JP4278561B2 - Touch input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a feather-touch type input device that can be operated simply by touching it, and more particularly to a touch-type input device in which a feeling of operation is generated by vibration generating means.

  As touch-type input devices that transmit operational feelings in accordance with an input operation of an operator, for example, those listed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 exist.

  The touch-type input device described in Patent Literature 1 includes a vibration generator in a case of an input device including a plurality of touch switches, and responds to any touch switch when operated. Then, the vibration generator vibrates, and the vibration is given to the operator's finger.

  In the touch panel type input device described in Patent Document 2, when the touch panel 1 is pressed, the touch panel detection unit 5 detects the pressed position on the touch panel 1 and vibrates when the pressed position is within an effective region. The unit 3 is vibrated.

Further, in the switch device described in Patent Document 3, when the key top 1 is pressed, the piezoelectric element 3 provided on the lower surface of the membrane switch vibrates to give the operator a click feeling.
JP-A-11-162277 JP 2000-137576 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-182559

  However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, since the vibration generator is provided at a position away from each touch switch, when a touch switch located near the vibration generator is operated, a large operational feeling ( Click feeling) can be obtained, but there is a problem that the operational feeling that can be experienced as the user moves away from the vibration generating device tends to decrease.

  In the case of the one described in Patent Document 2, since the vibration unit is provided in the center of the touch panel, the case where the vicinity of the center of the touch panel is operated and the vicinity of the edge are operated as in the case of Patent Document 1. The magnitude of vibration is different from that of the case.

  Moreover, in both Patent Documents 1 and 2, the delay time until the post-operation vibration is transmitted to the operator increases as the distance from the vibration unit increases unless the vibration frequency is changed according to the pressed position. There is also.

  In such a case, the above-described problem does not occur if a vibration generator is provided for each touch switch as in Patent Document 3 or a plurality of vibration units are provided under the touch panel. There is a problem that the manufacturing cost increases due to the increase in the number of points.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described conventional problems, and in particular, in a touch-type input device extending in a band shape, a touch that can provide a uniform operation feeling regardless of which operation position is operated. It is an object to provide a formula input device.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a touch-type input device that allows the user to experience different vibration patterns according to the difference in the operation state of the operator.

The present invention includes a membrane switch having a plurality of switch portions arranged at predetermined intervals I along the longitudinal direction is provided, arranged opposite to one surface of the membrane switch and having a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction An elastically deformable operation member , a vibration generating means having a predetermined length and arranged to face the other surface of the membrane switch along the longitudinal direction, and detecting the operating states of the plurality of switch portions And a control unit for generating vibration in the vibration generating means ,
When the operation member is pushed toward the membrane switch, when the operation state of the switch portion facing the pressing position is switched, and when the pressing force to the operation member is increased, A high-load operation state in which the switch unit switched in the low-load operation state and another switch unit adjacent thereto are switched together, and a pressing force applied to the operation member is moved in the longitudinal direction. When the control unit is recognized, the slide movement state in which the operation state of the switch unit is sequentially switched,
The vibration generating means is driven by a different vibration pattern for each of the operation states including presence / absence of vibration .

  In the above, it is preferable that the vibration generating means has the same length as the membrane switch.

  In the present invention, since the vibration generating means is disposed so as to cover almost the entire length of the elastic member, even when a load is applied to any position on the elastic member, the click feeling given to the operator can be made uniform. .

Further the operation member includes an elastic body of rubber surface is operating surface, the elastic member provided on the back surface of the elastic body has a reinforcing member for restricting the flexing more than a predetermined amount, wherein one of the opposing surfaces of the reinforcing member and the membrane switch can be configured as collision caused you face the respective switch unit is provided.

  With the above means, the operation state of each switch unit arranged in the membrane switch can be switched reliably.

Moreover, it is preferable that the interval between the adjacent switch portions is set to 10 mm or less.

Furthermore, it is preferable that selection means for scanning the operation states of the plurality of switch units is provided, and the selection unit is driven at a predetermined cycle by the control unit.
With the above means, it is possible to reliably detect the operating states of the plurality of switch units.

Furthermore, the vibration generating means is driven with a different vibration pattern for each of the states including the presence or absence of vibration.

  For example, no vibration is generated in the sliding movement state, and vibration is generated in the high load operation state.

  Further, vibration can be generated intermittently or continuously in the sliding movement state, and no vibration can be generated in the high load operation state.

  Furthermore, the vibration may be generated twice or more in the high load operation state.

  The determination of each operation state may be detected based on an operation state in which the plurality of switches change with time.

Further, the control unit includes a separate operating mode the switch unit is operated separately, when the switch unit is pressed long beyond a predetermined time or the on the high load operating state from the low load operational state a determination mode when reached, and ends the mode pressing position to reach any hand ends of the operating member, the two or more switch sections across the switch unit is not operated is operated at the same time to said operating member as well as determine whether any of the error mode, based on a result of the determination, the including and without the vibration generating means vibration is intended to be driven at different vibration patterns for each mode.

  In the present invention, since the vibration generating means is disposed so as to cover almost the entire length of the elastic member, the click feeling given to the operator is uniform even when touching any place on the elastic member. Can be.

  In addition, it is possible to prevent the magnitude of vibration transmitted to the operator, and further, the delay time until the vibration is transmitted to the operator after the operation, depending on the operation position.

  Further, various vibration patterns can be generated according to the operation state of the operator.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a touch input device as an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows an electrical connection of the touch input device. It is a circuit block diagram.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the touch input device 1 includes an elastic member 3 that is elongated in the X direction. On the back side of the elastic member 3, a membrane switch 20, vibration generating means 30, and the like are provided.

  The touch-type input device 1 is arranged so that the operation surface 10 on the surface of the elastic member 3 is exposed from a casing constituting an electronic device. In this embodiment, the elastic member 3 and the operation surface 10 function as an operation member, and the elastic member 3 is formed of a soft material that can be elastically deformed, such as silicone rubber. The operation surface 10 is formed by coating the surface of the elastic member 3 with a paint made of a material having a low frictional resistance. The elastic member 3 is not limited to silicone rubber, and may be other rubber-based elastic members.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a reinforcing member 4 is provided on the surface (back surface) on the Z2 side of the elastic member 3. The reinforcing member 4 is formed of a film-like sheet and has a flange portion 4b that protrudes to the side (XY plane direction) from the operation surface 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the flange 4 b is locked on the inner surface of the housing 11, and has a retaining function and a waterproof function for preventing the elastic member 3 from coming out of the housing 11.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this embodiment, five hemispherical protrusions 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, and 5e are formed on the Z2 side surface of the reinforcing member 4 in the longitudinal direction in which the reinforcing member 4 extends. It is provided at equal intervals in a straight line along the (X) direction. However, the protrusions 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, and 5e are formed on the upper surface (the surface on the Z1 side) of the upper sheet 21 described later in a straight line along the X direction at predetermined equal pitch intervals as described above. There may be. Furthermore, the number of the protrusions is not limited to five, but may be five or more, or at least more than five. The protrusions do not have to be hemispherical, and may be cone-shaped or cylindrical.

  Support portions 6a and 6b are formed outside the protrusions 5a and 5e. The protrusions 5a to 5e and the support portions 6a and 6b are all formed by simultaneously printing an ultraviolet curable resin material. The protrusions 5a to 5e and the support portions 6a and 6b are not necessarily made of an ultraviolet curable resin, but when the ultraviolet curable resin is used, an epoxy resin containing an ultraviolet curable accelerator is used. Can be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the membrane switch 20, an upper sheet 21 and a lower sheet 22 are connected via a flexible sheet 23. The upper sheet 21, the lower sheet 22, and the flexible sheet 23 are all formed in a shape extending in a strip shape in the longitudinal (X) direction.

  The upper sheet 21 and the lower sheet 22 are provided to face each other, and a spacer 24 extending in a band shape is inserted between the upper sheet 21 and the lower sheet 22 and fixed to each other. The upper sheet 21, the lower sheet 22, the flexible sheet 23, and the spacer 24 are all formed of a flexible material such as PET resin or polyimide resin. The sheets 21, 22, and 23 may be integrally formed of PET resin or the like, and the spacer 24 may be formed of an adhesive layer and bonded and fixed to each other.

