JP6525320B2

JP6525320B2 - Capacitive input device

Info

Publication number: JP6525320B2
Application number: JP2015172084A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 尚佐々木; 譲川名; 佐藤　邦生; 邦生佐藤; 高井　大輔; 大輔高井; 俊季中村
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd; Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2015-09-01
Filing date: 2015-09-01
Publication date: 2019-06-05
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-01
Also published as: JP2017049094A

Description

本発明は、表面板に対する操作体の近接度合いの検出と、操作体が表面板を押圧したか否かの検出とを行う静電容量式入力装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a capacitance type input device that detects the degree of proximity of an operating body to a surface plate and detects whether the operating body has pressed the surface plate.

特許文献１に記載の荷重センサは、金属材よりなる板状の固定基板と、この固定基板に対向するように配置された可撓性金属材よりなる可動基板とを備え、固定基板と可動基板との間には、絶縁材よりなる２つの封止部材に挟まれた金属スペーサが配置されている。この荷重センサにおいては、操作体の押圧で可動基板が撓むことによって生じる、固定基板と可動基板との間の静電容量の変化に基づいて、可動基板に対する操作体による荷重を検出することができる。 The load sensor described in Patent Document 1 includes a plate-like fixed substrate made of a metal material and a movable substrate made of a flexible metal material disposed to face the fixed substrate, and the fixed substrate and the movable substrate And a metal spacer sandwiched between two sealing members made of an insulating material. In this load sensor, it is possible to detect the load by the operating body on the movable substrate based on the change in capacitance between the fixed substrate and the movable substrate caused by the bending of the movable substrate due to the pressing of the operating body. it can.

実開平２−５０３８号公報Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 2-5038

近年、荷重センサを各種機器に適用する場合に、荷重センサの位置の明示等の目的で、操作体が荷重センサに近づいたときに、可動基板を照光させたり、又は、可動基板を発光させる機能が求められつつある。しかしながら、特許文献１に記載の荷重センサでは、操作体が近づいたことを検出するには、近接検出用の電極や赤外線センサなどを新たに設ける必要があるため、部品コストの増大や装置の大型化を招くおそれがあった。 In recent years, when a load sensor is applied to various devices, it has a function of illuminating the movable substrate or emitting light of the movable substrate when the operating body approaches the load sensor for the purpose of specifying the position of the load sensor, etc. Is being sought. However, in the load sensor described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to newly provide an electrode for proximity detection, an infrared sensor, and the like in order to detect that the operation body has approached. Could have led to

そこで本発明は、赤外線センサなどの新たな部材を追加することなく、表面板に対する操作体の近接度合いの検出と、操作体が表面板を押圧したか否かの検出とを行うことのできる静電容量式入力装置を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect the proximity of the operating body to the surface plate and to detect whether the operating body has pressed the surface plate without adding a new member such as an infrared sensor. An object of the present invention is to provide a capacitive input device.

上記課題を解決するために、本発明の静電容量式入力装置は、板状の基材と、基材に対向して配置された、導電性と可撓性を有する表面板と、基材と表面板との間に配置された、非導電性のスペーサと、基材に設けられた１つ以上の検出電極とを備え、表面板が接地していない第１の検出状態と表面板が接地した第２の検出状態とを有し、第１の検出状態において表面板に対して操作体が近接する近接度合いを検出し、第２の検出状態において操作体によって表面板が押圧されたか否かを検出することを基本的な特徴としている。
これにより、センサなどの新たな部材を追加することなく、表面板に対する操作体の接近検出と、表面板が操作体によって押圧されたか否かの検出との両方を実行することが可能となる。 In order to solve the above problems, the capacitance-type input device according to the present invention comprises a plate-like base, a conductive and flexible face plate disposed opposite to the base, and a base A non-conductive spacer disposed between the sensor and the face plate, and one or more detection electrodes provided on the substrate, the first detection state and the face plate being not grounded In the first detection state, the proximity of the operating body to the surface plate is detected, and in the second detection state, the front plate is pressed by the operating body. The basic feature is to detect
This makes it possible to perform both the detection of the approach of the operating body to the surface plate and the detection of whether or not the surface plate is pressed by the operating body without adding a new member such as a sensor.

上記基本的な特徴に加えて、本発明の静電容量式入力装置は、第１の検出状態と第２の検出状態とを互いに切り替える制御部を備え、制御部は、第１の検出状態において操作体と表面板との近接度合いが第１閾値以下となったときに、第２の検出状態に切り替えることをさらなる特徴とする。
これにより、操作体が表示板に充分近づいたときに、近接度合いを検出する第１の検出状態から、操作体による押圧操作を検出する第２の検出状態に切り替えることとなるため、近接検出と押圧検出のそれぞれについて検出漏れを少なくしつつスムーズに検出状態を切り替えることができる。 In addition to the above-described basic features, the capacitance-type input device of the present invention includes a control unit that switches between the first detection state and the second detection state, and the control unit in the first detection state A further feature is to switch to the second detection state when the degree of proximity between the operating body and the surface plate becomes equal to or less than the first threshold .
As a result, when the operating body approaches the display plate sufficiently, the first detection state for detecting the proximity degree is switched to the second detection state for detecting the pressing operation by the operating body. The detection state can be smoothly switched while reducing the detection omission for each of the pressure detection.

