JP2004171512A - Input device and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device capable of realizing a high-performance force/torque feedback function by the displacement of a panel for performing an input operation at low cost. <P>SOLUTION: A pair of juxtaposed through-holes 41a and 41b of the same shape are provided on a flexible substrate 4 having a wiring pattern 42 formed thereon. A piezoelectric actuator 3 consisting of a piezoelectric bimorph element is inserted to one through-hole 41a and then to the other through-hole 41b from the reverse side, whereby the actuator 3 is arranged so that both longitudinal ends thereof are in contact with the same side of the flexible substrate 4. The flexible substrate 4 thus loaded with the actuator 3 is arranged so that the actuator 3 is in contact with a touch sensor part across part of the flexible substrate 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device that performs input by detecting the presence or absence of a pressing or contact operation on a surface of a panel and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to an input device having a function of moving a panel surface and returning a sense of force. And its manufacturing method.

  In recent years, input devices called touch panels have been widely used for automatic cash handling machines at financial institutions, automatic ticket vending machines at railways, and information processing devices such as PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The touch panel type input device associates an icon or the like displayed on a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) with a coordinate system on the display panel, and touches an indicator such as a finger or a pen on the display panel. By detecting the position, the GUI (Graphical User Interface) function for the user is realized.

  In a conventional touch panel input device, when a user's operation input is performed, the user is notified that the input operation has been accepted, for example, by changing the display of a pressed icon or generating an operation sound. I was informing. On the other hand, recently, the height of the panel itself is changed at the timing when an icon or the like is pressed, and a force sensation is returned to a finger or a pointing device, so that a feeling as if a switch button is pressed ( (Click feeling) to improve the user's operation feeling.

  For example, a multi-layer structure using three or more electrode sheets using a resistive touch panel having a structure in which a plurality of electrode sheets on which transparent electrodes are formed and arranged at regular intervals with their electrode surfaces facing each other is used. In addition, there is an arrangement in which an actuator such as a bobbin coil is disposed between a housing for fixing the touch panel and a housing for fixing the display side, and a force sense is fed back to the touch panel (for example, see Patent Document 1). 1).

  As an actuator suitable for realizing such a force feedback function, a piezoelectric actuator using a piezoelectric bimorph element has been considered. The piezoelectric actuator has a structure in which a plurality of thin plate-shaped piezoelectric materials are bonded together with an electrode plate interposed therebetween, and has a property that the whole is warped when a voltage is applied from both surfaces. Therefore, the panel surface can be moved up and down by being sandwiched between the panel side and the display side housing on which the touch sensor for detecting a contact or pressing operation is provided.

Hereinafter, an example of the structure of a touch panel type input device having a force feedback function using a piezoelectric actuator will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a structural example of a conventional touch panel type input device having a force feedback function.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in a conventional input device, for example, a touch sensor unit 102 is provided so as to cover a display surface of a liquid crystal display unit 101, and a piezoelectric actuator 103 is provided between the touch sensor unit 102 and the liquid crystal display unit 101. Will be arranged. In the illustrated example, four piezoelectric actuators 103 are provided diagonally on the upper surface of the liquid crystal display unit 101. With such a structure, usually, the same drive voltage is applied to each piezoelectric actuator 103 to move the entire touch sensor unit 102 up and down. The piezoelectric actuator 103 is actually provided between metal frames located outside the display areas of the liquid crystal display unit 101 and the touch sensor unit 102, but these metal frames are omitted in the figure.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mounting structure of a conventional piezoelectric actuator 103.
FIG. 14 shows a cross section viewed from the arrow E in FIG. When a drive voltage is applied, the piezoelectric actuator 103 bends upward and downward in accordance with the potential. Then, the center and both ends of the piezoelectric actuator 103 come into contact with and press either of the touch sensor unit 102 and the liquid crystal display unit 101, thereby realizing a force feedback function.

However, since it is not preferable for the piezoelectric actuator 103 itself to directly contact the touch sensor unit 102 and the liquid crystal display unit 101, conventionally, spacers having a certain thickness are arranged at a plurality of positions on the upper surface and the lower surface of the piezoelectric actuator 103. Had been In the example of FIG. 14, two spacers 104a and 104b are arranged near both ends of the lower surface of the piezoelectric actuator 103, and one spacer 104c is arranged at the center of the upper surface, and brought into contact with the liquid crystal display unit 101 and the touch sensor unit 102, respectively. I have. With such a structure, even when the piezoelectric actuator 103 bends downward, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the center of the lower surface of the piezoelectric actuator 103 or both ends of the upper surface are in direct contact with the liquid crystal display unit 101.
JP-A-2002-259059 (paragraph numbers [0037] to [0042], FIG. 6)

However, in the piezoelectric actuator in which one spacer is disposed on the upper side and two spacers are disposed on the lower side as described above, there are some points at the time of mounting.
One is the problem of the thickness accuracy of the spacer. If the spacer is too thick, the deformation will cause the pressing force of the touch sensor to be transmitted to the piezoelectric actuator, causing direct damage. Can not do it. That is, the spacer needs to have a height (for example, 100 μm) that does not give a certain displacement or more with respect to the pressure from the touch sensor unit according to the amount of vertical displacement at the center of the piezoelectric actuator.

  For this reason, a thin sheet material is used as the spacer, and these are attached to a specific portion on the piezoelectric actuator. Here, by using, for example, a double-sided tape for attaching the spacer, the working efficiency is relatively increased. However, since the double-sided tape is deformed to some extent when pressed in the thickness direction, it is difficult to accurately maintain the thickness accuracy together with the spacer. On the other hand, when an adhesive is used for bonding the spacer, it takes time for the mounting operation, and the productivity is deteriorated.

  In addition, wiring for the piezoelectric actuator has the following problems. Normally, lead wires are used for wiring to the piezoelectric actuator, but usable lead wires are extremely thin and are attached to a movable portion, so that they are easily broken. Also, due to space considerations, care must be taken in the routing of the lead wires. If the lead wires are not fixed corresponding to the movable parts, the wires may shift and appear in the display area of the display. Further, since a plurality of piezoelectric actuators are provided, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of types of piezoelectric actuators having different lead wire lengths according to the routing to them, the distance to the driver, and the like, resulting in poor production efficiency.

  As for the mounting of the piezoelectric actuator, as described above, the method of directly bonding the piezoelectric actuator to a metal frame such as a liquid crystal display unit using a double-sided tape via a spacer not only cannot maintain the thickness accuracy, but also There is also a problem of maintainability that replacement of the piezoelectric actuator becomes difficult. On the other hand, for example, there is a method of increasing the maintainability by newly creating a holding frame using plastic or the like so as to sandwich the piezoelectric actuator, but a material such as the frame is used for the touch sensor unit or the liquid crystal display unit. , The efficiency of transmitting the displacement of the piezoelectric actuator to the touch sensor unit decreases. In addition, the cost is increased by creating a new part, and the complexity of the assembling operation itself is not eliminated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an input device in which a high-performance force feedback function by displacement of a panel on which an input operation is performed is realized at low cost.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing an input device in which a high-performance force feedback function by a displacement of a panel on which an input operation is performed is realized at low cost.

