JP3954270B2

JP3954270B2 - Input device and detection device

Info

Publication number: JP3954270B2
Application number: JP2000070888A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 克俊鈴木
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2000-03-14
Filing date: 2000-03-14
Publication date: 2007-08-08
Anticipated expiration: 2020-03-14
Also published as: JP2001255996A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、例えばパソコンやリモコンなどに用いる入力装置ならびに例えば加速度計などに用いる検出装置に係り、特に静電容量の変化に基づく入力装置ならびに検出装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
自動車産業、電機産業、機械産業、土木産業など各種産業において、力などの物理量を入力したり検出したりする入力装置ならびに検出装置（以下、入力装置で代表して記す）として、温度補正などの必要がないことから静電容量の変化を利用した入力装置が各種提案されている。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところが従来のこの種入力装置は、操作部に加わる水平方向（Ｘ，Ｙ方向）の力と垂直方向（Ｚ方向）の力の区別ができないため、特に操作部を斜めに押した場合などに入力精度が悪いという欠点を有している。
【０００４】
本発明の目的は、このような従来技術の欠点を解消し、入力精度（検出精度）が高く、取扱性の良好な入力装置ならびに検出装置を提供することにある。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記目的を達成するため、本発明の第１の手段は、
キートップの押下を感知する電極と、その押下方向と直交する水平方向のスライダの移動を検知する複数の電極とをそれぞれ分割して設けた分割電極を有するプリント配線基板と、
前記分割電極と所定の間隔を保持して対向し、少なくとも前記分割電極との対向部が導電性を有し、弾性変形により前記電極との間隔が変化する弾性体と、
その弾性体と一体になっており、前記キートップの押下を感知する電極と対応した部分に設けられた頭部が押下可能なキートップと、
そのキートップの頭部に外嵌してその頭部が露呈する穴が形成され、外周のフランジ部が支持体上に載置されてハウジングの上端折曲部との間で前記水平方向のみ移動可能に配置された硬質のスライダとを備え、
前記キートップならびにスライダに力が作用していない待機状態では、前記弾性体の導電部と前記プリント配線基板上の各電極の間隔は等しくなっており、
前記スライダを水平方向に移動すると前記キートップを介して弾性体が変形して、弾性体の導電部と前記水平方向の入力を感知する電極との間隔が変化し、
前記キートップのスライダから露呈している頭部を押下すると弾性体が変形して、弾性体の導電部と前記押下を感知する電極との間隔が変化するように構成されていることを特徴とするものである。
【０００６】
本発明の第２の手段は、
キートップの押下を感知する電極と、その押下方向と直交する水平方向のスライダの移動を検知する複数の電極とをそれぞれ分割して設けた分割電極を有するプリント配線基板と、
前記分割電極と所定の間隔を保持して対向し、少なくとも前記分割電極との対向部が導電性を有し、前記キートップの押下を感知する電極と対応した部分に頭部が設けられ、弾性変形により前記電極との間隔が変化する弾性体と、
その弾性体の頭部に外嵌してその頭部が露呈する穴が形成され、外周のフランジ部が支持体上に載置されてハウジングの上端折曲部との間で前記水平方向のみ移動可能に配置された硬質のスライダと、
そのスライダと一体になっており、スライダの前記穴から露呈した前記弾性体の頭部と対応する位置に肉薄部を設けたキートップとを備え、
前記キートップに力が作用していない待機状態では、前記弾性体の導電部と前記プリント配線基板上の各電極の間隔は等しくなっており、
前記キートップを水平方向に移動するとスライダを介して弾性体が変形して、弾性体の導電部と前記水平方向の入力を感知する電極との間隔が変化し、
前記キートップの肉薄部を押下すると弾性体が変形して、弾性体の導電部と前記押下を感知する電極との間隔が変化するように構成されていることを特徴とするものである。
【０００７】
本発明の第３の手段は前記第１または第２の手段において、
前記弾性体の下面中央部に設けられた突出部と当該弾性体の外周部とにより、弾性体と前記プリント配線基板の間に隙間が形成されることを特徴とするものである。
本発明の第４の手段は前記第２の手段において、
前記弾性体の頭部と前記スライダの穴との嵌合部が前記キートップで覆われていることを特徴とするものである。
【０００８】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施形態を図面とともに説明する。図１〜図３は第１の実施形態に係る入力装置を説明するためのもので、図１は入力装置の断面図、図２はプリント配線基板の平面図、図３はプリント配線基板の断面図である。
【０００９】
入力装置は、スライダ１９、キートップ１、金属板からな
るハウジング２、合成樹脂の成形体からなる支持体３、弾性体４、プリント配線基板５から主に構成されている。
【００１０】
スライダ１９は硬質合成樹脂で図１に示すような形状に成形され、中央部にキートップ１の頭部９に外嵌する穴６が形成され、外周のフランジ部７が支持体３上に載置されてハウジング２の上端折曲部８との間で水平方向（Ｘ，Ｙ方向）に移動自在に配置されている。
【００１１】
キートップ１はゴムやエラストマーなどの弾性材料で図１に示すような形状に成形され、頭部９がスライダ１９の穴６から外側に露呈し、弾性体４と一体に嵌合している。キートップ１は、スライダ１９と共に水平方向（Ｘ，Ｙ方向）に移動自在で、かつ単独で垂直方向（Ｚ方向）に移動自在である。
