JP2003150311A - Coordinate input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a coordinate input device with satisfactory operability and with a small number of components which can be minimized and by which input in the horizontal and vertical directions is enabled even with a small operating force. SOLUTION: The coordinate input device is constituted so that a center part of a mobile electrode 4 is displaced, capacitance between the mobile electrode 4 and the fixed electrodes 3 changes when an operating member 5 is depressed and the depressed position of the operating member 5 is detected corresponding to the change of the capacitance by providing a plurality of the fixed electrodes 3 fixed on a bottom wall 2a of a case 2, the mobile electrode 4 the peripheral part of which is supported on an upper part of a side wall 2b of the case 2 and the operating member 5 fixed on the mobile electrode 4, providing a plurality of kerfs 4d at the center part of the mobile electrode 4 and forming them like gimbals.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coordinate input device, and more particularly to a coordinate input device that can be used by utilizing a change in electrostatic capacity, for example, for a personal computer or a mobile phone.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various coordinate input devices utilizing a change in electrostatic capacity have been proposed. In such a conventionally proposed coordinate input device, as shown in FIG. 7, a key top 31 is arranged at the top.

An engagement recess 31a is formed on the lower surface side of the key top 31, and a pressing portion 32 is formed so as to project downward from the center of the engagement recess 31a. A convex tip portion 32a is formed below the pressing portion 32. A slider 33 is arranged below the key top 31. This slider 33 has an insertion hole 33a at the center.
Is formed so as to penetrate, a circular flange-shaped flange portion 33c is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the lower portion, and a concave portion 33d is formed on the lower portion.

Next, the metal case 34, which serves as a housing, is formed to have a substantially rectangular outer shape, and has an upper wall 34a at the upper portion. Then, inside the metal case 34, the upper wall 34a
A disc-shaped bracket 35 having a predetermined gap at the bottom of the
Is provided. Further, an elastic member 36 is arranged below the slider 33. The elastic member 36 is formed of, for example, a conductive rubber or the like having conductivity as a whole.
Further, the elastic member 36 has a connecting projection 36a formed on the upper portion thereof, and a fitting hole 36b is formed through the connecting projection 36a. Further, the elastic member 36 is formed with an arm portion 36c extending in the outer peripheral direction, and a circular movable electrode 36d is formed on the lower surface of the arm portion 36c to form an outer peripheral side outside the movable electrode 36d. The thick portion 36e is thicker than the arm portion 36c. Then, in the elastic member 36,
A switch accommodating portion 36f having a diameter larger than that of the fitting hole 36b is formed in the lower center of the fitting hole 36b.

A metal contact 37 formed in a dome shape with a stainless plate or the like is housed and guided in the switch housing 36f. The elastic member 36 is mounted on a circuit board 38. On the circuit board 38, an electrode (not shown) divided into four equal parts in the circumferential direction is provided at a portion facing the movable electrode 36d. ) Is formed, and a gap having a predetermined size is formed between the movable electrode 36d and the fixed electrode.

In the assembly of the coordinate input device, the slider 33 is engaged with the engaging recess 31a of the key top 31 to prevent the slider from coming off. The pressing portion 32 of the key top 31 is inserted into the insertion hole 33a of the slider 33 so as to be vertically movable. Further, the flange portion 33c of the slider 33 is loosely fitted between the upper wall 34a of the metal case 34 and the bracket 35, so that the slider 33 can be slid horizontally. In addition, the slider 33
The connecting protrusion 36a of the elastic member 36 is press-fitted into the concave portion 33d to connect the slider 33 and the elastic member 36. Further, the pressing portion 32 of the key top 31 is inserted into the fitting hole 36b of the elastic member 36 so as to be vertically movable. The thick-walled portion 36e of the elastic member 36 has its upper surface pressed against the bracket 35 and its lower surface pressed against the circuit board 38 to regulate its movement.

As described above, in the elastic member 36, when the key top 31 is operated in the horizontal direction, the arm portion 36c is elastically deformed via the slider 33, and the movable electrode 36d on the lower surface of the arm portion 36c is deformed. Has become. When the movable electrode 36d is elastically deformed by operating the key top 31 in the horizontal direction, a predetermined gap between the movable electrode 36d and the fixed electrode is changed, and the electrostatic capacitance is changed.

The pressing portion 32 of the key top 31
Is fitted in the insertion hole 33a of the slider 33 and the fitting hole 36b of the elastic member 36 so that the lower end portion 32a is located in the switch storage portion 36f. And
The key top 31 is elastically urged upward by contacting the tip 32 a of the pressing portion 32 with the dome-shaped top of the metal contact 37. Further, a central fixed contact (not shown) is provided on the circuit board 38 at a position facing the metal contact 37 located in the switch housing 36f, and an annular peripheral fixing is provided on the outer peripheral side insulated from the central fixed contact. A switch circuit including contacts (not shown) is formed. Then, the outer peripheral portion of the metal contact 37 comes into contact with the peripheral fixed contact and is electrically connected, and the dome-shaped top of the metal contact 37 is separated from the central fixed contact.

In the operation of such a conventionally proposed coordinate input device, when the key top 31 is pressed in the vertical direction,
The pressing portion 32 moves downward and the tip portion 32a moves to the metal contact 3
Press the top of 7. Then, the metal contact 37 is elastically deformed, and the dome-shaped top contacts the central fixed contact, so that the contact of the switch circuit can be switched.

When a horizontal load is applied to the key top 31 from the right side in the figure to the left side in the figure, the movable electrode 36d on the right side in the figure is elastically deformed in the direction away from the fixed electrode of the circuit board 38 and fixed. The gap between the electrodes increases and the capacitance changes to the negative side. Further, the movable electrode 36d on the left side in the drawing is elastically deformed in a direction approaching the fixed electrode of the circuit board 38, the gap between the movable electrode 36d and the fixed electrode is reduced, and the capacitance changes to the plus side. When the controller (not shown) detects this change in capacitance, it detects that horizontal input has been made, and can move the cursor on the display of a mobile phone or the like to a desired position. ing. By pressing the key top 31 in the vertical direction to switch the contacts of the switch circuit, for example, a message or the like at the portion where the cursor is located can be opened.

[0011]

However, the coordinate input device conventionally proposed as described above has the key top 31.
By applying a horizontal load to the arm 36c of the elastic member 36 via the slider 33, the movable electrode 36d on the lower surface of the arm 36c is deformed, and the movable electrode 36d and the fixed electrode Since the electrostatic capacitance between the elastic member 36 and the elastic member 36 is changed in order to reduce the size.
When the length of the arm portion 36c is shortened, when the horizontal load is small, the movable electrode 36d of the elastic member 36 cannot be surely deformed, and the value of the changing capacitance is small. There was a possibility that it could not detect that it was input to, and it was inaccurate and the operability was poor. Therefore, in order for the movable electrode 36d to be easily deformed even with a small horizontal load, it is necessary to increase the length of the arm portion 36c of the elastic member 36. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the size of the coordinate input device itself, and such a coordinate input device has not been downsized even though it has been desired to be downsized for use in a mobile phone or the like. Further, by increasing the length of the arm portion 36c, it is necessary to move the slider 33 largely, and the operability is poor.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and can be miniaturized and has good operability in which horizontal and vertical inputs can be reliably performed even with a small operating force. An object is to provide a coordinate input device.

[0013]

As a first means for solving the above problems, a coordinate input device of the present invention is a case having a side wall and a bottom wall, and a plurality of cases formed on the bottom wall of the case. Fixed electrode, a movable electrode having a peripheral portion fixed to the side wall of the case, and an operating member fixed on the movable electrode, the movable electrode having a plurality of kerfs inside the peripheral portion. By providing the gimbal shape and pressing the operating member, the movable electrode is bent, the electrostatic capacitance between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode is changed, and a change in the electrostatic capacitance is detected. It was configured.

As a second means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the operating member has a disc portion fixed on the movable electrode, and a projecting portion projecting upward from the center of the disc portion. The movable electrode is configured to be bent by pressing the disk portion or the protruding portion.

As a third means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the case is provided with a pair of fixed contacts insulated from each other on the bottom wall facing the protrusion of the operating member. A mounting hole is provided in the movable electrode, and a protruding portion formed on the side of the operating member facing the protruding portion is protruded and fitted into the mounting hole to establish conduction with one of the fixed contacts to form a movable contact. By placing and pressing the operating member, the protrusion of the operating member presses the movable contact to bring the movable contact into contact with the other fixed contact,
A set of the fixed contacts is electrically connected via the movable contact.

As a fourth means for solving the above-mentioned problems, a case having a bottom wall, a plurality of fixed electrodes formed on the bottom wall of the case, and a predetermined distance from the fixed electrode are provided. And a movable electrode supported by the movable electrode, the predetermined distance is changed by pressing the movable electrode, and the electrostatic capacitance between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode is changed to obtain the electrostatic capacitance. It is configured to detect the change of.

As a fifth means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the movable electrode is supported on the fixed electrode by a protrusion of the bottom wall formed in the central portion of the fixed electrode, It has a plate-shaped electrode plate attached to the side facing the fixed electrode, and an operating member fixed on the electrode plate, the operating member is provided with a hollow hole, the operation shaft in the hollow hole. The operation shaft is inserted through the hollow hole, and the electrode plate has an insertion hole through which the lower end portion of the operation shaft can be inserted, and the bottom wall facing the operation shaft. A pair of fixed contacts insulated from each other is provided, one of the fixed contacts is brought into conduction, a movable contact is placed, and the operation shaft is pressed in the axial direction. Press the movable contact to bring it into contact with the other fixed contact. A pair of the fixed contacts through the movable contact is configured to conduct.

As a sixth means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the movable contact is formed of a dome-shaped disk-shaped metal plate, and the movable contact has the dome-shaped central portion inserted through the movable contact. The outer peripheral portion is exposed from the hole, and the outer peripheral portion is sandwiched between the insertion hole of the electrode plate and the bottom wall.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The coordinate input device of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 1 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a coordinate input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the coordinate input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a plan view of a lower case of the coordinate input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
6 is an exploded perspective view of a coordinate input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the coordinate input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a figure explaining another form of the movable electrode of.

First, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a coordinate input device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a casing (case) 2 having a substantially rectangular outer shape. It is composed of a bottom wall 2a formed on the bottom portion and a side wall 2b formed on the outer peripheral portion. Hereinafter, the “horizontal direction” used in this description is a direction parallel to the surface of the bottom wall 2a, and the “vertical direction” is the bottom wall 2a.
The direction perpendicular to the a-plane.

FIG. 3 is a view in which the upper portion of the case 2 is removed in order to explain the state of the bottom wall 2a of the case 2. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of fixed electrodes 3 are formed on the surface of the bottom wall 2a of the case 2 by printing or the like.
The fixed electrode 3 is composed of fan-shaped first to fourth electrodes 3a to 3d provided by being divided in the circumferential direction. The fixed electrode 3 has a first electrode 3a on the + side in the Y direction, Second
The electrode 3b is the + side in the X direction, and the third electrode 3c is the − side in the Y direction.
Side, the fourth electrode 3d is provided for detection of the − side in the X direction. And each 1st-4th electrode 3a-
A circuit pattern (not shown) is connected to 3d.

Further, a thin plate movable electrode 4 made of a metal such as phosphor bronze or stainless steel is disposed at a distance from the fixed electrode 3. The movable electrode 4 has an outer peripheral portion 4a.
Is fixed to the upper end of the side wall 2b of the case 2, and a mounting hole 4b is provided at the center. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the movable electrode 4 is formed in a gimbal shape in which a plurality of cut grooves 4d are provided in a central portion 4c inside the outer peripheral portion 4a, and when an operating force is applied to the central portion 4c. The movable electrode 4 is bent, and the central portion 4c is freely rotatable about the center point of the cut groove 4d of the movable electrode 4.

