JP5084872B2 - Touch switch - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a touch switch capable of reliably detecting an operation area which has been actually operated, out of a plurality of operation areas of an operation surface. <P>SOLUTION: The touch switch is provided with an operation surface 1 having a plurality of operation areas, a plurality of electrostatic capacity sensors 2 for detecting a change of electrostatic capacity due to an approach of an object to the operation surface 1 and outputting an output voltage corresponding to the amount of the change of electrostatic capacity, and a judgment part 3 for judging the operation area to be operated on the basis of the output values of the plurality of electrostatic capacity sensors 2. Even when a first output value of the electrostatic capacity sensor 2 corresponding to a first operation area, among the plurality of electrostatic capacity sensors 2, equals to or exceeds a prescribed reference value, the judgment part 3 judges the first operation area not to be an operational object if an output ratio of the output value of electrostatic capacity sensors 2 corresponding to the other operation areas corresponding to the first output value equals to or exceeds a prescribed output ratio. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch switch, and more particularly to a touch switch having a plurality of operation areas on an operation surface.

  A conventional capacitive touch switch detects the amount of change in capacitance caused by the approach of the operator's hand to the touch switch operation surface, and the output voltage value corresponding to the amount of change exceeds a predetermined threshold. In such a case, the touch switch operation was detected.

  By the way, the amount of change in capacitance may vary greatly depending on the state of the hand operating the touch switch. For example, the amount of change in capacitance that occurs when the touch switch is operated with a hand wearing gloves is smaller than the amount of change in capacitance that occurs when the touch switch is operated with bare hands.

  For this reason, if the threshold is set high (ie, the sensitivity is set low) according to the amount of change in capacitance detected when the touch switch is operated with bare hands, the touch switch is operated with a gloved hand. However, the operation may not be detected. On the other hand, if the threshold value is set low (ie, the sensitivity is set high) according to the amount of change in capacitance detected when the touch switch is operated with a gloved hand, the touch switch is actually operated. In spite of this, the touch switch operation may be erroneously detected.

  Therefore, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 below, in order to reliably detect the operation of the touch switch even when the touch switch is operated with a bare hand or with a hand wearing a glove. In addition, the operation is detected while changing the detection sensitivity from high sensitivity to low sensitivity.

JP 2007-27034 A

  In many cases, a plurality of operation areas are provided on the operation surface of the touch switch. In the electrostatic capacitance type touch switch, the electrostatic amount changes not only in the operation area to be operated, which is actually touched by the operator's hand, but also in the surrounding operation area. For this reason, in a touch switch having a plurality of operation areas, if an operation is detected while changing the detection sensitivity, the operation may be erroneously detected even in an operation area that is not an operation target.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a touch switch that can reliably detect an actually operated operation region among a plurality of operation regions on an operation surface.

  In order to achieve the above object, the touch switch according to the present invention detects an operation surface having a plurality of operation areas and a change in physical quantity caused by the approach of an object to the operation surface, and an output value corresponding to the change amount of the physical quantity. And a determination unit that determines an operation region to be operated based on output values of the plurality of detection units. The determination unit includes a first operation region among the plurality of detection units. Even if the corresponding first output value of the first detection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference value, the output ratio of the output value of the detection means corresponding to another operation region relative to the first output value is greater than or equal to the predetermined reference ratio. In this case, it is determined that the operation is not performed on the first operation area.

  The inventor of the present invention operates the touch switch so that the output ratio of the output value of the detection unit corresponding to the other operation region to the output value of the detection unit corresponding to one operation region of the operation surface of the touch switch is It was found that it is substantially constant regardless of the state.

  The present invention makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of erroneous detection by using such an output ratio for determination of the presence or absence of detection, and to reliably detect an actually operated operation region among a plurality of operation regions on the operation surface. it can.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the determination unit is a case where the first output value of the first detection unit corresponding to the first operation region is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference value among the plurality of detection units, and the first When the output ratio of the output values of the detection means corresponding to all the operation areas adjacent to the first operation area with respect to one output value is less than a predetermined reference ratio, it is determined that the operation is for the first operation area.

  Thus, in addition to the first condition that the first output value is greater than or equal to the reference value, it is determined that the operation is for the first operation region when the second condition that the output ratio is less than the predetermined reference ratio is satisfied. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of erroneous detection and to reliably detect the operation area actually operated among the plurality of operation areas on the operation surface.

In the present invention, preferably, the reference ratio is set independently for each combination of operation areas.
Thus, by setting the reference ratio independently for each combination of operation areas, the range of the operation area can be individually set for each operation area. Thereby, restrictions on the arrangement of the operation areas due to the arrangement of the detection means can be relaxed. For example, it is possible to install the detection means at a location away from directly below the operation area, and even when the detection means are arranged at equal intervals, the operation areas can be arranged at unequal intervals. It is also possible to arrange the detection means at unequal intervals while arranging the operation areas at equal intervals. Alternatively, it is possible to dispose the detection means and the operation area at non-uniform intervals.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the operation surface includes a second operation area in which no corresponding detection unit is provided, and the determination unit is two or more arranged to sandwich the second operation area outside the second operation area. When the output value of the detection means is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value and the ratio between these output values is within the predetermined reference range, the second operation area is determined as the operation target.

In this way, the detection means is provided immediately below the second operation area by using the ratio between the output values of the two or more detection means arranged so as to sandwich the second operation area outside the second operation area. The operation on the second operation area can be determined without any problem. Thereby, a touch switch can be comprised using the detection means of a number smaller than the number of operation areas.
For example, when the detection means (a) and the detection means (b) are arranged across the second operation area, the determination means outputs the output of the detection means (b) with respect to the output value (a) of the detection means (a). A first output ratio (b / a) that is a ratio of the value (b) is within a predetermined first reference range, and a second output ratio (a ratio of the output value (a) to the output value (b) ( When a / b) is within a predetermined second reference range, it may be determined that the second operating means is the operation target.

  Preferably, in the present invention, the first operation area is arranged at an outer edge of the operation surface, and the third operation area is arranged adjacent to the first operation area and inside the operation surface with respect to the first operation area. The means is such that the output ratio of the third output value of the third detection means corresponding to the third operation area to the first output value of the first detection means corresponding to the first operation area is less than or equal to a predetermined lower limit reference ratio. In addition, when the output ratio of the first output value to the third output value is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit reference ratio, it is determined that the object is in contact with the outside of the first operation area.

  As described above, the first output value of the first detection means corresponding to the first operation area arranged at the outer edge of the operation surface and the third output value of the third detection means corresponding to the third operation area inside the first operation area. By utilizing the output ratio with the three output values, it is possible to determine that an object is in contact with the outside of the operation surface without providing a detection means outside the operation surface. Thereby, it is possible to further suppress erroneous detection. Or it becomes possible to arrange | position an operation area | region outside the detection means.

  As described above, according to the touch switch of the present invention, it is possible to reliably detect the operation area actually operated among the plurality of operation areas on the operation surface.

(A) is a schematic diagram of the operation surface of the touch switch by 1st Embodiment of this invention, (b) is a cross-sectional schematic diagram along the XX line of (a). These are graphs showing the output of the capacitance sensor corresponding to each operation region when the operator's hand contacts the operation region “A”. It is a graph which shows the example of the output ratio of the output voltage of the other operation area | region with respect to the output voltage of the operation area | region "A" which is operation object when an operator's hand contacts operation area "A". (A) shows other operation areas “A” to “D”, “F” with respect to the output voltage of the operation area “E” as the operation target when the operator's hand touches the operation area “E”. FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of the output ratio of output voltages of “H” and “K”, where (b) is not an operation target when the operator's hand touches an operation area other than the operation area “E”; Each contacted operation area when an operator's finger other than "E" touches the operation areas "A" to "D" and "F" to "K" with respect to the output voltage of the operation area "E" It is a graph which shows the example of the output ratio of the output voltage of. The operating area where the molecule is in contact is shown. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the determination process of the operation target in the touch switch by 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the determination process of the operation target in the touch switch by 2nd Embodiment. (A) is a schematic diagram of the operation surface of the touch switch by 3rd Embodiment of this invention, (b) is a cross-sectional schematic diagram along the XX line of (a). It is a schematic diagram of the operation surface of the touch switch of the modification of 3rd Embodiment. (A) is a schematic diagram of the operation surface of the touch switch by 3rd Embodiment of this invention, (b) is a cross-sectional schematic diagram along the XX line of (a). (A) is a graph which shows the output voltage of the touch switch shown in FIG. 9, (b) is a graph which shows an output ratio. (A) is a schematic diagram of the operation surface of the touch switch by 4th Embodiment of this invention, (b) is a cross-sectional schematic diagram along the XX line of (a). (A) is a graph which shows the output voltage of the touch switch shown in FIG. 11, (b) is a graph which shows an output ratio.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the touch switch of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
(First embodiment)
First, an example of a touch switch according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an operation surface of the touch switch according to the first embodiment. FIG.1 (b) is sectional drawing along the XX line of Fig.1 (a).

