Operating device

Abstract

Provided is an operation device capable of detecting both a push operation and a rotation operation by an operation section, and having a small overall radial dimension. An operation device (10) is provided on the surface (1a) of a detection panel (1) having a transparent panel (2) and a sensor panel (3). An operation body (11) has an upper wall portion (11a) and inner (11b) and outer (11c) peripheral wall portions. A rotation section assembly (20) is housed inside the operation body (11). The rotation section assembly (20) has a support body (21) fixed to the detection panel (1) and a rotation action body (30) rotatably supported by the support body (21). The rotation action body (30) is rotatable together with the operation body (11). A push detection conductor is provided on a conductor support portion (13) of the operation body (11), and a rotation detection conductor is provided on the rotation action body (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device for detecting push and rotate operations, which is disposed on the surface of a detection panel for detecting changes in electrostatic capacitance. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an invention concerning an operation knob provided on a touch panel. This invention has a first protrusion and a second protrusion on a grip portion. The first protrusion protrudes from the grip portion by a spring, and when the grip portion is facing the touch panel, the distance between the touch panel and the front end of the first protrusion is shorter than the distance between the touch panel and the front end of the second protrusion. The grip portion is supported in a recess provided on the outer body of the touch panel in a manner that allows for rotational and pressing operations.

[0003] If the grip is pushed, a signal is emitted when the first protrusion contacts the touch panel and when the second protrusion contacts the touch panel. If the grip is rotated while the first and second protrusions are in contact with the touch panel, its rotation position can be detected.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes an invention concerning an input device with a knob mounted on a touch panel. In this invention, a ring-shaped rotating support is provided on the touch panel, and a ring-shaped operating body is rotatably supported on the rotating support. A conductive connector is housed within the operating body, and three conductive terminals of different diameters are supported on the conductive connector. The operating body and the three conductive terminals are connected via the conductive connector. When a finger is placed on the operating body to perform an operation, the position of the three conductive terminals can be detected on the touch panel.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5653180

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6632787 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] Although the operating knob described in Patent Document 1 can be used to push and rotate the handle, the handle does not have a hole in the center, so the hole cannot be used as a display area or a lighting area.

[0011] The input device described in Patent Document 2 has a ring-shaped operating body, but it can only detect rotational operations and cannot detect both rotational and pressing operations. If a pressing detection mechanism is added to the input device of Patent Document 2, the operating body will naturally become larger.

[0012] The present invention addresses the aforementioned problems and aims to provide an operating device that can detect both rotational and pressing operations using an operating body with holes, has a simple overall shape, and can be configured as a small device.

[0013] Methods used to solve problems

[0014] This invention relates to an operating device disposed on the surface of a detection panel for detecting changes in electrostatic capacitance. It is characterized by having a support body and an operating body. The support body is disposed on the surface of the detection panel, and the operating body is supported by the support body in a manner capable of moving in a pushing direction along a reference axis perpendicular to the surface of the detection panel and in a rotational direction centered on the reference axis. A hole is formed from the support body to the operating body, and the reference axis is located inside the hole. A pushing detection conductor and a rotating detection conductor are disposed around the hole. The pushing detection conductor moves in the pushing direction along the reference axis opposite to the surface of the detection panel, and the rotating detection conductor moves in the rotational direction centered on the reference axis opposite to the surface of the detection panel. The pushing detection conductor moves in the pushing direction by pushing operation of the operating body, and the rotating detection conductor moves in the rotational direction by rotating operation of the operating body.

[0015] Preferably, the operating device of the present invention has an operating body having a circular outer edge portion centered on the reference axis and a circular inner edge portion centered on the reference axis that serves as the edge of the hole portion; the support body, the rotation detection conductor, and the push detection conductor are located between the outer edge portion and the inner edge portion.

[0016] The operating device of the present invention may also include a light-transmitting component in the aperture that allows the detection panel to be viewed. In this case, it is preferable that the light-transmitting component is part of the operating body.

[0017] In the operating device of the present invention, at least a portion of the operating body is a conductive operating part, and at least at the point after the operating body moves in the pushing direction, the pushing detection conductor and the rotation detection conductor are connected to the conductive operating part.

[0018] The operating device of the present invention can be configured such that: the operating body, in which at least a portion of the conductive operating part is made conductive, is provided with a conductor of one of the push detection conductor and the rotation detection conductor, which is in communication with the conductive operating part; the other conductor is supported by the support body; at a point after the operating body moves in the push direction, the other conductor supported by the support body is in communication with the conductive operating part.

[0019] The operating device of the present invention can be configured such that: a rotating actuating body is rotatably supported on the support body, a rotation detection conductor rotates together with the rotating actuating body, and a push detection conductor moves together with the operating body along the reference axis; as the operating body rotates, the rotating actuating body rotates.

[0020] The operating device of the present invention can be configured such that: a pushing action body is supported on the support body in such a way that it moves along the reference axis; a pushing detection conductor moves together with the pushing action body along the reference axis; and a rotation detection conductor rotates together with the operating body; as the operating body pushes, the pushing action body moves along the reference axis.

[0021] In the configured operating device, preferably, the pushing action body rotates together with the operating body.

[0022] Preferably, in the operating device of the present invention, the relative positions of the push detection conductor and the rotation detection conductor do not change during the rotation of the operating body.

[0023] Preferably, in the operating device of the present invention, at the point after the operating body moves in the pushing direction, the opposing distance between the rotating detection conductor and the pushing detection conductor and the surface of the detection panel is the same.

[0024] Preferably, in the operating device of the present invention, the length of the push detection conductor and the rotation detection conductor along the circumferential direction centered on the reference axis is longer than the width in the radial direction centered on the reference axis.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] The operating device of the present invention has a hole extending from the support body to the operating body, and the support body, the rotation detection conductor, and the push detection conductor are arranged in the surrounding area that does not overlap with the hole. Therefore, the hole can be used as an area for visually inspecting the panel, an area for arranging an illumination mechanism and a display mechanism, or an area for arranging a new push operating mechanism, etc. A light-transmitting component can also be arranged in the hole to create a structure that allows visual inspection of the panel through the light-transmitting component. Furthermore, since the support body, the rotation detection conductor, and the push detection conductor are arranged around the hole, the opening area of ​​the hole can be increased, and the overall outer diameter can be miniaturized.

[0027] In particular, if the operating body is a ring shape (donut shape) with a circular outer edge and a circular inner edge, and the support body, rotation detection conductor, and push detection conductor are located between the outer and inner edges of the operating body, then the appearance becomes a simple one where only the ring-shaped operating body appears. Furthermore, since the entire surface is the operating body, it is easy to operate. In addition, it is possible to reduce the overall outer diameter. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the overall structure of the operating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0029] Figure 2 Is Figure 1 The exploded perspective view of the overall structure of the operating device, showing the operating body separated upwards.

[0030] Figure 3 It is Figure 2 The diagram shows an exploded perspective view of the operating device with the operating body removed, and the assembly structure excluding the operating body.

[0031] Figure 4 It is Figure 3 The exploded perspective view shows the rotating assembly further separated vertically.

[0032] Figure 5 It is Figure 1 The operating device shown is viewed from below.

[0033] Figure 6 This indicates that there are settings on the detection panel. Figure 1 The diagram showing the structure of the operating device is in Figure 5 The sectional view shown is a section cut off along line VI-VI.

[0034] Figure 7 This indicates that there are settings on the detection panel. Figure 1 The diagram showing the structure of the operating device is in Figure 5 The partial cross-sectional view shown is cut off along line VII-VII.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the operating device of the second embodiment of the present invention, which is provided on the detection panel.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the operating device of the third embodiment of the present invention, which is provided on the detection panel.

[0037] Label Explanation

[0038] 1. Detection panel

[0039] 10, 10A Operating Device

[0040] 11 operating body

[0041] 11a upper wall

[0042] 11b Inner peripheral wall portion

[0043] 11c Peripheral wall portion

[0044] 12 Conductive Operating Part

[0045] 13 Conductor support

[0046] 14 Holes

[0047] 15. Push-test conductor

[0048] 17. Light-transmitting components

[0049] 20 Rotating Part Assembly

[0050] 21 Support body

[0051] 22. Hole on the side of the support body

[0052] 25. Circular leaf spring

[0053] 30 Rotational motion body

[0054] 35 Rotating Detection Conductor

[0055] 45 Return elastic component

[0056] 53 Rotating Detection Conductor

[0057] 55 Pushing action body

[0058] 58. Push-test conductor

[0059] 110 Operating Device

[0060] O Reference axis Detailed Implementation

[0061] exist Figure 1 The first embodiment of the present invention is represented by the operating device 10. Figure 6 and Figure 7The diagram shows a configuration in which the operating device 10 is fixed to the surface 1a of the detection panel 1. The detection panel 1 is transparent, for example, the surface panel of an electronic device inside a vehicle. The display screen of various display devices, such as a color liquid crystal display or an electroluminescent display, is located behind the detection panel 1 (in the Y1 direction). The display screen shows various information about vehicle operation, such as navigation information, traffic congestion information, vehicle speed information, air conditioning operation information, or disaster warning information. Alternatively, the display screen may show audio information or television reception images. The information displayed on the screen can be viewed from the front side (Y2 side) through the detection panel. Furthermore, the operating device 10 can be installed on the surface 1a of the detection panel 1 of various electronic devices other than vehicle-mounted electronic devices.

[0062] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The detection panel 1 shown has a transparent panel 2 and a light-transmitting sensor panel 3 stacked on the rear surface 2a facing the rear of the transparent panel 2 (Y1 direction). The transparent panel 2 is a glass panel or a transparent resin panel such as acrylic. The sensor panel 3 has multiple transparent electrodes such as ITO formed on the surface of a transparent substrate such as PET, and detects changes in electrostatic capacitance. If a conductor close to the ground potential comes into contact with or approaches the surface 1a of the detection panel 1, the mutual capacitance change detected between the multiple transparent electrodes of the sensor panel 3, or the self-capacitance change detected by each transparent electrode, can detect the position of the conductor on the coordinate plane parallel to the surface 1a.

[0063] exist Figures 1 to 5 The reference axis O is shown in the diagram. Reference axis O is an imaginary straight line perpendicular to surface 1a of the detection panel 1. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the operating device 10 has an operating body 11. The operating body 11 is annular (donut-shaped) with a reference axis O as its center. The operating body 11 has a circular hole 14 at its center, and the reference axis O is located inside the hole 14.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the operating body 11 has a conductive operating portion 12 and a conductor support portion 13. A fitting protrusion 12a extending rearward (in the Y1 direction) is formed in the conductive operating portion 12, and a recess 13b is formed on the inner peripheral surface 13a of the conductor support portion 13. The fitting protrusion 12a is inserted into the recess 13b and fitted together, thus fixing the conductive operating portion 12 and the conductor support portion 13 to each other. The conductive operating portion 12 is conductive and is formed of a conductive metal. Alternatively, the conductive operating portion 12 is formed of a synthetic resin material with a conductive metal plating layer on its surface. The conductor support portion 13 is non-conductive and is formed of a synthetic resin material.

[0065] The operating body 11 of the present invention is composed of a single component or a combination of multiple components, and at least a portion thereof is a conductive operating part.

[0066] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the operating body 11 has an upper wall portion 11a, an inner peripheral wall portion 11b, and an outer peripheral wall portion 11c. The upper wall portion 11a is an annular portion formed on the front surface of the conductive operating portion 12, and the front surface of the upper wall portion 11a facing the Y2 direction is the main operating surface. The inner peripheral wall portion 11b is part of the conductive operating portion 12 and is a cylindrical portion extending rearward (in the Y1 direction) from the inner peripheral portion of the upper wall portion 11a. The outer peripheral wall portion 11c is formed by a cylindrical conductor support portion 13.

[0067] The smallest inner diameter portion of the inner peripheral wall 11b is the edge of the hole 14, which is the inner edge of the operating body 11. The largest outer diameter portion of the outer peripheral wall 11c is the outer edge of the operating body 11. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in the cross-sectional view, all components constituting the operating device 10 are contained between the inner and outer edges of the operating body 11, meaning that all components are covered by the operating body 11. Therefore, the appearance of the operating device 10 when viewed from above is consistent with the appearance of the ring-shaped (donut-shaped) operating body 11.

[0068] like Figure 5 The bottom view and Figure 7 As shown, a push detection conductor 15 is provided on the rear surface 13c of the conductor support portion 13 facing rearward (Y1 direction). The push detection conductor 15 is positioned within a certain angle range along an arc trajectory centered on the reference axis O. That is, the push detection conductor 15 is a partial ring along an arc trajectory centered on the reference axis O, and its circumferential length is longer than its radial width. Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, a portion of the pressure detection conductor 15 is an extension 15a extending in the front-rear direction (Y1-Y2 direction) within the inner peripheral surface 13a of the conductor support portion 13. The pressure detection conductor 15 is formed from a thin metal plate and is integrally formed during the formation of the conductor support portion 13 through a so-called inlay forming process. Alternatively, the pressure detection conductor 15 can also be formed by coating the conductor support portion 13 with a conductive coating or the like.

[0069] like Figure 7As shown, a connecting protrusion (conductive connection portion) 12b is integrally formed in the conductive operating portion 12, extending rearward (in the Y1 direction) from the rear surface of the upper wall portion 11a. This connecting protrusion 12b is always in contact with the extension portion 15a of the push detection conductor 15. Since the conductive operating portion 12 and the connecting protrusion 12b are conductive, the surface of the conductive operating portion 12 facing the Y2 direction, i.e., the main contact operating surface, and the push detection conductor 15 are electrically connected.

[0070] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the rotating assembly 20 is housed inside the operating body 11. Figure 4 The components of the rotating assembly 20 are shown in disassembled form. A support 21 is provided in the rotating assembly 20. The support 21 is formed of a non-conductive material such as synthetic resin, and a circular hole (opening) 22 is formed in the center of the support. The aforementioned reference shaft O is located inside the hole 22. The support 21 has an annular fixing portion 23 and a cylindrical support portion 24 that extends forward (in the Y2 direction) from the inner edge of the fixing portion 23.

[0071] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in the rotating assembly 20, the rotating actuating body 30 is rotatably supported on the cylindrical support portion 24 of the support body 21. The rotating actuating body 30 is non-conductive and is formed of synthetic resin material. The rotating actuating body 30 integrally forms an annular gear bottom 31 and a connecting cylindrical portion 32 extending forward (Y2 direction) from the outer periphery of the gear bottom 31. A circular sliding hole 33 is opened at the center of the gear bottom 31, and the sliding hole 33 is rotatably mounted to the outer periphery of the cylindrical support portion 24 of the support body 21.

[0072] like Figure 5 The bottom view and Figure 6 As shown, a rotation detection conductor 35 is provided on the rear surface 30a of the rotating body 30 facing rearward (Y1 direction). The rotation detection conductor 35 is positioned within a certain angular range along an arc trajectory centered on the reference axis O. That is, the rotation detection conductor 35 is a partially loop-shaped arc trajectory centered on the reference axis O, with its circumferential length dimension being longer than its radial width dimension. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, a portion of the rotary detection conductor 35 is an extension 35a extending in the front-rear direction (Y1-Y2 direction) within the inner circumferential surface 32a of the connecting cylindrical portion 32 of the rotary actuator 30. The rotary detection conductor 35 is formed from a thin metal plate and is integrally formed during the formation of the rotary actuator 30 through a so-called inlay forming process. Alternatively, the rotary detection conductor 35 can also be formed by coating the rotary actuator 30 with a conductive coating or the like.

[0073] like Figure 6 As shown, the conductive operating part 12 is provided with a conductive connecting protrusion (conductive connection part) 12c extending rearward (in the Y1 direction) from the rear surface of the upper wall part 11a. Figure 6 In the middle, the connecting protrusion 12c is spaced forward (in the Y2 direction) from the extension 35a of the rotary detection conductor 35. If the operating body 11 is pushed backward (in the Y1 direction) and moves, the connecting protrusion 12c contacts the extension 35a, and the main contact operating surface of the conductive operating part 12 facing the Y2 direction is electrically connected to the rotary detection conductor 35.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, in the rotating assembly 20, an annular leaf spring 25 is provided inside the connecting cylindrical portion 32 of the rotating actuator 30. Two ratchet engagement portions 25a, which are bent rearward (in the Y1 direction), are formed on the annular leaf spring 25. On the front surface of the gear bottom 31 of the rotating actuator 30, a plurality of gear recesses 36 are formed at certain intervals in the circumferential direction. The two ratchet engagement portions 25a can sequentially engage with one of the plurality of gear recesses 36. A pair of inwardly protruding engagement claws 25b are provided on the annular leaf spring 25 at two locations. A pair of engagement recesses 24a are formed on the front surface of the cylindrical support portion 24 of the support body 21. The engagement claws 25b engage with the engagement recesses 24a, thus restricting the annular leaf spring 25 from rotating relative to the support body 21.

[0075] The rotating assembly 20 is provided with a support metal part 26. The support metal part 26 is annular, and connecting pieces 26a are integrally formed from four points on its inner edge toward the rear (Y1 direction). At the rear end of each connecting piece 26a, a retaining piece 26b is formed that is bent outward. Figure 4 As shown, at four locations on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical support portion 24 of the support body 21, connecting recesses 24b are formed for the connecting piece 26a to enter.

[0076] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the cylindrical support portion 24 of the support body 21 is inserted from the rear into the sliding hole 33 of the rotating actuator 30. An annular leaf spring 25 and a support metal piece 26 overlap in front of the gear bottom 31 of the rotating actuator 30. The connecting piece 26a of the support metal piece 26 is fitted into the connecting recess 24b on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical support portion 24. By locking the retaining piece 26b at the rear end of the connecting piece 26a onto the rear surface 23a of the fixing portion 23 of the support body 21, the rotating assembly 20 is assembled. In the rotating assembly 20, with the support body 21, the annular leaf spring 25, and the support metal piece 26 interconnected, the rotating actuator 30 can rotate relative to the support body 21 about the reference axis O. During this rotation, the gear recess 36 of the rotating actuator 30 engages with the pawl engagement portion 25a of the annular leaf spring 25 at certain rotation angles, thereby imparting pawl rotation resistance to the rotating actuator 30.

[0077] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a two-sided adhesive tape 41 is bonded to the rear surface 23a of the fixing part 23 of the support 21 of the rotating assembly 20.

[0078] like Figure 3 As shown, an annular plate 42 is provided inside the connecting cylindrical portion 32 of the rotating assembly 20, in front of the support metal part 26, and a return elastic member 45 is provided in front of it. The annular plate 42 is formed of a low-friction sheet material. The return elastic member 45 is formed of rubber material, and elastic deformation protrusions 45a are formed at three locations on the circumference of the annular main body portion 45c. The elastic deformation protrusions 45a are hollow inside, and for a backward (Y1 direction) pushing force, they exhibit a forward (Y2 direction) elastic return force. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a connecting cylindrical portion 32 of the rotating actuator 30 has a connecting recess 38 that opens forward (in the Y2 direction). In the return elastic member 45, a circular base 45b is formed at the base of the elastic deformation protrusion 45a, and the circular base 45b engages with the connecting recess 38. If the rotating actuator 30 rotates in the rotating assembly 20, the return elastic member 45 rotates together with the rotating actuator 30 on the annular plate 42.

[0079] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the rotating assembly 20 is accommodated between the inner peripheral wall portion 11b and the outer peripheral wall portion 11c of the operating body 11. Figure 2As shown, at three locations on the inner peripheral surface 13a of the conductor support portion 13 constituting the operating body 11, rotating connecting protrusions 16 extending in the front-rear direction (Y1-Y2 direction) are formed, and at three locations on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting cylindrical portion 32 of the rotating actuating body 30, rotating connecting recesses 37 extending in the front-rear direction (Y1-Y2 direction) are formed. By engaging the aforementioned rotating connecting protrusions 16 with the aforementioned rotating connecting recesses 37, the operating body 11 and the rotating actuating body 30 are connected so that they can rotate together. Furthermore, the operating body 11 can move relative to the rotating actuating body 30 and the support body 21 in the front-rear direction (Y1-Y2 direction). The operating body 11 is subjected to force in a direction away from the front (Y2 direction) from the rotating assembly 20 by the elastic force of the elastic deformation protrusion 45a of the return elastic member 45. However, an anti-loosening structure is provided between the operating body 11 and the rotating action body 30 so that the operating body 11 cannot be separated from the rotating assembly 20 in the forward direction.

[0080] like Figure 1 and Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, if the operating body 11 and the rotating assembly 20 are assembled, the central hole 14 of the operating body 11 and the hole 22 of the support body 21 are interconnected. In the operating device 10, a continuous hole is formed in the region including the reference axis O in the direction along the reference axis O. This hole extends through the operating device 10 in the front-rear direction (Y1-Y2 direction).

[0081] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the rear surface 23a of the fixing part 23 of the support 21 and the surface 1a of the detection panel 1 are bonded together with double-sided adhesive tape 41, and the operating device 10 is set on the detection panel 1.

[0082] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the components constituting the operating device 10, other than the operating body 11, are housed within the space between the inner peripheral wall portion 11b and the outer peripheral wall portion 11c of the operating body 11 (between the inner edge and outer edge of the operating body 11). Figure 1 As shown, the appearance of the operating device 10 as viewed from the front side (Y2 side) is that of the ring-shaped (donut-shaped) operating body 11. As a result, the operating device 10 has a simple design, a good appearance, and is easy to operate with the fingers.

[0083] At the center of the operating device 10, there is a circular opening 14 for the operating body 11 with a relatively large area. Therefore, a portion of the image displayed on the display screen located behind the detection panel 1 (in the Y1 direction) can be viewed through the opening 14. Furthermore, a separate display device equipped with LEDs can be installed inside the opening 14, or other push-operating devices can be installed inside the opening 14.

[0084] Next, the operation and testing actions of the operating device 10 will be explained.

[0085] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when no external force is applied to the operating body 11, the operating body 11 is lifted forward (in the Y2 direction) by the elastic pushing force formed on the elastic deformation protrusion 45a of the return elastic member 45. Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown, the push detection conductor 15 moves forward (in the Y2 direction) away from the surface 1a of the detection panel 1. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the connecting protrusion (conductive connection part) 12c of the conductive operation part 12 moves forward (in the Y2 direction) away from the extension 35a of the rotation detection conductor 35 of the rotating action body 30, and the conductive operation part 12 and the rotation detection conductor 35 are in a non-conductive state.

[0086] In the operating body 11, the extension 15a of the push detection conductor 15 located in the conductor support 13 contacts the contact protrusion (conductive connection) 12b, and the conductive operating part 12 and the push detection conductor 15 are always conductive. Therefore, if the operator's finger contacts the surface (main operating surface) of the upper wall 11a of the operating body 11, the push detection conductor 15 becomes approximately grounded at the same potential as the operator's body. If the operating body 11 is pushed backward (in the Y1 direction) by the push operation of the finger, the conductor support 13 moves backward (in the Y1 direction) relative to the rotating action body 30, and the push detection conductor 15 approaches the surface 1a of the detection panel 1. Since the push detection conductor 15 is approximately grounded, the coordinate position of the approaching push detection conductor 15 is detected by the sensor panel 3.

[0087] If the operating body 11 is pushed backward (in the Y1 direction), then Figure 6 The connecting protrusion 12c shown contacts the extension 35a of the rotation detection conductor 35 provided on the rotating actuating body 30, and the conductive operating part 12 of the operating body 11 and the rotation detection conductor 35 are connected. Therefore, the finger that pushes the operating body 11 and the rotation detection conductor 35 are at the same potential, and the rotation detection conductor 35 becomes approximately grounded. Figure 6As shown, since the rotation detection conductor 35 on the rotating action body 30 is always close to the surface 1a of the detection panel 1, if the rotation detection conductor 35 becomes approximately grounded at the same potential as the finger, the coordinate position of the rotation detection conductor 35 can be detected by the sensor panel 3 of the detection panel 1.

[0088] In the control unit (not shown), a pushing operation is determined to have occurred when both the coordinate position of the pushing detection conductor 15 and the coordinate position of the rotating detection conductor 35 are detected by the sensor panel 3 of the detection panel 1. Figure 5 As shown, the pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 are partially loop-shaped, extending in an arc direction centered on the reference axis O, with the length in the arc direction being larger than the width in the radial direction centered on the reference axis O. Therefore, the area of ​​the pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 can be ensured to be sufficiently large within a narrow diameter range, allowing reliable detection of the pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 using the sensor panel 3. Furthermore, the pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 are positioned at a 180-degree angle to the reference axis O, and are circumferentially separated. Since the pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35, being partially loop-shaped, do not overlap in the radial direction centered on the reference axis O, they can be reliably detected and identified separately using the sensor panel 3.

[0089] The operating body 11 is pushed in the Y1 direction. When the pushing detection conductor 15 approaches the surface 1a of the detection panel 1, the opposing distance between the surface 1a of the detection panel 1 and the pushing detection conductor 15 in the front-back direction (Y1-Y2 direction) is consistent with the opposing distance between the surface 1a of the detection panel 1 and the rotating detection conductor 35 in the front-back direction. When the operating body 11 is pushed and rotated, the pushing detection conductor 15 and the rotating detection conductor 35 can be detected with the same sensitivity in the detection panel 1. Therefore, the pushing and rotating detection of the operating body 11 can be performed with high precision.

[0090] Alternatively, in the control unit described above, when the operating body 11 is pushed backward (in the Y1 direction), regardless of whether the rotation detection conductor 35 is detected, it is determined that a pushing operation on the operating body 11 has been performed when the coordinate position of the push detection conductor 15 is detected by the sensor panel 3.

[0091] like Figure 2As shown, by engaging the rotating connecting protrusion 16 formed on the conductor support portion 13 of the operating body 11 with the rotating connecting recess 37 formed on the rotating actuating body 30, the operating body 11 and the rotating actuating body 30 can move relative to each other in the forward and backward direction (Y1-Y2 direction), but are connected to each other in the rotational direction (R direction). Therefore, if the operating body 11 is rotated while still being pushed, the operating body 11 and the rotating actuating body 30 rotate together around the reference axis O. The push detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35, which are approximately at ground potential, are close to the surface 1a of the detection panel 1, and rotate without changing their relative positions. In the sensor panel 3, the rotational coordinates of the push detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 can be detected. By detecting the movement of the coordinates of the push detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35, the control unit determines that the operating body 11 has been rotated. Furthermore, based on the rate and angle of change of the coordinates of the push detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35, the operating speed and rotation angle of the operating body 11 can be identified.

[0092] The pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 are positioned opposite each other at a 180-degree angle to the reference axis O. They rotate in the R direction without changing their relative angle. Therefore, by detecting changes in the detection coordinates of the pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 in the sensor panel 3, the rotational movement of the operating body 11 can be accurately detected. Furthermore, since the pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 extend in an arc direction centered on the reference axis O, and the length of the arc direction is larger than the width in the radial direction centered on the reference axis O, the area of ​​the pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 can be ensured to be sufficiently large, allowing reliable detection of the pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 using the sensor panel 3.

[0093] Furthermore, in this invention, the circumferential center of the pressure detection conductor 15 and the circumferential center of the rotation detection conductor 35 are not located on the same radius line centered on the reference axis O; the centers of the pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 only need to be located on different radius lines. Moreover, it is preferable that the pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 do not overlap even partially on the same radius line. Therefore, it is preferable that the centers of the pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 are arranged within an angle range of 90 degrees to 180 degrees centered on the reference axis O. If the centers of the pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 are located on different radius lines, and the pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 are arranged in a manner that they do not overlap in the radial direction, then the pressure detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 can be easily detected individually even when they are far apart from each other.

[0094] exist Figure 8The symbol represents the operating device 10A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] The operating device 10A of the second embodiment includes a rotating assembly 20. The structure of the rotating assembly 20 is the same as that of the operating device 10 of the first embodiment. The rotating assembly 20 has a support body 21 and a rotating action body 30 rotatably supported on the support body 21. A rotation detection conductor 35 is provided on the rotating action body 30. A push detection conductor 15 is provided on the conductor support portion 13 constituting the operating body 11.

[0096] The operating body 11 of the operating device 10A is composed of a conductive operating part 12, a conductor support part 13, and a light-transmitting member 17. The conductive operating part 12 is conductive, and the conductor support part 13 is non-conductive. The shapes of the conductive operating part 12 and the conductor support part 13 are substantially the same as those of the operating device 10 of the first embodiment. The joint of the conductive operating part 12 and the conductor support part 13 is ring-shaped (donut-shaped), having an upper wall part 11a, an inner peripheral wall part 11b, and an outer peripheral wall part 11c. The area surrounded by the inner peripheral wall part 11b is a hole 14. The part with the smallest inner diameter in the surface of the inner peripheral wall part 11b is the inner edge of the hole 14, and the part with the largest outer diameter in the outer peripheral wall part 11c is the outer edge of the operating body 11. All the components constituting the rotating part assembly 20 of the operating device 10A are contained between the inner edge and the outer edge of the joint of the conductive operating part 12 and the conductor support part 13.

[0097] The light-transmitting component 17 is part of the operating body 11 and is formed of a light-transmitting resin material such as acrylic. The light-transmitting component 17 seals the hole 14 of the operating body 11. The forward-facing (Y2 direction) surface 17a of the light-transmitting component 17 is flush with the surface of the conductive operating part 12. In this operating device 10A, since a light-transmitting area with the light-transmitting component 17 is provided in the center of the operating body 11, a portion of the displayed image can be viewed through this light-transmitting area and the detection panel 1. Furthermore, a display mechanism with a light source such as an LED can be arranged inside the hole 14.

[0098] Furthermore, if a transparent conductive film such as ITO is formed on the surface 17a of the light-transmitting component 17, and the conductive film is made to conduct with the conductive operating part 12, then the surface 17a of the light-transmitting component 17 can also be used as a contact operating surface.

[0099] exist Figure 9 The symbol represents the operating device 110 of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] The operating body 111 of the operating device 110 is configured such that its conductive operating part 51 and non-conductive conductor support part 52 are fixed. The operating body 111 is a donut-shaped device having an upper wall part 111a, an inner peripheral wall part 111b, and an outer peripheral wall part 111c. All components of the operating device 110, excluding the operating body 111, are located between the inner peripheral wall part 111b and the outer peripheral wall part 111c. A rotating detection conductor 53 is provided on the surface of the conductor support part 52 opposite to the detection panel 1. The rotating detection conductor 53 and the conductive operating part 51 are made conductive.

[0101] The operating device 110 includes a push assembly 120. The push assembly 120 has a support body 54, which is bonded to the surface 1a of the detection panel 1 via double-sided adhesive tape 59. A push actuating body 55 is supported on the support body 54, allowing it to move freely in the back-and-forth direction (Y1-Y2 direction). A return elastic member 56 is sandwiched between the support body 54 and the push actuating body 55. The support body 54, the return elastic member 56, and the push actuating body 55 are assembled in the push assembly 120 in a non-separable manner via a support metal part 57. A push detection conductor 58 is provided on the side of the push actuating body 55 opposite to the detection panel 1. The push detection conductor 58 and the conductive operating part 51 are connected.

[0102] Figure 9 When the operating body 111 is pushed rearward (in the Y1 direction) by the operating device 110 shown, the pushing action body 55 moves rearward (in the Y1 direction) relative to the support body 54, and the operating body 111 and the pushing action body 55 approach the surface 1a of the detection panel 1 together. Furthermore, if the operating body 111 is rotated about the reference axis O, the pushing action body 55 also rotates together. Figure 5 The relationship between the push detection conductor 15 and the rotation detection conductor 35 shown is the same, in Figure 9 In the operating device 110 shown, the push detection conductor 58 and the rotation detection conductor 53 always maintain a relative position of 180 degrees centered on the reference axis O. Furthermore, the push detection conductor 58 and the rotation detection conductor 53 are partially arc-shaped with a predetermined angle centered on the reference axis O.

[0103] exist Figure 9In the operating device 110 shown, when no external force is applied to the operating body 111, the operating body 111 and the pushing action body 55 move forward (in the Y2 direction) by the force applied by the return elastic member 56, and both the rotation detection conductor 53 and the pushing detection conductor 58 move away from the surface 1a of the detection panel 1. If the operator's finger touches the conductive operating part 51 of the operating body 111, the rotation detection conductor 53 and the pushing detection conductor 58, which are connected to the conductive operating part 51, become at the same potential as the human finger, approximately ground potential. If the operating body 111 is pushed backward (in the Y1 direction) with a finger, the rotation detection conductor 53 and the pushing detection conductor 58 move together towards the surface 1a of the detection panel 1, and the coordinate positions of the rotation detection conductor 53 and the pushing detection conductor 58 are detected by the sensor panel 3. Thus, in the control unit (not shown), it is determined that a pushing operation has been performed. If the operating body 111 is rotated as before when pressed by a finger, the rotation detection conductor 53 and the pressure detection conductor 58 rotate together while maintaining a 180-degree angular interval between each other. By detecting the positional changes of the rotation detection conductor 53 and the pressure detection conductor 58 using the sensor panel 3, the control unit can determine that a rotation operation has been performed.

[0104] The operating device 10 of the first embodiment and the operating device 110 of the third embodiment both have a donut-shaped operating body with an inner peripheral wall and an outer peripheral wall, and each component is located between the outer edge and the inner edge of the operating body. Furthermore, by pushing the operating body, a pushing detection conductor can be detected by a detection panel; similarly, by rotating the operating body, a rotating detection conductor can be detected by a detection panel. Since the overall structure is the same donut shape as the operating body, the overall shape is relatively simple. Furthermore, since the pushing detection conductor and the rotating detection conductor are located between the outer edge and the inner edge of the operating body, the area of ​​the hole in the operating body can be increased, and the overall outer diameter can be reduced.

[0105] In the second embodiment, the operating device 10A has an opening 14 in its operating body 11 covered by a light-transmitting member 17. Since each mechanism is hidden behind the conductive operating part 12 and the conductor support part 13, which are non-light-transmitting members, and the opening 14 is light-transmitting and transparent, the operating device 10A still appears as a donut shape when viewed from the front, with a small and simple appearance, and the inspection panel 1 can be visually viewed through the light-transmitting member 17.

Claims

1. An operating device disposed on the surface of a detection panel for detecting changes in electrostatic capacitance, characterized in that, It has a support body and an operating body. The support body is disposed on the surface of the detection panel, and the operating body is supported by the support body in such a way that it can move in a pushing direction along a reference axis perpendicular to the surface of the detection panel and in a rotational direction centered on the reference axis. A hole is formed from the support body to the operating body, and the reference shaft is located inside the hole. A push detection conductor and a rotation detection conductor are arranged around the hole. The push detection conductor is opposite to the surface of the detection panel and moves in a push direction along the reference axis. The rotation detection conductor is opposite to the surface of the detection panel and moves in a rotation direction centered on the reference axis. The push detection conductor moves in the pushing direction when the operating body is pushed, and the rotation detection conductor moves in the rotation direction when the operating body is rotated. At least a portion of the operating body is a conductive operating part, and at least at the point after the operating body moves in the pushing direction, the pushing detection conductor and the rotation detection conductor are connected to the conductive operating part.

2. The operating device as described in claim 1, The operating body has a circular outer edge portion centered on the reference axis and a circular inner edge portion centered on the reference axis, which serves as the edge of the hole portion; The support body, the rotation detection conductor, and the push detection conductor are located between the outer edge and the inner edge.

3. The operating device as described in claim 1, The aperture is provided with a light-transmitting component that allows the detection panel to be viewed.

4. The operating device as described in claim 3, The light-transmitting component is part of the operating body.

5. The operating device as described in claim 1, The rotating actuator is rotatably supported on the support body, the rotation detection conductor rotates together with the rotating actuator, and the push detection conductor moves together with the operating body along the reference axis; As the operating body rotates, the rotating body rotates.

6. The operating device as described in claim 1, The push action body is supported on the support body in such a way that it moves along the reference axis, the push detection conductor moves together with the push action body along the reference axis, and the rotation detection conductor rotates together with the operating body; As the operating body pushes, the pushing body moves along the reference axis.

7. The operating device as described in claim 6, The pushing action body rotates together with the operating body.

8. The operating device as described in claim 5, During the rotation of the operating body, the relative positions of the push detection conductor and the rotation detection conductor do not change.

9. An operating device disposed on the surface of a detection panel for detecting changes in electrostatic capacitance, characterized in that, It has a support body and an operating body. The support body is disposed on the surface of the detection panel, and the operating body is supported by the support body in such a way that it can move in a pushing direction along a reference axis perpendicular to the surface of the detection panel and in a rotational direction centered on the reference axis. A hole is formed from the support body to the operating body, and the reference shaft is located inside the hole. A push detection conductor and a rotation detection conductor are arranged around the hole. The push detection conductor is opposite to the surface of the detection panel and moves in a push direction along the reference axis. The rotation detection conductor is opposite to the surface of the detection panel and moves in a rotation direction centered on the reference axis. The push detection conductor moves in the push direction by the push operation of the operating body, and the rotation detection conductor moves in the rotation direction by the rotation operation of the operating body. The operating body, in which at least a portion of the conductive operating part is set to be conductive, is provided with a conductor of one of the push detection conductor and the rotation detection conductor, which is in communication with the conductive operating part; The conductor on the other side is supported by the support body; At the point after the operating body moves in the pushing direction, the conductor on the other side supported by the support body becomes connected to the conductive operating part.

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