JP2019067531A - Operation input device - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress false detection in an operation input device that includes a capacitive sensor.SOLUTION: An operation input device installed in a metal building component includes a capacitive sensor and a detection circuit for detecting an output of the capacitive sensor, the ground of the detection circuit and the building component being electrically connected by a conductive member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation input device installed on a wall surface including metal.

  Conventionally, as an input means to an operation input device for operating a device, one using a capacitance sensor is known (see Patent Document 1 below).

  In the operation input device described in Patent Document 1, a capacitance sensor includes a transmission electrode and a reception electrode, and a capacitance between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode is detected by a detection circuit. Then, it is possible to determine whether or not the human body is in contact with the capacitance sensor according to the detected amount of change in capacitance.

JP, 2011-6981, A

  Here, when the conventional operation input device including the capacitance sensor is fixedly installed on the wall surface including metal, there is a concern that the electrode of the capacitance sensor may be affected by the wall surface including metal. For example, when the same noise is applied to the ground of the electrode of the capacitive sensor and the ground of the detection circuit, noise of the same waveform usually flows to the electrode of the capacitive sensor and the ground. There is no voltage difference between the sensor and the ground of the detection circuit, and no malfunction occurs. However, when the operation input device is fixedly installed on a wall surface including metal, if the same noise is applied, the electrode of the capacitance sensor and the wall surface including metal are close to each other. Some of the noise will flow to the wall. When part of the noise of the electrode of the capacitance sensor flows to the wall including metal, the noise on the capacitance sensor side is reduced, and a voltage difference occurs between the electrode of the capacitance sensor and the ground of the detection circuit. I will. Due to this voltage difference, there is a concern that the operation input device may malfunction, the device driven by the operation input device may operate unintentionally, or the device may not operate even if the operation input device is operated. is there.

  In such a case, there is a method of installing a metal protection member having the same potential as the ground of the detection circuit between the electrode of the capacitance sensor and the wall surface including metal. However, by installing the metal protection member, the thickness of the operation input device may be increased, and the design of the operation input device may be reduced.

  The present invention has been made to solve the problems described above, and provides an operation input device capable of suppressing false detection of a capacitance sensor when fixedly installed on a wall surface including metal. With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to an operation input device according to one aspect of the present invention, in an operation input device installed on a building member containing metal, an output of a capacitance sensor and the capacitance sensor is obtained. A detection circuit for detecting, and the ground of the detection circuit and the building member are electrically connected by a conductive member.

  According to this configuration, the ground of the detection circuit that detects the output of the capacitance sensor and the building member are electrically connected by the conductive member, that is, the building member has the same potential as the ground of the detection circuit. Therefore, when the same noise is generated between the electrostatic capacitance sensor and the ground of the detection circuit, it is possible to suppress false detection caused by the influence of the building member.

  In the operation input device according to one aspect of the present invention, preferably, the conductive member is a fixing portion that fixes the operation input device to the building member.

  According to this configuration, since the conductive member is a fixing portion that fixes the operation input device to the building member, the ground and the building member are electrically connected only by fixing the operation input device. Thereby, it is not necessary to separately provide a conductive member, and the number of parts constituting the operation input device can be reduced.

  Further, in the operation input device according to one aspect of the present invention, preferably, a switch that switches whether or not the building member and the ground are electrically connected between the building member and the ground. Is provided.

  According to this configuration, since the switch is provided between the building member and the ground, for example, when installing the operation input device on the building member, the switch is turned off and the mounting operation of the operation input device is performed; After installation, the switch can be turned on to electrically connect the ground and the building member. Therefore, it can suppress that electricity flows into the building member containing a metal during construction, and it can improve a builder's safety.

  Further, in the operation input device according to one aspect of the present invention, preferably, the building member and the ground may be automatically switched based on a change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor, and a switching control unit that automatically switches the switch. And a determination unit that determines whether or not is electrically connected.

  According to this configuration, the switch is automatically switched, and it is determined whether or not the building member and the ground are electrically connected based on the amount of change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor. It can be determined that the condition is a construction failure. Thereby, the construction defect of the operation input device can be suppressed.

