JP5255364B2 - Switch circuit and operation device using polymer actuator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch circuit and an operation device using a polymer actuator that causes bending deformation in a polymer layer by using electrostatic force or ion movement, and in particular, changes a protruding state or illumination state of a key by bending deformation. The present invention relates to a switch circuit and an operation device using a polymer actuator.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a device having a lighting function for illuminating a plurality of keys while arranging a plurality of keys on an operation unit, for example, there is a switch module described in Patent Document 1 below.

  In the switch module described in Patent Document 1, a dome-type movable contact is provided on a substrate, and a light guide sheet is laminated on the surface of the substrate and the movable contact.

  A light emitting element is disposed opposite to the end face of the light guide sheet, and light emitted from the light emitting element is guided through the light guide sheet and reflected upward by the metal surface constituting the movable contact. Then, the light is incident on the key top and illuminates the upper surface of the key top.

On the other hand, a switch of a remote control that can be raised and checked only by touching only those keys assigned to a function among a plurality of keys is described in Patent Document 2 below.
JP 2007-53063 A JP 2000-287284 A

  However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, all of the plurality of arranged keys always protrude from the substrate. For this reason, it can be seen that the keys are arranged by touch, but if the keys are arranged adjacent to each other, the target key cannot always be operated.

  Moreover, in the thing of patent document 1, all the keys will be illuminated. For this reason, it is difficult to perform a correct operation without visually confirming characters or the like displayed on the surface of the keys, except for advanced users who have mastered blind touch input.

  Moreover, since the thing of patent document 2 does not have an illumination function, it is difficult to operate in a dark place.

  If a light emitting element is provided for each key on the substrate and only the active key is illuminated, the key to be input can be identified at a glance, and input errors can be reduced.

  However, since the total number of light emitting elements is large and the wiring becomes complicated, there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the size or the thickness.

  The present invention is to solve the above-described conventional problems, and to provide a switch circuit and an operation device using a polymer actuator that allows only an active key to project and illuminate with a simple circuit configuration. It is aimed.

The present invention is a switch circuit using a polymer actuator that performs the advance and retreat operation of a key supported so as to freely advance and retreat in an operation panel,
The polymer actuator includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer arranged to face each other, and a polymer layer provided between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. ,
The key is set in one of a matching state in which the surface of the key is flush with the surface of the operation panel and a protruding state in which the surface of the key is lifted above the surface of the operation panel. Is possible,
An electric field is applied between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer to deform the polymer actuator, and the key is shifted from one of the coincidence state and the protruding state to the other state. One circuit,
The polymer actuator is deformed, the first electrode layer, and a contact provided on the control panel or the key, thus to but be separable, a second circuit closing state is switched, is provided It is characterized by being.

  In the present invention, only the active key can be protruded from the surface of the operation unit. For this reason, it becomes possible to perceive the operation state of the key from the sense of sight and touch (feel of the key touched by the hand), and the probability of an operation error occurring can be reduced. In this respect, operability for the blind person can be improved.

  In the above, it is preferable that the second circuit has a light source that illuminates the key, and the illumination state of the light source is switched by the deformation of the polymer actuator.

  In the above means, only the active key can be switched to the illuminated state, so that the operability in the visual aspect can be further improved.

Further, the polymer layer is formed of a light-transmitting polymer material, and the light source is provided on one end surface of the polymer layer,
When the polymer actuator is deformed, the end of the polymer actuator on the side having the other end surface of the polymer layer lifts the lower surface of the key, and the key is released by light emitted from the other end surface. What is illuminated is preferred.

  In the above means, it is not necessary to arrange the light sources (light emitting elements) close to the key, so that the degree of freedom in design can be increased.

  For example, the polymer layer includes an electrolyte, the first electrode layer is provided on one surface of the polymer layer, the second electrode layer is provided on the other surface, and the first electrode layer and the first electrode layer are provided. When an electric field is applied between the two electrode layers, the ions in the polymer actuator move and bend and deform.

Further, the present invention is an operating device using any one of the switch circuits described above,
A plurality of keys are arranged on the operation body, and the blinking of the light source and the advance / retreat operation of the keys are performed for each key.

In the above invention, for example, only some keys that are active keys can be projected in advance from among a plurality of arranged keys. Furthermore, since it becomes possible to set only the active key to the illuminated state, it is possible to provide an operating device that is less prone to operation errors.
A key input mechanism that performs key input in conjunction with the key operation is provided.

  In the present invention, it is possible to project only the active key with a simple circuit configuration and set the illumination state.

  Further, according to the present invention, the light emitting element is switched to the lighting state in accordance with the operation standby state, and the dedicated drive circuit for switching to the light-off state in accordance with the key press can be made unnecessary, thereby simplifying the circuit configuration and reducing the cost. Reduction can be achieved.

  1A and 1B are cross-sectional views showing the operating principle of a polymer actuator body used in the switching circuit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a switch circuit using the polymer actuator. It is the schematic which shows a structure.

The operation principle of the polymer actuator 1 used in the first embodiment will be described.
The polymer actuator 1 used in the first embodiment has an actuator body 10 that functions as an ion conduction type actuator using ion movement by applying an electric field.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the actuator body 10 includes a polymer layer 2 that is an electrolyte layer, a first electrode layer 3 provided on one surface of the polymer layer 2, The second electrode layer 4 provided on the other surface of the molecular layer 2 is overlaid.
The polymer layer 2 is a gel film in which an ionic liquid is mixed with a base polymer.

  The first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 4 are formed by mixing the same base polymer as the polymer layer 2, an ionic liquid, and a conductive filler into a gel form. For example, polyvinylidene fluoride can be used as the base polymer. As the conductive filler, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, and the like can be used.

  A sheet-like gel-like resin forming the polymer layer 2 is laminated with a sheet-like first electrode layer 3 and a sheet-like third electrode layer 4 mixed with a conductive filler. The actuator body 10 having a three-layer structure is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, when an electric field is applied such that the first electrode layer 3 is on the cathode side and the second electrode layer 4 is on the anode side, the anions in the polymer layer 2 and Polar molecules move in the direction of the second electrode layer 4 on the anode side. Since the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 4 are made by mixing a conductive filler in a gel-like resin in which a base polymer and an ionic liquid are mixed, the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 4 The anions and polar molecules in the electrode layer 4 also move in the direction of the second electrode layer 4. On the contrary, cations and polar molecules move in the direction of the first electrode layer 3.

  As a result, the volume of the polymer layer 2 expands on the second electrode layer 4 side, a bending stress is generated, and bending occurs in the actuator body 10 as shown in FIG.

  Next, a switch circuit and an operation device using the polymer actuator 1 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the actuator body 10 is cantilevered with a base end portion 10 </ b> A sandwiched between the restraining material 5 b and the restraining material 5 a fixed on the substrate 20. The front end of the actuator body 10 constitutes a free end 10B, and in a state where no electric field is applied, the actuator body 10 is in a horizontal state extending straight as indicated by a dotted line in the drawing.

  Above the substrate 20, an operation panel 30 provided in parallel to the substrate 20 is provided. A through hole 31 is formed in the operation panel 30, and the key 11 is provided inside the through hole 31. On the bottom surface side of the key 11, a flange portion 12 that extends to the outer peripheral side is integrally provided.

  A cutout portion 32 having a height dimension higher than the plate thickness dimension of the flange portion 12 is partially formed on the inner surface of the through hole 31 in the plate thickness direction (Z direction). The flange portion 12 is held in the cutout portion 32 and can move in the height (Z) direction within the cutout portion 32.

  As shown by a solid line in FIG. 2, when the upper end of the flange portion 12 moved in the Z <b> 1 direction inside the notch portion 32 comes into contact with the upper end of the notch portion 32, the surface of the key 11 is illustrated upward from the surface of the operation panel 30. Protrusively (projected state). Further, as shown by a dotted line in FIG. 2, when the lower end of the flange portion 12 comes into contact with the lower end of the notch portion 32 in the Z2 direction, the surface of the key is set substantially flush with the surface of the operation panel 30 (matching state). ). That is, the key 11 is held in the through hole 31 so as to be able to advance and retreat in the thickness direction within a range in which the flange portion 12 can move between the upper end and the lower end of the notch portion 32.

  On the lower surface of the operation panel 30, a conductive path 33 made of gold or carbon material is formed in a pattern. The end of the conductive path 33 enters from the edge of the through hole 31 so as to be bent along the inner surface of the through hole 31, and the bent edge portion forms a contact 34.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a light emitting element (light source) 7 made of an LED or the like is fixed at a position on the substrate 20 that does not overlap the actuator body 10 below the key 11 (Z2 direction). The light emitting element (light source) 7 emits light from the upper surface to the periphery when given current is applied.

  A plurality of conductive paths 21 are formed on the substrate 20 in a pattern. By using any one of the conductive paths 21, the power supply 16 and the start switch SW <b> 0 are connected in series between the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 4 of the actuator body 10. . In this state, the voltage E1 of the power source 16 can be applied to the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 4.

  Another conductive path 21a connects between one terminal 7a of the light emitting element (light source) 7 and the conductive path 33 via a power source 18 provided therebetween, and yet another conductive path 21b is connected to the light emitting element 7. The other terminal 7b is connected to the first electrode layer 3. The conductive path 21a and the conductive path 33 are grounded to GND. Between the one terminal 7a and the other terminal 7b of the light emitting element (light source) 7, the voltage E2 of the power source 18 can be applied.

  A circuit including the power source 16 and the start switch SW0 forms a first circuit A for driving the polymer actuator body 10, and a circuit including the power source 18 forms a second circuit B for turning on and off the light emitting element 7. .

  Since the conductive path 33 of the second circuit B is always grounded with respect to GND, a shield that suppresses the emission of noise to the outside of the operation panel 30 or is hardly affected by noise from the outside. The effect can be expected.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the start switch SW0 of the first circuit A is closed and the voltage E1 of the power supply 16 is applied between the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 4, an electric field is generated. Bending occurs in the actuator body 10. That is, the actuator body 10 is lifted on the free end 10B side with the restrained base end 10A as a fulcrum. Further, when the start switch SW0 is opened and the applied voltage E1 is released to make the electric field zero, the original state before the deformation is restored.

Next, the operation of the switch circuit using the polymer actuator 1 will be described.
(initial state)
In the initial state, the start switch SW0 of the first circuit A is in an open state. For this reason, the voltage E1 is not applied to the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 4, and the actuator body 10 is in a horizontal posture as shown by the dotted line.

  At the same time, since the second circuit B between the light emitting element (light source) 7 and the power source 18 is open in a circuit, the light emitting element (light source) 7 is in the off state.

  In this state, the key 11 is set in a matching state in which the surface thereof is flush with the surface of the operation panel 30.

(Operation standby state)
The operation standby state here means a state in which the start switch SW0 of the first circuit A is closed. In this operation standby state, a predetermined voltage E1 is applied to the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 4. As shown by the solid line in FIG. 2, when the start switch SW0 is closed and set to the operation standby state, the actuator body 10 is bent and deformed in the Z1 direction shown in the drawing. The free end 10B of the actuator body 10 enters the through hole 31 of the operation panel 30 and further contacts the bottom of the key 11 to lift the entire key 11 upward (Z1 direction). As a result, the key 11 is set to an active key whose surface protrudes in the Z1 direction from the surface of the operation panel 30 (projected state or active state).

  In the case of a thin key, the active key may be a state in which the surface of the key 11 is lifted to a position that substantially coincides with the surface of the operation panel 30.

  The operator can perceive that the key 11 has been set as the active key visually or by touching the touch when the surface of the key 11 protrudes from or coincides with the surface of the operation panel 30. Is possible.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the key 11 is lifted as a whole, the first electrode layer 3 of the actuator body 10 comes into contact with the contact 34 formed on the lower surface of the operation panel 30. Then, the first electrode layer 3 and the conductive path 33 are conductively connected to form the second circuit B. That is, since the voltage E2 of the power source 18 is applied between the terminals 7a and 7b of the light emitting element 7, the light emitting element 7 can be turned on.

  The contact electrode (not shown) may be partially thickened by applying, for example, Au plating or the like to the portion of the first electrode layer 3 of the actuator body 10 that contacts the contact 34. If it does in this way, the contact electrode on the 1st electrode layer 3 comes to contact the contact 34 which is the edge part by the side of the conductive path 33, for example, the said part of the 1st electrode layer 3 deform | transforms by abrasion etc. It is possible to prevent contact failure due to this.

  The light emitted from the light emitting element (light source) 7 illuminates the lower surface of the key 11. When the key 11 is formed of a light-transmitting synthetic resin or the like, the light passes through the inside of the key 11 and is emitted from the surface of the key 11 to the outside of the key 11. Thereby, the surface of the key 11 is illuminated. Alternatively, when characters or the like are formed on the surface of the key 11, the characters or the like emerge brightly. Even when the light does not pass through the inside of the key 11, the periphery of the key 11 is brightly illuminated by the light leaking from between the key 11 and the through hole 31.

  Therefore, the operator can visually determine which key 11 is the active key by determining the illumination state.

  It is also possible to detect that the second circuit B has been formed and perform processing using another processing device or display on a display device (not shown). The operator can perform key input by pressing the surface of the key 11 in the active state and pressing down the key 11 lifted to the actuator body 10. When the key 11 is depressed, the first electrode layer 3 is separated from the contact 34, and the second circuit B that forms between the power source 18 and the light emitting element 7 is disconnected. For this reason, the light emitting element 7 corresponding to the pressed key 11 can be turned off.

  As described above, the portion of the first electrode layer 3 and the contact 34 of the conductive path 33 formed in the operation panel 30 functions as a changeover switch S for turning on or off the light emitting element (light source) 7.

  Note that an input operation using the key 11 can be detected by providing, for example, a push-type key input mechanism or a capacitance-type key input mechanism (not shown) on the back surface of the key 11.

  Furthermore, an input of the key 11 may be detected by installing an optical sensor inside and detecting which light emitting element 7 is turned on or off.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a switch circuit using a polymer actuator as a first modification of the first embodiment.

  The polymer actuator used in the switching circuit of FIG. 3 has substantially the same configuration as the polymer actuator described above, but differs in that the polymer layer 2 has a light guiding function.

  The actuator body 10 shown in FIG. 3 includes a polymer layer 2 that is an electrolyte layer, a first electrode layer 3 and a second electrode layer 4 that are formed of a transparent gel-like polymer that can exchange ions. Here, the refractive index of the gel-like resin constituting the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 4 is greater than the refractive index of the gel-like resin constituting the polymer layer 2. Is set too low. In this way, the boundary between the polymer layer 2 and the first electrode layer 3 can be a refractive index boundary surface, and the boundary between the polymer layer 2 and the second electrode layer 4 can be a refractive index boundary surface. As a result, light propagating through the polymer layer 2 is less likely to leak into the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 4, and light propagates through the polymer layer 2 with high efficiency.

  In addition, since the anions in the polymer layer 2 that is the electrolyte layer can move into the second electrode layer 4, a large bending stress can be applied to the entire actuator body 10.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this polymer layer 2, the base end surface 2a on the base end portion 10A side that is cantilevered constitutes a light incident end surface, and the front end surface 2b on the free end 10B side serves as a light emitting end surface. It is composed. A light emitting element (light source) 7 is disposed in the vicinity of the base end face 2a, and light emitted from the light emitting element (light source) 7 enters the polymer layer 2 from one base end face 2a. The light incident on the inside of the polymer layer 2 propagates in the polymer layer 2 and exits to the outside from the other end surface 2b.

  As shown in FIG. 3, also in the first modified example, when the start switch SW <b> 0 of the first circuit A is closed, the power supply 16 is interposed between the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 4 of the actuator body 10. Since the electric field is generated by applying the voltage E1 from the actuator body 10, the actuator body 10 is bent and deformed. At this time, the key 11 is lifted upward, and the surface of the key 11 can be protruded from the surface of the operation panel 30 (a protruding state or an active state).

  When the actuator body 10 is bent and deformed, the first electrode layer 3 comes into contact with the contact 34 of the conductive path 33 of the operation panel 30. Then, the second circuit B is closed, the voltage E2 of the power source 18 is applied between the one terminal 7a and the other terminal 7b of the light emitting element 7, and the light emitting element (light source) 7 emits light.

  And the light which propagated in the polymer layer 2 and was radiate | emitted from the front end surface 2b illuminates the key 11 and its back surface. Therefore, it is possible to illuminate only the active key 11 that has been changed to the protruding state.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 3, it is not necessary to provide the light-emitting element 7 at a position facing the key 11, that is, a position on the lower surface of the through hole 31, so that the degree of freedom in design can be increased. In other words, the space between the key 11 and the opposing substrate 2 can be effectively used for other than the light emitting element (light source) 7.

  Also in the first modification shown in FIG. 3, the conductive path 33 of the second circuit B is always grounded to GND. For this reason, the shielding effect which suppresses discharge | release of the noise to the exterior of the operation panel 30, or makes it difficult to receive the influence of the noise from the outside can be expected.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a switch circuit using a polymer actuator showing a second modification of the first embodiment.

  The circuit configuration of the second modification is the same as that of the first embodiment except that a contact point is provided on the bottom surface of the key 11. Although omitted in FIG. 4, the support structure of the key 11 with respect to the operation panel 30 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  In the polymer actuator shown in FIG. 4, a conductive path 33 is formed on the lower surface of the operation panel 30, and a contact 34 formed with a metal conductor exposed on the lower surface of the key 11 is provided. The end of the conductive path 33 and the contact 34 are connected via a flexible cable 35.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the non-driving state in which the start switch SW0 is opened, the actuator body 10 is in a horizontal posture, and the key 11 is in the lowered position in the Z2 direction shown in the drawing. In this state, the flexible cable 35 has a bent portion 35a having a substantially U shape. The flexible cable 35 is in a state of being movable in the Z1 direction in the figure by the length dimension of the bent portion 35a.