  In the present invention, in order to solve the above problem, in an input device in which input is performed by detecting the presence or absence of pressing or contact operation on the surface of the panel, electrodes having a predetermined pattern are formed, and the A flexible wiring board provided with a pair, positioned on the flexible wiring board so as to straddle the pair of through holes in the parallel direction, and between the paired through holes. A piezoelectric actuator made of a piezoelectric bimorph element, disposed so that a portion of the flexible wiring board located further on the upper surface, the piezoelectric actuator sandwiching a part of the flexible wiring board Wherein the flexible wiring board is provided so as to come into contact with the panel.

  In such an input device, the piezoelectric actuator is positioned on the flexible wiring board so as to straddle the pair of through holes in the parallel direction, and is positioned between the pair of through holes. The portion of the flexible wiring board to be placed is disposed on the upper surface of the piezoelectric actuator itself. Then, the flexible wiring board is disposed such that, for example, the center or both ends of the piezoelectric actuator is in contact with the panel with a part of the flexible wiring board interposed therebetween. With such a structure, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator, the panel is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the surface thereof, and a sense of force is fed back to a user who has performed an input operation on the panel. Further, for example, a wiring terminal provided at an end of the piezoelectric actuator and a predetermined electrode formed on a flexible wiring board can be electrically connected.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the method of manufacturing an input device in which input is performed by detecting the presence or absence of a pressing operation or a touch operation on the surface of the panel, the flexible wiring board on which a predetermined pattern of electrodes is formed is arranged in parallel. A pair of through holes is provided, and a piezoelectric actuator composed of a piezoelectric bimorph element is inserted into one of the pair of through holes, and then is inserted through the other from the opposite surface side, so that both ends in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric actuator have the flexible ends. The flexible wiring board is arranged so as to be in contact with the surface on the same side of the flexible wiring board, and the piezoelectric actuator is in contact with the panel with a part of the flexible wiring board interposed therebetween. A method for manufacturing an input device is provided.

  In such a method of manufacturing an input device, a pair of through holes is provided in a flexible wiring board, a piezoelectric actuator is inserted into one of the through holes, and then the other side is inserted into the other through hole from the opposite surface side. It is arranged so that both ends in the direction are in contact with the surface on the same side of the flexible wiring board, and is mounted on the flexible wiring board. Then, the flexible wiring board is disposed such that, for example, the center or both ends of the piezoelectric actuator contacts the panel with a part of the flexible wiring board interposed therebetween. With such a structure, a force sense is returned to the user who has performed an input operation on the panel.

  The input device of the present invention has a structure in which a piezoelectric actuator contacts a panel with a part of a flexible wiring substrate interposed therebetween. Since the thickness of the flexible wiring board can be controlled with relatively high precision, the above-described structure can enhance the mounting position accuracy of the piezoelectric actuator in the thickness direction, and can increase the driving force of the piezoelectric actuator. Is efficiently transmitted to a panel or the like. Further, a piezoelectric actuator is mounted on the pair of through holes on the flexible wiring board, and the flexible wiring board is arranged so that the piezoelectric actuator contacts a panel with a part of the flexible wiring board interposed therebetween. With this structure, the efficiency of the mounting operation of the piezoelectric actuator is improved. Further, for example, by electrically connecting a wiring terminal provided at an end of the piezoelectric actuator to an electrode formed on a flexible wiring board, wiring can be easily routed. Therefore, according to the present invention, an input device having a high-performance force feedback function by a panel and low manufacturing cost is realized.

  In the method of manufacturing an input device according to the present invention, there is provided an input device having a structure in which a piezoelectric actuator contacts a panel with a part of a flexible wiring board interposed therebetween. Since the thickness of the flexible wiring board can be controlled with relatively high precision, the above-described structure can enhance the mounting position accuracy of the piezoelectric actuator in the thickness direction, and can increase the driving force of the piezoelectric actuator. Is efficiently transmitted to a panel or the like. Further, a piezoelectric actuator is mounted on a pair of through holes on a flexible wiring board, and the flexible wiring board is disposed on the back surface of the panel or on the edge of the front surface of the panel. The efficiency of the mounting operation is improved. Therefore, according to the present invention, an input device having a high-performance force feedback function using a panel can be manufactured at low cost.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The input device shown in FIG. 1 includes a liquid crystal display unit 1 and a touch sensor unit 2. A flexible substrate 4 on which the piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted is fixed on the display surface side of the liquid crystal display unit 1.

  The liquid crystal display unit 1 includes a display panel 11 on which an image is displayed, and a frame 12 for holding the display panel. A liquid crystal substrate, a backlight, and the like (not shown) are provided inside the display panel 11. The frame 12 is made of, for example, metal, and is provided on the display surface of the display panel 11 so as not to block a display area of an image.

  The touch sensor unit 2 is a unit having a built-in sensor and the like for detecting the presence / absence of a user's pressing and its position, and includes a pressing unit 21 pressed by the user and a frame 22 for holding the pressing unit 21. Is provided. The pressing section 21 is made of a transparent resin sheet or the like, and transmits an image displayed on the display panel 11 of the liquid crystal display section 1. The frame 22 is made of, for example, metal and is provided so as not to block the display area of the display panel 11.

  The touch sensor unit 2 according to the present embodiment is configured to detect the presence or absence of a press and the position of the press by a so-called resistive film method, for example. In this case, the pressing portion 21 has, for example, a structure in which a plurality of electrode sheets on which transparent electrodes are formed are arranged at regular intervals with their electrode surfaces facing each other. Further, a circuit for applying a voltage to the electrode sheet and detecting the voltage is housed inside the frame 22. When the pressing portion 21 is pressed by a pointing tool such as a user's finger or a pen, the electrode sheets come into contact with each other, and a change in resistance on each of the electrode sheets at this time is detected, whereby the pointing position is specified. Is done.

The piezoelectric actuator 3 is made of a piezoelectric bimorph element, and bends and deforms according to a control voltage supplied through an electrode provided on the flexible substrate 4.
The flexible substrate 4 is a flexible wiring substrate in which electrodes are formed on a resin film of, for example, polyimide using a conductive metal foil such as copper foil, and an electrode for supplying a driving voltage to the piezoelectric actuator 3. Are provided, and a pair of through holes described later is provided, and the piezoelectric actuator 3 is held using the through holes.

