JP2005284482A - Touch type input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a touch type input device by which the feeling of satisfactory input operation can be obtained. <P>SOLUTION: A drive 5 is constituted of a cylindrical first driving part 3 composed of a conductive polymer and a ring-like second driving part 4 surrounding the first driving part 3 and composed of a conductive polymer. A plurality of drives 5 are arranged on a base board 12 and a membrane switch 6 having a plurality of switch parts 61 corresponding to the plurality of drives 5 are stacked on these drives 5. The first driving part 3 and the 2nd driving part are individually controlled in accordance with the depressing operation of the switch part 61. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a panel-type touch input device.

  A conventional touch input device includes a display device, a panel-type key unit disposed above the display device via a gap, and a case for housing the display device and the key unit ( See Patent Document 1 below).

  The key unit and the display device are opposed to each other. The key unit is supported by an elastic support member so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

  Press the key unit with your fingertip to lower the key unit. At this time, the restoring force of the elastic support member acts on the fingertip via the key unit. When you release your fingertip from the key unit, the key unit returns to its original position.

Therefore, it can be said that the operator can easily recognize that an input operation has been performed, compared to an input device in which the key unit does not move.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-146706 (see paragraph number 0009, FIG. 1)

  However, in the above-described input device, when the switch portion of the specific coordinate of the key unit is pushed with the fingertip, the entire key unit only descends substantially parallel to the display device. Further, the restoring force of the elastic support member only acts on the fingertip through a flat key unit.

  This can only give a very dull stimulus to the fingertip.

  Therefore, it is difficult for the operator to clearly recognize the input operation through the fingertip. That is, the conventional input device cannot obtain a good input operation feeling.

  This invention is made in view of such a situation, The subject is providing the touch-type input device which can acquire a favorable input operation feeling.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a touch input device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a driving layer having a plurality of arranged driving units, and is stacked on the driving layer, and corresponds to each of the plurality of driving units. A thin film switch having a plurality of switch parts, and a control means for controlling the plurality of drive means in response to a pressing operation to the plurality of switch parts, the drive means can be expanded and contracted in the thickness direction of the drive layer A first driving unit, and a second driving unit that is disposed adjacent to the first driving unit and can be expanded and contracted in the thickness direction of the driving layer. In this case, the thickness of the first and second driving portions of the driving means corresponding thereto is individually adjusted.

  As described above, when any one of the switch portions is pressed, the thicknesses of the first and second drive portions of the corresponding drive means are individually adjusted, so that a clear stimulus can be given to the fingertip or the like. it can.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the touch input device according to the first aspect of the invention, the first drive unit is columnar and is surrounded by the second drive unit, and the control means includes the switch unit. When the switch is pressed, the thickness of the first drive unit is first increased, then when the switch unit is further pressed, the thickness of the second drive unit is increased, and then the thickness of the first drive unit is decreased. Then, the thickness of the second driving unit is reduced.

  By controlling the first and second drive units as described above, the operator can obtain the same operational feeling as when an input operation is performed on a mechanical push button switch.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the touch input device according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the first and second driving units are conductive polymer thin films that expand and contract when a voltage is applied. To do.

  The conductive polymer thin films of the first and second drive units expand and contract by applying a voltage.

  As described above, according to the touch input device of the first aspect of the present invention, when any one of the switch portions is pressed, the thicknesses of the first and second drive portions of the corresponding drive means are individually determined. Since the adjustment is performed and a clear stimulus is applied to the fingertip, the operator can clearly recognize through the fingertip that the input operation of the specific switch unit has been performed, and can obtain a good input operation feeling.

  According to the touch input device of the second aspect of the present invention, the operator can obtain the same operational feeling as when the mechanical push button switch is input.

  According to the touch input device of the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to obtain a good input operation feeling by expanding and contracting the conductive polymer thin films of the first and second drive units by applying a voltage.

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

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a drive layer of a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which a second gap material or the like is not drawn. 2 is a perspective view of the second gap member not shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the touch input device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the touch input device shown in FIG.

  This touch-type input device includes a drive layer 2, a membrane switch (thin film switch) 6, and a control device (control means) 7.

  The drive layer 2 includes a plurality of drive devices (drive means) 5 and first and second gap members 11 and 18 that are two-dimensionally arranged. The drive device 5 includes a first drive unit 3 and a second drive unit 4.

  The first drive unit 3 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is formed of a transparent conductive polymer impregnated with an electrolyte. When a voltage is applied to the conductive polymer impregnated with the electrolyte, an electrolytic expansion / contraction effect is generated, and the conductive polymer expands or contracts depending on the direction in which the voltage is applied. An example of the electrolyte is lithium perchlorate. An example of the conductive polymer is polypyrrole. A first electrode 31 and a second electrode 32 are attached to the lower surface of the first drive unit 3.

  The second drive unit 4 has a substantially ring shape and is formed of a transparent conductive polymer impregnated with an electrolyte. The inner diameter of the hole 40 of the second drive unit 4 is larger than the outer diameter of the first drive unit 3. The height of the second drive unit 4 when no voltage is applied is substantially the same as the height of the first drive unit 3 when no voltage is applied. The hole 40 accommodates the first drive unit 3 with a cylindrical transparent first gap material 11 interposed therebetween. A first electrode 41 and a second electrode 42 are attached to the lower surface of the second drive unit 4. The size of the hole 40 is such a size that a fingertip can enter a little.

  The first gap member 11 insulates the first drive unit 3 and the second drive unit 4 and also allows the first drive unit 3 to expand and contract along the thickness direction of the drive layer 2. Regulate the direction of expansion and contraction. An example of the material of the first gap material 11 is silicon rubber.

  The substrate 12 is a transparent film and has an insulating property. As shown in FIG. 1, first vertical wirings 13-1 to 13-3, second vertical wirings 14-1 to 14-3 and horizontal wirings 15-1 to 15-2 are formed on the upper surface of the substrate 12. A plurality of each is formed.

  Each of the plurality of first vertical wirings 13 has a strip shape and extends along the vertical direction of the substrate 12 in parallel with each other. The plurality of first vertical wirings 13 are arranged at a predetermined pitch. The first vertical wiring 13 is transparent and has conductivity.

  Each of the plurality of second vertical wirings 14 has a strip shape and extends along the vertical direction of the substrate 12 in parallel with each other. The plurality of second vertical wirings 14 are arranged at a pitch equal to the arrangement pitch of the first vertical wirings 13. The second vertical wiring 14 is transparent and has conductivity.

  Each of the plurality of horizontal wirings 15 has a strip shape and extends along the horizontal direction of the substrate 12 in parallel with each other. The plurality of horizontal wirings 15 are arranged at a pitch equal to the pitch of the first vertical wirings 13 and three-dimensionally intersect with the first and second vertical wirings 13 and 14, respectively (see FIG. 3). An insulating material (not shown) is interposed between the horizontal wiring 15 and the first and second vertical wirings 13 and 14. The horizontal wiring 15 is transparent and has a strip shape, and has conductivity.

  An example of the material of the first vertical wiring 13, the second vertical wiring 14, and the horizontal wiring 15 is ITO (indium tin oxide).

  The first electrode 31 of the first drive unit 3 is connected to the first vertical wiring 13 by the conductive adhesive 16 (see FIG. 3). The second electrode 32 of the first driving unit 3 is connected to the lateral wiring 15 by the conductive adhesive 16.

  The first electrode 41 of the second drive unit 4 is electrically connected to the second vertical wiring 14 by the conductive adhesive 16. The second electrode 42 of the second drive unit 4 is connected to the lateral wiring 15 by the conductive adhesive 16.

  A transparent second gap member 18 is disposed on the substrate 12. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of receiving holes 181 are formed in the second gap member 18 so as to correspond to the plurality of driving devices 5 arranged on the substrate 12. The drive device 5 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 181. The housing hole 181 regulates the expansion / contraction direction of the second drive unit 4 so that the second drive unit 4 expands / contracts along the thickness direction of the substrate 12. An example of the material of the second gap member 18 is silicon rubber.

