JP2020135557A - Haptic device and haptic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow for effectively providing various haptic feedback on manipulation by an operator.SOLUTION: A haptic device 3 is provided, comprising an operation panel 20 provided with an operating surface 20a to be manipulated with a fingertip and configured to momentarily vibrate at least during manipulation with a fingertip, and a display panel configured to at least display information through the operation panel. At least a portion of the operating surface is occupied by a coarse surface section 30 having greater surface roughness than other part of the operating surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a tactile presentation device and a tactile presentation device.

In recent years, when mobile information terminals such as smartphones, smart watches and tablet PCs, and electronic devices such as in-vehicle navigation devices have a device that presents a tactile sensation by vibration in response to an operator's operation. There are many. As a vibration source of this type of device, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid, an electromagnetic linear actuator, a rotary vibration motor, an actuator using a shape memory alloy wire, or the like is known to be adopted.

For example, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, when the contact panel arranged on the front side of the touch panel is touched with a fingertip, the contact panel is momentarily moved by using the shape memory alloy wire to the fingertip. There is known a tactile sensation presenting device that simulates a mechanical operation sensation (tactile sensation such as a so-called click sensation).

Further, as shown in Patent Document 2 below, a fixing member fixed to a casing supporting the touch panel and a movable member connected to the touch panel and supported by the fixing member via an elastic member are provided. , A device including a tactile solenoid that transmits vibration of a movable member to a touch panel is known.

International Publication No. 2012/023606 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-27661

Generally, a touch panel (similar to a contact panel) that touches a fingertip is a plate-shaped member made of synthetic resin or glass, and its surface is formed flat. Therefore, even if the touch panel is vibrated by the above-mentioned conventional device or the like, it is difficult to effectively give a tactile sensation, which is a mechanical operation sensation, to the fingertip touching the touch panel. Therefore, it was difficult to give a strong tactile sensation to the fingertips, and there was room for improvement. Furthermore, there was room for improvement as it tends to have a fixed tactile pattern each time.

The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a tactile presentation device and a tactile presentation device capable of effectively giving various tactile sensations to an operator's operation. Is.

(1) The tactile presentation device according to the present invention has an operation surface that is operated by a fingertip and at least momentarily vibrates when operated by the fingertip, and a display panel that displays at least information through the operation panel. , And at least a part of the operation surface is provided with a rough surface portion that is rougher than the surface roughness of other parts of the operation surface.

According to the tactile presentation device according to the present invention, the operation panel vibrates momentarily when the operation panel is operated with a fingertip while visually recognizing the information displayed on the display panel. Therefore, a mechanical operation sensation can be simulated on the fingertip that touches the operation panel, and a tactile sensation that gives a click feeling to the fingertip can be given.
In particular, since the rough surface portion is provided on at least a part of the operation surface, the operation panel can be operated while touching the rough surface portion with a fingertip. At this time, since a physical stimulus (tactile sensation) can be given to the fingertip that touches the rough surface portion, the fingertip is accompanied by vibration of the operation panel as compared with the case where the operation panel is operated without touching the rough surface portion. Can give a great touch to the face. As a result, it is possible to give a large and unique tactile sensation to the fingertips, which cannot be felt in the past. Further, for example, by devising the shape of the rough surface portion, it is possible to give various tactile sensations, so that the variation of tactile sensations can be easily increased.

(2) The display panel is capable of displaying a plurality of virtual buttons, the operation surface has a specific button area for operating a specific virtual button among the plurality of virtual buttons, and the rough surface portion has a rough surface portion. , May be provided in the specific button area.

In this case, since the rough surface portion is provided in the specific button area, when the operation panel is touched with a fingertip to input and operate a specific virtual button, the rough surface portion is used to give a great tactile sensation to the fingertip. Can be given. Therefore, the tactile sensation given to the fingertip can be made different between the input operation of the specific virtual button and the input operation of the other virtual button. Therefore, by using a specific virtual button as, for example, a highly urgent virtual button or a highly important virtual button, it is possible to give a more stimulating tactile sensation when inputting and operating these virtual buttons. ..