  In this input device, the touch sensor unit 2 is disposed on the display surface side of the liquid crystal display unit 1 so as to sandwich the flexible substrate 4 and the piezoelectric actuator 3. An image of an operation function item such as an icon displayed on the display panel 11 of the liquid crystal display unit 1 is transmitted through the pressing unit 21 of the touch sensor unit 2, and the user can move to the display position of these images on the pressing unit 21. An input operation according to a display image is performed by bringing a pointing tool such as a finger or a pen into contact.

  Further, the touch sensor unit 2 is disposed on the liquid crystal display unit 1 so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the display surface. Accordingly, the distance of the touch sensor unit 2 from the liquid crystal display unit 1 changes according to the bending deformation of the piezoelectric actuator 3. Therefore, by bending the piezoelectric actuator 3 at the timing when the user presses the pressing portion 21 of the touch sensor unit 2, a force sense is returned to the user, and the user feels as if the switch button is pressed ( Click feeling).

  The liquid crystal display unit 1 and the touch sensor unit 2 are usually housed inside an external housing (not shown) using metal, plastic, or the like. The liquid crystal display unit 1 is fixed inside the external housing. An opening is provided in the external housing so as not to block the display surface of the display panel 11. For example, the back surface of the external housing on the side where the opening is provided and the frame 22 of the touch sensor unit 2 are provided. A cushion having an elastic body such as a rubber or a metal spring is appropriately disposed between the display side and the surface. As a result, the touch sensor unit 2 is held in a state movable in a direction perpendicular to the display surface.

Next, a method of mounting the piezoelectric actuator 3 on the flexible substrate 4 will be described in detail. First, FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of the flexible substrate 4.
As shown in FIG. 2, the flexible board 4 includes a mounting portion 41 including a pair of through holes 41 a and 41 b for mounting the piezoelectric actuator 3, and a wiring pattern 42 for supplying a driving voltage to the piezoelectric actuator 3. Is provided.

  In the mounting portion 41, the through holes 41a and 41b are formed in parallel in the same shape. Further, a central spacer portion 41c is formed between the through holes 41a and 41b by leaving the resin film constituting the flexible substrate 4 in a bridge shape. The central spacer portion 41c is formed by the piezoelectric actuator 3 as described later. Functions as a spacer between the touch sensor unit 2 and the touch sensor unit 2. In the present embodiment, as an example, two such mounting portions 41 are provided on one flexible substrate 4.

  The wiring pattern 42 is provided such that two wirings are connected to each of the two mounting portions 41, whereby a driving voltage supplied from a driver (not shown) is supplied to the piezoelectric actuator 3. You.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state where the piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted on the flexible substrate 4. 3A is a plan view, and FIG. 3B is a side view.
FIG. 3 shows a state where the piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted in a range surrounded by a circle A in FIG. As shown in this figure, in the mounting portion 41, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is inserted through one through-hole 41a from the front side, for example, and then through the lower portion of the central spacer portion 41c, and is again inserted into the through-hole 41b from the back side. The mounting is performed in a state where both ends in the longitudinal direction are in contact with the surface of the flexible substrate 4. Since the piezoelectric actuator 3 has relatively high rigidity and the flexible substrate 4 is easily deformed, as shown in FIG. 3 (B), only the central spacer portion 41c swells in the front side direction, and The actuator 3 is held.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3A, the length of the piezoelectric actuator 3 is L1, the width is W1, the distance between the ends of the through holes 41a and 41b in the mounting direction in the parallel direction is L2, and the through hole 41a is And the width of 41b is W2. In order to allow the piezoelectric actuator 3 to pass through the through holes 41a and 41b and to contact both ends of the piezoelectric actuator 3 on the flexible substrate 4 as described above, the piezoelectric actuator 3 needs to be penetrated so as to satisfy the relationship of L1> L2 and W1 <W2. The holes 41a and 41b need to be formed.

  In such a mounting state, the wiring terminals 31 are provided at one end of the piezoelectric actuator 3 so that the wiring terminals 31 and the wiring patterns 42 on the flexible substrate 4 are easily brought into contact with each other. It is possible to make a connection. Actually, after these are brought into contact, the contacts are fixed using solder or the like. Thereby, the piezoelectric actuator 3 itself is also fixed on the flexible substrate 4.

  After the piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted as described above, the flexible substrate 4 is sandwiched between the frame 12 of the liquid crystal display unit 1 and the frame 22 of the touch sensor unit 2. At this time, for example, the surface opposite to the mounting surface of the piezoelectric actuator 3 on the flexible substrate 4 (the lower surface in FIG. 3B) contacts the frame 12 of the liquid crystal display unit 1, and the surface of the central spacer unit 41c is the touch sensor. It contacts the frame 22 of the part 2.

  When a drive voltage is supplied to the piezoelectric actuator 3 in this state, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is bent and deformed. At this time, the central spacer portion 41c moves in a direction perpendicular to the liquid crystal display portion 1 in accordance with the displacement of the central portion of the piezoelectric actuator 3. Therefore, the touch sensor unit 2 moves in accordance with the displacement of the central spacer unit 41c, and a force feedback function for the user is realized.

  The operation of returning the force sense is performed, for example, as follows. When the pressing portion 21 of the touch sensor section 2 is pressed by a user's finger or pointing tool and an input is detected, first, the center of the piezoelectric actuator 3 is bent toward the touch sensor section 2 so that the piezoelectric actuator 3 is bent. Is applied with a drive voltage. Immediately thereafter, the potential of the drive voltage is reversed so that the center of the piezoelectric actuator 3 is bent toward the liquid crystal display unit 1. Then, the drive voltage is gradually approached to 0 V, and the piezoelectric actuator 3 returns to its original shape.

  As described above, the amount of displacement of the touch sensor unit 2 is increased by the operation of first moving the touch sensor unit 2 in the direction opposite to the pressing direction and then moving the touch sensor unit 2 in the pressing direction. Further, the user feels the push-back force from the pressing portion 21 immediately after the pressing, and further presses against the push-back force. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a click feeling close to the actual button operation, and it is possible to reliably perceive the input as a force.

  Note that a reinforcing plate made of a highly rigid material such as celluloid may be attached to the front surface of the central spacer portion 41c or the back surface of the portion of the flexible substrate 4 where both ends of the piezoelectric actuator 3 are in contact. Since these portions are portions where the driving force associated with the bending deformation of the piezoelectric actuator 3 acts on each of the frames 12 and 22, the amount of deformation due to the pressing from each of the frames 12 and 22 is suppressed by attaching the reinforcing plate. In addition, the resin film forming the flexible substrate 4 is prevented from being deformed or damaged by friction or impact.

