Touch sensor

Abstract

To improve productivity of a touch sensor.SOLUTION: The touch sensor 1 includes a substrate 2 and a cylindrical body case 3 with a top erected on the substrate 2. The main body case 3 includes a light guide body 6 having a topped cylindrical shape or a cylindrical shape, a shield body 7 disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the light guide body 6, and a detection electrode 8 disposed on an upper surface portion of the light guide body 6. A part of an upper portion of the light guide body 6 is exposed to at least a part of an outer peripheral portion or an inner peripheral portion of the detection electrode 8, and a control unit 4 electrically connected to the detection electrode 8 and a light emitting element 5 electrically connected to the control unit 4 and configured to supply light to the light guide body 6 at the time of touch detection by the detection electrode 8 are mounted on the substrate 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a touch sensor. [Background technology]

[0002] Touch sensors are widely used to switch devices by bringing a finger close to a detection electrode. A touch sensor includes a detection electrode, a control unit, and a light-emitting element. When a finger (or a conductive member) touches or approaches the detection electrode, a weak current flows between the finger and the detection electrode. The control unit is configured to be able to detect this weak current. The control unit generates a signal according to the result of the current detection. The light-emitting element emits light in response to this signal.

[0003] Known examples of such touch sensors include the one described in Patent Document 1. When the touch sensor of Patent Document 1 detects the approach of a finger to a detection electrode, it flashes a light-emitting element to notify the approach.

[0004] The touch sensor is mounted on the main control board of the electronic device, which is equipped with a processing circuit such as a microcomputer that performs overall control of the electronic device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Publication No. 6-268485 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the touch sensors described above are difficult to automatically mount on control boards, which has resulted in low productivity. This is due to the following reasons.

[0007] The touch sensor (more specifically, the detection electrodes and light-emitting elements) is electrically connected to the control board via lead wires. These lead wires are flexible and bend easily. Therefore, first, the components of the touch sensor (detection electrodes, light-emitting elements, control unit, etc.) are connected to the control board via the lead wires. Next, the control board on which the touch sensor is mounted is installed in any location on the electronic device (i.e., the location intended as a switch).

[0008] In other words, the components of the touch sensor (detection electrodes, light-emitting elements, control unit, etc.) had to be individually connected to the control board using flexible lead wires, which meant that the touch sensor could not be automatically mounted on the control board along with its components.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve productivity of touch sensors by enabling automatic mounting on a control board. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the first configuration of the present invention is a touch sensor comprising: a substrate; a light-emitting element mounted on the substrate; a cylindrical main body case with a top that is arranged to rise on the substrate along the mounting direction so as to house the light-emitting element inside; and a control unit that is mounted on the substrate and electrically connected to the light-emitting element so as to be able to control the light emission of the light-emitting element, wherein the main body case is cylindrical and has a light guide that is arranged above the substrate so as to house the light-emitting element inside; a cylindrical shield that is arranged to house the light guide; and a detection electrode that is arranged at the upper end portion of the light guide, electrically connected to the control unit, and configured to be able to detect whether the light guide has been touched, wherein at least a portion of the upper end portion is exposed from at least a portion of the outer periphery or inner periphery of the detection electrode, and when a touch is detected by the detection electrode, the control unit causes the light-emitting element to emit light and supplies light to the light guide (first configuration).

[0011] In the touch sensor according to the first configuration, the substrate has a ground line electrically connected to ground and at the same potential as ground, and the shield body is electrically connected to the ground line so as to have the same potential as ground (second configuration).

[0012] In the touch sensor according to the second configuration, the light guide has a through hole formed through the upper end portion, and is provided with lead terminals electrically connected to the detection electrode and the shield body via the through hole (third configuration).

[0013] In a touch sensor according to a third configuration, the lead terminal has a first connection portion electrically connected to the substrate, and the shield has a second connection portion electrically connected to the ground line (fourth configuration).

[0014] A touch sensor according to the second configuration includes lead terminals connected to the detection electrode and the ground line, and a long, thin slit formed in a portion of the shield body in the direction along the mounting direction on the board. The lead terminal passes through the slit without contacting the shield body, extends from the slit toward the board along the mounting direction, and is electrically connected to the connection portion with the detection electrode and the connection portion with the ground of the ground line (fifth configuration).

[0015] In the touch sensor according to any one of the first to fifth configurations, a convex portion that protrudes to the opposite side of the substrate is provided in the center of the detection electrode, and the center of the tip of this convex portion is flat (sixth configuration).

[0016] A touch sensor according to any one of the first to sixth configurations has a first through hole for injecting resin formed in the center of the detection electrode, and a second through hole communicating with the first through hole formed in the top surface of the light guide (seventh configuration). [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] As described above, the touch sensor of the present invention can be automatically mounted on a control board, thereby improving productivity.

[0018] That is, the touch sensor of the present invention has a main case disposed on a substrate, and by suctioning the detection electrode portion disposed on the top surface of this main case with the nozzle of a mounting machine, the substrate and main case can be automatically mounted on the control substrate, which makes the touch sensor of the present invention highly productive.

[0019] In addition, in the touch sensor of the present invention, the upper surface portion of the main body case serves as a detection electrode, and a portion of the light guide is exposed to at least a portion of the outer or inner periphery of this detection electrode. Therefore, the operating light of the touch sensor is irradiated from the inner or outer periphery of the detection electrode through a portion of the light guide. This allows the operating light to be irradiated near the detection electrode, making it easier to visually confirm the operation of the touch sensor. Therefore, the touch sensor is easy for the user to check the operating status and is easy to use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a touch sensor 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the touch sensor 1 of the first embodiment as viewed from the detection electrode 8 side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal configuration of the touch sensor 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4(a) is a side view of the touch sensor 1 of the first embodiment viewed from the side of the cutout portion 7a, and Figure 4(b) is a side view of the touch sensor 1 of the first embodiment viewed from the side of the connection portion 7b. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of the touch sensor 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control unit 4. As described above, [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a touch sensor 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal configuration of a touch sensor 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a shield body 7A of a touch sensor 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a touch sensor 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11(a) is a side view of the touch sensor 1 of the third embodiment viewed from the side of the cutout portion 7a, and Figure 11(b) is a side view of the touch sensor 1 of the third embodiment viewed from the side of the connection portion 7b. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal configuration of the touch sensor 1 of the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the touch sensor 1 according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the touch sensor 1 according to the fourth embodiment as viewed from above (the detection electrode 8 side). [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a light guide 6 according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the touch sensor 1 according to this embodiment as viewed from the detection electrode 8 side. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the touch sensor 1 according to this embodiment, viewed from the flange 6e side of the light guide 6. As shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the touch sensor 1 according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a touch sensor 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the touch sensor 1 of this embodiment viewed from the detection electrode 8 side. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the internal configuration of the touch sensor 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the touch sensor 1 of this embodiment includes a substrate 2, a light-emitting element 5, a control unit 4, a main body case 3, a lead terminal 8a, and various disc lead components (capacitors C1 to C3 and a resistor R1 shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later).

[0023] The substrate 2 has a plurality of electrodes (electrodes 2a to 2f in accordance with FIGS. 1 to 3) formed on its outer periphery. The electrodes 2a to 2f are formed in the shape of through-holes on their end faces. The electrodes 2a to 2f are intended to be mechanically and electrically connected to a control board (not shown) of the device by soldering.

[0024] The substrate 2 also includes a detection electrode connection portion 2g and a ground line connection portion 2h. The detection electrode connection portion 2g is electrically connected to one of the electrodes 2a to 2f by wiring inside the substrate 2. The ground line connection portion 2h is electrically connected to one of the electrodes 2a to 2f by wiring inside the substrate 2. The ground line connection portion 2h is electrically connected to an application terminal of the ground voltage GND via one of the electrodes 2a to 2f. In other words, the potential of the ground line connection portion 2h is equivalent to the ground voltage GND. The detection electrode connection portion 2g and the ground line connection portion 2h are arranged on the upper surface of the substrate 2.

[0025] The light emitting element 5 is configured to be able to emit light in response to an input voltage. Specifically, the light emitting element 5 is an LED (Light Emission Diode). The light emitting element 5 is mounted on the substrate 2.

[0026] The direction in which various electronic components including the light-emitting element 5 are mounted on the substrate 2 (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the substrate 2) will hereinafter be simply referred to as the "mounting direction." Also, the direction perpendicular to the mounting direction (i.e., the direction parallel to the substrate 2) will hereinafter be simply referred to as the "horizontal direction."

[0027] The control unit 4 is a semiconductor integrated circuit device (=semiconductor IC [Integrated Circuit]). The control unit 4 is electrically connected to the light-emitting element 5. The control unit 4 is configured to control the light emission of the light-emitting element 5. Details of the electrical configuration of the control unit 4 will be described later.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the main body case 3 has a cylindrical shape with a top. The main body case 3 is provided on the substrate 2 so as to stand along the mounting direction. Specifically, the upper end of the main body case 3 (more specifically, the detection electrode 8 described later) is located on the opposite side from the substrate 2, and the lower end of the main body case 3 (more specifically, the flange 6e of the light guide 6 described later) is close to the substrate 2. The main body case 3 accommodates the light emitting element 5 inside. The detailed configuration of the main body case 3 is as follows.

[0029] <Details of the main case 3 configuration> 3, the main body case 3 has a cylindrical light guide 6 with a top, a shield 7 arranged on the outer periphery of the light guide 6, a detection electrode 8 arranged on the upper surface of the light guide 6, a lead terminal 8a, and a connection part 8b. The shield 7 and the detection electrode 8 are made of tin-plated brass.

