JP6496618B2 - Input device - Google Patents

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JP6496618B2
JP6496618B2 JP2015123816A JP2015123816A JP6496618B2 JP 6496618 B2 JP6496618 B2 JP 6496618B2 JP 2015123816 A JP2015123816 A JP 2015123816A JP 2015123816 A JP2015123816 A JP 2015123816A JP 6496618 B2 JP6496618 B2 JP 6496618B2
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rotation
rotation operation
operation unit
electrode
detection signal
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JP2017009374A (en
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俊季 中村
俊季 中村
尚 佐々木
尚 佐々木
譲 川名
譲 川名
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Alps Alpine Co Ltd
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Alps Electric Co Ltd
Alps Alpine Co Ltd
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Description

本発明は、回転操作に応じた入力信号を検出する入力装置に関する。   The present invention relates to an input device that detects an input signal corresponding to a rotation operation.

従来より、回転操作角度を検出するための入力装置が種々提案されている。例えば、特許文献１には、電極間の静電容量の変化を利用して、回転操作の入力信号を検出する回転式入力装置が開示されている。特許文献１の入力装置は、物理的な回転操作のみを検出している。   Conventionally, various input devices for detecting a rotation operation angle have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a rotary input device that detects a rotation operation input signal using a change in capacitance between electrodes. The input device of Patent Document 1 detects only a physical rotation operation.

特開２０１４−２０８０号公報JP 2014-2080 A

ところで、この種の入力装置では、物理的な回転操作に加えて押圧操作も検出したいという要望がある。この押圧操作の検出に機械的なスイッチ機構を用いると、機構部品が増えて構造が複雑化するとともに、装置の厚みが増すため薄型化に不利である。   By the way, in this type of input device, there is a demand for detecting a pressing operation in addition to a physical rotation operation. If a mechanical switch mechanism is used for detecting this pressing operation, the number of mechanical parts increases, the structure becomes complicated, and the thickness of the apparatus increases, which is disadvantageous for making the device thinner.

本発明はかかる事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、機械的なスイッチ機構を用いない簡易な構成で回転操作と押圧操作を検出可能な入力装置を提供することにある。   The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an input device capable of detecting a rotation operation and a pressing operation with a simple configuration that does not use a mechanical switch mechanism.

第１の発明に係る入力装置は、基台と、前記基台に回転自在に保持された回転操作部と、前記基台に設けられた固定電極と、前記回転操作部に設けられ、前記回転操作部の回転に伴って前記固定電極との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量が変化する可動電極と、前記キャパシタの静電容量に応じた検出信号を生成する検出信号生成部と、前記検出信号に基づいて前記回転操作部の回転に係わる情報を取得する処理を行う回転情報処理部とを有し、前記回転操作部が前記基台に向かって押圧されると前記回転操作部と前記基台との距離が変化し、前記押圧を解除すると前記距離が前記押圧前に戻り、前記押圧によって前記回転操作部と前記基台との距離が変化すると前記固定電極と前記可動電極との距離が変化し、前記押圧による前記検出信号の変化に基づいて、前記回転操作部の前記押圧に係わる情報を取得する処理を行う押圧情報処理部を有する。
上記の構成によれば、前記回転操作部が前記基台に向かって押圧されると、当該押圧によって前記回転操作部と前記基台との距離が変化し、前記固定電極と前記可動電極との距離が変化し、これにより前記固定電極と前記可動電極との間に形成される前記キャパシタの静電容量が変化するため、前記検出信号が変化する。また、前記回転操作部に対する前記押圧が解除されると、前記固定電極と前記可動電極との距離が前記押圧前に戻るため、前記押圧により変化した前記検出信号は前記押圧前に戻る。すなわち、押圧の有無に応じて前記検出信号が変化する。前記押圧情報処理部では、前記押圧による前記検出信号の変化に基づいて、前記回転操作部の前記押圧に係わる情報を取得する処理が行われる。従って、スイッチ機構などの追加部品を設けずとも、前記回転操作部の前記押圧に係わる情報の取得が可能となる。 An input device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a base, a rotation operation unit rotatably held on the base, a fixed electrode provided on the base, and the rotation operation unit. A movable electrode in which the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode and the fixed electrode changes with the rotation of the operation unit; a detection signal generation unit that generates a detection signal according to the capacitance of the capacitor; A rotation information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to rotation of the rotation operation unit based on a detection signal, and the rotation operation unit and the rotation operation unit when the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base When the distance to the base changes and the pressure is released, the distance returns to before the press, and when the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes due to the press, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode Changes and the detection by the pressing Based on the change in the item, having a pressing processing unit that performs the rotation operation portion processing for acquiring information relating to the pressing of.
According to said structure, when the said rotation operation part is pressed toward the said base, the distance of the said rotation operation part and the said base will change by the said press, and the said fixed electrode and the said movable electrode Since the distance changes, and thereby the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode changes, the detection signal changes. In addition, when the pressing against the rotation operation unit is released, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode returns to before the pressing, so the detection signal changed by the pressing returns to before the pressing. That is, the detection signal changes according to the presence or absence of pressing. The pressing information processing unit performs processing for acquiring information related to the pressing of the rotation operation unit based on a change in the detection signal due to the pressing. Therefore, it is possible to acquire information related to the pressing of the rotation operation unit without providing additional parts such as a switch mechanism.

前記押圧情報処理部は、前記押圧の開始を判定したときから前記押圧の終了を判定したときまでの押圧期間に前記回転情報処理部が取得した前記回転の情報に基づいて、前記押圧期間における前記回転操作部の回転角度の変化量を算出し、当該算出した回転角度の変化量が所定の角度より小さい場合、前記回転操作部の回転が停止した状態で押圧操作がなされたと判定する。
上記の構成によれば、前記回転操作部の回転が停止した状態での意図的な押圧操作とそれ以外の操作とを判別することが可能となる。 Before SL pressing information processing unit, on the basis of the rotational information which the rotation processing unit in the pressing period until when it is determined the completion of the pressing is obtained from the time of determining the start of the press, in the press period the rotation operating unit to the calculated amount of change the rotation angle, when the amount of change rotation angle the calculated is smaller than a predetermined angle, it is determined that the rotation operating part pressing operation in a state where the rotation is stopped in were made.
According to said structure, it becomes possible to discriminate | determine intentional pressing operation in the state which rotation of the said rotation operation part stopped, and operation other than that.

好適には、前記回転操作部と前記基台は、前記回転操作部の回転の軸方向と垂直な平面部をそれぞれ有してよい。前記回転操作部が前記軸方向と平行な方向へ前記基台に向かって押圧されると、前記回転操作部の前記平面部と前記基台の前記平面部との距離が変化し、前記押圧を解除すると、前記平面部間の距離が前記押圧前に戻ってよい。前記固定電極は、前記基台の前記平面部に設けられてよく、前記可動電極は、前記回転操作部の前記平面部に設けられてよい。
上記の構成によれば、前記固定電極が設けられた前記基台の平面部と、前記可動電極が設けられた前記回転操作部の平面部とが、共に前記軸方向と垂直であるため、前記基台の平面部と前記回転操作部の前記平面部とを近づけても、前記基台に対する前記回転操作部の回転が妨げられない。すなわち、前記軸方向における上記入力装置の外形の厚みを薄型化し易くなる。
また、前記基台の平面部と前記回転操作部の平面部とを近づけることで、前記固定電極と前記可動電極との距離が短くなり、前記キャパシタの静電容量が大きくなる。すなわち、外形の薄型化を図りつつ、前記キャパシタの静電容量を大きくすることが可能となる。
更に、薄型化を妨げることなく前記平面部の面積を広げられるため、前記固定電極及び前記可動電極の面積を大きくすることができる。これにより、前記キャパシタの静電容量を更に大きくすることが可能となる。
しかも、外形の薄型化によって前記基台の平面部と前記回転操作部の平面部とが近づくと、前記固定電極と前記可動電極との距離が僅かに変化しても前記キャパシタの静電容量が大きく変化するようになる。すなわち、前記押圧に対する前記検出信号の変化が大きくなる。そのため、前記押圧の検出感度が向上する。 Suitably, the said rotation operation part and the said base may each have a plane part perpendicular | vertical to the axial direction of rotation of the said rotation operation part. When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base in a direction parallel to the axial direction, the distance between the plane part of the rotation operation unit and the plane part of the base changes, and the pressing is performed. When released, the distance between the planar portions may return before the pressing. The fixed electrode may be provided on the flat surface portion of the base, and the movable electrode may be provided on the flat surface portion of the rotation operation portion.
According to the above configuration, since the flat portion of the base on which the fixed electrode is provided and the flat portion of the rotational operation portion on which the movable electrode is provided are both perpendicular to the axial direction, Even if the plane part of the base and the plane part of the rotation operation part are brought close to each other, the rotation of the rotation operation part relative to the base is not hindered. That is, it is easy to reduce the thickness of the outer shape of the input device in the axial direction.
Further, by bringing the flat part of the base and the flat part of the rotation operation part close to each other, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode is shortened, and the capacitance of the capacitor is increased. That is, it is possible to increase the capacitance of the capacitor while reducing the outer shape.
Furthermore, since the area of the plane portion can be increased without hindering the reduction in thickness, the areas of the fixed electrode and the movable electrode can be increased. As a result, the capacitance of the capacitor can be further increased.
In addition, when the flat portion of the base and the flat portion of the rotation operation unit approach due to the thinning of the outer shape, the capacitance of the capacitor is reduced even if the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode changes slightly. It will change greatly. That is, the detection signal changes with respect to the pressure. Therefore, the detection sensitivity of the press is improved.

好適には、上記入力装置は、前記可動電極との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量がそれぞれ異なる複数の前記固定電極からなる少なくとも一組の固定電極群を有してよい。前記検出信号生成部は、前記固定電極群と前記可動電極との間に形成される一群のキャパシタの静電容量に応じた一群の前記検出信号を生成してよい。前記回転情報処理部は、前記一群の検出信号に基づいて前記回転に係わる情報を取得してよい。前記押圧情報処理部は、前記一群の前記検出信号の和を算出し、当該和に基づいて前記押圧に係わる情報を取得してよい。
上記の構成によれば、前記一群の検出信号の和を算出することで、前記押圧に伴う個々の前記検出信号の変化が足し合わされるため、当該和の算出結果には、前記押圧に伴う大きな変化が表れる。従って、当該和の算出結果に基づいて、前記押圧に係わる情報を感度よく取得することが可能となる。 Preferably, the input device may include at least one set of fixed electrode groups including a plurality of the fixed electrodes having different capacitances formed between the movable electrode and the capacitor. The detection signal generation unit may generate a group of the detection signals corresponding to a capacitance of a group of capacitors formed between the fixed electrode group and the movable electrode. The rotation information processing unit may acquire information related to the rotation based on the group of detection signals. The pressing information processing unit may calculate a sum of the detection signals of the group and acquire information related to the pressing based on the sum.
According to said structure, since the change of each said detection signal accompanying the said press is added by calculating the sum of the said group of detection signals, the calculation result of the said sum is large with the said press. Change appears. Therefore, based on the calculation result of the sum, information related to the pressing can be acquired with high sensitivity.

好適には、前記押圧情報処理部は、前記一群の検出信号の和と所定のしきい値とを比較した結果に基づいて、前記押圧の有無を判定してよい。
上記の構成によれば、前記押圧の有無が簡易に精度良く判定される。 Preferably, the pressing information processing unit may determine the presence or absence of the pressing based on a result of comparing a sum of the group of detection signals with a predetermined threshold value.
According to said structure, the presence or absence of the said press is determined easily and accurately.

好適には、前記回転操作部が前記基台に向かって押圧されると、前記回転操作部及び前記基台の少なくとも一方が弾性変形してよい。
上記の構成によれば、前記回転操作部及び前記基台の少なくとも一方が前記押圧により弾性変形することで、前記基台の平面部と前記回転操作部の平面部との距離が押圧力に応じて変化し、これにより、前記検出信号が押圧力に応じて変化する。従って、前記回転操作部に対する押圧力を簡易な構成で検出することが可能となる。 Preferably, when the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base, at least one of the rotation operation unit and the base may be elastically deformed.
According to said structure, the distance of the plane part of the said base and the plane part of the said rotation operation part respond | corresponds to pressing force because at least one of the said rotation operation part and the said base elastically deforms by the said press. Thereby, the detection signal changes according to the pressing force. Therefore, it is possible to detect the pressing force on the rotation operation unit with a simple configuration.