(3) The rough surface portion may include either a convex portion protruding from the operation surface or a concave portion recessed from the operation surface.

In this case, when the operation panel is touched with a fingertip to input a specific virtual button, a protruding feeling of a convex portion or a denting feeling of a concave portion can be given to the fingertip, which is larger than that of the fingertip. Easy to give a tactile sensation. Further, since the rough surface portion can be formed only by providing the convex portion or the concave portion, the configuration can be simplified. Further, by devising the shape of the convex portion or the concave portion, it is possible to give different tactile sensations to the fingertips, so that it is possible to easily give various tactile sensations.

(4) The convex portion or the concave portion may be formed in a continuously connected frame shape so as to surround the circumference of the specific virtual button in a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the operation panel. ..

In this case, since the convex portion or the concave portion is formed in a frame shape so as to surround the circumference of the specific virtual button, the fingertip is convex when the operation panel is touched with the fingertip to input and operate the specific virtual button. It is possible to easily touch the portion or the recess.

(5) A plurality of the convex portions or the concave portions may be formed and arranged at intervals in the in-plane direction of the specific operation surface in a plan view viewed from the thickness direction of the operation panel.

In this case, since a plurality of convex portions or concave portions are arranged at intervals in the in-plane direction of a specific operation surface, a plurality of convex portions or concave portions are arranged when the operation panel is touched with a fingertip to input a specific virtual button. The fingertips can be brought into contact with the convex or concave portions of the. Therefore, it is possible to increase the number of contact points of the convex portion or the concave portion with respect to the fingertip, and it is possible to effectively give a larger tactile sensation to the fingertip with the vibration of the operation panel.

(6) The plurality of convex portions or the concave portions may be arranged in a frame shape so as to surround the circumference of the specific virtual button in a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the operation panel.

In this case, since a plurality of protrusions or recesses are arranged in a frame shape so as to surround the circumference of the specific virtual button, the fingertip is used when the operation panel is touched with a fingertip to input the specific virtual button. Can easily touch a plurality of protrusions or recesses.

(7) The plurality of convex portions or the concave portions may be arranged at positions overlapping in the thickness direction with respect to the specific virtual button in a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the operation panel.

In this case, since a plurality of protrusions or recesses are arranged so as to overlap the specific virtual button, when the operation panel is touched with a fingertip to input a specific virtual button, a plurality of fingertips are pressed. It is possible to surely touch the convex portion or the concave portion.

(8) The plurality of convex portions or the concave portions may be arranged at positions deviated from the specific virtual button in the in-plane direction in a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the operation panel.

In this case, since the plurality of convex portions or concave portions are arranged at positions shifted in the in-plane direction of the operation surface with respect to the specific virtual button, the visibility of the specific virtual button can be improved.

(9) The convex portion may be formed separately from the operation panel and may be combined on the operation surface.

In this case, since the rough surface portion can be formed only by combining, for example, the convex portions on the operation surface of the operation panel by bonding, sticking, etc., the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be easily reduced. Furthermore, since it is possible to replace the convex portion as needed, for example, the position of the convex portion can be corrected or the convex portion can be replaced with another convex portion having a different shape, improving usability. can do.

(10) The operation panel may vibrate in the in-plane direction of the operation surface.

In this case, since the operation panel can be vibrated so as to slide against the abdomen of the fingertip that touches the operation panel, a more effective tactile sensation can be given to the fingertip. In particular, when the rough surface portion is composed of the convex portion or the concave portion, the operation panel can be vibrated so as to be orthogonal to the protruding direction of the convex portion or the concave direction of the concave portion, so that the operation panel can be further vibrated with respect to the fingertip. It can give an effective tactile sensation.

(11) A plurality of the rough surface portions may be provided, and the surface roughness may be different from each other.

In this case, for example, the tactile sensation given to the fingertip can be easily changed depending on the content, type, and the like of a specific virtual button.

(12) The tactile presentation device according to the present invention includes the tactile presentation device, a casing combined with the tactile presentation device, an actuator housed in the casing and vibrating the operation panel, and the casing. It is characterized in that the control unit is housed in the casing and controls the display of the display panel in response to the operation of the operation panel.

According to the tactile sensation presenting device according to the present invention, the tactile sensation presenting device can give a large, unique and diverse tactile sensation to the fingertips, which cannot be felt in the past, and is therefore suitable as a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a smart watch. Can be used for. In particular, since a large tactile sensation can be given to the fingertip, a clear tactile sensation can be given to the fingertip even in a situation where it is susceptible to vibration, for example. Therefore, for example, it can be suitably used for in-vehicle use, wearable use such as wearing it on the operator or using it in the state of being possessed by the operator.

According to the present invention, various tactile sensations can be effectively given to the operation of the operator.

It is an external front view which shows one Embodiment of the car navigation device (tactile sensation presenting device) which concerns on this invention. It is a vertical sectional view of the car navigation device along the line AA shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which displayed a plurality of virtual buttons on a display panel from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the periphery of the rough surface portion shown in FIG. It is a vertical cross-sectional view along the line BB shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the modification of the rough surface part which concerns on this invention. It is a vertical cross-sectional view along the line CC shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows another modification of the rough surface part which concerns on this invention. It is a vertical cross-sectional view along the DD line shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the further modification of the rough surface part which concerns on this invention. It is a vertical cross-sectional view along the line EE shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the further modification of the rough surface part which concerns on this invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, as the tactile sensation presenting device, an in-vehicle car navigation device will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the car navigation device 1 of the present embodiment is attached to the instrument panel P in the vehicle V. Specifically, the car navigation device 1 is attached so as to be integrally incorporated between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat in the instrument panel P. However, the position and fixing method of the car navigation device 1 are not limited to this case, and may be changed as appropriate.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the car navigation device 1 is housed in a casing 2, a tactile presentation device 3 combined with the casing 2, and a touch panel 20 described later, and vibrates. It includes an actuator 4 to be provided, and a control unit 5 housed in the casing 2 and controlling the display of the display panel 21 described later in response to the operation of the touch panel 20.

In the present embodiment, the two directions orthogonal to each other in the thickness direction L1 of the casing 2 in the plan view of the casing 2 are referred to as the first direction L2 and the second direction L3. Therefore, the first direction L2 and the second direction L3 are orthogonal directions orthogonal to the thickness direction L1 of the casing 2.
Since the car navigation device 1 is incorporated in the instrument panel P of the vehicle V, as shown in FIG. 1, the thickness direction L1 corresponds to the front-rear direction of the vehicle V, and the first direction L2 is the vehicle V. It corresponds to the left-right direction, and the second direction L3 corresponds to the vertical direction of the vehicle V.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the casing 2 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view in which the length along the first direction L2 is longer than the length along the second direction L3, and the casing 2 has a thin thickness. It is formed in the shape of a bottom cylinder. As a result, the casing 2 is formed with a storage space 10 that is open to the vehicle interior side of the vehicle V.
The accommodation space 10 is formed so that the length along the first direction L2 is shorter than the length along the first direction L2 in the casing 2. Therefore, the casing 2 is formed with a button installation surface 11 facing the vehicle interior side. However, the button installation surface 11 is not essential and may not be provided. Further, the casing 2 does not have to be a single component, and for example, a plurality of components may be integrally combined to form a casing 2.

The tactile presentation device 3 includes a touch panel (operation panel according to the present invention) 20 operated by a fingertip, a display panel 21 for displaying various information through the touch panel 20, and a rough surface portion 30 provided on the operation surface 20a of the touch panel 20. And have.

The touch panel 20 is integrally combined with the casing 2 so as to close the accommodation space 10 of the casing 2. At this time, predetermined dustproof and waterproof measures are provided between the touch panel 20 and the casing 2. As a result, the accommodation space 10 of the casing 2 is in a sealed state.

The touch panel 20 is a thin transparent panel made of a synthetic resin material or a glass material, and has known contact detection functions such as a resistance film method, a capacitance method, and an optical method. As a result, the touch panel 20 can detect the portion touched by the fingertip. The surface of the touch panel 20 facing the vehicle interior side is an operation surface 20a operated by an operator's fingertip or the like, that is, a so-called tactile presentation surface.

The touch panel 20 configured in this way is configured to momentarily vibrate due to vibration from the actuator 4 at least when operated by a fingertip. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 20 is configured to vibrate linearly in the first direction L2, which is the in-plane direction of the operation surface 20a.
The touch panel 20 may be vibrated by the vibration directly transmitted from the actuator 4, or may be vibrated by the vibration indirectly transmitted from the actuator 4 via the casing 2.

The display panel 21 is arranged in the accommodation space 10 so as to overlap the touch panel 20. The display panel 21 is a liquid crystal display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and can display various types of information through the touch panel 20. As a result, by touching the touch panel 20 with a fingertip in response to various information displayed on the display panel 21, an input signal (command signal) based on the operation content corresponding to the touched location is sent to the control unit 5. ..

In particular, the display panel 21 has a GUI (Graphical User Interface) and is capable of not only displaying various information but also displaying at least a plurality of virtual buttons 40 as shown in FIG. The display panel 21 can display, for example, various windows, menus, and the like as display contents other than the virtual button 40.
As a result, the operator can touch the touch panel 20 with a fingertip to perform a desired input operation of the virtual button 40. As a result, an input signal based on the operation content corresponding to the virtual button 40 that has been input-operated is sent to the control unit 5.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control board 6 on which the control unit 5 is mounted is housed in the storage space 10 of the casing 2. The control board 6 is, for example, a printed circuit board in which a circuit pattern (not shown) is formed on both sides, and is stably supported in the accommodation space 10 by a support member (not shown).

The control unit 5 is a CPU or the like that comprehensively controls the car navigation device 1, and is mounted on the control board 6 as described above. In particular, the control unit 5 controls the display of the display panel 21 based on the input signal accompanying the operation of the touch panel 20. Further, the control unit 5 operates the actuator 4 based on the operation of the touch panel 20 to control the timing of occurrence of vibration applied to the touch panel 20 and the like.

Further, the car navigation device 1 is provided with various electronic components for functioning the car navigation device 1.
For example, the car navigation device 1 outputs a position detection unit that detects (positions) the position of the vehicle V, a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the outside, a memory unit, a plurality of operation switches 45 (see FIG. 1), and audio from a speaker. It mainly has an audio output unit and a map database unit that stores map data. Of these, the position detection unit, communication unit, memory unit, voice output unit, and map database unit are housed in the accommodation space 10 in a state of being mounted on the control board 6.
In FIG. 2, the position detection unit, the communication unit, the memory unit, the voice output unit, and the map database unit are not shown.

The position detection unit includes, for example, a geomagnetic sensor, a gyro sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and the like, and has a GPS function for detecting the position of the vehicle V based on radio waves transmitted from an artificial satellite. As a result, the control unit 5 can detect the current position, traveling direction, speed, mileage, etc. of the vehicle V based on the detection result from the position detection unit. Further, the control unit 5 displays a display panel in which the current position and traveling direction of the vehicle V are superimposed on the road map around the vehicle V based on the current position of the vehicle V and the map data stored in the map database unit. It is possible to display it on 21.

Further, the control unit 5 superimposes, for example, road traffic information (traffic jam information, accident information, etc.), surrounding facility information, etc. on the road map around the vehicle V, based on the information entered and exited via the communication unit. It is also possible to display it on the display panel 21 with.

As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of operation switches 45 are arranged on the button installation surface 11 of the casing 2 and are exposed to the vehicle interior side. As a result, the operator can perform an input operation by pressing the operation switch 45 with a fingertip as needed. For example, the screen switching of the display panel 21 and various functions as the car navigation device 1 are selected and executed. It is possible to do the same.

The actuator 4 shown in FIG. 2 is mounted on the control board 6, and its operation is controlled by the control unit 5. The actuator 4 only needs to be able to transmit the generated vibration to the display panel 21 and vibrate the display panel 21, and a known vibration generation mechanism may be adopted. For example, a piezoelectric actuator using a piezoelectric element, an electric actuator using a solenoid, a rotary vibration motor using a weight whose center of gravity is eccentric, or the like may be adopted as the actuator 4, and the shape memory alloy wire may be expanded or contracted. The actuator 4 used may be used.

Next, the relationship between the virtual button 40 and the touch panel 20 described above will be further described.
The display panel 21 is capable of displaying various types of information as described above, and is capable of displaying a plurality of virtual buttons 40 as shown in FIG.

These virtual buttons 40 are buttons for selecting, executing, and the like various functions as the car navigation device 1. For example, when the display of the display panel 21 is switched to the selection screen for selecting a destination, the display panel 21 displays a plurality of virtual buttons 40 for selecting the destination. As a result, the destination can be selected by touching the touch panel 20 with a fingertip and inputting and operating one of the virtual buttons 40.

In the present embodiment, for example, no matter what selection screen is switched to, the display panel 21 is set to display an important virtual button 41 for making a final decision as shown in FIG. There is. Therefore, the virtual button 41 is considered to be a button having a higher importance than the other virtual buttons 40. Hereinafter, this virtual button 41 will be referred to as a specific virtual button 41. In the illustrated example, the specific virtual button 41 is located at the lower right of the display panel 21 and displays, for example, "ON".

A touch area 42 for operating a plurality of virtual buttons 40 displayed on the display panel 21 is formed on the operation surface 20a of the touch panel 20. Further, the touch area 42 is formed with a specific touch area (specific button area according to the present invention) 43 for operating the specific virtual button 41.
The specific touch region 43 is provided with a rough surface portion 30 that is rougher than the surface roughness of another region (other portion) on the operation surface 20a.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the rough surface portion 30 includes a convex portion 31 protruding from the operation surface 20a.
The convex portion 31 is formed so as to bulge from the operation surface 20a toward the vehicle interior side along the thickness direction L1. Specifically, the convex portion 31 is formed so as to bulge into a semicircular shape in a cross-sectional view, and surrounds the circumference of a specific virtual button 41 in a plan view seen from the thickness direction L1. It is formed in a frame shape that is continuously connected.

In the illustrated example, the convex portion 31 is formed in a rectangular shape in which the length along the first direction L2 is longer than the length along the second direction L3 in a plan view seen from the thickness direction L1. However, the frame shape of the convex portion 31 is not limited to this case, and may be, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape.

The convex portion 31 configured as described above is formed separately from the touch panel 20 and is combined on the operation surface 20a. For example, the convex portion 31 is made of a synthetic resin having a predetermined hardness, and is integrally combined on the operation surface 20a by adhesion, attachment, or the like. However, the convex portion 31 does not have to be formed separately from the touch panel 20, and may be formed integrally with the touch panel 20.

(Action of car navigation device)
The operation when the car navigation device 1 including the tactile sensation presenting device 3 configured as described above is used will be described.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, by operating the touch panel 20 with a fingertip while visually recognizing the information displayed on the display panel 21 through the touch panel 20, the operation corresponding to the touched place can be performed. it can. As a result, various functions of the car navigation device 1 can be appropriately used.
In particular, when operating the touch panel 20, the touch panel 20 can be instantaneously vibrated in the first direction L2, which is the in-plane direction of the operation surface 20a, by utilizing the vibration from the actuator 4. Therefore, a mechanical operation sensation can be simulated on the fingertip touching the touch panel 20, and a tactile sensation as if giving a click feeling to the fingertip can be given.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when the display contents of the display panel 21 are switched to display a plurality of virtual buttons 40, the touch panel 20 is touching the rough surface portion 30 with a fingertip when inputting and operating a specific virtual button 41. Can be operated. At this time, since a physical stimulus (tactile sensation) can be given to the fingertip that touches the rough surface portion 30, the vibration of the touch panel 20 is accompanied by the vibration of the touch panel 20 as compared with the case where the touch panel 20 is operated without touching the rough surface portion 30. It is possible to effectively give a large tactile sensation to the fingertips. Therefore, it is possible to give a large and unique tactile sensation to the fingertips, which cannot be felt in the past.

