Input device

Abstract

To provide an input device that can suppress false input detection with a simple configuration. [Solution] The input device 1 comprises an operating section 16a formed in a recess from the front side to the back side and extending in a predetermined direction intersecting this recess, a detector 4 located on one end of the predetermined direction on the back side of the operating section 16a for detecting capacitance changes, another detector 5 located on the other end of the predetermined direction on the back side of the operating section 16a for detecting capacitance changes, and a control unit 6 that outputs a signal according to the detection results of the first detector 4 and the other detector 5. The first detector 4 and the other detector 5 are arranged so that their detectable ranges are separated in a predetermined direction. The control unit 6 outputs a signal on the condition that there is a time difference within a predetermined time between the detection timing of the first detector 4 and the detection timing of the other detector 5, and that there is a time between these detection timings when neither the first nor the other detectors 4 and 5 detect a capacitance change.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device that receives an input from a user and outputs a signal.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an input device that uses a capacitance sensor to output a predetermined signal based on detection of a change in capacitance between a user's finger and an electrode has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is conceivable to improve the appearance by adopting the above input device in place of, for example, a convex push button switch for opening and closing the lid of a console box of an automobile. In this case, it is desirable to prevent the device from reacting unintentionally due to a passenger's hands or feet accidentally touching the capacitance sensor or from making a false detection due to noise or the like.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such points, and an object thereof is to provide an input device that can suppress false detection of input with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An input device according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: an operating section formed in a recess from the front side to the back side and extending in a predetermined direction intersecting the recess; a detector located on the back side of the operating section at one end in the predetermined direction for detecting capacitance changes; another detector located on the back side of the operating section at the other end in the predetermined direction for detecting capacitance changes; and a control unit that outputs a signal according to the detection results of the first detector and the other detector, wherein the first detector and the other detector are arranged such that their detectable ranges are separated in the predetermined direction, and the control unit outputs a signal on the condition that there is a time difference within a predetermined time between the detection timing of the first detector and the detection timing of the other detector, and that there is a time between these detection timings when neither the first nor the other detector detects a capacitance change. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, false input detection can be suppressed with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing an input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a part of the input device mentioned above. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the input device mentioned above. [Figure 4] (a) and (b) are timing charts showing the detection operation of input operations by the input device described above. [Figure 5] This is a state transition diagram of the control unit corresponding to the operation example in Figure 4(a). [Figure 6] (a1) is a schematic plan view showing the detectable range of the same detector and other detectors, (a2) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the detectable range of the same detector and other detectors, (b1) is a schematic plan view showing the detectable range of the comparative example detector, and (b2) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the detectable range of the comparative example detector. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing an input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing an input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In Figures 1 to 3, 1 represents an input device. Input device 1 is used by the user to input operations when operating a predetermined operating part. In this embodiment, input device 1 is an input device for a vehicle such as an automobile.

[0011] The input device 1 comprises a housing 3, one detector 4 and another detector 5 arranged inside the housing 3, and a control unit 6 that receives detection results from the one and the other detectors 4 and 5.

[0012] The housing 3 is formed of an insulating material. The housing 3 is formed of, for example, synthetic resin. In this embodiment, the housing 3 has a plate 10 which is a mounting body to which one and the other detectors 4 and 5 are attached, and a cover 11 which covers the one and the other detectors 4 and 5. The housing 3 is formed in an elongated shape, being longitudinal in the first direction and narrow in the second direction which intersects or is perpendicular to the first direction. The housing 3 is formed symmetrically or substantially symmetrically in the first and second directions. In the figure, the first direction is indicated by arrows D1a and D1b, the second direction is indicated by arrows D2a and D2b, and the third direction which intersects or is perpendicular to the first and second directions is indicated by arrows D3a and D3b.

[0013] The plate 10 is formed as a plate with a longitudinal shape in the first direction, a transverse shape in the second direction, and a thickness in the third direction. The plate 10 is formed as a flat plate with a constant or approximately constant thickness throughout. Both ends of the plate 10 in the longitudinal direction are formed as convex arcs that are directed outward. Therefore, the outer edge of the plate 10 is oval in shape. On the main surface of the plate 10 facing the cover 11, mounting portions 12 for attaching one detector 4 and the other detector 5 are formed. The mounting portions 12 are located near both ends of the plate 10 in the longitudinal direction. The mounting portions 12 are longitudinal along the longitudinal direction of the plate 10. The mounting portions 12 are longitudinal in the first direction and are less than half the length of the plate 10. The mounting portions 12 are located apart from each other in the first direction. For example, in this embodiment, the mounting portions 12 are rectangular in shape. The mounting portions 12 are formed projecting in the third direction from the main surface of the plate 10 facing the cover 11. The mounting portion 12 is provided on the plate 10 symmetrically or substantially symmetrically in the first direction. The mounting portion 12 has a planar mounting surface 12a. The mounting portion 12 also has a restricting portion 12b for positioning one and the other detectors 4, 5. The restricting portion 12b has side restricting portions 12c, 12c that project in a third direction relative to the mounting surface 12a along the long side of the mounting portion 12, and a protruding portion 12d that projects in a third direction from the mounting surface 12a between the side restricting portions 12c, 12c.

