JP2007115440A - Switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switch device prevented from being brought into an on-state by an operation other than that of a human, having an operational feeling and capable of preventing wrong operation. <P>SOLUTION: The switch device includes: a push button 10; a capacitance sensor part 11 which is turned on/off by capacitance formed between an object pressing the push button 10 and a detection electrode, and of which the output is brought into an on-state when the object pressing the push button 10 is a human; and a mechanical switch part 12 having a switch contact brought into an on-state by the pressing operation of the push button 10. The switch device outputs an on-signal to the outside only when both the capacitance sensor part 11 and the mechanical switch part 12 are brought into the on-state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch device that outputs an ON signal to the outside when a push button is pressed.

A conventional switch device of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This switch device is applied as a product selection switch button of a vending machine, and includes a voice information memory for storing the contents of each product sample, and each product selection button deployed corresponding to each product sample, Each product selection button has an outer case attached to the operation surface of the machine, a movable body that is movably fitted to the outer case, and the contents of the corresponding product sample by touching the front of the movable body. It comprises a capacitance sensor as a first operation unit for informing, and a mechanical tact switch as a second operation unit for selecting a corresponding product sample by pushing the movable body into the outer case. When the consumer touches the product selection button, the product selection button currently touched is a purchase desired product by voice notification of the content of the product sample corresponding to the button. Whether the 聴別 to obtain, there is provided a product selection switch button of the vending machine can be completely eliminated the possibility of purchase of inadvertent erroneous operation of the select button.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-117445

  In the above conventional switch device, since the capacitance sensor and the mechanical switch independently output an on signal to the outside, the mechanical switch is turned on only after a predetermined stroke is pressed. While there is an advantage that you can feel the feeling of operation, when it is placed on the door handle of a vehicle, for example, when it is placed on the door handle of the vehicle, it may be turned on due to water pressure at the time of car washing or pressing force of the washing brush, and touch type If you use a capacitive sensor that does not respond to non-human touches, there will be no malfunction due to the water pressure at the time of car washing or the pressing force of the cleaning brush, but there is no operational feeling because it is a touch-only operation. There is a risk of not being aware.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a switch device that is not turned on by an operation other than a human being and that has an operational feeling and can prevent an erroneous operation.

  The invention according to claim 1, which achieves the above object, is turned on and off by a capacitance formed between a push button, a target for which the push button is depressed, and a detection electrode, and the push button is depressed. A capacitance sensor unit whose output is turned on when the object being operated is a human, and a mechanical switch unit whose switch contact is turned on when the push button is pressed; An ON signal is output to the outside only when both the mechanical switch units are turned on.

  A second aspect of the present invention is the switch device according to the first aspect, further comprising an electrostatic sensor circuit, wherein the electrostatic sensor circuit includes the mechanical switch section when the capacitance sensor section is turned on. And an ON signal is output to the outside.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the switch device according to the first aspect, wherein the switch includes an electrostatic sensor circuit that is activated upon receipt of power supply when the mechanical switch unit is turned on, and the electrostatic sensor in the activated state. The circuit is configured to output an ON signal to the outside when the capacitance sensor unit is turned on.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the switch device according to the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising an electrostatic sensor circuit that is activated from a standby state when the mechanical switch unit is turned on, and the electrostatic switch in the activated state. The sensor circuit is configured to output an ON signal to the outside when the capacitance sensor is turned on.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an object that is turned on / off by a capacitance formed between a push button, an object for pressing the push button, and a detection electrode, and the object for pressing the push button. It is characterized by including a capacitance sensor unit whose output is turned on only when the person is a human.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the push button is pressed by an operation force other than a human being, the mechanical switch portion is turned on, but the capacitance sensor portion is not turned on. Not output. When a human pushes the push button, both the mechanical switch unit and the capacitance sensor unit are turned on, and an on signal is output to the outside. As described above, an operation other than a human being does not turn on, and there is a feeling of operation, and an erroneous operation can be prevented.

  According to the invention of claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, the electrostatic sensor circuit can have a simple configuration.

  According to the invention of claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, power saving of the electrostatic sensor circuit can be achieved.

  According to the invention of claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, power saving of the electrostatic sensor circuit can be achieved.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the push button is pressed by an operation force other than a human being, the electrostatic capacity sensor unit is not turned on, and therefore no on signal is output to the outside. Further, when a human pushes the push button, the capacitance sensor unit is turned on and an on signal is output to the outside. As described above, an operation other than a human being does not turn on, and there is a feeling of operation, and an erroneous operation can be prevented.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the switch device of the present invention is applied to a switch device for a vehicle door handle will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle door, FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a switch device for a vehicle door handle, and FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of the switch device. is there.