  First conductive portions 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, and 21e are formed on the lower surface of the upper sheet 21, and second conductive portions 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, and 22e are formed on the upper surface of the lower sheet 22. Is formed. The spacer 24 has through holes 24a, 24b having a larger diameter than the first conductive portions 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e and the second conductive portions 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e. , 24c, 24d, and 24e are formed.

  The first conductive portions 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, and 21e, the second conductive portions 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, and 22e and the through holes 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, and 24e are formed by the protrusions 5a, 5b, They are formed at positions facing 5c, 5d and 5e, respectively.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2, a pair of first conductive portion 21a and second conductive portion 22a facing each other through the through hole 24a forms a switch portion S1. Similarly, the first conductive portion 21b, the second conductive portion 22b, and the through hole 24b form the switch portion S2, and the first conductive portion 21c, the second conductive portion 22c, and the through hole 24c define the switch portion S3. The first conductive portion 21d, the second conductive portion 22d and the through hole 24d form the switch portion S4, and the first conductive portion 21e, the second conductive portion 22e and the through hole 24e form the switch portion S5. Forming.

  Each switch part S1-S5 is arrange | positioned at equal pitch intervals along the longitudinal direction (X direction) with respect to the said membrane switch 20. As shown in FIG. It is assumed that the distance between the switch portions S1 to S5 and the distance between the protrusions 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, and 5e in the present embodiment is 10 mm or less, specifically 4 mm. However, it may be formed shorter or longer than 4 mm.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first conductive portions 21 a to 22 e of the upper sheet 21 are connected in series by a conductor pattern, and a drawing pattern 26 drawn from the first conductive portion 21 a connects the flexible sheet 23. To the lower sheet 22, and is drawn out from a drawing portion 22 </ b> A provided in the lower sheet 22.

  Drawout patterns 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, and 27e are respectively connected to the second conductive portions 22a to 22e provided on the lower sheet 22, and the respective drawout patterns 27a to 27e are connected to the outside from the drawout portion 22A. Has been pulled out.

As shown in FIG. 3 , for example, the drawer pattern 26 is connected to the power source Vcc via a resistor R, and the drawer patterns 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, and 27e are controlled by using the selection means 28 provided outside. Connected to the unit 29.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a vibration generating means 30 is provided below the membrane switch 20. The vibration generating means 30 is, for example, a known weighted motor, electromagnetic drive element, piezoelectric element, or the like that generates vibration when receiving a predetermined electric signal, and is based on a command from the control unit 29 as shown in FIG. A predetermined vibration is caused. The vibration generating means 30 has substantially the same length as the length of the elastic member 3 in the longitudinal (X) direction, and is arranged to face the entire area of the bottom surface of the elastic member 3. Yes. However, the length dimension of the vibration generating means 30 may be in a range that can face at least the switch portions S1 to S5 arranged in the longitudinal direction.

The mechanical operation of the touch input device will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing the operation state under low load, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. In FIG. 4, a fingertip is shown as an example of the operating tool F.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the operator lightly touches the operation body F such as a finger or a pen (low-load operation state) with the surface of the operation surface 10, for example, the operation body F is the center of the switch portions S <b> 1 to S <b> 5. It is assumed that the switch unit S3 is opposed to.

  At this time, the elastic member 3 locally undergoes bending deformation centered on the switch portion S3. Since the reinforcing member 4 is also deflected and deformed along with the deformation of the elastic member 3, the projection 5c pushed down at this time locally deflects and deforms the upper sheet 21, and the first conductive portion 21c of the upper sheet 21 is deformed. The second conductive portion 22c of the lower sheet 22 can be brought into contact with each other, and the switch portion S3 can be switched to a conductive state.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when the load of the operating tool F is increased (high load operation state), in addition to the contact between the first conductive portion 21c and the second conductive portion 22c, the first on both sides thereof Switch between the conductive portion 21b and the second conductive portion 22b (switch portion S2), and between the first conductive portion 21d and the second conductive portion 22d (switch portion S4). It is possible.

That can be varied by the difference in magnitude of load applied is operating tool F, the number of switch unit S1~S5 set in conductive state, i.e. an operation state.