When the movable electrode 4 bends and the central portion 4c rotates, the distance between the fixed electrodes 3a to 3d and the central portion 4c of the movable electrode 4 changes, and the movable electrode 4 and the fixed electrodes 4a and 3b. The capacitance between 3a and 3d is changed.

Next, a stem (operating member) 5 is fixed on the movable electrode 4 inside the cut groove 4d of the central portion 4c. As shown in FIG. 1, the stem 5 has a disc portion 5a on the outer side, a protrusion portion 5b protruding upward from the center of the disc portion 5a in the center, and a protrusion portion 5c protruding downward from the center.
It consists of and. And the protrusion 5c of this stem 5
Fits into the mounting hole 4b of the movable electrode 4 and projects downward from the mounting hole 4b.

On the bottom wall 2a of the case 2, a fixed contact 6a is formed in the center of the inside of the fixed electrode 3 and a peripheral fixed contact 6b is formed around the central fixed contact 6a by insert molding or the like. There is. The central fixed contact 6a and the peripheral fixed contact 6b form a set of fixed contacts, and constitute the switch circuit 6. Also, on the peripheral fixed contact 6b,
A movable contact 7 having a dome-shaped metal plate is provided. The outer peripheral portion of the movable contact 7 is in contact with the peripheral fixed contact 6b to be in conduction. Then, in the initial state, the dome-shaped top portion 7a is separated from the central fixed contact 6a and comes into contact with the protrusion 5c of the stem 5.

When the stem 5 is pressed vertically downward in this state, the protrusion 5c of the stem 5 is lowered, the movable contact 7 is elastically deformed, and the dome-shaped top 7a is lowered to hit the central fixed contact 6a. Contact the central fixed contact 6a and the peripheral fixed contact 6b
Are electrically connected via the movable contact 7. When the load applied to the stem 5 is released, the stem 5 returns to its original state due to the restoring force of the movable contact 7.

The operation of the coordinate input device according to the first embodiment will be described. In the initial state before the load is applied to the stem 5 in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction of the case 2, the movable contact 7 and the movable contact 7 are moved. Due to the elastic force with the electrode 4, the stem 5 is in a horizontally balanced neutral state on the movable electrode 4. In this initial state, the respective capacitance values between the movable electrode 4 and the respective fixed electrodes 3a to 3d are automatically read by the control means (not shown).

Then, the disc portion 5a on the right side, for example, of the stem 5 in the neutral state is pressed. Then, the stem 5 is inclined to the right by the gimbal structure of the movable electrode 4. Then, the central portion 4c of the movable electrode 4 and the second electrode 3 of the fixed electrode 3
The distance between the movable electrode 4 and the second electrode 3b changes from the initial value to the plus side in response to the decrease in the distance. At the same time, the distance between the central portion 4c of the movable electrode 4 and the fourth electrode 3d (− side in the X direction) of the fixed electrode 3 increases, and the movable electrode 4 and the fourth electrode
The capacitance with the electrode 3d changes to the negative side from the initial value. When the control means (not shown) detects such a change in capacitance, input in the X direction shown in FIG. 3 can be performed. Similarly, the movable electrode 4 and the first electrode 3
a (+ side in Y direction), or movable electrode 4 and third electrode 3
By detecting a change in electrostatic capacitance between c (− side in Y direction), input in Y direction shown in FIG. 3 can also be performed. The above operation has been described by pressing the disk portion 5a of the stem 5, but the operation is the same even if the protruding portion 5b of the stem 5 is pressed laterally or obliquely downward.

When the protrusion 5b of the stem 5 is lightly pressed downward in the vertical direction, the protrusion 5c of the stem 5 presses the top 7a of the movable contact 7. Then, the movable contact 7 elastically deforms into a substantially flat shape, so that the top portion 7a of the movable contact 7 comes into contact with the central fixed contact 6a, and the central fixed contact 6a and the peripheral fixed contact 6b are electrically connected via the movable contact 7. Thus, the contacts of the switch circuit 6 are switched. By switching the contact of the switch circuit 6, for example, a message or the like on the display where the cursor is located can be opened. The above operation is performed by the protrusion 5b of the stem 5.
However, the operation is the same even if the disc portion 5a of the stem 5 is evenly pressed at a plurality of points to move the stem 5 vertically without tilting it. Is. When the contact of the switch circuit 6 is switched, the control means does not detect the electrostatic capacitance.