  The membrane switch 6 is transparent, and is laminated on the upper surface of the drive layer 2 as shown in FIG. The membrane switch 6 has a plurality of switch parts 61 (FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram, and only one switch part 61 is drawn). The switch unit 61 has a fixed contact 61a and a movable contact 61b. The upper surface of the membrane switch 6 is covered with a transparent protective sheet 19.

  The control device 7 includes a CPU, a memory, a changeover switch and the like (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the membrane switch 6, the first and second electrodes 31 and 32, and the first and second electrodes 41 and 42 are connected to the control device 7. The CPU has a plurality of timers. The memory stores a program for controlling the thicknesses of the first and second drive units 3 and 4 of the drive device. The changeover switch includes a switch for changing the voltage application destination, a switch for changing the polarity of the electrode, and the like.

  5A to 5E are cross-sectional views for explaining the operation of the touch-type input device shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the switch part of the membrane switch is pressed, and FIG. FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the second drive unit is inflated, FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first drive unit is contracted, and FIG. 5E is a view in which the second drive unit is contracted. It is sectional drawing which shows a state. 6A to 6E are perspective views for explaining the operation of the first and second drive units shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 6A shows the state of the first and second drive units when no voltage is applied. 6B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the first driving unit is expanded, FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the second driving unit is expanded, FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating a state in which the first driving unit is contracted, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which the 2nd drive part contracted.

  Next, the operation of the touch input device of this embodiment will be described.

  First, when the finger F is not touching the membrane switch 6, no voltage is applied to the first and second drive units 3 and 4, and the first and second drive units 3 and 4 are as shown in FIG. It is shrinking.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the membrane switch 6 is pressed by the finger F, the switch unit 61 at that point is closed, and the control device 7 inputs a signal from the pressed switch unit 61, and which switch unit 61 Senses whether it has been pressed. The CPU outputs a control signal to the changeover switch based on the detection signal. A changeover switch is switched based on a control signal from the CPU, and a first vertical wiring 13-3 that is electrically connected to the first electrode 31 of the first drive unit 3 under the pressed switch unit 61 is a power source (not shown). ), And the lateral wiring 15-1 that is electrically connected to the second electrode 32 of the first drive unit 3 is connected to the negative pole. As a result, a voltage is applied to the first drive unit 3, and the first drive unit 3 expands and rises as shown in FIGS. 5B and 6B.

  After a predetermined time has elapsed since the first vertical wiring 13-3 and the horizontal wiring 15-1 are connected to the power supply, the changeover switch is switched based on a control signal from the CPU, and the first vertical wiring 13-3 and the horizontal wiring 15-3 are connected. The direction wiring 15-1 is disconnected from the power source. Even in this state, the first drive unit 3 maintains the raised state.

  Thereafter, the CPU detects whether or not the switch unit 61 is in the closed state. If the switch unit 61 is in the closed state, the CPU conducts to the first electrode 41 of the second drive unit 4 below the switch unit 61 that is continuously pressed. Two vertical wirings 14-3 are connected to the positive pole of the power source, and a horizontal wiring 15-1 that is electrically connected to the second electrode 42 of the second drive unit 4 is connected to the negative pole. As a result, a voltage is applied to the second driving unit 4, and the second driving unit 4 expands and rises as shown in FIGS. 5C and 6C.

  After a predetermined time has elapsed after the second vertical wiring 14-3 and the horizontal wiring 15-1 are connected to the power source, the changeover switch is switched based on a control signal from the CPU, and the second vertical wiring 14-3 and the horizontal wiring 15-3 are connected. The direction wiring 15-1 is disconnected from the power source. Even in this state, the second drive unit 4 maintains the raised state.

  Thereafter, the CPU detects whether or not the switch unit 61 is in the closed state. If the switch unit 61 is in the closed state, the CPU conducts to the first electrode 41 of the first drive unit 3 under the switch unit 61 that is continuously pressed. One vertical wiring 13-3 is connected to the negative pole of the power supply, and the horizontal wiring 15-1 that is electrically connected to the second electrode 32 of the first drive unit 3 is connected to the positive pole. As a result, a voltage is applied to the first driving unit 4 in the direction opposite to the initial direction, and the first driving unit 4 contracts and retracts as shown in FIGS. 5D and 6D.