[0030] The light guide 6 is a cylindrical body that is open at the bottom end. The light guide 6 is a part made of a translucent resin. When the light emitting element 5 on the substrate 2 is turned on, the light guide 6 guides the light from the light emitting element to the end face on the detection electrode 8 side. The shape of the light guide 6 will be explained further below.

[0031] The light guide 6 includes a top surface 6a, an enclosing wall 6b, a side wall 6h, a through hole 6c, a guide tube 6d, a flange 6e, and an opening 6f. The top surface 6a is formed on the upper surface of the light guide 6. The top surface 6a is a flat, circular surface. The enclosing wall 6b has a ring shape that rises upward from the outer periphery of the top surface 6a.

[0032] In other words, the upper end of the light guide 6 has a concave shape with a circular recess formed therein, with the top surface 6a as the bottom and the surrounding barrier 6b rising from the top surface 6a as the sidewall. The detection electrode 8, which will be described later, is adhered and fixed with an adhesive to the inside of the circular recess formed by the surrounding barrier 6b.

[0033] The side wall 6h extends downward from the outer periphery of the top surface 6a. That is, the light guide 6 can be said to be a cylindrical body with an open end and a bottom, with the surface opposite to the top surface 6a as its bottom and the side wall 6h as its side wall.

[0034] The through-hole 6c is formed in the top surface 6a. The through-hole 6c penetrates the top surface 6a in a direction perpendicular to the top surface 6a. The through-hole 6c is located on the top surface 6a of the light guide 6 in an inner portion surrounded by the surrounding wall 6b (i.e., inside the outer periphery of the top surface 6a).

[0035] As described above, the light guide 6 is hollow and has an open bottom. A vertical guide tube 6d is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the light guide 6, and the vertical guide tube 6d communicates with the through-hole 6c and extends to the vicinity of the opening on the bottom surface of the light guide 6.

[0036] The guide tube 6d is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 6h. It protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 6h toward the center in the radial direction of the light guide 6. The guide tube 6d extends in the vertical direction (= mounting direction) from the upper end of the light guide 6 to near the lower end of the light guide 6 (the opening of the light guide 6). The guide tube 6d is a frame-shaped body with a space inside. Specifically, a hollow space is defined inside the guide tube 6d, surrounded by the inner surface of the guide tube 6d and the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 6h. Both ends of the guide tube 6d are open.

[0037] The upper end of the guide cylinder 6d communicates with the through-hole 6c, and the lower end of the guide cylinder 6d communicates with the opening 6f. That is, a single guide space is formed that communicates with the opening 6f through the through-hole 6c and the guide cylinder 6d.

[0038] The flange 6e is formed on the outer periphery of the lower end of the light guide 6 (= the lower end portion of the light guide 6 corresponding to the lower end opening of the guide tube 6d). The flange 6e extends in an annular shape along the outer periphery of the light guide 6. The flange 6e is positioned so as to overlap the lower end of the guide tube 6d in the vertical direction (mounting direction).

[0039] The opening 6f is formed by horizontally removing the lower end of the light guide 6 (more specifically, the lower end portion of the light guide 6 corresponding to the lower end of the guide tube 6d) so as to include the flange 6e (see FIGS. 3 and 4). That is, the opening 6f is recessed in the radial direction of the light guide 6 from the peripheral edge of the flange 6e to the side wall portion 6h. Furthermore, the opening 6f and the guide tube 6d are positioned to overlap with each other in the circumferential direction of the flange 6e.

[0040] The shield body 7 is a cylindrical body that is open on both ends. The shield body 7 is disposed above the substrate 2. The shield body 7 stands up along the mounting direction of the substrate 2. The shield body 7 is fitted onto the light guide body 6 so as to house the light guide body 6 inside.

[0041] Fig. 4(a) is a side view of the touch sensor 1 of this embodiment viewed from the side of the cutout portion 7a. Fig. 4(b) is a side view of the touch sensor 1 of this embodiment viewed from the side of the connection portion 7b. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the shield body 7 is formed with the cutout portion 7a and the connection portion 7b.

[0042] The cutout portion 7a is located at the lower end of the shield body 7. The cutout portion 7a is formed by cutting out a rectangular shape from the lower end to the upper end of the shield body 7. The horizontal width of the cutout portion 7a in a plan view is smaller than the horizontal width of the opening 6f in the same plan view.

[0043] 4(a), when the notch portion 7a is viewed horizontally in plan view, the notch portion 7a and the guide tube 6d are positioned to overlap each other. That is, in the circumferential direction of the main body case 3, the notch portion 7a, the guide tube 6d, and the opening 6f are positioned to overlap each other.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4(b), connection portion 7b is located at the lower end of shield body 7, on the radially opposite side of notch 7a. Connection portion 7b extends downward from the lower end of shield body 7 and is close to ground line connection portion 2h. In this state, connection portion 7b is electrically and mechanically connected to ground line connection portion 2h by soldering.

[0045] The detection electrode 8 is a circular plate-shaped electrode. The detection electrode 8 is made of a conductive material such as metal (specifically, tin-plated brass). As described above, the detection electrode 8 is adhered and fixed to the top surface 6a inside the recess formed by the surrounding wall 6b.