The horizontal direction added to the stem 5,
Alternatively, when the vertical load is released, the stem 5 moves upward by the elastic force of both the movable contact 7 and the movable electrode 4, and the elastic force of the movable electrode 4 automatically restores the initial state to the neutral state. It is supposed to do.

In the coordinate input device according to the first embodiment, even if the pressing force applied to the stem 5 is small, the movable electrode 4 has a gimbal shape, so that the movable electrode 4 can be easily moved.
It is possible to displace the central portion 4c, and it is possible to increase the change in capacitance between the movable electrode 4 and the fixed electrodes 3a to 3d. Further, since the elastic force of both the movable contact 7 and the movable electrode 4 adjusts upward, the movable contact 7
Therefore, even if the vertical load applied to the stem 5 is small, the contacts of the switch circuit 6 can be switched and vertical input is possible.

The cut groove 4d of the movable electrode 4 is not limited to the circular shape shown in FIG. 2, but may be, for example, a square shape.

Next, in the coordinate input device 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 5, a casing (case) having an outer shape of a substantially rectangular shape is arranged. An upper case 11 is provided at the uppermost portion, and a lower case 12 is provided below the upper case 11 so as to face the upper case 11. The upper case 11 has an upper wall 11a that is flat and has a rectangular outer shape.
A circular operation hole 11b is formed through the central portion of the. Further, the locking holes 11c are provided on the left and right sides of the upper wall 11a.
The locking projection 11d formed with is formed to extend downward.

The lower case 12 has a bottom wall 12a at the bottom.
And the surrounding side wall 12b. Here, the "horizontal direction" used in the following description means a direction parallel to the bottom wall 12a surface, and the "vertical direction" means a direction perpendicular to the bottom wall 12a surface. Further, on the left and right side walls 12a of the lower case 12, engagement protrusions 12c that engage with the locking holes 11c of the upper case 11 are formed at a predetermined height, and the switch housing portion 12d is provided at the center of the bottom wall 12a. Are formed with a predetermined depth.

Further, the bottom wall 12a of the lower case 12 is provided with a fixed electrode 13 composed of first to fourth electrodes 13a to 13d which are circumferentially divided into, for example, four equal parts. . The fixed electrodes 13 are respectively the first electrodes 13
a is provided for detecting the + side in the Y direction, the second electrode 13b is for the + side in the X direction, the third electrode 13c is for the − side in the Y direction, and the fourth electrode 13d is for detecting the − side in the X direction. . The fixed electrode 13 is made of a conductive metal plate formed in a fan shape, and is integrally fixed to the lower case 12 by insert molding or the like. A lead portion 13e is connected to each of the electrodes 13a to 13d, and the lead portion 13e is connected to the sidewall 12
It is derived from b. The switch storage section 12
In the figure, d is a circular center fixed contact 14a made of a metal plate.
On the outside of the fixed contact 14a, a switch circuit 14 including, for example, a horseshoe-shaped peripheral fixed contact 14b is integrally formed in the lower case 12 by insert molding or the like.

The insulating sheet 1 is provided above the fixed electrode 13.
The movable electrode 17 is arranged via the electrode 5. The insulating sheet 15 is made of a hollow disk-shaped insulating sheet member, has a size slightly larger than the fixed electrode 13, and insulates the movable electrode 17 and the fixed electrode 13 from each other. Further, on the bottom wall 12a, an annular protrusion 16 is formed so as to protrude upward inside the fixed electrode 15. Then, the movable electrode 17 is supported by the protruding portion 16 and fixed electrode 1
The distance from 5 is maintained.