  By the way, in the state where the piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted as described above, both ends of the piezoelectric actuator 3 and the center spacer portion 41c come into contact with the frames 12 and 22 via the resin film constituting the flexible substrate 4, respectively. I have. Therefore, the resin film of the flexible substrate 4 functions as a spacer for preventing the piezoelectric actuator 3 from directly contacting the frames 12 and 22.

  In such a spacer, when the touch sensor unit 2 is pressed by a user and the touch sensor unit 2 is deformed by the pressing force, the spacer itself needs to be able to hold a height exceeding the displacement amount of the central portion of the piezoelectric actuator 3. There is. Further, by reducing the deformation in the thickness direction, it is possible to efficiently transmit the driving force accompanying the bending deformation of the piezoelectric actuator 3.

  The flexible substrate 4 can be formed with relatively high accuracy so that its thickness becomes a predetermined value, and the amount of deformation in the height direction due to the pressing of the touch sensor unit 2 is small. Therefore, it is extremely suitable as a sheet material used as a spacer. Specifically, when the length L1 of the piezoelectric actuator 3 is about 30 mm and a drive voltage of about 20 V is applied, the amount of displacement to one side at the center is about 70 μm at the maximum. At this time, the thickness of the flexible substrate 4 is required to be about 100 μm, but such a flexible substrate 4 can be easily formed.

  The flexible substrate 4 has a function as a spacer and a function to hold the piezoelectric actuator 3, and also has a function of wiring to the piezoelectric actuator 3. Conventionally, lead wires have been used for wiring to the piezoelectric actuator 3. On the other hand, by forming a wiring pattern on the flexible substrate 4, wiring can be efficiently routed in a narrow space.

  Furthermore, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is only fixed on the flexible substrate 4 by solder at the wiring terminals 31, and at other portions (for example, the other end of the piezoelectric actuator 3 and a contact portion with the central spacer portion 41 c). It is not fixed to the flexible substrate 4. Accordingly, during bending deformation of the piezoelectric actuator 3, no extra force is received from the flexible substrate 4, and the driving force due to the deformation is efficiently transmitted to the touch sensor unit 2. At the same time, for example, when a failure of the piezoelectric actuator 3 occurs, the piezoelectric actuator 3 can be detached from the flexible substrate 4 only by removing the solder of the wiring terminals 31, so that maintainability is extremely high.

Next, the manufacturing process of the input device as described above will be described step by step. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing process of the input device.
In step S401, the flexible substrate 4 is created. The flexible substrate 4 is formed, for example, by forming a wiring pattern 42 by a lithography technique or the like on a base film in which a metal foil layer such as an electric field copper foil or a rolled copper foil is formed on one entire surface of a film-like polyimide resin, It is formed by forming through holes 41a and 41b and various fixing holes, and further applying an insulating coating on the surface.

  In step S402, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted on the flexible substrate 4. As described above, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is easily mounted on the flexible substrate 4 by being inserted into one through hole 41a of the mounting portion 41 and then inserted into the other through hole 41b from the opposite side.

  In step S403, the wiring terminals 31 of the piezoelectric actuator 3 are soldered to the wiring patterns 42 on the flexible substrate 4. This step is performed using, for example, a laser. Thus, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is fixed on the flexible substrate 4.

  In step S404, after assembling the liquid crystal display unit 1, the flexible substrate 4 is attached to the frame 12 of the liquid crystal display unit 1. The flexible substrate 4 is fixed to the frame 12 using screws or the like. At this time, the wiring patterns 42 on the flexible substrate 4 are connected to predetermined wiring terminals of a driver (not shown).

In step S405, the touch sensor unit 2 is attached to the display surface side of the liquid crystal display unit 1.
In the above manufacturing process, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted on the flexible substrate 4 by being inserted into the through holes 41 a and 41 b, and the flexible substrate 4 is fixed to the liquid crystal display unit 1, so that the piezoelectric actuator 3 has high positional accuracy. , And can be easily mounted. Further, since the flexible substrate 4 is used for holding the piezoelectric actuator 3, wiring to the piezoelectric actuator 3 can be performed by an extremely simple operation.

  As described above, in the input device of the present invention, the mounting operation is facilitated while the mounting position accuracy, the driving force transmission efficiency, and the wiring routing efficiency of the piezoelectric actuator 3 are improved. Therefore, an input device having a high-performance force feedback function can be realized at low cost.

  In the present embodiment, four piezoelectric actuators are arranged around the display area of the liquid crystal display unit, but more piezoelectric actuators may be arranged. Further, three or more piezoelectric actuators may be mounted on one flexible substrate. Furthermore, a flexible substrate on which a piezoelectric actuator is mounted may be arranged not only on the long side of the display panel but also on the short side. However, it is desirable that the respective piezoelectric actuators are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the display panel.

[Second embodiment]
Next, as a modified example of the above input device, a case where the mounting direction of the piezoelectric actuator 3 to the flexible substrate 4 is reversed will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a mounting structure of the piezoelectric actuator 3 in the input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 5 shows a mounting structure of the piezoelectric actuator 3 to the flexible substrate 4 in a side view. In the second embodiment shown in this figure, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted on the opposite surface of the flexible substrate 4. Thereby, when the piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted, the central spacer portion 41c is in a state of bulging toward the liquid crystal display portion 1 side. Then, the central spacer portion 41c contacts the frame 12 of the liquid crystal display portion 1, and the back surface of the contact portion between the flexible substrate 4 and both ends of the piezoelectric actuator 3 contacts the frame 22 of the touch sensor portion 2.

  The operation of such an input device is not different from that of the first embodiment. The mounting structure of the piezoelectric actuator 3 may be selected so as to be suitable for the structure of each of the frames 12 and 22 of the liquid crystal display unit 1 and the touch sensor unit 2.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a description will be given of an input device capable of simplifying the structure for attaching the piezoelectric actuator to the flexible substrate and further improving the manufacturing efficiency.

  FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing a structure of an input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A shows a structure of a flexible substrate, and FIG. 6B shows a case where a piezoelectric actuator is attached to the flexible substrate. The structure of is shown.

  In the flexible substrate 14 shown in FIG. 6A, a pair of through holes 141a and 141b is formed as a mounting portion 141 of the piezoelectric actuator 13, and a central spacer 141c between the through holes 141a and 141b is cut. The portion 141d is cut linearly. Then, as shown in (B), the end of the piezoelectric actuator 13 in the longitudinal direction is in contact with the upper surface of the flexible substrate 14 with the mounting portion 141 interposed therebetween, and the central spacer portion 141c is further formed on the upper surface of the piezoelectric actuator 13. It is arranged to be located.

  Further, similarly to the above-described embodiment, a wiring terminal 131 for connecting to the wiring pattern 142 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric actuator 13. Is connected by solder.