【００１２】
弾性体４は、比較的肉厚で導電性のない弾性体本体４ａと、弾性体本体４ａの下側に配置された導電性弾性体４ｂとから構成され、両者は２色成形や接着などの手段で一体になっている。導電性弾性体４ｂは、銀やカーボンブラックなどの導電性微粒子をゴムやエラストマーなどの弾性材料に分散保持したものからなる。弾性体４の外周部１０はプリント配線基板５に接着などで固定・位置決めされ、導電性弾性体４ｂの下面中央部にプリント配線基板５側に当接する張力付与用の突出部１１が設けられ、外周部１０と突出部１１により導電性弾性体４ｂとプリント配線基板５の間に間隔１２が形成されている。
【００１３】
例えばガラス−エポキシ樹脂などからなる硬質のプリント配線基板５の上面に図２に示すように、中央に第１電極１３ａ、その外周に第２電極１３ｂ、第３電極１３ｃ、第４電極１３ｄ、第５電極１３ｅが分割して形成され、さらにその外周にグランド電極１３ｆが設けられ、図３に示す如く各電極１３の上は間隔保持用の柔軟性絶縁膜１４で覆われ、第２〜第５電極１３ｂ〜１３ｅの面積は等しくなっている。
【００１４】
入力装置の適用例については後述するが、本実施形態では第２電極１３ｂはディスプレイ上のカーソルを上方向に、第３電極１３ｃは左方向に、第４電極１３ｄは下方向に、第５電極１３ｅは右方向に、それぞれステップ移動するための電極で、これら第２電極１３ｂ〜第５電極１３ｅは水平方向（Ｘ，Ｙ方向）の入力用となっている。第１電極１３ａは前述の入力方向を確認するときに使用する電極で、垂直方向（Ｚ方向）の入力用となっている。
【００１５】
プリント配線基板５の下面に所定形状の導電パターン１５が設けられ、前記各電極１３はスルーホール１６により導電パターン１５と電気的に接続されている。導電パターン１５上にＩＣチップ１７などの電子部品が搭載され、導電パターン１５の一端にフレキシブルプリント配線基板１８が接続され、フレキシブルプリント配線基板１８の他端は使用機器の入出力インターフェース（図示せず）に接続されている。
【００１６】
この入力装置の操作について説明する。キートップ１，スライダ１９に力が作用していない待機状態（初期状態）では、導電性弾性体４ｂとプリント配線基板５上の各電極１３ｂ〜１３ｅの間隔は等しく、従って導電性弾性体４ｂと各電極１３ｂ〜１３ｅの間の静電容量も等しい。
【００１７】
スライダ１９を操作するとき、それのフランジ部７は支持体３とハウジング２の上端折曲部８の間で挟持されているから、垂直方向（Ｚ方向）の移動が阻止され、水平方向（Ｘ，Ｙ方向）の移動のみが許容されている。
【００１８】
スライダ１９を図１において例えば左側に移動すると、その移動はキートップ１を介して弾性体４に伝えられ、弾性体４が若干弾性変形し、その変形にともない導電性弾性体４ｂと第３電極１３ｃの間隔が初期状態よりも狭まり、第３電極１３ｃ側の静電容量の変化を電気的に検出して、今、スライダ１９によりカーソルを左方向に移動する信号が入力されたことを検知することができる。
【００１９】
スライダ１９を図１において例えば右側に移動すると、その移動に伴い弾性体４が若干弾性変形し、導電性弾性体４ｂと第５電極１３ｅの間隔が初期状態よりも狭まり、第５電極１３ｅ側の静電容量の変化を電気的に検出して、今、スライダ１９によりカーソルを右方向に移動する信号が入力されたことを検知することができる。
【００２０】
また、図１においてキートップ１を指先で垂直方向（Ｚ方向）に押すと、スライダ１９はその位置に保持されたままキートップ１だけが下方に移動する。この移動に伴い導電性弾性体４ｂと第１電極１３ａの間隔が初期状態よりも狭まり、静電容量の変化を電気的に検出して、キートップ１により信号が入力される。キートップ１，スライダ１９から操作力を解除すれば、弾性体４の復元力によりキートップ１，スライダ１９，弾性体４は元の待機状態に戻る。
【００２１】
図４〜図６は第２の実施形態に係る入力装置を説明するためのもので、図４は入力装置の断面図、図５は入力装置の斜視図、図６は入力装置の分解斜視図である。
【００２２】
入力装置は図４と図６に示すように、キートップ１、ハウジング２、支持体３、弾性体４、プリント配線基板５、スライダ１９、ブラケット２０から主に構成されている。
【００２３】
前記キートップ１はゴムやエラストマーなどの弾性材料で図４に示すような形状に成形され、上面中央部に大きく円弧状に窪んだ入力操作面２１が形成されている。図４に示すように、中央部は外周部よりも肉薄で上下に移動できる突出部２２が下方に向いて突設され、下端外周壁２３がスライダ１９に外嵌される。
【００２４】
スライダ１９は硬質合成樹脂の成形体からなり、中央部に弾性体４の頭部に外嵌する穴２４が形成され、この弾性体４とスライダ１９の連結部はスライダ１９の上に装着されたキートップで覆われている。スライダ１９の外周に設けられたフランジ部７は、ブラケット２０とハウジング２の上端折曲部８の間にスライド可能に挟持されている。
【００２５】
弾性体４は全体が導電性を有し、頭部がスライダ１９の穴２４から露呈しキートップ１の突出部２２と当接たまは近接して、プリント配線基板５の所定位置に固定されている。プリント配線基板５上に図６に示すように第１〜第５電極１３ａ〜１３ｅとグランド電極１３ｆが設けられ、第１〜第５電極１３ａ〜１３ｅは間隔１２を介して弾性体４の下面と対向している。
【００２６】
この入力装置のキートップ１を操作するとき、嵌合によりキートップ１と一体になっているスライダ１９のフランジ部７はブラケット２０とハウジング２の上端折曲部８の間で挟持されているから、キートップ１の外周部（スライダ１９）は垂直方向（Ｚ方向）の移動が阻止され、水平方向（Ｘ，Ｙ方向）の移動のみが許容されている。
【００２７】
キートップ１を水平方向に移動すると、その移動はスライダ１９を介して弾性体４に伝えられ、弾性体４が弾性変形し、その変形に伴い弾性体４と第２〜第５電極１３ｂ〜１３ｅのうちのいずれかの複数の電極との間隔１２が変化し、それを静電容量の変化として電気的に検出して、信号入力することができる。
【００２８】
また、キートップ１の中央部（突出部２２の所）を指先で垂直方向（Ｚ方向）に押すと、スライダ１９を介さず弾性体４の中央部が押圧され、第１電極１３ａとの間隔が初期状態よりも狭まり、静電容量の変化を電気的に検出して信号入力がなされる。
【００２９】
図７と図８は第３の実施形態に係る入力装置を説明するためのもので、図７は入力装置の断面図、図８は入力装置に組込む前の弾性体の断面図である。この例で前記第２の実施形態と相違する点は、弾性体の形状である。
【００３０】
すなわち弾性体４の下面中央部に突出部１１が設けられ、突出部１１は外周部１０よりも若干下方に突出している。弾性体４を装置内に組込むと突出部１１はプリント配線基板５により押圧変形され、その状態で外周部１０がプリント配線基板５に固定されるから、弾性体４に矢印Ｆで示すような張力（応力）が発生する。
【００３１】
弾性体４は操作力に応じて弾性変形する訳であるが、弾性体４内に歪みが残るため、操作力が微小な場合にはその操作力が残留歪みで相殺されて適正な信号入力ができないことがある。その点、本実施形態ならびに後述の第４，５の実施形態のように弾性体４に張力（応力）を付与すれば、微小な操作力でも適正な信号入力が可能となる。図１に示す導電性弾性体４ｂに設けた突出部１１も導電性弾性体４ｂの張力（応力）付与に関与している。
【００３２】
図９は第４の実施形態に係る入力装置を説明するためのもので、この例では弾性体４の下面外周部の全周に傾斜あるいは丸みのある切欠部２６を設ける。この弾性体４を装置内に組込むと、組付け時の押圧力により切欠部２６が潰れ（図では切欠部２６を明示するために潰れた状態には図示していない）、それにより弾性体４内に張力（応力）Ｆが生じる。切欠部２６により弾性体４に張力（応力）Ｆを発生させるため、弾性体４の外周部の厚さは支持部３の厚さよりも切欠部２６の潰れ分だけ厚く設計されている。
【００３３】
図１０は第５の実施形態に係る入力装置を説明するためのもの要部断面図で、この例では弾性体４の上面外周部の全周に、上方に向けて徐々に径大になった広角状の傾斜部２７が形成され、例えばブラケット２０などの押圧部材に傾斜部２７を径方向外側に押し拡げるために例えばＶ字状に屈曲された押拡部２８が設けられている。この押拡部２８の押圧により傾斜部２７を径方向外側に押し拡げることにより、弾性体４内に張力（応力）Ｆが生じる。
【００３４】
張力（応力）Ｆの大きさは、第３の実施形態の場合は突出部１１の突出寸法や径、第４の実施形態の場合は切欠部２６の大きさ、第５の実施形態の場合は傾斜部２７の傾斜角度などによって調整することができる。
【００３５】
図１１ならびに図１２は入力装置の第１の適用例を示す図で、モバイルパソコンやノートパソコンに適用した例を示しており、パソコン２９は多数のキーボードスイッチ３０を有する本体３１と、表示部３２を有する蓋部材３３を有し、蓋部材３３は本体３１に回動自在に取り付けられている。蓋部材３３の端部に入力ポインターとして前述の入力装置３４が取り付けられている。この例は蓋部材３３に入力装置３４を設けたが、本体３１に設けることも可能である。
【００３６】
図１２は入力装置３４の操作状態を示しており、入力装置３４の部分を親指３５と他の指３６とで挟持し、親指３５を上下左右に動かすことにより、表示部３２上のカーソルを任意に移動できる。
【００３７】
図１３は入力装置の第２の適用例を示す図で、例えば家庭用のモバイルパソコンやノートパソコンなどのリモコンに適用した例を示しており、リモコン本体３７に入力ポインターとして前述の入力装置３４、スイッチ３８、スクロールダイヤル３９などが取り付けられている。この例ではパソコン用のリモコンについて説明したが、他の機器のリモコンにも適用可能である。
【００３８】
前述の例ではパソコンに適用したが、例えば他の電気機器、車載用機器、各種測定機器、医療機器など各分野への適用が可能である。
【００３９】
前記各実施形態では第１〜第５電極の５種類の分割電極を用いたが、分割電極の数はこれより少なくても多くても構わない。
【００４０】
前記各実施形態において、スライダ１９のフランジ部７と支持体３またはブラケット２０との接触部分は平滑面になってスライダ１９の動きを円滑にしているが、前記接触部分に例えばフッ素系樹脂などの固体潤滑剤からなる滑性層を形成することもできる。
【００４１】
前記各実施形態では入力装置の場合について説明したが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではなく、入力装置のキートップ、スライダに相当する部分に検出体を移動可能（例えばスライド可能あるいは回動可能）に設け、被検出体からの作用力（力、磁気力、風力など）により前記検出体を移動し、その移動力で弾性体を変形して、その変形を静電容量の変化として検出する検出装置にも適用可能である。
【００４２】
【発明の効果】
請求項１ならびに請求項４記載の本発明（第１の手段）は、前述のような構成になっており、水平方向のみ移動可能なスライダと、垂直方向に移動可能なキートップとを備えているから、水平方向の入力と垂直方向の入力が明確に分かれ、そのために入力精度（検出精度）が高く、取扱性の良好な入力装置ならびに検出装置を提供することができる。
【００４３】
請求項２ならびに請求項５記載の本発明（第２の手段）は、弾性体に張力を付与する張力付与手段が設けられているから、微小な力でも入力が可能で、さらに入力精度（検出精度）の向上が図れる。
【００４４】
請求項３ならびに請求項６記載の本発明（第３の手段）は、弾性体とスライダの連結部がキートップで覆われているから、前記連結部に塵埃類などが付着、侵入することがなく動作信頼性の向上が図れるなどの特長を有している。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施形態に係る入力装置の断面図である。
【図２】その入力装置に用いるプリント配線基板の平面図である。
【図３】そのプリント配線基板の断面図である。
【図４】本発明の第２の実施形態に係る入力装置の断面図である。
【図５】その入力装置の斜視図である。
【図６】その入力装置の分解斜視図である。
【図７】本発明の第３の実施形態に係る入力装置の断面図である。
【図８】その入力装置に用いる弾性体の断面図である。
【図９】本発明の第４の実施形態に係る入力装置の断面図である。
【図１０】本発明の第５の実施形態に係る入力装置の要部断面図である。
