JPH09218747A - Touch panel switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To securely obtain moderate stroke sense and click sense, to secure superior operation feeling and to prevent the occurrence of misoperation. SOLUTION: A touch position detection means 19 forms a grid-like light beam network 24 in parallel to a touch face 6 in a detection reference position lower from the position of the touch face 6 of a switch plate 7 in non-depression by a prescribed distance in the depressing direction of the plate 7. The touch position is detected by light beams interrupted by hands/fingers depressing the touch face 6 when the touch face 6 is pressed down below the detection reference position.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a touch panel switch suitable for application to a vehicle-mounted switch or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, touch panel switches have come to be used as operation switches for automobiles. FIG.
Shows a conventional resistive touch panel switch 100. This touch panel switch 100 is actually 60
The glass substrate 10 disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5530
1 and the sheet 102 are made of transparent conductive films, respectively, to form the electrode 10
3, 104 are formed, and a transparent conductive paint film is applied on the electrodes 103, 104. And sheet 10
When the arbitrary position of 2 is pressed, the electrodes 103, 1 at the pressed position
04 are in contact with each other, and the switch corresponding to the electrodes 103 and 104 operates. As a mechanism of the touch panel switch, in addition to the resistance film method, a photoelectric matrix method, a capacitance detection method, a load detection method, an acoustic method, etc. have been developed.

By the way, a large number of various push switches are used as operation switches in the interior of an automobile, and the push switches allow the user to feel the stroke feeling and moderation feeling (click feeling) when they are pressed. . However, when the push switch that allows the operator to confirm the operation feeling with the finger and the touch panel switch 100 as shown in FIG. 6 are used in combination, not only an uncomfortable feeling may occur in operation but also an erroneous operation may occur. There is. This is because the touch panel switch 100 does not have an operation feeling that can be directly sensed with a finger, and therefore the operation feeling is compensated by visually recognizing an electronic sound or a color change of the screen that is felt by the ear.

Therefore, the touch panel switch 110 shown in FIG. 7 has been proposed. The touch panel switch 110 is disclosed in JP-A-3-230428, and a display unit 112 such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) is attached to a printed wiring board 111, and a push switch 113 is attached to the center of the display unit 112. By pushing the switch plate 114 made of a light-transmissive material arranged above the display unit 112, the free end 116 of the frame plate 115 whose one side is supported by the printed wiring board 111 is inclined from the fulcrum 117 and the push switch 113 is pushed. It is designed to be pressed. The push switch 113 is a switch that generates a click feeling when pressed by a predetermined amount, and includes a so-called tact switch or the like. In addition, 118 is a pressure sensor and 119 is a case.

In such a configuration, the switch plate 1
When pressing 14, the stroke feeling is secured by the pressing operation of the free end 116 associated therewith, and at the same time the free end 11 is pressed.
The click feeling can be secured by the operation of the push switch 113 pressed by 6, and the touch panel switch can have the same feel as an existing push switch.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned touch panel switch 110, the touch position is detected and output by the pressure sensor 118 at the initial stage of the pressing by the touch operation. If the position is operated incorrectly, push switch 113
Even if the fingers are released from the switch plate 114 before the click feeling is generated (that is, during the pressing), the touch position is output.
There was an inconvenience of operating equipment equipped with 0 as an operation switch.

In particular, instead of the load detection method by the pressure sensitive sensor 118, the touch position is detected by a photoelectric matrix method using an infrared light receiving and emitting element, and an infrared grid pattern is formed along the upper surface of the switch plate. Since it is configured to detect the touch position by the light beam intercepted by the fingers that touch the switch plate, the switch may operate even if the finger or the like touches the switch plate, which may cause more erroneous operation. was there.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and if the switch plate is touched by mistake, if an operator presses the switch plate at a certain amount or less and releases his hand, an unintended switch operation may occur. Being prevented,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a touch panel switch that can surely obtain a stroke feeling and a click feeling at the same time as a switch operation when an appropriate touch operation is intentionally performed.

[0009]

To achieve the above object, a touch panel switch according to the present invention comprises a screen display means for displaying a switch screen and a switch screen of the screen display means formed of a light transmissive material. A switch plate that covers the touch panel and provides a touch surface for operating the switch, and a decorative panel that covers the switch plate to provide an appearance and has a switch operating opening that exposes the touch surface of the switch plate. And a plate support mechanism that supports the switch plate so that the switch plate can be pressed by a pressing force at the time of a touch operation, and a switch responsive operation that is provided in the pressing direction of the switch plate and the pressing amount of the switch plate reaches a certain amount. And a switch means for outputting a predetermined operation signal while generating a sense of moderation. A touch position detecting means for detecting an upper touch position, wherein the touch position detecting means forms a grid-like light network parallel to a touch surface of the switch plate, and When the touch surface of the switch plate is pushed down below a detection reference position, which is lowered by a predetermined distance in the pushing direction from the non-pressed position, the light beam network is interrupted to output the touched position.

Alternatively, a touch panel switch according to the present invention for achieving the above object is provided with a screen display means for displaying a switch screen and a switch formed of a light transmissive material so as to cover the switch screen of the screen display means. A switch plate that provides a touch surface for operation, and an outer appearance that is covered on the switch plate,
A decorative panel having a switch operation opening that exposes the touch surface of the switch plate, a plate support mechanism that supports the switch plate so that the switch plate can be pressed down by the pressing force at the time of touch operation, and the switch panel is arranged in the pressing direction. Then, when the pressing amount of the switch plate reaches a certain amount, a sense of moderation indicating the responsive operation of the switch is generated, and a switch means for outputting a predetermined operation signal and a touch position for detecting a touch position on the switch plate. A touch panel switch comprising: a detection unit, wherein the operation timing of the touch position detection unit is a predetermined time after the pressing amount of the switch plate reaches a certain amount and an operation signal of the switch unit is output. It is characterized by being set later.

According to the above configuration of the present invention, even if the switch plate is pushed down by an erroneous operation, the light network is shut off when the switch plate is pushed down below the inspection reference position. If you release your finger before the detection reference position is exceeded, the touch position will not be detected and the switch will not operate. Further, when the switch plate is properly pressed down by the intended touch operation, the switch plate activates the switch means by the pressing force at the time of the touch operation. The click feeling that occurs is certainly obtained.

Further, in the configuration in which the touch position detecting means is set to output the touch position after a predetermined time has elapsed after the switch means responds, the switch means is pushed down even if the switch plate is erroneously operated. If the finger or the like is released before the predetermined time elapses, the touch position is not detected and the switch operation is avoided.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of a touch panel switch according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 show an embodiment of a touch panel switch according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the touch panel switch, FIG. 2 is a view seen from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a front view for explaining the operation of the touch panel switch.

The touch panel switch 1 is a rectangular plate LCD which is a screen display means for displaying a switch screen.
(Liquid crystal display) 3 and a switch plate 7 formed of a light transmissive material and covering a surface (switch screen) 4 of the LCD 3 to provide a touch surface 6 for operating a switch.
And a decorative panel (case) 11 that covers the switch plate 7 to provide an external appearance and has a switch operation opening 9 that exposes the touch surface 6 of the switch plate 7, and touch the switch plate 7. A plate support mechanism 1 that is elastically supported so that it can be pressed by the pressing force during operation.
5 and a switch means 17 which is arranged in the pressing direction of the switch plate 7 and generates a moderation sensation indicating the response operation of the switch when the pressing amount of the switch plate 7 reaches a certain amount and outputs a predetermined operation signal. , And a touch position detecting means 19 for detecting a touch position on the switch plate 7. The switch means 17 is composed of four tact switches in this embodiment. Therefore, hereinafter, the tact switch 17
And

Here, the LCD 3 is attached to a printed wiring board 21 on which a control circuit of the LCD 3 and the like are mounted, and the printed wiring board 21 is fixed in the decorative panel 11 by a screw member 30. The printed wiring board 21, when assembled to the decorative panel 11,
The switch screen 4, the switch plate 7, and the outer surface 10 of the decorative panel 11 of the LCD 3 are all parallel to each other.

The plate supporting mechanism 15 contacts the four corners of the switch plate 7 so that the printed wiring board 2 can be contacted.
The switch plate 7 is supported by the push button portions 18 of the four tact switches 17 provided on the switch 1 so that the switch plate 7 can be pushed. In this embodiment, a rubber contact switch is used for each tact switch 17, but another push switch can be used.

The touch position detecting means 19 is of a so-called photoelectric matrix type, and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a sensor support frame 23 having an opening 22 through which the switch plate 7 can be inserted, and this support. The light network 2 is embedded in the periphery of the opening 22 of the frame 23 to form a grid pattern in the opening.
4 and the light receiving element 27 and the light receiving element 27. Here, the opening 22 is similar in size to the outer shape of the switch plate 7, and has a size such that a slight gap is formed between the opening 22 and the outer edge of the switch plate 7 for ensuring a smooth pressing operation. Is set to.
Then, the sensor support frame 23 is fixed to the inner surface of the decorative panel 11 by the screw member 29. On the other hand, when the switch plate 7 is not pressed, the sensor support frame 23
Of the four tactile switches 1 described above so that the touch surface 6, which is the surface of the switch plate 7 and is located in the opening 22 of the same, is flush with the surface of the sensor support frame 23.
Supported by 7.

That is, the touch position detecting means 19 sets the positional relationship between the sensor support frame 23 and the switch plate 7 as described above, so that the position of the touch surface 6 of the switch plate 7 when the switch plate 7 is not pressed is higher than that of the touch surface 6. A grid-like light beam network 24 parallel to the touch surface 6 is formed at a detection reference position that is lowered by a predetermined distance in the pressing direction of the switch plate 7 when the switch plate 7 is pressed, and the touch surface 6 of the switch plate 7 is below the detection reference position. When pushed down, the touch position is detected by the light beam blocked by the finger or the like pressing the touch surface 6. In the case of this embodiment,
The light emitting element 28 is an infrared light emitting element and the light receiving element 29 is an infrared light receiving element, but it is also conceivable to use a light emitting and receiving element for visible light.

In the above touch panel switch 1, the touch position detecting means 19 has a predetermined distance in the pressing direction of the switch plate 7 when the switch plate 7 is pressed than the position of the touch surface 6 of the switch plate 7 when the switch plate 7 is not pressed. In the illustrated example, the touch position is detected at the detection reference position that is lowered by about half of the plate thickness of the sensor support frame 23). Therefore, even if the switch plate 7 is pressed down by an erroneous operation of the finger 33 or the like, the switch Touch surface 6 of plate 7
If the finger is released from the touch surface 6 of the switch plate 7 before the position exceeds the detection reference position, the touch position is not detected, and unintended switch operation is prevented from occurring due to erroneous operation or the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the touch surface 6 of the switch plate 7 is properly touched by an intended touch operation, the switch plate 7 moves due to the pressing force at the time of the touch operation and the tact switch 17 is pressed. By the stroke feeling based on the amount of pressing of the switch plate 7 until the switch is activated and the click feeling generated by the tact switch 17, it is possible to obtain an operation feeling equivalent to that of other push switches equipped in the vehicle. Moreover, by setting the detection reference position in the touch position detection means 19 further near the operating position of the tact switch 17, that is, the movement distance of the switch plate until the light beam network 24 is shut off is set to be large. By doing so, the switch operation can be performed at the touch position detected almost at the same time when the click feeling is generated, and the sense of incompatibility due to the difference between the timing when the switch operation is actually started and the timing when the click feeling is generated. Can be eliminated, and an excellent feeling of operation can be obtained.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control process of a touch panel switch according to another embodiment of the present invention. Although not shown, the touch panel switch in this embodiment has a screen display means for displaying a switch screen and a touch surface for covering the switch screen of the screen display means and operating the switch. A switch plate that provides the appearance of the switch plate, a decorative panel that covers the switch plate to provide an appearance and has a switch operation opening that exposes the touch surface of the switch plate, and the switch plate that is pressed when the touch operation is performed. A plate support mechanism that supports the pressure plate so that it can be pressed down is provided in the pressing direction of the switch plate, and when the pressing amount of the switch plate reaches a certain amount, a click feeling that indicates the response operation of the switch is generated, and A switch means for outputting an operation signal and a touch position on the switch plate are detected. Those constructed and a touch position detection unit.

