided between the voltage applying unit 14 connected to a part of the first resistor 11 of the variable resistor 1 and the voltage applying unit 16 connected to a part of the second resistor 12. While a predetermined voltage is applied, between the voltage applying unit 15 connected to a part of the first resistor 11 and the voltage applying unit 17 connected to a part of the second resistor 12 at a different timing than that. A voltage output unit 21 for applying a predetermined voltage is provided. The output voltage Vout which appears in the voltage extractor 18 connected to the conductor 13 is input to the analog input terminal of the A / D converter 22. The A / D conversion section 22 converts the output voltage Vout into a digital value and inputs it to the CPU section 23. The CPU unit 23 has a calculation function for calculating the touch position on the operation side of the first insulating substrate 32 from the value of the output voltage Vout. The CPU unit 23 further includes a voltage output unit (2) for detecting the position in the Y-axis direction in the direction along the virtual line L1 and the position detection in the X-axis direction in the direction along the virtual line L2. 21) to control voltage application conversion control as follows.

In the position detection in the Y-axis direction, the voltage application units 15 and 17 used for the position detection in the X-axis direction are controlled to be in an insulated state, and the voltage application units 14 and 16 used for the position detection in the Y-axis direction. Control the voltage to be applied in between. Specifically, while applying a predetermined voltage (Y-Vin) to the voltage applying unit 14 connected to the first resistor 11 on the virtual line (L1), the second resistor 12 on the virtual line (L1). The voltage applying unit 16 connected to the ground is grounded to control the ground voltage GROUND.

In the position detection in the X axis direction, the voltage applying units 14 and 16 used for position detection in the Y axis direction are controlled to be in an insulated state, and the voltage application units 15 and 17 used for position detection in the X axis direction. Control the voltage to be applied in between. Specifically, while applying a predetermined voltage (X-Vin) to the voltage applying unit 15 connected to the first resistor 11 on the virtual line (L2), the second resistor 12 on the virtual line (L2). The voltage applying unit 17 connected to the ground is grounded to control the ground voltage GROUND.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 4-6, the operation example of the matching which operated the variable resistor 1 is demonstrated.

FIG. 4A shows the unused state (including the standby state), and shows the state before pressing the operating side surface of the first insulating substrate 32. Since the operation side surface of the 1st insulating board 32 is not pressurized, the state in which the conductor 13 separated from the 1st, 2nd resistors 11 and 12 is maintained.

5A is a schematic diagram of the circuit in the unused state of the variable resistor 1. This circuit schematic diagram is a schematic diagram in the voltage application state corresponding to the position detection of the Y-axis direction along the imaginary line L1 shown to Fig.2 (a). The conductor 13 which conducts the outer ring resistance which shows the resistance component of the 1st resistor 11, the inner ring resistance which shows the resistance component of the 2nd resistor 12, and both ring resistances in the position corresponding to a pressurized position. Is a circuit structure provided with a movable contact portion, and the voltage applying portion 16 is conductively connected to the second resistor 12 and the conductive connecting portion to which the voltage applying portion 14 is electrically connected to the first resistor 11. A predetermined voltage (Y-Vin-GROUND) is applied between the conducting connection portions. At this time, the position detection voltage application parts 15 and 17 in the X-axis direction are in an electrically insulated state without applying a voltage.

In this unused state, the conductor 13 is not in contact with both the first resistor 11 and the second resistor 12. Since the 1st resistance body 11 and the 2nd resistance body 12 are insulated from each other, it is in a non-conductive state. Therefore, the conduction connection part of the conduction connection part with the voltage application part 14 which becomes the one end part in the Y-axis direction of the 1st resistance body 11, and the conduction connection part of the voltage application part 16 which becomes the other end part of the Y-axis direction of the 2nd resistance body 12 is carried out. Even if a voltage is applied therebetween, in the unused state, no current flows to both the first resistor 11 and the second resistor 12, so that in the first resistor 11 and the second resistor 12, Power consumption does not occur.