  As shown in FIG. 1A, in the touch switch according to the first embodiment, the operation surface 1 includes nine operation areas “A” to “H” and “K” arranged in a matrix. Yes. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, this touch switch detects a change in capacitance caused by the approach of an object to the operation surface 1 as detection means, and according to the amount of change in capacitance. A plurality of capacitance sensors 2 that output output voltage values, and a determination unit 3 that determines an operation region to be operated based on output voltage values of the plurality of capacitance sensors 2 are provided.

  FIG. 2 shows an output example of the capacitance sensor 2 corresponding to each operation region when the operator's hand touches the operation region “A” on the operation surface. In FIG. 2, the output when touching the operation surface with a bare hand is shown by a white bar graph, and the output when touching with a hand wearing gloves is shown by a hatched bar graph.

  As shown by a white bar graph in FIG. 2, when touched with bare hands, the output voltage corresponding to the operation area “A” that is the operation target is the highest. Therefore, if a voltage lower than the output voltage of the operation area “A” and higher than the output voltage of the other operation area is set as the threshold “W”, an operation showing an output voltage higher than the threshold “W”. Only the region “A” is determined as the operation target.

  By the way, as shown by the bar graph with hatching in FIG. 2, the output voltage corresponding to the operation area “A” that is the operation target is the highest even when touched with a hand wearing gloves. However, the output voltage of the operation area “A” in this case is lower than the threshold value “W”. For this reason, when the touch switch is operated with a hand wearing a glove, it is less than the threshold value W. As a result, an operation by a hand wearing a glove cannot be detected.

  On the other hand, if a voltage lower than the output voltage of the operation region “A” when operated with a hand wearing gloves is set as the threshold value “X”, the output voltage of the operation region “E” when operated with bare hands is now set. Is also greater than or equal to the threshold “X”. As a result, when the touch switch “A” is operated with a bare hand, not only an operation on the operation area “A” is detected, but also an operation on the operation area “E” that is not operated is erroneously detected.

  As described above, in the example illustrated in FIG. 2, there is no threshold that can always detect only the operation region “A” regardless of whether or not the hand that operates the operation region “A” is worn. Therefore, by simply comparing the absolute value of the output voltage of the capacitance sensor in each operation region and the threshold value, the operation region to be operated can be reliably determined regardless of the state of the hand operating the touch switch. It can be seen that this may be difficult. Therefore, in the present invention, the operation area to be operated is determined using the output voltage ratio between the operation areas as described below in addition to the output voltage of the electrostatic quantity sensor in each operation area.

  Here, in FIG. 3, when the operator touches the operation area “A”, the other operation areas “B” to “H” and “K” with respect to the output voltage of the operation area “A” that is the operation target. An example of the output ratio of the output voltage is shown. Each white bar graph in FIG. 3A indicates the output ratio of the output voltage when the touch switch is operated with bare hands. In addition, the hatched bar graph in FIG. 3A indicates the output ratio when operated with a gloved hand.

  Furthermore, in FIG. 4A, when the operator touches the operation area “E”, the other operation areas “A” to “D”, “ The example of the output ratio of the output voltage of "F"-"H" and "K" is shown. Each white bar graph in FIG. 4A shows the output ratio when operated with bare hands. Also, the hatched bar graph in FIG. 4A shows the output ratio when operated with a gloved hand.

  From FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 (a), there is no big difference between the output ratio when operating with bare hands and the output ratio when operating with hands wearing gloves, regardless of the operation area of the operation target. I understand that. That is, each output voltage ratio shows a substantially constant value regardless of the state of the hand operating the touch switch.

Next, FIG. 4B shows that the operator's hand other than “E” corresponds to the output voltage of the operation region “E” that is not the operation target when the operator's hand touches other than the operation region “E”. The graph which shows the example of the output ratio of the output voltage of each operation area | region in the case of touching operation area | region "A"-"D" and "F"-"K" is shown. The numerator of the power ratio indicates the output of the touched operating area.
Each white bar graph in FIG. 4 shows an output ratio when operated with bare hands, and a hatched bar graph shows an output ratio when operated with hands wearing gloves.

  Comparing FIG. 4 (a) and FIG. 4 (b), regardless of the state of the hand operating the touch switch, the operation area when the operation area other than “E” shown in FIG. The output ratio of the output voltage of the operation region in contact with “E” is the output of the other operation region with respect to the output voltage of “E” when the operation region of “E” shown in FIG. It is much larger than the output ratio of voltage. That is, regardless of the state of the hand operating the touch switch, the output ratio when the output voltage of the operating area that is in contact is used as the denominator, and the output ratio when the output of the operation area that is not in contact is used as the denominator There is a big difference between them.

  Therefore, when the output ratio is large (for example, when the output ratio is 1 or more), it can be seen that the operation region corresponding to the denominator of the output ratio is not in contact (not the operation target). Thus, by using the output ratio, it is possible to reliably determine the operation region to be operated regardless of the state of the hand operating the touch switch.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, an example of the operation target determination process in the touch switch according to the first embodiment will be described. Here, a case where the operation area “A” is operated with bare hands will be described.

  First, it is determined whether or not the output voltage of the operation area “A” exceeds a predetermined reference value “X” (Sa1). Here, the reference value “X” is a low value so that the operation can be detected even under the condition that the output voltage of the capacitance sensor 2 tends to be low, as in the case where the operation is performed with a hand wearing gloves. That is, it is desirable to set high sensitivity.

  When the output voltage of the operation area “A” is equal to or less than the reference value “X”, it is determined that the operation area “A” is not an operation target (OFF) (Sa7). Then, the process proceeds to the determination process for the next operation area “B”.

  On the other hand, when the output voltage of the operation area “A” exceeds the reference value “X” as shown by a white bar graph in FIG. It is sequentially determined whether or not the output ratio (B / A to H / A and K / A) of the output voltages of the operation areas “B” to “H” and “K” exceeds the reference ratio “R”. (Sa2-Sa5).

  In FIG. 3, the reference ratio “R” is set to a uniform value for the other operation areas “B” to “H” and “K”, but an independent value is set for each of the other operation areas. It may be set. The value of the reference ratio may be a value obtained by adding a predetermined margin to the measured value of the output ratio of the output voltage of the other operation region to the output voltage of the operation region that is the operation target. Further, the reference value “X” and the reference ratio “R” may be read and used as those stored in the memory 4 as a reference table. In addition, when there are variations in the output characteristics of the capacitance sensor, it is possible to compensate for variations in the output characteristics of the capacitance sensor by setting individual reference ratios for each operation region. In addition, by setting the reference ratio individually for each combination of operation areas, the range of the operation area can be arbitrarily set, so that the operation range can be arbitrarily set for each operation area or the capacitance sensor can be operated. It can also be arranged at a position away from directly below the range.

  As shown by a white bar graph in FIG. 3, the output ratios of the output voltages of the other operation regions “B” to “H” and “K” with respect to the output voltage of the operation region “A” are all the reference ratio “ R ". As a result, it is determined that the operation area “A” is the operation target (ON) (Sa6).

  Subsequently, the determination process is similarly performed for the operation areas “B” to “D”. Then, it is determined that none of the operation areas “B” to “D” is an operation target (OFF).