[0046] The lead terminal 8a is a plate-like lead terminal that is elongated in the vertical direction. The lead terminal 8a is elongated in the mounting direction so as to intersect (more specifically, orthogonal to) the detection electrode 8. A first end of the lead terminal 8a is connected to the outer periphery of the detection electrode 8 so as to be integrated therewith. In other words, the lead terminal 8a and the detection electrode 8 can be said to be a single body that is integrally formed with each other.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the lead terminal 8a is bent downward from the detection electrode 8 and inserted into the guide cylinder 6d through the through hole 6c.

[0048] The lead terminal 8a is inserted downward through the inside of the guide tube 6d (= the above-mentioned guide space) from the connecting portion (first end) with the detection electrode 8 to the tip (second end) and protrudes downward from the lower end opening of the light guide 6. In other words, the second end of the lead terminal 8a protrudes in the mounting direction from the lower end opening of the guide tube 6d to a position overlapping with the notch portion 7a. The second end of the lead terminal 8a is connected to the connecting portion 8b.

[0049] 1 and 3, the connection portion 8b intersects (more specifically, is perpendicular to) the lead terminal 8a. The lead terminal 8a and the connection portion 8b can be said to be integrally formed as a single body. Specifically, the connection portion 8b is bent from the lead terminal 8a toward the opposite side from the detection electrode 8 so as to be parallel to the horizontal direction. It extends horizontally from this bent portion, passes through the notch 7a, and extends to the outside of the main body case 3.

[0050] 1, the tip of connection portion 8b is mechanically and electrically connected to detection electrode connection portion 2g by soldering. That is, connection portion 8b is electrically connected to ground line GND via detection electrode connection portion 2g.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the shield 7 is fitted onto the light guide 6. That is, the shield 7 hangs down from above the light guide 6 to cover the outer periphery of the light guide 6. The lower end of the shield 7 abuts against the upper surface of the flange 6e. The lower end of the shield 7 and the flange 6e are bonded together with an adhesive. This fixes the shield 7 and the light guide 6 to each other.

[0052] As described above, the notch 7a is provided in the lower part of the shield body 7. It can be said that the notch 7a is provided to keep the lower part of the shield body 7 away from the opening 6f. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0053] The bottom of the notch 7a is located farther from the substrate 2 in the mounting direction than the bottom of the opening 6f. Therefore, the connection portion 8b extends from the inside to the outside of the shield 7 without contacting the shield 7. In other words, the detection electrode 8, the lead terminal 8a, and the connection portion 8b are not electrically connected to the shield 7 and are in a non-conductive state.

[0054] As described above, the shield 7 has a connecting portion 7b at a portion facing the notch 7a. As shown in FIG. 4(b)B, the connecting portion 7b is electrically and mechanically connected to the ground line connecting portion 2h by soldering. Therefore, the shield 7 is electrically connected to the terminal to which the ground voltage GND is applied via the connecting portion 7b and the ground line connecting portion 2h. The connecting portion 7b is provided in a state where it is bent in the circumferential direction.

[0055] Furthermore, the main body case 3 is mechanically connected to the substrate 2 by soldering the connection portion 8b to the detection electrode 2g and the connection portion 7b to the ground connection portion 7b.

[0056] Next, the electrical configuration of the touch sensor 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical configuration of the touch sensor 1. The circuit diagram of the touch sensor 1 shown in FIG. 5 is a general circuit diagram using a general touch sensor module (for example, "TTP223") as the control unit 4. Therefore, detailed description of each component that is not a characteristic of the present invention will be omitted. A characteristic feature of the touch sensor 1 in FIG. 5 is that the shield body 7 is connected to the ground line GND. This will be described in detail below.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 4 has a plurality of external terminals (terminals 4a to 4d in accordance with this figure). Terminal 4a is connected to the detection electrode 8. Terminals 4b and 4d are connected to a ground line (= a terminal to which the ground voltage GND is applied) as in a general circuit. Terminal 4c is connected to the light-emitting element 5. Terminal 4e is connected to a terminal to which the power supply voltage VDD is applied. Terminal 4f is a mode switching terminal for switching a predetermined mode of the control unit 4. Note that this terminal 4f is not used in this embodiment. For this reason, it is not shown in the block diagram of the control unit 4 shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later.

[0058] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control unit 4. As mentioned above, the block diagram of the control unit 4 shown in Fig. 6 is also widely known. As with Fig. 5, a characteristic feature of the touch sensor 1 shown in Fig. 6 is that the shield electrode 7 is connected to the ground line GND.

[0059] 6, in addition to the above-described configuration, the control unit 4 includes a sensor oscillator 4g, a detection circuit 4h, and a system oscillator 4i. The sensor oscillator 4g is connected to the terminal 4a. One input terminal of the detection circuit 4h is connected to the sensor oscillator 4g. The other input terminal of the detection circuit 4h is connected to the system oscillator 4i. The sensor oscillator 4g is connected to the detection electrode 8 via a fourth terminal.

[0060] The output terminal of the detection circuit 4h is connected to a drive circuit 4j, which is connected to the light-emitting element 5 via a terminal 4c.

[0061] The detection electrode 8 and the sensor oscillator 4g output a detection result signal S1 according to the touch state of the detection electrode 8 (for example, whether or not the detection electrode 8 is touched, the area of ​​the touched portion, etc.). The detection result signal S1 can be a digital signal that has two different voltage values ​​depending on whether the detection electrode 8 is touched or not. Alternatively, the detection result signal S1 may be an analog signal whose value changes in an analog manner depending on the touch sensitivity of the detection electrode 8.

[0062] The system oscillator 4i generates a predetermined internal control signal S2. For example, the system oscillator 4i generates the internal control signal S2 as a constant voltage signal having a constant voltage value.

[0063] The detection circuit 4 generates an output signal S3 according to the detection result signal S1 and the internal control signal S2, and inputs it to the drive circuit 4j. For example, the detection circuit 4 may be a comparator that generates the output signal S3 according to the result of comparing the detection result signal S1 with the internal control signal S2, or may be an operational amplifier that generates the output signal S3 according to the difference between the detection result signal S1 and the internal control signal S2.

[0064] The output signal S3 is input to the light-emitting element 5 via the terminal 4c. The light emission of the light-emitting element 5 is controlled by the output signal S3. Here, the output signal S3 changes depending on the state of touch on the detection electrode 8. Therefore, the light emission mode of the light-emitting element 5 changes depending on the state of touch on the detection electrode 8.

[0065] With the above-described configuration, the touch sensor 1 of this embodiment improves productivity and is easy to use for users. Specific explanations are as follows.

[0066] As described above, the touch sensor 1 of this embodiment includes a substrate 2 and a cylindrical main body case 3 with a top that is erected on the substrate 2. The substrate 2 includes electrodes 2a-2f on its outer periphery, each of which has an end-face through-hole shape for mechanically and electrically connecting to a control board (not shown) of the device by soldering. A detection electrode connection portion 2g and a ground line connection portion 2h are disposed on the top surface of the substrate 2. Furthermore, a control portion 4, which is a semiconductor integrated circuit device, a light-emitting element 5, and various disc lead components (such as capacitors C1 and CS and resistor R1 shown in FIG. 5) are mounted on the top surface of the substrate 2.

[0067] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, the main body case 3 has a cylindrical light guide 6 with a top, a shield 7 extrapolated onto the light guide 6, and a flat detection electrode 8 adhesively fixed to the upper end portion of the light guide 6 (more specifically, the top surface 6a).

[0068] On the other hand, the light guide 6 is adhered and fixed to the main case 7 at the flange 6e. With the above configuration, the detection electrode 8, the light guide 6, and the main case 7 are connected to one another and can be handled as a single unit. The main case 3 is mechanically connected to the substrate 2 by soldering the connection portion 8b to the detection electrode 2g and the connection portion 7b to the ground connection portion 7b.

[0069] Therefore, when the touch sensor 1 is mounted on the control board (not shown), the following occurs. First, the detection electrodes 8 are sucked by the suction nozzle of the mounting machine. Then, the detection electrodes 8, the light guide 6, and the main body case 3 are sucked together and attached to the suction nozzle. That is, the main body case 3 is sucked to the suction nozzle. Then, the substrate 2 soldered to the main body case 3 is also sucked to the suction nozzle as a single unit. In this state, the substrate 2 and the main body case can be moved to a predetermined position, and the electrodes 2a to 2f can be soldered to the control board.

[0070] In this way, the touch sensor 1 of this embodiment allows the substrate 2 and main body case 3 to be mounted integrally to the control board. This allows the touch sensor 1 to be automatically mounted using a suction nozzle. This makes it easier to assemble devices equipped with the touch sensor 1, and ultimately increases productivity.

[0071] As described above, the upper surface of the main body case 3 serves as the detection electrode 8, and a portion of the light guide 6 (enclosure 6b portion) is exposed on the outer periphery of the detection electrode 8. In other words, the operating light of the touch sensor 1 is irradiated from the outer periphery of the detection electrode 8 through a portion of the light guide 6. As a result, the operation of the touch sensor 1 is easily visible as the operating light is irradiated near the detection electrode 8. Therefore, the touch sensor 1 is easy for the user to check its operation and is easy to use.

[0072] A through-hole (not shown) may be provided in the detection electrode 8. In this case, by configuring the top surface of the light guide 6 to be visible through the through-hole, the light emission state of the light guide 6 can be confirmed through the through-hole.

[0073] In other words, it is preferable to expose a part of the light guide 6 on at least one of the inside and outside of the outer periphery of the detection electrode 8. In this way, the operation of the touch sensor 1 can be confirmed near the detection electrode 8. As a result, the touch sensor 1 according to the present invention is extremely user-friendly.

[0074] In the present invention, touch detection by the detection electrode 8 can be based on a change in the capacitance of the detection electrode 8. Therefore, this touch detection can capture a change in capacitance not only when a finger directly touches the detection electrode 8, but also when a finger approaches the vicinity of the detection electrode 8.

[0075] (Second embodiment) Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a touch sensor 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a perspective internal configuration of the touch sensor 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a shield body 7A of the touch sensor 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] 7 to 9, in this embodiment, the lead terminal 8a and the connecting portion 7b of the first embodiment are modified in configuration from those of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on the modified parts.

[0077] Other than these changes, this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the first embodiment, and therefore the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are used for the common configuration, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] In this embodiment, a detection electrode connection portion 2gg and a ground line connection portion 2hh are arranged on the upper surface of the substrate 2. The electrical functions and configurations of the detection electrode connection portion 2gg and the ground line connection portion 2hh correspond to those of the detection electrode 2g and the ground line connection portion 2h in the first embodiment, respectively. Each of the detection electrode connection portion 2gg and the ground line connection portion 2hh has a long through-hole formed in its center.

[0079] As shown in Figure 8, the main body case 3 of this embodiment has a cylindrical light guide 6A with a top, a shield body 7A arranged on the outer surface of the light guide 6A, and a detection electrode 8A arranged on the upper surface of the light guide 6A.

[0080] The shield 7A and the detection electrode 8A are made of tin-plated brass. The light guide 6A is made of resin. When the light-emitting element 5 on the substrate 2 is turned on, the light guide 6A guides the light to the end face on the detection electrode 8A side. The shape of the light guide 6A will be explained further.

[0081] The light guide 6A has a basic configuration similar to that of the light guide 6 of the first embodiment. That is, like the light guide 6, it has a cylindrical shape, a circular top surface 6a on its upper surface, and a ring-shaped surrounding wall 6b that rises upward from the outer periphery of the top surface 6a. That is, like the first embodiment, the light guide 6A has a shape in which a circular recess is formed on the top surface 6a by the surrounding wall 6b. A disk-shaped detection electrode 8A is adhered and fixed with an adhesive to the circular recess formed by the surrounding wall 6b.

[0082] An opening is formed in a portion of the surrounding wall 6b (i.e., a portion of the surrounding wall 6b corresponding to the detection electrode connection portion 2gg in a plan view), cutting out the surrounding wall 6b. The portions of the surrounding wall 6b on both sides of this opening extend downward with a predetermined gap between them, as shown in Fig. 8. In other words, the extended portions of the surrounding wall 6b can be considered as a pair of protrusions protruding outward from the side walls of the light guide 6A.

[0083] This extension portion extends to the outer periphery of the light guide 6A (in the left-right direction when viewed from above in the direction of FIG. 11) at a position below the light guide 6A (a position above the lower end of the light guide 6A and below the center of the light guide 6A in the up-down direction) so as to widen the predetermined interval. Then, at the end of the extension, it bends downward again and extends so as to be continuous with the flange 6e.

[0084] A first end of a thin plate-shaped lead terminal 8aa is integrally connected to the outer periphery of the detection electrode 8. A connecting portion 8bb is connected to the second end of the lead terminal 8aa. The connecting portion 8bb is curved along the outer periphery of the light guide 6A (the outer periphery of the shield 7). The connecting portion 8bb is wider than the elongated portion located between the first and second ends of the lead terminal 8aa. A protrusion 20 that protrudes downward (in the mounting direction) is formed at the lower end of the connecting portion 8bb (see FIG. 8).

[0085] The lead terminal 8aa extends horizontally from the first end through the opening of the surrounding wall 6b, from the inside to the outside of the surrounding wall 6b, and is bent downward along the outer circumferential surface of the light guide 6A at a midpoint. The portion of the lead terminal 8aa from the bent portion to the second end is located inside the extension of the surrounding wall 6b, between the left and right surrounding walls 6b extending downward.

[0086] The protrusion 20 is inserted into a through-hole formed in the detection electrode connection portion 2gg and is electrically and mechanically connected and fixed to the detection electrode connection portion 2gg by solder. The lead terminal 8aa is fixed with an adhesive between the surrounding walls 6b extended below the light guide 6A.

[0087] The shield 7A is fitted onto the light guide 6A. That is, the shield 7A hangs down from above the light guide 6A and covers the outer circumferential surface of the light guide 6A. The lower end of the shield 7A abuts against the upper surface of the flange 6e. The lower end of the shield 7A and the flange 6e are bonded together with an adhesive. This fixes the shield 7A and the light guide 6A together.

[0088] The shield body 7A is formed with a notch 7aa and a connection portion 7bb. The notch 7aa is a long, narrow slit that cuts out the shield body 7A from the upper end opening to the lower end opening. The notch 7aa is formed so that the lead terminal 8bb can be accommodated inside.

[0089] The connection portion 7bb is located on the opposite side of the shield body 7 from the portion where the notch portion 7aa is formed. The connection portion 7bb is a protrusion that protrudes downward (in the mounting direction) from the lower end portion of the shield body 7. The connection portion 7bb is inserted into the through-hole of the ground line connection portion 2hh. In this state, the connection portion 7bb is electrically and mechanically connected to the through-hole formed in the ground line connection portion 2hh by soldering.

[0090] As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the inner edges of the notch 7aa abut against the outer end surfaces of the left and right extensions of the surrounding wall 6b, respectively.

[0091] The lead terminal 8aa extends downward from the connection portion with the detection electrode 8A between the left and right surrounding walls 6b on the outer circumferential surface of the light guide 6A.

[0092] The shield 7A and the lead terminal 8aa extend downward toward the substrate 2 in a non-contact state. The shield 7A is also electrically and mechanically connected and fixed to the ground line connection portion 2hh with solder via the connection portion 7bb. That is, the shield 7A is in a non-contact state (non-conductive state) with the detection electrode 8A and is connected to the ground terminal GND. In other words, the detection electrode 8A is in a non-conductive state with the ground terminal GND.

[0093] Furthermore, lead terminal 8aa is electrically and mechanically connected and fixed to detection electrode connection portion 2gg with solder via connection portion 8bb. That is, detection electrode 8A is connected to control unit 4 via lead terminal 8aa and detection electrode connection portion 2gg.

[0094] This embodiment also has the same circuit diagram as in FIG. 5 and the same block diagram of the control unit 4 as in FIG.

[0095] As described above, the touch sensor 1 of this embodiment includes the substrate 2 and the cylindrical main body case 3 with a top that is erected on the substrate 2.

[0096] The substrate 2 has electrodes 2a to 2f on its outer periphery, which are connected to a control board (not shown) of the device.

[0097] A detection electrode connection portion 2gg and a ground line connection portion 2hh are arranged on the upper surface of the substrate 2. Furthermore, a control portion 4, a light-emitting element 5, and various discrete components (capacitors C1, CS, and resistor R1 shown in FIG. 5) are mounted on the upper surface of the substrate 2.

[0098] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3, the main body case 3 has a cylindrical light guide 6A with a top, a shield 7A arranged on the outer surface of the light guide 6A, and a flat detection electrode 8A arranged on the upper surface of the light guide 6A.

[0099] Therefore, by suctioning the detection electrode 8A with a mounting nozzle, the substrate 2 and the main body case 3 can be automatically mounted on the control board. Therefore, the touch sensor 1 of this embodiment, like the first embodiment, is highly productive.

[0100] As described above, the upper surface of the main body case 3 serves as the detection electrode 8A, and a part of the light guide 6 (enclosure 6b) is exposed around the outer periphery of the detection electrode 8A. This allows operation confirmation light to be supplied near the detection electrode 8A. This makes the device user-friendly, similar to the first embodiment.

[0101] In this embodiment, too, a through-hole (not shown) may be provided in the detection electrode 8A, and the top surface of the light guide 6A may be exposed through the through-hole. In this way, it is possible to confirm through the through-hole that the light guide 6A is emitting light.

[0102] (Third embodiment) Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a touch sensor 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11(a) is a side view of the touch sensor 1 of the third embodiment viewed from the side of the cutout portion 7a. Fig. 11(b) is a side view of the touch sensor 1 of the third embodiment viewed from the side of the connection portion 7b. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal configuration of the touch sensor 1 of the third embodiment.

[0103] In this embodiment, the detection electrode 8A of the second embodiment is partially modified, and the following description will focus on this modified portion.

[0104] In addition, in the description of this embodiment, components common to the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiments, and a description thereof will be omitted in order to avoid complication of the description.

[0105] 10 to 12, a protrusion 8BB is provided at the center of the detection electrode 8B according to this embodiment. The protrusion 8BB protrudes upward from the upper surface of the detection electrode 8B. The tip of the protrusion 8BB has a flat surface.

[0106] In this embodiment, as in the above embodiments, the centers of the detection electrodes 8, 8A, and 8B (the portions that the user touches) are located on the back side of the nameplate of various electronic devices. Therefore, as in the above embodiments, it is difficult for the user to directly touch the detection electrodes 8, 8A, and 8B with their fingers when operating the device.

[0107] On the other hand, it is necessary to reduce the distance between the nameplate of the electronic device and the detection electrodes 8, 8A, and 8B. However, depending on the electronic device, there may be a certain limit to the distance between the nameplate and the detection electrodes 8, 8A, and 8B, making it impossible to reduce this distance.

[0108] In such cases, as in the touch sensor 1 of this embodiment, a protrusion 8BB that protrudes upward is provided in the center of the detection electrode 8B, allowing the nameplate of the electronic device to be brought closer to the detection electrode 8B.

[0109] Furthermore, the tip of the protrusion 8BB of this detection electrode 8B is also flat. This allows this tip to be picked up by the nozzle of a mounting machine, allowing the substrate 2 and main body case 3 to be automatically mounted on the control board. Therefore, the touch sensor 1 of this embodiment also has high productivity.

[0110] (Fourth embodiment) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a touch sensor 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the touch sensor 1 according to the fourth embodiment viewed from above (the detection electrode 8 side). FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a light guide 6 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the touch sensor 1 according to the present embodiment viewed from the detection electrode 8 side. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the touch sensor 1 according to the present embodiment viewed from the flange 6e side of the light guide 6. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the touch sensor 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0111] In this embodiment, the detection electrode 8 and the light guide 6 of the first embodiment are partially modified. The following description will focus on the modified parts.

[0112] 13 to 18, in this embodiment, a through hole 9 for injecting resin is provided in the center of the detection electrode 8. In addition, a through hole 10 is provided in the top surface of the light guide 6. The through hole 10 communicates with the through hole 9.

[0113] 18 , a resin injection nozzle 30 can be inserted into the light guide 6 from above the detection electrode 8 through the through holes 9 and 10. Transparent resin 11 is injected from the resin injection nozzle 30 to cover the control unit 4, the light emitting element 5, etc. on the substrate 2, and also seals the gap between the upper surface of the substrate 2 and the lower end of the shield body 7 with the transparent resin 11.

[0114] FIG. 18 shows a state in which the substrate 2 is mounted on a control board 13 of an electronic device, and the surface of the control board 13 is covered with potting resin 12.

[0115] Such a configuration may be adopted to improve the earthquake resistance of the various components mounted on the control board 13.

[0116] In this case, there is a risk that the potting resin 12 may infiltrate into the touch sensor 1. For this reason, in this embodiment, as described above, the space between the upper surface of the substrate 2 and the lower end of the shield body 7 is sealed with transparent resin 11 to prevent the potting resin 12 from infiltrating. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1 touch sensor 2 boards 2a electrode 2b electrode 2c electrode 2d electrode 2e electrode 2f electrode 2g Detection electrode connection part 2gg Detection electrode connection part 2h Ground line connection 2hh Ground line connection 3 Main unit case 4. Control Unit 4a terminal 4b terminal 4c terminal 4d terminal 4e terminal 4f Mode switching terminal 4g sensor oscillator 4h detection circuit 4i System Oscillator 4j drive circuit 5 Light-emitting element 6 Light guide 6A light guide 6a Top 6b Enclosure barrier 6c through hole 6d Guide tube 6e Tsuba 6f opening 6h side wall 7 Shield Body 7A Shield body 7a Notch 7b Connection 8 detection electrodes 8A detection electrode 8B Detection electrode 8BB convex part 8a lead terminal 8aa lead terminal 8b Connection 9 Through holes 10 through holes 11 Transparent resin 12 Potting resin 13 Control board 20 protrusion 30 Resin injection nozzle

Claims

1. A substrate; a light emitting element mounted on the substrate; a cylindrical main body case with a top that is provided on the substrate in a mounting direction so as to stand upright and accommodate the light emitting element therein; a control unit mounted on the substrate and electrically connected to the light emitting element so as to be able to control light emission of the light emitting element; Equipped with The main body case includes: a cylindrical light guide disposed above the substrate so as to accommodate the light emitting element therein; a cylindrical shield body arranged to accommodate the light guide body; a detection electrode disposed at an upper end portion of the light guide, electrically connected to the control unit, and configured to be able to detect whether or not the detection electrode itself has been touched; and At least a part of the upper end portion is exposed from at least a part of the outer circumferential portion or the inner circumferential portion of the detection electrode, The control unit is a touch sensor that causes the light emitting element to emit light and supplies light to the light guide when a touch is detected by the detection electrode.

2. the substrate has a ground line electrically connected to a ground and having the same potential as the ground; The touch sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the shield is electrically connected to the ground line so as to have the same potential as the ground.

3. the light guide has a through hole formed therein that penetrates the upper end portion; The touch sensor according to claim 2 , further comprising lead terminals electrically connected to the detection electrode and the shield body via the through-holes.

4. the lead terminal has a first connection portion electrically connected to the substrate, The touch sensor according to claim 3 , wherein the shield body has a second connection portion electrically connected to the ground line.

5. lead terminals connected to the detection electrode and the ground line, a slit formed in a part of the shield body and extending in a direction parallel to the mounting direction on the board; The touch sensor of claim 2, wherein the lead terminal passes through the slit without contacting the shield body, extends from the slit toward the substrate along the mounting direction, and is electrically connected to the connection portion with the detection electrode and the connection portion with the ground of the ground line.

6. 6. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein a convex portion is provided at the center of the detection electrode so as to protrude toward the opposite side of the substrate, and the center of the tip of the convex portion is flat.

7. a first through-hole for resin injection is formed in a center portion of the detection electrode; The touch sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a second through hole communicating with the first through hole is formed in a top surface of the light guide.

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