  In addition, when the operating body F is slid along the operation surface 10 in the X1 direction from the low load operation state shown in FIG. 4 (sliding movement state), the switch portion instead of the first switch portion S3 changing to the non-conductive state. S2 can be changed to a conductive state, and when the operating tool F is moved in the X1 direction, the switch part S2 can be changed to a non-conductive state and the switch part S1 can be changed to a conductive state. That is, it is possible to sequentially switch the operation states of the switch units S1 to S5 according to the movement of the operating tool F in the X direction.

  Therefore, the control unit 29 can grasp the entire operation state of the touch input device 1 by driving the selection unit 28 and scanning the operation states of the switch units S1 to S5 at a predetermined cycle. It has become.

  The touch input device 1 is mounted on, for example, a mobile phone, a remote controller such as an audio or air conditioner, a camera, a mobile electronic device such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), or a PC.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a case where the touch input device is mounted on a mobile phone as an embodiment. In FIG. 6, the touch input device 1 is embedded in the side surface 42A of the housing 42 forming the main body 41 of the mobile phone 40, and only the elastic member 3 and the operation surface 10 are exposed to the outside from the side surface 42A. .

  The touch input device 1 may be provided on the surface 42B, or may be provided on the lid 44 side where the display device 43 is provided.

  As described above, when the operating tool F is slid in the X direction along the operating surface 10 in the low load operating state in which the operating tool F is lightly touched on the operating surface 10 (sliding movement state), the switches S1 to S5 The operating state is switched sequentially. For this reason, the control unit 29 detects whether the movement direction of the operating tool F is the X1 direction or the X2 direction by scanning the operation state of the switch units S1 to S5 at a constant cycle. Is possible. Therefore, the touch input device 1 can be used as a key switch for scrolling. That is, a screen displayed on the display device 43 of the mobile phone 40 based on output information from the touch input device 1, such as a telephone number list, a device option setting list, or an address book item list in a PDA. You can search by scrolling. At this time, the vibration generating means 30 may be driven continuously or intermittently according to the operating body F that moves.

  It can also be used as a decision key. That is, when the control unit 29 scans and detects that the plurality of switch units S1 to S5 are in the conductive state at the same time, it is determined as the high load operation state shown in FIG. Can be made. At this time, when the control unit 29 drives the vibration generating unit 30 for a certain period of time, the vibration generated from the vibration generating unit 30 is transmitted to the operating body F, so that the operator can feel a click feeling (operation feeling). it can. Therefore, the operator can recognize that the enter key has been operated.

  Further, since the vibration generating means 30 is disposed so as to cover almost the entire length of the elastic member 3, the click feeling given to the operator can be made uniform even when a load is applied to any position on the operation surface 10. . That is, it is possible to prevent the magnitude of vibration transmitted to the operator, and further the delay time until the vibration is transmitted to the operator after the operation from being changed depending on the operation position.

  Next, an example of specific control of the touch input device having the vibration generating means will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control method when the touch input device having the vibration generating means of the present invention is mounted on a mobile phone. In FIG. 7, the order of the steps is indicated by numbers after ST such as ST1, ST2,. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the correspondence between the selection items displayed on the display device and the switch unit. A is the same number of selection items and switch units, and B is the number of selection items. The case where it is less than the number of parts is shown. Note that the name is displayed as an item list on the display device 43.

  Although the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 has a plurality of control loops, all the control loops are always set to return to the start ST1, and the time required for any of the control loops is as high as about 1 msec.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, each internal setting includes “before contact”, “before notification”, “after notification”, and “after selection”. Here, the “before contact” indicates an internal setting of the control unit 29 before the operating tool F contacts the operation surface 10 (before the switch units S1 to S5 are turned on). The “before notification” is a state after any of the switch parts S1 to S5 is turned on (after contact) and before notifying the user that the switch has been turned on. The internal setting of the control unit 29 which becomes “after notification” is shown. Further, the “after notification” is a state after notifying the user that any of the switch units S1 to S5 has been turned on, and indicates that the controller continues to check whether the next item selection condition is satisfied. 29 internal settings are shown. The “after selection” means after item selection is performed, and basically indicates an internal setting of the control unit 29 indicating a state in which nothing is performed thereafter.

  Further, in the control unit 29, a timer T for measuring time, a time register TL for recording time measured by the timer T, and a current position of the operating tool F on the operation surface, that is, a conduction position (contact position). Current position register P for storing, immediately preceding position register PL for recording the position immediately before the operating body F before movement, any of the “before notification”, “after notification”, “after selection”, and both ends And a setting register M for storing whether the setting is internal.

  The operation of the touch input device starts from ST1, which is ST1. The contents of the registers TL, P, PL and M in ST1 which is a start (initial state) are as follows: the timer T is T = 0, the current position register P is P = 0 (non-conduction), and the immediately preceding position register PL is PL = 0, the time register TL is TL = 0, and the setting register M is M = “before contact”. The timer T continues to measure the time that changes every moment after the operation of each control loop starts.

  In ST2, the control unit 29 detects the current contact position (conduction position) of the operating tool F from the operating states of the switch units S1 to S5, and stores this in the current position register P.

  At this time, when several continuous switch parts are conducted together among the switch parts S1 to S5 due to a high load operation, the average value is stored as the current position. For example, when the switch portions S2, S3, and S4 are continuously conducted, the switch portion S3 that is the average value is the current position, and therefore, the current position register P stores P = S3. In the case of “before contact” when the operation body F is not touched on the operation surface 10, P = 0. If the pressed switch part is an even number, such as S1 and S2, the switch part that has reached the conduction state earlier may be stored in the current position register P.

  Next, in ST3, the control unit 29 determines the number N of pressed switch units S1 to S5 at the time of detection in ST2. However, here, the pressed number N is determined as the number of single switches or the number of blocks. That is, depending on the width dimension of the operating tool F, in the case of a heavy load operation, some of the switch parts S1 to S5 may be pushed together, and in that case, the continuous switch part is made one block. The pressed number N is determined as N = 1. For example, when the continuous switch parts S1 and S2 (one block) are pushed together and the switch part S5 is pushed alone (in this case, the switch parts S3 and S4 are non-conductive), they are pushed. The number N is determined as N = 2.

  In ST3, when the number N of pressed parts is two or more (N ≧ 2) with the switch part not being pressed in between (N ≧ 2), the control part 29 determines that the error mode (ST3-1), and The operator can be notified that an error has occurred by driving the vibration generating means 30 to cause vibration to occur continuously for a certain period of time (ST3-2), for example.

  If the number N pressed is N = 0, that is, non-contact (P = 0), the timer T is reset (T = 0), and the contents of the current position register P (however, the previous position register PL is replaced with In this case, P = 0) is substituted and stored (PL ← P = 0). The setting register is returned to the start (ST1) with M = “before contact”.

  In ST3, when the pressed number N is N = 1, for example, when any one of the switch units S1 to S5 is pressed alone, or the switch units S2, S3, and S4 are one block. If it is pressed, the next ST4 is executed. In this case, the current position register P in ST2 stores a value of P = S3.

  In ST4, the correspondence relationship between the selection item L displayed on the display device 43 of the mobile phone and the operation tool F moving on the operation surface 10 is monitored.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the item lists L1 to L5 displayed as selection items on the display device 43 and the switch portions S1 to S5 correspond to each other one-to-one, the operation tool F is placed on the operation surface 10. Is placed in any one of the switch parts S1 to S5, the position of the operating tool F at this time matches the item lists L1 to L5 of the selection item L. Therefore, if they match in this way, “yes” is selected and the process proceeds to ST5. In this case, one value of P = S1 to S5 is stored in the current position register P in ST2.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, in the case where the item lists L1 to L3 displayed on the display device 43 and the switch units S1 to S5 do not correspond one-to-one, for example, the position of the operating tool F is the switch unit. When it is located in any of S1, S3, or S5 (P = S1, S3, or S5), it matches any of the item lists L1, L2, or L3, but the position of the operating tool F is the switch unit S2 or When it is located at S4 (P = S2 or S4), it does not match the item lists L1 to L3. If they match, “yes” is selected and the process proceeds to ST5. If they do not match, “no” is selected. If “no” is selected, the timer T is reset (T ← 0) as described above, and the contents of the current position register P (P = S2 or S4) are substituted into the immediately preceding position register PL. Store (PL ← P = S2 or S4). The setting register M is set to “before notification” and is returned to the start (ST1). Next, when “yes” is selected, the process proceeds to ST5.

