Input operation device

Abstract

Provided is a compact input operation device capable of discriminating a plurality of operations.　This input operation device includes: an operation member that enables an operator to perform a push operation in a plurality of push positions; a push switch that is turned on from off by the push operation; a panel having an operation surface on which the operator can perform touch operations, and having a plurality of symbols arranged thereon; an electrostatic detection sensor having a plurality of electrostatic electrodes that are provided on the opposite side of the panel from the operation surface in the area of the panel where the symbols are arranged in plan view, the electrostatic detection sensor being capable of detecting, for each electrostatic electrode, the electrostatic capacitance at the approach of an operator's finger; and a determination unit that determines which of the operation member and the symbol has been operated by the operator on the basis of the on or off state of the push switch and the detection result of the finger by the electrostatic detection sensor.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input operation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a multi-circuit push-on switch (input operation device) which comprises two self-returning individual push-on switches with the same operating stroke and the same operating force arranged on a base at a prescribed distance, and an operation button which is arranged to cover the tops of the two individual push-on switches and be movable up and down, and has pressing portions on its underside for each of the two individual push-on switches, and which can be turned on individually by pressing a prescribed range near each of the individual push-on switches on the top surface of the operation button, and which can be turned on simultaneously by pressing a prescribed range on the top surface of the intermediate portion of the two individual push-on switches (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-149703 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional input operation devices distinguish all operations using a mechanical configuration consisting of two individual push-on switches and operation buttons with pressing parts on the underside for each of the two individual push-on switches, which results in the devices being large.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an input operation device that is small and capable of distinguishing between a plurality of operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An input operation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an operation member that can be pushed at multiple pressing positions by an operator, a push switch that is turned on from off by the push operation, a panel having an operation surface on which the operator can perform a touch operation and on which multiple symbols are arranged, an electrostatic detection sensor having multiple electrostatic electrodes provided on the side of the panel opposite the operation surface in an area of ​​the panel where the symbols are arranged in a planar view and capable of detecting the electrostatic capacitance of each of the electrostatic electrodes when the operator's finger approaches, and a determination unit that determines whether the operator has operated the operation member or the symbol based on the on or off state of the push switch and the detection result of the finger by the electrostatic detection sensor. Effect of the Invention

[0007] It is possible to provide a small-sized input operation device capable of distinguishing between a plurality of operations. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an input operation device 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an input operation device 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 1C] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an input operation device 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 1D] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an input operation device 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] 13 is a diagram showing an example of an output of the electrostatic detection sensor 140 when a touch operation is performed on symbols A to C. FIG. [Figure 2B] 11 is a diagram showing an example of an output of the electrostatic detection sensor 140 when a push operation is performed on the operation member 120. FIG. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a determination unit 151. [Figure 4A]13 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a plurality of symbols, an operation member 120M1, and a plurality of electrostatic electrodes of an electrostatic detection sensor 140 in an input operation device 100M1 of a first modified example of an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a plurality of symbols, an operation member 120M2, and a plurality of electrostatic electrodes of an electrostatic detection sensor 140 in an input operation device 100M2 according to a second modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a plurality of symbols, an operation member 120M3, and a plurality of electrostatic electrodes of an electrostatic detection sensor 140 in an input operation device 100M3 of a third modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment to which the input operation device of the present disclosure is applied will be described.

[0010] <Embodiment> <Configuration of the input operation device 100> 1A to 1D are diagrams showing an example of a configuration of an input operation device 100 according to an embodiment. 1B to 1D show a cross section taken along the line AA in FIG. 1A.

[0011] In the following, the XYZ coordinate system is defined and explained. For convenience of explanation, the -Z direction side is called the lower side or bottom, and the +Z direction side is called the upper side or top, but this does not represent a universal up-down relationship. Also, viewing on the XY plane is called planar viewing.

[0012] The input operation device 100 includes a case 101, a panel 110, an operation member 120, a push switch 130, an electrostatic detection sensor 140, and an MCU (micro controller unit) 150. The input operation device 100 is a device that is assumed to be operated by an operator with his / her fingers. The input operation device 100 can also be operated with parts of the hand other than the fingers, but as an example, a form in which the operator operates it with a fingertip FT (see Figs. 1C and 1D) will be described.

[0013] The input operation device 100 may be, for example, an operation unit provided in a vehicle cabin to operate a device mounted on the vehicle. The input operation device 100 may also be an operation unit provided in a tablet computer, a smartphone, a game machine, or the like. The input operation device 100 may also be, for example, an operation unit of an input device or the like that is placed in a store, facility, or the like and used by an unspecified number of users.

[0014] The case 101 is provided on the lower side of the input operation device 100, and is a housing made of resin or the like that holds the operation member 120, the push switch 130, and the electrostatic detection sensor 140. A panel 110 is fixed to the upper surface of the case 101 by adhesive or the like. The case 101 has a hole 101A that houses the operation member 120 and the push switch 130. Note that although the MCU 150 is shown on the outside of the case 101 in FIGS. 1A to 1D, the case 101 may hold or house the MCU 150.

[0015] The panel 110 is fixed to the upper surface of the case 101 and is therefore located on the upper surface side of the input operation device 100. At least the portions of the upper surface of the panel 110 that overlap with the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 of the electrostatic detection sensor 140 in a plan view and the surrounding area thereof are the operation surface 110A. The operation surface 110A is a region of the upper surface of the panel 110 where at least the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 can detect the electrostatic capacitance between the fingertip FT and each of the electrostatic electrodes.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1A, symbols A, B, and C are provided on the +Y direction side of the portion of panel 110 that overlaps with electrostatic electrodes 141 to 143. The operator can perform a touch operation on the area of ​​operation surface 110A where symbols A, B, and C are provided. The touch operation is an operation of touching operation surface 110A with fingertip FT to select one of symbols A, B, and C. Symbols A, B, and C will be described later.

[0017] Moreover, the panel 110 has an opening 111 on the -Y direction side of the portions overlapping with the electrostatic electrodes 141 to 143 in a plan view. The opening 111 is, for example, a rectangular opening that is long in the X direction, and accommodates the operation member 120.

[0018] The symbols A, B, and C are visible from the top side of the panel 110 as shown in Fig. 1A. The symbols A, B, and C are arranged in a row at equal intervals in the X direction and are at the same position in the Y direction. The symbols A, B, and C are, for example, characters or symbols representing the type of device that can be operated by the input operation device 100 and the content of the operation. For example, if the device that can be operated by the input operation device 100 is an audio device, the symbol representing the type of device is a character or symbol representing audio, and the symbol representing the content of the operation is a character or symbol for adjusting the volume.

[0019] Here, symbols A, B, and C are shown, but various symbols can be displayed instead of the letters A, B, and C. Furthermore, symbols A, B, and C may be formed on panel 110 by printing, embossing, or the like, and may have light-transmitting and light-shielding parts that match the shapes of the letters and symbols of the symbols, and may illuminate the letters and symbols of the symbols by projecting light from a light source arranged on the underside.

[0020] Here, the input operation device 100 will be described as including three symbols A, B, and C, but the number of symbols may be any number as long as it is more than one. Also, the number of symbols is equal to the number of electrostatic electrodes of the electrostatic detection sensor 140, but it does not have to be the same number as long as it is less than the number of electrostatic electrodes. For example, the input operation device 100 may include only symbols A and C, without including symbol B. It is sufficient that each electrostatic electrode is provided on the side of the panel 110 opposite the operation surface 110A at least in the area where each symbol is arranged.

[0021] 1A, the operating member 120 is exposed on an operating surface 110A of the panel 110 through an opening 111 of the panel 110. The operating member 120 is long in the X direction and is an operating section that can be pushed downward. The operating member 120 can be pushed at any position in the X direction, and moves downward in the same manner regardless of the position at which the operating member is pushed. The upper end of the movable part 132 of the push switch 130 contacts the lower end of the operating member 120.

[0022] The operation member 120 is an operation section having three pressing positions 121-123 where a push operation is performed, the pressing positions being the -X side, the center, and the +X side in the X direction. As an example, symbols D, E, and F are provided at the pressing positions 121-123, respectively. The pressing positions 121-123 are arranged in a line at equal intervals in the X direction, and their positions in the X direction are equal to symbols A, B, and C, respectively. The pressing positions 121-123 are located at one end side (-X side), the center, and the other end side (+X side) of the operation member 120.