  First, the door lock mechanism locking / unlocking system applied to the present embodiment will be briefly described. The ID signal matches between the portable device owned by the user and the vehicle body via communication means, and the ID When the signals match, the user can release the door lock mechanism or lock the door lock mechanism by operating the switch device 3A of the door handle 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle door 1 is supported rotatably with respect to a vehicle body (not shown). A grip-type door handle 2 is provided on the outer surface side of the vehicle door 1, and a switch device 3 </ b> A is provided on the door handle 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the switch device 3 </ b> A includes a push button 10, a capacitance sensor that is turned on / off by a capacitance formed between a target that is pressing the push button 10 and a detection electrode. Unit 11, mechanical switch unit 12 in which the switch contact is turned on by pressing the push button 10, and electrostatic that outputs an on signal to the outside depending on the on / off state of the capacitance sensor unit 11 and the mechanical switch unit 12. And a sensor circuit 13A.

  The push button 10 is arrange | positioned in the state exposed from the outer surface of the door handle 2 (refer FIG. 1). The push button 10 is made of metal and constitutes a part of the detection electrode of the capacitance sensor unit. The switch contact of the mechanical switch unit 12 is set to be turned on only when the push button 10 is depressed by a predetermined stroke.

  The electrostatic capacitance sensor unit 11 is configured to be turned on when a push button 10 is pressed by a person, and not turned on when a push button 10 is pressed by a person other than the person. The output of the capacitance sensor unit 11 is led to the electrostatic input terminal T1 of the electrostatic sensor circuit 13A.

  The mechanical switch unit 12 includes a single movable contact 12a integrated with the push button 10 and two fixed contacts 12b and 12c electrically connected by the movable contact 12a. One fixed contact 12b is connected to the signal output terminal T2 of the electrostatic sensor circuit 13A. The signal output line L1 of the switch device 3A is connected to the other fixed contact 12c.

  The electrostatic sensor circuit 13A has a power supply unit 14 connected to its power supply terminal T3.

  Next, the operation of the switch device 3A when the portable device and the vehicle body side ID signal match will be described with reference to FIG. The electrostatic sensor circuit 13A is activated by being supplied with power from the power supply unit 14 (step S1). In this state, when the push button 10 is pressed by operating force other than a human being, for example, water pressure at the time of car washing or pressing of the cleaning brush, the mechanical switch unit 12 is turned on, but the capacitance sensor unit 11 is turned on. Does not turn on. Therefore, the ON signal from the capacitance sensor unit 11 is not input to the electrostatic sensor circuit 13A (step S2), and the electrostatic sensor circuit 13A does not output the ON signal.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when a human pushes down the push button 10, both the mechanical switch unit 12 and the capacitance sensor unit 11 are turned on. Then, the ON signal from the capacitance sensor unit 11 is input to the electrostatic sensor circuit 13A (step S2). When the on signal is input, the electrostatic sensor circuit 13A outputs the on signal (step S3). This ON signal is output to the outside via the mechanical switch unit 12 (step S5) because the mechanical switch unit 12 is in the ON state (step S4). As described above, an operation other than a human being does not turn on, and there is a feeling of operation, and an erroneous operation can be prevented.

  In the first embodiment, the electrostatic sensor circuit 13A only needs to output an ON signal to the outside when the output of the capacitance sensor unit 11 is turned on, so that the electrostatic sensor circuit 13A can be configured simply.

  4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a switch device for a vehicle door handle, and FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of the switch device.

  In the second embodiment, the locking / unlocking system of the door lock mechanism and the installation position of the switch device are the same as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the switch device 3 </ b> B includes a push button 10, and a capacitance sensor unit that is turned on / off by a capacitance formed between a target pressing the push button 10 and a detection electrode. 11, a mechanical switch unit 12 in which the switch contact is turned on by pressing the push button 10, and an electrostatic sensor that outputs an on signal to the outside depending on the on / off state of the capacitance sensor unit 11 and the mechanical switch unit 12. Circuit 13B.

  The push button 10 is arrange | positioned in the state exposed from the outer surface of the door handle similarly to 1st Embodiment. The push button 10 is made of metal and constitutes a part of the detection electrode of the capacitance sensor unit 11. The switch contact of the mechanical switch unit 12 is set to be turned on only when the push button 10 is depressed by a predetermined stroke.

  The electrostatic capacitance sensor unit 11 is configured to be turned on when a push button 10 is pressed by a person, and not turned on when a push button 10 is pressed by a person other than the person. The output of the capacitance sensor unit 11 is led to the electrostatic input terminal T1 of the electrostatic sensor circuit 13B.

