JPH1116462A - Non-contact switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inexpensive non-contact switch excellent in operability. SOLUTION: An image 14 seen floating up from a hologram 111 is formed by applying reproduction light from a light source 12 to the hologram 111. A non-contact switch is made up by confrontingly disposing a light-projecting element 21 and a light-receiving element 22 with a position where the image is seen interposed therebetween and by connecting a switching circuit 23 to the light-receiving element 22. When a person who operates this non-contact switch moves a finger F or the like as if to touch the image 14, light 24 from the light-projecting element 21 is cut off. Cutoff of the light 24 is detected by the light-receiving element 22 and the switching circuit 23 performs switching. By this, a non-contact switch which is excellent in operability and which can be operated with the image 14 used as a mark can be realized by a simple structure, and a price of the non-contact switch can be lowered.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a non-contact switch for performing a switch operation in a non-contact manner.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Switch operations such as ON and OFF are generally performed by pressing buttons or moving levers. However, depending on the application, it may not be preferable to perform an operation by touching with a human hand or the like.

For example, touching a switch provided on a medical device with a hand causes dirt or the like adhering to the switch to adhere to the hand, and pathogenic bacteria or the like adhering to the hand adhere to the switch. It also causes. Therefore, it is necessary to wash the switch or the hand every time the switch is touched.

Further, in a clean room for manufacturing precision equipment, it is necessary to effectively prevent the generation of dust, so that it is necessary to minimize the operation of contact between objects.

[0005] When a non-contact switch operation is to be realized using a photoelectric switch or the like, a person who performs the operation determines which position the hand or finger should bring the switch operation. Need to be done. However, it is not easy to accurately position a hand or finger in a certain area of a space where nothing actually exists, and in some cases, it may cause an erroneous operation.

Accordingly, a non-contact switch has been developed which uses a gradient index rod lens to display a picture or character as a mark in an area where a finger or a hand is to be brought up and raised (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8 (1996)). -161987).

[0007]

A non-contact switch using a gradient index rod lens performs an operation such that a finger or the like touches a raised display (actually, the finger does not touch an object). The switch can be operated by the user, and there is no confusion as to where the operator should bring his finger or the like. However, the image that emerges using the gradient index rod lens is a planar image, and it is not easy for a person who operates the switch to recognize the switch for the first time. Further, the refractive index distribution type lot lens is expensive, and it is also difficult to keep the price of the switch alone low. Usually, a large number of switches are provided for one product, and when the price of each switch increases, it becomes impossible to avoid the increase in the price of the product.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a non-contact switch which is inexpensive and has excellent operability.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-contact switch for performing a switch operation in a non-contact manner, comprising: a hologram for raising an image; and a light source for irradiating the hologram with reproduction light. Switching means for performing switching by detecting, in a non-contact manner, that an object has entered from outside into a space region in which the image emerges.

A second aspect of the present invention is the non-contact switch according to the first aspect, further comprising irradiation direction changing means for changing an irradiation direction of the reproduction light in accordance with switching by the switching means, wherein the hologram is The hologram is a multiple-exposed hologram, and the image that appears to be floating changes when the irradiation direction of the reproduction light is changed by the irradiation direction changing unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the non-contact switch according to the second aspect, wherein the plurality of light sources are provided, and the irradiation direction changing means is a means for switching a light source among the plurality of light sources. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the non-contact switch according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the switching means allows an object from outside to enter a space area where the image appears to be raised. This is a reflection-type photoelectric switch that detects the contact without contact.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the non-contact switch according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the switching means allows an object to enter from outside into a space area where the image appears to be raised. This is a transmission-type photoelectric switch that detects the contact without contact.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the non-contact switch according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein a plurality of images appearing by the hologram appear, and the switching means corresponds to each image. And a plurality are provided.

[0015]

1 and 2 show the principle of operation of a non-contact switch according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the non-contact switch according to the present invention irradiates the reproduction hologram 111 with the reproduction light 13 from the light source 12 so as to obtain a three-dimensional image 1 when viewed from the direction of arrow A1.
4 can be seen floating in space. And
The light projecting element 21 and the light receiving element 22 are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the position of the floating image 14. Accordingly, when no object exists in the space area where the image 14 can be seen, the light 24 emitted from the light projecting element 21 is received by the light receiving element 22, and the object enters the space area where the image 14 can be seen from the outside. When it comes, the light 24 is blocked and the light receiving element 2
2, light 24 is not received. That is, the entry of an object from the outside into the space area where the image 14 can be seen is detected by the light receiving element 22 in a non-contact manner.

A switching circuit 23 is electrically connected to the light receiving element 22, and performs switching in accordance with the detection result of the light receiving element 22 to output a signal such as ON or OFF. That is, the light emitting element 21,
The light receiving element 22 and the switching circuit 23 constitute a switching unit 2 that performs switching according to the detection result of the light 24. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the switching means 2 itself has the same configuration as that of the transmission type photoelectric switch.

Here, when the finger F is moved from the state of FIG. 1 as if touching the image 14 as shown in FIG.
The light 24 from 1 is blocked by the finger F, does not reach the light receiving element 22, and switching is performed. In other words, a person who performs a switch operation (hereinafter, referred to as a “switch operator”) can perform the switch operation as if touching the image 14.

By constructing a non-contact switch using a hologram as described above, a non-contact switch having the following effects can be realized.

First, since the switch operator can perform the switch operation using the hologram 111 and the image 14 that appears to be raised by the light source 12 as a mark, the sanitary non-contact switch operation can be reliably performed and erroneous operation can be prevented. It can be done while. Further, even a person who has no operation experience can easily perform the operation.

Further, by using the hologram 111, it is possible to form a three-dimensional image that appears to be raised, and to operate the switch for the first time by making the three-dimensional image a shape reminiscent of a switch. Can easily recognize the presence of the switch.

Also, since the hologram 111 is used to form the image 14 that appears to be raised, an expensive refractive index distribution type rod lens is not required, and the cost of the switch can be reduced.

Further, when a gradient index rod lens is used, the number of parts constituting a non-contact switch is large,
Although it is necessary to adjust the arrangement position of the components, a switch that can be easily assembled with a small number of components is realized by using a hologram.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining another configuration of the non-contact switch using the hologram, which is a configuration of the non-contact switch effectively utilizing the features of the hologram.

In this non-contact switch, the hologram 112
Light source 121 and second light source 1 as light sources for reproducing light to
22 are provided. The reproduction light from these light sources is applied to the hologram 112 from different directions, and the hologram 112 has different three-dimensional images when viewed from the direction of the arrow A2 according to the reproduction light. It is manufactured by multiple exposure so that it can be seen. The hologram 112 in FIG. 3 is a transmission hologram, and a light source is disposed behind the hologram 112 when viewed from the direction of arrow A2. Note that FIG. 3 shows a state in which an image 141 (shown in the shape of a disk) appears by the reproduction light 131 from the first light source 121, and FIG. An image 142 (shown in the shape of a quadrangular pyramid) is shown in a raised state. In addition, it is possible to form a different stereoscopic image by the reproduction light from different directions in this way by using a multiple-exposure reflection hologram. In this case, a plurality of light sources for the reproduction light are used. It is arranged on the front side of the hologram (on the side where the image emerges).

Also in this non-contact switch, the light projecting element 21 and the light receiving element 22 are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the three-dimensional image generated by the hologram 112 in the same manner as shown in FIG. The light 24 is received by the light receiving element 22. The light receiving element 22 is connected to a switching circuit 23, and outputs a switching state in accordance with a detection result of the light 24. That is, the light emitting element 21, the light receiving element 22, and the switching circuit 23 constitute the switching means 2.

In this non-contact switch, the switching output from the switching circuit 23 is input to the irradiation direction switching circuit 31. The irradiation direction switching circuit 31 is connected to the first light source 121 and the second light source 122, and controls which light source is turned on. With this configuration, in this non-contact switch, when the finger F is moved to touch the image 141 from the state where the first light source 121 is turned on and the image 141 is formed as shown in FIG. Is shut off, and based on the detection result, the output of the switching circuit 23 is sent to the irradiation direction switching circuit 31, and the first light source 121 is turned off and the second light source 122 is turned on. As a result, when the finger F touches the image 141, as shown in FIG.
Another image 142 will be formed at the position where 1 existed.

The finger F is moved from the state shown in FIG.
When the light 24 is interrupted again by touching the light source 22, the second light source 122 is turned off via the light receiving element 22, the switching circuit 23, and the irradiation direction switching circuit 31, and the first light source 1 is turned off.
21 turns on and the image 141 comes back to appear.

With such operation of the non-contact switch,
The switch operator can reliably perform the switch operation by performing an operation of touching the image 141 or the image 142, and further accurately determine the switching state (ON, OFF, or the like) from the shape of the image that appears to emerge. You can figure out.

In this non-contact switch, the switching of the display by such a three-dimensional image is performed by the hologram 1 which is multiple-exposed.
12, since it is realized by the first and second light sources 121 and 122 and the irradiation direction switching circuit 31, the configuration of the display switching mechanism is extremely simple, and the display switching operation is also easy.

The hologram 11 is shown in FIGS.
The change of the irradiation direction of the reproduction light to the light source 2 is realized by switching the lighting of the two light sources.
More than one different image may be formed. This makes it possible to display three or more states of the non-contact switch.

Further, in the non-contact switch shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the irradiation direction of the reproduction light is changed by switching the lighting of the light source. What is the method of changing the irradiation direction of the reproduction light? Alternatively, the light from one light source may be switched to the hologram 112 from different directions using an optical component such as a mirror and irradiated.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a non-contact switch having the same function as a plurality (three) of non-contact switches arranged. Hologram 113 by reproduction light from light source 123
The three-dimensional images 151, 152, and 153 appear above the image. Hologram 1
Three combinations of the light projecting element 211 and the light receiving element 221 are arranged substantially on the sides of the image 13 to correspond to the respective images. These are each a switching circuit 2 as in FIG.
3 is connected. Light 241 is emitted from the light projecting element 211, and when an object (in this example, the finger F) enters a space area where any image can be seen, reflected light 251 from the object is received by the light receiving element 221. It is designed to receive light. Therefore, the light projecting element 211, the light receiving element 221,
Each of the three combinations of the switching circuit 23 and the switching circuit 23 constitutes a switching unit 2 that performs switching by detecting that an object (finger F) has entered from the outside into a space area where each image can be viewed. However, this switching means 2 is different from FIG. 1 and has the same configuration as a reflection type photoelectric switch.

The reflection type photoelectric switch can respond only when the finger F is present at a certain distance from the light receiving element. It is possible to design so that switching is not performed when the finger F is present.
Therefore, even when a reflection-type photoelectric switch is used, an accurate switch operation can be performed using the raised image as a mark.

When a reflection type photoelectric switch and a transmission type hologram are used, a light source, a light emitting element, and a light receiving element are provided above the hologram 113 (on the side where the operation is performed by the finger F). Since the switch does not exist, the appearance of the non-contact switch can be made to look beautiful, and there is no obstacle in the operation, and the operability is improved.

The non-contact switch shown in FIG.
In addition, the hologram 113 subjected to multiple exposure can be used similarly to the non-contact switch shown in FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, by switching the lighting of another light source 124 and the light source 123, the images seen at the three operation positions can be switched at once. Thus, for example, when the function of the switch corresponding to each image (such as the control content of a certain device) is changed at one time, it is possible to clearly display the change in the function. Therefore,
Erroneous operation can be reduced.

Although the non-contact switch shown in FIG. 5 has the same function as three non-contact switches are arranged, the hologram 113 and the light source 123 (or
Since the light source 124) is a common component, the number of components can be reduced as compared with a case where a plurality of non-contact switches are individually arranged.

In FIG. 5, the light projecting element 211 and the light receiving element 221 are arranged substantially on the side of the hologram 113. However, any hologram that can sufficiently transmit the light 241 from the light projecting element 211 can be used. Alternatively, the light projecting element 211 and the light receiving element 221 may be arranged behind the hologram 113 (on the side opposite to the side on which an image is formed).

The operating principle and some configurations of the non-contact switch according to the present invention have been described above. Next, a specific configuration example of the non-contact switch will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the entire non-contact switch panel 100, and FIG. 7 is a view showing a vertical section viewed from the direction indicated by BB in FIG.

This non-contact switch panel 100 has a structure in which four non-contact switches 101 are arranged in two rows and two columns in a case 4. Each non-contact switch 101 uses a reflection type multiple exposure hologram 114. The configuration is similar to that of the non-contact switch shown in FIGS. The switching circuit and the irradiation direction switching circuit are not shown.

Each non-contact switch 101 has a hologram 11
7 has a light projecting element 212 and a light receiving element 222 so as to face each other along a diagonal when viewed from above.
The first light source 125 is located below the light projecting element 212 as shown in FIG.
And a second light source 126 below the light receiving element 222. 6, the first light source 125 and the second light source 126 are provided beside the light projecting element 212 and the light receiving element 222 for convenience of illustration.
Is displayed.

In this non-contact switch 101, a Lippmann hologram is used as the hologram 114. The first light source 125 and the second light source 126 are light sources that emit white light using light emitting diodes.
These holograms and light sources may of course be of other types.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first light source 12
The fifth and second light sources 126, and the light projecting element 212 and the light receiving element 222 are arranged so as to be embedded in the case 4 so as to face each other on a diagonal line of the hologram 114.

Here, when the switch operator inserts the finger F into the space surrounded by the case 4 on the hologram 114 so as to touch the image 143 formed by the hologram 114 and the first light source 125, the light emitting element Light 242 from 212 is cut off and switching is performed by the switching circuit. Then, the first light source 125 emitting the reproduction light 135 is turned off by the operation of the irradiation direction switching circuit,
The second light source 126 is turned on, and the hologram 114 is irradiated with the reproduction light 136 from a direction different from that of the reproduction light 135. As a result, another image is formed at the position of the image 143 to inform the switch operator that the switching has been performed. After confirming that the image has changed, the switch operator pulls the finger F upward, moves the finger F away from the non-contact switch 101, and the switch operation is completed. When the switch is operated next, switching is performed by the switch operator inserting the finger F so as to touch the image,
An image based on the reproduction light 135 from the first light source 125 appears.

The switching system can be variously modified by the design of the switching circuit.
The switching operation may be such that the second light source 126 is turned on instead of the first light source 125 only while the light source is in contact with the image 143. Also, the image to be formed does not necessarily have to be three-dimensional. For example, the first light source 125
A flat character "OFF" emerges, and the second light source 1 only while the finger F is touching this character.
26 may be used to make the two-dimensional character "ON" appear to appear.

The operation of the non-contact switch according to the present invention is not limited to the operation by a finger, but may be the operation by touching an image with an input pen or the like.

The examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are examples of a specific configuration, and the configuration of a non-contact switch using a hologram may be variously changed as described with reference to FIGS. Available.

By forming a three-dimensional image using a hologram as described above, a non-contact switch excellent in operability capable of performing an accurate operation can be realized, and the configuration of the non-contact switch can be simplified. In addition, the cost can be reduced.

[0049]

According to the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, an image is raised using a hologram, and switching is performed by detecting, in a non-contact manner, an object entering from outside into a space region where the image can be seen. Therefore, an accurate switch operation can be performed using the image as a mark. Thus, a non-contact switch having excellent operability can be realized with a simple structure, and the cost of the non-contact switch can be reduced.

According to the second and third aspects of the present invention,
By using a hologram subjected to multiple exposure, different images appear depending on the switching, so that the display can be changed with an extremely simple structure, and more accurate switch operation can be performed.

Further, according to the invention of claim 6, since each of the plurality of images appearing by the hologram has the same function as one non-contact switch, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with arranging a plurality of non-contact switches. It becomes possible to reduce.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a non-contact switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operation principle of the non-contact switch shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another configuration of the non-contact switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation of the non-contact switch shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing still another configuration of the non-contact switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a non-contact switch panel using the non-contact switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the non-contact switch shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Switching means 12, 123, 124 Light source 13, 131-133, 135, 136 Reproduction light 14, 141-143, 151-153 Image 21, 211, 212 Light projecting element 22, 221, 222 Light receiving element 23 Switching circuit 31 Irradiation Direction switching circuit 101 Non-contact switch 111-114 Hologram 121, 125 First light source 122, 126 Second light source F Finger

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor, Okamoto Byto Ichizumi Denki Electric Co., Ltd. (7-1) Nishimiyahara 1-7-1, Nishimiyahara 1-7-1, Nishimiyahara, Osaka Inside Electric Co., Ltd.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A non-contact switch for performing a switch operation in a non-contact manner, comprising: a hologram for raising an image; a light source for irradiating a reproduction light toward the hologram; and a space region where the image appears to be raised. A non-contact switch that performs switching by non-contactly detecting that an object has entered from the outside. 2. The non-contact switch according to claim 1, further comprising irradiation direction changing means for changing an irradiation direction of the reproduction light in accordance with switching by the switching means, wherein the hologram is subjected to multiple exposure. A non-contact switch, which is a hologram, wherein the image that appears to be floating changes when the irradiation direction of the reproduction light is changed by the irradiation direction changing unit. 3. The non-contact switch according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of light sources are provided, and said irradiation direction changing means is means for switching a light source among a plurality of said light sources. Non-contact switch. 4. The non-contact switch according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit detects that an object has entered from outside into a space area where the image appears to be visible. A non-contact switch, which is a reflection-type photoelectric switch for detecting. 5. The non-contact switch according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit detects that an object has entered from outside into a space area where the image appears to be raised. A non-contact switch, which is a transmission type photoelectric switch for detecting. 6. The non-contact switch according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of images emerged by said hologram, and a plurality of said switching means are provided corresponding to each image. Non-contact switch characterized by the following.