  In such a structure, although the center spacer portion 141c is cut at the cutting portion 141d, the function as a spacer between the piezoelectric actuator 13 and the touch sensor portion or the liquid crystal display portion is the same as the first and second spacers. This is almost the same as in the case of the embodiment. Therefore, even when such a flexible substrate 14 is provided between the touch sensor unit and the liquid crystal display unit, the position accuracy of the piezoelectric actuator 13 in the thickness direction is enhanced, and a high-performance force feedback function is provided. Is achieved.

  However, since the central spacer portion 141c is cut, the flexible substrate 14 itself cannot hold the piezoelectric actuator 13, and the piezoelectric actuator 13 and the flexible substrate 14 are fixed by soldering at the wiring terminals 131. . For this reason, there is a possibility that the piezoelectric actuator 13 may fall off from the flexible substrate 14 due to an impact or the like during manufacturing. Therefore, for example, in the piezoelectric actuator 13, it is possible to more securely fix the piezoelectric actuator 13 and the flexible substrate 14 by fixing the end opposite to the position where the wiring terminal 131 is provided to the flexible substrate 14 by soldering. preferable.

  In the example of FIG. 6B, in the piezoelectric actuator 13, a fixing terminal 132 irrelevant to the electric wiring is provided at the end opposite to the side on which the wiring terminal 131 is provided, and the fixing terminal 132 is fixed on the flexible substrate 14. A fixing pattern (not shown) is also formed at the contact position of the terminal 132. The other end of the piezoelectric actuator 13 is fixed to the flexible substrate 14 by soldering the fixing terminal 132 and the pattern on the flexible substrate 14 side.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing process of the input device according to the present embodiment.
In step S701, the flexible substrate 14 on which the mounting portion 141 and the wiring pattern 142 are formed is created.

  In step S702, the piezoelectric actuator 13 is disposed on the flexible substrate 14. At this time, the piezoelectric actuator 13 is arranged so as to straddle the through holes 141a and 141b in the parallel direction.

  In step S703, the wiring terminals 131 and the fixing terminals 132 provided at both ends of the piezoelectric actuator 13 are soldered. This step is performed using, for example, a laser.

  In the state of Step S703, the central spacer portion 141c between the through holes 141a and 141b is located on the lower surface side of the piezoelectric actuator 13. Therefore, in Step S704, the central spacer portion 141c is located on the upper surface of the piezoelectric actuator 13. Pull out. This step can be easily performed by, for example, passing a thin linear jig upward from the lower side of the central spacer portion 141c opposite to the cutting portion 141d with the piezoelectric actuator 13 therebetween. it can. In order to adopt such a method, it is preferable that the cut portion 141d is provided at an end portion in the width direction of the central spacer portion 141c.

  In step S705, the flexible substrate 14 is attached to the frame of the liquid crystal display. In step S706, a touch sensor unit is attached to the display surface side of the liquid crystal display unit. Note that the liquid crystal display unit may be attached after attaching the flexible substrate 14 to the touch sensor unit side.

  In the above manufacturing process, a method is adopted in which the piezoelectric spacer 13 is disposed on the flexible substrate 14 and fixed, and then the central spacer portion 141c is pulled out upward. In this method, as in the first and second embodiments described above, there is no step of inserting the piezoelectric actuator through one through-hole and then inserting the piezoelectric actuator through the other through-hole from the opposite side. Since a simple mounting structure is employed, the cost of the manufacturing apparatus can be reduced, and the time required for mounting can be shortened.

  In the present embodiment, since the piezoelectric actuator 13 is not held by the flexible substrate 14 itself as described above, it is preferable to solder both ends of the piezoelectric actuator 13. Since the soldering process can be performed continuously or simultaneously with the soldering process for the wiring terminals 131 and the wiring pattern 142 on the substrate side, the efficiency of the manufacturing process is not significantly reduced.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, an input device having a high-performance force feedback function can be realized at lower cost, which is advantageous, for example, when such an input device is mass-produced automatically. I can say.

  The shape of the through-hole on the flexible substrate and the shape of the flexible substrate itself are not limited to the shapes described in the above embodiments. For example, the shape of the piezoelectric actuator, the liquid crystal display unit to be attached, or the touch sensor unit may be used. What is necessary is just to be formed according to the shape of a flame | frame etc.

[Fourth Embodiment]
By the way, the piezoelectric actuator is deformed when a voltage is applied, but has the property of generating a voltage when pressed from the outside. In addition, when a voltage is generated, the piezoelectric actuator functions as a capacitor in terms of its structure, and accumulates charges inside. Therefore, for example, when some pressure acts on the piezoelectric actuator in the manufacturing process, a large amount of electric charge is accumulated by the electromotive force of the piezoelectric actuator itself, and the electric charge may damage the piezoelectric actuator.

  Hereinafter, an example of an input device in which a resistor is inserted between wiring terminals of a piezoelectric actuator in order to prevent such a situation will be described. FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing wiring for a piezoelectric actuator in the input device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the piezoelectric actuator 3 having a structure in which two piezoelectric layers 3a and 3b made of a piezoelectric material are bonded together with an electrode plate 3c interposed therebetween. The driver 5 is a circuit for applying a drive voltage to the piezoelectric actuator 3 based on control by a control unit (not shown), and is connected to the piezoelectric layers 3 a and 3 b by a wiring pattern 42 on the flexible substrate 4. Further, in FIG. 8, as an example, a resistor 42a having a predetermined resistance value is connected in parallel between the electrodes of the piezoelectric layers 3a and 3b. It is preferable that such a resistor 42a is connected immediately before mounting the piezoelectric actuator 3 on the flexible substrate 4.

  In such an input device, by inserting the resistor 42a in series between the electrodes, for example, when some pressure is applied in the manufacturing process and the piezoelectric actuator 3 itself generates a voltage, a current flows through the resistor 42a, The impact given to the actuator 3 is absorbed. In the present invention, since the piezoelectric actuator 3 and the driver 5 are connected by the flexible substrate 4, the pattern of the mounting portion of the resistor 42a is provided in advance, so that the resistor 42a can be easily arranged. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the piezoelectric actuator 3 from being damaged during manufacturing.

  By the way, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the resistive film type touch sensor unit is used has been described. However, even when another method is used, the piezoelectric actuator having the above-described configuration is provided by the same structure, and the force is applied. It is possible to realize a haptic feedback function. As another method, for example, for a touch sensor unit using a capacitance method, an optical method, or an ultrasonic method, a force sense feedback function can be realized by the same structure as described above.

  In the case of the capacitance type, for example, a contact portion of a user's finger is formed by a transparent conductive sheet, and a circuit for voltage application and current detection is provided in a frame at an outer edge of the contact portion. Then, a constant voltage is applied to the conductive sheet, and a change in the capacitance on the sheet when the user's finger contacts the conductive sheet is detected from the current value, whereby the contact of the finger is detected. The presence / absence and contact position coordinates are detected.