  Further, in the operation input device according to one aspect of the present invention, preferably, a capacitance sensor for confirmation is provided closer to the building member than the capacitance sensor, and the determination unit is configured to receive the static electricity for confirmation Based on the change in the capacitance of the capacitance sensor, it is determined whether the building member and the ground are electrically connected.

  According to this configuration, since the capacitance sensor for confirmation is provided on the side closer to the building member as compared to the capacitance sensor used for detecting the user's operation, the ground and the building member can be more accurately It can be determined whether or not it is electrically connected.

  Further, in the operation input device according to an aspect of the present invention, preferably, a notification unit that notifies the detection result of the determination unit is provided.

  According to this configuration, since the notification unit detects the detection result of the determination unit, the construction failure of the operation input device can be suppressed more reliably.

  Further, in the operation input device according to one aspect of the present invention, preferably, low frequency removing means is provided between the building member and the ground.

  According to this configuration, since the low frequency removing means is provided between the building member and the ground, the noise from the building member is removed by the low frequency removing means. As a result, false detection caused by the influence of the building member can be more reliably suppressed.

  In the operation input device according to one aspect of the present invention, preferably, a noise protection circuit is provided between the building member and the ground.

  According to this configuration, since the noise protection circuit is provided between the building member and the ground, noise from the building member is blocked by the noise protection circuit. As a result, false detection caused by the influence of the building member can be more reliably suppressed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an operation input device capable of suppressing erroneous detection of a capacitance switch when the operation input device is fixedly installed on a wall surface including metal.

It is a figure which shows typically the form which attached the operation input device which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention to the bathroom. It is a block diagram showing the principal part composition of the operation input device concerning a first embodiment of the present invention. It is an outline sectional view showing the section of the operation input device concerning a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the operation input apparatus which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the operation input apparatus which concerns on 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the operation input apparatus which concerns on 4th embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the detailed description will be appropriately omitted.

First Embodiment
First, with reference to FIG. 1, the bathroom in which the operation input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed will be described. The following description will be made using the directions shown in the drawings.

  FIG. 1: is a figure which shows typically the form which attached the operation input device which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention to the bathroom.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bathroom 1 is provided in a housing of a building, and the bathroom 1 is formed of a wall 2. In addition, in the range called bathroom 1 constituted by wall 2, the case where door 3 or a window etc. are provided in bathroom 1 separately from wall 2 is also included. The wall 2 includes first to fourth side walls 2a to 2d, a ceiling 2e (ceiling board), and a floor 2f (floor board).
The first to fourth side walls 2 a to 2 d surround the four sides of the bathroom 1 and form side surfaces of the bathroom 1. The ceiling 2 e forms the top surface of the bathroom 1. The floor 2 f is the floor of the washing place located on the side of the bathtub and forms the bottom of the bathroom 1. The bathroom 1 is a space divided by the first to fourth side walls 2a to 2d, the ceiling 2e, and the floor 2f.

  Further, at least the first to fourth side walls 2a to 2d of the wall 2 are formed of an architectural member containing metal, and in the bathroom 1, in any of the first to fourth side walls 2a to 2d An operation input device 11 is provided. In the present embodiment, the operation input device 11 is provided on the third side wall 2c. Moreover, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the bathroom apparatus (For example, an air conditioner, a bathtub cleaning apparatus, a bathroom floor cleaning apparatus, a bathroom massage apparatus, a hot-water supply apparatus) drive-operated by operation of the operation input device 11 is provided in the bathroom 1. .

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the operation input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part configuration of the operation input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the operation input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation input device 11 includes a capacitance sensor 20, a detection circuit 30, and a substrate ground 40 which is a ground of the detection circuit 30.

  The capacitance sensor 20 is an electrode of a capacitance type sensor, and has a transmission electrode and a reception electrode (not shown). The capacitance between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode is sent to the detection circuit 30 via a signal line.