  When the start switch SW0 is closed and the driving state is reached, the actuator body 10 is deformed in the same manner as described above, and the free end 10B of the actuator body 10 lifts the key 11 in the Z1 direction. At this time, the flexible cable 35 is extended and the said bending part 35a is eliminated. When the first electrode layer 3 of the actuator body 10 comes into contact with the contact 34 formed on the bottom surface of the key 11, the circuit on the light emitting element 7 side is turned on. 11 is illuminated.

  Further, when the start switch SW0 is switched to the open state, the key 11 returns to the lowered position in the Z2 direction, so that the light emitting element 7 can be turned off. At this time, a flexible portion 35a is re-formed in the flexible cable 35.

  As described above, in the second modified example of FIG. 4, the movement of the key 11 can be performed without restraining the free movement of the key 11 in the vertical (Z) direction by using the flexible cable 35 having the bending portion. As a result, the light emitting element 7 can be turned on and off.

  In the first embodiment and the first and second modifications, only the polymer actuator 1 is controlled and the start switch SW0 is set to the operation standby state, and the key 11 is set to the protruding state (active state). In addition, the light emitting element 7 can be set in an illuminated state. Moreover, when the operator depresses the key 11, the light emitting element 7 can be switched to the off state together with the key input. For this reason, the light emitting element 7 is switched to the lighting state in accordance with the operation standby state, and a dedicated drive circuit for switching to the light-off state in accordance with the key press can be eliminated. In this respect, the circuit configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  In the first embodiment and the first and second modifications, the first electrode layer 3 provided on one surface of the actuator body 10 supplies power to the light-emitting element 7 as a configuration of the illumination switch. Although the configuration functioning as a part of the power supply line to be supplied has been shown and described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a contact electrode as another electrode is formed on the surface of the first electrode layer 3 via an insulating sheet, and the first counter electrode and the second counter electrode are insulated from each other on the lower surface of the operation panel 30. And you may form in the state which approaches. In this configuration, when the actuator body 10 is bent and deformed, the contact electrode comes into contact with both the first counter electrode and the second counter electrode, so that the first counter electrode and the second counter electrode A conductive connection is established between them, thereby forming an illumination switch. Thereby, the contact electrode can function as a power supply line instead of the first electrode layer 3.

  5A and 5B are cross-sectional views showing the operating principle of the polymer actuator used in the switch circuit according to the second embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 5A is a drive state, and FIG. Indicates an operation standby state.

  A polymer actuator 41 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B has a sheet-like polymer layer 42. The polymer layer 42 is called an electroactive polymer. The electroactive polymer is an elastomer such as silicone resin, polyurethane resin, acrylic resin, or olefin resin, and functions as an insulating dielectric between opposing electrode layers. Further, the electroactive polymer used for the polymer layer 42 is translucent. The light-transmitting property in this specification means a state in which light can propagate inside and is transparent or a state in which fillers or impurities are mixed within a range that does not impair the light propagation inside. .

  The first electrode layer 43 is provided in close contact with the first surface 42a which is the lower surface of the polymer layer 42, and the second surface 42b which is the upper surface of the polymer layer 42 is provided with the second surface 42b. An electrode layer 44 is provided in close contact.

  A circular hole 43 a is opened in the first electrode layer 43, and a circular hole 44 a is also opened in the second electrode layer 44. The center of the hole 43 a of the first electrode layer 43 and the hole 44 a of the second electrode layer 44 coincide with each other on the top and bottom of the polymer layer 42.

  The actuator body 40 in which the polymer layer 42 and the first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 44 are overlapped has an outer peripheral edge 40a that is concentric with the holes 43a and 44a. The actuator body 40 is sandwiched between a lower restraining ring 45a and an upper restraining ring 45b at an inner portion of the outer peripheral edge 40a. The constraining ring 45a and the constraining ring 45b are made of a non-conductive material such as synthetic resin or ceramic that has a rigidity that does not substantially deform. The outer peripheral edge 40a of the actuator body 40 is held by the restraining ring 45a and the restraining ring 45b so as not to expand in the direction in which the radius increases.

  The first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 44 are mainly composed of a polymer. For example, conductive fillers such as silver powder and carbon are mixed in an olefin-based conductive polymer. The first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 44 have substantially the same elastic modulus as the polymer layer 42, and when the polymer layer 42 expands in the surface direction, the first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 44 can expand in the plane direction together.

  An end face 42 c of the polymer layer 42 is exposed at the outer peripheral edge 40 a of the actuator body 40. At least one light emitting element (light source) 7 is provided outside the outer peripheral edge 40a. The light emitting element (light source) 7 emits visible light such as an LED. Light emitted from the light emitting element (light source) 7 is incident on the inside of the polymer layer 42 from the end face 42c. In addition, it is preferable that the periphery of the light emitting element (light source) 7 is shielded except on the side facing the end face 42c, and the light from the light emitting element (light source) 7 is less likely to leak except in the direction in which the polymer layer 42 exists. . Alternatively, a condensing lens for condensing the light from the light emitting element (light source) 7 inside the polymer layer 42 may be provided between the light emitting element (light source) 7 and the end face 42c. .

  An operation panel 46 is provided above the second electrode layer 44 and inside the restraining ring 45b. The operation panel 46 is provided with a hole 46 a provided to face the hole 44 a formed in the second electrode layer 44. Inside the hole 46a, there is provided a key 51 provided so as to be able to advance and retreat in the plate thickness (Z) direction.

  A conductor 53 is formed on the lower surface of the operation panel 46. The conductor 53 may be a plurality of conductive lines extending radially, or may have a configuration in which one surface is formed of a metal film (solid film). The center side of the conductor 53 enters the hole 46a in a bent state. A bent edge portion forms a circumferential contact 54.

The surface of the key 51 is formed in substantially the same plane as the surface of the operation panel 46.
Next, the operation of the polymer actuator of the second embodiment will be described.

  The actuator body 40 is sandwiched between the restraining ring 45a and the restraining ring 45b in a state where tension is uniformly applied in the radial direction from the center of the holes 43a and 44a. When a uniform strain is given in advance to each direction of the radial direction with respect to the actuator body 40, when a voltage is applied between the first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 44, Strain along the surface direction is likely to occur in the polymer layer 42.

  FIG. 5A shows a state where no voltage is applied to the first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 44 (non-driving state). Since the actuator body 40 is preliminarily given a uniform strain in the radial direction, the polymer layer 42 in the state of FIG. 5A has a first surface 42a and a second surface 42b that are parallel to each other and flat. It is a state.

  For this reason, the key 51 is inserted into the hole 46a, and the surface of the key 51 is set to be flush with the surface of the operation panel 46 (matched state).

  As shown in FIG. 5B, when the start switch SW0 of the first circuit A is closed and the voltage E1 is applied between the first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 44, the operation standby state is set. can do. In this operation standby state, since the polymer layer 42 sandwiched between the first and second electrode layers 43 and 44 is insulative and functions as a dielectric, positive charge is applied to the first electrode layer 43. The second electrode layer 44 is charged with a negative charge. Therefore, a force to reduce the distance between the first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 44 due to the electrostatic attractive force acting between the first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 44. Works. Since the polymer layer 42 is an elastomer, the polymer layer 42 is contracted and deformed in the thickness direction so that the distance between the first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 44 is reduced, and the polymer layer 42 is polymerized based on the Poisson's ratio derived from the elastomer material. The layer 42 tends to generate elongation strain in the surface direction. At this time, the first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 44 also follow the polymer layer 42 and tend to generate strain in the plane direction.

  Since the outer peripheral edge 40a of the actuator body 40 is constrained by restraining rings 45a and 45b, the strain in the plane direction generated in the three-layer structure portion of the polymer layer 42, the first electrode layer 43, and the second electrode layer 44. Thus, the actuator body 10 is deformed so that the diameters of the holes 43a and 44a are reduced. As a result, the polymer layer 42 located in the holes 43a and 44a is deformed into a dome shape as shown in FIG.

  The polymer layer 42 located in the holes 43a and 44a can be deformed into a dome shape in any of the upward and downward directions in FIG. However, the second surface rather than the first surface 42a is obtained by mixing a thin inorganic filler on the first surface of the polymer layer 2 or by subjecting the second surface 42b to surface roughening. By reducing the elastic modulus of 42b only slightly, the polymer layer 2 located in the holes 43a and 44a can be always deformed upward. The polymer layer 2 can always be deformed upward by sealing the hole 43a.

  The actuator body 40 shown in FIG. 5 has a large thickness dimension in a region where the polymer layer 42 is sandwiched between the first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 44, that is, a region excluding the holes 43a and 43b. Since the rigidity is slightly higher than in the holes 43a and 44a, this region becomes the constraining region 40B. And the area | region where the polymer layer 42 exists in the inside of the holes 43a and 44a by the single layer turns into a deformation | transformation area | region 40A. When the voltage E1 is applied between the first electrode layer 43 and the second electrode layer 44, the restraint region 40B is elongated in the surface direction, but the force is higher than that of the restraint region 40B. As a result, the polymer layer 42 is deformed into a dome shape in the deformation region 40A.

  As a result, the dome-shaped portion of the polymer layer 42 enters the hole 46a of the operation panel 46 and lifts the key 51 upward. Therefore, the surface of the key 51 can be protruded upward in the drawing from the surface of the operation panel 46 (a protruding state or an active state). In the thin key in which the key 51 is thinly formed, the surface of the key 51 is set to be in a coincidence state that is substantially flush with the surface of the operation panel 46.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, in this state, the upper surface on the center side of the second electrode layer 44 contacts the contact 54 of the conductor 53 formed on the lower surface of the operation panel 46, and the conductor 53 and the second electrode layer 44 are in contact with each other. The two electrode layers 44 are electrically connected. As a result, the second circuit B between the one terminal 7a and the other terminal 7b of the light emitting element (light source) 7 is closed and the voltage E2 is applied, so that the light emitting element (light source) 7 is turned on. it can.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing an operation unit of an operation device using a polymer actuator, and FIG. 7 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a switch circuit provided in the operation device of FIG.

  The operation device shown in FIG. 6 includes, for example, an operation unit of a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, an operation unit such as an automated teller machine (ATM), and other devices such as a FAX and a copy machine. It can also be used for the operation unit.

  A plurality of holes are formed in the operation unit as described above, and a plurality of keys that are supported so as to advance and retreat in the thickness direction are provided in each hole. Further, on the lower surfaces (back surfaces) of these keys, switch circuits 60 using any type of polymer actuator shown in the first or second embodiment are provided.

  In the following description, the polymer actuator 1 shown as the first embodiment is used.

  In FIG. 6, the key 11 protruding from the operation panel 30 indicates the active key 11a. As described above, when the active key 11a protrudes from the surface of the operation panel 30 in a state before the operation, the key 11 that can be operated in advance is visually or touched (feeling of unevenness when the operation panel 30 is touched). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of operation mistakes.

  7, the switch circuit 60 includes a plurality of polymer actuator bodies 10a, 10b, 10c,..., Light emitting elements (light sources) 7A, 7B, 7C,. 18 and start switches SW1, SW2, SW3,... Composed of transistors and the like are provided.

  The start switches SW1, SW2, SW3,... Have control terminals D1, D2, D3,..., And these control terminals D1, D2, D3,. It operates based on a given control signal.

  In the switch circuit 60 shown in FIG. 7, each of the start switches SW1, SW2, SW3,... Is formed by a push-pull circuit composed of a pair of transistors T1, T2, and the base terminal of each transistor is It is connected to control terminals D1, D2, D3,.

  For example, when a high level signal is input to the control terminal D1, one transistor T1 of the start switch SW1 corresponding to the high level signal is turned on, and the other transistor T2 is turned off. As a result, the voltage E1 (+) of one power supply 16a is applied between the first electrode layer 3 and the second electrode layer 4 of the actuator body 10a via the transistor T1 of the start switch SW1. Therefore, the actuator body 10a is deformed, and the key 11 is set to the active key 11a protruding from the operation unit.

  At the same time, the change-over switch S1 is switched on, and the first electrode layer 3 of the actuator body 10a and the conductive path 33 provided on the lower surface of the operation panel 30 are electrically connected via the contact 34 (see FIG. 1). Then, the corresponding light emitting element (light source) 7A is turned on. Therefore, the active key 11a corresponding to the light emitting element 7A can be illuminated brightly. At the same time, it is possible to perform key input using a key input mechanism (not shown) corresponding to the active key 11a.

  When the lit active key 11a is pressed, the connection between the first electrode layer 3 corresponding to the active key 11a and the contact 34 of the conductive path 33 is cut off, and the changeover switch S1 is turned off. Therefore, the light emitting element (light source) 7A illuminating the active key 11a can be turned off. At the same time, key input is performed using a key input mechanism (not shown) corresponding to the active key 11a. These operations are the same for the other start switches SW2 and SW3.

  As described above, the actuators 10a, 10b, 10c,... Are driven and the light emitting elements (light sources) 7A, 7B are controlled only by controlling the operation of one transistor T1 of the start switches SW1, SW2, SW3,. , 7C,... And key input by each key input mechanism can be performed, but the other switches T2, T2, T2, etc. are included in the start switches SW1, SW2, SW3,. ... are also provided.

  When a low level signal is input to one of the control terminals D1, D2, D3,..., The other of the activation switches SW1, SW2, SW3,. The transistors T2, T2, T2,... Are turned on, and one of the transistors T1, T1, T1,. As a result, the voltage E1 (−) of the other power source 16b passes through the transistors T2, T2, T2,... And the first electrode layer 3 of the actuator bodies 10a, 10b, 10c,. Although the polarity of the power source 16b is opposite to that of the power source 16a, the actuator bodies 10a, 10b, 10c,... Can be deformed in the opposite direction. For this reason, for example, the key 11 can be set in a concave state. Alternatively, the surface of the active key 11a in the protruding state can be forcibly returned to the matching state that matches the surface of the operation panel 30.

  Therefore, various usage forms can be proposed by changing the unevenness of the plurality of keys arranged on the operation panel 30.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the switch circuit 60 described above, the first circuit A including the power supplies 16a, 16b for driving the actuator bodies 10a, 10b, 10c,..., And the light emitting elements (light sources) 7A, 7B. , 7C,..., 7C, and the second circuit B including the power source 18, a part of the conductive path 33 grounded to GND can be shared. For this reason, the number of wirings can be reduced, and the circuit configuration can be simplified in this respect.

  In the first circuit A, the collector terminals of one of the transistors T1, T1, T1,... Constituting the start switches SW1, SW2, SW3,... Are connected to the power supply 16a through a common wiring path L1. Similarly, the collector terminals of the other transistors T2, T2, T2,... Are also connected to the power source 16b via a common wiring path L2. Further, in the second circuit B, the anode side terminals of the light emitting elements (light sources) 7A, 7B, 7C,... Are connected to the power source 18 through the common wiring path L3. Therefore, the switch circuit 60 also simplifies the circuit configuration by reducing the number of wires in these respects.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the second circuit B functions as a switching circuit for turning on and off the light emitting element has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other functions such as, for example, It may be configured to function as a circuit for generating a beep sound.

(A) (B) is sectional drawing which shows the principle of operation of the polymer actuator main body utilized for the switch circuit of the 1st Embodiment of this invention, Schematic showing the configuration of the switching circuit using a polymer actuator, Schematic which shows the structure of the switching circuit using the polymer actuator which shows the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment, Schematic of a polymer actuator showing a second modification of the first embodiment, It is sectional drawing which shows the operation principle of the polymer actuator utilized for the switch circuit of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, (A) drive state, (B) is an operation standby state, The perspective view which shows the outline of the operation part of the operating device using a polymer actuator, An equivalent circuit diagram of a configuration example of a switching circuit provided in the operating device,

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Polymer actuator 2 Polymer layer 3 1st electrode layer 4 2nd electrode layer 5a, 5b Restraining material 7 Light source (light emitting element)
10 Actuator body 11 Key 20 Substrate 21, 21a, 21b Conductive path 30 Operation panel 31 Through hole 33 Conductive path 34 Contact 40 Actuator body 41 Polymer actuator 42 Polymer layer 43 First electrode layer 44 Second electrode layer 45a, 45b Restraint ring 46 Operation panel 51 Key 53 Conductor 54 Contact 60 Switch circuit A First circuit B Second circuit SW0, SW1, SW2, SW3 Start switch S, S1, S2, S3 selector switch

Claims (6)

A switch circuit using a polymer actuator that performs a back-and-forth movement of a key supported in an operation panel so as to freely advance and retract.
The polymer actuator includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer arranged to face each other, and a polymer layer provided between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. ,
The key is set in one of a matching state in which the surface of the key is flush with the surface of the operation panel and a protruding state in which the surface of the key is lifted above the surface of the operation panel. Is possible,
An electric field is applied between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer to deform the polymer actuator, and the key is shifted from one of the coincidence state and the protruding state to the other state. One circuit,
The polymer actuator is deformed, the first electrode layer, and a contact provided on the control panel or the key, thus to but be separable, a second circuit closing state is switched, is provided A switch circuit using a polymer actuator, characterized in that   2. The switch circuit using a polymer actuator according to claim 1, wherein the second circuit includes a light source that illuminates the key, and the illumination state of the light source is switched when the polymer actuator is deformed. The polymer layer is formed of a light-transmitting polymer material, and the light source is opposed to one end surface of the polymer layer;
When the polymer actuator is deformed, the end of the polymer actuator on the side having the other end surface of the polymer layer lifts the lower surface of the key, and the key is released by light emitted from the other end surface. A switch circuit using the polymer actuator according to claim 2 that is illuminated. The polymer layer includes an electrolyte, the first electrode layer is provided on one surface of the polymer layer, the second electrode layer is provided on the other surface, and the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are provided. switch when the electric field between the electrode layer is given, in the polymer actuator, ions internally using a polymer actuator according to any one of 3 claims 1 to bending deformation by moving circuit. An operating device using the switch circuit according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
An operating device using a polymer actuator in which a plurality of keys are arranged on the operating body, and the light source blinks and the keys advance and retract with respect to each key.   6. The operating device using a polymer actuator according to claim 5, further comprising a key input mechanism that performs key input in conjunction with the key operation.

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