  In the case of the optical system, the contact portion is formed by a simple transparent panel made of glass, acrylic, or the like. Then, a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a light receiving element are arranged in a frame at an outer edge of the contact part, and infrared rays are radiated in a matrix on the surface of the contact part. Let it. Therefore, the contact coordinates can be detected by specifying the place where the light is blocked when the finger or the pointing tool comes into contact with the contact portion.

  Further, also in the case of the ultrasonic method, the contact portion is similarly formed by a transparent panel. In the outer frame, a transmitter and a receiver are disposed so as to face each other in the x direction and the y direction, and the transmitter generates a surface acoustic wave on the surface of the contact portion. Then, when the finger contacts the contact portion, the contact position coordinates can be detected by detecting the transmission delay of the surface acoustic wave generated by the vibration (energy) of the contact portion being absorbed by the finger.

  Also in the case of using each of the above methods, the touch panel unit is provided on the display surface by providing a flexible substrate on which the above-described piezoelectric actuator is mounted between the frame of the outer edge of the touch panel unit and the frame of the liquid crystal display unit. It is possible to realize the force feedback function by moving in the direction perpendicular to

  When the touch panel unit of each of the above methods is used, as a display device for displaying operation function items, a display device of another type such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) other than a liquid crystal display device (LCD) is used. Can also be used.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Furthermore, as another method, even when an electromagnetic induction method that detects the presence / absence of a contact and a contact position based on the principle of the electromagnetic induction is used, the force feedback function using the piezoelectric actuator having the above configuration can be realized. is there. Hereinafter, the structure of the input device in this case will be described as a fifth embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the structure of the input device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Note that, in FIG. 9, components corresponding to those of the input device illustrated in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  FIG. 9A is a plan view when the input device is viewed from the display surface direction. As shown in FIG. 9A, a transparent panel 6 made of glass, acrylic, or the like is provided on the display surface, and the transparent panel 6 is housed in an external housing 7 having an open display surface. FIG. 9A also shows, for reference, the mounting positions of the piezoelectric actuator 3 and the flexible substrate 4 on which the piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted. In the present embodiment, as an example, the flexible substrate 4 is provided on the long side of the display surface, and two piezoelectric actuators 3 are mounted on each flexible substrate 4.

  FIG. 9B schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the input device as viewed from arrow B in FIG. 9A. As shown in FIG. 9B, the transparent panel 6, the liquid crystal display unit 1, and the sensor unit 8 for detecting a contact position on the transparent panel 6 are housed inside an external housing 7. .

  The liquid crystal display unit 1 and the sensor unit 8 are both fixed to the external housing 7 via frames 12 and 81 provided at their edges, respectively. The image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1 is transmitted through the transparent panel 6 and is visually recognized by the user. At the same time, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is disposed between the frame 12 of the liquid crystal display unit 1 and the edge of the transparent panel 6, and the edge of the transparent panel 6 and the edge of the external housing 7 on the display surface side. Between them, a cushion 9 made of an elastic body is arranged. As a result, the transparent panel 6 is held by the external housing 7 and the liquid crystal display unit 1 so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the display surface. In FIG. 9B, the display of the flexible substrate on which the piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted is omitted.

  In this input device, in order to perform a touch operation on the transparent panel 6, for example, a dedicated pointing tool 6a formed in a pen shape is used. A circuit for generating a magnetic field is mounted inside the indicator 6a, and the sensor unit 6 is provided with a number of sensor coils for detecting the magnetic field. When the indicator 6a comes into contact with the transparent panel, the sensor unit 6 detects a magnetic field from the indicator 6a, so that the presence or absence of the indicator 6a and the contact position can be detected.

  When the indicator 6a comes into contact with the transparent panel 6 by the processing of the control circuit (not shown), a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator 3, and the transparent panel 6 moves in a direction perpendicular to the display surface. Thereby, a sense of force is returned to the user.

  Also in the case of the present embodiment, the present invention is applied since it is necessary to arrange the piezoelectric actuator 3 and the structure for wiring and attachment to the piezoelectric actuator 3 on the edge of the transparent panel 6 so as not to block the display surface. As a result, it is possible to increase the manufacturing efficiency and the space efficiency, and to realize a high-performance force feedback function at low cost.

  As in the above embodiments, the input device configured so that the display image on the display unit is transmitted through the pressure / contact sensor unit and visually recognized by the user is, for example, a personal computer (PC) or the like. It can be suitably used as a display input device of an information processing device, a vending machine, a ticket vending machine, a cash dispenser (CD), an automatic teller machine (ATM), a game machine, and the like. Further, it can be suitably used as a stationary telephone, a portable telephone, a portable information terminal such as a PDA, and a display input device of various remote control devices.

  For example, for a mobile phone that can be connected to a network such as the Internet, a numeric key is displayed on the display unit when making a call, and a dedicated GUI image including icons is displayed when connecting to the network. Can be. In a remote control device capable of controlling a plurality of devices, icons or the like corresponding to the devices can be displayed. According to the present invention, since a high-performance force feedback function using a piezoelectric actuator and its holding member can be realized at low cost, the input of the present invention is particularly applied to such a small device. The device can be easily mounted, and the user's feeling of use can be enhanced.

[Sixth Embodiment]
By the way, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to the input device configured so that the display image by the display unit is transmitted through the pressure / contact sensor unit and visually recognized by the user has been described. The present invention can be applied to an input device that does not have a function of transmitting a display image on an operation surface. For example, the present invention can be applied to an input pad provided as a pointing device in an input operation unit of a notebook PC, a tablet device for graphic drawing software, and the like.

  Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to such an input device will be specifically described. First, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an input device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are given to the components corresponding to the input device shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 described above.

  The input device illustrated in FIG. 10 includes, for example, an input operation unit 51 whose surface is uniformly flat. FIG. 10A is a plan view of the input device viewed from the operation surface side of the input operation unit 51. For example, the operation surface of the input operation unit 51 provided in the opening of the external housing 52 includes The keyboard layout is drawn. Note that the operation surface may be provided with irregularities according to the keyboard arrangement, for example.

  FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view as viewed from the arrow C in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10B, a rubber sheet 53 having an upper surface serving as an operation surface of the input operation unit 51 and a substrate 54 on which the rubber sheet 53 is mounted are housed inside the outer housing 52. I have.

  The rubber sheet 53 is formed thin so as to provide a space below one of the key areas 55 in the keyboard arrangement drawn on the upper surface (operation surface). Thus, when the key region 55 is pressed by the user, the key region 55 is bent in the direction of the substrate 54.