  When the “yes” is selected in ST4, the current position register P in ST2 is assigned any one value of P = S1, S3, or S5.

  In ST5, the presence or absence of movement of the operating tool F is monitored. That is, in ST5, it is determined whether or not the contents of the previous position register PL and the current position register P match, and if they do not match (PL ≠ P), it is considered that the operating tool F has moved, and the timer T Is stored in the time register TL (ST5-1), the timer T is reset (T ← 0) in the same manner as described above, and the contents of the current position register P are stored in the previous position register PL. (PL ← P). Also, the setting register M is set to “before notification” and returned to the start (ST1), and when it is determined that the movement of the operating tool F is stopped when monitored in ST5 at the next opportunity, ST6. Proceed to

  Here, the time of the timer T stored in the time register TL in ST5-1 is the current position (for example, S2) stored in the current position register from the immediately previous position (for example, S1) stored in the previous position register PL. The movement time required to move to the item list (L2) from the immediately preceding item list (L1) corresponding to the immediately preceding position (S1) to the item list (L2) corresponding to the current position (S2) is shown. In addition to the movement time between items to be moved, it means the item staying time that has been staying in the immediately preceding item list (L1). Strictly speaking, the item stay time and the inter-item movement time are different, but when the operating tool F moves continuously, both can be regarded as almost the same.

  When the operating tool F is in a sliding movement state in which the operating tool F continuously moves from the switch part S1 toward the switch part S5, the operating tool F moves on each switch part S1 to S5 (or each item list L1 to L5). Each time it passes, the value stored in the time register TL (the item stay time (inter-item movement time), which is the time required to move between the switch units) is updated, and the timer T is reset immediately after that. Is done. For this reason, the time register TL stores a large value (for example, 2 seconds) when the operating tool F is moved slowly, and a small value (for example, 0.5 seconds) when it is quickly moved. Is memorized.

  On the other hand, when the contents of the previous position register PL match the contents of the current position register P in ST5, the operation tool F is stopped in contact with the operation surface 10 (not moved). ) And proceed to ST6.

  Normally, when the operating tool F first comes into contact with the operation surface 10, since the current position register P = S1 to S5 and the previous position register PL = 0, PL ≠ P, so start (ST1). ). Similarly, when the operating tool F moves on the operation surface 10, the P and PL are rewritten every time they are detected in ST2, and the state of PL ≠ P continues. The TL is updated and the process returns to the start (ST1).

  On the other hand, immediately after the movement of the operating tool F stops, the current position register P detected immediately before the stop (this value is substituted into the previous position register PL) and the current position register detected first after the stop. Since P is compared with PL ≠ P, the process returns to start ST1. However, after a while has passed since the stop, the detected value of the current position register P detected immediately after the stop (this value is substituted into the immediately preceding position register PL) and the current position detected next. Since the detected value with the register P is PL = P (stopped state), the process proceeds to ST6.

  In ST6, it is determined whether the operating body F in a stopped state is located at both ends (S1 or S5) on the operation surface 10 or at other positions (S2, S3, or S4). That is, it is determined whether the value of the current position register P is P = S1 or S5, or P = S2, S3, or S4. If the former is the former, the operating tool F is positioned at either end. If it is the latter, the process proceeds to ST6-1, and if it is the latter, it is determined that it is located at a position other than both ends, and the process proceeds to ST7.

  In the end mode of ST6-1, whenever the value of the timer T indicating the elapsed time from the reset to the present matches the multiple of the item stay time stored in the time register TL in ST5-1, the vibration The generating means 30 is driven to generate vibration (ST-6).

  For example, the operating tool F stops at a position corresponding to the switch section S5 (item list L5) which is the end of the operating member, and the item stay time at this time stops from the switch section S4 which is the position immediately before the stop. This is the time required to move to the switch part S5, which is the position, and the item stay time is, for example, 0.5 seconds.