第２の発明に係る入力装置は、基台と、前記基台に回転自在に保持された回転操作部と、前記基台に設けられた固定電極と、前記回転操作部に設けられ、前記回転操作部の回転に伴って前記固定電極との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量が変化する可動電極と、前記キャパシタの静電容量に応じた検出信号を生成する検出信号生成部と、前記検出信号に基づいて前記回転操作部の回転に係わる情報を取得する処理を行う回転情報処理部とを有し、前記回転操作部が前記基台に向かって押圧されると前記回転操作部と前記基台との距離が変化し、前記押圧を解除すると前記距離が前記押圧前に戻り、前記押圧によって前記回転操作部と前記基台との距離が変化すると前記固定電極と前記可動電極との距離が変化し、前記押圧による前記検出信号の変化に基づいて、前記回転操作部の前記押圧に係わる情報を取得する処理を行う押圧情報処理部を有する。前記回転操作部と前記基台は、前記回転操作部の回転の軸方向と垂直な平面部をそれぞれ有する。前記回転操作部が前記軸方向と平行な方向へ前記基台に向かって押圧されると、前記回転操作部の前記平面部と前記基台の前記平面部との距離が変化し、前記押圧を解除すると、前記平面部間の距離が前記押圧前に戻る。前記固定電極は、前記基台の前記平面部に設けられ、前記可動電極は、前記回転操作部の前記平面部に設けられる。上記入力装置は、前記回転操作部の回転軸を中心として円状に等間隔に並んだＮ組の前記固定電極群と、前記基台において前記Ｎ組の固定電極群と隣接して設けられ、前記回転軸を中心とする円環形状に形成された駆動電極と、前記駆動電極に駆動電圧を供給する駆動部とを有する。前記固定電極群は、前記回転軸を中心として円弧状に等間隔に並んだＫ個の前記固定電極を含む。前記固定電極群に含まれる前記Ｋ個の固定電極において、前記回転軸を中心とした所定の円周方向における順番が第ｉ番目（ｉは１からＫまでの整数を示す。）の固定電極を第ｉ固定電極とした場合に、前記Ｎ組の固定電極群に含まれるＮ個の前記第ｉ固定電極と前記可動電極との間には、共通の静電容量を持つキャパシタがそれぞれ形成される。前記駆動電極は、複数の部分駆動電極に分かれており、前記可動電極と前記部分駆動電極との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量は、前記回転操作部の回転に依らず一定である。前記検出信号生成部は、前記第１固定電極乃至第Ｋ固定電極に対応した第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号を生成する。前記第ｉ検出信号は、前記部分駆動電極への前記駆動電圧の供給により、前記Ｎ個の第ｉ固定電極と前記可動電極との間に形成されるＮ個のキャパシタに蓄積された電荷の和に応じた信号である。前記回転情報処理部は、前記複数の部分駆動電極の一部若しくは全部に共通の前記駆動電圧を供給するように前記駆動部を制御し、前記駆動電圧の供給に伴って生成される前記第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号に基づいて前記回転に係わる情報を取得する。前記押圧情報処理部は、前記複数の部分駆動電極から順番に一の部分駆動電極を選択し、選択した一の部分駆動電極へ前記駆動電圧を供給するように前記駆動部を制御し、当該駆動電圧の供給に伴って生成される前記第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号の和を算出し、当該和に基づいて、当該一の部分駆動電極に対応した前記基台上の一領域への前記押圧に係わる情報を取得する。
上記の構成によれば、前記複数の部分駆動電極の一部若しくは全部に共通の前記駆動電圧を供給することにより生成される前記第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号に基づいて、前記回転操作部の回転に係わる情報が取得される。また、一の部分駆動電極へ前記駆動電圧を供給することにより生成される前記第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号の和に基づいて、当該一の部分駆動電極に対応した前記基台上の一領域への前記押圧に係わる情報が取得される。 An input device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a base, a rotation operation unit rotatably held on the base, a fixed electrode provided on the base, and the rotation operation unit. A movable electrode in which the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode and the fixed electrode changes with the rotation of the operation unit; a detection signal generation unit that generates a detection signal according to the capacitance of the capacitor; A rotation information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to rotation of the rotation operation unit based on a detection signal, and the rotation operation unit and the rotation operation unit when the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base When the distance to the base changes and the pressure is released, the distance returns to before the press, and when the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes due to the press, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode Changes and the detection by the pressing Based on the change in the item, having a pressing processing unit that performs the rotation operation portion processing for acquiring information relating to the pressing of. The rotation operation part and the base each have a flat part perpendicular to the axial direction of rotation of the rotation operation part. When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base in a direction parallel to the axial direction, the distance between the plane part of the rotation operation unit and the plane part of the base changes, and the pressing is performed. When released, the distance between the flat portions returns to before the pressing. The fixed electrode is provided on the flat surface portion of the base, and the movable electrode is provided on the flat surface portion of the rotation operation portion. The input device is provided adjacent to the N sets of fixed electrode groups on the base, and the N sets of fixed electrode groups arranged in a circle at regular intervals around the rotation axis of the rotation operation unit, a drive electrode formed in an annular shape around said rotation axis, to have a driving unit for supplying a drive voltage to the drive electrodes. The fixed electrode groups, including the K-number the fixed electrode of equally spaced arcuately about said rotary shaft. In the K fixed electrodes included in the fixed electrode group, an i-th fixed electrode (i represents an integer from 1 to K) in a predetermined circumferential direction around the rotation axis. when the i-th fixed electrode, between the N-number of the i-th fixed electrode and the movable electrode included in said N sets of the fixed electrode groups, a capacitor with a common capacitance Ru are formed respectively . The drive electrodes are divided into a plurality of partial driving electrodes, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the movable electrode and the partial driving electrode, Ru constant der regardless of the rotation of the rotation operating part . The detection signal generation unit generates a first detection signal, second K detection signal corresponding to the first fixed electrode, second K fixed electrode. The i-th detection signal is a sum of charges accumulated in N capacitors formed between the N i-th fixed electrodes and the movable electrodes by supplying the drive voltage to the partial drive electrodes. Ru signal der according to the. The rotation information processing unit controls the driving unit to supply the driving voltage common to some or all of the plurality of partial driving electrodes, and the first information generated in response to the supply of the driving voltage. obtaining information relating to the rotated based on the detection signal to the K detection signal. The pressing information processing unit selects one partial drive electrode in order from the plurality of partial drive electrodes, controls the drive unit to supply the drive voltage to the selected partial drive electrode, and drives the drive The sum of the first detection signal to the Kth detection signal generated with the supply of voltage is calculated, and based on the sum, the one area on the base corresponding to the one partial drive electrode is calculated. to obtain information related to the press.
According to said structure, based on the said 1st detection signal thru | or the Kth detection signal produced | generated by supplying the said drive voltage common to some or all of these partial drive electrodes, the said rotation operation part Information related to the rotation of is acquired. Further, based on the sum of the first detection signal to the Kth detection signal generated by supplying the drive voltage to one partial drive electrode, one on the base corresponding to the one partial drive electrode. Information relating to the pressing on the area is acquired.

第３の発明に係る入力装置は、基台と、前記基台に回転自在に保持された回転操作部と、前記基台に設けられた固定電極と、前記回転操作部に設けられ、前記回転操作部の回転に伴って前記固定電極との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量が変化する可動電極と、前記キャパシタの静電容量に応じた検出信号を生成する検出信号生成部と、前記検出信号に基づいて前記回転操作部の回転に係わる情報を取得する処理を行う回転情報処理部とを有し、前記回転操作部が前記基台に向かって押圧されると前記回転操作部と前記基台との距離が変化し、前記押圧を解除すると前記距離が前記押圧前に戻り、前記押圧によって前記回転操作部と前記基台との距離が変化すると前記固定電極と前記可動電極との距離が変化し、前記押圧による前記検出信号の変化に基づいて、前記回転操作部の前記押圧に係わる情報を取得する処理を行う押圧情報処理部を有する。前記回転操作部と前記基台は、前記回転操作部の回転の軸方向と垂直な平面部をそれぞれ有する。前記回転操作部が前記軸方向と平行な方向へ前記基台に向かって押圧されると、前記回転操作部の前記平面部と前記基台の前記平面部との距離が変化し、前記押圧を解除すると、前記平面部間の距離が前記押圧前に戻る。前記固定電極は、前記基台の前記平面部に設けられ、前記可動電極は、前記回転操作部の前記平面部に設けられる。上記入力装置は、前記回転操作部の回転軸を中心として円状に等間隔に並んだＮ組の前記固定電極群と、前記基台において前記Ｎ組の固定電極群と隣接して設けられ、前記回転軸を中心とする円環形状に形成され、前記回転操作部の回転に依らない一定の静電容量を持つキャパシタが前記可動電極との間に形成される駆動電極と、前記駆動電極に駆動電圧を供給する駆動部とを有する。前記固定電極群は、前記回転軸を中心として円弧状に等間隔に並んだＫ個の前記固定電極を含む。前記固定電極群に含まれる前記Ｋ個の固定電極において、前記回転軸を中心とした所定の円周方向における順番が第ｉ番目（ｉは１からＫまでの整数を示す。）の固定電極を第ｉ固定電極とした場合に、前記Ｎ組の固定電極群に含まれるＮ個の前記第ｉ固定電極と前記可動電極との間には、共通の静電容量を持つキャパシタがそれぞれ形成される。前記Ｎ組の固定電極群は、それぞれ連続して並んだ複数の前記固定電極群からなるＭ個のグループに分かれている。前記検出信号生成部は、前記第１固定電極乃至第Ｋ固定電極に対応した第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号を、前記Ｍ個のグループのそれぞれについて生成する。一の前記グループについて生成される前記第ｉ検出信号は、前記駆動電極への前記駆動電圧の供給により、当該一のグループに所属する複数の前記第ｉ固定電極と前記可動電極との間に形成される複数のキャパシタに蓄積された電荷の和に応じた信号である。前記回転情報処理部は、前記駆動電極へ前記駆動電圧を供給するように前記駆動部を制御し、当該記駆動電圧の供給に伴って前記Ｍ個のグループのそれぞれについて生成される前記第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号に基づいて、前記回転に係わる情報を取得する。前記押圧情報処理部は、前記駆動電極へ前記駆動電圧を供給するように前記駆動部を制御し、当該駆動電圧の供給に伴って生成される前記第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号の和を、前記Ｍ個のグループについてそれぞれ算出し、前記Ｍ個のグループについて算出したＭ個の前記和に基づいて、前記Ｍ個のグループに対応した前記基台上のＭ個の領域への前記押圧に係わる情報をそれぞれ取得する。
上記の構成によれば、前記駆動電極への前記駆動電圧の供給に伴って前記Ｍ個のグループのそれぞれについて生成される前記第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号に基づいて、前記回転に係わる情報が取得される。また、前記駆動電極への前記駆動電圧の供給に伴って生成される前記第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号の和が、前記Ｍ個のグループについてそれぞれ算出され、前記Ｍ個のグループについて算出されたＭ個の前記和に基づいて、前記Ｍ個のグループに対応した前記基台上のＭ個の領域への前記押圧に係わる情報がそれぞれ取得される。 An input device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a base, a rotation operation unit rotatably held on the base, a fixed electrode provided on the base, and the rotation operation unit. A movable electrode in which the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode and the fixed electrode changes with the rotation of the operation unit; a detection signal generation unit that generates a detection signal according to the capacitance of the capacitor; A rotation information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to rotation of the rotation operation unit based on a detection signal, and the rotation operation unit and the rotation operation unit when the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base When the distance to the base changes and the pressure is released, the distance returns to before the press, and when the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes due to the press, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode Changes and the detection by the pressing Based on the change in the item, having a pressing processing unit that performs the rotation operation portion processing for acquiring information relating to the pressing of. The rotation operation part and the base each have a flat part perpendicular to the axial direction of rotation of the rotation operation part. When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base in a direction parallel to the axial direction, the distance between the plane part of the rotation operation unit and the plane part of the base changes, and the pressing is performed. When released, the distance between the flat portions returns to before the pressing. The fixed electrode is provided on the flat surface portion of the base, and the movable electrode is provided on the flat surface portion of the rotation operation portion. The input device is provided adjacent to the N sets of fixed electrode groups on the base, and the N sets of fixed electrode groups arranged in a circle at regular intervals around the rotation axis of the rotation operation unit, A drive electrode formed in an annular shape centering on the rotation axis and having a constant capacitance independent of the rotation of the rotation operation unit is formed between the movable electrode, and the drive electrode to have a driving unit for supplying a driving voltage. The fixed electrode groups, including the K-number the fixed electrode of equally spaced arcuately about said rotary shaft. In the K fixed electrodes included in the fixed electrode group, an i-th fixed electrode (i represents an integer from 1 to K) in a predetermined circumferential direction around the rotation axis. when the i-th fixed electrode, between the N-number of the i-th fixed electrode and the movable electrode included in said N sets of the fixed electrode groups, a capacitor with a common capacitance Ru are formed respectively . Wherein N sets of fixed electrodes is divided into M groups each consisting of consecutive plurality of the fixed electrodes aligned. The detection signal generating section, the first detection signal, second K detection signal corresponding to the first fixed electrode, second K fixed electrode, to generate for each of the M groups. The i-th detection signal generated for one group is formed between the plurality of i-th fixed electrodes and the movable electrode belonging to the group by supplying the driving voltage to the driving electrode. Ru signals der corresponding to the sum of the charges accumulated in the plurality of capacitors to be. The rotation information processing unit controls the driving unit to supply the driving voltage to the driving electrode, and the first detection generated for each of the M groups with the supply of the driving voltage. signal to based on the first K detection signal, to obtain information relating to the rotation. The pressing information processing unit controls the driving unit to supply the driving voltage to the driving electrode, and calculates a sum of the first detection signal to the Kth detection signal generated with the supply of the driving voltage. , Respectively, for the M groups, and based on the sum of the M calculated for the M groups, the pressure on the M areas on the base corresponding to the M groups the related information to get, respectively.
According to the above configuration, the information related to the rotation based on the first detection signal to the Kth detection signal generated for each of the M groups with the supply of the drive voltage to the drive electrode. Is acquired. In addition, the sum of the first detection signal to the Kth detection signal generated along with the supply of the drive voltage to the drive electrode is calculated for each of the M groups, and is calculated for the M groups. On the basis of the M sums, information related to the pressing to the M areas on the base corresponding to the M groups is acquired.

本発明によれば、機械的なスイッチ機構を用いない簡易な構成で回転操作と押圧操作を検出することができる。   According to the present invention, it is possible to detect a rotation operation and a pressing operation with a simple configuration that does not use a mechanical switch mechanism.

本発明の実施形態に係る入力装置の表面の外観を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the surface of the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施形態に係る入力装置の裏面の外観を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the back surface of the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施形態に係る入力装置の分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 図１のＸ−Ｘ線の切断端面図である。図４Ａは切断端面の全体を示し、図４Ｂは切断端面の一部を拡大して示す。FIG. 2 is a cut end view taken along line XX in FIG. 1. 4A shows the entire cut end face, and FIG. 4B shows an enlarged part of the cut end face. 回転操作部の一部の拡大斜視図である。It is a one part enlarged perspective view of a rotation operation part. 回転操作部、可動電極及びスペーサシートを裏面側から観た斜視図である。It is the perspective view which looked at the rotation operation part, the movable electrode, and the spacer sheet | seat from the back surface side. 本発明の第１の実施形態に係る入力装置における固定電極群及び駆動電極の一例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows an example of the fixed electrode group and drive electrode in the input device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 対向配置された固定電極群と可動電極との平面視における重なりを説明するための図である。It is a figure for demonstrating the overlap in the planar view of the fixed electrode group and movable electrode which were opposingly arranged. 本発明の第１の実施形態に係る入力装置の全体的な構成の一例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of the input device which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 第１の実施形態に係る入力装置における回転操作の検出原理を説明するための図である。図１０Ａは、検出信号が回転操作に伴って変化する様子を表わしたグラフである。図１０Ｂは、逆相の変化を示す２つの検出信号の差が回転操作に伴って変化する様子を表わしたグラフである。It is a figure for demonstrating the detection principle of the rotation operation in the input device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 10A is a graph showing how the detection signal changes with the rotation operation. FIG. 10B is a graph showing a state in which the difference between two detection signals indicating a change in reverse phase changes with a rotation operation. 第１の実施形態に係る入力装置における押圧操作の検出原理を説明するための図であり、固定電極群と可動電極との距離が比較的遠い場合を示す。図１１Ａは、対向配置された固定電極群と可動電極とを模式的に表わした図である。図１１Ｂは、検出信号が回転操作に伴って変化する様子を表わしたグラフである。図１１Ｃは、逆相の変化を示す２つの検出信号の差が回転操作に伴って変化する様子を表わしたグラフである。It is a figure for demonstrating the detection principle of the press operation in the input device which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and shows the case where the distance of a fixed electrode group and a movable electrode is comparatively far. FIG. 11A is a diagram schematically illustrating a group of fixed electrodes and a movable electrode arranged to face each other. FIG. 11B is a graph showing how the detection signal changes with the rotation operation. FIG. 11C is a graph showing a state in which the difference between two detection signals indicating a change in opposite phase changes with a rotation operation. 第１の実施形態に係る入力装置の押圧操作における検出原理の説明に供する図であり、固定電極群と可動電極との距離が比較的近い場合を示す。図１２Ａは、対向配置された固定電極群と可動電極とを模式的に表わした図である。図１２Ｂは、検出信号が回転操作に伴って変化する様子を表わしたグラフである。図１２Ｃは、逆相の変化を示す２つの検出信号の差が回転操作に伴って変化する様子を表わしたグラフである。It is a figure where it uses for description of the detection principle in pressing operation of the input device which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and shows the case where the distance of a fixed electrode group and a movable electrode is comparatively short. FIG. 12A is a diagram schematically showing the fixed electrode group and the movable electrode arranged to face each other. FIG. 12B is a graph showing how the detection signal changes in accordance with the rotation operation. FIG. 12C is a graph showing a state in which the difference between two detection signals indicating a change in reverse phase changes with a rotation operation. 本発明の第２の実施形態に係る入力装置における固定電極群及び駆動電極の一例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows an example of the fixed electrode group and drive electrode in the input device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第２の実施形態に係る入力装置の全体的な構成の一例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows an example of the whole structure of the input device which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

以下、図面に基づいて、本発明の実施形態に係る入力装置について説明する。本実施形態に係る入力装置は、例えば回転エンコーダとして回転操作の検出が可能であるとともに、押圧操作の検出が可能である。   Hereinafter, an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The input device according to the present embodiment can detect a rotation operation as a rotary encoder, for example, and can detect a pressing operation.

＜第１の実施形態＞
まず、図１から図９を参照して、本発明の第１の実施形態に係る入力装置１について説明する。
図１は本発明の実施形態に係る入力装置１の表面の外観を示す図であり、図２は入力装置１の裏面の外観を示す図である。
図１及び図２に示すように、入力装置１の外観は、例えば、薄肉長方形状を呈している。入力装置１の表面側には外観パネル３が設けられ、裏面側には基板４が設けられている。外観パネル３には、例えば、円形の開口部３ａが形成されている。この開口部３ａには、回転操作部２０のダイヤル部２２が露出している。 <First Embodiment>
First, the input device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of the front surface of the input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the back surface of the input device 1.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the appearance of the input device 1 has, for example, a thin rectangular shape. An appearance panel 3 is provided on the front side of the input device 1, and a substrate 4 is provided on the back side. In the appearance panel 3, for example, a circular opening 3a is formed. The dial part 22 of the rotation operation part 20 is exposed in the opening 3a.

図３は、本発明の第１の実施形態に係る入力装置１の分解斜視図である。図４は、図１のＸ−Ｘ線の切断端面図である。なお、図３では、基板４に形成された固定電極群５０を概略的に図示している。
図３に示すように、外観パネル３と基板４との間には、表面側から順に、主にフレーム１０、回転操作部２０、可動電極３０及びスペーサシート４０の各構成要素が設けられている。基板４に形成された固定電極群５０が、スペーサシート４０を介して可動電極３０と対向する。以下、各構成要素について順に説明する。 FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the input device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cut end view taken along line XX of FIG. In FIG. 3, the fixed electrode group 50 formed on the substrate 4 is schematically illustrated.
As shown in FIG. 3, each component of the frame 10, the rotation operation unit 20, the movable electrode 30, and the spacer sheet 40 is provided between the appearance panel 3 and the substrate 4 in order from the surface side. . The fixed electrode group 50 formed on the substrate 4 faces the movable electrode 30 through the spacer sheet 40. Hereinafter, each component will be described in order.

図３及び図４に示すように、フレーム１０は、概ね長方形状の板部材である。フレーム１０は、外観パネル３と基板４との間隔を保持する部材である。フレーム１０には、外観パネル３の開口部３ａよりも開口径の大きい円形の開口部１０ａが形成される。この開口部１０ａ内には、回転操作部２０が回転自在に収容される。
外観パネル３と基板４とフレーム１０は、入力装置１の基台５を構成しており、この基台５において回転操作部２０が回転自在に保持される。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame 10 is a generally rectangular plate member. The frame 10 is a member that maintains a gap between the outer appearance panel 3 and the substrate 4. A circular opening 10 a having an opening diameter larger than that of the opening 3 a of the outer appearance panel 3 is formed in the frame 10. The rotary operation unit 20 is rotatably accommodated in the opening 10a.
The appearance panel 3, the substrate 4, and the frame 10 constitute a base 5 of the input device 1, and the rotation operation unit 20 is rotatably held on the base 5.

図５は、回転操作部２０の一部の拡大斜視図である。
図５に示すように、回転操作部２０は、概ね円盤状の部材であり、手指で回転操作するためのダイヤル部２２と、ダイヤル部２２の周囲に拡径され、複数の円弧部が連なるように形成されたフランジ部２４とを有する。ダイヤル部２２には、手指の掛かりを良くするために複数の溝部２３が形成されている。回転操作部２０は、回転軸２１（図４）を中心として回転する。 FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the rotation operation unit 20.
As shown in FIG. 5, the rotation operation unit 20 is a substantially disk-shaped member, and the diameter of the dial unit 22 for rotating with fingers and the circumference of the dial unit 22 is increased so that a plurality of arc portions are connected. And a flange portion 24 formed on the surface. The dial portion 22 is formed with a plurality of groove portions 23 in order to improve the finger grip. The rotation operation unit 20 rotates around the rotation shaft 21 (FIG. 4).

図６は、回転操作部２０、可動電極３０及びスペーサシート４０を裏面側から観た斜視図である。
図４及び図６に示すように、回転操作部２０の裏面には、回転軸２１に対して垂直な平面部２５が形成されており、この平面部２５に可動電極３０が取り付けられる。可動電極３０は、基板４に形成された固定電極群５０との間にキャパシタを形成する。このキャパシタの静電容量は、回転操作部２０の回転に伴って変化する。可動電極３０は、概ねリング状に形成された導体の板であって、内縁部３１が円形に形成され、外縁部３２が正弦波状の凹凸を持つ波形に形成されている。 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rotation operation unit 20, the movable electrode 30, and the spacer sheet 40 as viewed from the back side.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a flat surface portion 25 perpendicular to the rotation shaft 21 is formed on the back surface of the rotation operation portion 20, and the movable electrode 30 is attached to the flat surface portion 25. The movable electrode 30 forms a capacitor between the fixed electrode group 50 formed on the substrate 4. The capacitance of this capacitor changes with the rotation of the rotary operation unit 20. The movable electrode 30 is a conductor plate formed in a ring shape. The inner edge portion 31 is formed in a circular shape, and the outer edge portion 32 is formed in a waveform having sinusoidal irregularities.

図３及び図４に示すように、回転操作部２０と基板４との間には、スペーサシート４０が介設されている。回転操作部２０の裏面には、回転軸２１を中心とする４つの同心円を成して基板４側へ突出した４つの突起部（２６〜２９）が形成される。同心円の径は突起部２６が最も小さく、突起部２６，２７，２８，２９の順番で大きくなっている。可動電極３０が取り付けられる平面部２５は、突起部２８と突起部２９の間に位置する。回転操作部２０に押圧力が加わっていない状態において、内側の３つの突起部（２６〜２９）はスペーサシート４０に当接するが、最も外側の突起部２９はスペーサシート４０からやや離れた位置に浮いている。   As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a spacer sheet 40 is interposed between the rotation operation unit 20 and the substrate 4. On the back surface of the rotation operation unit 20, four protrusions (26 to 29) are formed that form four concentric circles around the rotation shaft 21 and protrude toward the substrate 4. The diameter of the concentric circle is the smallest in the protruding portion 26 and increases in the order of the protruding portions 26, 27, 28, and 29. The flat portion 25 to which the movable electrode 30 is attached is located between the protruding portion 28 and the protruding portion 29. In a state in which no pressing force is applied to the rotation operation unit 20, the three inner projections (26 to 29) abut on the spacer sheet 40, but the outermost projection 29 is slightly away from the spacer sheet 40. Floating.

基板４は、概ね長方形の形状を持つ絶縁体の板であり、回転操作部２０と対向した表側の平面部に固定電極群５０が設けられている。固定電極群５０は、例えば、基板４の平面部において電子回路（後述する検出信号生成部６０，処理部７０，記憶部８０など）を接続するプリント配線とともに形成された導体の薄膜である。   The substrate 4 is an insulating plate having a substantially rectangular shape, and a fixed electrode group 50 is provided on a flat surface portion facing the rotation operation unit 20. The fixed electrode group 50 is, for example, a thin film of a conductor formed together with a printed wiring that connects an electronic circuit (a detection signal generation unit 60, a processing unit 70, a storage unit 80, and the like, which will be described later) on the planar portion of the substrate 4.

図４Ｂにおいて示すように、スペーサシート４０で覆われた基板４の固定電極群５０と可動電極３０との間には、隙間３５が形成される。回転操作部２０が基板４に向かって押圧されると、この隙間３５が変化し、回転操作部２０と基板４との距離が短くなる。すなわち、押圧力を受けた回転操作部２０に弾性変形が生じ、スペーサシート４０からやや離れた位置に浮いていた突起部２９が基板４に向かって近づく。回転操作部２０の押圧を解除すると、回転操作部２０の弾性力によって突起部２９が基板４から離れる方向に動き、回転操作部２０と基板４との距離は押圧前に戻る。押圧によって回転操作部２０と基板４との距離が変化すると、それぞれの平面部に設けられた固定電極群５０と可動電極３０との距離が変化し、その結果、これらの間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量が変化する。本実施形態に係る入力装置１は、固定電極群５０と可動電極３０との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量が回転操作部２０の押圧によって変化することを利用して押圧操作を検出する。
なお、図示の例では、回転操作部２０が押圧によって弾性変形するが、本発明の他の例では基板の方が弾性変形してもよいし、回転操作部と基板の両方が弾性変形してもよい。 As shown in FIG. 4B, a gap 35 is formed between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 of the substrate 4 covered with the spacer sheet 40. When the rotation operation unit 20 is pressed toward the substrate 4, the gap 35 changes and the distance between the rotation operation unit 20 and the substrate 4 is shortened. That is, elastic deformation occurs in the rotary operation unit 20 that has received the pressing force, and the protruding portion 29 that floats slightly away from the spacer sheet 40 approaches toward the substrate 4. When the pressing of the rotation operation unit 20 is released, the protrusion 29 moves away from the substrate 4 due to the elastic force of the rotation operation unit 20, and the distance between the rotation operation unit 20 and the substrate 4 returns to before pressing. When the distance between the rotary operation unit 20 and the substrate 4 changes due to the pressing, the distance between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 provided on each plane changes, and as a result, a capacitor formed between them. The capacitance of changes. The input device 1 according to the present embodiment detects a pressing operation using the fact that the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 changes due to the pressing of the rotation operation unit 20. .
In the illustrated example, the rotation operation unit 20 is elastically deformed by pressing, but in another example of the present invention, the substrate may be elastically deformed, or both the rotation operation unit and the substrate are elastically deformed. Also good.

図７は、本発明の第１の実施形態に係る入力装置における固定電極群５０の一例を示す図である。
図７に示すように、基板４の平面部には、回転操作部２０の回転軸２１を中心として円状に等間隔に並んだ１６組の固定電極群５０が形成される。１組の固定電極群５０は、１周の略１／１６の角度範囲を占める。 FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the fixed electrode group 50 in the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 7, 16 sets of fixed electrode groups 50 are formed on the planar portion of the substrate 4 and arranged in a circle at regular intervals around the rotation shaft 21 of the rotation operation unit 20. One set of fixed electrode group 50 occupies an angle range of about 1/16 of one round.

個々の固定電極群５０は、回転操作部２０の回転軸２１を中心として円弧状に等間隔に並んだ４個の固定電極（Ａ，Ｂ，Ｃ，Ｄ）を含む。この固定電極（Ａ，Ｂ，Ｃ，Ｄ）は、略扇形状を呈しており、１周の略１／６４の角度範囲を占める。
以下の説明では、１組の固定電極群５０に含まれる４個の固定電極（Ａ，Ｂ，Ｃ，Ｄ）において、回転軸２１を中心とした図７の右回りの円周方向における順番が第ｉ番目（ｉは１から４までの整数を示す。）の固定電極を「第ｉ固定電極」と記す場合がある。すなわち、図７における「Ａ」が「第１固定電極」であり、「Ｂ」が「第２固定電極」であり、「Ｃ」が「第３固定電極」であり、「Ｄ」が「第４固定電極」である。 Each fixed electrode group 50 includes four fixed electrodes (A, B, C, D) arranged at equal intervals in an arc shape around the rotation shaft 21 of the rotation operation unit 20. The fixed electrodes (A, B, C, D) have a substantially fan shape and occupy an angle range of approximately 1/64 of one round.
In the following description, in the four fixed electrodes (A, B, C, D) included in one set of fixed electrode group 50, the order in the clockwise circumferential direction of FIG. The i-th fixed electrode (i is an integer from 1 to 4) may be referred to as an “i-th fixed electrode”. That is, “A” in FIG. 7 is the “first fixed electrode”, “B” is the “second fixed electrode”, “C” is the “third fixed electrode”, and “D” is the “first fixed electrode”. 4 fixed electrodes ".

第１固定電極Ａ，第２固定電極Ｂ，第３固定電極Ｃ及び第４固定電極Ｄは、可動電極３０との間にそれぞれ静電容量が異なるキャパシタを形成する。これらのキャパシタの静電容量は、回転操作部２０の回転操作に伴って変化する。 The first fixed electrode A, the second fixed electrode B, the third fixed electrode C, and the fourth fixed electrode D form capacitors having different capacitances with the movable electrode 30. The capacitances of these capacitors change as the rotary operation unit 20 rotates.

また、図７において示すように、基板４において円状に並んだ１６組の固定電極群５０の内側には、これらの固定電極群５０に隣接して、駆動電極９０が設けられている。駆動電極９０は、基板４の平面部において、回転操作部２０の回転軸２１を中心として円環状に形成される。図７の例において、駆動電極９０は、第１部分駆動電極Ｅ、第２部分駆動電極Ｆ、第３部分駆動電極Ｇ、及び第４部分駆動電極Ｈの４つの領域に区分されている。各々の部分駆動電極（Ｅ，Ｆ，Ｇ，Ｈ）は円弧状を呈している。可動電極３０と各部分駆動電極（Ｅ，Ｆ，Ｇ，Ｈ）との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量は、回転操作部２０の回転に依らず一定である。   In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, drive electrodes 90 are provided inside the 16 sets of fixed electrode groups 50 arranged in a circle on the substrate 4 so as to be adjacent to the fixed electrode groups 50. The drive electrode 90 is formed in an annular shape around the rotation shaft 21 of the rotation operation unit 20 in the plane portion of the substrate 4. In the example of FIG. 7, the drive electrode 90 is divided into four regions: a first partial drive electrode E, a second partial drive electrode F, a third partial drive electrode G, and a fourth partial drive electrode H. Each partial drive electrode (E, F, G, H) has an arc shape. The capacitance of the capacitor formed between the movable electrode 30 and each partial drive electrode (E, F, G, H) is constant regardless of the rotation of the rotary operation unit 20.

図８は、対向配置された固定電極群５０と可動電極３０との平面視における重なりを説明するための図である。図８では、理解を容易にするため、円弧状に曲ったそれぞれの電極の縁部を直線状に延びた状態で表わしている。
図８において示すように、可動電極３０の外縁部３２に形成される周期的な正弦波状の波形の部分は、固定電極群５０の各固定電極（Ａ〜Ｄ）と平面視において重なりを有している。固定電極（Ａ〜Ｄ）と可動電極３０との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量は、この平面視における重なりの面積に略比例する。回転操作に応じて可動電極３０が回転すると、外縁部３２の波形の位置が固定電極（Ａ〜Ｄ）に対して相対的に変化するため、固定電極（Ａ〜Ｄ）と可動電極３０との重なりの面積が変化し、これにより、固定電極（Ａ〜Ｄ）と可動電極３０との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量が変化する。 FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an overlap in a plan view between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 that are arranged to face each other. In FIG. 8, for easy understanding, the edge of each electrode bent in an arc shape is shown in a state of extending linearly.
As shown in FIG. 8, the periodic sinusoidal waveform portion formed on the outer edge portion 32 of the movable electrode 30 overlaps with each fixed electrode (A to D) of the fixed electrode group 50 in plan view. ing. The capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrodes (A to D) and the movable electrode 30 is substantially proportional to the overlapping area in plan view. When the movable electrode 30 rotates according to the rotation operation, the position of the waveform of the outer edge portion 32 changes relative to the fixed electrode (A to D), and thus the fixed electrode (A to D) and the movable electrode 30 The area of the overlap changes, whereby the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode (A to D) and the movable electrode 30 changes.

可動電極３０の周期的な波形の部分の１サイクル分に相当する領域は、図８において示すように、１組の固定電極群５０と略同じ角度範囲（１周の１／１６）を占めている。すなわち、外縁部３２の波形の繰り返し周期と固定電極（Ａ〜Ｄ）の繰り返し周期が一致している。
従って、１つの固定電極（Ａ〜Ｄ）に着目すると、この固定電極と可動電極３０との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量は、回転操作部２０の回転に伴って正弦波状に変化する。この静電容量は、回転操作部２０を１回転する間に１６サイクルの周期的な変化を生じる。
また、１組の固定電極群５０に含まれる４つの固定電極（Ａ〜Ｄ）に着目すると、各固定電極（Ａ〜Ｄ）と可動電極３０との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量は、回転操作部２０の回転に伴って、それぞれ異なる位相で正弦波状に変化する。例えば、図８の矢印の方向へ可動電極３０が回転する場合、第１固定電極Ａと可動電極３０との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量の位相が最も進んでおり、この位相は第１固定電極Ａ，第２固定電極Ｂ，第３固定電極Ｃ，第４固定電極Ｄの順番で９０°ずつ遅れる。 An area corresponding to one cycle of the cyclic waveform portion of the movable electrode 30 occupies substantially the same angular range (1/16 of one round) as the one set of fixed electrode group 50, as shown in FIG. Yes. That is, the repetition cycle of the waveform of the outer edge portion 32 matches the repetition cycle of the fixed electrodes (A to D).
Accordingly, when focusing on one fixed electrode (A to D), the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode 30 changes in a sine wave shape as the rotation operation unit 20 rotates. . This electrostatic capacitance changes periodically for 16 cycles during one rotation of the rotary operation unit 20.
When attention is paid to the four fixed electrodes (A to D) included in the set of fixed electrodes 50, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between each fixed electrode (A to D) and the movable electrode 30 is as follows. As the rotation operation unit 20 rotates, it changes in a sinusoidal shape with different phases. For example, when the movable electrode 30 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8, the phase of the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the first fixed electrode A and the movable electrode 30 is the most advanced, and this phase is The first fixed electrode A, the second fixed electrode B, the third fixed electrode C, and the fourth fixed electrode D are delayed by 90 ° in this order.

図８に示すように、１６組の固定電極群５０に含まれる１６個の第ｉ固定電極（ｉは１から４までの整数を示す。）と可動電極３０とは、平面視における重なり面積がほぼ同じになる。そのため、１６個の第ｉ固定電極と可動電極３０との間には、共通の静電容量を持つキャパシタがそれぞれ形成される。すなわち、１６個の第１固定電極Ａと可動電極３０との間に形成される１６個のキャパシタは、略等しい静電容量を持つ。１６個の第２固定電極Ｂと可動電極３０との間に形成される１６個のキャパシタは、略等しい静電容量を持つ。１６個の第３固定電極Ｃと可動電極３０との間に形成される１６個のキャパシタは、略等しい静電容量を持つ。１６個の第４固定電極Ｄと可動電極３０との間に形成される１６個のキャパシタは、略等しい静電容量を持つ。 As shown in FIG. 8, the 16th i-th fixed electrode (i represents an integer from 1 to 4) included in the 16 sets of fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 have an overlapping area in plan view. It will be almost the same. Therefore, capacitors having a common capacitance are formed between the 16th i-th fixed electrode and the movable electrode 30, respectively. That is, the 16 capacitors formed between the 16 first fixed electrodes A and the movable electrode 30 have substantially the same capacitance. The 16 capacitors formed between the 16 second fixed electrodes B and the movable electrode 30 have substantially the same capacitance. The 16 capacitors formed between the 16 third fixed electrodes C and the movable electrode 30 have substantially the same capacitance. The 16 capacitors formed between the 16 fourth fixed electrodes D and the movable electrode 30 have substantially the same capacitance.

４つの部分駆動電極（Ｅ，Ｆ，Ｇ，Ｈ）からなる円環状の駆動電極９０は、図８に示す平面視において、可動電極３０の内側の円環状部分と重なりを有しており、両者の重なりの面積は、回転操作部２０の回転に依らず一定となる。そのため、各部分駆動電極（Ｅ，Ｆ，Ｇ，Ｈ）と可動電極３０との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量は、回転操作部２０の回転に依らず一定となる。   An annular drive electrode 90 composed of four partial drive electrodes (E, F, G, H) overlaps with the annular portion inside the movable electrode 30 in a plan view shown in FIG. The area of the overlap is constant regardless of the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20. Therefore, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between each partial drive electrode (E, F, G, H) and the movable electrode 30 is constant regardless of the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20.

図９は、第１の実施形態に係る入力装置１の全体的な構成の一例を示す図である。
本実施形態に係る入力装置１は、上述した構成に加えて、検出信号生成部６０と、処理部７０と、記憶部８０と、駆動部１００を有する。 FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the input device 1 according to the first embodiment.
In addition to the configuration described above, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a detection signal generation unit 60, a processing unit 70, a storage unit 80, and a drive unit 100.

検出信号生成部６０は、１６組の固定電極群５０と可動電極３０との間に形成される一群のキャパシタの静電容量に応じた一群の検出信号を生成する。具体的には、検出信号生成部６０は、１６個の第１固定電極Ａと可動電極３０との間に形成される１６個のキャパシタの静電容量に応じた第１検出信号ＳＡ、１６個の第２固定電極Ｂと可動電極３０との間に形成される１６個のキャパシタの静電容量に応じた第２検出信号ＳＢ、１６個の第３固定電極Ｃと可動電極３０との間に形成される１６個のキャパシタの静電容量に応じた第３検出信号ＳＣ、及び、１６個の第４固定電極Ｄと可動電極３０との間に形成される１６個のキャパシタの静電容量に応じた第４検出信号ＳＤをそれぞれ生成する。   The detection signal generation unit 60 generates a group of detection signals according to the capacitance of the group of capacitors formed between the 16 sets of fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30. Specifically, the detection signal generation unit 60 includes 16 first detection signals SA corresponding to the capacitance of 16 capacitors formed between the 16 first fixed electrodes A and the movable electrode 30. The second detection signal SB corresponding to the capacitance of 16 capacitors formed between the second fixed electrode B and the movable electrode 30, and between the 16 third fixed electrodes C and the movable electrode 30. The third detection signal SC according to the capacitance of the 16 capacitors formed, and the capacitance of the 16 capacitors formed between the 16 fourth fixed electrodes D and the movable electrode 30. A corresponding fourth detection signal SD is generated.

図８，図９において示すように、１６個の第ｉ固定電極（ｉは１から４までの整数を示す。）は、基板４に形成された配線パターンによって電気的に接続される。すなわち、１６個の第１固定電極Ａが共通の配線に接続され、１６個の第２固定電極Ｂが共通の配線に接続され、１６個の第３固定電極Ｃが共通の配線に接続され、１６個の第４固定電極Ｄが共通の配線に接続される。   As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the 16th i-th fixed electrodes (i is an integer from 1 to 4) are electrically connected by a wiring pattern formed on the substrate 4. That is, the 16 first fixed electrodes A are connected to the common wiring, the 16 second fixed electrodes B are connected to the common wiring, the 16 third fixed electrodes C are connected to the common wiring, Sixteen fourth fixed electrodes D are connected to a common wiring.

後述する駆動部１００によって部分駆動電極（Ｅ〜Ｈ）に所定の駆動電圧が供給されると、１６個の第ｉ固定電極と可動電極３０との間に形成される１６個のキャパシタには、それぞれ静電容量に応じた電荷が蓄積される。上述したように、これらの１６個のキャパシタはほぼ等しい静電容量を持つため、１６個のキャパシタにはほぼ等しい電荷が蓄積される。検出信号生成部６０は、その１６個のキャパシタに蓄積される電荷の和に応じた信号を第ｉ検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）として生成する。   When a predetermined drive voltage is supplied to the partial drive electrodes (E to H) by the drive unit 100 described later, the 16 capacitors formed between the 16th i-th fixed electrode and the movable electrode 30 include: Charges corresponding to the respective capacitances are accumulated. As described above, since these 16 capacitors have substantially the same capacitance, approximately 16 charges are accumulated in the 16 capacitors. The detection signal generation unit 60 generates a signal corresponding to the sum of charges accumulated in the 16 capacitors as the i-th detection signal (SA to SD).

具体的には、検出信号生成部６０は、可動電極３０を介して部分駆動電極（Ｅ〜Ｈ）と１６個の第ｉ固定電極との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量に応じた信号を、第ｉ検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）として生成する。このキャパシタは、部分駆動電極（Ｅ〜Ｈ）と可動電極３０との間に形成される固定容量のキャパシタと、可動電極３０と１６個の第ｉ固定電極との間に形成される可変容量のキャパシタとが直列に接続された合成キャパシタである。駆動部１００から供給される駆動電圧によってこの合成キャパシタに所定の電圧変化が生じると、検出信号生成部６０は、所定の電圧変化に起因した合成キャパシタの電荷の変化量を検出し、その検出結果を第ｉ検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）として生成する。従って、第ｉ検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）は、回転操作部２０の回転に依らず一定の静電容量の成分（図１０ＡのオフセットＯｆｓ）と、回転操作部２０の回転に応じて周期的に変化する静電容量の成分とを加算した信号となる。   Specifically, the detection signal generation unit 60 is a signal corresponding to the capacitance of a capacitor formed between the partial drive electrodes (E to H) and the 16th i-th fixed electrodes via the movable electrode 30. Are generated as the i-th detection signal (SA to SD). This capacitor has a fixed capacitance formed between the partial drive electrodes (E to H) and the movable electrode 30, and a variable capacitance formed between the movable electrode 30 and the 16th i-th fixed electrodes. It is a composite capacitor in which a capacitor is connected in series. When a predetermined voltage change occurs in the composite capacitor due to the drive voltage supplied from the drive unit 100, the detection signal generation unit 60 detects the amount of change in the charge of the composite capacitor due to the predetermined voltage change, and the detection result Are generated as the i-th detection signal (SA to SD). Accordingly, the i-th detection signal (SA to SD) is periodically generated in accordance with the constant capacitance component (offset Ofs in FIG. 10A) regardless of the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 and the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20. This is a signal obtained by adding the changing capacitance component.

検出信号生成部６０は、例えば、静電容量−電圧変換回路（ＣＶ変換回路）と、その出力電圧をデジタル信号に変換するＡＤ変換回路を含んで構成される。   The detection signal generation unit 60 includes, for example, a capacitance-voltage conversion circuit (CV conversion circuit) and an AD conversion circuit that converts the output voltage into a digital signal.

駆動部１００は、駆動電極９０を構成する４つの部分駆動電極（Ｅ〜Ｈ）に所定の駆動電圧を供給する。回転操作部２０の回転角度を検出する場合、駆動部１００は、全ての部分駆動電極（Ｅ〜Ｈ）に駆動電圧を供給する。他方、回転操作部２０への押圧操作を検出する場合、駆動部１００は、個々の部分駆動電極（Ｅ〜Ｈ）に駆動電圧を供給する。   The drive unit 100 supplies a predetermined drive voltage to the four partial drive electrodes (E to H) constituting the drive electrode 90. When detecting the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 20, the drive unit 100 supplies a drive voltage to all the partial drive electrodes (E to H). On the other hand, when detecting a pressing operation on the rotation operation unit 20, the drive unit 100 supplies a drive voltage to each of the partial drive electrodes (E to H).

処理部７０は、入力装置１の全体的な動作を制御や信号処理などを行う回路であり、例えば記憶部８０に格納されたプログラムに基づいて処理を実行するコンピュータを含んで構成される。処理部７０による処理の少なくとも一部は、専用のハードウェア（ＡＳＩＣ等）で行ってもよい。   The processing unit 70 is a circuit that controls the overall operation of the input device 1, performs signal processing, and the like, and includes a computer that executes processing based on a program stored in the storage unit 80, for example. At least a part of the processing by the processing unit 70 may be performed by dedicated hardware (ASIC or the like).

図９の例において、処理部７０は、回転操作の検出に関する処理を行う回転情報処理部７１と、押圧操作の検出に関する処理を行う押圧情報処理部７２を有する。   In the example of FIG. 9, the processing unit 70 includes a rotation information processing unit 71 that performs processing related to detection of a rotation operation, and a press information processing unit 72 that performs processing related to detection of a pressing operation.

回転情報処理部７１は、検出信号生成部６０において生成される一群の検出信号（第１検出信号ＳＡ，第２検出信号ＳＢ，第３検出信号ＳＣ，第４検出信号ＳＤ）に基づいて、回転操作部２２の回転に係わる情報を取得する処理を行う。回転情報処理部７１は、４つの部分駆動電極（Ｅ〜Ｈ）の全てに駆動電圧を供給するように駆動部１００を制御し、この駆動電圧の供給に伴って生成される第１検出信号ＳＡ，第２検出信号ＳＢ，第３検出信号ＳＣ及び第４検出信号ＳＤに基づいて、回転操作部２０の回転に係わる情報（例えば回転角度）を取得する。なお、回転情報処理部７１は、４つの部分駆動電極（Ｅ〜Ｈ）の一部にのみ駆動電圧を供給するように駆動部１００を制御してもよい。   The rotation information processing unit 71 rotates based on a group of detection signals (first detection signal SA, second detection signal SB, third detection signal SC, and fourth detection signal SD) generated by the detection signal generation unit 60. A process for acquiring information related to the rotation of the operation unit 22 is performed. The rotation information processing unit 71 controls the driving unit 100 to supply a driving voltage to all the four partial driving electrodes (E to H), and the first detection signal SA generated along with the supply of the driving voltage. Based on the second detection signal SB, the third detection signal SC, and the fourth detection signal SD, information related to the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 (for example, the rotation angle) is acquired. Note that the rotation information processing unit 71 may control the drive unit 100 so as to supply a drive voltage only to a part of the four partial drive electrodes (E to H).

押圧情報処理部７２は、回転操作部２０が基板４に向かって押圧されることによる検出信号生成部６０の検出信号の変化に基づいて、回転操作部２０の押圧に係わる情報を取得する処理を行う。具体的には、押圧情報処理部７２は、４つの部分駆動電極（Ｅ，Ｆ，Ｇ，Ｈ）から順番に１つの部分駆動電極を選択し、選択した１つの部分駆動電極へ駆動電圧を供給するように駆動部１００を制御する。１つの部分駆動電極へ駆動電圧を供給したことに伴って、検出信号生成部６０により一群の検出信号（第１検出信号ＳＡ，第２検出信号ＳＢ，第３検出信号ＳＣ，第４検出信号ＳＤ）が生成されると、押圧情報処理部７２は、これらの検出信号の和（ＳＡ＋ＳＢ＋ＳＣ＋ＳＤ）を算出する。押圧情報処理部７２は、この算出した和に基づいて、駆動電圧が供給された１つの部分駆動電極に対応する基台４上の一領域への押圧に係わる情報を取得する。例えば、押圧情報処理部７２は、一群の検出信号の和（ＳＡ＋ＳＢ＋ＳＣ＋ＳＤ）と所定のしきい値とを比較した結果に基づいて、基台４上の一領域が押圧されたか否かを判定する。   The pressing information processing unit 72 performs processing for acquiring information related to pressing of the rotation operation unit 20 based on a change in the detection signal of the detection signal generation unit 60 due to the rotation operation unit 20 being pressed toward the substrate 4. Do. Specifically, the press information processing unit 72 selects one partial drive electrode in order from the four partial drive electrodes (E, F, G, H), and supplies a drive voltage to the selected partial drive electrode. Thus, the drive unit 100 is controlled. Along with the supply of the drive voltage to one partial drive electrode, the detection signal generator 60 causes a group of detection signals (first detection signal SA, second detection signal SB, third detection signal SC, fourth detection signal SD). ) Is generated, the press information processing unit 72 calculates the sum (SA + SB + SC + SD) of these detection signals. Based on the calculated sum, the press information processing unit 72 acquires information related to the press on one area on the base 4 corresponding to one partial drive electrode to which the drive voltage is supplied. For example, the press information processing unit 72 determines whether or not an area on the base 4 is pressed based on a result of comparing a sum of a group of detection signals (SA + SB + SC + SD) with a predetermined threshold value.

また、押圧情報処理部７２は、押圧の開始を判定したときから押圧の終了を判定したときまでの押圧期間に回転情報処理部７１が取得した回転の情報に基づいて、押圧期間における回転操作部２０の回転角度の変化量を算出する。算出した回転角度の変化量が所定の角度より小さい場合、押圧情報処理部７２は、回転操作部２０の回転が停止した状態で押圧操作がなされたと判定する。他方、算出した回転角度の変化量が所定の角度より大きい場合、押圧情報処理部７２は、回転操作部２０が回転した状態で押圧操作がなされたと判定する。例えば、処理部７０は、回転操作部２０の回転が停止した状態で押圧操作がなされたと判定した場合、正常な押圧操作がなされたとみなして、押圧操作に応じた処理を実行する。他方、処理部７０は、回転操作部２０が回転した状態で押圧操作がなされたと判定した場合、ユーザの意図しない押圧操作がなされたとみなして、この押圧操作に応じた処理を実行しない（押圧操作を無視する）。
これにより、回転操作部２０の回転が停止した状態での意図的な押圧操作であるか否かを的確に判別できる。 Further, the press information processing unit 72 is a rotation operation unit in the press period based on the rotation information acquired by the rotation information processing unit 71 during the press period from when the start of the press is determined to when the end of the press is determined. The change amount of the rotation angle of 20 is calculated. When the calculated change amount of the rotation angle is smaller than the predetermined angle, the pressing information processing unit 72 determines that the pressing operation is performed in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is stopped. On the other hand, if the calculated change amount of the rotation angle is larger than the predetermined angle, the pressing information processing unit 72 determines that the pressing operation has been performed while the rotation operation unit 20 is rotated. For example, when it is determined that the pressing operation has been performed in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is stopped, the processing unit 70 considers that the normal pressing operation has been performed and executes a process according to the pressing operation. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pressing operation has been performed in a state where the rotation operation unit 20 is rotated, the processing unit 70 regards that the pressing operation unintended by the user has been performed, and does not perform a process corresponding to the pressing operation (the pressing operation). Ignore).
Thereby, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not it is an intentional pressing operation in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is stopped.

次に、上述した構成を有する第１の実施形態に係る入力装置１における回転操作の検出及び押圧操作の検出について説明する。   Next, the detection of the rotation operation and the detection of the pressing operation in the input device 1 according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described.

（回転操作の検出）
図１０は、第１の実施形態に係る入力装置１における回転操作の検出原理の説明するための図である。図１０Ａは、各検出信号（ＳＡ，ＳＢ，ＳＣ，ＳＤ）が回転操作に伴って変化する様子を表わしたグラフである。図１０Ｂは、逆相の変化を示す２つの検出信号の差（ＳＡ−ＳＣ、及び、ＳＢ−ＳＤ）が回転操作に伴って変化する様子を表わしたグラフである。 (Detection of rotation operation)
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the detection principle of the rotation operation in the input device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10A is a graph showing how the detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) change with the rotation operation. FIG. 10B is a graph showing a state in which the difference (SA-SC and SB-SD) between two detection signals indicating a change in reverse phase changes with a rotation operation.

図１から図３に示すように、本実施形態に係る入力装置１では、回転操作部２０のダイヤル部２２をその周方向に沿って手指で回転させることで入力が行われる。回転操作部２０が回転すると、可動電極３０と各固定電極（Ａ〜Ｄ）との平面視における重なりの面積（図８）が変化することにより、可動電極３０と各固定電極（Ａ〜Ｄ）との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量が変化する。   As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, input is performed by rotating the dial portion 22 of the rotation operation unit 20 with fingers along the circumferential direction. When the rotation operation unit 20 rotates, the area of overlap between the movable electrode 30 and each fixed electrode (A to D) in a plan view (FIG. 8) changes, so that the movable electrode 30 and each fixed electrode (A to D) change. The capacitance of the capacitor formed between the two changes.

回転操作を検出する場合、駆動部１００は、４つの部分駆動電極（Ｅ〜Ｈ）の全てに例えば同一の駆動電圧を供給する。駆動電圧の供給に伴って検出信号生成部６０が生成する４つの検出信号（ＳＡ，ＳＢ，ＳＣ，ＳＤ）は、固定電極群５０に含まれる４つの固定電極（Ａ〜Ｄ）と可動電極３０との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量に応じた信号となる。４つの検出信号（ＳＡ，ＳＢ，ＳＣ，ＳＤ）は、概ね次の式で表わされる。   When detecting a rotation operation, the drive unit 100 supplies, for example, the same drive voltage to all four partial drive electrodes (E to H). The four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) generated by the detection signal generator 60 in accordance with the supply of the drive voltage are the four fixed electrodes (A to D) included in the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30. And a signal corresponding to the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the two. The four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) are generally expressed by the following equations.

ＳＡ ＝ Ｋ・ｃｏｓ（１６θ）＋Ｏｆｓ …（１）
ＳＢ ＝ Ｋ・ｓｉｎ（１６θ）＋Ｏｆｓ …（２）
ＳＣ ＝ −Ｋ・ｃｏｓ（１６θ）＋Ｏｆｓ …（３）
ＳＤ ＝ −Ｋ・ｓｉｎ（１６θ）＋Ｏｆｓ …（４） SA = K · cos (16θ) + Ofs (1)
SB = K · sin (16θ) + Ofs (2)
SC = −K · cos (16θ) + Ofs (3)
SD = −K · sin (16θ) + Ofs (4)

ここで、「θ」は回転操作部２０の回転角度を示し、「Ｋ」は比例定数を示し、「Ｏｆｓ」はオフセット値を示す。上式において「θ」に「１６」が乗ぜられていることから、回転操作部２０が１回転する間に、各検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）には１６サイクルの変化が生じることが分かる。   Here, “θ” indicates a rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 20, “K” indicates a proportionality constant, and “Ofs” indicates an offset value. Since “16” is multiplied by “θ” in the above equation, it can be seen that 16 cycles of change occur in each detection signal (SA to SD) while the rotation operation unit 20 makes one rotation.

図１０Ａにおいて示すように、４つの検出信号（ＳＡ，ＳＢ，ＳＣ，ＳＤ）には、ほぼ共通のオフセット値Ｏｆｓが加わる。また、４つの検出信号（ＳＡ，ＳＢ，ＳＣ，ＳＤ）は、互いの位相が９０°又は１８０°ずれており、それぞれ異なった値を持つ。   As shown in FIG. 10A, a substantially common offset value Ofs is added to the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD). Further, the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) are mutually different in phase by 90 ° or 180 °, and have different values.

位相が１８０°ずれた第１検出信号ＳＡと第３検出信号ＳＣとの差「ＳＡ−ＳＣ」、及び、位相が１８０°ずれた第２検出信号ＳＢと第４検出信号ＳＤとの差「ＳＢ−ＳＤ」は、それぞれ次の式で表わされる。   The difference “SA−SC” between the first detection signal SA and the third detection signal SC that are 180 degrees out of phase, and the difference “SB” between the second detection signal SB and the fourth detection signal SD that are 180 degrees out of phase. -SD "is represented by the following formula, respectively.

ＳＡ−ＳＣ ＝ ２Ｋ・ｃｏｓ（１６θ） …（５）
ＳＢ−ＳＤ ＝ ２Ｋ・ｓｉｎ（１６θ） …（６） SA-SC = 2K · cos (16θ) (5)
SB-SD = 2K · sin (16θ) (6)

「ＳＡ−ＳＣ」，「ＳＢ−ＳＤ」の振幅は、図１０Ｂにおいて示すように、元の検出信号（ＳＡ，ＳＢ，ＳＣ，ＳＤ）の略２倍となる。   As shown in FIG. 10B, the amplitudes of “SA-SC” and “SB-SD” are approximately twice the original detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD).

式（５），（６）から、「θ」は次の式で表わされる。
θ ＝ （１／１６）・Ａｔａｎ２｛（ＳＡ−ＳＣ），（ＳＢ−ＳＤ）｝ …（７） From equations (5) and (6), “θ” is expressed by the following equation.
θ = (1/16) · Atan2 {(SA-SC), (SB-SD)} (7)

なお、式（７）に含まれる関数「ｙ＝Ａｔａｎ２（ａ，ｂ）」は、アークタンジェント関数「Ａｔａｎ（ｂ／ａ）」を満たし、かつ、変数ａ，ｂの正負に基づいて値域が決定される−π＜ｙ≦πの条件を満たすｙを演算するものである。   The function “y = Atan 2 (a, b)” included in the expression (7) satisfies the arctangent function “Atan (b / a)”, and the range is determined based on the positive and negative of the variables a and b. Y which satisfies the condition of −π <y ≦ π is calculated.

回転情報処理部７１は、式（５）で示される「ＳＡ−ＳＣ」と式（６）で示される「ＳＢ−ＳＤ」の極性や値の変化に基づいて、回転操作部２０の回転方向を判定する。
また、回転情報処理部７１は、起点となる位置からの回転操作によって検出信号の差「ＳＡ−ＳＣ」（若しくは「ＳＢ−ＳＤ」）に生じる周期的変化のサイクル数と、式（７）により計算した「θ」とに基づいて、当該起点となる位置からの回転操作部２０の回転角度を計算する。 The rotation information processing unit 71 determines the rotation direction of the rotation operation unit 20 based on the change in polarity and value of “SA-SC” represented by Expression (5) and “SB-SD” represented by Expression (6). judge.
Further, the rotation information processing unit 71 calculates the number of periodic changes that occur in the detection signal difference “SA-SC” (or “SB-SD”) by the rotation operation from the starting position, and the equation (7). Based on the calculated “θ”, the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 20 from the starting position is calculated.

（押圧操作の検出）
次に、回転操作部２０に対する押圧操作の検出について説明する。
図１１及び図１２は、第１の実施形態に係る入力装置における押圧操作の検出原理を説明するための図である。図１１は、固定電極群と可動電極との距離が比較的遠い場合を示し、図１２はこの距離が比較的近い場合を示す。 (Press operation detection)
Next, detection of a pressing operation on the rotation operation unit 20 will be described.
11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining the detection principle of the pressing operation in the input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 shows a case where the distance between the fixed electrode group and the movable electrode is relatively long , and FIG. 12 shows a case where this distance is relatively close.

図４Ｂ及び図７に示すように、可動電極３０と固定電極群５０との間には、隙間３５が形成されている。回転操作部２０のダイヤル部２２が基板４に向かって押圧されると、回転操作部２０に弾性変形が生じ、回転操作部２０と基板４との距離が短くなり、隙間３５が狭くなる。回転操作部２０への押圧が解除されると、弾性力によって回転操作部２０が元の位置へ移動し、上記距離が押圧前に戻る。このように回転操作部２０と基板４との距離が変化すると、固定電極群５０と可動電極４０との距離が変化し、固定電極群５０と可動電極４０との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量が変化するため、検出信号生成部６０が生成する４つの検出信号（ＳＡ，ＳＢ，ＳＣ，ＳＤ）が変化する。すなわち、回転操作部２０への押圧操作に応じて、４つの検出信号（ＳＡ，ＳＢ，ＳＣ，ＳＤ）が変化する。   As shown in FIGS. 4B and 7, a gap 35 is formed between the movable electrode 30 and the fixed electrode group 50. When the dial portion 22 of the rotation operation unit 20 is pressed toward the substrate 4, the rotation operation unit 20 is elastically deformed, the distance between the rotation operation unit 20 and the substrate 4 is shortened, and the gap 35 is narrowed. When the pressing on the rotation operation unit 20 is released, the rotation operation unit 20 is moved to the original position by the elastic force, and the distance is returned to before the pressing. When the distance between the rotation operation unit 20 and the substrate 4 changes in this way, the distance between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 40 changes, and the static electricity of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 40 changes. Since the capacitance changes, the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) generated by the detection signal generation unit 60 change. That is, the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) change according to the pressing operation on the rotation operation unit 20.

図１１Ａに示すように可動電極３０と固定電極群５０との距離が比較的遠い場合には、この電極間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量が比較的小さくなる。従って、図１１Ｂに示すように、検出信号生成部６０が生成する４つの検出信号（ＳＡ，ＳＢ，ＳＣ，ＳＤ）の振幅は小さくなる。また、図１１Ｃに示すように、検出信号の差（ＳＡ−ＳＣ、ＳＢ−ＳＤ）の振幅も小さくなる。
他方、図１２Ａに示すように可動電極３０と固定電極群５０との距離が比較的近い場合には、この電極間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量が比較的大きくなる。従って、図１２Ｂに示すように４つの検出信号（ＳＡ，ＳＢ，ＳＣ，ＳＤ）の振幅は大きくなり、図１２Ｃに示すように検出信号の差（ＳＡ−ＳＣ、ＳＢ−ＳＤ）の振幅も大きくなる。
従って、検出信号生成部６０が生成する４つの検出信号（ＳＡ，ＳＢ，ＳＣ，ＳＤ）の振幅に基づいて、回転操作部２０に押圧操作がなされたか否かを判定することが可能である。 As shown in FIG. 11A, when the distance between the movable electrode 30 and the fixed electrode group 50 is relatively long, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the electrodes is relatively small. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11B, the amplitudes of the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) generated by the detection signal generation unit 60 are reduced. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11C, the amplitude of the difference between detection signals (SA-SC, SB-SD) is also reduced.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12A, when the distance between the movable electrode 30 and the fixed electrode group 50 is relatively short, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the electrodes becomes relatively large. Therefore, the amplitudes of the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) are large as shown in FIG. 12B, and the amplitudes of the detection signal differences (SA-SC, SB-SD) are large as shown in FIG. 12C. Become.
Therefore, based on the amplitudes of the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) generated by the detection signal generation unit 60, it is possible to determine whether or not the rotation operation unit 20 has been pressed.

押圧操作を検出する場合、駆動部１００は、４つの部分駆動電極（Ｅ，Ｆ，Ｇ，Ｈ）から順番に１つの部分駆動電極を選択し、選択した１つの部分駆動電極へ駆動電圧を供給する。押圧情報処理部７２は、この駆動電圧の供給に伴って生成される４つの検出信号（ＳＡ，ＳＢ，ＳＣ，ＳＤ）に基づいて、押圧操作の有無を判定する。例えば、押圧情報処理部７２は、４つの検出信号の和（ＳＡ＋ＳＢ＋ＳＣ＋ＳＤ）が所定のしきい値を超える場合、駆動電圧が供給された１つの部分駆動電極に対応する基台４上の一領域に押圧操作がなされたと判定する。押圧情報処理部７２は、４つの部分駆動電極（Ｅ，Ｆ，Ｇ，Ｈ）へそれぞれ駆動電圧が供給される度に、４つの検出信号の和（ＳＡ＋ＳＢ＋ＳＣ＋ＳＤ）としきい値との比較に基づいて、押圧操作の有無を判定する。   When detecting the pressing operation, the drive unit 100 selects one partial drive electrode in order from the four partial drive electrodes (E, F, G, H), and supplies a drive voltage to the selected partial drive electrode. To do. The pressing information processing unit 72 determines the presence or absence of the pressing operation based on the four detection signals (SA, SB, SC, SD) generated with the supply of the driving voltage. For example, when the sum of four detection signals (SA + SB + SC + SD) exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the press information processing unit 72 generates an area on the base 4 corresponding to one partial drive electrode to which the drive voltage is supplied. It is determined that a pressing operation has been performed. The pressure information processing unit 72 is based on a comparison between the sum of four detection signals (SA + SB + SC + SD) and a threshold value each time a drive voltage is supplied to each of the four partial drive electrodes (E, F, G, H). The presence / absence of a pressing operation is determined.

なお、回転操作部２０のダイヤル部２２を手指で操作する際の力の与え方は個人によってばらつきがあるため、上述した押圧判定のしきい値が低い場合、回転操作を押圧操作と誤判定し易くなる可能性がある。そこで、押圧情報処理部７２は、押圧操作がなされたと判定した期間における回転操作部２０の回転角度に応じて、停止状態での押圧操作であるのか否かを判定する。すなわち、押圧情報処理部７２は、押圧の開始を判定したときから押圧の終了を判定したときまでの押圧期間に回転情報処理部７１が取得した回転の情報に基づいて、押圧期間における回転操作部２０の回転角度の変化量を算出し、当該算出した回転角度の変化量が所定の角度より小さい場合、回転操作部２０の回転が停止した状態で押圧操作がなされたと判定する。これにより、回転操作部２０の回転が停止した状態での意図的な押圧操作とそれ以外の操作を判別できるため、回転操作を押圧操作と誤判定するケースを減らすことができる。   In addition, since how to apply force when operating the dial portion 22 of the rotation operation unit 20 with fingers varies depending on individuals, if the threshold value for the pressure determination described above is low, the rotation operation is erroneously determined as a press operation. May be easier. Therefore, the pressing information processing unit 72 determines whether or not the pressing operation is in a stopped state according to the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 20 during the period in which it is determined that the pressing operation has been performed. That is, the press information processing unit 72 determines the rotation operation unit in the press period based on the rotation information acquired by the rotation information processing unit 71 during the press period from when the start of the press is determined until the end of the press is determined. The amount of change of the rotation angle of 20 is calculated, and when the calculated amount of change of the rotation angle is smaller than the predetermined angle, it is determined that the pressing operation is performed in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is stopped. As a result, it is possible to discriminate between an intentional pressing operation in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is stopped and other operations, and it is possible to reduce cases where the rotating operation is erroneously determined as a pressing operation.

以上説明したように、本実施形態に係る入力装置１によれば、回転操作部２０が基板４に向かって押圧されると、当該押圧によって回転操作部２０と基板４との距離が変化し、固定電極群５０と可動電極３０との距離が変化する。これにより固定電極群５０と可動電極３０との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量が変化するため、検出信号が変化する。また、回転操作部２０に対する押圧が解除されると、固定電極群５０と可動電極３０との距離が押圧前に戻るため、押圧により変化した検出信号が押圧前の状態に戻る。すなわち、押圧の有無に応じて検出信号が変化する。押圧情報処理部７２では、この押圧による検出信号の変化に基づいて、回転操作部２０の押圧に係わる情報を取得する処理が行われる。従って、スイッチ機構などの追加部品を設けなくても、回転操作部２０の押圧に係わる情報の取得が可能となるため、簡易な構成で回転操作と押圧操作の両方を検出することができる。   As described above, according to the input device 1 according to this embodiment, when the rotation operation unit 20 is pressed toward the substrate 4, the distance between the rotation operation unit 20 and the substrate 4 is changed by the pressing, The distance between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 changes. As a result, the capacitance of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 changes, so that the detection signal changes. In addition, when the pressure on the rotation operation unit 20 is released, the distance between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 returns to before pressing, so that the detection signal changed by pressing returns to the state before pressing. That is, the detection signal changes according to the presence or absence of pressing. In the press information processing part 72, the process which acquires the information regarding the press of the rotation operation part 20 based on the change of the detection signal by this press is performed. Accordingly, since it is possible to acquire information related to pressing of the rotation operation unit 20 without providing additional components such as a switch mechanism, both rotation operation and pressing operation can be detected with a simple configuration.

また、本実施形態に係る入力装置１によれば、固定電極群５０が設けられた基板４の平面部と、可動電極３０が設けられた回転操作部２０の平面部２５とが、共に回転軸２１の方向と垂直であるため、基板４の平面部と回転操作部２０の平面部２５とを近づけても、基板４に対する回転操作部２０の回転が妨げられない。すなわち、回転操作部２０の回転軸２１の方向における入力装置１の外形の厚みを薄型化できる。
また、基板４の平面部と回転操作部２０の平面部２５とを近づけることで、固定電極群５０と可動電極３０との距離が短くなり、これらの間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量が大きくなる。すなわち、入力装置１の外形の薄型化を図りつつ、キャパシタの静電容量を大きくすることが可能となり、検出信号生成部６０で生成される検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）の感度を高くすることができる。
更に、入力装置１の薄型化を妨げることなく基板４及び回転操作部２０の平面部の面積を広げられるため、固定電極群５０及び可動電極３０の面積を大きくすることができる。これにより、キャパシタの静電容量を更に大きくすることが可能となり、検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）の感度を高めることができる。
しかも、入力装置１の外形の薄型化によって基板４の平面部と回転操作部２０の平面部２５とが近づくと、固定電極群５０と可動電極３０との距離が僅かに変化してもキャパシタの静電容量が大きく変化するようになる。すなわち、押圧に対する検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）の変化が大きくなる。そのため、押圧操作の検出感度を高めることができる。 Further, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the plane portion of the substrate 4 provided with the fixed electrode group 50 and the plane portion 25 of the rotation operation unit 20 provided with the movable electrode 30 are both rotating shafts. Since it is perpendicular to the direction of 21, even if the plane portion of the substrate 4 and the plane portion 25 of the rotation operation unit 20 are brought close to each other, the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 with respect to the substrate 4 is not hindered. That is, the thickness of the outer shape of the input device 1 in the direction of the rotation shaft 21 of the rotation operation unit 20 can be reduced.
In addition, the distance between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 is shortened by bringing the plane portion of the substrate 4 and the plane portion 25 of the rotation operation unit 20 closer, and the capacitance of the capacitor formed between them is reduced. growing. That is, it is possible to increase the capacitance of the capacitor while reducing the outer shape of the input device 1, and to increase the sensitivity of the detection signals (SA to SD) generated by the detection signal generator 60. it can.
Furthermore, since the area of the flat part of the board | substrate 4 and the rotation operation part 20 can be expanded without preventing thickness reduction of the input device 1, the area of the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 can be enlarged. As a result, the capacitance of the capacitor can be further increased, and the sensitivity of the detection signals (SA to SD) can be increased.
In addition, when the planar portion of the substrate 4 and the planar portion 25 of the rotary operation unit 20 approach each other due to the thinning of the outer shape of the input device 1, even if the distance between the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30 slightly changes, The capacitance changes greatly. That is, the change in the detection signal (SA to SD) with respect to the pressure increases. Therefore, the detection sensitivity of the pressing operation can be increased.

また、本実施形態に係る入力装置１によれば、回転操作部２０及び基板４の少なくとも一方が押圧操作により弾性変形することで、基板４の平面部と回転操作部２０の平面部２５との距離が押圧力に応じて変化し、これにより、検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）が押圧力に応じて変化する。従って、回転操作部２０に対する押圧力を簡易な構成で検出できる。   Further, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, at least one of the rotation operation unit 20 and the substrate 4 is elastically deformed by a pressing operation, so that the plane portion of the substrate 4 and the plane portion 25 of the rotation operation unit 20 are The distance changes according to the pressing force, and thereby the detection signals (SA to SD) change according to the pressing force. Therefore, it is possible to detect the pressing force on the rotation operation unit 20 with a simple configuration.

また、本実施形態に係る入力装置１によれば、固定電極群５０を構成する４つの固定電極（Ａ，Ｂ，Ｃ，Ｄ）と可動電極３０との間に形成される４つのキャパシタの静電容量がそれぞれ異なっており、この４つのキャパシタの静電容量に応じた４つの検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）が検出信号生成部６０において生成される。押圧情報処理部７２では、この４つの検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）の和に基づいて、回転操作部２０への押圧に係わる情報が取得される。４つの検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）の和を算出すると、その算出結果には押圧操作に伴う個々の検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）の変化が足し合わされるため、押圧操作に伴う大きな変化が表れる。従って、当該和の算出結果に基づいて、回転操作部２０への押圧に係わる情報を感度よく取得することができる。   Further, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the static capacitance of the four capacitors formed between the four fixed electrodes (A, B, C, D) constituting the fixed electrode group 50 and the movable electrode 30. The capacitances are different from each other, and four detection signals (SA to SD) corresponding to the capacitances of the four capacitors are generated in the detection signal generation unit 60. In the pressing information processing unit 72, information related to pressing to the rotation operation unit 20 is acquired based on the sum of the four detection signals (SA to SD). When the sum of the four detection signals (SA to SD) is calculated, changes in the individual detection signals (SA to SD) accompanying the pressing operation are added to the calculation result, so that a large change accompanying the pressing operation appears. Therefore, based on the calculation result of the sum, information related to pressing on the rotation operation unit 20 can be acquired with high sensitivity.

また、本実施形態に係る入力装置１によれば、押圧情報処理部７２において押圧操作が判定された場合、その押圧の開始を判定したときから押圧の終了を判定したときまでの押圧期間に回転情報処理部７１で取得された回転の情報に基づいて、押圧期間における回転操作部２０の回転角度の変化量が算出される。そして、当該算出された回転角度の変化量が所定の角度より小さい場合、回転操作部２０の回転が停止した状態で押圧操作がなされたと判定される。従って、回転操作部２０の回転が停止した状態で意図的な押圧操作がなされたか否かを的確に判別することができる。   Moreover, according to the input device 1 which concerns on this embodiment, when pressing operation is determined in the press information processing part 72, it rotates in the press period from the time of determining the end of a press to the time of determining the end of a press. Based on the rotation information acquired by the information processing unit 71, the amount of change in the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit 20 during the pressing period is calculated. Then, when the calculated change amount of the rotation angle is smaller than the predetermined angle, it is determined that the pressing operation is performed in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not an intentional pressing operation has been performed in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is stopped.

また、本実施形態に係る入力装置１によれば、押圧操作によって検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）の振幅が変化しても、回転の角度「θ」は式（７）において示すように検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）の比に基づいて算出されるため、押圧操作に影響を受けることなく正確な回転の角度を求めることが可能である。   Further, according to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, even if the amplitude of the detection signal (SA to SD) is changed by the pressing operation, the rotation angle “θ” is detected by the detection signal (7) as shown in Expression (7). Since it is calculated based on the ratio of (SA to SD), it is possible to obtain an accurate rotation angle without being affected by the pressing operation.

＜第２の実施形態＞
次に、図１３及び図１４を参照して、本発明の第２の実施形態に係る入力装置２について説明する。上述した入力装置１では、駆動電極９０を複数の部分駆動電極（Ｅ〜Ｈ)に分割することで複数の部位への押圧操作が検出されるが、本実施形態に係る入力装置２では、複数の固定電極群５０を複数のグループに分割することで複数の部位への押圧操作が検出される。 <Second Embodiment>
Next, an input device 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the input device 1 described above, a pressing operation to a plurality of parts is detected by dividing the drive electrode 90 into a plurality of partial drive electrodes (E to H), but in the input device 2 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of press operations are detected. By dividing the fixed electrode group 50 into a plurality of groups, pressing operations to a plurality of parts are detected.

図１３は、第２の実施形態に係る入力装置２における固定電極群５０及び駆動電極２９０の一例を示す図である。図１４は、第２の実施形態に係る入力装置２の全体的な構成の一例を示す図である。
本実施形態に係る入力装置２は、上述した入力装置１における駆動電極９０（図７）を駆動電極２９０（図１３）に置き換え、駆動部１００（図９）を駆動部１００Ａ（図１４）に置き換え、検出信号生成部６０（図９）を検出信号生成部６０Ａ（図１４）に置き換え、回転情報処理部７１（図９）を回転情報処理部７１Ａ（図１４）に置き換えたものであり、他の構成は入力装置１と同様である。以下では、入力装置１と異なる構成を中心に説明する。 FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the fixed electrode group 50 and the drive electrode 290 in the input device 2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the input device 2 according to the second embodiment.
In the input device 2 according to the present embodiment, the drive electrode 90 (FIG. 7) in the input device 1 described above is replaced with the drive electrode 290 (FIG. 13), and the drive unit 100 (FIG. 9) is replaced with the drive unit 100A (FIG. 14). Replacement, the detection signal generation unit 60 (FIG. 9) is replaced with a detection signal generation unit 60A (FIG. 14), and the rotation information processing unit 71 (FIG. 9) is replaced with a rotation information processing unit 71A (FIG. 14). Other configurations are the same as those of the input device 1. Below, it demonstrates centering on a different structure from the input device 1. FIG.

駆動電極２９０は、基板４において円状に等間隔で並んだ１６組の固定電極群５０の内側に隣接して設けられており、回転軸２１を中心とする円環形状に形成される。図１３の例において、駆動電極２９０は、図７に示す駆動電極９０を４つに分割せずに一体とした円環形状を持つ。駆動電極２９０と可動電極３０との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量は、回転操作部２０の回転に依らない一定の静電容量を持つ。   The drive electrode 290 is provided adjacent to the inner side of the 16 sets of fixed electrode groups 50 arranged at equal intervals in a circular shape on the substrate 4, and is formed in an annular shape centering on the rotation shaft 21. In the example of FIG. 13, the drive electrode 290 has an annular shape in which the drive electrode 90 shown in FIG. 7 is integrated without being divided into four. The capacitance of the capacitor formed between the drive electrode 290 and the movable electrode 30 has a certain capacitance that does not depend on the rotation of the rotary operation unit 20.

駆動部１００Ａは、処理部７０の制御に従って、駆動電極２９０に所定の駆動電圧を供給する。   The drive unit 100A supplies a predetermined drive voltage to the drive electrode 290 according to the control of the processing unit 70.

図１３において示すように、円状に並んだ１６組の固定電極群５０は、それぞれ連続して並んだ４組の固定電極群５０からなる４つのグループ５１，５２，５３，５４に分かれている。   As shown in FIG. 13, 16 sets of fixed electrode groups 50 arranged in a circle are divided into four groups 51, 52, 53, and 54 each consisting of four sets of fixed electrode groups 50 arranged in series. .

同一のグループ（５１〜５４）に属する４個の第ｉ固定電極（ｉは１から４までの整数を示す。）は、図１４において示すように、基板４に形成された配線パターンによって電気的に接続される。すなわち、同一のグループに属する４個の第１固定電極Ａが共通の配線に接続され、同一のグループに属する４個の第２固定電極Ｂが共通の配線に接続され、同一のグループに属する４個の第３固定電極Ｃが共通の配線に接続され、同一のグループに属する４個の第４固定電極Ｄが共通の配線に接続される。   Four i-th fixed electrodes (i represents an integer from 1 to 4) belonging to the same group (51 to 54) are electrically connected by a wiring pattern formed on the substrate 4 as shown in FIG. Connected to. That is, four first fixed electrodes A belonging to the same group are connected to a common wire, and four second fixed electrodes B belonging to the same group are connected to a common wire, and 4 belonging to the same group. The third fixed electrodes C are connected to the common wiring, and the four fourth fixed electrodes D belonging to the same group are connected to the common wiring.

検出信号生成部６０Ａは、固定電極群５０を構成する４つの固定電極（第１固定電極Ａ，第２固定電極Ｂ，第３固定電極Ｃ及び第４固定電極Ｄ）に対応した４つの検出信号（第１検出信号ＳＡ，第２検出信号ＳＢ，第３検出信号ＳＣ，第４検出信号ＳＤ）を、上述した４つのグループ５１，５２，５３，５４のそれぞれについて生成する。   The detection signal generation unit 60A includes four detection signals corresponding to the four fixed electrodes (first fixed electrode A, second fixed electrode B, third fixed electrode C, and fourth fixed electrode D) constituting the fixed electrode group 50. (First detection signal SA, second detection signal SB, third detection signal SC, and fourth detection signal SD) are generated for each of the four groups 51, 52, 53, and 54 described above.

１つのグループ（５１〜５４）について検出信号生成部６０Ａが生成する第ｉ検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）は、駆動電極２９０への駆動電圧の供給により、当該１つのグループ（５１〜５４）に所属する４つの第ｉ固定電極と可動電極３０との間に形成される４つのキャパシタに蓄積された電荷の和に応じた信号である。   The i-th detection signals (SA to SD) generated by the detection signal generation unit 60A for one group (51 to 54) belong to the one group (51 to 54) by supplying the drive voltage to the drive electrode 290. This is a signal corresponding to the sum of charges accumulated in four capacitors formed between the four i-th fixed electrodes and the movable electrode 30.

例えば検出信号生成部６０Ａは、図１４において示すように、グループ５１に対応した４つの検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）を生成する第１検出信号生成部６１と、グループ５２に対応した４つの検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）を生成する第２検出信号生成部６１と、グループ５３に対応した４つの検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）を生成する第３検出信号生成部６３と、グループ５４に対応した４つの検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）を生成する第４検出信号生成部６４を有する。第１検出信号生成部６１〜第４検出信号生成部６４の動作は、固定電極群５０の数が１６組から４組に変わっている点を除いて、既に説明した検出信号生成部６０と同様である。   For example, the detection signal generator 60A includes a first detection signal generator 61 that generates four detection signals (SA to SD) corresponding to the group 51 and four detection signals corresponding to the group 52, as shown in FIG. The second detection signal generation unit 61 that generates (SA to SD), the third detection signal generation unit 63 that generates four detection signals (SA to SD) corresponding to the group 53, and the four detection signals corresponding to the group 54 It has the 4th detection signal production | generation part 64 which produces | generates a detection signal (SA-SD). The operations of the first detection signal generation unit 61 to the fourth detection signal generation unit 64 are the same as those of the detection signal generation unit 60 described above, except that the number of the fixed electrode groups 50 is changed from 16 sets to 4 sets. It is.

回転情報処理部７１Ａは、駆動電極２９０へ駆動電圧を供給するように駆動部１００を制御し、当該記駆動電圧の供給に伴って４つのグループ（５１〜５４）のそれぞれについて生成される４つの検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）に基づいて、回転に係わる情報を取得する。例えば、回転情報処理部７１Ａは、４つのグループ（５１〜５４）について生成された４つの第１検出信号ＳＡの和、４つのグループ（５１〜５４）について生成された４つの第２検出信号ＳＢの和、４つのグループ（５１〜５４）について生成された４つの第３検出信号ＳＣの和、並びに、４つのグループ（５１〜５４）について生成された４つの第４検出信号ＳＤの和をそれぞれ算出する。回転情報処理部７１Ａは、算出した４つの和を、既に述べた検出信号生成部６０（図９）による４つの検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）とみなして、既に述べた回転情報処理部７１（図９）と同様の処理により、回転操作部２０の回転に係わる情報を取得する。   The rotation information processing unit 71A controls the driving unit 100 to supply a driving voltage to the driving electrode 290, and the four information generated for each of the four groups (51 to 54) with the supply of the driving voltage. Based on the detection signals (SA to SD), information related to rotation is acquired. For example, the rotation information processing unit 71A adds the four first detection signals SA generated for the four groups (51 to 54), and the four second detection signals SB generated for the four groups (51 to 54). The sum of the four third detection signals SC generated for the four groups (51 to 54) and the sum of the four fourth detection signals SD generated for the four groups (51 to 54), respectively. calculate. The rotation information processing unit 71A regards the calculated four sums as the four detection signals (SA to SD) by the detection signal generation unit 60 (FIG. 9) described above, and the rotation information processing unit 71 (FIG. Information related to the rotation of the rotation operation unit 20 is acquired by the same processing as 9).

押圧情報処理部７２Ａは、駆動電極２９０へ駆動電圧を供給するように駆動部１００を制御し、当該駆動電圧の供給に伴って生成される第１検出信号ＳＡ〜第４検出信号ＳＤの和（ＳＡ＋ＳＢ＋ＳＣ＋ＳＤ）を、４つのグループ（５１〜５４）についてそれぞれ算出する。押圧情報処理部７２Ａは、４つのグループ（５１〜５４）について算出した４つの和（ＳＡ＋ＳＢ＋ＳＣ＋ＳＤ）に基づいて、４つのグループに対応した基板４上の４つの領域への押圧に係わる情報をそれぞれ取得する。例えば、押圧情報処理部７２Ａは、４つのグループ（５１〜５４）について算出した４つの和（ＳＡ＋ＳＢ＋ＳＣ＋ＳＤ）をそれぞれ所定のしきい値と比較し、その比較結果に基づいて、４つのグループに対応した基板４上の４つの領域に対する押圧操作の有無をそれぞれ判定する。   The pressure information processing unit 72A controls the driving unit 100 so as to supply a driving voltage to the driving electrode 290, and the sum of the first detection signal SA to the fourth detection signal SD (with the supply of the driving voltage) ( (SA + SB + SC + SD) is calculated for each of the four groups (51 to 54). The information processing unit 72A obtains information related to pressing on four regions on the substrate 4 corresponding to the four groups, based on the four sums (SA + SB + SC + SD) calculated for the four groups (51 to 54). To do. For example, the pressure information processing unit 72A compares the four sums (SA + SB + SC + SD) calculated for the four groups (51 to 54) with predetermined threshold values, and corresponds to the four groups based on the comparison result. The presence or absence of a pressing operation on the four areas on the substrate 4 is determined.

第２の実施形態に係る入力装置２によれば、１６組の固定電極群５０が４つのグループ（５１〜５４）に分割され、４つグループ（５１〜５４）の各々について生成される４つの検出信号（ＳＡ〜ＳＤ）に基づいて、４つのグループ（５１〜５４）に対応した基板４上の４つの領域に対する押圧操作の情報がそれぞれ取得される。従って、第２の実施形態に係る入力装置１のように部分駆動電極（Ｅ〜Ｈ）へ順番に駆動電圧を供給する必要がなくなり、４つの領域における押圧操作の情報を一度に取得できるため、押圧に関する情報の取得に要する時間を短縮できる。   According to the input device 2 according to the second embodiment, the 16 fixed electrode groups 50 are divided into four groups (51 to 54), and the four groups generated for each of the four groups (51 to 54). Based on the detection signals (SA to SD), information on pressing operations for the four regions on the substrate 4 corresponding to the four groups (51 to 54) is acquired. Therefore, it is not necessary to sequentially supply drive voltages to the partial drive electrodes (E to H) as in the input device 1 according to the second embodiment, and information on pressing operations in the four regions can be acquired at one time. It is possible to shorten the time required for acquiring information related to pressing.

本発明は上述した実施形態には限定されない。
すなわち、当業者は、本発明の技術的範囲またはその均等の範囲内において、上述した実施形態の構成要素に関し、様々な変更、コンビネーション、サブコンビネーション、並びに代替を行ってもよい。 The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.
That is, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, combinations, subcombinations, and alternatives regarding the components of the above-described embodiments within the technical scope of the present invention or an equivalent scope thereof.

例えば、上述した実施形態において例として挙げた、固定電極群の数や、固定電極群に含まれる固定電極の数は任意であり、本発明はこの例に限定されない。固定電極群の数は１つでもよいし、固定電極の数は１つだけでもよい。また、検出可能な回転は１回転未満（回転角度の範囲が３６０°未満）でもよい。   For example, the number of fixed electrode groups and the number of fixed electrodes included in the fixed electrode group given as examples in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary, and the present invention is not limited to this example. The number of fixed electrode groups may be one, or the number of fixed electrodes may be only one. Further, the detectable rotation may be less than one rotation (the rotation angle range is less than 360 °).

また、上述した実施形態において例として挙げた固定電極や可動電極、駆動電極等の形状、配置は任意であり、本発明はこの例に限定されない。例えば、上述した実施形態の例では固定電極の内側に駆動電極が位置しているが、固定電極の外側に駆動電極が位置してもよい。   In addition, the shape and arrangement of the fixed electrode, the movable electrode, the drive electrode, and the like given as examples in the above-described embodiment are arbitrary, and the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, in the example of the embodiment described above, the drive electrode is located inside the fixed electrode, but the drive electrode may be located outside the fixed electrode.

上述した実施形態における静電容量の検出は、静電容量に蓄積される電荷を検出するための電極（固定電極）と駆動電極とが独立に設けられた相互容量方式で行われているが、本発明はこの例に限定されない。本発明の他の実施形態では、静電容量の検出を、駆動電極の不要な自己容量方式で行ってもよい。この場合、可動電極は一定の電位（例えばグランド）に接続される。   In the embodiment described above, the capacitance is detected by a mutual capacitance method in which an electrode (fixed electrode) and a drive electrode for detecting charges accumulated in the capacitance are independently provided. The present invention is not limited to this example. In another embodiment of the present invention, the capacitance may be detected by a self-capacitance method that does not require a drive electrode. In this case, the movable electrode is connected to a constant potential (for example, ground).

１，２…入力装置、３…外観パネル、４…基板、５…基台、１０…フレーム、２０…回転操作部、２５…平面部、３０…可動電極、５０…固定電極群、５１〜５４…固定電極群のグループ、Ａ，Ｂ，Ｃ，Ｄ…固定電極、６０，６０Ａ…検出信号生成部、７０…処理部、７１，７１Ａ…回転情報処理部、７２，７２Ａ…押圧情報処理部、９０…駆動電極、Ｅ、Ｆ、Ｇ、Ｈ…部分駆動電極、１００，１００Ａ…駆動部、ＳＡ，ＳＢ，ＳＣ，ＳＤ…検出信号。   DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 ... Input device, 3 ... Appearance panel, 4 ... Substrate, 5 ... Base, 10 ... Frame, 20 ... Rotation operation part, 25 ... Planar part, 30 ... Movable electrode, 50 ... Fixed electrode group, 51-54 ... group of fixed electrodes, A, B, C, D ... fixed electrodes, 60, 60A ... detection signal generation unit, 70 ... processing unit, 71, 71A ... rotation information processing unit, 72, 72A ... pressure information processing unit, 90 ... Drive electrodes, E, F, G, H ... Partial drive electrodes, 100, 100A ... Drive units, SA, SB, SC, SD ... Detection signals.

Claims (5)

基台と、
前記基台に回転自在に保持された回転操作部と、
前記基台に設けられた固定電極と、
前記回転操作部に設けられ、前記回転操作部の回転に伴って前記固定電極との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量が変化する可動電極と、
前記キャパシタの静電容量に応じた検出信号を生成する検出信号生成部と、
前記検出信号に基づいて前記回転操作部の回転に係わる情報を取得する処理を行う回転情報処理部とを有し、
前記回転操作部が前記基台に向かって押圧されると前記回転操作部と前記基台との距離が変化し、前記押圧を解除すると前記距離が前記押圧前に戻り、
前記押圧によって前記回転操作部と前記基台との距離が変化すると前記固定電極と前記可動電極との距離が変化し、
前記押圧による前記検出信号の変化に基づいて、前記回転操作部の前記押圧に係わる情報を取得する処理を行う押圧情報処理部を有し、
前記押圧情報処理部は、前記押圧の開始を判定したときから前記押圧の終了を判定したときまでの押圧期間に前記回転情報処理部が取得した前記回転の情報に基づいて、前記押圧期間における前記回転操作部の回転角度の変化量を算出し、当該算出した回転角度の変化量が所定の角度より小さい場合、前記回転操作部の回転が停止した状態で押圧操作がなされたと判定する
ことを特徴とする入力装置。 The base,
A rotation operation unit rotatably held on the base;
A fixed electrode provided on the base;
A movable electrode provided in the rotation operation unit, wherein a capacitance of a capacitor formed between the fixed operation and the fixed electrode is changed with rotation of the rotation operation unit;
A detection signal generation unit that generates a detection signal according to the capacitance of the capacitor;
A rotation information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to rotation of the rotation operation unit based on the detection signal;
When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base, the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes, and when the pressing is released, the distance returns to before the pressing,
When the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes due to the pressing, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode changes,
Based on the change of the detection signal according to the pressing, have a press information processing unit that performs a process of acquiring information relating to the pressing of the rotating operation unit,
The press information processing unit is configured to perform the press in the press period based on the rotation information acquired by the rotation information processing unit during a press period from when the start of the press is determined to when the end of the press is determined. A change amount of the rotation angle of the rotation operation unit is calculated, and when the calculated change amount of the rotation angle is smaller than a predetermined angle, it is determined that the pressing operation is performed in a state where the rotation of the rotation operation unit is stopped. An input device. 前記回転操作部と前記基台は、前記回転操作部の回転の軸方向と垂直な平面部をそれぞれ有し、
前記回転操作部が前記軸方向と平行な方向へ前記基台に向かって押圧されると、前記回転操作部の前記平面部と前記基台の前記平面部との距離が変化し、前記押圧を解除すると前記平面部間の距離が前記押圧前に戻り、
前記固定電極は前記基台の前記平面部に設けられ、
前記可動電極は前記回転操作部の前記平面部に設けられ、
前記可動電極との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量がそれぞれ異なる複数の前記固定電極からなる少なくとも一組の固定電極群を有し、
前記検出信号生成部は、前記固定電極群と前記可動電極との間に形成される一群のキャパシタの静電容量に応じた一群の前記検出信号を生成し、
前記回転情報処理部は、前記一群の検出信号に基づいて前記回転に係わる情報を取得し、
前記押圧情報処理部は、前記一群の前記検出信号の和を算出し、当該和に基づいて前記押圧に係わる情報を取得し、
前記押圧情報処理部は、前記一群の検出信号の和と所定のしきい値とを比較した結果に基づいて、前記押圧の有無を判定する
ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の入力装置。 The rotation operation part and the base each have a plane part perpendicular to the axial direction of rotation of the rotation operation part,
When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base in a direction parallel to the axial direction, the distance between the plane part of the rotation operation unit and the plane part of the base changes, and the pressing is performed. When the distance is released, the distance between the flat portions returns before the pressing,
The fixed electrode is provided on the planar portion of the base,
The movable electrode is al provided in the flat portion of the rotation operating part,
Having at least one set of fixed electrodes composed of a plurality of the fixed electrodes, each of which has a different capacitance from the movable electrode.
The detection signal generation unit generates a group of the detection signals according to a capacitance of a group of capacitors formed between the fixed electrode group and the movable electrode,
The rotation information processing unit acquires information related to the rotation based on the group of detection signals,
The press information processing unit calculates a sum of the detection signals of the group, acquires information related to the press based on the sum,
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the press information processing unit determines the presence or absence of the press based on a result of comparing a sum of the group of detection signals with a predetermined threshold value . 前記回転操作部が前記基台に向かって押圧されると、前記回転操作部及び前記基台の少なくとも一方が弾性変形する
ことを特徴とする請求項２に記載の入力装置。 The input device according to claim 2, wherein when the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base, at least one of the rotation operation unit and the base is elastically deformed. 基台と、
前記基台に回転自在に保持された回転操作部と、
前記基台に設けられた固定電極と、
前記回転操作部に設けられ、前記回転操作部の回転に伴って前記固定電極との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量が変化する可動電極と、
前記キャパシタの静電容量に応じた検出信号を生成する検出信号生成部と、
前記検出信号に基づいて前記回転操作部の回転に係わる情報を取得する処理を行う回転情報処理部とを有し、
前記回転操作部が前記基台に向かって押圧されると前記回転操作部と前記基台との距離が変化し、前記押圧を解除すると前記距離が前記押圧前に戻り、
前記押圧によって前記回転操作部と前記基台との距離が変化すると前記固定電極と前記可動電極との距離が変化し、
前記押圧による前記検出信号の変化に基づいて、前記回転操作部の前記押圧に係わる情報を取得する処理を行う押圧情報処理部を有し、
前記回転操作部と前記基台は、前記回転操作部の回転の軸方向と垂直な平面部をそれぞれ有し、
前記回転操作部が前記軸方向と平行な方向へ前記基台に向かって押圧されると、前記回転操作部の前記平面部と前記基台の前記平面部との距離が変化し、前記押圧を解除すると前記平面部間の距離が前記押圧前に戻り、
前記固定電極は前記基台の前記平面部に設けられ、
前記可動電極は前記回転操作部の前記平面部に設けられ、
前記回転操作部の回転軸を中心として円状に等間隔に並んだＮ組の前記固定電極群と、
前記基台において前記Ｎ組の固定電極群と隣接して設けられ、前記回転軸を中心とする円環形状に形成された駆動電極と、
前記駆動電極に駆動電圧を供給する駆動部とを有し、
前記固定電極群は、前記回転軸を中心として円弧状に等間隔に並んだＫ個の前記固定電極を含んでおり、
前記固定電極群に含まれる前記Ｋ個の固定電極において、前記回転軸を中心とした所定の円周方向における順番が第ｉ番目（ｉは１からＫまでの整数を示す。）の固定電極を第ｉ固定電極とした場合に、前記Ｎ組の固定電極群に含まれるＮ個の前記第ｉ固定電極と前記可動電極との間には、共通の静電容量を持つキャパシタがそれぞれ形成され、
前記駆動電極は、複数の部分駆動電極に分かれており、
前記可動電極と前記部分駆動電極との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量は、前記回転操作部の回転に依らず一定であり、
前記検出信号生成部は、前記第１固定電極乃至第Ｋ固定電極に対応した第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号を生成し、
前記第ｉ検出信号は、前記部分駆動電極への前記駆動電圧の供給により、前記Ｎ個の第ｉ固定電極と前記可動電極との間に形成されるＮ個のキャパシタに蓄積された電荷の和に応じた信号であり、
前記回転情報処理部は、前記複数の部分駆動電極の一部若しくは全部に共通の前記駆動電圧を供給するように前記駆動部を制御し、前記駆動電圧の供給に伴って生成される前記第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号に基づいて前記回転に係わる情報を取得し、
前記押圧情報処理部は、前記複数の部分駆動電極から順番に一の部分駆動電極を選択し、選択した一の部分駆動電極へ前記駆動電圧を供給するように前記駆動部を制御し、当該駆動電圧の供給に伴って生成される前記第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号の和を算出し、当該和に基づいて、当該一の部分駆動電極に対応した前記基台上の一領域への前記押圧に係わる情報を取得する
ことを特徴とする入力装置。 The base,
A rotation operation unit rotatably held on the base;
A fixed electrode provided on the base;
A movable electrode provided in the rotation operation unit, wherein a capacitance of a capacitor formed between the fixed operation and the fixed electrode is changed with rotation of the rotation operation unit;
A detection signal generation unit that generates a detection signal according to the capacitance of the capacitor;
A rotation information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to rotation of the rotation operation unit based on the detection signal;
When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base, the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes, and when the pressing is released, the distance returns to before the pressing,
When the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes due to the pressing, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode changes,
Based on a change in the detection signal due to the pressing, having a pressing information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to the pressing of the rotation operation unit;
The rotation operation part and the base each have a plane part perpendicular to the axial direction of rotation of the rotation operation part,
When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base in a direction parallel to the axial direction, the distance between the plane part of the rotation operation unit and the plane part of the base changes, and the pressing is performed. When the distance is released, the distance between the flat portions returns before the pressing,
The fixed electrode is provided on the planar portion of the base,
The movable electrode is provided on the plane portion of the rotation operation unit,
N groups of the fixed electrodes arranged in a circle at regular intervals around the rotation axis of the rotation operation unit;
A drive electrode provided adjacent to the N sets of fixed electrode groups on the base and formed in an annular shape centering on the rotation axis;
A drive unit for supplying a drive voltage to the drive electrode;
The fixed electrode group includes K fixed electrodes arranged in a circular arc shape at equal intervals around the rotation axis,
In the K fixed electrodes included in the fixed electrode group, an i-th fixed electrode (i represents an integer from 1 to K) in a predetermined circumferential direction around the rotation axis. In the case of the i-th fixed electrode, capacitors having a common capacitance are respectively formed between the N i-th fixed electrodes and the movable electrode included in the N sets of fixed electrodes.
The drive electrode is divided into a plurality of partial drive electrodes,
The capacitance of the capacitor formed between the movable electrode and the partial drive electrode is constant regardless of the rotation of the rotation operation unit,
The detection signal generation unit generates a first detection signal to a Kth detection signal corresponding to the first fixed electrode to the Kth fixed electrode,
The i-th detection signal is a sum of charges accumulated in N capacitors formed between the N i-th fixed electrodes and the movable electrodes by supplying the drive voltage to the partial drive electrodes. Is a signal according to
The rotation information processing unit controls the driving unit to supply the driving voltage common to some or all of the plurality of partial driving electrodes, and the first information generated in response to the supply of the driving voltage. Obtaining information on the rotation based on the detection signal to the Kth detection signal;
The pressing information processing unit selects one partial drive electrode in order from the plurality of partial drive electrodes, controls the drive unit to supply the drive voltage to the selected partial drive electrode, and drives the drive The sum of the first detection signal to the Kth detection signal generated with the supply of voltage is calculated, and based on the sum, the one area on the base corresponding to the one partial drive electrode is calculated. An input device characterized by acquiring information related to pressing. 基台と、
前記基台に回転自在に保持された回転操作部と、
前記基台に設けられた固定電極と、
前記回転操作部に設けられ、前記回転操作部の回転に伴って前記固定電極との間に形成されるキャパシタの静電容量が変化する可動電極と、
前記キャパシタの静電容量に応じた検出信号を生成する検出信号生成部と、
前記検出信号に基づいて前記回転操作部の回転に係わる情報を取得する処理を行う回転情報処理部とを有し、
前記回転操作部が前記基台に向かって押圧されると前記回転操作部と前記基台との距離が変化し、前記押圧を解除すると前記距離が前記押圧前に戻り、
前記押圧によって前記回転操作部と前記基台との距離が変化すると前記固定電極と前記可動電極との距離が変化し、
前記押圧による前記検出信号の変化に基づいて、前記回転操作部の前記押圧に係わる情報を取得する処理を行う押圧情報処理部を有し、
前記回転操作部と前記基台は、前記回転操作部の回転の軸方向と垂直な平面部をそれぞれ有し、
前記回転操作部が前記軸方向と平行な方向へ前記基台に向かって押圧されると、前記回転操作部の前記平面部と前記基台の前記平面部との距離が変化し、前記押圧を解除すると前記平面部間の距離が前記押圧前に戻り、
前記固定電極は前記基台の前記平面部に設けられ、
前記可動電極は前記回転操作部の前記平面部に設けられ、
前記回転操作部の回転軸を中心として円状に等間隔に並んだＮ組の前記固定電極群と、
前記基台において前記Ｎ組の固定電極群と隣接して設けられ、前記回転軸を中心とする円環形状に形成され、前記回転操作部の回転に依らない一定の静電容量を持つキャパシタが前記可動電極との間に形成される駆動電極と、
前記駆動電極に駆動電圧を供給する駆動部とを有し、
前記固定電極群は、前記回転軸を中心として円弧状に等間隔に並んだＫ個の前記固定電極を含んでおり、
前記固定電極群に含まれる前記Ｋ個の固定電極において、前記回転軸を中心とした所定の円周方向における順番が第ｉ番目（ｉは１からＫまでの整数を示す。）の固定電極を第ｉ固定電極とした場合に、前記Ｎ組の固定電極群に含まれるＮ個の前記第ｉ固定電極と前記可動電極との間には、共通の静電容量を持つキャパシタがそれぞれ形成され、
前記Ｎ組の固定電極群は、それぞれ連続して並んだ複数の前記固定電極群からなるＭ個のグループに分かれており、
前記検出信号生成部は、前記第１固定電極乃至第Ｋ固定電極に対応した第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号を、前記Ｍ個のグループのそれぞれについて生成し、
一の前記グループについて生成される前記第ｉ検出信号は、前記駆動電極への前記駆動電圧の供給により、当該一のグループに所属する複数の前記第ｉ固定電極と前記可動電極との間に形成される複数のキャパシタに蓄積された電荷の和に応じた信号であり、
前記回転情報処理部は、前記駆動電極へ前記駆動電圧を供給するように前記駆動部を制御し、当該記駆動電圧の供給に伴って前記Ｍ個のグループのそれぞれについて生成される前記第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号に基づいて、前記回転に係わる情報を取得し、
前記押圧情報処理部は、前記駆動電極へ前記駆動電圧を供給するように前記駆動部を制御し、当該駆動電圧の供給に伴って生成される前記第１検出信号乃至第Ｋ検出信号の和を、前記Ｍ個のグループについてそれぞれ算出し、前記Ｍ個のグループについて算出したＭ個の前記和に基づいて、前記Ｍ個のグループに対応した前記基台上のＭ個の領域への前記押圧に係わる情報をそれぞれ取得する
ことを特徴とする入力装置。 The base,
A rotation operation unit rotatably held on the base;
A fixed electrode provided on the base;
A movable electrode provided in the rotation operation unit, wherein a capacitance of a capacitor formed between the fixed operation and the fixed electrode is changed with rotation of the rotation operation unit;
A detection signal generation unit that generates a detection signal according to the capacitance of the capacitor;
A rotation information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to rotation of the rotation operation unit based on the detection signal;
When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base, the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes, and when the pressing is released, the distance returns to before the pressing,
When the distance between the rotation operation unit and the base changes due to the pressing, the distance between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode changes,
Based on a change in the detection signal due to the pressing, having a pressing information processing unit that performs processing for acquiring information related to the pressing of the rotation operation unit;
The rotation operation part and the base each have a plane part perpendicular to the axial direction of rotation of the rotation operation part,
When the rotation operation unit is pressed toward the base in a direction parallel to the axial direction, the distance between the plane part of the rotation operation unit and the plane part of the base changes, and the pressing is performed. When the distance is released, the distance between the flat portions returns before the pressing,
The fixed electrode is provided on the planar portion of the base,
The movable electrode is provided on the plane portion of the rotation operation unit,
N groups of the fixed electrodes arranged in a circle at regular intervals around the rotation axis of the rotation operation unit;
A capacitor provided on the base adjacent to the N sets of fixed electrodes, formed in an annular shape centering on the rotation axis, and having a constant capacitance independent of rotation of the rotation operation unit. A drive electrode formed between the movable electrode;
A drive unit for supplying a drive voltage to the drive electrode;
The fixed electrode group includes K fixed electrodes arranged in a circular arc shape at equal intervals around the rotation axis,
In the K fixed electrodes included in the fixed electrode group, an i-th fixed electrode (i represents an integer from 1 to K) in a predetermined circumferential direction around the rotation axis. In the case of the i-th fixed electrode, capacitors having a common capacitance are respectively formed between the N i-th fixed electrodes and the movable electrode included in the N sets of fixed electrodes.
The N sets of fixed electrode groups are divided into M groups each including a plurality of the fixed electrode groups arranged in series,
The detection signal generation unit generates a first detection signal to a Kth detection signal corresponding to the first fixed electrode to the Kth fixed electrode for each of the M groups,
The i-th detection signal generated for one group is formed between the plurality of i-th fixed electrodes and the movable electrode belonging to the group by supplying the driving voltage to the driving electrode. Is a signal corresponding to the sum of charges accumulated in a plurality of capacitors,
The rotation information processing unit controls the driving unit to supply the driving voltage to the driving electrode, and the first detection generated for each of the M groups with the supply of the driving voltage. Based on the signal to the Kth detection signal, information related to the rotation is acquired,
The pressing information processing unit controls the driving unit to supply the driving voltage to the driving electrode, and calculates a sum of the first detection signal to the Kth detection signal generated with the supply of the driving voltage. , Respectively, for the M groups, and based on the sum of the M calculated for the M groups, the pressure on the M areas on the base corresponding to the M groups An input device characterized by acquiring each related information.
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