  In the key area 55, a conductive rubber sheet 56 is attached to the back surface with respect to the operation surface, and a contact portion 57 made of copper foil or the like is provided at a position on the substrate 54 facing the conductive rubber sheet 56. Have been. The conductive rubber sheet 56 and the contact portion 57 are both connected to wiring from a control circuit (not shown). Thus, when the key area 55 is depressed, the conductive rubber sheet 56 and the contact portion 57 are brought into contact with each other due to the bending of the rubber sheet 53, thereby performing key input.

  The piezoelectric actuator 3 is provided between the lower surface of the substrate 54 and the lower portion of the external housing 52. Further, a frame 58 is provided at an edge of the rubber sheet 53, and a cushion 9 having an elastic body is provided between an upper surface of the frame 58 and a portion around an opening of the external housing 52. I have. Thus, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator 3, the rubber sheet 53 and the substrate 54 move up and down in the figure with respect to the external housing 52. In FIG. 10B, the display of the flexible substrate on which the piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted is omitted.

  In such an input device, when the key area 55 is pressed and a key input is performed under the control of a control circuit (not shown), the piezoelectric actuator 3 is driven to move the rubber sheet 53, thereby providing the user with Force sense can be returned. Since the stroke at the time of key input due to the bending of the rubber sheet 53 is as small as about several millimeters, by adding a force feedback function by the piezoelectric actuator 3, it is possible to give a clear click feeling to the user and improve the operation feeling. it can. Further, the thickness of the piezoelectric actuator 3 and the flexible substrate on which it is mounted are also about several mm, so that the overall thickness can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to realize a thin and low-cost input device having a good operability even though the actual stroke at the time of key input is small. Such an input device is suitable, for example, as a keyboard for a PC.

  In the present embodiment, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is provided along the edge of the long side of the input device. However, in the case of an input device having no display device, the piezoelectric actuator 3 May be provided at a uniform position. When the piezoelectric actuator 3 is provided only at the edge, a cushion made of an elastic body may be appropriately provided at a position inside the piezoelectric actuator 3.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Next, a case where the present invention is applied to a flat input device used as a tablet device or the like will be described. Here, a case where such an input device is provided in a notebook PC will be described as an example.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a notebook PC including an input device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
The notebook PC illustrated in FIG. 11A includes a display unit 61 and an input unit 62, and the display unit 61 can be folded toward the input unit 62. The display unit 61 is configured by, for example, an LCD. The input operation surface of the input unit 62 may be uniformly flat, and a sheet on which a keyboard arrangement is printed may be attached to the surface.

  FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the input unit 62 when the notebook PC is viewed from the arrow D in FIG. 11A. As shown in the figure, the input unit 62 includes an information processing device unit 63 storing a device that realizes a processing function as a PC, such as a processor and various recording media, and a touch sensor unit 64 that detects an input operation. I have it.

  The touch sensor unit 64 has an operation input surface on the upper surface in the drawing. For example, the presence or absence of contact or pressing of the user's finger by the above-described resistive method, capacitive method, optical method, surface acoustic wave method, or the like. And its position. The touch sensor unit 64 is disposed on a holding member 65 fixed to the external housing of the input unit 62. A piezoelectric member is provided between the holding member 65 and the frame 66 of the touch sensor unit 64. An actuator 3 is provided. Further, a cushion 9 having an elastic body is provided between the input operation surface side of the frame 66 and the external housing 67 on the input operation surface side. Thus, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric actuator 3, the touch sensor unit 64 is moved in the vertical direction in the drawing. In FIG. 11B, the display of the flexible substrate on which the piezoelectric actuator 3 is mounted is omitted.

  In such an input unit 62, under the control of a control circuit in the information processing device unit 63, when the input operation to the touch sensor unit 64 is detected, the piezoelectric actuator 3 is driven to move the touch sensor unit 64. Thus, the sense of force can be returned to the user.

  Further, since the input operation surface of the input unit 62 is uniformly flat, the input operation surface is usually used as a keyboard in accordance with a keyboard arrangement drawn on the input operation surface, for example, and may be used as a tablet device or a mouse pointer as necessary. It can be used. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide an input pad (track pad) provided in the conventional notebook PC separately from the keyboard, and a new function such as a tablet device for drawing can be added. Therefore, it is possible to realize the input unit 62 having a small size, a high function, and a good operation feeling at a low cost.

  In addition, as the touch sensor unit 64, an electromagnetic induction method can be used in addition to the above-described methods. In this case, a sensor unit by electromagnetic induction may be provided on the back side of the input operation surface made of a flat plate made of plastic or the like, and the input operation surface may be moved by a piezoelectric actuator.

  In addition, when used as a keyboard, the strength of the feedback is changed according to the position of the input key, for example, when a finger or pointing tool is brought into contact with the input operation surface to make the position of the input key clearer. By doing so, the position where the index finger becomes the home position (for example, the positions of the “J” key and the “F” key) may be notified to the user. For example, as the contact position approaches the home position, control such as increasing the vibration amount or shortening the vibration cycle is performed.

  As for the input unit 62, a display unit such as an LCD is provided below the touch sensor unit 64, and a touch panel type (touch screen type) input that displays a display screen through an input operation surface of the touch sensor unit 64 is provided. It may be a device. In this case, for example, a keyboard arrangement is usually displayed on the input operation surface, and the input unit 62 is used as a keyboard. If necessary, screens by different applications are displayed on the display unit 61 and the input operation surface of the input unit 62. It can also be displayed. Further, the display unit 61 may be provided with a similar input detection function and force sense feedback function.

[Eighth Embodiment]
The present invention can be further applied to a system in which a user's input operation surface is separated from a part for detecting the presence or absence of contact with the input operation surface. Hereinafter, an example will be described.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the input device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
The input device shown in FIG. 12 includes a flat input unit 71 and an image sensor unit 72 for detecting a user's input operation and position on the input unit 71. The input unit 71 has a configuration in which a panel 74 having an upper surface serving as an input operation surface is provided in an opening of the external housing 73. A piezoelectric actuator (not shown) is provided inside the outer housing 73, and the panel 74 is configured to move in a direction in which the user presses the finger or the pointing tool with the piezoelectric actuator.

  The image sensor unit 72 is disposed, for example, at a predetermined height from the input operation surface thereof in front of the panel 74 as viewed from the user. The image sensor unit 72 may be provided integrally with the panel 74 or as an individual member.

  The image sensor unit 72 includes an image sensor such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor having thousands or tens of thousands of pixels. Shoot. The contour is extracted by image processing in a control circuit (not shown) using the imaging signal, and the movement of the user's finger or pointing tool on the panel 74 is analyzed. This makes it possible to determine the presence or absence of the contact with the panel 74 and its position. Further, for example, a projection or a depression is provided at the position where the index finger becomes the home position on the panel 74, and the user performs the keyboard operation based on the position, so that the movement of the finger can be analyzed more accurately. Becomes possible. Alternatively, a sheet on which a keyboard layout is printed may be attached to the panel 74, and the input position may be analyzed based on the grid position of the keyboard layout in addition to the movement of the finger. By specifying the home position and the keyboard layout in this manner, even a novice keyboard operator can use the keyboard easily.