As described above, when the input operation of the specific virtual button 41 is performed, the rough surface portion 30 can be used to effectively give a large tactile sensation to the fingertip. The tactile sensation given to the fingertip can be different from the input operation of the other virtual button 40. Therefore, when a specific virtual button 41 of high importance is input and operated, a more stimulating tactile sensation can be given.

Moreover, since the convex portion 31 is formed in a frame shape so as to surround the circumference of the specific virtual button 41, when the touch panel 20 is touched with a fingertip to input and operate the specific virtual button 41, for example, in which direction the fingertip is placed. Even if the approach is made from, the convex portion 31 can be easily touched. In addition, since the protruding feeling of the convex portion 31 can be given to the fingertip, it is easy to effectively give a large tactile feeling to the fingertip. From these facts, the above-mentioned action and effect can be achieved even more remarkably.

As described above, according to the car navigation device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively give a large and unique tactile sensation to the fingertips of the operator. Therefore, a clear tactile sensation can be given to the fingertip even under the vibration of the vehicle V. Therefore, it can be used as the car navigation device 1 with improved operability.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the touch panel 20 is vibrated in the first direction L2 which is the in-plane direction of the operation surface 20a, the touch panel 20 is vibrated so as to slide against the pad of the fingertip touching the touch panel 20. In addition, the touch panel 20 can be vibrated so as to be orthogonal to the protruding direction (thickness direction L1) of the convex portion 31. Therefore, a more effective tactile sensation can be given to the fingertips.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the rough surface portion 30 is formed by adhering and pasting the convex portion 31 on the operation surface 20a of the touch panel 20, the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced. Easy to plan. Further, since the convex portion 31 can be replaced as needed, for example, the position of the convex portion 31 can be corrected or replaced with another convex portion 31 having a different shape, which is easy to use. Can be improved.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The embodiments and modifications thereof include, for example, those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that have an equal range.

For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the tactile sensation presenting device is applied to the car navigation device 1 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and the physical operation tactile sensation is simulated for the fingertip at the time of touch. It may be applied to various electronic devices and the like.
In particular, the tactile sensation presenting device according to the present invention can give a clear tactile sensation to the fingertips even in a situation where it is susceptible to vibration, and therefore is used in a state of being worn by the operator or possessed by the operator. It can be suitably used for such wearable applications. For example, it can be suitably used for a mobile information terminal such as a smart watch or a smartphone.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the touch panel 20 vibrates in the first direction L2 which is the in-plane direction of the operation surface 20a has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and for example, the second direction L3 The touch panel 20 may be configured to vibrate linearly. Further, for example, when the car navigation device 1 is viewed from the vehicle interior side, the touch panel 20 vibrates linearly diagonally with respect to the left-right direction of the vehicle V, that is, a vector in both the first direction L2 and the second direction L3. The touch panel 20 may be vibrated so as to have a component.
Further, the vibration direction of the touch panel 20 is not limited to the in-plane direction of the operation surface 20a, and may vibrate in the thickness direction L1 which is a direction orthogonal to the operation surface 20a, for example.

