JP2000222968A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device capable of sending feed back the completion of input operation. SOLUTION: When a key top 101 is pushed, an input detecting part 102 detects pushing force and outputs a detecting signal S1. A controller 104 receives the detecting signal S1 as an input signal and outputs a driving signal S2. A driving part 103 vibrates the key top 101 with the driving signal S2. A worker feels the vibration of the key top 101 with the finger, and confirms completion of input operation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device most suitable for a switch device such as a keyboard.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an input device such as a keyboard includes a housing, a switch element built in the housing,
It is roughly composed of a stem guided up and down with respect to the housing, a return spring for returning the stem, and a click mechanism operated by elevating the stem.

In use, when the stem is pressed down with a finger or the like against the return spring to lower it, a click mechanism including a reversing spring or the like is activated during the movement process to generate a click feeling and to move the switch element. The contact comes into contact with the fixed contact to be turned on. When the pressing force on the stem is removed, the stem is lifted by the return spring, and the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact in the course of the movement, and the switch is turned off.

[0004]

In recent years, small and thin notebook computers have rapidly become widespread, and there is a great demand for thinner keyboards as input devices. However, in the conventional switch device, the movement amount of the stem is large in order to operate the click function, and there is a limit in reducing the thickness even if the thickness of the stem or the housing is reduced.

[0005] As a switch device for the purpose of thinning, a membrane switch device using a flexible film is known. This is configured by sequentially laminating a pair of films having electrodes formed on the surface and a spacer film, and performs a switching function by connecting the electrodes by stress. Since the membrane switch device is intended to be thin in this way, the movable amount is small with respect to pressing, so that it is not possible for an operator to confirm whether or not the input has been performed reliably with a click feeling, etc. There was a problem that a good feedback could not be obtained.

[0006] A feedback signal for identifying an input key as well as input confirmation has not existed in the conventional one. For this reason, it was not possible to determine whether the input operation was performed reliably only with the keyboard, and a display device such as a display was required.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances of the prior art, and has as its object to provide an input device which is thin and can feed back that an input operation has been performed reliably.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an input device of the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, an input device according to a first configuration of the present invention is a key top, an input detection unit that detects a pressing force of the key top and outputs a detection signal, and a driving unit that vibrates the key top. And a controller that outputs a drive signal for driving the drive unit using a detection signal output by the input detection unit as an input signal. According to this configuration, the pressing force applied to the keytop by the operator's finger is converted into a detection signal by the input detection unit, converted into a drive signal by the controller unit, and the drive unit vibrates the keytop. As a result, the worker
By the vibration felt by the fingers, it is possible to confirm that the input operation by the keytop has been reliably completed.

In the first configuration, it is preferable that the driving section vibrates the key top at least during a time when a pressing force is applied to the key top. According to such a preferred configuration, the drive unit vibrates the key top before the operator's finger leaves the key top, so that
The operator can sense the confirmation vibration of the input operation through his / her finger at the time of key input.

An input device according to a second configuration of the present invention includes: a key top; an input detecting unit that detects a pressing force of the key top and outputs a signal corresponding to the pressing force;
A pressure detection unit that converts an output signal of the input detection unit into a predetermined signal and outputs the signal, a driving unit that vibrates the keytop, and a signal output by the pressure detection unit as an input signal.
A controller for outputting a driving signal for driving the driving unit. According to this configuration, the pressing force on the key top by the operator's finger is converted into an analog detection signal by the input detection unit, converted into a digital signal by the pressure detection unit, and converted into a drive signal by the controller unit, The drive unit vibrates the keytop. As a result, the worker can confirm that the input operation by the keytop has been reliably completed by the vibration felt by the finger. Further, it is possible to easily adopt a configuration in which the drive signal is changed according to the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the keytop. Further, since the signal generated varies depending on the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the key top, different signals can be input by changing the pressing force applied to one key top.

In the above-mentioned second configuration, it is preferable that the drive signal varies depending on the magnitude of the pressing force.
According to such a preferred configuration, the vibration felt by the operator on the finger changes according to the pressing force. As a result, in addition to confirming that the input operation has been reliably completed through the fingers, the operator can confirm the magnitude of the pressing force input through the keytop (in other words, the type of the input signal). Can be.

An input device according to a third configuration of the present invention includes a key top, an input detection unit that detects a pressing force of the key top and outputs a detection signal, and a driving unit that vibrates the key top. And a controller unit that outputs a drive signal for driving the corresponding drive unit using a detection signal output by the input detection unit as an input signal. According to this configuration, the pressing force on the key top by the operator's finger is
The input signal is converted into a detection signal by a corresponding input detection unit, converted into a drive signal by a controller unit, and the drive unit vibrates the pressed keytop. As a result, the worker
By the vibration felt by the fingers, it is possible to confirm that the input operation by the keytop has been reliably completed.

[0014] In the third configuration, it is preferable that the drive signal output by the controller unit is different for each of the structural units. According to such a preferred configuration, the vibration felt by the operator on the finger changes for each keytop. As a result, the operator can confirm which key top of the plurality of key tops has been pressed with his / her finger without using display means such as a display device. By feeling the vibration, it is also possible to confirm that the input operation has been completed.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) An input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the input device according to the first embodiment. In the figure, 101 is a key top, 102 is an input detection unit, 103 is a drive unit, 104 is a controller unit, and 105 is a host computer.

The key top 101 is made of a member such as a synthetic resin molded product or a synthetic resin film, and has a surface that receives a pressing force by a finger of an operator such as a computer. The key top 101 is configured to slightly move up and down by this pressing force, and transmits this movement to the input detection unit 102.

The input detection unit 102 is constituted by using, for example, a membrane switch as in the prior art. this is,
It is configured by sequentially laminating a pair of films having electrodes formed on the surface and a spacer film, and performs a switching function by connecting the electrodes by stress. By using the membrane switch, the thickness of the input device can be reduced.

A driving unit 103 is provided below the input detecting unit 102.
Is installed. The drive unit 103 is configured by an actuator that vibrates in, for example, an up-down direction, and vibrates the entire input detection unit 102 and the key top 101.

In the input device configured as described above, when an operator such as a computer applies a pressing force to the key top 101 with a finger, the key top 101 is displaced downward by a small amount and presses the input detection unit 102. Accordingly, the input detection unit 102 determines that the key top 101 has been pressed, and outputs a detection signal S1 to the controller unit 104.
The controller unit 104 notifies the host computer 105 of the input from the keytop 101 in response to the detection signal S1 from the input detection unit 102,
The driving signal S2 is output to the driving unit 103. Driving unit 103
Is composed of a movable part including an actuator, and generates vibration by the drive signal S2 to vibrate the input detection unit 102 and the key top 101. Thus, it is possible to notify the worker that the key input operation has been completed without fail.

Next, when the operator removes the pressing force on the key top 101, the key top 101 is raised to the original position by the restoring force of the input detection unit 102 itself, and the input detection unit 102
Detects that the pressing force has been released. Accordingly, the input detection unit 102 outputs a detection signal S1 indicating an off state to the controller unit 104. The controller 104 stops the drive signal S2, and the vibration of the drive 103 stops.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing details of the input device according to the first embodiment.

The driving section 103 has a pair of electrodes 202 on the front and back.
a, 202b, and a metal plate 203
, A drive unit housing 204, and a vibration transmission unit 205. By using the piezoelectric body, it is possible to easily construct a configuration in which the input operation can be fed back to the operator while making the input device thinner. Further, as will be described later, by changing the drive signal in various ways, the vibration mode can be changed, and different information can be easily provided to the worker through the fingers.

The piezoelectric body 201 is a piezoelectric body such as a piezoelectric ceramic such as PZT, and has a thickness of 50 μm to 200 μm.
Is polarized in the thickness direction. A pair of electrodes 202a and 202b are stacked on the front and back. Metal plate 203
Has a thickness of 50 μm to 200 μm, and the same thickness as that of the piezoelectric body is suitable. Suitable materials include iron-based metals such as stainless steel and spring materials such as phosphor bronze. Both the piezoelectric body 201 and the metal plate 203 may be circular or rectangular, but in any case, it is desirable that the piezoelectric body 201 has a slightly smaller shape. One electrode 202a laminated on the piezoelectric body 201 is bonded to the metal body 203 via an adhesive, and is mechanically and electrically connected to the metal plate 203. The metal plate 203 has its end fixed to the drive unit housing 204 via an adhesive layer. The drive unit housing 204 may be a resin molded product or a metal processed product, but has high rigidity, and fixes the metal plate 203 around the disk if it is a disk, or four or two sides when it is a rectangular plate. It is desirable. Furthermore,
Signal lines 206a and 206b from the external controller 104 are connected to the electrode 202b and the metal body 203 laminated on one surface of the piezoelectric body 201, respectively. The drive signal from the controller 104 is transmitted to the signal line 206
a, 206b, a voltage is applied as a voltage between the metal plate 203 and the electrode 202b.
1 tries to expand and contract in the plane direction. Since the piezoelectric body 201 and the metal plate 203 are bonded to each other to form a bimorph, bending vibration occurs as a result, and an arrow 207 in FIG.
Vertical vibration is induced in the direction. The vibration is transmitted to the input detecting unit 102 and the key top 101 by the vibration transmitting unit 205, and the operator can confirm that the key input is reliably performed by the vibration. The vibration transmitting section 205 is desirably made of a highly elastic body so that vibration can be transmitted efficiently, and is adhered and fixed only in a very small area near the center of the metal plate 203 so as not to inhibit the bending vibration of the bimorph. Is desirable. Further, it is desirable that the vibration transmission unit 205 be made of a material having a high Young's modulus, such as a metal having a small loss in vibration transmission.

According to such a configuration, the driving unit 103 vibrates in response to the output signal of the input detecting unit 102 that has detected the pressing force, and the vibration is transmitted to the operator, so that the operator can perform the input operation. Can be surely completed.

(Second Embodiment) An input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining a driving method of the driving section 103 of the input device of FIG.
The relationship between the pressing operation of the key top 101 and the timing at which the driving unit 103 vibrates is shown. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis indicates a time axis.

An example will be described in which the operator presses the key top 101 with his / her finger at time t1, releases the press at time t2, separates the finger from the key top 101, and completes the input. In this case, the input detection unit 102 outputs a detection signal S1 to the controller unit 104 at time t3 after a slight time delay from time t1. After receiving the detection signal S1, the controller unit 104 transmits an input detection signal to the host computer 105, and outputs a drive signal S2 to the drive unit 103 at time t4. As a result, the driving unit 1
03 generates vibration from time t5.

Time t5 at which drive section 103 generates vibration
Must be at least earlier than the time t2 when the finger leaves the keytop. That is, the time during which the operator's finger is pressing the key top (from time t1 to time t2)
During (during), the driving unit 103 must start to vibrate. Thereby, the operator can sense the confirmation vibration that the key input is completed through the finger.

Thereafter, when the operator stops pressing at time t2, the detection signal S1 and the drive signal S2 are changed to time t6 and t7.
At the time t8.
To stop.

FIGS. 4A to 4C show the controller unit 10.
4 shows a specific example of the waveform of the driving signal S2 output from the driving signal S4. FIG.
In, the horizontal axis indicates the time axis.

Since the driving section 103 is made of a piezoelectric material or the like as described in the first embodiment, the driving signal S2 for driving the driving section 103 must be an AC signal.

FIG. 4A shows a continuous sine wave having a specific frequency. Such a sine wave drive signal contains only a specific frequency component, and by setting the frequency to be substantially equal to the resonance frequency of the drive unit, a large resonance vibration can be obtained at a low voltage.
It can be driven very efficiently.

FIG. 4B shows a continuous pseudo sine wave having a specific frequency as a fundamental frequency. Also in this case, it is desirable that the fundamental frequency is set to be substantially equal to the resonance frequency of the driving unit. As a result, continuous large-amplitude vibration can be obtained. Although the driving efficiency is slightly inferior to that of (a), the waveform can be formed relatively easily. In addition, a circuit that generates a pseudo sine wave has higher efficiency than a circuit that generates a sine wave, and in general, higher efficiency can be obtained by pseudo sine wave driving.

FIG. 4 (c) shows an example in which a rectangular wave is put into a several-wave pulse shape. By driving with such a rectangular wave, a large output can be obtained effectively. It is desirable to set the frequency of the rectangular wave to a frequency substantially equal to the resonance frequency of the driving unit. Thereby, a continuous large vibration can be obtained. Further, the square wave contains many higher-order modes of the fundamental frequency. For example, the third mode has an amplitude of 33% of the fundamental, and the fifth mode has an amplitude of 20% of the fundamental. This higher-order vibration excites a higher-order resonance mode of the driving unit, and as a result, a larger vibration can be obtained. In addition, by giving a discontinuous rectangular wave in a pulse shape, a low frequency component defined by the pulse period is also included, so that the frequency component of several Hz to several hundred Hz, which has a good human tactile sensitivity, should be increased. Vibration from the key top is efficiently transmitted to the operator.

In the sine-wave drive and the pseudo-sine-wave drive, a drive signal may be intermittently output instead of a continuous wave, and the drive unit may be vibrated. In this case, the same effect can be obtained. Needless to say.

(Third Embodiment) An input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of an input device according to the third embodiment. In the figure, components having substantially the same functions as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

In the figure, reference numeral 501 denotes a pressure detecting unit;
2 is an input detection unit, 503 is a drive unit, and 504 is a controller unit.

The key top 101 is configured to be slightly movable in the vertical direction.
02. The input detection unit 502 is made of, for example, a piezoelectric body, and outputs an analog detection signal S11 corresponding to the magnitude of the pressing force transmitted from the key top 101 to the input detection unit 502 to the pressure detection unit 501. I do. For example, when a piezoelectric body is used as the input detection unit 502, a large output voltage is generated when a large distortion is generated by a large pressing force.

Next, the pressure detecting section 501 is connected to the input detecting section 5.
After performing digital processing such as A / D conversion on the analog detection signal S11 of No. 02, the digital detection signal S12 corresponding to the pressing force is output to the controller unit 504.

The controller unit 504 includes a pressure detecting unit 50
In response to the detection signal S12 from No. 1, the input from the keytop 101 to the host computer 105 and the input pressing force are transmitted, and a driving signal S13 corresponding to the input pressing force is output to the driving unit 503. .

The drive section 503 is made of a movable part including an actuator, as in the first and second embodiments, and generates vibration by the drive signal S13 to vibrate the input detection section 502 and the key top 101. Thus, it is possible to notify the worker that the key input has been completed reliably and the input pressing force of the worker.

Next, when the operator removes the pressing force on the key top 101, the key top 101 rises to the original position by the restoring force of the input detection unit 502 itself, and the input detection unit 502
Detects that the pressing force has been released. As a result, the input detection unit 502 outputs the analog detection signal S11 indicating the OFF state.
Is output to the pressure detection unit 501. The pressure detection unit 501 digitally processes an input signal indicating that the pressing force is released, and then outputs a digital detection signal to the controller unit 504. The controller unit 504 transmits the release of the input from the key top 101 to the host computer 105 in response to the detection signal from the pressure detection unit 501, and stops the output of the drive signal S13 to the drive unit 503. In response, the vibration of the driving unit 503 stops.

In such a configuration, the operator can input different signals by changing the pressing force on the same keytop. Further, by transmitting the vibration corresponding to the input signal to the worker, the worker can confirm what kind of signal is input.

(Fourth Embodiment) An input device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram showing a specific example of the detection signal S11 output from the input detection unit 502 and the drive signal S13 output from the controller unit 504 in response to the detection signal S11 in the input device of FIG. 6, the horizontal axis indicates the time axis.

Since the driving section 503 is made of a piezoelectric material or the like as described in the third embodiment, the driving signal S13 for driving the driving section 503 must be an AC signal. This is the same as the second embodiment.

Assume that two pressing operations P1 and P2 having different pressing forces are performed as shown in FIG. As described in the third embodiment, the input detection unit 502 changes the different voltages V1 and V depending on the magnitude of the input pressing force.
2 is output. The pressure detector 501 outputs a digital detection signal S12 corresponding to the analog detection signal S11 to the controller 504, and the controller 504 outputs a drive signal S13 corresponding to the input signal S12 to the driver 503.

FIG. 6A shows a different analog detection signal S.
Drive signal S13 having a different fundamental frequency corresponding to S11
3 shows the waveforms of FIG. For example, when the pressing force is high and the output value of the detection signal S11 is large, a detection signal having a high frequency is output. It is desirable to use a driving frequency of several tens Hz to several hundred Hz, which has high sensitivity to human senses. Thereby, the difference in frequency can be sensed, and the input pressing force can be confirmed. Further, when the fundamental frequency is set near the resonance frequency of the driving unit 503, the input impedance decreases at frequencies closer to the resonance frequency, the power of the drive signal increases, and the magnitude of vibration increases. Conversely, at frequencies farther than the vibration frequency, the input impedance increases, the power of the drive signal decreases, and the magnitude of the vibration also decreases. Therefore, the operator can confirm the input pressing force by the difference in the vibration.

In the figure, although shown by a rectangular wave,
The present invention is not limited to this, and may be a sine wave or a pseudo sine wave as in the second embodiment.

FIG. 6B shows a different analog detection signal S.
11 shows the waveform of the drive signal S13 having a different output waveform pattern corresponding to No. 11. Although the figure shows the case where the basic waveform constituting the output waveform is a rectangular wave, the same applies to the case of (a) even if the basic waveform is a sine wave or a pseudo sine wave. In this example, the drive signal S13 is formed by combining basic waveforms having the same frequency (cycle) and the same amplitude.
By changing the vibration pattern, for example, a continuous waveform ending in a short time for the first pressing operation, and an intermittent driving waveform for the second pressing operation, the operator can input. Pressing force can be confirmed.

FIG. 6C shows a different analog detection signal S.
11 shows the waveform of the drive signal S13 having different amplitudes corresponding to No. 11. When a drive signal having a large amplitude is applied to the drive unit 503, the drive unit vibrates with a larger amplitude depending on the amplitude of the drive signal, and thus an output vibration corresponding to the input pressing force is obtained. Although shown as a rectangular wave in the figure, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a sine wave or a pseudo sine wave as in the second embodiment.

As described above, the vibration can be distinguished by changing the frequency of the drive signal, the pattern of the drive waveform, and the voltage amplitude in accordance with the magnitude of the input pressing force. You can check. That is, it is possible to confirm a difference between input signals through a difference between vibrations.

(Fifth Embodiment) An input device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of an input device according to the fifth embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 704 denotes a controller unit, and 705 denotes a host computer. In the figure, components having substantially the same functions as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

The input device of the present embodiment is a key top 1
01, an input detection unit 102, and a drive unit 103. Key top 101, input detection unit 1
02 and the specific configuration and operation of the drive unit 103 are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment.

Each structural unit is directly connected to the controller unit 704. That is, the input detection unit 102 of each constituent unit
Is output to the controller unit 704. Further, the controller unit 704 controls the input detection unit 102.
From the host computer 70 in response to the detection signal S1 from the
5 is notified that there is an input from a specific keytop 101, and outputs a drive signal S2 to a drive unit 103 corresponding to the input detection unit 102 that has output the detection signal S1.

In the input device having such a configuration, an operator such as a computer manually inputs one of a plurality of key tops (hereinafter referred to as a "first key top"). When a pressing force is applied to each component of the structural unit corresponding to (i.e., the first component is distinguished from the components of the other structural units by applying the "first" modification), the first keytop is displaced downward by a small amount. Presses the corresponding first input detection unit, whereby the first input detection unit determines that the first keytop has been pressed, and outputs a first detection signal S1 to the controller unit 704.

The controller unit 704 transmits to the host computer 705 that there is an input from the first keytop in response to the first detection signal S1 from the first input detection unit, and performs the first drive. The first drive signal S2
Is output. The first drive unit generates vibration by the first drive signal S2 to vibrate the first input detection unit and the first keytop. Thus, it is possible to inform the worker that the key input operation by the first keytop has been reliably completed.

Next, when the operator removes the pressing force on the first key top, the first key top is raised to the original position by the restoring force of the first input detection unit itself, and the first key top is raised. The input detection unit detects that the pressing force has been released. This makes the first
Outputs the first detection signal S1 indicating the OFF state to the controller unit 704. Based on this, the controller unit 704 stops outputting the first drive signal S2, and the vibration of the first drive unit stops.

Next, the operator applies a pressing force with his / her finger to the first
(Hereinafter referred to as a “second key top”, and each component of the corresponding structural unit is given a “second” qualification and the configuration of other structural units is In addition to the first key top, the second input detection unit is displaced downward by a small amount and presses the corresponding second input detection unit. It is determined that the top has been pressed, and the second detection signal S1 is output to the controller unit 704.

The controller unit 704 transmits to the host computer 705 that there is an input from the second keytop in response to the second detection signal S1 from the second input detection unit, and performs the second drive. The second drive signal S2
Is output. The second drive unit generates vibration by the second drive signal S2 to vibrate the second input detection unit and the second keytop. Thus, it is possible to inform the worker that the key input operation by the second keytop has been reliably completed.

Finally, when the operator removes the pressing force on the second keytop, the restoring force of the second input detection unit itself causes
The second key top moves up to the original position, and the second input detection unit detects that the pressing force has been released. Thereby, the second input detection unit outputs the second detection signal S1 indicating the off state to the controller unit 704. Based on this, the controller unit 704 stops outputting the second drive signal S2,
The vibration of the second drive unit stops.

Here, the first drive signal output to the first drive unit and the second drive signal output to the second drive unit use signals having different waveforms. That is, different drive signals corresponding to the respective key tops are output, and each drive unit vibrates in a unique vibration mode corresponding to each drive signal. As a result, the operator can confirm which key top is pressed without using a display unit such as a display by recognizing the different vibration modes with his / her fingers.

As a method of discriminating the drive signals output to the respective drive units, the method of making the waveforms different as described in the fourth embodiment is suitable.

That is, a sine wave, a pseudo sine wave or a rectangular wave having a different frequency can be used for each keytop.

Also, corresponding to each key top,
A pulse-like discontinuous signal waveform having different waveform patterns can also be used.

Further, corresponding to each key top,
Signal waveforms having different amplitudes can also be used.

Alternatively, the drive signals may be distinguished by appropriately combining these drive signals.

According to this embodiment, by changing the vibration pattern of a plurality of key tops, it is possible to confirm which key top the operator has pressed without using display means such as a display.

In the above description, the configuration of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) having a plurality of structural units including the key top 101, the input detecting unit 102, and the driving unit 103 has been described. Key top 101 of the embodiment (FIG. 5),
A configuration having a plurality of constituent units including the input detection unit 502 and the drive unit 503 may be employed. In this case, one pressure detecting unit can be provided for each structural unit, or only one pressure detecting unit can be provided for a plurality of structural units. According to such a configuration, the operator can check with his / her finger without using display means such as a display, in addition to information on which key top is pressed, information on the input pressing force.

[0074]

As described above, according to the first configuration of the present invention, the pressing force on the key top by the operator's finger is converted into a detection signal by the input detection unit, and is converted into a drive signal by the controller unit. It is converted and the drive unit vibrates the keytop. As a result, the worker can confirm that the input operation by the keytop has been reliably completed by the vibration felt by the finger.

Further, according to the second configuration of the present invention, the pressing force on the key top by the operator's finger is converted into an analog detection signal by the input detection unit, and is converted into a digital signal by the pressure detection unit. Is converted into a drive signal by the controller, and the drive vibrates the keytop. As a result, the worker can confirm that the input operation by the keytop has been reliably completed by the vibration felt by the finger. Further, it is possible to easily adopt a configuration in which the drive signal is changed according to the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the keytop. Further, since a signal generated according to the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the keytop changes, different signals can be input by changing the pressing force applied to one keytop.

According to the third configuration of the present invention, the pressing force applied to the key top by the operator's finger is converted into a detection signal by the corresponding input detection unit, and is converted into a drive signal by the controller unit. The drive unit vibrates the pressed key top. As a result, the worker can confirm that the input operation by the keytop has been reliably completed by the vibration felt by the finger. At this time, by making the drive signal output by the controller unit different for each structural unit, the vibration felt by the operator's finger changes for each keytop. Which key top is pressed can be confirmed without using a display device such as a display device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing a driving method of a driving unit of an input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a waveform diagram of a drive signal output by a controller of an input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of an input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a waveform diagram of a drive signal output by a controller of an input device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of an input device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101: key top 102: input detection unit 103: drive unit 104: controller unit 105: host computer 201: piezoelectric body 202a, 202b: electrode 203: metal plate 204: drive unit housing 205: vibration transmission unit 501: pressure detection unit 502: Input detection unit 503: Drive unit 504: Controller unit 704: Controller unit group 705: Host computer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kawa ▲ Saki ▼ Osamu 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5G006 AA01 CB05 DB00 JA01 JB08 JC01 JD02 5G034 AC13 AC20

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A key top, an input detection unit that detects a pressing force of the key top and outputs a detection signal, a driving unit that vibrates the key top, and inputs a detection signal output by the input detection unit. An input device, comprising: a controller that outputs a drive signal for driving the drive unit as a signal. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said driving section is made of a piezoelectric element.
An input device according to claim 1. 3. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit vibrates the keytop at least during a time when a pressing force is applied to the keytop. 4. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the drive signal output by the controller is a sine wave or a pseudo sine wave. 5. The drive signal output from the controller section has a pulse-like discontinuous signal waveform.
An input device according to claim 1. 6. A key top, an input detecting unit for detecting a pressing force of the key top and outputting a signal corresponding to the pressing force, and converting an output signal of the input detecting unit into a predetermined signal. A pressure detection unit that outputs, a drive unit that vibrates the key top, and a controller unit that outputs a drive signal for driving the drive unit with a signal output by the pressure detection unit as an input signal. Characteristic input device. 7. The input device according to claim 8, wherein the drive signal varies depending on the magnitude of the pressing force. 8. The input device according to claim 7, wherein the drive signal has a different frequency depending on the magnitude of the pressing force. 9. The input device according to claim 7, wherein the drive signal has a different waveform pattern depending on the magnitude of the pressing force. 10. The input device according to claim 7, wherein the drive signal has a different amplitude depending on the magnitude of the pressing force. 11. The input detection device, comprising: a plurality of constituent units each including a keytop, an input detection unit that detects a pressing force of the keytop and outputs a detection signal, and a drive unit that vibrates the keytop. An input device, comprising: a controller that outputs a drive signal for driving the corresponding drive unit using a detection signal output by the unit as an input signal. 12. The input device according to claim 11, wherein the drive signal output by the controller unit differs for each of the constituent units. 13. The input device according to claim 12, wherein the drive signal is a sine wave, a pseudo sine wave, or a rectangular wave having a different frequency according to the configuration unit. 14. The drive signal according to claim 1, wherein the drive signal has a signal waveform with a different waveform pattern according to the structural unit.
3. The input device according to 2. 15. The input device according to claim 12, wherein the drive signal has a signal waveform having an amplitude different depending on the configuration unit.