JP2001126585A - Film switch and input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a film switch with improved durability and function. SOLUTION: A film-type piezoelectric element 3a is provided with a first electrode 3b grounded and a second electrode 3c for drawing a generated voltage.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to the technical field of a film switch and an input device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technical field of a film switch using a piezoelectric element that generates a voltage by being deformed and an input device using the film switch.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a thin switch, there is a so-called membrane switch in which films with electrodes are arranged on opposite sides of a film spacer.

In such a membrane switch, a switching function is exerted by pressing an upper film and bringing the film into contact with a lower film.
And, this membrane switch supplies an appropriate voltage between both electrodes in order to exert a switching function.

[0004]

However, the above membrane switch is thin because it is formed by laminating film-like materials. However, depending on the thickness and durability of the film, the upper and lower membrane switches are repeatedly used. In some cases, the film may be deformed, and the contact that always contacts the lower film may be turned on.

Therefore, in order not to impair the function as a switch, it is necessary to use a material that is not easily deformed as a film, and it is necessary to set an appropriate distance between the films, which is a limit to thinning. was there.

Further, as described above, it is necessary to supply an appropriate voltage between the two electrodes in order to exert the switching function. In particular, the wiring is provided on the outer surface side of the housing provided with the membrane switch. If provided, unnecessary radiation is likely to occur through the wiring.

[0007] Therefore, in order to suppress the influence of noise on other devices and the human body, it is necessary to perform special processing such as shielding the wiring or performing insulation processing.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned problems and to improve the functionality and durability of the film switch and the input device.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a film switch according to the present invention comprises a film-shaped piezoelectric element which is operated and deformed to generate a voltage, and is connected to a ground-side piezoelectric element. And a second electrode for extracting the generated voltage.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the input device of the present invention comprises a housing and a film-shaped piezoelectric element which generates a voltage by being deformed by being operated. And a film switch provided on the surface of the housing and provided with a second electrode for extracting the generated voltage, a light emitting element which emits light by being supplied with the voltage generated by the film switch, and A light-receiving element for receiving light emitted from the element and performing photoelectric conversion is disposed in a package, and an integrated optical unit disposed inside the housing and a signal charge generated by the light-receiving element. Detection means and detection means disposed inside the housing.

Therefore, in the film switch and the input device of the present invention, the piezoelectric element itself functions as a switch.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the film switch and the input device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment.

The input device 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a film switch 3 provided on the outer surface of a housing 2 and a microcomputer 4 as a detecting means disposed inside the housing 2. .

The housing 2 is formed of an insulating material, for example, plastic, and has a shallow recess 2a formed on the outer surface (see FIG. 3).

The film switch 3 comprises a piezoelectric element 3a having a rectangular film shape, a first electrode 3b and a second electrode 3b.
c is provided, and the piezoelectric element 3a is deformed, for example,
It is stretched in the longitudinal direction to generate a voltage between the electrodes. As the piezoelectric element 3a, for example, polyfukka vinylidene (hereinafter, referred to as "PVDF") is used.

The film switch 3 has a first electrode 3b connected to the ground side at one end in the longitudinal direction.
Is provided, and a second electrode 3c for extracting a voltage generated at the other end in the longitudinal direction is provided.
The film switch 3 is fixed to the outer surface of the housing 2 by, for example, an adhesive 5 (shown by oblique lines in FIG. 2) or an adhesive so as to cover the recess 2a (see FIG. 2).

Wirings 6 and 7 are provided on the outer surface of the housing 2 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The wirings 6 and 7 are formed by printing with, for example, conductive ink. One end of each of the wirings 6 and 7 has the first end of the film switch 3.
, And the other end is connected to a microcomputer 4 provided in the housing 2.

A limiter 8 is interposed between the second electrode 3c and the input port 4a of the microcomputer 4 (see FIG. 4). This limiter 8 plays a role of controlling the voltage supplied to the input port 4a via the second electrode 3c. Therefore, the input port 4a
No excessive voltage is supplied to the input port 4a, and the proper function of the input port 4a can always be maintained.

When the film switch 3 is pressed (see FIG. 3), the film switch 3 is extended in the longitudinal direction, and a distortion voltage is generated between the first electrode 3b and the second electrode 3c. At the time of this pressing operation, since the concave portion 2a is formed in the housing 2, the film switch 3 is easily deformed, the voltage is reliably generated, and the deformation is easily recognized by the tactile sensation. Improvement is achieved.