By the way, as indicated by a white bar graph in FIG. 2, the output voltage of the operation region “E” also exceeds the reference value “X” (Se1). In this case, the output ratio of the output voltages of the other operation areas “A” to “D”, “F” to “H”, and “K” with respect to the output voltage of the operation area “E” (B / A˜ It is sequentially determined whether or not H / A and K / A) exceed the reference ratio “R” (Se2 to Se5).
Note that the value of the reference ratio “R” for the operation area “E” may be the same as or different from the reference ratio “R” for the operation area “A”. Further, a uniform value may be set for each of the other operation areas, or an independent value may be set.

  The output ratio of the output voltage of the operation area “A” to the output voltage of the operation area “E” when the operation area “A” is touched is represented by A / E in the white bar graph of FIG. The same as the reciprocal of E / A in the white bar graph in FIG. 3) exceeds the reference ratio “R”. Therefore, it is determined that the operation area “E” is not an operation target (OFF) (Se7). This avoids erroneous detection of the operation area “E” as an operation target.

  Subsequently, the determination process is similarly performed for the operation areas “F” to “H” and “K”. The operation areas “F” to “H” and “K” are also determined not to be operated (OFF).

Therefore, only the operation on the operation area “A” is reliably detected. As described above, since the operation on the touch switch is detected by paying attention to both the output voltage and the output ratio of each operation region, the actually operated operation region can be reliably detected.
Note that the operation area detected by the touch switch is not limited to one, and can be applied to the case where two or more operation areas are operated at the same time.
1 is an example in which the operation areas are arranged in an orderly manner. However, the operation areas may be arranged in a manner other than the squares, for example, on the circumference or in a staggered manner, and the operation areas need not be arranged in an orderly manner. .
In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the determination is performed in order from A, but the determination processing order is not limited to this.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an example of a touch switch according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the touch switch according to the second embodiment is the same as that according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. In 2nd Embodiment, the determination part 3 is a case where the output value of the electrostatic capacitance sensor corresponding to a certain operation area | region is more than predetermined | prescribed reference value "X" among several electrostatic capacitance sensors 2 (detection means). When the output ratio of the output values of the detection means corresponding to all the operation areas adjacent to the operation area with respect to the output value is less than a predetermined reference ratio “R”, the operation for the operation area is performed. It is determined that.

  Hereinafter, the determination process in the touch switch of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, as in the first embodiment described above, it is determined whether or not the output voltage of the operation region “A” exceeds a predetermined reference value “X” (Sa1 in FIG. 6).

  When the output voltage of the operation area “A” is equal to or lower than the reference value “X”, it is determined that the operation area “A” is not an operation target (OFF) (Sa6). Then, the process proceeds to the determination process for the next operation area “B”.

  On the other hand, when the operation area “A” is operated with bare hands, as shown by the white bar graph in FIG. 2, when the output voltage of the operation area “A” exceeds the reference value “X”, Subsequently, the output voltage ratios (B / A, D / D) of the output voltages of all operation regions “B”, “D”, and “E” adjacent to the operation region “A” with respect to the output voltage of the operation region “A” It is sequentially determined whether or not A and E / A) exceed the reference ratio “R” (Sa2 to Sa4).

  As shown by the white bar graph in FIG. 3, the output ratio of the output voltages of the adjacent operation regions “B”, “D”, and “E” with respect to the output voltage of the operation region “A” is the reference ratio “ R ". As a result, it is determined that the operation area “A” is the operation target (ON) (Sa5).

  Subsequently, a determination process is performed for the operation areas “B” to “D”. When the output voltage of the operation region “B” exceeds the reference value “X”, the adjacent operation regions “A”, “C” and “D” to “F” with respect to the output voltage of the operation region “B”. Only the output ratio of each output voltage is compared with the reference ratio “R”. Further, when the output voltage of the operation region “C” exceeds the reference value “X”, the adjacent operation regions “B”, “E”, and “F” with respect to the output voltage of the operation region “C”, respectively. Only the output ratio of the output voltage is compared with the reference ratio “R”. Further, when the output voltage “X” of the operation area “D” is exceeded, the adjacent operation areas “A”, “B”, “E”, “G” with respect to the output voltage of the operation area “C”. And only the output ratio with “H” is compared with the reference ratio “R”. However, in FIG. 2, since “B” to “D” do not exceed the reference value “X”, the output ratio is not inspected.