FIG.4 (b) has shown the use state of the variable resistor 1, and has shown the state which the operation side surface of the 1st insulating board 32 is pressurized. The first insulating substrate 32 is deformed to the second insulating substrate 31 side at the pressing position of the operating side, and the conductor 13 formed on the first insulating substrate 32 is the first and second resistors at the pressing position. Contact (11, 12).

FIG. 5B is a schematic view of the circuit in the pressurized state where the pressurized region is pressurized as the use state of the variable resistor 1. The outer ring resistance, which is the first resistor 11, and the inner ring resistance, which is the second resistor 12, are conducting through the movable contact portion, which is the conductor 13, at a position corresponding to the pressing position. The resistance value from the voltage application part 14 of the first resistor 11 to the pressing position in the clockwise direction is R1, and the resistance value from the pressure application position of the first resistor 11 to the voltage application section 14 in the clockwise direction is R2. Shall be. Further, the resistance value from the pressing position of the second resistor 12 to the voltage applying section 16 in the clockwise direction is R3, and the resistance value from the voltage applying section 16 of the second resistor 12 to the pressing position in the clockwise direction. Let R4 be. FIG. 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the variable resistor 1 in the pressed state shown in FIG. 5 (b). As shown in Fig. 6, the first resistor 11 (outer ring resistor) forms a first parallel circuit composed of a resistor R1 and a resistor R2, and the second resistor 12 (inner ring resistor) is a resistor R3 and a resistor R4. The 2nd parallel circuit which consists of these is formed, and the series circuit which connected the 1st parallel circuit and the 2nd parallel circuit in series is formed. The output voltage Vout appears at the connection point of the 1st parallel circuit and the 2nd parallel circuit which become the voltage extracting part 18 of the conductor 13. In the equivalent circuit shown in FIG. 6, the value of the output voltage Vout is a value determined by the predetermined voltage Y-Vin-GR0UND which is an applied voltage, and resistance values R1, R2, R3, R4, and resistance values R1, R2, R3. , R4 changes depending on the press position. That is, when any place of the pressurization area | region which consists of an annular shape is pressurized, the output voltage Vout which shows the voltage value according to the said pressurization position is detected. The output voltage Vout is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 22 and sent to the CPU23.

As shown in Fig. 4 (c), the conductor 13 of the first resistor 11 and the second resistor 12 is accompanied by the slide of the finger in an arc shape along the operation region as it is to change the pressing position. The conduction position with the is changed. That is, the movable contact part 13 shown in FIG. 5 (b) moves with the change of the pressing position by the slide of a finger. With the movement of the conduction position by the movable contact part 13, resistance values R1, R2, R3, R4 change, and the output voltage Vout determined by resistance values R1, R2, R3, R4 changes. The voltage application end in the Y-axis direction of the second resistor 12 (voltage applying section) 16 which is 180 degrees away from the voltage application end (voltage application section) 14 in the Y-axis direction of the first resistor 11 in the pressing position. Slide over, the output voltage Vout continuously changes from the predetermined voltage Y-Vin to the ground voltage O volts.

In this embodiment, the connection point of the voltage application part 14 in the 1st resistor 11 and the connection point of the voltage application part 16 in the 2nd resistor 12 is made into the center part of the 1st resistor 11. As shown in FIG. Since it arrange | positioned in between, the operation range for position detection of a Y-axis direction can be taken longest.

The above description applies the voltage application end (voltage application unit) 14 in the Y axis direction of the first resistor 11 via the voltage application units 14 and 16 to the Y axis direction of the second resistor 12. This is the case when a predetermined voltage (Y-Vin-GROUND) is applied between the ends (voltage application section) 16. In this manner, a predetermined voltage (Y-Vin) is provided between the voltage application portions 14 and 16 which are electrically connected to both ends of the resistance element (first resistor; 11, second resistor; 12) of the variable resistor 1 in the Y-axis direction. By applying -GROUND, the pressing position (Y coordinate) in the Y-axis direction along the imaginary line L1 can be detected from the output voltage Vout.