The detection circuit 30 detects the amount of change in capacitance sent from the capacitance sensor 20. For example, the detection circuit 30 detects the amount of change in capacitance when the user is touching the capacitance sensor 20 and when the user is not touching it. Further, the detection circuit 30 also has a function as a controller substrate of the operation input device 11, and based on the detection result of the detection circuit 30, it is determined whether the user is touching the capacitance sensor 20, that is, It is determined whether or not the operation input device 11 is operated, and a command signal is output to the bathroom device. The detection circuit 30 is also connected to the substrate ground 40 via a signal line.
Although the detection circuit 30 and the substrate ground 40 are separately configured in FIG. 2, the substrate ground 40 may be included in the detection circuit 30.
Moreover, although the detection circuit 30 demonstrated the structure which has a function of the controller board | substrate of the operation input device 11, you may provide a controller board | substrate separately from the detection circuit 30. FIG.

  A conductive member 50 is electrically connected to a signal line connecting the detection circuit 30 and the substrate ground 40. Further, the conductive member 50 is electrically connected to the third side wall 2 c which is a building member containing metal. In other words, the substrate ground 40 and the third side wall 2 c which is an architectural member containing metal are electrically connected via the conductive member 50.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the capacitance sensor 20 is provided on the front side of the housing 11a of the operation input device 11, which is the opposite side to the third side wall 2c. Further, in the capacitance sensor 20, a waterproof protection member (not shown) is provided on the front side of the housing 11a, and a part of the protection member is exposed to the inside of the bathroom 1. It has become. The user touches the exposed portion of the protection member provided on the front side of the capacitance sensor 20 to operate the operation input device 11.

  The conductive member 50 has a screw 51 and a screw insertion portion 52, and one set is provided above and below the operation input device 11, respectively. In addition, the number of the conductive members 50 is not limited, and two sets each may be provided on the upper side and the lower side.

The screw insertion portion 52 is provided inside the housing 11 a of the operation input device 11 and is electrically connected to the ground 40 of the detection circuit 30. When the screw 51 is inserted into the screw insertion portion 52, the screw insertion portion 52 and the screw 51 are in contact with each other. Furthermore, a part of the screw 51 is the outside of the housing 11a of the operation input device 11 and protrudes to the third side wall 2c side, and the protruding part is the wall 2 (third side wall 2c) which is a building member It is fixed. Thus, by being fixed to the wall 2 (third side wall 2c) which is a building member, the operation input device 11 is fixed to the wall 2 (third side wall 2c) which is a building member. In other words, the screw 51 and the screw insertion portion 52 of the conductive member 50 have a function as a fixing portion for fixing the operation input device 11 to the wall 2.
The substrate ground 40 and the wall 2 (third side wall 2 c), which is an architectural member containing metal, are electrically connected to each other through the screw 51 and the screw insertion portion 52.
Although the configuration in which the entire screw insertion portion 52 is accommodated in the housing 11 a of the operation input device 11 has been described, the screw insertion portion 52 may be electrically connected to the ground 40. The engaging portion of the may be configured to protrude from the housing 11a. Thereby, the workability when attaching the screw 51 to the screw insertion portion 52 can be improved.

  As described above, according to the operation input device 11 according to an aspect of the present invention, the wall 2 is a building member including the substrate ground 40 of the detection circuit 30 for detecting the output of the capacitance sensor 20 and metal. The wall 2 c) is electrically connected by the conductive member 50. That is, since the wall 2 (third wall 2c) which is a building member containing metal has the same potential as the substrate ground 40, the metal in the case where the same noise is generated in the capacitance sensor 20 and the detection circuit 40 It is possible to suppress false detection caused by the influence of the wall 2 which is an included building member.

  Further, according to the operation input device 11 according to one aspect of the present invention, the conductive member 50 includes the screw 51 and the screw insertion portion 52, and the screw 51 and the screw insertion portion 52 are the operation input device 11. Functions as a fixing part which fixes the wall 2. Therefore, only by fixing the operation input device 11, the substrate ground 40 and the wall 2 which is a building member are electrically connected. Thereby, there is no need to separately provide a conductive member, and the number of parts constituting the operation input device 11 can be reduced.

Second Embodiment
Next, an operation input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the part similar to embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the operation input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the operation input device 12 according to the second embodiment, the determination unit 31, the switching control unit 32, the ON / OFF switch 60, and the capacitance for confirmation are compared to the operation input device 11 described above. A sensor 70 and a notification unit 80 are provided.