  The mechanical switch unit 12 includes a single movable contact 12a integrated with the push button 10, and two fixed contacts 12b. 12c. One fixed contact 12b is connected to the power supply terminal T3 of the electrostatic sensor circuit 13B. The other fixed contact 12 c is connected to the power supply unit 14. That is, the power of the power supply unit 14 is supplied to the electrostatic sensor circuit 13B via the mechanical switch unit 12.

  In the electrostatic sensor circuit 13B, a signal output line L1 led to the outside of the switch device 3B is connected to the signal output terminal T2.

  Next, the operation of the switch device 3B when the ID signal on the portable device coincides with the vehicle body side will be described with reference to FIG. When the push button 10 is pressed by operating force other than humans, for example, water pressure at the time of car washing, or pressing of the cleaning brush, the mechanical switch unit 12 is turned on (step S10), and the electrostatic sensor circuit 13B receives power from the power source unit 14. Power is supplied. As a result, the electrostatic sensor circuit 13B is activated (step S11). However, if the push button 10 is pressed by operating force other than a human being, for example, water pressure at the time of car washing, or pressing of the cleaning brush, the capacitance sensor unit 11 is not turned on. Therefore, the ON signal from the capacitance sensor unit 11 is not input to the electrostatic sensor circuit 13B (step S12). Therefore, the electrostatic sensor circuit 13B does not output an ON signal to the outside. After that, when the pressing operation of the push button 10 is released, the mechanical switch unit 12 is turned off (step S14), and the electrostatic sensor circuit 13B returns to the power off state (step S15).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when a human presses the push button 10, both the mechanical switch unit 12 and the capacitance sensor unit 11 are turned on. Then, according to the ON state of the mechanical switch unit 12 (step S10), power is supplied from the power source unit 14 to the electrostatic sensor circuit 13B, and the electrostatic sensor circuit unit 13B is activated (step S11). Further, an ON signal is input from the capacitance sensor unit 11 to the electrostatic sensor circuit 13B (step S12). When the on signal is input, the electrostatic sensor circuit 13B outputs the on signal to the outside (step S13). As described above, an operation other than a human being does not turn on, and there is a feeling of operation, and an erroneous operation can be prevented.

  In the second embodiment, since the electrostatic sensor circuit 13B is activated only when the output of the capacitance sensor unit 11 is turned on, power saving of the electrostatic sensor circuit 13B can be achieved.

  6 and 7 show a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a switch device for a vehicle door handle, and FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of the switch device.

  In the third embodiment, the locking / unlocking system of the door lock mechanism and the installation position of the switch device are the same as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the switch device 3 </ b> C includes a push button 10, and a capacitance sensor unit that is turned on / off by a capacitance formed between a target pressing the push button 10 and a detection electrode. 11, a mechanical switch unit 12 in which the switch contact is turned on by pressing the push button 10, and a static signal that outputs an on signal as a switch output depending on the on / off state of the capacitance sensor unit 11 and the mechanical switch unit 12. And an electric sensor circuit 13C.

  The push button 10 is arrange | positioned in the state exposed from the outer surface of the door handle similarly to 1st Embodiment. The push button 10 is made of metal and constitutes a part of the detection electrode of the capacitance sensor unit 11. The switch contact of the mechanical switch unit 12 is set to be turned on only when the push button 10 is depressed by a predetermined stroke.

  The capacitance sensor unit 11 is configured to be turned on when a push button 10 is pressed by a person and not turned on when a push button is pressed by a person other than the person. The output of the capacitance sensor unit 11 is led to the electrostatic input terminal T1 of the electrostatic sensor circuit 13C.

  The mechanical switch unit 12 includes a single movable contact 12a integrated with the push button 10 and two fixed contacts 12b and 12c electrically connected by the movable contact 12a. One fixed contact 12b is connected to the switch input terminal T4 of the electrostatic sensor circuit 13C. The other fixed contact 12c is connected to the main power supply unit 14a.

  The electrostatic sensor circuit 13C is configured such that its power supply terminal T3 is connected to the sub power supply unit 14b and standby power is supplied from the sub power supply unit 14b. A signal output line L1 led to the outside of the switch device 3B is connected to the signal output terminal T2 of the electrostatic sensor circuit 13C.

  Next, the operation of the switch device 3C when the ID signal on the portable device coincides with the vehicle body side will be described with reference to FIG. Power is supplied to the electrostatic sensor circuit 13C from the sub power supply unit 14b (step S20), and the electrostatic sensor circuit 13C is in a standby state (step S21). In this state, when the push button 10 is pressed down by operating force other than a human being, for example, water pressure at the time of car washing, or pressing of the cleaning brush, the mechanical switch unit 12 is turned on (step S22). Then, the electrostatic sensor circuit 13C receives power supply from the main power supply unit 14a and changes from a standby state to an activated state (step S23). However, since the push button 10 is pressed by an operation force other than a human being, for example, water pressure at the time of car washing or pressing of the cleaning brush, the capacitance sensor unit 11 is not turned on. Therefore, the ON signal from the capacitance sensor unit 11 is not input to the electrostatic sensor circuit 13C (step S24). Accordingly, the electrostatic sensor circuit 13C does not output a switch-on signal from the signal output terminal T2. After that, when the pressing operation of the push button 10 is released, the mechanical switch unit 12 is turned off (step S26), and the electrostatic sensor circuit 13C returns to the standby state (step S21).

  In addition, when a human presses the push button 10, both the mechanical switch unit 12 and the capacitance sensor unit 11 are turned on. Then, the electrostatic sensor circuit 13C is switched from the standby state to the activated state by the ON state of the mechanical switch unit 12 (step S22) (step S23). The electrostatic sensor circuit 13C receives an ON signal from the capacitance sensor unit 11 (step S24). When the ON signal is input, the electrostatic sensor circuit 13C outputs an ON signal as a switch output. (Step S25). As described above, an operation other than a human being does not turn on, and there is a feeling of operation, and an erroneous operation can be prevented.

  In the third embodiment, the electrostatic sensor circuit 13C is switched from the standby state to the activated state because the output of the electrostatic capacitance sensor unit 11 is turned on, so that the power consumption of the electrostatic sensor circuit 13C can be reduced. it can.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a switch device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, the locking / unlocking system of the door lock mechanism and the installation position of the switch device are the same as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the switch device 3 </ b> D includes a push button 20, a metal spring 21 disposed below the push button 20, and a further lower portion of the metal spring 21. It consists of a capacitance sensor unit 22 that is contacted via a metal spring 21 and that is turned on / off by a capacitance formed between an object that pushes the push button 20 and a detection electrode. . The push button 20 and the metal spring 21 constitute part of the detection electrode of the capacitance sensor unit 22. The capacitance sensor unit 22 is configured to be in an on state when the object on which the push button 20 is pressed is a human being.

  Next, the operation of the switch device when the ID signal on the portable device and the vehicle body side match will be described. When the push button 20 is pressed by an operation force other than a human being, the capacitance sensor unit 22 is not turned on, so that no on signal is output to the outside. In addition, when a human pushes down the push button 20, the capacitance sensor unit 22 is turned on and an on signal is output to the outside. As described above, an operation other than a human being does not turn on, and there is a feeling of operation, and an erroneous operation can be prevented.

  In each embodiment, the switch devices 3 </ b> A to 3 </ b> D have been described as being provided on the outer surface side of the vehicle door, i.e., on the outside door handle. However, it can be applied as a switch device for equipment installed in an environment exposed to wind and rain outdoors, such as a vending machine product selection switch, shutter opening / closing switch, etc., and obtains the same effect be able to.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle door according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a circuit diagram of a switch device for a vehicle door handle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a switch device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a switch device for a vehicle door handle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the switch device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a switch device for a vehicle door handle according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the switch device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a switch device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

3A to 3D switch device 10 push button 11 capacitance sensor unit 12 mechanical switch unit 13A to 13C electrostatic sensor circuit

Claims (5)

  The output is turned on when the push button is pressed by a capacitance formed between the detection electrode and the target for which the push button is pressed and the detection electrode. A capacitance sensor unit that is in a state and a mechanical switch unit in which a switch contact is turned on by depressing the push button, and both the capacitance sensor unit and the mechanical switch unit are in an on state A switch device that outputs an ON signal to the outside only. The switch device according to claim 1,
An electrostatic sensor circuit is provided, and the electrostatic sensor circuit is configured to output an ON signal to the outside via the mechanical switch unit when the capacitance sensor unit is turned on. Switch device. The switch device according to claim 1,
When the mechanical switch unit is turned on, it has an electrostatic sensor circuit that is activated upon receiving power supply. The activated electrostatic sensor circuit is turned on externally when the capacitance sensor unit is turned on. A switching device configured to output a signal. The switch device according to claim 1,
When the mechanical switch unit is turned on, it has an electrostatic sensor circuit that is activated from a standby state. The activated electrostatic sensor circuit is turned on externally when the capacitance sensor is turned on. A switching device configured to output a signal. It is turned on / off by the capacitance formed between the push button and a target that is pressing the push button and the detection electrode, and an output is output when the target that presses the push button is a human being. A switch device comprising a capacitance sensor unit that is turned on.

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