After performing the position detection in the Y-axis direction, the voltage output unit 21 switches the position detection direction from the Y-axis direction to the X-axis direction. Therefore, voltage is applied between the voltage applying end (voltage applying unit) 14 in the Y axis direction of the first resistor 11 and the voltage applying end (voltage applying unit) 16 in the Y axis direction of the second resistor 12. Is stopped, and the voltage detecting units 14 and 16 for position detection in the Y-axis direction are separated from the power supply side and the ground side, and controlled in an electrically insulated state. Next, a predetermined voltage (X-Vin-GROUND) is applied between the position detecting voltage applying units 15 and 17 in the X axis direction. Voltage application end (voltage application unit) in the X-axis direction of the first resistor 11 via the voltage application units 15 and 17 (voltage application end) in the X-axis direction of the second resistor 12 (voltage application A predetermined voltage (X-Vin-GROUND) is applied between the units 17).

In such a voltage application state, when any position of the pressing region of the variable resistor 1 is pressed, the first insulating substrate 32 deforms to the second insulating substrate 31 side at the pressing position, and the conductor ( 13 contacts the first and second resistors 11 and 12, and the first resistor 11 and the second resistor 12 conduct at a position corresponding to the pressing position. As a result, also in the voltage application state of an X-axis direction, it presses clockwise from the voltage application part 15 of the 1st resistor 11 similarly to the circuit schematic diagram shown in FIG. 5 (b), FIG. 6 and an equivalent circuit. From the pressing position of the resistance value R1, the first resistor 11 to the voltage applying section 15 in the clockwise direction, from the pressing position of the resistance value R2, the second resistor 12 to the voltage applying portion 17 in the clockwise direction. The output voltage Vout determined by the resistance value R3 of the second resistor 12 and the resistance value R4 from the voltage application portion 17 of the second resistor 12 to the pressed position in the clockwise direction is applied to the voltage extraction portion 18 of the conductor 13. appear. The CPU unit 23 can detect the pressurized position (X coordinate) in the X axis direction along the imaginary line L2 by receiving the output voltage Vout via the A / D conversion unit 22.

In this embodiment, a timing signal is input from the CPU unit 23 to the voltage output unit 21 to alternately switch the above-described voltage application state in the Y-axis direction and the voltage application state in the X-axis direction at predetermined cycles. The CPU unit 23 acquires the output voltage Vout as the Y coordinate at the voltage application timing in the Y axis direction, and obtains the output voltage Vout as the X coordinate at the voltage application timing in the X axis direction. And the press position in XY plane is specified from (X, Y) coordinate. When the operation input which becomes an arc-shaped locus along the annular press area | region is performed, the analog operation amount and operation direction of an arc shape can be detected from (X, Y) coordinate.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the resistance element for converting the touch position into the output voltage in the variable resistor 1 is divided into a plurality of resistors, spaced apart by a predetermined width, and the divided resistors are operated. Since the output voltage is shown so as to be conducted only in this manner, power consumption in the resistance element in the standby state can be eliminated. Therefore, when the information input device using the variable resistor 1 is used for the portable terminal device, the use time of the portable terminal device can be extended.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the second peripheral body 12 is brought close to the inner circumferential edge of the first resistor 11 to the extent that the second resistor 12 is not shorted, and the first and second resistors 11 and 12 are provided. Since the conductors 13 are disposed so as to face each other directly, the variable resistor 1 can be miniaturized as compared with the arrangement in which the first and second resistors 11 and 12 and the conductors 13 do not face each other.

Moreover, according to this embodiment, since the connection point with the voltage application parts 14-17 is formed on the virtual line L1 and the virtual line L2 which are orthogonal to each other, the output voltage Vout remains on the XY plane as it is. The (X, Y) coordinates are shown, and the processing in the CPU unit 23 can be facilitated.