  In the operation input device 12, an ON / OFF switch 60 is provided between the wall 2 which is a building member and the substrate ground 40 to switch whether the wall 2 and the substrate ground 40 are electrically connected or not. . Specifically, an ON / OFF switch is provided between the electrical connection between the detection circuit 30 and the substrate ground 40 and the conductive member 50. The ON / OFF switch 60 connects or connects between the electrical connection connecting the detection circuit 30 and the substrate ground 40, and the conductive member 50 electrically connected to the wall 2. By cutting, it is switched whether the wall 2 and the substrate ground 40 are electrically connected.

  As described above, according to the operation input device 12 according to an aspect of the present invention, the ON / OFF switch 60 is provided between the wall 2 of the building member and the substrate ground 40. To install the operation input device 12 on the wall 2 of the building member by turning off the ON / OFF switch 60 (disconnecting the electrical connection between the wall 2 and the substrate ground 40) and turning on / off the mounting operation. The OFF switch 60 can be turned on to electrically connect the substrate ground 40 and the wall 2 of the building member. Therefore, it can suppress that electricity flows into the wall 2 of the building member containing a metal during construction, and it can improve a builder's safety.

  Further, the operation input device 12 is provided with a confirmation capacitance sensor 70 on the wall 2 side of the building member to which the operation input device 12 is fixed rather than the capacitance sensor. Since this confirmation capacitance sensor 70 is provided at a position closer to the wall 2 of the building member than the capacitance sensor 20, the effect of the wall 2 of the building member containing metal is compared with the capacitance sensor 20. It is easy to receive. The confirmation capacitance sensor 70 is connected to the detection circuit 30 via a signal line.

Here, the detection circuit 30 includes a determination unit 31 and a switching control unit 32. The determination unit 31 determines whether the wall 2 of the building member and the substrate ground 40 are electrically connected based on a change in capacitance of the confirmation capacitance sensor 70 (or the capacitance sensor 20). judge. Thereby, for example, it can be determined whether the conductive member 50 is fixed to be electrically connected to the wall 2 of the building member.
The detection result determined by the determination unit 31 is notified from, for example, the notification unit 80 of the operation input device 12 to a builder of the operation input device.
From the viewpoint of detection accuracy, the determination unit 31 determines whether or not the wall 2 of the building member and the substrate ground 40 are electrically connected based on the change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor 70 for confirmation. It is preferable to determine whether or not the wall 2 of the building member and the substrate ground 40 are electrically connected based on a change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor 20. It is also good.
Although the determination unit 31 and the switching control unit 32 have been described as to be provided in the detection circuit 30, the determination unit 31 or the switching control unit 32 may be provided separately from the detection circuit.

The switching control unit 32 of the detection circuit 30 automatically switches the ON / OFF switch 60. Specifically, a command signal is transmitted from the switching control unit 32 of the detection circuit 30 to the ON / OFF switch 60, and the ON / OFF switch 60 transmits the detection circuit 30 and the substrate ground 40 based on the received command signal. It is configured to connect or disconnect between the conductive member 50 electrically connected between the wall 2 and the wall 2.
From the viewpoint of operability, the ON / OFF switch 60 is preferably configured to be switched automatically by the switching control unit 32. For example, the builder is configured to be able to switch the ON / OFF switch 60 manually. It is also good. Specifically, a hard switch may be provided outside the bathroom 2 (outside the wall 2), and the ON / OFF switch 60 may be switched by the operation of the hard switch.

  Thus, according to the operation input device 12 according to one aspect of the present invention, the ON / OFF switch 60 is automatically switched, and the capacitance of the capacitance sensor 70 (or capacitance sensor 20) for confirmation is used. In order to determine whether the wall 2 of the building member and the substrate ground 40 are electrically connected based on the amount of change, it can be determined that the operation input device 12 is in a construction failure state. Thereby, the construction defect of the operation input device 12 can be suppressed.

  Moreover, according to the operation input device 12 which concerns on 1 aspect of this invention, compared with the electrostatic capacitance sensor 20 used for the detection of a user's operation, the electrostatic capacitance for confirmation is closer to the wall 2 of a building member Since the sensor 70 is provided, it can be determined more accurately whether or not the substrate ground 40 and the wall 2 of the building member are electrically connected.