  At this time, the control unit 29 repeats the control loop returning to ST1 again at high speed (for example, 1 msec) via “yes” or “no” in ST1-> ST2-> ST3-> ST4-> ST5-> ST6-> ST6-1. . Therefore, whenever the elapsed time in the timer T coincides with a time corresponding to a multiple of 0.5 seconds of the item stay time, “yes” is selected and the vibration generating means 30 is driven (ST6-2). At other times, “no” is selected. That is, in the above example, the vibration generating means 30 generates vibrations at a constant period (0.5 seconds) such as 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 1.5 seconds, 2.0 seconds, and so on. To be driven.

  Therefore, the operator of the mobile phone indicates that the operating tool F has reached the end of the operation surface 10 or has reached the item list L5 that is the end of the selected item (the end mode has been reached). It is possible to recognize from the click feeling (operation feeling).

  Since the item stay time stored in the time register TL is recorded as a different value according to the movement time of the operating tool F as described above, the vibration is performed at the same interval as the moving time of the operating tool F. be able to.

  In ST6-3, after the vibration or during the occurrence of vibration, for example, the selection items displayed on the display device 43 are scrolled up or down to display the subsequent new selection items. Done.

  In ST6, when the value of the current position register P is P = S2, S3 or S4, the process proceeds to ST7, and the current confirmation of the internal setting of the control unit 29 is determined from the contents stored in the setting register M.

  When the selection process described below in ST8-3 and later is executed, the setting register M is set to M = “after selection”, but in ST7, the setting register M is set to M = “after selection”. Return to start ST1, and if M = other than “after selection”, proceed to ST8.

  In ST8, it is confirmed whether or not the content stored in the setting register M is “after notification”. That is, it is determined from the content stored in the setting register M whether or not the switch unit S1 to S5 is in a conductive state due to contact with the operating tool F.

  If the result of determination at this time is “yes”, that is, if the setting register M is M = “after notification”, the process proceeds to ST8-1, and if it is “no” (when M is not “after notification”). Is determined to be the individual operation mode, and the process proceeds to ST9.

  In the individual operation mode of ST9, every time the operating tool F stops on any one of the switch units S1 to S5, that is, each time the item list L1 to L5 of the selection item L is individually selected, for example, The vibration generating means 30 is driven only once to generate vibration only once. Therefore, when the operating tool F is stopped or when the selection item L is selected, it is possible to give a click feeling (operation feeling) to the operator.

  However, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the operating tool F stops at the switch unit S2 or the switch unit S4, there is no selection list corresponding to the selection item L, and “no” is selected at ST4. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the vibration generating means 30 from vibrating.

  In ST10, the setting register M is set to M = “after notification” and the process returns to start ST1. Therefore, “yes” is selected the next time ST8 is reached.

  In ST8-1, after the occurrence of vibration in ST-9, the control loop of “no” → ST1 of ST1 → ST2 → ST3 → ST4 → ST5 → ST6 → ST7 → ST8 → ST8-1 is repeated. It is determined whether or not the timer T can measure a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or more.

  When the timer T has passed the predetermined time, when the change in the contents of the current position register P does not appear, that is, the operating tool F is in a long-pressed state where the operation tool F remains at the position stored in the current position register P for a long time. In this case, the control unit 29 determines that the switch unit stored in the current position register P is selected, that is, the determination key is operated to determine the determination mode, and executes control after ST8-2.

  Alternatively, for example, only the switch unit S3 is in a conductive state at the beginning, but after that, the contact width of the operation body F increases, and as a result, the switch unit S2 and the switch unit S4 adjacent to the switch unit S3 are also conductive. When it changes to a state, it can be considered that it reached the high load operation state into which the operation body F was pushed strongly. Also in this case, it may be determined that the switch unit S3 is the selected determination mode, and the control after ST8-2 may be executed.

  In the determination mode of ST8-2, the vibration generating means 30 is intermittently vibrated a predetermined number of times, for example, twice, thereby notifying the operator that the determination key has been operated with a click feeling (operation feeling). Can do. In ST8-3, for example, processing at the time of selection such as opening and displaying the contents of the item list L3 corresponding to the switch unit S3 operated as the determination key or making a call corresponding to the item list L3 is performed. Done.