The present invention is not limited to the one embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the said embodiment, although the conductor 13 is formed in the 1st insulating substrate 32 used as a flexible 1st board | substrate, the 1st, 2nd resistor ( It is good also as a structure which forms 11, 12, and forms the conductor 13 in the 2nd insulating substrate 31. FIG. In the case of adopting such a configuration, in the pressurized state, the first and second resistors 11 and 12 are displaced toward the conductor 13 and come into contact with the conductor 13, but the other effects are the above embodiments. Is the same as

Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the connection point which electrically connects with the voltage application parts 14-17 is formed on the virtual line L1 and the virtual line L2 orthogonal to each other, the connection point with one voltage application part is hypothetical. Even if formed in a place other than a line, position detection in a Y-axis direction and an X-axis direction is possible.

If only the position detection in the Y-axis direction is necessary, the voltage applying units 15 and 17 for position detection in the X-axis direction are unnecessary, and if only the position detection in the X-axis direction is used, the voltage application units 14 and 16 for position detection in the Y-axis direction ) Is unnecessary.

In addition, in the said embodiment, although the 1st, 2nd resistors 11 and 12 and the conductor 13 were directly facing, the 1st, 2nd resistors 11 and 12 are not in a pressurized position, even if they are both facing each other. It can be turned on.

FIG. 7: is a figure which shows the modified example comprised so that a 1st, 2nd resistor and a conductor may not face. As shown in Fig. 7A, the annular first resistor 41 is formed on the substrate surface of the second insulating substrate 31, and is spaced apart by a predetermined width inside the annular second resistor ( 42). Although the annular conductor 43 shown in FIG. 7B is disposed opposite to the substrate surface of the second insulating substrate 31, the difference between the inner diameter of the first resistor 41 and the outer diameter of the second resistor 42 is shown. Furthermore, the width | variety of the toroidal conductor 43 is set so that it may become small. That is, the conductor 43 is arranged between the first resistor 41 and the second resistor 42. As shown in FIG. 7 (a), the conductive comb teeth 44 extending from the inner circumferential edge portion of the first resistor 41 toward the second resistor 42 are formed to form the second resistor 42. A conductive comb tooth 45 is formed extending from the outer peripheral edge toward the first resistor 41. The 1st resistor 41 and the 2nd resistor 42 are arrange | positioned so that both comb teeth 44 and 45 may be engaged. The conductor 43 is disposed opposite to the formation region of the comb teeth 44 and 45 meshed with each other, and the region corresponding to the formation region of the conductor 43 becomes a pressing region. As a result, the comb teeth 44 of the first resistor 41 and the comb teeth 45 of the second resistor 42 conduct at the position corresponding to the pressing position via the conductor 43, and thus the conduction state. The first resistor 41 and the second resistor 42 are electrically connected via the comb teeth 44 and 45. The first resistor 41 has a connection portion with the comb tooth 44 in a conductive state, and is in a conductive position with the movable contact portion 13 shown in FIG. 5B, and the second resistor 42 has a comb tooth in a conductive state. The connection part with 45 becomes a conduction position with the movable contact part 13 shown to FIG. 5 (b). The output voltage Vout according to the conduction position of the first and second resistors 41 and 42 is taken out from the voltage extraction section 18 of the conductor 43.

In this way, as the arrangement which does not directly face the first and second resistors 41 and 42 and the conductor 43, the output voltage Vout according to the pressing position can be obtained, and both cannot be arranged to face each other, or Even if there is a constraint that it is preferable not to oppose, it is possible to cope.

Moreover, the shape of the conductor 13 does not need to be annular even if the 1st, 2nd resistors 11 and 12 are annular shapes. In the case where the pressing region is pressed, the shape of the conductor 13 may be any shape as long as the position according to the pressing positions of the first and second resistors 11 and 12 can be conducted. In the modified example shown to FIG.8 (a), (b), the circular conductor 51 which is not annular but circular to the 1st resistor 11 and the 2nd resistor 12 which are the same shape as FIG.2 (a). Is placed. In this case, the area | region corresponding to the formation area | region of the 1st resistor 11 and the 2nd resistor 12 turns into a press area. In the case where the conductor 51 is formed in a circular shape, a region including the first resistor 11 and the second resistor 12 that do not face each other among the formation regions of the conductor 51 is mounted on the operation side. By printing the pressing area on the printing sheet (display sheet), the operator can recognize the pressing area.

