JP2018128412A - Pressure-sensitive device - Google Patents

Abstract

A pressure-sensitive device that detects a pressing load on a plate-like member with a pressure-sensitive sensor, and provides an improved pressure-sensitive device that can ensure good sensitivity to pressing. A pressure-sensitive device according to the present disclosure includes a plate member having a front surface and a back surface, a support member, and a pressure-sensitive sensor provided between the back surface of the plate member and the support member. The pressure sensor includes a first pressure-sensitive member, a second pressure-sensitive member disposed to face the first pressure-sensitive member, and a connection that connects the first pressure-sensitive member and the second pressure-sensitive member. And detecting a pressing load applied to the surface of the plate member based on a distance or a contact area between the first pressure-sensitive member and the second pressure-sensitive member, and the connecting member corresponds to the pressing load. It has a shape that deforms. [Selection] Figure 4A

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a pressure sensitive device.

  2. Description of the Related Art A navigation device that displays a map image at a desired position according to an operation of a user such as an occupant using a map image data and coordinate data is known. In recent years, with the widespread use of touch panels, user operations via touch panels provided so as to cover the display area of display devices are becoming mainstream for navigation devices.

  Among such touch panels, there is one that enables a user operation by touching the display area with pressing in addition to a user operation by touching the display area. For example, in order to detect that the display area has been pressed, a configuration has been proposed in which the pressure is detected by a pressure-sensitive sensor provided in an area sandwiched between standing walls under a cover panel that covers the touch panel.

  However, if the standing wall provided under the cover panel is stretched against the pressure, the pressure sensor cannot be crushed in the direction in which the pressure is applied, and the sensitivity of the pressure sensor decreases. . Therefore, for example, between the pressure sensor and the cover panel, the pressure is concentrated on the central part of the pressure sensor, which is a position relatively far from the standing wall, of the pressure sensor. Providing a pusher (protrusion) has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 5350860

  An object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved pressure-sensitive device capable of ensuring good sensitivity to pressing in a pressure-sensitive device that detects a pressing load on a plate-like member with a pressure-sensitive sensor. .

  A pressure-sensitive device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a plate member having a front surface and a back surface, a support member, and a pressure-sensitive sensor provided between the back surface of the plate member and the support member. The pressure-sensitive sensor includes a first pressure-sensitive member, a second pressure-sensitive member disposed to face the first pressure-sensitive member, the first pressure-sensitive member, and the second pressure-sensitive member. A connecting member for connecting the pressure member, and detecting a pressing load applied to the surface of the plate member based on a distance or a contact area between the first pressure sensitive member and the second pressure sensitive member, The connecting member adopts a configuration having a shape that deforms according to the pressing load.

  According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an improved pressure-sensitive device that can ensure good sensitivity to pressing.

The figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the navigation apparatus which concerns on this indication The figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the navigation apparatus concerning this indication Development view showing an example of a component configuration of a display unit according to the present disclosure Sectional drawing which shows an example of component structure of the pressure-sensitive device which concerns on 1st Embodiment Sectional drawing which shows an example of component structure of the pressure-sensitive device which concerns on 1st Embodiment Sectional drawing which shows an example of a component structure of the pressure sensitive apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment Sectional drawing which shows an example of a component structure of the pressure sensitive apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment Sectional drawing which shows an example of component structure of the pressure sensitive apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment Sectional drawing which shows an example of component structure of the pressure sensitive apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment The graph which shows an example of the relationship between the stroke of the pressure-sensitive sensor which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, and a press load Sectional drawing which shows an example of the components structure of the pressure sensitive apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment Sectional drawing which shows an example of the components structure of the pressure sensitive apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, first, application examples of the pressure-sensitive device according to the present disclosure will be described. An application example of the pressure-sensitive device according to the present disclosure will be described by taking an in-vehicle navigation device that displays a navigation screen or the like using a map as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of a navigation device A according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the navigation apparatus A according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a development view illustrating an example of a component configuration of the display unit 3 according to the present disclosure.

<Configuration of navigation device>
The navigation device A includes a control device 1, a storage device 2, and a display unit 3. For example, the control device 1 and the storage device 2 generate map image data, and the display unit 3 displays the map image, thereby providing a navigation function to a user such as an occupant.

  For example, the control device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). And the control apparatus 1 carries out data communication with each part of the navigation apparatus A, and performs overall control of said operation | movement, when CPU runs a computer program.

  The storage device 2 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, an HDD, and the like, and stores various processing programs and various data such as a system program and an application program executable on the system program. A work area for storing automatically. In addition to the HDD, the storage device 2 may be stored in an auxiliary storage device using a flash memory or the like so as to be read / write updated. Various processing programs and various data may be downloaded through the Internet line.

  The display unit 3 includes a display device 3a, a touch sensor 3b, and a pressure sensor 3c (see FIG. 3).

  The display device 3a is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays a map image or the like in the display area of the liquid crystal display. Image data is input from the control device 1 to the display device 3a, and a map image or the like is displayed based on the image data.

  The touch sensor 3b is a user input device for the navigation device A, and detects a touch operation in the display area of the display device 3a. In one example, the touch sensor 3b detects a touch operation including the touched position.

  As the touch sensor 3b, for example, a projected capacitive touch sensor is used, and a plurality of capacitances are arranged in a matrix on the display area of the display device 3a by X electrodes and Y electrodes arranged in a matrix. A sensor is configured. Then, the touch sensor 3b detects a change in capacitance due to capacitive coupling generated between the electrodes and the finger when the finger approaches the touch sensor 3b. The position where the operation was performed is detected. Then, the detection information is output to the control device 1 as information indicating the position where the touch operation is performed.

  The pressure-sensitive sensor 3c detects a pressure applied to the display area of the display device 3a according to a user operation by touching the display area with a pressure. In one example, the pressure-sensitive sensors 3c are arranged at four positions at positions corresponding to the four sides of the outer periphery of the display area of the display device 3a.

  In one example, the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c detects a pressure based on a capacitance that changes according to the distance between electrodes provided on each of the pressure-sensitive members provided on the top and bottom. In another example, the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c detects a pressure based on a resistance value that changes in accordance with a contact area between a resistor and a current-carrying circuit provided on each of pressure-sensitive members provided on the top and bottom.

  Information indicating the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 3 c is output to the control device 1. In one example, the information indicating the pressure is a voltage signal between the electrodes provided on each of the pressure-sensitive members. In another example, the information indicating the pressure is a current signal of an energization circuit provided in the pressure sensitive member.

  Further, the display unit 3 includes a housing 3d, a cover panel 3e, and a double-sided tape 3f in addition to the display device 3a, the touch sensor 3b, and the pressure sensor 3c.

  Specifically, the display unit 3 includes a plate-like touch sensor 3b and a cover so that the display device 3a is accommodated in the housing 3d so that the display region is exposed, and covers the display region of the display device 3a. The panel 3e is arranged and configured in this order. And the plate-shaped touch sensor 3b is being fixed with respect to the housing | casing 3d using the double-sided tape 3f in the outer side of the outer edge part of the display area of the said display apparatus 3a. The double-sided tape 3f is an example of an adhesive member that bonds the plate-like touch sensor 3b and the housing 3d (support member). As the adhesive member, an adhesive may be used instead of the double-sided tape 3f. Further, the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c is installed between the plate-shaped touch sensor 3b and the housing 3d on the outer periphery of the display area of the display device 3a. When the user performs a touch operation on the display unit 3, the touch operation is performed on the surface of the cover panel 3e.

  The navigation device A includes a GPS 4, a gyro sensor 5, a vehicle speed sensor 6, a TV receiver 7, a radio receiver 8, a CD / DVD playback device 9, a connection port 10 for connecting a digital audio player, and the like. Is configured to be capable of data communication with these devices. In addition, since these apparatuses are all well-known, detailed description here is abbreviate | omitted.

<Configuration of pressure-sensitive device>
In the pressure-sensitive device according to the first embodiment, the pressure load applied to the surface of the plate-like member is detected by a pressure-sensitive sensor provided between the back surface of the plate-like member and the support member. .

  4A and 4B are cross-sectional views illustrating a partial configuration of the pressure-sensitive device according to the first embodiment. Specifically, it is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a component configuration of a pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-1 that is one of a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 3c included in the pressure-sensitive device. The pressure sensitive device includes a plate member 3g, a housing 3d, and a pressure sensitive sensor 3c-1. The pressure sensor 3c-1 is provided between the plate member 3g and the housing 3d (support member). For example, the plate member 3g includes a cover panel 3e and a touch sensor 3b.

  The pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-1 includes an upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 (first pressure-sensitive member) and a lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2 (second pressure-sensitive member). The upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2 are disposed to face each other. In one example, the upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2 are fixed on the opposing surfaces of the plate member 3g and the housing 3d.

  The upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2 apply the pressing load applied to the surface of the plate member 3 g to the distance or contact area between the upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2. Measure based on

  In one example, when the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-1 is a capacitance-type pressure-sensitive sensor, the upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 is an electrode, and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2 is a conductive elastic body. . In another example, when the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-1 is a resistance-type pressure-sensitive sensor, the upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 is a resistor such as a special ink layer, and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2 is It is an electrode connected to the energization circuit.

  In the first embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-1 includes a standing wall 12a (connecting member). The standing wall 12a connects the upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2.

  The standing wall 12a has a shape that is easily deformed by a pressing load.

  In one example, the standing wall 12a has a bent shape in a no-load state or in a state where a pressing load is applied. The standing wall 12a having such a shape has a holding force for holding the plate member 3g in an unloaded state, and can be smoothly deformed in a state where a pressing load is applied.

  In one example, the standing wall 12a is cylindrical. For example, the standing wall 12a has a circular shape in a cross section by a plane parallel to the surface of the plate member 3g.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the standing wall 12a has a bellows shape. In the example shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the bellows crest portion 13a-1 is two in the pressing load direction, but the bellows crest portion 13a-1 is not limited to two. There may be any number such as one, three, four, etc. In one example, the entire standing wall 12a is formed of a flexible material (for example, a flexible resin) or an elastic material (for example, an elastic body such as rubber). In another example, only the vicinity of the bellows crest portion 13a-1 and the trough portion 13a-2 of the standing wall 12a is formed of a flexible material or an elastic material.

  When no pressure load is applied to the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-1, the bellows expands as shown in FIG. 4A. On the other hand, when a pressure load is applied to the pressure sensor 3c-1, the bellows contracts as shown in FIG. 4B. Thus, the shape of the standing wall 12a is deformed depending on whether or not a pressure load is applied to the pressure sensor 3c-1.

  In one example, the standing wall 12a has a smaller amount of shrinkage in the pressing load direction with respect to the pressing load than the double-sided tape 3f. In this way, the distance between the plate member 3g and the housing 3d that changes according to the pressure load applied to the plate member 3g is governed by the amount of contraction of the standing wall 12a, so that the pressure load applied to the plate member 3g can be more accurately determined. Can be measured.

  Thus, in the pressure sensitive sensor according to the first embodiment, the connection member (standing wall 12a) has a bellows shape.

  According to the first embodiment, when a pressing load is applied to the surface of the plate member 3g, the standing wall 12a is not stretched. Therefore, since the upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 can move smoothly in the direction of the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2, intuitive and stable sensitivity can be obtained. Further, since an auxiliary member such as a pusher is unnecessary, the structure is simple, and the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-1 can more accurately measure the pressure load applied to the surface of the plate member 3g.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, it is easy to customize the sensitivity of the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-1 with respect to the pressing load by adjusting the material hardness and thickness of the standing wall 12a.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the standing wall 12a is easily deformed by the pressing load. Accordingly, the distance between the upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2 is the same regardless of whether the position at which the pressing load is applied to the plate member 3g is a portion far from or near the standing wall 12a. Therefore, the pressing load can be measured more accurately.

(Second Embodiment)
5A and 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of a component configuration of a pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-2 included in the pressure-sensitive device according to the second embodiment. The pressure sensitive sensor 3c-2 is provided between the plate member 3g and the housing 3d.

  The upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2 of the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-2 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the pressure sensor 3c-2 includes a standing wall 12b (connecting member). The standing wall 12b connects the upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2.

  In one example, the standing wall 12b is cylindrical. For example, the standing wall 12b has a circular shape in a cross section by a plane parallel to the surface of the plate member 3g.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the standing wall 12b has a notch 13b. In one example, the entire standing wall 12b is formed of a flexible material or an elastic material. In another example, only the vicinity of the notch 13b of the standing wall 12b is formed of a flexible material or an elastic material.

  When no pressure load is applied to the pressure sensor 3c-2, the standing wall 12b extends as shown in FIG. 5A. On the other hand, when a pressure load is applied to the pressure sensor 3c-2, as shown in FIG. 5B, the standing wall 12b is bent at the notch 13b of the standing wall 12b. Thus, the shape of the standing wall 12b is deformed depending on whether or not a pressure load is applied to the pressure sensor 3c-2.

  Thus, in the pressure-sensitive sensor according to the second embodiment, the connection member (standing wall 12b) has the cutout portion 13b. According to the second embodiment, an effect similar to that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Third embodiment)
6A and 6B are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of a component configuration of a pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-3 included in the pressure-sensitive device according to the third embodiment. The pressure sensitive sensor 3c-3 is provided between the plate member 3g and the housing 3d.

  The upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2 of the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-3 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In the third embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-3 includes a standing wall 12c (connection member). The standing wall 12c connects the upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2.

  In one example, the standing wall 12c is cylindrical. For example, the standing wall 12c has a circular shape in a cross section by a plane parallel to the surface of the plate member 3g.

  The standing wall 12c shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B buckles according to the pressing load. Here, the threshold value of the pressing load (first pressing load) for starting buckling of the standing wall 12c will be described later with reference to FIG. In one example, the entire standing wall 12c is formed of a flexible material or an elastic material.

  When no pressure load is applied to the pressure sensor 3c-3, as shown in FIG. 6A, the standing wall 12c is not buckled. On the other hand, when the pressing load applied to the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-3 exceeds the first pressing load, the standing wall 12c buckles as shown in FIG. 6B. Thus, the shape of the standing wall 12c is deformed depending on whether or not a pressure load is applied to the pressure sensor 3c-3.

  FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating an example of the relationship between the stroke and the load of the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-3 according to the third embodiment. Here, the stroke (mm) represents the magnitude of displacement of the upper pressure-sensitive member in the pressing load direction on the basis of the state where no pressure is applied to the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-3. The load (N) is a pressing load applied to the pressure sensitive sensor 3c-3.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the stroke and the load are approximately in a proportional relationship from the state where the pressing load is zero (the stroke is zero) until the peak load (first pressing load) F <b> 1 (the peak stroke is S <b> 1). is there. When the pressing load reaches the peak load F1, the standing wall 12c starts buckling, and the pressing load decreases to the drop load F2 until the stroke reaches the contact stroke S2. As a result, the user who applies a pressing load to the plate member 3g can obtain a click feeling. After the stroke reaches the contact stroke S2, the user can push in the plate member 3g until the stroke reaches the limit stroke S3.

  Thus, in the pressure-sensitive sensor according to the third embodiment, the connecting member that connects the upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2 is the standing wall 12c that buckles according to the pressing load. is there. According to the third embodiment, the user who presses the plate member 3g can obtain a click feeling.

(Fourth embodiment)
8A and 8B are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of a component configuration of a pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-4 included in the pressure-sensitive device according to the fourth embodiment. The pressure sensitive sensor 3c-4 is provided between the plate member 3g and the housing 3d.

  The upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1, the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2, and the standing wall 12a of the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-4 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

  The pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-4 includes an upper base material 14-1 and a lower base material 14-2.

  In the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-1 of the first embodiment, the upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 is directly formed on the back surface of the plate member 3g, and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2 is directly formed on the upper surface of the support member. It was. In the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-4 of the fourth embodiment, the upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 is formed on the lower surface of the upper base material 14-1, and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11- is formed on the upper surface of the lower base material 14-2. 2 is formed. The upper base material 14-1 and the lower base material 14-2 are, for example, substrates on which circuit wiring or resistor ink is printed.

  When manufacturing the pressure-sensitive device according to the fourth embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-4 includes the upper substrate 14-1, the lower substrate 14-2, the upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1, and the lower pressure-sensitive member. 11-2 and provided as an independent part including the standing wall 12a. The upper surface of the upper base material 14-1 or the lower surface of the lower base material 14-2 is a pressing surface of the pressure sensor 3c-4 and has a flat shape.

  The pressure sensitive sensor 3c-4 is fixed to at least one of the plate member 3g and the housing 3d, or both the plate member 3g and the housing 3d. For example, the back surface of the plate member 3g and the upper surface of the upper base material 14-1 are bonded with an adhesive or the like. Alternatively, the lower surface of the lower base material 14-2 and the upper surface of the housing 3d are bonded with an adhesive or the like.

  In a state where a pressing load is applied to the surface of the plate member 3g, the back surface of the plate member 3g and the upper surface of the upper base material 14-1 or the lower surface of the lower base material 14-2 and the upper surface of the housing 3d are in contact. The term “contacting” as used herein includes a state of being bonded via an adhesive or a double-sided tape.

  In the pressure-sensitive device according to the fourth embodiment, the plate member 3g and the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-4, or the housing 3d and the pressure-sensitive sensor 3c-4 are in contact with each other in a plane, A pressing load is applied. Since the pusher as in the prior art is not provided, the thickness of the pressure-sensitive device is reduced, and variations in sensitivity between the plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 3c due to the pusher can be suppressed.

  In addition, it is good also as a structure provided only with either one of the upper base material 14-1 and the lower base material 14-2.

  Further, instead of the standing wall 12a, the standing wall 12b or the standing wall 12c described in the second embodiment and the third embodiment may be used.

(Other embodiments)
In the pressure-sensitive sensors according to the first to fourth embodiments, the connecting members that connect the upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1 and the lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2 each have a bellows shape. A wall, a standing wall having a notch, a standing wall that buckles in response to a first pressing load, and a coil spring. Instead of this, an embodiment in which the connecting member is composed of a double-sided tape can be considered.

  In the pressure-sensitive sensor according to the above embodiment, the connecting member connects the first pressure-sensitive member (upper pressure-sensitive member 11-1) and the second pressure-sensitive member (lower pressure-sensitive member 11-2). ing. Instead of this, an embodiment in which the connecting member connects the supporting member such as the housing 3d and the plate member 3g is also conceivable.

  As described above, for convenience of explanation, the embodiment has been described on the assumption that the plate member 3g is on the upper side and the housing 3d is on the lower side. However, the vertical relationship may be reversed, and the relationship in the left / right or right / left or other directions is used. It may be replaced.

  The pressure-sensitive device according to the present disclosure can be suitably used for a navigation device that displays a map image.

A Navigation device 1 Control device 2 Storage device 3 Display unit 3c-1, ..., 3c-4 Pressure sensor 3d Housing 3g Plate member 4 GPS
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Gyro sensor 6 Vehicle speed sensor 7 TV receiver 8 Radio receiver 9 CD / DVD reproducing | regenerating apparatus 10 Connection port 11-1 Upper pressure-sensitive member 11-2 Lower pressure-sensitive member 12a, ..., 12c Standing wall 14-1 Upper base material 14-2 Lower substrate

Claims (8)

A plate member having a front surface and a back surface;
A support member;
A pressure sensor provided between the back surface of the plate member and the support member;
With
The pressure sensor is
A first pressure sensitive member;
A second pressure sensitive member disposed opposite the first pressure sensitive member;
A connection member connecting the first pressure-sensitive member and the second pressure-sensitive member;
With
Detecting a pressing load applied to the surface of the plate member based on a distance or a contact area between the first pressure-sensitive member and the second pressure-sensitive member;
The connecting member has a shape that deforms according to the pressing load.
Pressure sensitive device.   The pressure-sensitive device according to claim 1, wherein the connection member has a bent shape in a no-load state or in a state where the pressing load is applied.   The pressure-sensitive device according to claim 2, wherein the connection member has a bellows shape.   The pressure-sensitive device according to claim 2, wherein the connection member has a notch.   The pressure-sensitive device according to claim 2, wherein the connection member is a standing wall that buckles according to a pressing load.   The pressure-sensitive device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pressure-sensitive sensor has a flat pressing surface, and the back surface of the plate member is in contact with the pressing surface in a state where the pressing load is applied. .   The pressure-sensitive device according to claim 1, wherein the connection member is cylindrical. An adhesive member that is disposed between the plate member and the support member and bonds the plate member and the support member;
The pressure-sensitive device according to claim 1, wherein the connection member has a smaller amount of contraction in the pressing load direction with respect to the pressing load than the adhesive member.

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