  Subsequently, a determination process is performed for the operation area “E”. In the example shown by the white bar graph in FIG. 2, not only the operation area “A” but also the output voltage of the operation area “E” exceeds the reference value “X” (Se1). In this case, subsequently, the output ratio (B / B) of the output voltages of all adjacent operation regions “A” to “D”, “F” to “H”, and “K” with respect to the output voltage of the operation region “E”. It is sequentially determined whether or not A to H / A and K / A) exceed the reference ratio “R” (Se2 to Se5).

  When the output ratio with all adjacent operation areas is equal to or less than the reference ratio, the operation area “E” is determined to be the operation target (ON) (Se6). On the other hand, if the output ratio with any of the adjacent operation areas exceeds the reference ratio, it is determined that the operation area “E” is not the operation target (OFF) (Se7).

  In the example shown by the white bar graph at A / E in FIG. 4B, the output ratio of the output voltage of the operation area “A” to the output voltage of the operation area “E” when the operation area “A” is touched is The reference ratio “R” is exceeded. Therefore, it is determined that the operation area “E” is not an operation target (OFF) (Se7). This avoids erroneous detection of the operation area “E” as an operation target.

  Subsequently, the determination process is similarly performed for the operation areas “F” to “H” and “K”.

  When the output ratio with all adjacent operation areas is equal to or less than the reference ratio, the operation area “K” is determined to be the operation target (ON) (Sk5). On the other hand, if the output ratio with any of the adjacent operation areas exceeds the reference ratio, it is determined that the operation area “K” is not an operation target (OFF) (Sk6).

Thus, in the second embodiment, only the output ratio with the adjacent operation area is compared with the reference ratio. For this reason, the determination process according to the second embodiment is simpler than the determination process according to the first embodiment in which the output ratio with respect to all other operation areas is compared with the reference ratio. For this reason, in 2nd Embodiment, the operation with respect to a touch switch can be detected more efficiently, avoiding a misdetection.
In addition, in the second embodiment, the object whose output ratio is to be inspected is an operation area that is physically adjacent, but an operation area in which the output is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount around the operation area that is touched according to the characteristics of the touch switch. The output ratio may be selected for inspection.
Note that the operation area detected by the touch switch is not limited to one, and can be applied to the case where two or more operation areas are operated at the same time.
1 is an example in which the operation areas are arranged in an orderly manner. However, the operation areas may be arranged in a manner other than the squares, for example, on the circumference or in a zigzag pattern, and the operation areas need to be arranged in an orderly manner at regular intervals. The absence is the same as in the first embodiment.
In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the determination is performed in order from A, but the determination processing order is not limited to this.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a touch switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of the operation surface of the touch switch according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, also in the touch switch according to the third embodiment, the capacitance sensors 2 are arranged at equal intervals as in the first embodiment. However, as shown in FIG. 7A, in the touch switch according to the third embodiment, the areas of the operation regions are not equal to each other. That is, the area of the operation region “E” arranged at the center of the operation surface 1 is expanded, while the areas of the surrounding operation regions “A” to “D”, “F” to “H”, and “G” are expanded. Has been reduced.

Thus, in order to move the boundary between adjacent operation areas with the capacitance sensors arranged at equal intervals, in this embodiment, a reference ratio is set for each operation area as follows.
That is, the reference ratio of the output ratio of the output voltage of the adjacent operation region to the output voltage of the operation region “E” is set to a value larger than the reference ratio “R” in the first embodiment. For example, in the example of the operation areas “D” to “F” shown in FIG. 7B, the operation area “D” with respect to the output voltage of the operation area “E” for determining that the operation area “E” is touched. The reference ratio to be compared with the output ratio “D / E” of the output voltage and the reference ratio to be compared with the output ratio “F / E” of the output voltage of the operation region “F” with respect to the output voltage of the operation region “E” Make it larger than “R”. On the other hand, the reference ratio and the operation region for comparison with the output ratio “E / D” of the output voltage of the operation region “E” to the output voltage of the operation region “D” for determining that the operation region “D” is touched The reference ratio to be compared with the output ratio “E / F” of the output voltage of the operation region “E” with respect to the output voltage of the operation region “F” for determining that “F” is touched is greater than the reference ratio “R”. Make it smaller.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, only the area of the operation region “E” arranged at the center of the operation surface 1 is reduced, while the surrounding operation regions “A” to “D”, “F” to “H” are reduced. ”And“ G ”may have the same area as that shown in FIG. In this case, a non-operation area is formed around the operation area “E”. Even if the hand touches the non-operation area, the operation is not detected.