【図１１】本発明の実施形態に係る入力装置を用いたパソコンの斜視図である。
【図１２】そのパソコンでの入力装置の操作状態を示す一部側面図である。
【図１３】本発明の実施形態に係る入力装置を用いたリモコンの平面図である。
【符号の説明】
１キートップ
２ハウジング
３支持体
４弾性体
４ａ弾性体本体
４ｂ導電性弾性体
５プリント配線基板
６穴
７フランジ部
８上端折曲部
９頭部
１０外周部
１１突出部
１２間隔
１３電極
１３ａ〜１３ｅ第１〜第５電極
１９スライダ
２０ブラケット
２１入力操作面
２２突出部
２３下端外周部
２４穴
２６切欠部
２７傾斜部
２８押拡部
３４入力装置[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an input device used in, for example, a personal computer or a remote controller and a detection device used in, for example, an accelerometer, and more particularly to an input device and a detection device based on a change in capacitance.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In various industries such as the automobile industry, electrical industry, mechanical industry, civil engineering industry, etc., as an input device and a detection device (hereinafter referred to as an input device) for inputting and detecting physical quantities such as force, temperature correction, etc. Since there is no need, various input devices using changes in capacitance have been proposed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, this type of conventional input device cannot distinguish between the horizontal (X, Y direction) force applied to the operation unit and the vertical (Z direction) force. It has the disadvantage of poor accuracy.
[0004]
An object of the present invention is to provide an input device and a detection device that eliminate such drawbacks of the prior art and have high input accuracy (detection accuracy) and good handling properties.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the first means of the present invention comprises:
A printed wiring board having divided electrodes each formed by dividing an electrode for detecting pressing of the key top and a plurality of electrodes for detecting movement of a horizontal slider perpendicular to the pressing direction;
An elastic body facing the divided electrode while maintaining a predetermined interval, at least a portion facing the divided electrode has conductivity, and an elastic body in which the distance from the electrode changes due to elastic deformation,
A key top that is integral with the elastic body and that can be pressed by a head provided in a portion corresponding to an electrode that senses pressing of the key top;
A hole is formed in the head of the key top so that the head is exposed, and the outer peripheral flange is placed on the support and moves only in the horizontal direction between the upper bent portion of the housing. With hard sliders arranged as possible,
In the standby state where no force is applied to the key top and the slider, the distance between the conductive portion of the elastic body and each electrode on the printed wiring board is equal.