Further, in the above embodiment, the rough surface portion 30 is configured by using the frame-shaped convex portions 31 that are continuously connected so as to surround the periphery of the virtual button 40, but the shape of the convex portions 31 is limited to this case. It is not a thing and may be changed as appropriate. In particular, by devising the shape of the rough surface portion 30, it is possible to give different tactile sensations to the fingertips, so that it is possible to easily give various tactile sensations.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the rough surface portion 50 may be formed by a recess 51 recessed from the operation surface 20a in the thickness direction L1.
In the illustrated example, the recess 51 is formed so as to be recessed in a semicircular shape in a cross-sectional view, and is continuously connected so as to surround the circumference of the specific virtual button 41 in a plan view seen from the thickness direction L1. It is formed in a frame shape. Specifically, the recess 51 is formed in a rectangular shape in which the length along the first direction L2 is longer than the length along the second direction L3 in a plan view seen from the thickness direction L1. However, the frame shape of the recess 51 is not limited to this case, and may be, for example, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or a polygonal shape.
Even with the rough surface portion 50 configured in this way, the same effects as those in the above embodiment can be achieved.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, for example, the rough surface portion 60 is formed by a plurality of convex portions 61 arranged at intervals in the in-plane direction (first direction L2 and second direction L3) of the operation surface 20a. It doesn't matter.
In the illustrated example, the plurality of convex portions 61 are each formed so as to bulge into a semicircular shape in a cross-sectional view, and in a plan view viewed from the thickness direction L1, the periphery of the specific virtual button 41 is formed. They are arranged in a frame so as to surround them.

Even with the rough surface portion 60 configured in this way, the same effects as those in the above embodiment can be achieved. In addition, when the touch panel 20 is touched with a fingertip to input and operate a specific virtual button 41, the fingertips can be brought into contact with a plurality of convex portions 61 at once. Therefore, the number of contact points of the convex portion 61 with respect to the fingertip can be increased, and a larger tactile sensation can be effectively given to the fingertip with the vibration of the touch panel 20. Moreover, since the plurality of convex portions 61 are arranged in a frame shape so as to surround the periphery of the specific virtual button 41, it is possible to easily touch the convex portions 61 regardless of the direction in which the fingertip is approached. Therefore, the above-mentioned action and effect can be appropriately achieved.
In this case, the rough surface portion may be formed by changing the plurality of convex portions 61 to concave portions. Even in this case, the same action and effect can be achieved.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, for example, a plurality of recesses 71 arranged in an array (matrix) at intervals in the in-plane direction (first direction L2 and second direction L3) of the operation surface 20a. The rough surface portion 70 may be formed by the above.
In the illustrated example, the plurality of recesses 71 are each formed so as to be recessed in a semicircular shape in a cross-sectional view, and in a plan view seen from the thickness direction L1, the thickness direction L1 with respect to the specific virtual button 41. It is arranged at a position that overlaps with.

Even with the rough surface portion 70 configured in this way, the same effects as those in the above embodiment can be achieved. In addition, when the touch panel 20 is touched with a fingertip to input and operate a specific virtual button 41, the fingertip can be reliably brought into contact with the plurality of recesses 71. Therefore, it is possible to surely give a large tactile sensation to the fingertip with the vibration of the touch panel 20.
In this case, the rough surface portion may be formed by changing the plurality of concave portions 71 to convex portions. Even in this case, the same action and effect can be achieved.

In addition, in FIGS. 10 and 11, a plurality of recesses 71 are arranged at positions overlapping the specific virtual button 41 in the thickness direction L1, but as shown in FIG. 12, for example, the plurality of recesses 71 are thickened. Rough surface portions 70 may be arranged at positions deviated from the specific virtual button 41 in the in-plane direction in a plan view viewed from the direction L1. In the illustrated example, the plurality of recesses 71 are arranged at positions shifted from the virtual button 40 in the second direction L3.