  Furthermore, according to the operation input device 12 according to one aspect of the present invention, since the notification unit 80 reports the detection result of the determination unit 31, the construction failure of the operation input device 12 can be suppressed more reliably.

Third Embodiment
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the operation input device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the part similar to embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of an operation input apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the operation input device 13 according to the third embodiment, a low frequency removing means 90 is provided as compared to the operation input device 11 described above.
The low frequency removing means 90 is, for example, a high pass filter, and is provided between the wall 2 and the substrate ground 40. More specifically, it is provided between the substrate ground 40 and the conductive member 50, one end is connected to the detection circuit 30 and the substrate ground 40, and the other end is connected to the conductive member 50 by a signal line. The low frequency removing means 90 removes noise transmitted through the conductive member 50 from the wall 2 which is a building member containing metal.

  As described above, according to the operation input device 13 according to an aspect of the present invention, the low frequency removing means 90 is provided between the wall 2 which is an architectural member containing metal and the substrate ground 40. The noise from the wall 2 is removed by the low frequency removing means 90. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress false detection caused by the influence of the wall 2 of the building member containing metal.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an operation input device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the part similar to embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the operation input device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the operation input device 14 according to the fourth embodiment, a noise protection circuit 100 is provided as compared to the operation input device 11 described above.
The noise protection circuit 100 is provided between the wall 2 and the substrate ground 40. More specifically, it is provided between the substrate ground 40 and the conductive member 50, one end is connected to the detection circuit 30 and the substrate ground 40, and the other end is connected to the conductive member 50 by a signal line. The noise protection circuit 100 blocks noise transmitted through the conductive member 50 from the wall 2 which is an architectural member containing metal.

  As described above, according to the operation input device 14 according to an aspect of the present invention, the noise protection circuit 100 is provided between the wall 2 which is an architectural member containing metal and the substrate ground 40. Noise from 2 is blocked by the noise protection circuit. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress false detection caused by the influence of the wall 2 of the building member containing metal.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Those skilled in the art can appropriately modify the above-described embodiment as long as they have the features of the present invention and fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, installation mode, and the like of each element included in the operation input device are not limited to those illustrated, and can be appropriately changed.
Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is equipped can be combined as much as technically possible, and what combined these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the feature of the present invention is included.

  For example, although the configuration in which the operation input device operates the bathroom device has been described, the operation input device may be any device fixed to an architectural member including metal, and the operation input device is provided in the toilet room. The hot-water washing toilet seat may be operated.

  Also, for example, although the configuration in which the low frequency removal means or the filter protection circuit is provided has been described, both the low frequency removal means and the filter protection circuit may be provided.

Reference Signs List 1 bathroom 2 wall 2a to 2d first to fourth side wall 2e ceiling 2f floor 3 door 11, 12, 13, 14 operation input device 20 capacitance sensor 30 detection circuit 31 determination unit 32 switching control unit 40 substrate ground (ground )
50 Conductive member 51 Screw 52 Screw insertion portion 60 ON / OFF switch (switch)
70 Capacitance sensor for confirmation 80 Notification unit 90 Low frequency removal means 100 Noise protection circuit

Claims (8)

In the operation input device installed in a building member containing metal,
Capacitive sensor,
A detection circuit for detecting an output of the capacitance sensor;
An operation input device, wherein the ground of the detection circuit and the building member are electrically connected by a conductive member. The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member is a fixing portion that fixes the operation input device to the building member. The operation input according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a switch for switching whether or not the building member and the ground are electrically connected is provided between the building member and the ground. apparatus. A switching control unit that automatically switches the switch;
The operation input device according to claim 3, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not the building member and the ground are electrically connected based on a change in capacitance of the capacitance sensor. . The construction member side of the capacitance sensor is provided with a capacitance sensor for confirmation,
The said determination part determines whether the said building member and the said ground are electrically connected based on the change of the electrostatic capacitance of the electrostatic capacitance sensor for confirmation. Input device. The operation input device according to claim 4, further comprising: a notification unit that notifies a detection result of the determination unit. The operation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein low frequency removing means is provided between the building member and the ground. The operation input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a noise protection circuit is provided between the building member and the ground.

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