The movable electrode 17 has a plate-like electrode portion 17a attached to the side facing the fixed electrode 13 and an electrode portion 17a.
and an outer stem (operation member) 17e fixed on a. The electrode portion 17a is made of a metal such as phosphor bronze or stainless steel, has a flat electrode plate 17b having a circular outer shape, and an insertion hole 17c formed at the center of the electrode plate 17b. As shown in the figure, locking pieces 17d for fixing are formed on the plate 17b at four positions in the left, right, front, and rear, facing upward. Further, the insertion hole 17c of the movable electrode 17 is provided in the switch housing portion 12
It is formed smaller than d. Further, the outer stem 17e is provided with a hollow hole 17f at the center and notches 17g at four positions on the left, right, front and rear of the peripheral portion. This notch 17
The locking piece 17d of the electrode portion 17a engages with g and is integrally fixed to form the movable electrode 17. Further, the hollow hole 1 of the upper case 11 is provided at the center of the outer stem 17e.
A middle-height portion 17h that is inserted into 1a is formed, and a hollow hole 17f is formed.
An operation shaft 19 is inserted through the.

As shown in FIG. 4, the operating shaft 19 has a cylindrical operating portion 19a protruding upward and the operating portion 19a.
A circular collar portion 19b is formed at the bottom of a. Further, a lower end portion 19c protruding downward from the center of the lower portion of the collar portion 19b is formed so that the operation shaft 19 has a frame-like appearance. Then, the operation portion 19a is connected to the outer stem 17
When it is inserted upward from the hollow hole 17f of e, the collar portion 19b comes into contact with the inner surface of the outer stem 17e to prevent upward removal.

When the operation shaft 19 is pushed in the axial direction,
The collar portion 19b is separated from the inner surface of the outer stem 17e, and the lower end portion 19c is vertically movable. A movable contact 20 is housed in the switch housing portion 12d of the lower case 12 facing the operation shaft 19 below the operation shaft 19. The movable contact 20 is made of a metal plate such as stainless steel having a very thin plate thickness of 0.05 mm, is formed in a dome shape, and has a central portion bulging upward to form a top portion 20a. The outer peripheral portion 20b of the movable contact 20 is
The movable electrode 17 is sandwiched between the edge of the electrode portion 17a of the movable electrode 17 on the side of the insertion hole 17c and the bottom wall 12a of the lower case 12 and securely attached, and the top portion 20a is exposed from the insertion hole 17c of the movable electrode 17. ing. The movable contact 20 accommodated in the switch accommodating portion 12d is in contact with the lower end portion 19c of the operation shaft 19 at the top portion 20a, and the outer peripheral portion 20b thereof is in contact with the peripheral fixed contact 14b of the switch circuit 14.

The operation of the coordinate input device of the second embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the initial state before applying a load in the horizontal and vertical directions to the outer stem 17e and the operating shaft 19, the outer stem 17e and the operating shaft 19 are horizontally balanced by the elastic force of the movable contact 20 and the movable electrode 17. It is in a neutral state. In this initial state, the respective capacitance values formed between the fixed electrodes 13a to 13d and the movable electrode 17 are automatically read by the control means (not shown).

Then, for example, when the right outer stem 17e shown in FIG. 5 in a neutral state is pressed, the outer stem 17e is inclined rightward in the figure. Then, the movable electrode 1
The outer peripheral portion on the right side of 7 moves downward and
The distance between the electrode 13b (+ side in the X direction) and the electrode portion 17a of the movable electrode 17 decreases, and the electrostatic capacitance between the movable electrode 17 and the second electrode 13b corresponds to the decrease in the distance. The capacity changes to the plus side from the initial value.

At the same time, the fourth electrode 13d of the fixed electrode 13
The distance between (the − side in the X direction) and the electrode portion 17a of the movable electrode 17 increases, and the electrostatic capacitance between the movable electrode 17 and the fourth electrode 13d increases in accordance with the increase in the distance. It changes to the negative side from the initial value. The control means (not shown) detects such a change in the electrostatic capacitance between the movable electrode 17 and the second electrode 13b or between the movable electrode 17 and the fourth electrode 13d, and, for example, a mobile phone (not shown). The cursor on the display such as (d) can be moved to a desired position in the right direction. Similarly, the movable electrode 17 and the first electrode 13a (+ side in the Y direction), or the movable electrode 17 and the third electrode
It is possible to detect a change in electrostatic capacitance between the electrode 13c (− side in the Y direction) and move the cursor to a desired position in the vertical direction.