  In ST8-4, the setting register M is rewritten to M = “after selection” and then the process returns to start ST1.

  With the control method as described above, various operations can be performed by the touch input device having the vibration generating means.

  In the slide movement state of the above control method, the vibration is not generated. However, it is also possible to generate the vibration.

  Note that the vibration pattern shown in the above embodiment is merely an example, and it is possible to generate a different vibration pattern for each operation state or mode including the presence or absence of vibration.

An exploded perspective view showing a touch input device as an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. Circuit configuration diagram showing electrical connection of touch input device, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the case where it is mounted in a mobile phone as an embodiment of a touch type input device, The flowchart figure which shows the control method at the time of mounting the touch-type input device which has a vibration generation means of this invention in a mobile telephone, It is a conceptual diagram which shows the correspondence of the selection item displayed on the display apparatus, and a switch part, A is a selection item and a switch part and the same number respond | corresponds, B is the number of selection items from the number of switch parts. If less

Explanation of symbols

1 Touch-type input device 3 Elastic member (operation member)
4 Reinforcing members 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e Protrusion 10 Operation surface (operation member)
20 Membrane switch 21 Upper sheet 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e First conductive part 22 Lower sheet 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e Second conductive part 23 Flexible sheet 24 Spacers 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d 24e Through-hole 28 Selection means 29 Control part 30 Vibration generation means L Selection item L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 Item list M Setting register P Current position register PL Previous position register T Timer TL Time registers S1, S2, S3 S4, S5 Switch part F Operation body (finger or pen)

Claims (10)

A membrane switch having a plurality of switch portions arranged at predetermined intervals I along the longitudinal direction is provided, the longitudinal direction of along with possible while the elastic deformation which is opposed to a surface of said membrane switch having a predetermined length An operating member , a vibration generating means having a predetermined length and arranged to face the other surface of the membrane switch along the longitudinal direction, and detecting the operating state of the plurality of switch portions to detect the vibration A control unit for generating vibration in the generating means ,
When the operation member is pushed toward the membrane switch, when the operation state of the switch portion facing the pressing position is switched, and when the pressing force to the operation member is increased, A high-load operation state in which the switch unit switched in the low-load operation state and another switch unit adjacent thereto are switched together, and a pressing force applied to the operation member is moved in the longitudinal direction. When the control unit is recognized, the slide movement state in which the operation state of the switch unit is sequentially switched,
The touch-type input device , wherein the vibration generating means is driven with a vibration pattern that is different for each of the operation states including the presence or absence of vibration .   The touch-type input device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration generating unit has the same length as the membrane switch. The operating member includes an elastic body of rubber surface is operating surface, the elastic member provided on the back surface of the elastic body has a reinforcing member for restricting the flexing more than a predetermined amount, the while the mutually opposing surfaces of the membrane switch and the reinforcing member, each of the touch input device according to claim 1 or 2 collision force you face the switch portion. The touch-type input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an interval between the adjacent switch portions is set to 10 mm or less . It said plurality of and selection means are provided to scan the operation status of the switch unit, wherein the selection means is touch input according to any one of 4 to claims 1 is driven at a predetermined cycle by the control unit apparatus. The slide when the moving state is not occurring vibration, touch input device according to any one of the high to vibration when a load operation state claims 1 brought into occur 5. The touch-type input device according to claim 1, wherein vibration is generated intermittently or continuously in the sliding movement state, and no vibration is generated in the high-load operation state. The touch-type input device according to claim 6 , wherein the vibration is generated twice or more in the high load operation state. The determination of the operating state, touch input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 operating state of the plurality of switches is detected based on the time varying. Wherein the control unit includes a separate operating mode the switch unit is operated individually, when the switch unit has reached when been held down beyond a predetermined time or the low load operational state to the high load operational state of a determination mode, and ends the mode pressing position to the operating member reaches in any hand ends of the operating member, the error mode in which two or more switch sections across the switch unit is not operated is operated at the same time as well as determine whether any one, based on a result of the determination, according to claim 1, wherein the touch of the vibration generating means are driven at different vibration patterns for each of the modes, including the presence or absence of vibration Input device.

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