本発明の静電容量式入力装置の第１の態様において、制御部は、第１の検出状態において操作体と表面板との近接度合いが第１閾値以下となって第２の検出状態に切り替えられた後に、一定時間ごとに第１の検出状態と第２の検出状態を互いに切り替えることが好ましい。
これにより、押圧操作をしていた操作者が表面板から指等を離したことを確実に検出することができ、これにより、その後の近接度合いの検出と押圧操作の検出を正確に実行することができる。 In the first aspect of the capacitive input device of the present invention, the control unit switches to the second detection state in which the proximity of the operating body to the surface plate is less than the first threshold in the first detection state. Preferably, the first detection state and the second detection state are switched to each other at regular time intervals.
This makes it possible to reliably detect that the operator who was performing the pressing operation has released a finger or the like from the surface plate, thereby accurately performing the subsequent detection of the proximity and the detection of the pressing operation. Can.

本発明の静電容量式入力装置の第１の態様において、制御部は、前記第２の検出状態から第１の検出状態に切り替わったときに、操作体と表面板との近接度合いが第１閾値よりも大きくなっている場合は、第１閾値以下となるまで第１の検出状態を保持することが好ましい。
これにより、操作体が表面板から離れていったのにもかかわらずに第２の検出状態にもどってしまう事態を避けることができ、表面板から離れた操作体が再び表面板に接近したときに、近接度合いを検出することができる。 In the first aspect of the capacitive input device of the present invention, the control unit is configured such that, when the second detection state is switched to the first detection state, the proximity degree between the operation body and the front plate is the first If it is larger than the threshold, it is preferable to hold the first detection state until it becomes smaller than or equal to the first threshold.
This prevents the situation where the operating body is returned to the second detection state despite the fact that the operating body has been separated from the face plate, and when the operating body separated from the face plate approaches the face plate again The proximity degree can be detected.

あるいは、本発明の静電容量式入力装置は、第２の検出状態は、表面板に接触した操作体を介して接地した状態であり、表面板と離間していた操作体が表面板に接触することによって第１の検出状態から第２の検出状態へ切り替わり、表面板に接触していた操作体が表面板から離間することによって第２の検出状態から第１の検出状態へ切り替わることをさらなる特徴とする。
これにより、制御部による切り替え処理が省略できるため、コストを抑えた形で、表面板に対する操作体の接近検出と、表面板に対する操作体による押圧の有無の検出との両方を行うことができる。 Alternatively, in the capacitance type input device according to the present invention , the second detection state is a state in which the operation body which is in contact with the surface plate is grounded via the operation body and the operation body separated from the surface plate contacts the surface plate switches from the first detection state by the second detection state, that the operation body in contact with the surface plate is switched from the second detection state by separating from the surface plate to the first detection state further It features.
Thereby, since the switching process by the control unit can be omitted, both the detection of the approach of the operating body to the surface plate and the detection of the presence or absence of the pressing by the operating body to the surface plate can be performed in a cost-suppressed manner.

本発明の静電容量式入力装置において、基材には、１つ以上の駆動電極が設けられ、第１の検出状態において、駆動電極のそれぞれに対して駆動電圧が印加され、検出電極のそれぞれにおける電流変化に基づいて、操作体が表面板に近接したことが検出されることが好ましい。
このようにして検出された相互容量を用いることにより、表面板に対する操作体の接近検出と、表面板に対する操作体による押圧の有無の検出との両方を精度良く行うことができる。 In the electrostatic capacitance type input device of the present invention, the base material is provided with one or more drive electrodes, and in the first detection state, drive voltages are applied to each of the drive electrodes, and each of the detection electrodes is Preferably, the proximity of the operating body to the surface plate is detected based on a change in current in
By using the mutual capacitance detected in this manner, both the detection of the approach of the operating body to the surface plate and the detection of the presence or absence of pressing by the operating body on the surface plate can be performed with high accuracy.

本発明の静電容量式入力装置において、第１の検出状態において、検出電極における電流変化に基づいて、操作体が表面板に近接したことが検出されることが好ましい。
このようにして検出された自己容量を用いることにより、表面板に対する操作体の接近検出と、操作体による表面板の押圧の有無の検出との両方を、コンパクトな構成で実行することができる。 In the electrostatic capacitance type input device of the present invention, in the first detection state, it is preferable that proximity of the operating body to the surface plate is detected based on a change in current in the detection electrode.
By using the self-capacitance detected in this manner, both the detection of the approach of the operating body to the surface plate and the detection of the presence or absence of pressing of the surface plate by the operating body can be performed in a compact configuration.

本発明の静電容量式入力装置において、制御部は、第１の検出状態において操作体と表面板との近接度合いが第２閾値以下となったときに、発光部を発光させることが好ましい。
これにより、操作者に対して、センサ部又は操作領域の位置などを明確に示すことができ、操作者の便宜に資することができる。 In the electrostatic capacitance type input device according to the present invention, preferably, the control unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light when the degree of proximity between the operating body and the surface plate becomes equal to or less than a second threshold in the first detection state.
As a result, the position of the sensor unit or the operation area can be clearly indicated to the operator, which can contribute to the operator's convenience.

本発明によると、赤外線センサなどの新たな部材を追加することなく、表面板に対する操作体の近接度合いの検出と、操作体によって表面板が押圧されたか否かの検出とを精度良く行うことができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect the degree of proximity of the operating body to the surface plate and detect whether the surface plate is pressed by the operating body without adding a new member such as an infrared sensor. it can.