When the operation shaft 19 is lightly pressed in the axial direction while the cursor is moved to a desired position on the display, the contact pressing portion 19c of the operation shaft 19 causes the movable contact 2 to move.
The top portion 20a of 0 is pressed. Then, the movable contact 20 is elastically deformed into a substantially flat shape, so that the click feeling is transmitted to the finger of the operator who presses the operation shaft 19. Then, the top 20a of the movable contact 20 comes into contact with the central fixed contact 14a,
The central fixed contact 14a and the peripheral fixed contact 14b are electrically connected via the movable contact 20, and the contact of the switch circuit 14 is switched.

By switching the contact of the switch circuit 14, a message or the like at the portion where the cursor is located on the display can be opened. When the vertical load applied to the operating shaft 19 is released, the operating shaft 19 moves upward due to the elastic force of the movable contact 20, and the elastic force of the movable electrode 17 causes the outer stem 17e and the operating shaft 19 to move. Is automatically returned to the initial neutral state.

In the coordinate input device of the second embodiment, the movable electrode 17 can be easily displaced even if the operating force applied to the outer stem 17e or the operating shaft 19 is small, and the movable electrode 17 and The change in capacitance between the fixed electrodes 13a to 13d can be increased. In addition, even if the vertical load applied to the operation shaft 19 is small,
The contacts of the switch circuit 14 can be switched, and vertical input is possible.

As shown in FIG. 6, the electrode plate 17b of the electrode portion 17a may be provided with a slit 17i. In this case, the movable electrode 17 can be displaced with a smaller operating force. .

[0047]

As described above, the coordinate input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a case having a side wall and a bottom wall, a plurality of fixed electrodes formed on the bottom wall of the case, The case includes a movable electrode whose peripheral portion is fixed to the side wall of the case, and an operating member which is fixed on the movable electrode. The movable electrode has a plurality of kerfs inside the peripheral portion and has a gimbal shape. By pressing, the movable electrode is bent, the electrostatic capacitance between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode is changed, and the change in electrostatic capacitance is detected, so the operating force for pressing the operating member is small. However, the movable electrode can be easily bent, and the electrostatic capacitance between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode can be changed with high accuracy. Therefore, the operability is good and the size can be reduced.

Further, the operating member is composed of a disc portion fixed on the movable electrode and a projecting portion projecting upward from the center of the disc portion. By pressing the disc portion or the projecting portion, Since the movable electrode is bent, the movable electrode can be reliably displaced even if the operation force for pressing the operation member is small.

Further, the case is provided with a set of fixed contacts insulated from each other on the bottom wall facing the projecting portion of the operating member,
A mounting hole is provided in the movable electrode, and a protrusion formed on the side opposite to the protruding portion of the operating member is projected and fitted into this mounting hole, and one of the fixed contacts is electrically connected to mount the movable contact. Then
By pressing the operating member, the projection of the operating member presses the movable contact to bring the movable contact into contact with the other fixed contact and to conduct a set of fixed contacts via the movable contact. Vertical pressure can be input with a small pressing force.

The coordinate input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a case having a bottom wall, a plurality of fixed electrodes formed on the bottom wall of the case, and a predetermined distance from the fixed electrodes. A movable electrode supported is provided, and by pressing the movable electrode, a predetermined interval is changed, the electrostatic capacitance between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode is changed, and a change in electrostatic capacitance is detected. Therefore, even if the operation force for pressing the movable electrode is small, the movable electrode can be easily displaced, and the electrostatic capacitance between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode can be changed with high accuracy. It has good performance and can be miniaturized.