[0014] Furthermore, multiple receiving portions 13 are provided protruding from the main surface of the plate 10 facing the cover 11 to receive the cover 11. The receiving portions 13 are offset inward from the outer edge of the plate 10 to a position corresponding to the thickness of the cover 11. In this embodiment, the receiving portions 13 are arranged, for example, between the mounting portion 12 and both ends of the plate 10 in the longitudinal direction, and between the mounting portions 12, 12, etc.

[0015] The cover 11 is a part that encloses the first and other detectors 4, 5 within the housing 3 between the plate 10. The cover 11 is formed to be longitudinally long in the first direction and transversely short in the second direction. In the present embodiment, the cover 11 has an outer edge shape equal to or substantially equal to that of the outer edge of the plate 10. The cover 11 has a shape that is symmetric or substantially symmetric in the first direction. The cover 11 is a covered cylindrical shape integrally having a side wall portion 15 attached to the plate 10 and an opposing portion 16 facing the first and other detectors 4, 5 in the third direction.

[0016] The side wall portion 15 is a part that rises in the third direction with respect to the plate 10. The side wall portion 15 has a cylindrical shape with an oval cross-section. The side wall portion 15 is located between the outer edge of the plate 10 and the receiving portion 13.

[0017] The opposing portion 16 is longitudinally long in the first direction and transversely short in the second direction. In the present embodiment, the opposing portion 16 has an outer shape with an oval shape similar to that of the outer edge of the plate 10. The opposing portion 16 has an operation portion 16a formed by being recessed from the front side to the back side. The operation portion 16a has a curved surface that gradually curves and depresses from both ends in the first direction, that is, the longitudinal direction, toward the central portion. That is, the operation portion 16a is recessed with the central portion in the first direction as the top. In the present embodiment, the operation portion 16a is also recessed in the second direction. For example, the operation portion 16a curves so as to gradually depress from both ends in the second direction, that is, the transverse direction, toward the central portion. The transverse dimension of the operation portion 16a is, for example, about the width of the index finger of an adult male. The operation portion 16a is formed smoothly at least in the first direction and is an input surface that receives input by the user's finger. Further, the depth of curvature of the operation portion 16a is set to such an extent that it can be touched by a finger but not by a hand.

[0018] Further, in the present embodiment, the opposing portion 16 has a planar frame portion 16b surrounding the operation portion 16a at the outer edge. That is, the operation portion 16a has a shape recessed with respect to the frame portion 16b. When the input device 1 is attached to the attachment surface such that the frame portion 16b is flush or substantially flush with the attachment surface, the operation portion 16a is in a position recessed with respect to the attachment surface.

[0019] The first and the other detectors 4 and 5 are positioned slightly away from the operation part 16a on the back side of the operation part 16a of the facing part 16, and are for detecting a change in capacitance. The first and the other detectors 4 and 5 may be capacitance sensors including electrodes, detection circuits, output circuits, etc., or may be electrodes forming part of a capacitance sensor. That is, the first and the other detectors 4 and 5 have at least electrodes. When the first and the other detectors 4 and 5 are merely electrodes, the detection circuits, output circuits, etc. for constituting the capacitance sensor may be integrally incorporated in, for example, the control part 6. The first and the other detectors 4 and 5 have planar first and other detection surfaces 4a and 5a facing the back surface of the operation part 16a of the facing part 16. And in the range projected in the vertical direction of the first and the other detection surfaces 4a and 5a, the regions of the operation part 16a positioned within a predetermined detectable distance from the first and the other detection surfaces 4a and 5a are the detectable ranges R1 and R2 by the first and the other detectors 4 and 5.

[0020] The first detector 4 is positioned on one end side in the first direction. The other detector 5 is positioned on the other end side in the first direction. The first detector 4 is attached to one attachment part 12 of the plate 10, and the other detector 5 is attached to the other attachment part 12 of the plate 10. Therefore, the first detector 4 and the other detector 5 are separated from each other in the first direction and are positioned symmetrically or substantially symmetrically with each other in the first direction. The first detector 4 and the other detector 5 are arranged such that their detectable ranges R1 and R2 are separated from each other in the first direction. Therefore, in the first direction, a non-detection range R0 where no change in capacitance is detected is positioned between the detectable range R1 by the first detector 4 and the detectable range R2 by the other detector 5.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first and second detectors 4 and 5 are positioned at an angle in the input device 1 so as to face the center in the first direction. That is, the first and second detection surfaces 4a and 5a of the first and second detectors 4 and 5 are inclined along the curvature of the operating section 16a in the first direction. Preferably, as shown in Figure 6(a2), the detectable distance S by the first and second detectors 4 and 5 is within the curvature depth of the operating section 16a. That is, the detectable ranges R1 and R2 by the first and second detectors 4 and 5 do not protrude in the third direction relative to the third direction end of the opposing section 16, which in this embodiment includes the frame section 16b in the plane P. As shown in Figure 1, the mounting surface 12a of the mounting section 12 of the plate 10 is inclined so as to gradually decrease from the end side to the center side in the first direction, so that the first and second detection surfaces 4a and 5a of the first and second detectors 4 and 5 attached to the mounting surface 12a, 12a are inclined with respect to the first direction so as to be parallel or substantially parallel to the mounting surface 12a, 12a.

[0022] The control unit 6, which is electrically connected to the first and second detectors 4 and 5, may be incorporated into the housing 3 or located outside the housing 3. The control unit 6 outputs a signal corresponding to the detection of capacitance changes by the first and second detectors 4 and 5. The control unit 6 outputs a signal on the condition that there is a predetermined time difference between the detection timing of the first detector 4 and the detection timing of the second detector 5, and that there is a period of time between these detection timings in which neither the first nor the second detector 4 nor 5 detects a capacitance change. In other words, the control unit 6 outputs a signal when the first detector 4 detects a capacitance change and then the second detector 5 detects a capacitance change and then the first detector 4 detects a capacitance change and then the second detector 5 detects a capacitance change and then the first detector 4 detects a capacitance change. More specifically, the control unit 6 outputs a signal when, after the detection of capacitance change by one detector 4 is completed, there is a period within a first predetermined time during which neither the first nor the other detectors 4 and 5 detect a capacitance change, and when a capacitance change is detected by the other detector 5; and when, after the detection of capacitance change by the other detector 5 is completed, there is a period within a second predetermined time during which neither the first nor the other detectors 4 and 5 detect a capacitance change, and when a capacitance change is detected by the first detector 4. Therefore, the control unit 6 outputs a signal when, for example, the user slides their finger or the like from one end to the other end of the operating unit 16a in the first direction, or when the user approaches or touches the detectable range R1 of the first detector 4 and the detectable range R2 of the other detector 5 sequentially with a slight time difference, while not outputting a signal when the user touches the detectable range R1 of the first detector 4 and the detectable range R2 of the other detector 5 simultaneously.

[0023] The signal output from the control unit 6 is, for example, a signal for operating a predetermined operating unit. This signal may be input directly to the operating unit, or it may be input to a control means for controlling the operating unit.

[0024] Examples of the above operation are shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b). The control unit 6 outputs signal SI1 only if, after the detection DE1 of capacitance change by one detector 4 is completed, there is a period B in which neither one detector 4 nor the other detectors 4 and 5 detect a capacitance change, and a detection DE2 of capacitance change by the other detector 5 occurs within a first predetermined time T1 or less. In other words, if the detection of DE2 is completed before the start of detection at the first predetermined time T1 after the completion of detection DE1, or if detection DE2 occurs after a longer period than the first predetermined time T1 has elapsed (as shown by the dashed line), the control unit 6 does not output a signal. Regarding the timing of the start of detection DE2 after the completion of detection DE1, it is preferable to provide a slight delay time TD1 after the completion of detection DE1 in order to suppress simultaneous or near-simultaneous detection of detection DE1 and DE2 and the detection of noise, etc. Similarly, the control unit 6 outputs another signal SI2 only if, within a second predetermined time T2 or less after the detection DE2 of capacitance change by the other detector 5 has finished, there is a time B during which neither the first nor the other detectors 4 and 5 detect a capacitance change, and a detection DE1 of capacitance change by the first detector 4 occurs. In this case as well, regarding the timing of the start of detection DE1 after the completion of detection DE2, it is preferable to provide a slight delay time TD2 after the completion of detection DE2 in order to suppress simultaneous or near-simultaneous detection of detection DE1 and DE2 and the detection of noise, etc. The delay times TD1 and TD2 may be the same or different.

[0025] The first predetermined time T1 and the second predetermined time T2 are sufficient time for a finger to slide between the detectable ranges R1 and R2 in the first direction, and can be arbitrarily set according to the size of the input device 1 or operating section 16a in the first direction, the curvature depth of the operating section 16a, the width of the detectable ranges R1 and R2 and the non-detectable range R0, etc. For example, if the length of the input device 1 or operating section 16a in the first direction is 120 mm and the curvature depth of the operating section 16a is 3 mm, the first predetermined time T1 and the second predetermined time T2 can be set to 10 ms to 1000 ms, etc. An example is shown where the first predetermined time T1 and the second predetermined time T2 are the same or approximately the same, but they may be different from each other.

[0026] For example, Figure 5 shows an example of the state transitions of the control unit 6 corresponding to Figure 4(a). After the input device 1 is powered on, the control unit 6 enters a standby state until one detector 4 detects a change in capacitance due to the approach of a user's finger or the like. Once one detector 4 detects a change in capacitance, it transitions to the detection start state. After the transition to the detection start state is complete, the control unit 6 transitions to the detection standby state after passing through a state where neither the first nor the other detectors 4 and 5 detect a change in capacitance. Then, after the transition to the detection standby state is complete, the control unit 6 waits for a predetermined time until another detector 5 detects a change in capacitance due to the approach of a user's finger or the like. If another detector 5 detects a change in capacitance during this time, it detects the input and outputs a signal. If the detection state of the first and other detectors 4 and 5 remains unchanged for a predetermined time, it transitions to the detection initialization standby state. When neither the first nor the other detectors 4 and 5 detect a change in capacitance, it returns to the standby state. The same applies to the example in Figure 4(b). Therefore, if one detector 4 and another detector 5 detect something simultaneously, or if one detector 4 or another detector 5 detects something immediately after one detector 4 or another detector 5 has detected something, the control unit 6 will not transition from the detection start state to the detection standby state.

[0027] In this embodiment, the operating section 16a, which is recessed from the front side to the back side and extends in the first direction, has one detector 4 at one end in the first direction and another detector 5 at the other end on the back side, and is configured so that the detectable ranges R1 and R2 of these detectors are separated in the first direction and a non-detectable range R0 is set in the center. The control unit 6 outputs a signal on the condition that there is a time difference within a predetermined time between the detection timing of capacitance change by the first detector 4 and the detection timing of capacitance change by the other detector 5, and that there is a time between these timings when neither the first nor the other detector 4 and 5 detect a capacitance change. For example, when a user slides their finger along the operating section 16a in the first direction, the finger passes through the non-detectable range R0 while moving from one detectable range R1 to the other, so that there is a short time when neither the first detector 4 nor the other detector 5 detects a capacitance change, and the input device 1 accepts the input. In other words, the input device 1 can receive input by sliding the operating section 16a in the first direction. Therefore, in conventional cases, for example, where two capacitive sensors are placed side by side and slide operation is detected by switching their on / off states, false detections caused by noise, etc., which could occur when the area between the two capacitive sensors is touched are eliminated, and input false detections can be reduced with a simple configuration.

[0028] Furthermore, if only a single detector 4 or another detector 5 detects the change in capacitance, the system will not detect an operation if the contact point shifts slightly due to vibration or other factors after contact. This reduces the frequency of false detections of unintended operations as input operations.

[0029] Furthermore, because the operating section 16a is narrow in the second direction, the user needs to use a thin part of their body, such as their finger, to touch the operating section 16a. Therefore, if the user brings a large or thick part of their body, such as their hand or arm, close to or touches the input device 1, the first and other detectors 4 and 5 are less likely to react, thus suppressing false input detection caused by unintended approach or contact. In particular, in this embodiment, since the detectable distance of the first and other detectors 4 and 5 is within the curvature depth of the operating section 16a, the first and other detectors 4 and 5 are less likely to react unless a finger or the like is inserted into or brought close to the recess of the operating section 16a.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6(a1) and 6(a2), the operating section 16a is curved so as to be recessed from both ends in the first direction toward the center, and one detector 4 and the other detector 5 are inclined toward the center in the first direction. As a result, on the outer side of the first direction, the detectable distance S of the one and the other detectors 4 and 5 extends in the third direction relative to the operating section 16a, making detection easier even if the detectable distance S of the one and the other detectors 4 and 5 is short. On the central side in the first direction, the detectable distance S of the one and the other detectors 4 and 5 is embedded inside the operating section 16a, effectively shortening the detectable distance. Therefore, the detectable ranges R1 and R2 of the one and the other detectors 4 and 5, which are set as the range where the detectable distance S of the one and the other detectors 4 and 5 intersects with the surface of the operating section 16a, have a narrower width in the first direction compared to the detectable ranges R1a and R2a of the one and the other detectors 4 and 5 when they are not tilted (see Figures 6(b1) and 6(b2)). As a result, unless a specific part of the operating section 16a of the input device 1 is consciously touched, the possibility of the one and the other detectors 4 and 5 reacting is reduced. Thus, if fingers or hands approach or touch a part of the input device 1 other than the operating section 16a, detection by the one and the other detectors 4 and 5 is reduced, and false detections of input by the one and the other detectors 4 and 5 due to approach or contact with the surrounding area of ​​the input device 1, as well as false detections due to noise, etc., can be suppressed. For this reason, it becomes possible to install the input device 1 in places where occupants' hands and feet are likely to come into contact with it in vehicles such as automobiles, for example, on the side panel of the center console box, which is a storage device. In this case, by positioning the input device 1 with the first direction being the front-to-back direction, an occupant standing next to the center console box can input a slide operation from back to front or front to back without directly viewing the control panel.

[0031] Furthermore, the presence of a recess in the operating section 16a allows the user to locate the input device 1 by touch, even when the input device 1 cannot be directly seen, for example in a dark place. This helps to prevent malfunctions of the operating section connected to the control unit 6 of the input device 1, even when the user is searching for the input location 1.

[0032] The operating unit operated by one signal output from the control unit 6 and the operating unit operated by another signal may be the same or different. Furthermore, the first signal and the other signal may be the same, but preferably they are different signals. For example, the first signal may cause the operating unit to perform one operation, and the other signal may cause the same operating unit to perform a different operation opposite to the first operation. That is, it is preferable that the control unit 6 outputs different signals depending on the detection order of the first detector 4 and the other detector 5. In this case, the operating unit may be any reversible unit, such as a motor that opens and closes the lid of a console box in an automobile, or a motor that opens and closes a car window. By making the first signal and the other signal corresponding to the control of their reverse operations, the input device 1 can be used as a switch to reverse the operation of the operating unit according to the sliding direction of the operating part 16a, such as a finger, in the first direction.

[0033] In the first embodiment, the operating section 16a is configured to curve in both the first and second directions. However, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in the second embodiment in Figure 7, it may be curved in only the first or second direction. Alternatively, as shown in the third embodiment in Figure 8, the operating section 16a may be curved so as to be concave only on the outer edge side, with the central part of the operating section 16a being a flat surface 16c.

[0034] Furthermore, input device 1 is not limited to input devices for vehicles, but may be used for any other purpose. [Industrial applicability]

[0035] The present invention can be suitably used, for example, as an input device for inputting operations to operate a moving part in a vehicle such as an automobile. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0036] 1 Input device 4. One detector 5 Other detectors 6. Control Unit 16a Operation section

Claims

1. An operating section is formed in a recess from the front side to the back side, and extends in a predetermined direction intersecting this recess, On the rear side of this operating section, a detector is located at one end in the predetermined direction for detecting a change in capacitance, Located on the rear side of the operating section, at the other end in the predetermined direction, is another detector for detecting capacitance changes, The system includes a control unit that outputs a signal corresponding to the detection result by the first detector and the other detector, The first detector and the other detector are arranged such that their respective detectable ranges are separated in the predetermined direction. The control unit outputs a signal on the condition that there is a predetermined time difference between the detection timing of the first detector and the detection timing of the other detector, and that there is a period of time between these detection timings during which neither the first nor the other detector detects a change in capacitance. An input device characterized by the following features.

2. The operating section is curved so as to be recessed from both ends in a predetermined direction toward the center. One detector and the other detector are positioned at an inclination so as to face the center in the predetermined direction. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1.

3. The control unit outputs a signal to the operating unit to perform a certain operation based on a detection by another detector within a predetermined time after a detection by one detector, and outputs another signal to the operating unit to perform a different operation opposite to the first operation based on a detection by the first detector within a predetermined time after a detection by the other detector. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1 or 2.

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