本発明の実施形態に係る静電容量式入力装置のセンサ部の構成を示す断面図である。It is a sectional view showing composition of a sensor part of an electric capacity type input device concerning an embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の実施形態に係る静電容量式入力装置の機能ブロック図である。FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a capacitive input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 変形例に係る静電容量式入力装置のセンサ部の基本構成を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the basic composition of the sensor part of the electrostatic capacitance type input device which concerns on a modification.

以下、本発明の実施形態に係る静電容量式入力装置について図面を参照しつつ詳しく説明する。本実施形態の静電容量式入力装置は、携帯電話その他の携帯情報端末、家電製品、車載用電子機器などに適用できる。各図には、基準座標としてＸ−Ｙ−Ｚ座標が示されている。Ｚ方向は、センサ部の上下方向に沿っており、Ｘ−Ｙ面はＺ方向に直交する面である。以下の説明において、Ｚ方向から見た状態を平面視ということがある。また、以下の説明において、操作体とは、静電容量式入力装置を操作する操作者の指や手である。 Hereinafter, a capacitance type input device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The capacitance-type input device of the present embodiment can be applied to mobile phones and other portable information terminals, household appliances, in-vehicle electronic devices, and the like. In each drawing, the X-Y-Z coordinates are shown as reference coordinates. The Z direction is along the vertical direction of the sensor unit, and the XY plane is a plane orthogonal to the Z direction. In the following description, the state viewed from the Z direction may be referred to as plan view. Further, in the following description, the operating body is a finger or a hand of an operator who operates the electrostatic capacitance type input device.

図１は、本実施形態に係る静電容量式入力装置のセンサ部１０の構成を示す断面図である。図２は、本実施形態に係る静電容量式入力装置の機能ブロック図である。
図１に示すように、本実施形態の静電容量式入力装置におけるセンサ部１０は、板状の基材１１と、上下方向（Ｚ方向）において基材１１に対向して配置された表面板１２と、基材１１と表面板１２の間に配置されたスペーサ１３とを備える。このセンサ部１０においては、１対の駆動電極１４と検出電極１５が設けられている。 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the sensor unit 10 of the capacitance type input device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the electrostatic capacitance type input device according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor unit 10 in the capacitance-type input device according to this embodiment includes a plate-like base 11 and a face plate disposed to face the base 11 in the vertical direction (Z direction). 12 and a spacer 13 disposed between the base 11 and the face plate 12. In the sensor unit 10, a pair of drive electrodes 14 and a detection electrode 15 are provided.

基材１１は、非導電性の材料、例えばプラスチックやガラスで構成され、静電容量式入力装置が適用されるデバイス、例えば液晶パネルに固定される。基材１１は、適用するデバイスの仕様等に応じて、光透過性（透光性）を有する材料と非透光性の材料のいずれを選択することもできる。 The substrate 11 is made of a nonconductive material such as plastic or glass, and is fixed to a device such as a liquid crystal panel to which a capacitive input device is applied. The base material 11 can also be selected from either a light transmitting (light transmitting) material or a non-light transmitting material according to the specification of the device to be applied.

表面板１２は、可撓性を有する板状の材料を用いて、少なくとも、上面１２ａのうちの操作領域１７（入力領域）の全体が導電性を有するように構成される。ここで、図１に示すように、操作領域１７は、ＸＹ平面においてスペーサ１３に対応する領域の内側の領域であり、操作領域１７の外側のスペーサ１３に対応する領域は非操作領域１８となっている。 The surface plate 12 is configured such that the entire operation area 17 (input area) of the upper surface 12 a has conductivity at least by using a flexible plate-like material. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the operation area 17 is an area inside the area corresponding to the spacer 13 in the XY plane, and the area corresponding to the spacer 13 outside the operation area 17 is a non-operation area 18 ing.

表面板１２は、適用するデバイスの仕様等に応じて光透過性を有する材料と非透光性の材料のいずれかを選択することができる。表面板１２を光透過性材料で構成する場合は、例えば、可撓性を有する透明なプラスチック板の上面の操作領域１７に対応する範囲全体に、スパッタリングや蒸着等の薄膜形成法によって、ＩＴＯ（ＩｎｄｉｕｍＴｉｎＯｘｉｄｅ）、ＳｎＯ_２、ＺｎＯ等の透明導電性材料を形成する。一方、表面板１２を非透光性材料で構成する場合は、例えば、可撓性の金属板で構成するほか、可撓性で非導電性の板状の材料の上面の操作領域１７に対応する範囲全体に、非透光性の導電性薄膜や導電性ナノワイヤを形成する。ここで、導電性ナノワイヤはバインダによって板状の材料の上面に定着される。導電性ナノワイヤとしては、例えば、銀ナノワイヤなどの金属ナノワイヤやカーボンナノチューブなどがある。 The surface plate 12 can be selected from either a light transmitting material or a non-light transmitting material according to the specification of the device to be applied. When the surface plate 12 is made of a light transmitting material, for example, ITO (a thin film forming method such as sputtering or evaporation) is applied over the entire range corresponding to the operation area 17 on the upper surface of the flexible plastic plate. A transparent conductive material such as Indium Tin Oxide), SnO ₂ or ZnO is formed. On the other hand, when the surface plate 12 is made of a non-light-transmitting material, for example, it is made of a flexible metal plate, and corresponds to the operation area 17 of the upper surface of a flexible, non-conductive plate-like material A non-transparent conductive thin film or conductive nanowire is formed over the entire area. Here, the conductive nanowires are fixed to the upper surface of the plate-like material by the binder. Examples of the conductive nanowires include metal nanowires such as silver nanowires and carbon nanotubes.