Even with the rough surface portion 70 configured in this way, the same effects as those in the above embodiment can be achieved. In addition, since the plurality of recesses 71 are arranged at positions shifted from the virtual button 40 in the second direction L3, the visibility of the specific virtual button 41 can be improved.
In this case, for example, the display panel 21 may emit light to display the area so as to illuminate the area in which the plurality of recesses 71 are arranged. As a result, the touch can be prompted so that the plurality of recesses 71 are touched with a fingertip. Further, the touch panel 20 may be configured so that the specific virtual button 41 can be input and operated by touching the plurality of recesses 71.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where there is one specific virtual button 41 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and a plurality of specific virtual buttons 41 may be present. In this case, a plurality of rough surface portions 30 may be provided according to the number of specific virtual buttons 41. At this time, the surface roughness of each of the plurality of rough surface portions 30 may be different from each other by changing the shape and number of the convex portions or the concave portions, for example.
With this configuration, even with the same actuator 4, the fingertips that touch each rough surface portion 30 can be moved in different vibration modes (for example, amplitude, frequency, pulse width, frequency during PWM drive, duty ratio, etc.). It is possible to vibrate. Therefore, for example, the tactile sensation given to the fingertip can be easily changed depending on the content, type, and the like of the specific virtual button 41.

L1 ... Thickness direction L2 ... First direction (in-plane direction)
L3 ... Second direction (in-plane direction)
1 ... Car navigation device (tactile presentation device)
2 ... Casing 3 ... Tactile presentation device 4 ... Actuator 5 ... Control unit 20 ... Touch panel (operation panel)
20a ... Operation surface 21 ... Display panel 30, 50, 60, 70 ... Rough surface portion 31, 61 ... Convex portion 40 ... Virtual button 43 ... Specific touch area (specific button area)
51, 71 ... concave

Claims (12)

An operation panel that has an operation surface that can be operated with a fingertip and vibrates momentarily at least when operated with a fingertip.
A display panel for displaying at least information through the operation panel is provided.
A tactile presentation device characterized in that at least a part of the operation surface is provided with a rough surface portion that is rougher than the surface roughness of other portions of the operation surface. In the tactile presentation device according to claim 1,
The display panel is capable of displaying a plurality of virtual buttons.
The operation surface has a specific button area for operating a specific virtual button among the plurality of the virtual buttons.
The rough surface portion is a tactile presentation device provided in the specific button region. In the tactile presentation device according to claim 2,
The rough surface portion is a tactile presentation device including either a convex portion protruding from the operation surface or a concave portion recessed from the operation surface. In the tactile presentation device according to claim 3,
The convex portion or the concave portion is formed in a frame shape continuously connected so as to surround the circumference of the specific virtual button in a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the operation panel. .. In the tactile presentation device according to claim 3,
A tactile presentation device in which a plurality of the convex portions or the concave portions are formed and arranged at intervals in the in-plane direction of the specific operation surface in a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the operation panel. In the tactile presentation device according to claim 5,
A tactile presentation device in which a plurality of the convex portions or the concave portions are arranged in a frame shape so as to surround the circumference of the specific virtual button in a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the operation panel. In the tactile presentation device according to claim 5,
A tactile presentation device in which a plurality of the convex portions or the concave portions are arranged at positions overlapping in the thickness direction with respect to the specific virtual button in a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the operation panel. In the tactile presentation device according to claim 5,
A tactile presentation device in which the plurality of convex portions or the concave portions are arranged at positions deviated from the specific virtual button in the in-plane direction in a plan view seen from the thickness direction of the operation panel. In the tactile presentation device according to any one of claims 3 to 7.
A tactile presentation device in which the convex portion is formed separately from the operation panel and is combined on the operation surface. In the tactile presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
The operation panel is a tactile presentation device that vibrates in the in-plane direction of the operation surface. In the tactile presentation device according to any one of claims 2 to 10.
A tactile presentation device in which a plurality of the rough surface portions are provided and the surface roughness is different from each other. The tactile presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
With the casing combined with the tactile presentation device,
An actuator housed in the casing and vibrating the operation panel,
A tactile presentation device that is housed in the casing and includes a control unit that controls the display of the display panel in response to the operation of the operation panel.

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