  In addition, for example, the image sensor unit 72 includes a light receiving unit including a light emitting element such as an LED that emits uniform light over the entire surface of the panel 74 and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected from the panel 74. It may be. In this case, for example, a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged in a matrix in the light receiving unit, and the finger on the panel 74 is processed by the control circuit based on the total amount of light received from the panel 74 and the distribution of the amount of received light. It is possible to analyze the presence or absence of the contact of the pointer and the indicator and the position thereof.

  In such an input device, a function as a virtual keyboard and a function as a tablet device can be switched and used. Further, it is easy to carry, and can be used by arranging it at an arbitrary position other than the display device and the control device, such as on a desk. Then, when the contact of the finger or the pointing device to the panel 74 is detected, the piezoelectric actuator is driven to move the panel 74, thereby returning a sense of force to the user and improving the operational feeling of the user. Can be.

  In the above embodiment, the input device having the function of detecting the position of the pressing portion or the contact portion has been described. However, the input device has a coordinate detecting function such as a button switch for calling an elevator or designating a floor. Instead, the present invention can be applied to an input device that can detect only the presence or absence of pressing or contact.

  As described above, the present invention detects an input operation surface on which a force sense can be fed back to a user by driving a piezoelectric actuator, and the presence or absence of contact or pressing of a finger or an indicator on the input operation surface. The present invention can be applied to any input device having the above-mentioned means, and a small and thin input device with good operational feeling can be realized at low cost.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a flexible substrate. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state where a piezoelectric actuator is mounted on a flexible substrate. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing process of the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a mounting structure of a piezoelectric actuator in an input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the structure of the input device concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing process of the input device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram illustrating wiring for a piezoelectric actuator in an input device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the structure of the input device concerning a 5th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the structure of the input device concerning a 6th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the structure of the notebook PC including the input device concerning a 7th embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the input device concerning an 8th embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structural example of the conventional touch panel type input device which has a haptic feedback function. It is sectional drawing which shows the mounting structure of the conventional piezoelectric actuator.

Explanation of reference numerals

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Liquid crystal display part, 2 ... Touch sensor part, 3 ... Piezoelectric actuator, 4 ... Flexible board, 12, 22 ... Frame, 31 ... Wiring terminal, 41 ... Mounting part, 41a, 41b ... Through hole, 41c: Central spacer part, 42: Wiring pattern

Claims (15)

In an input device in which input is performed by detecting the presence or absence of a pressing or contact operation on the surface of the panel,
A flexible wiring board on which electrodes of a predetermined pattern are formed, and a pair of parallel through holes are provided;
On the flexible wiring board, the portion of the flexible wiring board is positioned so as to straddle the pair of through holes in the parallel direction, and further includes a portion of the flexible wiring board located between the paired through holes. A piezoelectric actuator made of a piezoelectric bimorph element, arranged to be located on the upper surface,
Has,
The input device, wherein the flexible wiring board is provided so that the piezoelectric actuator contacts the panel with a part of the flexible wiring board interposed therebetween.   2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible wiring board is disposed such that a portion located between the paired through holes contacts the panel. 3.   2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible wiring board is disposed such that a surface opposite to a surface with which an end of the piezoelectric actuator contacts is in contact with the panel. 3.   2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein a wiring terminal provided at an end of the piezoelectric actuator and a predetermined electrode formed on the flexible wiring board are electrically connected.   The input device according to claim 4, wherein a resistor having a predetermined resistance value is further connected in parallel between electrodes on the flexible wiring board connected to the wiring terminals of the piezoelectric actuator.   2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible wiring board has one linear cut between the pair of through holes. 3.   7. The wiring terminal according to claim 6, wherein a wiring terminal provided at one end of the piezoelectric actuator and a predetermined electrode formed on the flexible wiring board are electrically connected by solder. Input device.   The input device according to claim 7, wherein a contact portion between the other end of the piezoelectric actuator and the flexible wiring board is fixed by solder.   The pair of through holes is formed such that the distance between both ends in the parallel direction is shorter than the length of the piezoelectric actuator in the longitudinal direction, and the width is larger than the width of the piezoelectric actuator. 2. The input device according to 1. Further comprising a display means for displaying a screen through the panel,
By pressing or touching the surface of the panel, a selection input for an operation function item corresponding to an operation position on a display screen by the display means is performed,
2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible wiring board is disposed outside a display area of the display unit. A holding member that holds the display means positioned outside a display area of the display means,
11. The input device according to claim 10, wherein the panel is movable in a direction perpendicular to a display surface of the display unit, and the flexible wiring board is disposed between the panel and the holding member. .   The input device according to claim 10, wherein a plurality of the piezoelectric actuators are provided around a display area of the display unit. In a method of manufacturing an input device in which input is performed by detecting the presence or absence of a pressing or contact operation on the surface of the panel,
A pair of parallel through holes is provided on a flexible wiring board on which electrodes of a predetermined pattern are formed,
After a piezoelectric actuator composed of a piezoelectric bimorph element is inserted into one of the pair of through holes, the other end of the piezoelectric actuator is inserted from the opposite side so that both ends in the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric actuator are on the same side of the flexible wiring board. Placed in contact with the surface of
Arranging the flexible wiring board so that the piezoelectric actuator contacts the panel with a part of the flexible wiring board interposed therebetween,
A method for manufacturing an input device, comprising: In a method of manufacturing an input device in which input is performed by detecting the presence or absence of a pressing or contact operation on the surface of the panel,
On a flexible wiring board on which electrodes of a predetermined pattern are formed, a pair of parallel through holes is provided, and a space between the pair of through holes is cut into a single line,
A piezoelectric actuator made of a piezoelectric bimorph element is disposed so as to straddle the pair of through holes in the parallel direction, and is formed on a wiring terminal provided at one end of the piezoelectric actuator and the flexible wiring board. The predetermined electrode is electrically connected by soldering,
A portion of the flexible wiring board located between the paired through holes is pulled out and disposed on the upper surface of the piezoelectric actuator,
Arranging the flexible wiring board so that the piezoelectric actuator contacts the panel with a part of the flexible wiring board interposed therebetween,
A method for manufacturing an input device, comprising:   14. The method for manufacturing an input device according to claim 13, wherein when the wiring terminals are connected by solder, a contact portion between the other end of the piezoelectric actuator and the flexible wiring board is fixed by solder. .

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