図２に示すように、表面板１２には、接地されていない第１の検出状態と、接地された第２の検出状態とを互いに切り替えるためのスイッチ２２が接続され、このスイッチは制御部２１によって動作が制御される。 As shown in FIG. 2, the face plate 12 is connected to a switch 22 for switching between a first detection state which is not grounded and a second detection state which is grounded. The operation is controlled by

スペーサ１３は、基材１１の上面１１ａの外周部において枠状に設けられている。スペーサ１３は、非導電性の材料、例えば、顔料を含有させることによって非透光性とした接着剤によって形成され、スペーサ１３によって、基材１１と表面板１２が互いに対向するように固定される。 The spacer 13 is provided in a frame shape at the outer peripheral portion of the upper surface 11 a of the base 11. The spacer 13 is formed of a non-conductive material, for example, an adhesive that is rendered non-light-transmissive by containing a pigment, and is fixed by the spacer 13 so that the base 11 and the face plate 12 face each other. .

図１に示すように、センサ部１０には、基材１１、表面板１２、及びスペーサ１３によって囲まれた空間１６が形成されている。この空間１６において、基材１１の上面１１ａに駆動電極１４と検出電極１５が設けられている。駆動電極１４と検出電極１５は、例えば、スパッタリングや蒸着等の薄膜形成法によって、ＩＴＯ、ＳｎＯ_２、ＺｎＯ等の透明導電性材料によって、所定の平面形状、例えば矩形に形成される。 As shown in FIG. 1, in the sensor unit 10, a space 16 surrounded by the base 11, the front plate 12, and the spacer 13 is formed. In the space 16, the drive electrode 14 and the detection electrode 15 are provided on the upper surface 11 a of the base 11. The drive electrode 14 and the detection electrode 15 are formed in a predetermined planar shape, for example, a rectangular shape, by a transparent conductive material such as ITO, SnO ₂ or ZnO, for example, by a thin film forming method such as sputtering or vapor deposition.

駆動電極１４と検出電極１５は、上下方向において表面板１２との間に所定の間隔Ｌ１を有するように形成される。これにより、操作者が操作領域１７の範囲内で表面板１２に指を接触させることによって、表面板１２が下方へ押圧されて撓んだときであっても、駆動電極１４及び検出電極１５と、表面板１２とは離間した状態を維持する。 The drive electrode 14 and the detection electrode 15 are formed so as to have a predetermined distance L1 between the drive electrode 14 and the front plate 12 in the vertical direction. As a result, when the operator brings the finger into contact with the surface plate 12 within the range of the operation area 17, even when the surface plate 12 is pressed downward and bent, the drive electrode 14 and the detection electrode 15 , Maintain a distance from the surface plate 12.

図２に示すように、制御部２１には発光部２３が接続されている。発光部２３は、例えば発光ダイオードであり、表面板１２又は操作領域１７の全体又は特定の範囲を照らすように、センサ部１０の空間１６の内壁、基材１１の下面、表面板１２上などに配置される。発光部２３は、制御部２１からの指示信号にしたがって、操作体と表面板１２との近接度合いが第２閾値以下となったときに発光を開始する。発光部２３の発光は、例えば第１の検出状態から第２の検出状態へ切り替わったときに、制御部２１の制御によって停止される。 As shown in FIG. 2, a light emitting unit 23 is connected to the control unit 21. The light emitting unit 23 is, for example, a light emitting diode, and illuminates the inner wall of the space 16 of the sensor unit 10, the lower surface of the base 11, the surface plate 12, etc. so as to illuminate the entire surface plate 12 or the operation area 17 or a specific range. Be placed. The light emitting unit 23 starts light emission when the degree of proximity between the operation tool and the surface plate 12 becomes equal to or less than the second threshold according to an instruction signal from the control unit 21. The light emission of the light emitting unit 23 is stopped by the control of the control unit 21 when, for example, the first detection state is switched to the second detection state.

制御部２１は、検出回路２５からの出力に基づいてスイッチ２２を動作させ、表面板１２をＧＮＤに接続させない状態、すなわち、接地させない第１の検出状態と、表面板１２をＧＮＤに接続させて接地させた第２の検出状態とに互いに切り替える。静電容量式入力装置を起動させた初期状態では、第１の検出状態として検出が実行され、検出回路２５からの出力により、操作体と表面板１２との近接度合いが第１閾値以下となったと判断したとき、制御部２１は、第１の検出状態から第２の検出状態に切り替えるようにスイッチ２２に対して指示信号を出力する。ここで、近接度合いは、操作体と表面板１２の距離に対応して変化する数値であって、検出回路２５が出力する検出値に基づいて制御部２１で算出され、操作体と表面板１２との距離が大きい場合に大きな値になるものとする。上記第１閾値は、例えば１ｍｍに対応する近接度合いを示す値であり、０よりも大きいことが好ましい。 The control unit 21 operates the switch 22 based on the output from the detection circuit 25 and does not connect the front plate 12 to GND, that is, connects the front plate 12 to GND and the first detection state not to ground. It switches to the 2nd detection state made to earth | ground. In the initial state in which the capacitive input device is activated, detection is performed as the first detection state, and the degree of proximity between the operation tool and the surface plate 12 becomes equal to or less than the first threshold by the output from the detection circuit 25 When it is determined, the control unit 21 outputs an instruction signal to the switch 22 to switch from the first detection state to the second detection state. Here, the degree of proximity is a numerical value that changes corresponding to the distance between the operating tool and the surface plate 12 and is calculated by the control unit 21 based on the detection value output from the detection circuit 25. When the distance with is large, it shall be a large value. The first threshold is, for example, a value indicating a proximity degree corresponding to 1 mm, and is preferably larger than zero.

また、検出回路２５では、検出電極１５から出力された測定値から、予め定めたオフセット値を引く演算を行っている。このオフセット値は、静電容量式入力装置の出荷時や、出荷後の起動時に行うキャリブレーションによって決定され、制御部２１が備える記憶部（不図示）に保存される。このようなオフセット値を用いることにより、表面板１２の物性、検出電極１５の検出特性、静電容量式入力装置が設置された環境等に応じて、操作体による押圧がないときの表面板１２の撓みや、検出電極１５に入るノイズ成分の影響を抑えることができ、近接検出や押圧検出をより高精度に行うことができる。 Further, the detection circuit 25 performs an operation of subtracting a predetermined offset value from the measurement value output from the detection electrode 15. The offset value is determined by the calibration performed at the time of shipment of the capacitive input device or at the start after shipment, and is stored in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the control unit 21. By using such an offset value, the surface plate 12 when there is no pressing by the operating body according to the physical properties of the surface plate 12, the detection characteristics of the detection electrode 15, the environment in which the capacitance type input device is installed, etc. It is possible to suppress the influence of the bending of the lens and the noise component entering the detection electrode 15, and the proximity detection and the pressure detection can be performed with higher accuracy.

第１の検出状態においては、制御部２１は、駆動電極１４に対して所定の駆動電圧、例えば一定周期の矩形波を印加させるように駆動回路２４を制御する。第１の検出状態では、接地されていない表面板１２の操作領域１７に操作体を接近させていくと、その近接度合いに応じて操作体と表面板１２との間の静電容量が増加する。この静電容量の増加に応じて、駆動電極１４から表面板１２を経て検出電極１５に流れる電流が減少し、駆動電極１４と検出電極１５との間の静電容量（相互容量）が減少するため、制御部２１において、検出電極１５における出力信号に基づいて、操作体と表面板１２との近接度合いを検出することができる。 In the first detection state, the control unit 21 controls the drive circuit 24 so as to apply a predetermined drive voltage, for example, a rectangular wave with a constant cycle, to the drive electrode 14. In the first detection state, when the operating body approaches the operation area 17 of the surface plate 12 which is not grounded, the capacitance between the operating body and the surface plate 12 increases in accordance with the degree of proximity thereof. . As the capacitance increases, the current flowing from the drive electrode 14 to the detection electrode 15 via the surface plate 12 decreases, and the capacitance (mutual capacitance) between the drive electrode 14 and the detection electrode 15 decreases. Therefore, the control unit 21 can detect the degree of proximity between the operation tool and the surface plate 12 based on the output signal from the detection electrode 15.

また、制御部２１は、操作体と表面板１２との近接度合いが第２閾値以下となったときに、発光部２３に対して指示信号を出力し、発光部２３の発光を開始させる。さらに、制御部２１は、操作体と表面板１２との近接度合いが、第２閾値よりも小さな第１閾値以下となったときに、表面板１２を接地させるようにスイッチ２２に指示信号を出力し、スイッチ２２の動作によって表面板１２が接地されることによって第２の検出状態に切り替わる。ここで、第２閾値は、例えば第１閾値が１ｍｍに対応する近接度合いを示す値である場合に、それよりも大きな値として、例えば１ｃｍに対応する近接度合いを示す値に設定される。発光部２３の発光は、第１の検出状態から第２の検出状態へ切り替わったときに、制御部２１の制御によって停止させるのが好ましいが、発光の開始から一定時間後に自動的に停止させるようにしてもよいし、第２の検出状態において、表面板１２が押圧されたことを検出したときに停止させてもよい。 The control unit 21 also outputs an instruction signal to the light emitting unit 23 to cause the light emitting unit 23 to start light emission when the degree of proximity between the operation tool and the front plate 12 becomes equal to or less than the second threshold. Furthermore, the control unit 21 outputs an instruction signal to the switch 22 so as to ground the surface plate 12 when the degree of proximity between the operation tool and the surface plate 12 becomes equal to or less than the first threshold smaller than the second threshold. When the face plate 12 is grounded by the operation of the switch 22, it switches to the second detection state. Here, when the first threshold is a value indicating the proximity corresponding to 1 mm, for example, the second threshold is set to a value indicating a proximity corresponding to 1 cm, for example, as a larger value. The light emission of the light emitting unit 23 is preferably stopped by the control of the control unit 21 when the first detection state is switched to the second detection state, but it is automatically stopped after a predetermined time from the start of the light emission In the second detection state, it may be stopped when it is detected that the surface plate 12 is pressed.

第２の検出状態においては、制御部２１は、駆動電極１４に対して所定の駆動電圧、例えば一定周期の矩形波を印加させるように駆動回路２４を制御する。この状態において、操作体が表面板１２を基材１１側へ押し下げると、表面板１２と駆動電極１４との間隔および表面板１２と検出電極１５との間隔が小さくなるため、表面板１２と駆動電極１４との間の静電容量および表面板１２と検出電極１５との間の静電容量が増加する一方、駆動電極１４と検出電極１５との間の静電容量（相互容量）が減少する。この静電容量の変化に応じて、駆動電極１４から検出電極１５に流れる電流が減少する。これにより、操作体が表面板１２を押圧したこと、さらには、上下方向における表面板１２と検出電極１５の近接度合いが検出される。 In the second detection state, the control unit 21 controls the drive circuit 24 so as to apply a predetermined drive voltage, for example, a rectangular wave with a constant cycle, to the drive electrode 14. In this state, when the operating body depresses the surface plate 12 to the base 11 side, the distance between the surface plate 12 and the drive electrode 14 and the distance between the surface plate 12 and the detection electrode 15 become smaller. While the capacitance between the electrode 14 and the capacitance between the surface plate 12 and the detection electrode 15 is increased, the capacitance (reciprocal capacitance) between the drive electrode 14 and the detection electrode 15 is decreased. . The current flowing from the drive electrode 14 to the detection electrode 15 decreases according to the change in capacitance. As a result, the fact that the operating body has pressed the surface plate 12 and the proximity between the surface plate 12 and the detection electrode 15 in the vertical direction are detected.

ここで、第２の検出状態では表面板１２が接地されているため、操作体が表面板１２に接触していたとしても表面板１２が基材１１側へ撓まなければ、駆動電極１４と検出電極１５との間の静電容量が減少しない。このため、操作者が誤って表面板１２に触れたような場合や水分が表面板１２の上面１２ａに付着した場合に、誤検出が起きることを防止できる。また、第２の検出状態では、表面板１２の撓みによって生じる駆動電極１４と検出電極１５との間の静電容量の減少を検出しているため、非導電性の操作体、例えば、手袋をした手で行った押圧操作を検出することが可能となる。 Here, since the surface plate 12 is grounded in the second detection state, if the surface plate 12 is not bent to the base 11 side even if the operating body is in contact with the surface plate 12, the driving electrode 14 and The capacitance between the detection electrode 15 does not decrease. Therefore, erroneous detection can be prevented from occurring when the operator mistakenly touches the surface plate 12 or when moisture adheres to the upper surface 12 a of the surface plate 12. Further, in the second detection state, since a decrease in the capacitance between the drive electrode 14 and the detection electrode 15 caused by the bending of the surface plate 12 is detected, a non-conductive operating body, for example, a glove is used. It is possible to detect the pressing operation performed by the user.

制御部は、第１の検出状態から第２の検出状態に切り替えられた後に、検出電極１５からの出力信号にかかわらずに、一定時間ごとに第１の検出状態と第２の検出状態を交互に切り替えることが好ましい。ここで、一定時間とは、例えば１０ｍｓである。このような切り替えにより、第２の検出状態にある場合に操作者が押圧操作を中断又は終了したときに、操作体が表面板１２から離れたことを第１の検出状態で確実に検出することができるようになる。このように第１の検出状態と第２の検出状態を交互に切り替えている過程において、第１の検出状態にもどって操作体が表面板１２から離れたことを検出した場合においても、制御部２１は、操作体と表面板１２との近接度合いが第１閾値を超えているか否かを判別する。この判別において、操作体と表面板１２との近接度合いが第１閾値よりも大きくなっているときは、第１閾値以下となるまで第１の検出状態を維持し、第１閾値以下となったときに第２の検出状態へ切り替える。このような制御を行うことにより、操作体が表面板１２から離れていったのにもかかわらずに第２の検出状態にもどってしまう事態を避けることができ、さらに、表面板１２から離れた操作体が表面板１２に再び接近したときに、近接度合いを第１の検出状態で検出することができ、第２閾値に至るまで接近したときに発光部２３を確実に発光させることができる。 After switching from the first detection state to the second detection state, the control unit alternates the first detection state and the second detection state every fixed time regardless of the output signal from the detection electrode 15 It is preferable to switch to Here, the predetermined time is, for example, 10 ms. By such switching, when the operator interrupts or ends the pressing operation in the second detection state, it is reliably detected in the first detection state that the operating body is separated from the surface plate 12. Will be able to As described above, in the process of alternately switching between the first detection state and the second detection state, the control unit is detected even when it is detected that the operating body is separated from the surface plate 12 back to the first detection state. 21 determines whether or not the degree of proximity between the operation tool and the surface plate 12 exceeds a first threshold. In this determination, when the degree of proximity between the operation tool and the surface plate 12 is greater than the first threshold, the first detection state is maintained until the threshold is equal to or less than the first threshold, and the threshold is equal to or less than the first threshold. When switching to the second detection state. By performing such control, it is possible to avoid the situation where the operation body returns to the second detection state despite the fact that the operating body is separated from the surface plate 12, and further, the operation body is separated from the surface plate 12. When the operating body approaches the surface plate 12 again, the proximity degree can be detected in the first detection state, and the light emitting unit 23 can reliably emit light when approaching the second threshold.

以上のように構成されたことから、上記実施形態によれば、赤外線センサなどの新たな部材を追加することなく、表面板に対する操作体の近接度合いの検出と、操作体が表面板を押圧したか否かの検出との両方を精度良く行うことができる。 Since it was comprised as mentioned above, according to the said embodiment, the detection of the proximity degree of the operation body with respect to a surface plate, and the operation body pressed the surface plate, without adding new members, such as an infrared sensor Both the detection of whether or not can be performed with high accuracy.

また、操作体と表面板１２の近接度合いが第１閾値以下となったとき、すなわち、操作体が表示板に充分近づいたときに、近接度合いを検出する第１の検出状態から、押圧操作を検出する第２の検出状態に切り替えるため、近接検出と押圧検出のそれぞれについて検出漏れを少なくしつつスムーズに検出状態を切り替えることができる。 In addition, when the proximity degree of the operation body and the surface plate 12 becomes equal to or less than the first threshold, that is, when the operation body sufficiently approaches the display plate, the pressing operation is performed from the first detection state of detecting the proximity degree. In order to switch to the 2nd detection state to detect, a detection state can be smoothly changed, reducing a detection omission about each of proximity detection and press detection.

さらにまた、第１の検出状態において操作体と表面板１２との近接度合いが第２閾値以下となったときに発光部２３を発光させるため、操作者に対して、センサ部１０又は操作領域１７の位置などを明確に示すことができ、操作者の便宜に資することができる。例えば、家電製品等の制御スイッチとして本実施形態の静電容量式入力装置を利用する場合、操作者が表面板１２に指を近づけていくと、操作体と表面板１２との近接度合いが第２閾値以下となったときに発光部２３が発光するため、制御スイッチで押圧すべき範囲として操作領域１７等が照光される。この状態から操作者がさらに指を表面板１２に近づけると第１の検出状態から第２の検出状態へ切り替わり、操作者が表面板１２を押圧すると、これを制御部２１が検出して、予め定めた信号が家電製品側へ出力される。さらに、このような静電容量式入力装置を複数並べて配置して用いることができ、この場合、それぞれの静電容量式入力装置が有する発光部２３の発光形態、例えば、色、画像等を互いに異なるものとすると、操作者は、制御スイッチとしての複数の静電容量式入力装置を容易に判別することが可能となる。 Furthermore, in the first detection state, the light emitting unit 23 emits light when the degree of proximity between the operating tool and the surface plate 12 becomes equal to or less than the second threshold. The position of the object can be clearly indicated, which contributes to the convenience of the operator. For example, in the case of using the capacitive input device of the present embodiment as a control switch of a home appliance or the like, when the operator brings a finger close to the surface plate 12, the proximity degree between the operation tool and the surface plate 12 Since the light emitting unit 23 emits light when the threshold value is 2 or less, the operation area 17 or the like is illuminated as a range to be pressed by the control switch. From this state, when the operator brings the finger closer to the surface plate 12, the first detection state is switched to the second detection state, and when the operator presses the surface plate 12, the control unit 21 detects this and The defined signal is output to the home appliance side. Furthermore, a plurality of such capacitance type input devices can be arranged and used, and in this case, the light emission form of the light emitting unit 23 included in each capacitance type input device, for example, color, image, etc. If different, the operator can easily identify a plurality of capacitive input devices as control switches.

以下に変形例について説明する。
（１）上述の実施形態では、相互容量を用いて操作体の近接度合いを検出していたが、図３に示す静電容量式入力装置５０のように、基材１１、表面板１２、及び、スペーサ１３で囲まれた空間１６内において、基材１１上に検出電極５５のみを設ける構成として自己容量を検出するようにしてもよい。ここで、図３は、変形例に係る静電容量式入力装置のセンサ部の基本構成を示す断面図である。検出電極５５は、上記実施形態の駆動電極１４及び検出電極１５と同様に、上下方向において表面板１２との間に所定の間隔Ｌ１を有するように形成されている。この静電容量式入力装置５０では、第１の検出状態において、検出電極５５における電流変化に基づいて、検出電極５５における浮遊容量（自己容量）が検出され、これを用いて、操作体が表面板１２に近接したことが検出される。 A modification is described below.
(1) In the above-described embodiment, the proximity of the operation body is detected using the mutual capacitance, but as in the capacitive input device 50 shown in FIG. In the space 16 surrounded by the spacer 13, the self-capacitance may be detected by providing only the detection electrode 55 on the base material 11. Here, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a basic configuration of a sensor unit of a capacitance type input device according to a modification. The detection electrode 55 is formed to have a predetermined distance L1 between the detection electrode 55 and the surface plate 12 in the vertical direction, similarly to the drive electrode 14 and the detection electrode 15 in the above embodiment. In this capacitive input device 50, in the first detection state, stray capacitance (self-capacitance) in the detection electrode 55 is detected based on a change in current in the detection electrode 55, and the operation body is displayed using this. The proximity to the face plate 12 is detected.

（２）上述の実施形態では、第１の検出状態において操作体と表面板１２との近接度合いが第１閾値以下となったときに、第２の検出状態に切り替えていたが、これに代えて、操作体と表面板１２との近接度合いにかかわらず、すなわち検出電極１５からの出力信号にかかわらずに、予め定めた時間ごとに２つの検出状態を切り替えるようにしてもよい。この場合も、２つの検出状態の切り替えは制御部２１が制御し、各検出状態は、例えば１０ｍｓごとに切り替える。また、切り替えまでの時間は、第１の検出状態と第２の検出状態とで互いに異なっても良い。これにより、表面板１２に対する操作体の接近検出と、表面板１２に対する操作体の押圧の有無の検出との両方を確実に実行することができる。 (2) In the above embodiment, when the proximity of the operation tool and the surface plate 12 becomes equal to or less than the first threshold in the first detection state, the switching state is switched to the second detection state. The two detection states may be switched every predetermined time regardless of the proximity of the operation body and the surface plate 12, that is, regardless of the output signal from the detection electrode 15. Also in this case, the control unit 21 controls switching of the two detection states, and each detection state is switched, for example, every 10 ms. Further, the time until switching may be different between the first detection state and the second detection state. Thereby, both the detection of the approach of the operating body to the surface plate 12 and the detection of the presence or absence of the pressing of the operating body to the surface plate 12 can be reliably performed.

（３）上述の実施形態及び上記変形例では、制御部２１の制御によって、第１の検出状態と第２の検出状態を互いに切り替えていたが、これに代えて、操作体としての操作者の指や手が表面板１２に接触するか否かによって、第１の検出状態と第２の検出状態を互いに切り替えてもよい。この場合においても、第１の検出状態では操作体と表面板１２との近接度合いが検出され、近接度合いが第２閾値以下となったときには、制御部２１によって、発光部２３が発光するように制御される。また、表面板１２に、導電体としての指等が接触すると、表面板１２は接地された状態となって、この状態で操作体が表面板１２を押し下げると、表面板１２と検出電極１５との近接度合いに応じた静電容量が検出される。
本発明について上記実施形態を参照しつつ説明したが、本発明は上記実施形態に限定されるものではなく、改良の目的または本発明の思想の範囲内において改良または変更が可能である。 (3) In the above embodiment and the above modification, the first detection state and the second detection state are mutually switched under the control of the control unit 21. However, instead of this, the operator as the operating body The first detection state and the second detection state may be switched to each other depending on whether or not a finger or a hand contacts the surface plate 12. Even in this case, in the first detection state, the proximity degree between the operation tool and the surface plate 12 is detected, and when the proximity degree becomes equal to or less than the second threshold, the control unit 21 causes the light emitting unit 23 to emit light. It is controlled. When a finger or the like as a conductor comes in contact with the surface plate 12, the surface plate 12 is grounded, and when the operating body depresses the surface plate 12 in this state, the surface plate 12 and the detection electrode 15 Capacitance according to the proximity degree of is detected.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be improved or changed within the scope of the improvement purpose or the spirit of the present invention.

以上のように、本発明に係る静電容量式入力装置は、表面板に対する操作体の近接度合いの検出と、操作体が表面板を押圧したか否かの検出との両方を簡素な構成で実行できる点で有用である。 As described above, in the capacitance-type input device according to the present invention, both the detection of the degree of proximity of the operating body to the surface plate and the detection of whether or not the operating body pressed the surface plate are simple. It is useful because it can be implemented.

１０センサ部
１１基材
１２表面板
１３スペーサ
１４駆動電極
１５検出電極
１７操作領域
１８非操作領域
２１制御部
２２スイッチ
２３発光部
２４駆動回路
２５検出回路
５０センサ部
５５検出電極 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Sensor part 11 Base 12 Surface plate 13 Spacer 14 Drive electrode 15 Detection electrode 17 Operation area 18 Non-operation area 21 Control part 22 Switch 23 Light emission part 24 Drive circuit 25 Detection circuit 50 Sensor part 55 Detection electrode

Claims

Plate-like base material,
A conductive and flexible face plate disposed opposite to the substrate;
A non-conductive spacer disposed between the substrate and the face plate;
And one or more detection electrodes provided on the substrate;
The first detection state in which the surface plate is not grounded and the second detection state in which the surface plate is grounded,
Said first and to said surface plate in the detection state to detect the proximity degree of operation body is close, it said surface plate detects whether or not pressed by the operating body in the second detection state,
A control unit that switches between the first detection state and the second detection state;
The controller is configured to switch to the second detection state when the proximity degree between the operating body and the surface plate becomes equal to or less than a first threshold in the first detection state. Capacitive input device.

The control unit is configured to, at predetermined time intervals, switch to the second detection state after the proximity degree between the operating body and the surface plate becomes less than the first threshold in the first detection state. The electrostatic capacitance type input device according to claim 1 , wherein the first detection state and the second detection state are switched to each other.

When the control unit switches the second detection state to the first detection state, the degree of proximity between the operating body and the surface plate is larger than the first threshold. The capacitance type input device according to claim 2 , wherein the first detection state is held until the first threshold value or less is reached.

Plate-like base material,
A conductive and flexible face plate disposed opposite to the substrate;
A non-conductive spacer disposed between the substrate and the face plate;
And one or more detection electrodes provided on the substrate;
The first detection state in which the surface plate is not grounded and the second detection state in which the surface plate is grounded,
In the first detection state, the proximity to which the operating body approaches the surface plate is detected, and in the second detection state, it is detected whether or not the front surface plate is pressed by the operating body.
The second detection state is a state of being grounded via the operating body in contact with the surface plate,
When the operation body separated from the surface plate contacts the surface plate, the first detection state is switched to the second detection state,
Capacitive input device, wherein the operating body which has been in contact with the surface plate is switched from the second detection state by separating from the surface plate to the first detection state.

The substrate is provided with one or more drive electrodes,
In the first detection state, a drive voltage is applied to each of the drive electrodes, and it is detected that the operating body approaches the surface plate based on a change in current in each of the detection electrodes. The capacitance-type input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that

In the first detection state, on the basis of the current change in the detection electrode, any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operating body, characterized in that it is detected that close to the surface plate Capacitance type input device described in.

Wherein, when the proximity of the operating body and the surface plate in the first detection state is equal to or less than the second threshold value, wherein the preceding claims, characterized in that to the light emitting portion Item 7. A capacitive input device according to any one of items 6 to 6 .