The magnitude of the voltage generated in the film switch 3 depends not only on the amount of deformation of the film switch 3 but also on the impact force on the film switch 3 and the like.
The voltage can be generated not only by the pressing operation but also by, for example, a tap operation of lightly tapping the film switch 3 with a finger or a nail. Therefore, the film switch 3 can be used as a tap switch that generates a voltage by tapping. As described above, when used as a tap switch, it is possible to perform a switching function when it is recognized that tapping has been performed a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time.

When a voltage is generated in the film switch 3, the voltage is supplied to the input port 4a of the microcomputer 4 via the second electrode 3c. Then, the microcomputer 4 detects the input port 4a to which each signal line is connected at regular intervals, and monitors the input voltage. Then, for example, the switching function is performed based on the state and the number of times of the voltage input within a certain time.

As described above, in the input device 1, the film switch 3 is deformed to generate power by itself, and the microcomputer 4 monitors the voltage input to the input port 4a. There is no need to supply voltage to 3.

Therefore, the film switch 3 and the wiring 6,
Even if the 7 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 2, unnecessary radiation can be prevented from occurring, and danger when the wires 6 and 7 are touched can be prevented.

Further, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the film switch 3 and, as in the case of the conventional membrane switch,
The inconvenience that the contact is always turned on by repeated use does not occur, and the durability can be remarkably improved.

FIGS. 5 to 9 show a second embodiment.

The input device 11 according to the second embodiment comprises:
It comprises a film switch 13 provided on the outer surface of the housing 12, a microcomputer 14 serving as detecting means arranged inside the housing 12, and a photocoupler 19 serving as an integrated optical unit.

The housing 12 is formed of an insulating material, for example, plastic.

The film switch 13 comprises a rectangular piezoelectric element 13a having a first electrode 13b and second electrodes 13c, 13c,..., And the piezoelectric element 13a is deformed. It is stretched in the longitudinal direction to generate a voltage between the electrodes. As the piezoelectric element 13a, for example, PVDF is used.

The film switch 13 is provided with a first electrode 13b which is connected to the ground side so as to extend from one surface to the opposite surface, and a voltage generated on the surface opposite to the one surface. Second electrode 13 for extracting
are provided apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (see FIGS. 5 to 7). And film switch 1
3 is fixed to the outer surface of the housing 12 by, for example, an adhesive 15 (shown by oblique lines in FIG. 8) or an adhesive (see FIG. 8). The second electrodes 13c, 13c,... Are spaced apart from each other because the adjacent second electrodes 13c, 13c
This is to avoid a short circuit between them.

The film switch 13 includes a second electrode 13
are continuously operated so that c, 13c,... are sequentially traced within a predetermined time, thereby generating a voltage between the electrodes. In the film switch 13, by changing the order and the number of the operated second electrodes 13c, 13c,..., It is possible to perform different processing according to the operation. is there.

On the outer surface of the housing 12, wires 16, 17, 1
.. Are provided (see FIG. 8).
7, 17,... Are formed by printing with conductive ink, for example. Wiring 16, 17, 17, ...
Are provided vertically apart from each other, and one end of each of the first electrode 13b and the second electrode 1
3c, 13c,..., And the other end is the housing 12
Connected to a photocoupler 19 provided therein (see FIG. 9).

The photocoupler 19 includes various elements such as a light emitting element 19a and a light receiving element 19b arranged in a package (see FIG. 9). The light emitting element 19a is, for example, a neon tube, and the light receiving element 19b is, for example. , Photodiodes and CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) are used. The light receiving element 19b is connected to a microcomputer 14 provided in the housing 12 (see FIG. 9).

In the input device 11, the input device 1
Is provided between the film switch 13 and the photocoupler 19 or between the photocoupler 19 and the microcomputer 14, so that an excessive amount of light to the photocoupler 19 or the Voltage supply can be prevented.

When the film switch 13 is operated, the film switch 13 is deformed, and a distortion voltage is generated. When the film switch 13 generates power, the photocoupler 19 passes through the second electrodes 13c, 13c,.
Is supplied with a voltage, and the light emitting element 19a
Then, light corresponding to the voltage supplied to the light receiving element 19b is emitted. The emitted light is subjected to photoelectric conversion in the light receiving element 19b, the signal charge generated in the light receiving element 19b is detected by the microcomputer 14, and a switching function is performed to perform predetermined processing corresponding to the operation on the film switch 13. You.