[0023] Here, a form in which the operation member 120 has three pressing positions 121-123 will be described, but there may be any number of pressing positions as long as there are multiple pressing positions. Also, a form in which the number of pressing positions is equal to the number of electrostatic electrodes 141-143 arranged corresponding to symbols A, B, and C will be described, but the number does not have to be the same as the number of electrostatic electrodes as long as it is less than the number of electrostatic electrodes. For example, the operation member 120 may include only pressing positions 121 and 123, without including pressing position 122. The position of each of the multiple pressing positions in the X direction may be equal to the position of each electrostatic electrode in the X direction.

[0024] In addition, since the input operation device 100 only needs to accept different operation contents depending on which of the pressed positions 121 to 123 of the operation member 120 a push operation is performed on, the symbols D, E, and F do not necessarily have to be provided at the pressed positions 121 to 123.

[0025] Symbols D, E, and F are visible from the top side of panel 110 as shown in Fig. 1A. Like symbols A, B, and C, symbols D, E, and F are, for example, letters or symbols representing the type of equipment operable by input operation device 100 or the content of operation. Symbols D, E, and F are formed on operation member 120 by printing, embossing, or the like, and may be either non-illuminated or illuminated. If symbols A, B, and C are taken as an example of a first symbol, symbols D, E, and F can be taken as an example of a second symbol.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1B, the upper end of the operation member 120 protrudes by a height h1 from the operation surface 110A of the panel 110 when not pressed downward. The height h1 is, for example, 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The operation member 120 is pushed down as shown in FIG. 1D by performing a push operation with a fingertip FT. The operation member 120 is configured so that the upper end of the operation member 120 protrudes by a height h2 from the operation surface 110A even when it is pushed down as shown in FIG. 1D. The height h2 is, for example, 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. The reason for such a configuration will be described later.

[0027] Push switch 130 has a base 131 and a movable part 132. Push switch 130 is located below operating member 120, and in the X direction, for example, is located below pressing position 122. However, push switch 130 only needs to be located below operating member 120, and its position in the X direction may be between the end of operating member 120 on the -X direction side and the end of operating member 120 on the +X direction side.

[0028] Movable part 132 is movable downward relative to base part 131. When movable part 132 is not moved downward, two contacts inside base part 131 are separated and push switch 130 is off. When movable part 132 moves downward, the two contacts inside base part 131 become conductive and push switch 130 turns on. When movable part 132 is pushed downward, push switch 130 changes from off to on, and when movable part 132 is no longer pressed downward, movable part 132 returns upward and changes from on to off.

[0029] Since the movable part 132 of the push switch 130 is in contact with the lower end of the operating member 120, when the operating member 120 is pushed, the push switch 130 changes from OFF to ON. When the pushing operation of the operating member 120 is stopped, the push switch 130 changes from ON to OFF. The two contacts of the push switch 130 are connected to the MCU 150.

[0030] The electrostatic detection sensor 140 has electrostatic electrodes 141-143. The electrostatic detection sensor 140 is a self-capacitance type electrostatic sensor that detects the electrostatic capacitance between the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 and the fingertip FT, and detects the electrostatic capacitance for each electrostatic electrode when the operator's fingertip FT approaches. The electrostatic capacitance between the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 and the fingertip FT is the detection result of the electrostatic detection sensor 140 detecting the fingertip FT. The state in which the operator's fingertip FT approaches refers to a state in which a touch operation is performed in which the fingertip FT comes into contact with the operation surface 110A of the panel 110 located above the electrostatic electrodes 141-143.

[0031] The electrostatic electrodes 141 to 143 are provided on the upper surface of the case 101 in an area where the symbols A, B, and C of the panel 110 are arranged in a plan view, and are therefore provided on the side opposite the operation surface of the panel 110.

[0032] When the symbols A, B, and C are formed on the panel 110 by printing, embossing, or the like and do not light up, metal electrodes can be used as the electrostatic electrodes 141-143. When the symbols A, B, and C light up, transparent electrodes such as ITO (indium tin oxide) can be used as the electrostatic electrodes 141-143. The electrostatic detection sensor 140 is connected to the MCU 150 and outputs data representing the electrostatic capacitance of the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 to the MCU 150.

[0033] As an example, the electrostatic electrodes 141 to 143 are rectangular electrodes that are long in the Y direction in plan view, and approximately half of the electrodes on the +Y direction side in plan view overlap with the area in which the symbols A, B, and C are arranged. This is to detect which of the symbols A, B, and C the touch operation is being performed on with the electrostatic electrodes 141 to 143.

[0034] Approximately half of the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 on the -Y direction side does not overlap with the area in which symbols A, B, and C are arranged, and their ends on the -Y direction side are located in the vicinity of the operation member 120. The ends of the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 on the -Y direction side are respectively located in the vicinity of three pressing positions 121-123 of the operation member 120. The pressing position closest to the electrostatic electrode 141 is pressing position 121, the pressing position closest to the electrostatic electrode 142 is pressing position 122, and the pressing position closest to the electrostatic electrode 143 is pressing position 123.

[0035] The -Y direction ends of the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 being located near the three pressing positions 121-123 of the operating member 120 means that the -Y direction ends of the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 are located close enough to the operating member 120 that the electrostatic capacitance between the fingertip FT and the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 can be detected when the fingertip FT is in contact with the three pressing positions 121-123 of the operating member 120.

[0036] Therefore, when the fingertip FT touches any of the pressing positions 121-123 of the operation member 120, it is possible to detect capacitance at any of the electrostatic electrodes 141-143. The -Y direction ends of the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 are positioned near the three pressing positions 121-123 of the operation member 120, respectively, in order to detect which of the three pressing positions 121-123 the operation member 120 is being pushed at.

[0037] In order to enable the input operation device 100 to distinguish touch operations on symbols A, B, and C with a simple configuration, the electrostatic electrodes 141 to 143 detect which of symbols A, B, and C the touch operation has been performed on. When a touch operation is performed on symbols A, B, and C, no push operation is performed on the operation member 120, and therefore the push switch 130 remains off.

[0038] In addition, in order to make it possible to distinguish the push operation on the pressing positions 121-123 of the operating member 120 with a simple configuration, the input operation device 100 detects whether or not a push operation has been performed on the operating member 120 using the push switch 130, and determines which of the pressing positions 121-123 the push operation has been performed on using the electrostatic electrodes 141-143.

[0039] In addition, in the input operation device 100, the upper end of the operation member 120 protrudes from the operation surface 110A so that touch operations on the symbols A, B, and C can be distinguished from push operations on the operation member 120 based on the electrostatic capacitance. When performing touch operations on the symbols A, B, and C, the fingertip FT touches the operation surface 110A as shown in FIG. 1C. In contrast, when performing a push operation, the fingertip FT is positioned on the upper surface of the operation member 120 that protrudes upward by a height h1 from the operation surface 110A as shown in FIG. 1B, and then the operation member 120 is pressed downward by a push operation. Even when the operation member 120 is completely pressed, the fingertip FT is positioned above the operation surface 110A by a height h2 as shown in FIG. 1D. This is because the operation member 120 is configured so that the upper end protrudes above the operation surface 110A even when a push operation is performed. Furthermore, when a push operation is performed on the operation member 120, the area where the fingertip FT overlaps with the electrostatic electrodes 141 to 143 in a plan view is smaller than when a touch operation is performed on the symbols A, B, and C.

[0040] For this reason, the capacitance detected by the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 when a push operation is performed on the operation member 120 is smaller than that when a touch operation is performed. Based on this difference in capacitance, it is possible to distinguish between a touch operation on the symbols A, B, and C and a push operation on the pressed positions 121-123.

[0041] The MCU 150 is realized by a computer including a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), an input / output interface, an internal bus, and the like.

[0042] The MCU 150 has a determination unit 151. The determination unit 151 is a functional block showing the functions of a program executed by the MCU 150. The MCU 150 is connected to a device that uses the input operation device 100 as an operation unit, and transmits data indicating the determination result of the determination unit 151.

[0043] The determination unit 151 sets a threshold value TH1 and a threshold value TH2 larger than the threshold value TH1, and determines whether the operator has operated the symbols A, B, C or the pressed positions 121 to 123 of the operating member 120, based on the on / off state of the push switch 130 and the detection result of the fingertip FT by the electrostatic detection sensor 140. A specific determination method of the determination unit 151 will be described later using the flowchart of FIG.

[0044] <Difference in capacitance between touch and push operations> FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of the output of the electrostatic detection sensor 140 for the electrostatic electrodes corresponding to the symbols A to C when a touch operation is performed on the symbols A to C. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of the output of the electrostatic detection sensor 140 for the electrostatic electrodes arranged nearby when a push operation is performed on the operation member 120. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the horizontal axis represents time t, and the vertical axis represents capacitance. The threshold value THL represents the lower limit of the capacitance that can be detected between the electrostatic electrodes 141 to 143 and the fingertip FT. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the maximum values ​​of the output of the electrostatic detection sensor 140 at times t1, t2, and t3 are shown by solid lines as an example of the approach of the fingertip FT over time, and the change in the maximum value of the output obtained at each time is shown by dashed lines. Note that the solid lines at times t1, t2, and t3 are each shown by a mountain-shaped apex, which represents the maximum value of the output, for convenience.

[0045] The threshold TH1 is a threshold for determining whether or not a push operation has been performed on the operation member 120, and is an example of a first threshold. The threshold TH1 is greater than the threshold THL. The threshold TH2 is greater than the threshold TH1, and is an example of a second threshold. The threshold TH2 is a threshold for determining whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the symbols A, B, and C. The threshold TH2 is set to a value such that even if a push operation is performed on the operation member 120, the capacitance between the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 and the fingertip FT is not exceeded, and that when a touch operation is performed on the symbols A, B, and C, the capacitance between the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 and the fingertip FT is exceeded.

[0046] Therefore, when a touch operation is performed on any of the symbols A, B, and C, the capacitance detected at at least one of the corresponding electrostatic electrodes 141 to 143 at times t1, t2, and t3 gradually increases as shown in FIG. 2A, and exceeds the threshold value TH2 at time t3 (state of FIG. 1C). When a push operation is performed on any of the pressing positions 121, 122, and 123 of the operation member 120, the capacitance detected at at least one of the electrostatic electrodes 141 to 143 disposed nearby gradually increases as shown in FIG. 2B, and exceeds the threshold value TH1 at time t3 (state of FIG. 1D), but is less than the threshold value TH2. In this way, by using the threshold values ​​TH1 and TH2, it is possible to distinguish between a touch operation on any of the symbols A, B, and C and a push operation on any of the pressing positions 121, 122, and 123 of the operation member 120.

[0047] <Flowchart> FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the determination unit 151.

[0048] When the process starts, the determination unit 151 determines whether or not the capacitance of at least one of the electrostatic electrodes 141 to 143 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH1 (step S1).

[0049] When the determination unit 151 determines that the capacitance of at least one of the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH1 (S1: YES), it determines whether the capacitance of at least one of the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH2 (step S2).

[0050] When the determination unit 151 determines that the capacitance of at least one of the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH2 (S2: YES), it determines that a touch operation has been performed on the symbol (any one of A-C) corresponding to the electrostatic electrode (any one of 141-143) having the largest capacitance (step S3). After completing the process of step S3, the determination unit 151 returns the flow to step S1.

[0051] When the determination unit 151 determines in step S2 that the capacitance of at least one of the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value TH2 (S2: NO), the determination unit 151 determines whether the push switch 130 is on (step S4) in order to determine whether a push operation is being performed on the operating member 120.

[0052] If the determination unit 151 determines that the push switch 130 is on (S4: YES), it determines that the push operation was performed at the pressing position (any one of 121 to 123) closest to the electrostatic electrode (any one of 141 to 143) having the largest electrostatic capacitance (step S5). After completing the process of step S5, the determination unit 151 returns the flow to step S1.

[0053] When the determination unit 151 determines in step S4 that the push switch 130 is not on (S4: NO), the flow returns to step S1. This is because a push operation has not been performed. The flow is determined to be NO in step S4 when, for example, the fingertip FT or the hand approaches any of the electrostatic electrodes 141 to 143, rather than when a touch operation or push operation is performed.

[0054] Furthermore, when the determination unit 151 determines in step S1 that the capacitance of at least one of the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value TH1 (S1: NO), it determines that neither a touch operation nor a push operation has been performed (step S6). After completing the process of step S6, the determination unit 151 returns the flow to step S1. This completes the series of processes.

[0055] As described above, the input operation device 100 includes an operation member 120 that can be pushed by an operator at multiple pressing positions 121-123, a push switch 130 that changes from off to on by a push operation, a panel 110 having an operation surface 110A on which the operator can perform a touch operation and on which multiple symbols A-C are arranged, an electrostatic detection sensor 140 that has multiple electrostatic electrodes 141-143 provided on the side of the panel 110 opposite the operation surface 110A in the area on the panel 110 where the symbols A-C are arranged in a plan view and that can detect the electrostatic capacitance of each electrostatic electrode when the operator's finger approaches, and a determination unit 151 that determines whether the operator has operated the operation member 120 or the symbol based on the on / off state of the push switch 130 and the detection result of the finger by the electrostatic detection sensor 140. The input operation device 100 minimizes the number of mechanical components (one operation member 120 and one push switch 130) while using electrostatic electrodes 141-143 for both touch operations and push operations, making it possible to distinguish between touch operations on symbols A-C and push operations on pressed positions 121-123.

[0056] Therefore, it is possible to provide the input operation device 100 that is small in size and capable of distinguishing between a plurality of operations.

[0057] Furthermore, since each of the multiple electrostatic electrodes 141-143 is positioned in the vicinity of a corresponding one of the multiple pressing positions 121-123 of the operating member 120, it is possible to detect which of the pressing positions 121-123 the finger performing the push operation is positioned at, and it is possible to determine the push operation performed on the pressing positions 121-123 with fewer components.

[0058] Furthermore, the determination unit 151 sets a threshold value TH1 and a threshold value TH2 greater than the threshold value TH1 for the capacitance detected by the electrostatic detection sensor 140, and determines that the operator has performed a push operation on the operation member 120 when the capacitance detected by the electrostatic detection sensor 140 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH1 and less than the threshold value TH2 and the push switch 130 is on. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish between a touch operation and a push operation based on the capacitance detected by the electrostatic detection sensor 140, and by setting the condition that the push switch 130 is on, it is possible to accurately determine that a push operation has been performed.

[0059] Furthermore, when the capacitance detected by the electrostatic detection sensor 140 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, the determination unit 151 determines that the operator has performed a touch operation on the symbol. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine that a touch operation has been performed based on the capacitance detected by the electrostatic detection sensor 140.

[0060] Furthermore, when the push switch 130 is on, the determination unit 151 determines that a push operation has been performed at the pressing position 121-123 that is closest to the electrostatic electrode 141-143 having the largest electrostatic capacitance among the multiple electrostatic electrodes 141-143, the electrostatic capacitance of which is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2. Therefore, it is possible to determine which of the pressing positions 121-123 the push operation has been performed at by using the detection results of the electrostatic electrodes 141-143, and the input operation device 100 can be realized with fewer components.

[0061] In addition, since the operating member 120 protrudes from the operating surface 110A of the panel 110, the distance in the Z direction between the fingertip FT and the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 during a touch operation differs from the distance in the Z direction between the fingertip FT and the electrostatic electrodes 141-143 during a push operation, making it possible to distinguish between a touch operation and a push operation based on the electrostatic capacitance, thereby improving the detection accuracy.

[0062] In addition, the multiple pressing positions 121 to 123 of the operating member 120 are located at least on one end side, the other end side, and the center of the operating member 120, so that three or more types of push operations can be distinguished.

[0063] <First modified example to third modified example> 4A to 4C will be used to explain modified examples of the arrangement of the symbols on the operation surface 110A, the operation members 120M1 to 120M3, and the electrostatic electrodes of the electrostatic detection sensor 140. Figs. 4A to 4C are diagrams showing the arrangement of the symbols, the operation members 120M1 to 120M3, and the electrostatic electrodes of the electrostatic detection sensor 140 in the input operation devices 100M1 to 100M3 of the first to third modified examples of the embodiment.

[0064] <Input operation device 100M1> As shown in Fig. 4A, pressing positions 121 to 124 are provided at the centers of the four sides of operation member 120M1, which is square in plan view. Push switch 130 is not shown in Fig. 4A, but may be provided, for example, below the center of operation member 120M1.

[0065] The electrostatic electrodes 141-144 are provided corresponding to the pressing positions 121-124, respectively, and extend vertically outward from the center of the four sides of the operation member 120M1. The longitudinal directions of the electrostatic electrodes 141-144 are perpendicular to the four sides of the operation member 120M1 in a plan view. The ends of the electrostatic electrodes 141-144 closer to the operation member 120M1 in the longitudinal direction are provided in the vicinity of the operation member 120M1. The symbols A-D are provided on the sides of the electrostatic electrodes 141-144 farther from the pressing positions 121-124 in the longitudinal direction.

[0066] In such an input operation device 100M1, when any one of the capacitances detected by the electrostatic electrodes 141 to 144 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, it can be determined that a touch operation has been performed on a corresponding one of the symbols A to D.

[0067] Also, when the push switch 130 is on, it may be determined that a push operation has been performed at a pressing position (any one of 121-124) that is closest to the electrostatic electrode (any one of 141-144) having the largest electrostatic capacitance among the electrostatic electrodes 141-144, the electrostatic capacitance of which is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2. Note that the operating member 120M1 may be rectangular in plan view, or may be rhombus with the pressing positions 121-124 located at the four vertices.

[0068] <Input operation device 100M2> In the input operation device 100M2 shown in Fig. 4B, pressing positions 121-128 are provided at 45 degree intervals along the circumference of an operation member 120M1 that is circular in a plan view. Although push switch 130 is not shown in Fig. 4B, it may be provided, for example, below the center of operation member 120M2.

[0069] The electrostatic electrodes 141-148 are provided corresponding to the pressing positions 121-128, respectively, and extend radially outward of the operating member 120M2. The longitudinal directions of the electrostatic electrodes 141-148 are aligned with the radial direction of the operating member 120M2. The ends of the electrostatic electrodes 141-148 closer to the operating member 120M2 in the longitudinal direction are provided in the vicinity of the operating member 120M2. The symbols A-H are provided on the sides of the electrostatic electrodes 141-148 farther from the pressing positions 121-128 in the longitudinal direction.

[0070] In such an input operation device 100M2, when any one of the capacitances detected by the electrostatic electrodes 141 to 148 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, it can be determined that a touch operation has been performed on a corresponding one of the symbols A to H.

[0071] Also, when the push switch 130 is on, it may be determined that a push operation has been performed at a pressing position (any one of 121-128) that is closest to the electrostatic electrode (any one of 141-148) having the largest electrostatic capacitance among the electrostatic electrodes 141-148, the electrostatic capacitance of which is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2. Note that the number of electrostatic electrodes may be any number as long as there are more than one, and the number of pressing positions may be any number as long as there are more than one. The number of pressing positions may be less than the number of electrostatic electrodes.

[0072] <Input operation device 100M3> As shown in FIG. 4C, the input operation device 100M3 includes a cross-shaped operation member 120M3 in a plan view. The pressing positions 121-124 are provided at the four ends of the cross-shaped operation member 120M3. Although the push switch 130 is not shown in FIG. 4C, it may be provided, for example, below the center of the operation member 120M3. The electrostatic electrodes 141-144 are square in a plan view, and are arranged so as to sandwich the pressing positions 121-124 of the cross-shaped operation member 120M3. The symbols A-D are provided at the center of the electrostatic electrodes 141-144. The electrostatic electrodes 141-144 are about half the size of the electrostatic electrodes 141-144 shown in FIG. 4A in the longitudinal direction, so that the symbols A-D are provided in substantially the entire area overlapping with the electrostatic electrodes 141-144.

[0073] In such an input operation device 100M3, when any one of the capacitances detected by the electrostatic electrodes 141 to 144 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, it can be determined that a touch operation has been performed on a corresponding one of the symbols A to D.

[0074] Also, when the push switch 130 is on, it may be determined that a push operation has been performed at a pressing position (one of 121-124) that is closest to two electrostatic electrodes (two adjacent electrodes of 141-144) having the largest and second largest capacitances, and where the capacitances of the electrostatic electrodes 141-144 are equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2. For example, when the push switch 130 is on, if the capacitances of the electrostatic electrodes 141 and 144 are equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 and less than the second threshold value TH2, the electrostatic electrode 141 has the largest capacitance, and the electrostatic electrode 144 has the second largest capacitance, it may be determined that a push operation has been performed at the pressing position 121 that is closest to the electrostatic electrodes 141 and 144. In this case, the pressing position (one of 121 to 124) closest to the two electrostatic electrodes (two adjacent ones of 141 to 144) is the pressing position located between the two electrostatic electrodes (two adjacent ones of 141 to 144).

[0075] According to the first to third modified examples, it is possible to provide input operation devices 100M1 to 100M3 that are small and capable of distinguishing between a plurality of operations. In addition, the arrangement of the operation member and the plurality of electrostatic electrodes may be other than that shown in the first to third modified examples, and touch operations and push operations can be detected in the same manner.

[0076] Also, when the push switch 130 is on, it may be determined that a push operation has been performed at a pressing position that is closest to three electrostatic electrodes, the largest, second largest, and third largest capacitances, among the multiple electrostatic electrodes, whose capacitances are equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1 and less than the second threshold TH2. This determination method includes determining that, when the push switch 130 is on, a push operation has been performed at a pressing position that is closest to two electrostatic electrodes, the largest and second largest capacitances, among the multiple electrostatic electrodes, whose capacitances are equal to or greater than the first threshold TH1 and less than the second threshold TH2.

[0077] The above describes an input operation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0078] This international application claims priority to Japanese patent application No. 2022-039279, filed on March 14, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 100, 100M1, 100M2, 100M3 Input operation device Panel 110 110A operation surface 120, 120M1, 120M2, 120M3 Operating parts 121~128 Pressing position 130 Push Switch 140 Electrostatic detection sensor 141~148 Electrostatic electrodes 150 MCU 151 Judgment section

Claims

1. an operating member that can be pushed by an operator at a plurality of pressing positions; a push switch that is turned from off to on by the push operation; a panel having an operation surface on which the operator can perform a touch operation and on which a plurality of symbols are arranged; an electrostatic detection sensor having a plurality of electrostatic electrodes provided on a side of the panel opposite to the operation surface in an area where the symbols are arranged on the panel in a plan view, the electrostatic detection sensor being capable of detecting electrostatic capacitance for each of the electrostatic electrodes when a finger of the operator approaches the electrostatic detection sensor; a determination unit that determines whether the operator has operated the operating member or the symbol based on the on or off state of the push switch and the detection result of the finger by the electrostatic detection sensor; Including, The determination unit is a first threshold value and a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value are set for the capacitance detected by the electrostatic detection sensor; an input operation device that determines that the operator has performed the push operation on the operating member when the capacitance detected by the electrostatic detection sensor is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, and the push switch is on.

2. The input operation device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of electrostatic electrodes is disposed in the vicinity of a corresponding one of the plurality of pressing positions of the operation member.

3. 3 . The input operation device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines that the touch operation on the symbol has been performed by the operator when the capacitance detected by the electrostatic detection sensor is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. 4 .

4. 3. The input operation device according to claim 1, wherein, when the push switch is on, the determination unit determines that the push operation has been performed at the pressing position closest to the electrostatic electrode at which the capacitance of the plurality of electrostatic electrodes is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, and the largest capacitance has been detected.

5. 3. The input operation device according to claim 1, wherein, when the push switch is on, the determination unit determines that the push operation has been performed at the pressing position closest to two electrostatic electrodes, the electrostatic electrode in which the largest capacitance is detected and the electrostatic electrode in which the second largest capacitance is detected, among the plurality of electrostatic electrodes, whose capacitances are equal to or greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value.

6. The input operation device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation member protrudes beyond the operation surface of the panel.

7. The input operation device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pressing positions of the operation member are located at least on one end side, the other end side, and a center portion of the operation member.

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