In the above description, although the annular first and second resistors 11 and 12 are used as an example of an endless resistor, the present invention has other shapes as long as it is an endless annular body in addition to the annular shape. It shall also include.

9 (a) and 9 (b) are diagrams showing modifications in which the shapes of the first resistor and the second resistor are modified into a rectangular shape. In addition, in FIG.9 (a), (b), the voltage application part and the voltage extraction part are abbreviate | omitted. On the substrate surface of the second insulating substrate 61 serving as the second substrate, a first resistor 62 is formed in an endless band shape and has a rectangular shape as a whole, and the predetermined resistance is defined from the inner circumferential edge of the first resistor 62. A second resistor 63 is formed, which is spaced apart by the width and has a rectangular shape in the form of an endless band. Moreover, the conductor 65 which forms the rectangular shape corresponding to the formation area of the 1st resistor 62 and the 2nd resistor 63 on the board | substrate surface of the 1st insulating substrate 64 used as a flexible 1st board | substrate. ). Also in this case, the formation area | region of the conductor 65 arrange | positioned facing the foldably so that the 1st and 2nd resistors 62 and 63 become a pressurization area | region is used.

In addition, the 2nd insulating board 31 and the 1st insulating board 32 do not necessarily need to be a separate board | substrate separate, For example, you may make it folded two flexible boards which consist of one polyester film etc., for example. In this case, it is preferable to set it as the structure which supports the lower board | substrate arrange | positioned facing the board | substrate of the side to be pressed by hard support plates, such as a steel plate.

Industrial Applicability The present invention can be applied to an information input device capable of inputting analog information by touch.

According to the present invention, the waste of power consumption in the standby state can be eliminated, and the usable time can be extended by using the portable terminal device or the like.

Claims (7)

A first substrate having flexibility, wherein one surface becomes an operation side of a side to be pressed and operated, a second substrate with one surface facing away from the other surface of the first substrate, the other surface of the first substrate, and the second substrate A second annular first annular body formed on one side of the substrate, and a second annular second state formed on the same substrate surface as the first resistor and disposed in a ring of the first resistor insulated from the first resistor. The resistor and the other side of the first substrate and one side of the second substrate, which are formed on one side of the first substrate, and the first resistor and the second resistor according to the pressing position by pressing to the operation side of the first substrate. A conductor for conducting a corresponding position of the first resistor; a portion of the first resistor is electrically connected to a first voltage applying portion; a portion of the second resistor is electrically connected to a second voltage applying portion, respectively. First voltage applying unit and the second at the same time that the voltage application configured to be able to apply a voltage between parts of the conductor is a variable resistor, characterized in that the conductive connection voltage take-out portion of the conductive pattern in order to take out the output voltage to the outside. The method of claim 1, The first resistor is conductively connected to the first voltage applying section at an intersection crossing the first imaginary line that divides the first resistor into two, and the second resistor is a connecting portion of the first resistor and the first voltage applying section. And a second conductive portion connected to the second voltage applying portion at or near an intersection with the first virtual line facing each other with a central portion of the first resistor therebetween. The method of claim 2, The first resistor is divided into two parts of the first resistor, and is electrically connected to a third voltage applying unit at an intersection of a second virtual line intersecting the first virtual line, and the second resistor is connected to the first resistor. A conductive portion connected to the fourth voltage applying portion at or near the intersection with the second virtual line facing the center portion of the first resistor, with the connection portion of the third voltage applying portion interposed therebetween; A variable resistor configured to be capable of applying a voltage between the fourth voltage applying unit. The method of claim 3, wherein And the first virtual line and the second virtual line are orthogonal to each other. The method of claim 1, A variable resistor, wherein said first and second resistors and said conductor are disposed so as to face each other so as to be foldable. The method of claim 5, And the conductor is wider than any one of the annular first and second resistors. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The first and second resistors are formed by the same printing process.

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