When the slider is moved in the horizontal direction, the elastic body is deformed through the key top, and the interval between the conductive portion of the elastic body and the electrode for detecting the input in the horizontal direction is changed,
The elastic body is deformed when the head exposed from the slider of the key top is pressed, and the interval between the conductive portion of the elastic body and the electrode for detecting the pressing is changed. To do.
[0006]
The second means of the present invention is:
A printed wiring board having divided electrodes each formed by dividing an electrode for detecting pressing of the key top and a plurality of electrodes for detecting movement of a horizontal slider perpendicular to the pressing direction;
The electrode is opposed to the divided electrode with a predetermined distance, and at least a portion facing the divided electrode has conductivity, and a head is provided at a portion corresponding to the electrode that senses pressing of the key top, and is elastic. An elastic body whose distance from the electrode changes due to deformation;
A hole is formed on the head of the elastic body so that the head is exposed. The outer peripheral flange is placed on the support and moves only in the horizontal direction between the upper bent portion of the housing. Hard sliders arranged as possible,
It is integrated with the slider, and includes a key top provided with a thin portion at a position corresponding to the head of the elastic body exposed from the hole of the slider,
In a standby state in which no force is applied to the key top, the interval between the conductive portion of the elastic body and each electrode on the printed wiring board is equal,
When the key top is moved in the horizontal direction, the elastic body is deformed via the slider, and the distance between the conductive portion of the elastic body and the electrode for sensing the input in the horizontal direction is changed.
When the thin portion of the key top is pressed, the elastic body is deformed, and the interval between the conductive portion of the elastic body and the electrode that senses the pressing is changed .
[0007]
A third means of the present invention is the first or second means,
A gap is formed between the elastic body and the printed wiring board by the protrusion provided at the center of the lower surface of the elastic body and the outer peripheral portion of the elastic body.
According to a fourth means of the present invention, in the second means,
A fitting portion between the head of the elastic body and the hole of the slider is covered with the key top .
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 are diagrams for explaining the input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the input device, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the printed wiring board, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the printed wiring board. FIG.
[0009]
The input device mainly includes a slider 19, a key top 1, a housing 2 made of a metal plate, a support 3 made of a synthetic resin molding, an elastic body 4, and a printed wiring board 5.
[0010]
The slider 19 is formed of a hard synthetic resin into a shape as shown in FIG. 1, a hole 6 is formed in the center portion so as to fit the head portion 9 of the key top 1, and the outer peripheral flange portion 7 is mounted on the support 3. It is placed so as to be movable in the horizontal direction (X, Y direction) between the upper end bent portion 8 of the housing 2.
[0011]
The key top 1 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer into a shape as shown in FIG. 1, and the head portion 9 is exposed to the outside from the hole 6 of the slider 19 and is integrally fitted with the elastic body 4. The key top 1 is movable in the horizontal direction (X and Y directions) together with the slider 19 and is movable in the vertical direction (Z direction) independently.
[0012]
The elastic body 4 is composed of an elastic body 4a that is relatively thick and has no electrical conductivity, and a conductive elastic body 4b that is disposed on the lower side of the elastic body 4a. It is united by means. The conductive elastic body 4b is formed by dispersing and holding conductive fine particles such as silver or carbon black in an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The outer peripheral portion 10 of the elastic body 4 is fixed and positioned to the printed wiring board 5 by adhesion or the like, and a tension applying protrusion 11 is provided at the center of the lower surface of the conductive elastic body 4b to contact the printed wiring board 5 side. A space 12 is formed between the conductive elastic body 4 b and the printed wiring board 5 by the outer peripheral portion 10 and the protruding portion 11.
[0013]
For example, as shown in FIG. 2 on the upper surface of a hard printed wiring board 5 made of glass-epoxy resin or the like, a first electrode 13a at the center, a second electrode 13b, a third electrode 13c, a fourth electrode 13d, The five electrodes 13e are divided and formed, and further, a ground electrode 13f is provided on the outer periphery thereof. As shown in FIG. 3, the top of each electrode 13 is covered with a flexible insulating film 14 for maintaining a space. The areas of the electrodes 13b to 13e are equal.
[0014]
Although an application example of the input device will be described later, in the present embodiment, the second electrode 13b is a cursor on the display upward, the third electrode 13c is leftward, the fourth electrode 13d is downward , and the fifth electrode 13e is an electrode for stepping in the right direction. These second electrode 13b to fifth electrode 13e are for input in the horizontal direction (X, Y direction). The first electrode 13a is an electrode used when checking the input direction described above, and is used for input in the vertical direction (Z direction).
[0015]
A conductive pattern 15 having a predetermined shape is provided on the lower surface of the printed wiring board 5, and each electrode 13 is electrically connected to the conductive pattern 15 through a through hole 16. An electronic component such as an IC chip 17 is mounted on the conductive pattern 15, a flexible printed wiring board 18 is connected to one end of the conductive pattern 15, and the other end of the flexible printed wiring board 18 is an input / output interface (not shown) of the device used. )It is connected to the.
[0016]
The operation of this input device will be described. In a standby state (initial state) in which no force is applied to the key top 1 and the slider 19, the distance between the conductive elastic body 4b and the electrodes 13b to 13e on the printed wiring board 5 is equal. The electrostatic capacitance between each electrode 13b-13e is also equal.