In order to form the non-operation area shown in FIG. 8 with the capacitance sensors arranged at equal intervals, in the modification, the reference ratio is set for each operation area as follows.
That is, the reference ratio of the output ratio of the output voltage of the adjacent operation region to the output voltage of the operation region “E” for determining that the operation region “E” is touched is based on the reference ratio “R” in the first embodiment. Also has a small value. On the other hand, the output ratio using the output voltage of each operation region adjacent to the operation region “E” for determining that the operation region adjacent to the operation region “E” is in contact as the denominator is the reference ratio “R”. Remains.

  As described above, by individually setting the reference ratio for each operation region, the arrangement of the operation regions can be changed or a non-operation region can be formed. In the present embodiment, the case where the capacitance sensors are equally spaced has been described. However, the capacitance sensors may be arranged at non-uniform intervals or not just below the center of the operation area.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the touch switch by 4th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.
FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of the operation surface of the touch switch according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the touch switch according to the fourth embodiment is provided with three operation areas “A” to “C” on the operation surface 1. As shown in FIG. 9B, the capacitance sensor 2 is disposed in the operation areas “A” and “C”, but the operation area between the operation areas “A” and “C”. In “B”, no capacitance sensor is arranged.

  Here, FIG. 10A shows the relationship between the position touched by the hand in the operation surface 1 of the touch switch and the output voltage value of the capacitance sensor 2. A curve A in the graph of FIG. 10A represents the output voltage A of the capacitance sensor 2 corresponding to the operation region “A”, and a curve C represents the capacitance sensor 2 corresponding to the operation region “A”. Represents the output voltage C.

  FIG. 10B shows the relationship between the output ratio and the position touched by the hand on the operation surface 1 of the touch switch. A curve (C / A) in the graph of FIG. 10B represents the output ratio (C / A) of the output voltage C to the output voltage A, and the curve (A / C) represents the output voltage A with respect to the output voltage C. The output ratio (A / C).

  As illustrated in FIG. 10A, when the hand touches the operation region “B”, both the output voltage A of the operation region “A” and the output voltage C of the operation region “C” have the reference value “X”. Or more. However, as shown in FIG. 10B, the output ratio (C / A) of the output voltage C to the output voltage A and the output ratio (A / C) of the output voltage A to the output voltage C are both the reference ratio “R Or more. Therefore, the determination unit 3 determines that the operation is not an operation on the operation areas “A” and “C”.

And the determination part 3 determines with it being operation with respect to the operation area | region "B", when an output ratio (C / A) and an output ratio (A / C) are in a predetermined reference range (R1-R2), respectively. .
Note that the reference range of the output ratio (C / A) and the reference range of the output ratio (A / C) may be the same or different from each other.
Thus, in the touch switch according to the fourth embodiment, the number of capacitance sensors can be made smaller than the number of operation areas.
In the above description, the case where there are two capacitance sensors has been described. However, the operation region “B” may be determined by three or more capacitance sensors around the operation region “B”. Further, the operation areas “A”, “B”, and “C” may or may not be equally spaced, and the capacitance sensor may be disposed immediately below the center of the operation areas “A” and “B”. You don't have to.
Further, the capacitance sensor arranged with the operation region “B” interposed therebetween is not necessarily arranged in the opposite direction (180 °) when viewed from the operation region “B”. For example, the two capacitance sensors may be arranged to form a desired angle (for example, 120 °) when viewed from the center of the operation region “B”.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the touch switch by 5th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.
Fig.11 (a) is a schematic diagram of the operation surface of the touch switch by 5th Embodiment, FIG.11 (b) is sectional drawing along XX of Fig.11 (a). The operation surface 1 illustrated in FIG. 11A corresponds to a part of the operation surface illustrated in FIG. In addition, the cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 11B corresponds to a part of the cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG.

  FIG. 12A shows the relationship between the position where the hand touches the touch switch and the output voltage value of the capacitance sensor 2. A curve D in the graph of FIG. 12A represents the output voltage D of the capacitance sensor 2 corresponding to the operation region “D”, and a curve E represents the capacitance sensor 2 corresponding to the operation region “E”. Represents the output voltage E.

  FIG. 12B shows the relationship between the position where the hand touches the touch switch and the output ratio. A curve (D / E) in the graph of FIG. 12B represents the output ratio (D / E) of the output voltage D to the output voltage E, and the curve (E / D) represents the output voltage E with respect to the output voltage D. The output ratio (E / D).

  As shown in FIG. 12A, when the hand touches the region “U” outside the operation surface 1, the output voltage D of the operation region “D” becomes equal to or higher than the reference value “X”. However, as shown in FIG. 12B, the output ratio (E / D) of the output voltage E to the output voltage D is equal to or higher than the reference ratio “R”. For this reason, the determination unit 3 determines that the operation is not for the operation area “D”.

  Then, when the output ratio (E / D) is equal to or lower than the lower limit reference ratio “R1” and the output ratio (D / E) is equal to or higher than the upper limit reference ratio “R2”, the determination unit 3 It is determined that the hand is in contact with the outside (U) from “D”. Each of the lower limit reference ratio “R1” and the upper limit reference ratio “R2” can be set to empirically suitable values. As described above, the touch switch according to the fifth embodiment can detect that an object such as a hand is in contact with a region outside the operation surface.

  In each embodiment mentioned above, although the example which constituted the present invention on specific conditions was explained, the present invention can perform various change and combination, and is not limited to this. For example, in the first embodiment described above, an example in which a capacitance sensor is used as the detection unit has been described. However, in the present invention, the detection unit is not limited to this. For example, an infrared sensor and an electromagnetic induction sensor that perform guidance output to adjacent sensors may be used as detection means. Further, a temperature sensor or a radar may be used as the detection means.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Operation surface 2 Capacitance sensor 3 Judgment part 4 Memory 5 Non-operation area

Claims (5)

An operation surface having a plurality of operation areas;
A plurality of detection means for detecting a change in physical quantity caused by the approach of an object to the operation surface and outputting an output value corresponding to the change quantity of the physical quantity;
A determination unit that determines the first operation region as an operation target when the first output value of the first detection unit corresponding to the first operation region is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value among the plurality of detection units; Prepared,
Said determining means, said even first output value in the case of more than a predetermined reference value, the output ratio of the output value of the detection means corresponding to the other operation area for said first output value is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference ratio In this case, the touch switch is characterized in that the first operation area is determined as a non-operation target. The determination means is a case where the first output value of the first detection means corresponding to the first operation region among the plurality of detection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference value, and for the first output value, When the output ratio of output values of detection means corresponding to all operation areas adjacent to the first operation area is less than a predetermined reference ratio, the first operation area is determined as an operation target. The touch switch according to claim 1. The touch switch according to claim 1, wherein the reference ratio is set independently for each combination of the operation areas. The operation surface includes a second operation region not provided with a corresponding detection means,
The determination means has an output value of two or more of the detection means arranged so as to sandwich the second operation area outside the second operation area, and the output values are equal to each other. The touch switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second operation area is determined as an operation target when a ratio of the two is within a predetermined reference range. The first operation area is disposed on an outer edge of the operation surface,
A third operation region is disposed adjacent to the first operation region and inside the operation surface from the first operation region;
The determination unit is configured such that an output ratio of the third output value of the third detection unit corresponding to the third operation region to the first output value of the first detection unit corresponding to the first operation region is a predetermined lower limit reference. When the output ratio of the first output value to the third output value is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit reference ratio, it is determined that the object is in contact with the outside of the first operation region. The touch switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the touch switch is provided.

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