Further, the movable electrode is supported on the fixed electrode by the protrusion of the bottom wall formed in the central portion of the fixed electrode, and the plate-shaped electrode plate attached to the side facing the fixed electrode and the electrode. The operating member fixed on the plate, the operating member is provided with a hollow hole, the operating shaft is inserted into the hollow hole, and the operating shaft allows the hollow hole to move in the axial direction, Has an insertion hole through which the lower end of the operating shaft can be inserted, and a pair of fixed contacts insulated from each other is provided on the bottom wall facing the operating shaft. By pressing the operating shaft in the axial direction, the movable contact is pressed at the lower end of the operating shaft to make contact with the other fixed contact so that a pair of fixed contacts can be conducted through the movable contact. , Vertical input can be done with a small pressing force.

Further, the movable contact is formed by a dome-shaped and disk-shaped metal plate, and the movable contact has a dome-shaped central portion exposed from the insertion hole, and the outer peripheral portion of the movable contact and the insertion hole of the electrode plate and the bottom wall. Since the movable contact is sandwiched between the movable contacts, the movable contact can be securely attached.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a main-portion cross-sectional view of a coordinate input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the coordinate input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a lower case of the coordinate input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a coordinate input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of main parts of a coordinate input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another shape of the movable electrode of the coordinate input device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a conventionally proposed coordinate input device.

[Explanation of symbols]

2, 12 lower case 3, 13 Fixed electrode 4, 17 movable electrode 5 Stem (operation member) 5a Disc part 5b protrusion 6, 14 switch circuit (one set of fixed contacts) 7, 20 movable contacts 16 Protrusion 17a electrode part 17e outer stem 19 Operation axis

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A case having a side wall and a bottom wall, a plurality of fixed electrodes formed on the bottom wall of the case, a movable electrode whose peripheral portion is fixed to the side wall of the case, and a movable electrode on the movable electrode. A fixed operating member, wherein the movable electrode is gimbaled by providing a plurality of cut grooves inside the peripheral portion, and the operating electrode is pressed to bend the movable electrode, A coordinate input device, wherein a capacitance between the fixed electrode and the fixed electrode is changed to detect the change in the capacitance. 2. The operating member includes a disc portion fixed on the movable electrode and a protrusion protruding upward from the center of the disc portion, and presses the disc portion or the protrusion. The coordinate input device according to claim 1, wherein the movable electrode is bent by doing so. 3. A set of fixed contacts insulated from each other is provided on the bottom wall of the case facing the protrusion of the operation member, and a mounting hole is provided in the movable electrode. By projecting and fitting a protrusion formed on the side of the operating member facing the protrusion, placing a movable contact in conduction with one of the fixed contacts, and pressing the operating member, The protrusion of the operation member presses the movable contact to bring the movable contact into contact with the other fixed contact so that a set of the fixed contacts is conducted via the movable contact. The coordinate input device according to claim 2. 4. A case having a bottom wall, a plurality of fixed electrodes formed on the bottom wall of the case, and a movable electrode supported at a predetermined distance from the fixed electrode, wherein the movable electrode is provided. The predetermined interval is changed by pressing, the electrostatic capacitance between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode is changed, and the change in the electrostatic capacitance is detected. Input device. 5. The movable electrode is supported by the protrusion of the bottom wall formed in the central portion of the fixed electrode on the fixed electrode, and is a plate-like member attached to the side facing the fixed electrode. It has an electrode plate and an operating member fixed on the electrode plate, the operating member is provided with a hollow hole, an operating shaft is inserted into the hollow hole, the operating shaft axially through the hollow hole. While being movable, the electrode plate has an insertion hole through which the lower end portion of the operation shaft can be inserted, and a pair of fixed contacts insulated from each other is provided on the bottom wall facing the operation shaft, The movable contact is placed in conduction with one of the fixed contacts, and the operation shaft is pressed in the axial direction, so that the movable contact is pressed by the lower end portion of the operation shaft and comes into contact with the other fixed contact. The pair of fixed contacts are electrically connected through the movable contact. The coordinate input device according to claim 4, wherein 6. The movable contact is formed of a dome-shaped and disk-shaped metal plate, and the movable contact has a dome-shaped central portion exposed from the insertion hole and an outer peripheral portion of the electrode plate of the movable contact. The coordinate input device according to claim 5, wherein the coordinate input device is sandwiched between the insertion hole and the bottom wall.