[0017]
When the slider 19 is operated, the flange portion 7 is sandwiched between the support 3 and the upper end bent portion 8 of the housing 2, so that the movement in the vertical direction (Z direction) is prevented, and the horizontal direction (X , Y direction) is only allowed.
[0018]
When the slider 19 is moved to the left side in FIG. 1, for example, the movement is transmitted to the elastic body 4 through the key top 1, and the elastic body 4 is slightly elastically deformed. With the deformation, the conductive elastic body 4b and the third electrode The interval of 13c becomes narrower than the initial state, and a change in capacitance on the third electrode 13c side is electrically detected, and it is detected by the slider 19 that a signal for moving the cursor to the left is input. be able to.
[0019]
When the slider 19 is moved to the right side in FIG. 1, for example, the elastic body 4 is slightly elastically deformed along with the movement, and the distance between the conductive elastic body 4b and the fifth electrode 13e is narrower than the initial state, A change in electrostatic capacitance is electrically detected, and it can be detected that a signal for moving the cursor to the right is input by the slider 19.
[0020]
In FIG. 1, when the key top 1 is pushed in the vertical direction (Z direction) with the fingertip, only the key top 1 moves downward while the slider 19 is held in that position. Along with this movement, the distance between the conductive elastic body 4b and the first electrode 13a becomes narrower than the initial state, a change in capacitance is electrically detected, and a signal is input from the key top 1. When the operating force is released from the key top 1 and the slider 19, the key top 1, the slider 19 and the elastic body 4 return to the original standby state by the restoring force of the elastic body 4.
[0021]
4 to 6 are diagrams for explaining the input device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the input device, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the input device, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the input device. It is.
[0022]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the input device mainly includes a key top 1, a housing 2, a support body 3, an elastic body 4, a printed wiring board 5, a slider 19, and a bracket 20.
[0023]
The key top 1 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer into a shape as shown in FIG. 4, and an input operation surface 21 that is largely recessed in an arc shape is formed at the center of the upper surface. As shown in FIG. 4, the central portion is thinner than the outer peripheral portion, and a projecting portion 22 that can move up and down projects downward, and the lower end outer peripheral wall 23 is externally fitted to the slider 19.
[0024]
The slider 19 is formed of a hard synthetic resin molded body, and a hole 24 is formed in the center portion so as to be fitted around the head of the elastic body 4. A connecting portion between the elastic body 4 and the slider 19 is mounted on the slider 19. Covered with key tops. The flange portion 7 provided on the outer periphery of the slider 19 is slidably sandwiched between the bracket 20 and the upper end bent portion 8 of the housing 2.
[0025]
The elastic body 4 as a whole has conductivity, and the head is exposed from the hole 24 of the slider 19 and is in close contact with the protrusion 22 of the key top 1, and is fixed at a predetermined position on the printed circuit board 5. Yes. As shown in FIG. 6, first to fifth electrodes 13 a to 13 e and a ground electrode 13 f are provided on the printed wiring board 5, and the first to fifth electrodes 13 a to 13 e are connected to the lower surface of the elastic body 4 via the interval 12. Opposite.
[0026]
When operating the key top 1 of this input device, the flange portion 7 of the slider 19 integrated with the key top 1 by fitting is sandwiched between the bracket 20 and the upper bent portion 8 of the housing 2. The outer peripheral portion (slider 19) of the key top 1 is prevented from moving in the vertical direction (Z direction), and only allowed to move in the horizontal direction (X, Y direction).
[0027]
When the key top 1 is moved in the horizontal direction, the movement is transmitted to the elastic body 4 via the slider 19, and the elastic body 4 is elastically deformed. With the deformation, the elastic body 4 and the second to fifth electrodes 13b to 13e. The interval 12 with any one of the plurality of electrodes changes, and this is electrically detected as a change in capacitance, and a signal can be input.
[0028]
Further, when the center portion of the key top 1 (the protruding portion 22) is pushed in the vertical direction (Z direction) with the fingertip, the center portion of the elastic body 4 is pressed without the slider 19, and the distance from the first electrode 13a. Becomes narrower than the initial state, and a signal is inputted by electrically detecting a change in capacitance.
[0029]
7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining an input device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the input device, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an elastic body before being assembled into the input device. In this example, the difference from the second embodiment is the shape of the elastic body.
[0030]
That is, the protrusion 11 is provided at the center of the lower surface of the elastic body 4, and the protrusion 11 protrudes slightly below the outer peripheral portion 10. When the elastic body 4 is assembled in the apparatus, the protruding portion 11 is pressed and deformed by the printed wiring board 5, and the outer peripheral portion 10 is fixed to the printed wiring board 5 in this state. (Stress) occurs.
[0031]
The elastic body 4 is elastically deformed in response to the operating force. However, since distortion remains in the elastic body 4, when the operating force is very small, the operating force is offset by the residual strain and an appropriate signal input is generated. There are things that cannot be done. In this respect, if a tension (stress) is applied to the elastic body 4 as in the present embodiment and fourth and fifth embodiments described later, it is possible to input an appropriate signal even with a minute operating force. The protrusion 11 provided on the conductive elastic body 4b shown in FIG. 1 is also involved in the application of tension (stress) to the conductive elastic body 4b.
[0032]
FIG. 9 illustrates an input device according to the fourth embodiment. In this example, a notched portion 26 having an inclination or a roundness is provided on the entire outer periphery of the lower surface of the elastic body 4. When this elastic body 4 is assembled in the apparatus, the cutout portion 26 is crushed by the pressing force at the time of assembly (not shown in the figure in a collapsed state in order to clearly show the cutout portion 26), thereby the elastic body 4. A tension (stress) F is generated inside. In order to generate tension (stress) F in the elastic body 4 by the notch 26, the thickness of the outer peripheral portion of the elastic body 4 is designed to be thicker than the thickness of the support 3 by the amount of collapse of the notch 26.
[0033]
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part for explaining the input device according to the fifth embodiment. In this example, the diameter gradually increases upward on the entire circumference of the outer peripheral part of the upper surface of the elastic body 4. A wide-angled inclined portion 27 is formed, and, for example, a pressing member such as the bracket 20 is provided with an expanding portion 28 bent in, for example, a V shape in order to expand the inclined portion 27 radially outward. Tension (stress) F is generated in the elastic body 4 by expanding the inclined portion 27 radially outward by the pressing of the expanding portion 28.
[0034]
The magnitude of the tension (stress) F is the protrusion size and diameter of the protrusion 11 in the case of the third embodiment, the size of the notch 26 in the case of the fourth embodiment, and the case of the fifth embodiment. It can be adjusted by the inclination angle of the inclined portion 27 or the like.
[0035]
FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are diagrams showing a first application example of the input device, which shows an example applied to a mobile personal computer or a notebook personal computer. The personal computer 29 includes a main body 31 having a number of keyboard switches 30 and a display unit 32. The lid member 33 is attached to the main body 31 so as to be rotatable. The input device 34 described above is attached to the end of the lid member 33 as an input pointer. In this example, the input device 34 is provided on the lid member 33, but it may be provided on the main body 31.
[0036]
FIG. 12 shows the operating state of the input device 34. The cursor on the display unit 32 can be arbitrarily set by holding the portion of the input device 34 between the thumb 35 and another finger 36 and moving the thumb 35 up, down, left and right. Can move to.
[0037]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second application example of the input device. For example, the input device is applied to a remote controller such as a home mobile personal computer or a notebook personal computer. A switch 38, a scroll dial 39, and the like are attached. In this example, a remote controller for a personal computer has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to a remote controller of another device.
[0038]
Although applied to a personal computer in the above-described example, it can be applied to various fields such as other electric devices, in-vehicle devices, various measuring devices, and medical devices.
[0039]
In each of the above embodiments, five types of divided electrodes, the first to fifth electrodes, are used, but the number of divided electrodes may be smaller or larger.
[0040]
In each of the above embodiments, the contact portion between the flange portion 7 of the slider 19 and the support 3 or the bracket 20 is a smooth surface to make the slider 19 move smoothly. For example, the contact portion may be made of fluorine resin or the like. A slipping layer made of a solid lubricant can also be formed.
[0041]
In each of the above embodiments, the case of the input device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the detection body can be moved to a portion corresponding to the key top or slider of the input device (for example, slidable or pivotable). The sensor is moved by the acting force (force, magnetic force, wind force, etc.) from the detected object, the elastic body is deformed by the moving force, and the deformation is detected as a change in capacitance. It is applicable also to the detection apparatus which does.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention (first means) according to claim 1 and claim 4 is configured as described above, and includes a slider that can move only in the horizontal direction and a key top that can move in the vertical direction. Therefore, the input in the horizontal direction and the input in the vertical direction are clearly separated, so that an input device and a detection device with high input accuracy (detection accuracy) and good handling properties can be provided.
[0043]
According to the second and fifth aspects of the present invention (second means), since the tension applying means for applying tension to the elastic body is provided, it is possible to input even with a very small force, and the input accuracy (detection). Accuracy) can be improved.
[0044]
According to the third and sixth aspects of the present invention (third means), since the connecting portion of the elastic body and the slider is covered with the key top, dust or the like may adhere to and enter the connecting portion. It has features such as improved operational reliability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a printed wiring board used for the input device.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the printed wiring board.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the input device.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the input device.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an elastic body used in the input device.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an input device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of main parts of an input device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a personal computer using the input device according to the embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 12 is a partial side view showing an operation state of the input device on the personal computer.
FIG. 13 is a plan view of a remote controller using the input device according to the embodiment of the invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Key top 2 Housing 3 Support body 4 Elastic body 4a Elastic body main body 4b Conductive elastic body 5 Printed wiring board 6 Hole 7 Flange part 8 Upper end bending part 9 Head part 10 Outer peripheral part 11 Protrusion part 12 Space | interval 13 Electrodes 13a-13e First to fifth electrodes 19 Slider 20 Bracket 21 Input operation surface 22 Projection portion 23 Lower end outer peripheral portion 24 Hole 26 Notch portion 27 Inclination portion 28 Enlargement portion 34 Input device

Claims

A printed wiring board having divided electrodes each formed by dividing an electrode for detecting pressing of the key top and a plurality of electrodes for detecting movement of a horizontal slider perpendicular to the pressing direction;
An elastic body facing the divided electrode while maintaining a predetermined interval, at least a portion facing the divided electrode has conductivity, and an elastic body in which the distance from the electrode changes due to elastic deformation,
A key top that is integral with the elastic body and that can be pressed by a head provided in a portion corresponding to an electrode that senses pressing of the key top;
A hole is formed in the head of the key top so that the head is exposed, and the outer peripheral flange is placed on the support and moves only in the horizontal direction between the upper bent portion of the housing. With hard sliders arranged as possible,
In the standby state where no force is applied to the key top and the slider, the distance between the conductive portion of the elastic body and each electrode on the printed wiring board is equal.
When the slider is moved in the horizontal direction, the elastic body is deformed through the key top, and the interval between the conductive portion of the elastic body and the electrode for detecting the input in the horizontal direction is changed,
The elastic body is deformed when the head exposed from the slider of the key top is pressed, and the interval between the conductive portion of the elastic body and the electrode for detecting the pressing is changed. Input device.

A printed wiring board having divided electrodes each formed by dividing an electrode for detecting pressing of the key top and a plurality of electrodes for detecting movement of a horizontal slider perpendicular to the pressing direction;
The electrode is opposed to the divided electrode with a predetermined distance, and at least a portion facing the divided electrode has conductivity, and a head is provided at a portion corresponding to the electrode that senses pressing of the key top, and is elastic. An elastic body whose distance from the electrode changes due to deformation;
A hole is formed on the head of the elastic body so that the head is exposed. The outer peripheral flange is placed on the support and moves only in the horizontal direction between the upper bent portion of the housing. Hard sliders arranged as possible,
It is integrated with the slider, and includes a key top provided with a thin portion at a position corresponding to the head of the elastic body exposed from the hole of the slider,
In a standby state in which no force is applied to the key top, the interval between the conductive portion of the elastic body and each electrode on the printed wiring board is equal,
When the key top is moved in the horizontal direction, the elastic body is deformed via the slider, and the distance between the conductive portion of the elastic body and the electrode for sensing the input in the horizontal direction is changed.
The input device is configured such that when the thin portion of the key top is pressed, the elastic body is deformed, and the interval between the conductive portion of the elastic body and the electrode for detecting the pressing is changed .

3. The gap according to claim 1, wherein a gap is formed between the elastic body and the printed wiring board by the projecting portion provided at the center of the lower surface of the elastic body and the outer peripheral portion of the elastic body. Input device.

3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein a fitting portion between the head of the elastic body and the hole of the slider is covered with the key top.

A printed wiring board having divided electrodes each formed by dividing an electrode for detecting pressing of the key top and a plurality of electrodes for detecting movement of a horizontal slider perpendicular to the pressing direction;
An elastic body facing the divided electrode while maintaining a predetermined interval, at least a portion facing the divided electrode has conductivity, and an elastic body in which the distance from the electrode changes due to elastic deformation,
A key top that is integral with the elastic body and that can be pressed by a head provided in a portion corresponding to an electrode that senses pressing of the key top;
A hole is formed in the head of the key top so that the head is exposed, and the outer peripheral flange is placed on the support and moves only in the horizontal direction between the upper bent portion of the housing. With hard sliders arranged as possible,
In the standby state where no force is applied to the key top and the slider, the distance between the conductive portion of the elastic body and each electrode on the printed wiring board is equal.
When the slider is moved in the horizontal direction, the elastic body is deformed through the key top, and the interval between the conductive portion of the elastic body and the electrode for detecting the input in the horizontal direction is changed,
When the head exposed from the slider of the key top is pressed, the elastic body is deformed, and the interval between the conductive portion of the elastic body and the electrode for detecting the pressing is changed,
A detecting device, wherein an acting force from a detected object acts on the key top and the slider .

A printed wiring board having divided electrodes each formed by dividing an electrode for detecting pressing of the key top and a plurality of electrodes for detecting movement of a horizontal slider perpendicular to the pressing direction;
The electrode is opposed to the divided electrode with a predetermined distance, and at least a portion facing the divided electrode has conductivity, and a head is provided at a portion corresponding to the electrode that senses pressing of the key top, and is elastic. An elastic body whose distance from the electrode changes due to deformation;
A hole is formed on the head of the elastic body so that the head is exposed. The outer peripheral flange is placed on the support and moves only in the horizontal direction between the upper bent portion of the housing. Hard sliders arranged as possible,
It is integrated with the slider, and includes a key top provided with a thin portion at a position corresponding to the head exposed from the hole of the slider,
In a standby state in which no force is applied to the key top, the interval between the conductive portion of the elastic body and each electrode on the printed wiring board is equal,
When the key top is moved in the horizontal direction, the elastic body is deformed via the slider, and the distance between the conductive portion of the elastic body and the electrode for sensing the input in the horizontal direction is changed.
When the thin portion of the key top is pressed, the elastic body is deformed, and the interval between the conductive portion of the elastic body and the electrode that senses the pressing is changed,
A detecting device, wherein an acting force from a detected object acts on the key top and the slider .