The touch panel switch is controlled based on the operation timing of the touch position detecting means (see reference numeral 19 in FIG. 1) shown in FIG. That is, the operation of the tact switch is performed such that the touch position detection means outputs the touch position after a predetermined time has elapsed after the tact switch, which serves as the switch means, generates a click feeling when the pressing amount of the switch plate reaches a certain amount. The operation timing of the touch position detecting means is controlled by the signal and the timer (by hardware or software). Specifically, first, it is monitored whether or not the tact switch is turned on (a click feeling is generated) (step 10
1) If the tact switch is turned on, the timer detects whether or not the elapsed time after the occurrence of the click is already being measured (step 102). If the elapsed time has not yet been measured, the specified time is measured. Start (Step 10
(3, 104), when the measurement of the predetermined elapsed time is completed, the timer is reset (step 105), and at that time, the touch surface of the switch plate for turning on the tact switch is continuously pressed and touched by the touch position detection means. It is determined whether or not the position detection result is output (step 106), and when it is output, a switch signal corresponding to the touch position is output for the first time (step 107).

According to this embodiment, after pressing the switch plate by a touch operation to activate the tact switch, if the pressing of the touch surface of the switch plate is not maintained until a certain time elapses, the touch position No switch action due to detection. Therefore, even if the switch plate is depressed by an erroneous operation, if the finger or the like is released from the switch plate before the tact switch is activated, or even after the tact switch is activated and a predetermined time has elapsed, the touch position is detected. Since the switch operation is not performed, it is possible to prevent an unintended switch operation from occurring due to an erroneous operation or the like.

Further, by setting a short fixed time (set time by the timer) from when the tact switch generates a click feeling until the touch position detecting means performs the touch position detection processing, the click feeling is almost generated. It is possible to perform the switch operation by the touch position detected at the same time, to eliminate the discomfort in operation due to the difference between the timing when the actual switch operation is started and the timing when the click feeling is generated, and obtain an excellent operation feeling. You can

Further, in the case of a configuration in which the operation timing of the touch position detecting means is set so that the touch position detecting means performs the touch position detection processing after a predetermined time has elapsed after the tact switch has generated a click feeling. Adopts various types of touch position detecting means such as a photoelectric film type detecting a touch position by blocking light rays such as infrared rays, a resistance film type, a capacitance detecting type, and a load detecting type. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the touch panel switch can be significantly increased.

[0026]

According to the touch panel switch of the present invention, the touch position detecting means is lower than the position of the touch surface of the switch plate when not pressed by a predetermined distance in the pressing direction of the switch plate when pressed. Since the touch position is detected by the position, even if the switch plate is pressed down by an accidental touch such as a finger, the touch surface of the switch plate must be touched before the touch surface of the switch plate exceeds the detection reference position. If separated, the touch position is not detected, and it is possible to prevent the unintended switch operation from occurring due to an erroneous operation or the like. If the touch surface of the switch plate is properly touched by the intended touch operation, the pressing amount of the switch plate until the switch plate actuates the tact switch by the pressing at the time of the touch operation and the click feeling generated by the tact switch. With, it is possible to surely obtain a stroke feeling and a click feeling similar to those of other switches mounted on the vehicle. Moreover, by setting the detection reference position in the touch position detection means near the operation position of the tact switch, the switch operation is performed by the touch position detected almost at the same time when the click feeling is generated, and the actual switch operation starts. It is possible to eliminate an uncomfortable feeling in operation due to a difference between the timing at which the operation is performed and the timing at which the click feeling is generated, and obtain an excellent operation feeling. Further, the touch position detection means is configured to perform the touch position detection processing after a predetermined time has elapsed after the pressing amount of the switch plate reached a certain amount and the tact switch generated a click feeling. In the case of the configuration in which the operation timing is set, the switch operation for outputting the touch position is not performed unless the pressing operation of the switch plate is continued until the fixed time elapses. Therefore, even if the switch plate is pressed down by an erroneous operation, if the finger or the like is released from the switch plate before the tact switch is activated, or even after the tact switch is activated and a predetermined time has elapsed, the touch position is detected. Since the switch operation is not performed, an operation error due to an erroneous touch is avoided. Also, by setting the time from the tactile switch generating a click feeling until the touch position detecting means performs the touch position detection processing to be short, switch operation by the touch position is performed almost at the same time when the click feeling occurs. It is possible to eliminate the discomfort in operation due to the difference between the timing when the actual switch operation is started and the timing when the click feeling occurs,
An excellent feeling of operation can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a touch panel switch according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view seen from the direction of arrow A in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the touch panel switch.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control process according to another embodiment of the touch panel switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a conventional touch panel switch.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of another conventional touch panel switch.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 Screen Display Means (LCD) 6 Touch Surface 7 Switch Plate 9 Switch Operating Opening 10 Surface 11 Makeup Panel 15 Plate Supporting Mechanism 17 Tact Switch 18 Push Button Section 19 Touch Position Detecting Means 21 Printed Wiring Board 22 Opening 23 Sensor Supporting Frame 24 Ray network 26 Light emitting element 27 Light receiving element 29 Screw member 30 Screw member

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A screen display means for displaying a switch screen, a switch plate formed of a light-transmissive material and covering the switch screen of the screen display means to provide a touch surface for operating the switch, and the switch plate. A decorative panel that is placed on the plate to provide an appearance, and has a switch operation opening that exposes the touch surface of the switch plate, and a plate that supports the switch plate so that the switch plate can be pressed down by the pressing force during the touch operation. A support mechanism, and a switch means that is arranged in a pressing direction of the switch plate, generates a detent indicating a responsive operation of the switch when the pressing amount of the switch plate reaches a certain amount, and outputs a predetermined operation signal. A touch position detecting means for detecting a touch position on the switch plate, In the switch, the touch position detecting means forms a grid-like light network in parallel with the touch surface of the switch plate, and the touch surface of the switch plate is separated by a predetermined distance in a pressing direction from a non-pressed position. A touch panel switch, characterized in that when it is pushed down below a lowered detection reference position, the light beam network is interrupted to output a touch position. 2. A screen display means for displaying a switch screen, a switch plate formed of a light transmissive material and covering the switch screen of the screen display means to provide a touch surface for operating the switch, and the switch. A decorative panel that is placed on the plate to provide an appearance, and has a switch operation opening that exposes the touch surface of the switch plate, and a plate that supports the switch plate so that the switch plate can be pressed down by the pressing force during the touch operation. A support mechanism, and a switch means that is arranged in a pressing direction of the switch plate, generates a detent indicating a responsive operation of the switch when the pressing amount of the switch plate reaches a certain amount, and outputs a predetermined operation signal. A touch position detecting means for detecting a touch position on the switch plate, The touch panel is characterized in that the operation timing of the touch position detection means is set after a predetermined time has elapsed since the pressing amount of the switch plate reached a certain amount and the operation signal of the switch means was output. switch.