  After a predetermined time has elapsed since the first vertical wiring 13-3 and the horizontal wiring 15-1 are connected to the power supply, the changeover switch is switched based on a control signal from the CPU, and the first vertical wiring 13-3 and the horizontal wiring 15-3 are connected. The direction wiring 15-1 is disconnected from the power source.

  Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the changeover switch is switched based on the control signal from the CPU, and the second vertical wiring 14-3 that is electrically connected to the first electrode 41 of the second drive unit 4 is connected to the negative pole of the power source. The lateral wiring 15-1 that is electrically connected to the second electrode 42 of the second drive unit 4 is connected to the positive electrode. As a result, a voltage is applied to the second driving unit 4 in a direction opposite to the initial direction, and the second driving unit 4 contracts and retracts as shown in FIGS. 5E and 6E.

  Further, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the changeover switch is switched based on a control signal from the CPU, and the second vertical wiring 14-3 and the horizontal wiring 15-1 are disconnected from the power source. As a result, the input standby state shown in FIG. 3 is restored.

  As described above, according to the touch-type input device of this embodiment, the operator can obtain the same operational feeling as when an input operation is performed on a mechanical push button switch.

  The components of the touch input device of the above-described embodiment are almost transparent, and this device can be used as a touch panel input auxiliary device by being mounted on the screen of a display means such as an LCD. It can also be used as a device, in which case the touch input device need not necessarily be transparent.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first drive unit 3 is surrounded by the second drive unit 4. However, the drive device 5 is not necessarily configured as described above, and the first drive unit, the second drive unit, Need only be arranged adjacent to each other. For example, the semi-cylindrical first driving unit and the second driving unit may be arranged adjacent to each other so as to form one cylindrical body.

  Various control methods of the driving device 5 are conceivable and are not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  Further, the first and second driving units 3 and 4 of the driving means are not limited to the conductive polymer thin film, and may be capable of expanding and contracting in the thickness direction of the driving layer. For example, an electromagnetic actuator may be used.

  Note that the thin film switch is not limited to the membrane switch 6 and may be any device that can detect the input position (two-dimensional coordinate position) in the same manner as the membrane switch 6.

In addition, one drive unit 5 has two drive units (first and second drive units 3 and 4), but one drive unit is configured by using three or more drive units (not shown). It may be.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a driving layer of a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which a second gap material is not drawn. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the second gap member omitted in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the touch input device shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the touch-type input device shown in FIG. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the switch portion of the membrane switch is pushed. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the first driving unit is expanded. FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the second driving unit is expanded. FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the first driving unit is contracted. FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the second driving unit is contracted. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a state of the first and second driving units when no voltage is applied. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the first driving unit is expanded. FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating a state where the second driving unit is expanded. FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating a state in which the first driving unit is contracted. FIG. 6E is a diagram illustrating a state in which the second driving unit is contracted.

Explanation of symbols

2 driving layer 3 first driving unit 4 second driving unit 5 driving device (driving means)
6 Membrane switch (thin film switch)
7 Control device (control means)
11 First gap material 18 Second gap material

Claims (3)

A drive layer having a plurality of drive means arranged, a thin film switch having a plurality of switch portions respectively stacked on the drive layer and corresponding to the plurality of drive means, and a pressing operation to the plurality of switch portions And a control means for controlling the plurality of drive means in response,
The drive means includes a first drive unit that can be expanded and contracted in the thickness direction of the drive layer, and a second drive unit that is disposed adjacent to the first drive unit and can be expanded and contracted in the thickness direction of the drive layer,
The control means individually adjusts the thicknesses of the first and second drive portions of the drive means corresponding to any one of the switch portions being pressed. The touch-type input device. The first driving unit is columnar and is surrounded by the second driving unit,
The control means increases the thickness of the first drive unit when the switch unit is pressed, and then increases the thickness of the second drive unit when the switch unit is further pressed, and then The touch-type input device according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first driving unit is reduced, and then the thickness of the second driving unit is reduced.   The touch input device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second driving units are conductive polymer thin films that expand and contract by application of a voltage.

Images