As described above, in the input device 11, similarly to the input device 1, since the film switch 13 is deformed to generate power by itself, the wires 16, 17, 17,. Even if it is provided, unnecessary radiation can be prevented from being generated, and the wires 16, 17, 17,.
・ ・ It is possible to prevent the danger of touching

Further, the thickness of the film switch 13 can be reduced, and unlike the conventional membrane switch, the inconvenience that the contact is always turned on by repeated use does not occur. Improvement can be achieved.

Further, in the input device 11, the housing 1
The detection signal from the microcomputer 14 leaks out of the housing 12 because the photocoupler 19 and the microcomputer 14 are provided inside the device 2 and the voltage generated by the film switch 13 is converted into light to perform the switching function. Can be prevented, and the influence of noise on other devices and the human body can be effectively suppressed.

It should be noted that the specific shapes and structures of the respective parts shown in each of the above-described embodiments are merely examples of the actualization in carrying out the present invention. The technical scope of the invention should not be construed as being limited.

[0040]

As is apparent from the above description, the film switch of the present invention has a first electrode connected to the ground side, which is connected to a film-shaped piezoelectric element which generates a voltage by being operated and deformed. And a second electrode for extracting the generated voltage.

Therefore, unnecessary radiation from the film switch and its wiring can be prevented, and the danger of touching the wiring can be prevented.

In addition, the thickness of the film switch can be reduced, and there is no inconvenience that the contact is always turned on by repeated use unlike the conventional membrane switch, and the durability is remarkably improved. Can be achieved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the second electrodes are arranged at a distance from each other, and a switching function is exerted by a continuous operation on the plurality of second electrodes. By changing the order and the number of the operated second electrodes, it is possible to perform different processing according to the operation, and it is possible to improve the usability of the film switch.

Further, the input device of the present invention is provided for extracting a first electrode connected to the ground side and a generated voltage to a housing and a film-shaped piezoelectric element which generates a voltage when operated and deformed. A film switch provided on the surface of the housing, the light emitting element being supplied with a voltage generated by the film switch, emitting light, and receiving the light emitted from the light emitting element. A light receiving element for performing photoelectric conversion is disposed in a package, and an integrated optical unit disposed inside the housing, and a signal charge generated by the light receiving element is detected and the light receiving element is disposed inside the housing. And a detection means arranged.

Accordingly, unnecessary radiation from the film switch and its wiring can be prevented from occurring, and the danger of touching the wiring can be prevented.

Further, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the film switch, and there is a problem that the film switch is always in a contact-on state by repeated use as in an input device provided with a conventional membrane switch. Therefore, the durability can be significantly improved.

Further, since an integrated optical unit and a detecting means are provided inside the housing to convert a voltage generated by the film switch into light and to exert a switching function, a detection signal from the detecting means is transmitted to the outside of the housing. Can be prevented from leaking to the other device, and the influence on the other devices or the human body due to the noise can be effectively suppressed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention together with FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, and FIG. 1 is a schematic enlarged side view of a film switch.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the input device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of an input device.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a function of a limiter.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention together with FIGS. 6 to 9, and is a schematic enlarged front view of a film switch.

FIG. 6 is a schematic enlarged rear view of the film switch.

FIG. 7 is a schematic enlarged side view of a film switch.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the input device.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining functions of the input device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Input device, 2 ... Housing, 3 ... Film switch, 3a
... piezoelectric element, 3b ... first electrode, 3c ... second electrode, 4
... Microcomputer (detection means), 11 input device, 12 housing, 13 film switch, 13a piezoelectric element, 13b first electrode, 13c second electrode, 1
4 microcomputer (detection means), 19 photocoupler (integrated optical unit), 19a light emitting element, 19b light receiving element

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A film-shaped piezoelectric element which generates a voltage by being deformed by being operated is provided with a first electrode connected to the ground side and a second electrode for extracting the generated voltage. A film switch characterized by that: 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second electrodes are arranged at a plurality of intervals.
The film switch according to claim 1, wherein a switching function is exerted by continuous operation on the plurality of second electrodes. 3. A housing, a first electrode connected to the ground side, and a second electrode for extracting the generated voltage, to a film-shaped piezoelectric element that generates a voltage when operated and deformed. And a film switch provided on the surface of the housing, a light emitting element that emits light by being supplied with a voltage generated by the film switch, and a light receiving element that receives light emitted from the light emitting element and performs photoelectric conversion. And an integrated optical unit arranged inside the package and arranged inside the package, and detection means for detecting signal charges generated by the light receiving element and arranged inside the case. An input device comprising: