CAPACITIVE SWITCH
First Claim
1. A capacitive switch for performing a switch opening and closing operation depending on whether or not a human body approaches or comes in contact with the capacitive switch on the basis of a change in capacitance which is monitored, the capacitive switch comprising:
- an electrically conductive input key provided so as to be exposed on a surface of the capacitive switch;
a first capacitor having an end connected to the input key; and
a detection circuit configured to apply a predetermined signal to the first capacitor and to detect an output of the first capacitor to output a switching signal corresponding to the detected output,wherein the first capacitor comprises a base member and a pair of counter electrodes arranged on either side of the base member so as to face each other with the base member therebetween.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An input key and a detection circuit are not directly connected but are connected via a first capacitor. This prevents electrostatic noise obtained by the input key from directly entering the detection circuit, thereby protecting the detection circuit. Further, a first coupling line adapted to establish a connection between the input key and one of a pair of counter electrodes and a second coupling line adapted to establish a connection between the other counter electrode and the detection circuit are surrounded by ground electrodes. Thus, the effect of electrostatic noise is suppressed to provide a stable operation of the capacitive switch.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A capacitive switch for performing a switch opening and closing operation depending on whether or not a human body approaches or comes in contact with the capacitive switch on the basis of a change in capacitance which is monitored, the capacitive switch comprising:
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an electrically conductive input key provided so as to be exposed on a surface of the capacitive switch; a first capacitor having an end connected to the input key; and a detection circuit configured to apply a predetermined signal to the first capacitor and to detect an output of the first capacitor to output a switching signal corresponding to the detected output, wherein the first capacitor comprises a base member and a pair of counter electrodes arranged on either side of the base member so as to face each other with the base member therebetween. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification