JP2010033376A - Touch sensor and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a touch sensor in which one detecting part can detect contact on the case of an operating part side and the case of a display part side, and electronic equipment. <P>SOLUTION: A cellular phone 1 includes: a first openable/closable insulation part e1 arranged at a main display surface 3A side; a first metal part E1 arranged oppositely to the first insulation part e1; a second insulation part f1 arranged at a sub-display surface 3B side; a second metal part F1 arranged oppositely to the second insulation part f1 and electrically connected to the first metal part E1; a third insulation part g12 arranged at an operation surface 2A side in the case 2 of the operating part side; a third metal part G12 arranged oppositely to the third insulation part g12; and a detecting part 420 for detecting a change in capacitance between a closed finger of a user and the first insulation part e1, and a change in capacitance between an opened finger of the user and the third insulation part G12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch sensor and an electronic device in which the touch sensor is mounted.

  In recent years, mobile phones equipped with touch sensors as input devices are increasing in mobile phones as electronic devices. The touch sensor as an input device is mainly configured to detect contact of a user's finger on the operation surface of the operation unit side body or the display surface of the display unit side body. Accordingly, the user can cause the mobile phone to perform a predetermined operation without pressing down a predetermined switch arranged on the operation surface.

For example, information that detects the moving direction of the user's finger by attaching a touch sensor unit to each of the plurality of buttons arranged in a matrix on the operation surface, and continuously touching the plurality of buttons by the user moving the finger. A terminal has been proposed. The information terminal is configured to scroll the screen displayed on the display unit in the direction of the user's finger detected by the touch sensor unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-318362 A

  Here, when the sensor unit is arranged on both the operation surface in the operation unit side body and the display surface in the display unit side body, the circuit or element for detecting contact of a finger or the like in the sensor unit is It has been necessary to arrange both the side housing and the display unit side housing.

An object of the present invention is to provide a touch sensor capable of detecting contact with an operation unit side body and a display unit side body with a single detection unit.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronic device on which the touch sensor is mounted.

  In the present invention, a first housing having a first surface, a second housing having a second surface, the first housing and the second housing overlap, and the first surface becomes the second surface. The first housing is capable of transitioning between a first state that is covered and not exposed to the outside and a second state in which the first housing and the second housing are separated and the first surface is exposed to the outside. A connecting portion that connects a body and the second housing; and a first portion disposed on an outer surface side of the second housing and exposed to the outside in the first state so that a predetermined conductor can approach or come into contact therewith. An insulating portion; a first metal portion disposed opposite to the first insulating portion on an inner side of the second housing than the first insulating portion; and a second surface side of the second housing. A second insulating portion disposed near the first surface in the first state, and closer to the inner side of the second housing than the second insulating portion. A second metal part disposed opposite to the second insulating part and electrically connected to the first metal part; and disposed on the first surface side of the first housing, and in the first state The second insulating portion is disposed adjacent to the third insulating portion, and is exposed to the outside in the second state so that the predetermined conductor can approach or come into contact with the third insulating portion. A third metal portion disposed on the inner side of the first housing so as to face the third insulating portion, and electrically connected to the third metal portion, wherein the predetermined conductor is the first metal in the first state. Change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating part when approaching or abutting one insulating part, and the predetermined conductor approaching or abutting the third insulating part in the second state Between the predetermined conductor and the three insulating parts. A detector for detecting a change in that the physical quantity, an electronic apparatus equipped with.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said 1st insulation part is arrange | positioned on the surface side different from the said 2nd surface in a said 2nd housing | casing.

  Further, in the first state, the second metal part and the third metal part are capacitively coupled, and the detection unit is configured to pass through the second metal part and the third metal part that are capacitively coupled. Detecting a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating portion when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the first insulating portion, and in the second state, the detecting portion It is preferable to detect a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the three insulating portions when the predetermined conductor is close to or in contact with the third insulating portion.

  The physical quantity is preferably a capacitance.

  The first metal part, the second metal part, and the third metal part are preferably formed of a metal film.

  In addition, when the electronic device includes a state detection unit that detects that the electronic device is in the first state or the second state, and the state detection unit detects that the electronic device is in the first state, When the physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating portion is detected and the state detection unit detects that the second state is detected, the detection unit detects the predetermined conductor and the first conductor. It is preferable to detect the physical quantity between the three insulating portions.

  Moreover, when the state detected by the state detection unit changes, the detection unit preferably performs a calibration process.

  In the present invention, a first housing having a first surface, a second housing having a second surface and a third surface, the first housing and the second housing overlap, and the first surface is the A first state that is covered by the second surface and is not exposed to the outside; a second state in which the first housing and the second housing are separated and the first surface is exposed to the outside; and the first state The first housing and the second housing are coupled so that the housing and the second housing overlap and the first surface is covered with the third surface and is not exposed to the outside. A connecting portion that is disposed on the third surface side of the second housing and is exposed to the outside in the first state so that a predetermined conductor can approach or come into contact therewith. A first insulating portion disposed close to one surface, and disposed closer to the inner side of the second housing than the first insulating portion, facing the first insulating portion. A first metal part disposed on the second surface side of the second housing, disposed close to the first surface in the first state, and exposed to the outside in the third state. A second insulating portion disposed such that a predetermined conductor can be brought close to or in contact with the second conductor, and is disposed on an inner side of the second casing than the second insulating portion so as to face the second insulating portion, and A second metal part electrically connected to one metal part; and a first metal part disposed on the first surface side of the first housing, wherein the second insulating part is disposed in proximity to the first state; The third insulating portion is disposed close to the third state in the three states, and is exposed to the outside in the second state so that the predetermined conductor can approach or come into contact with the third insulating portion. A third member disposed on the inner side of the first housing opposite to the third insulating portion; A genus part, and the predetermined conductor and the first insulating part when electrically connected to the third metal part and in the first state when the predetermined conductor is close to or in contact with the first insulating part; Change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the three insulating parts when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the third insulating part in the second state, The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus comprising: a detection unit that detects a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the two insulating units when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the second insulating unit in a state.

  Further, in the first state, the second metal part and the third metal part are capacitively coupled, and the detection unit is configured to pass through the second metal part and the third metal part that are capacitively coupled. Detecting a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating portion when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the first insulating portion, and in the second state, the detecting portion A change in a physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the three insulating portions when the predetermined conductor approaches or abuts on the third insulating portion is detected, and in the third state, the first metal portion and the The third metal part is capacitively coupled, and the detection unit is in close proximity to or in contact with the second insulating part via the capacitively coupled first metal part and the third metal part. The predetermined conductor and the second insulating portion in the case It is preferable to detect a change in the physical quantity in.

  In the present invention, a first housing having a first surface, a second housing having a second surface, the first housing and the second housing overlap, and the first surface becomes the second surface. The first housing is capable of transitioning between a first state that is covered and not exposed to the outside and a second state in which the first housing and the second housing are separated and the first surface is exposed to the outside. A sensor that is used in an electronic device including a body and a connecting portion that connects the second housing, and is a predetermined conductor exposed to the outside in the first state on the outer surface side of the second housing A first metal portion disposed opposite to the first insulating portion on the inner side of the second housing than the first insulating portion disposed so as to be able to contact the second insulating portion, and the second metal portion of the second housing. It is arranged on the inner side of the second housing than the second insulating portion arranged on the surface side and arranged close to the first surface in the first state. A second metal part disposed opposite to the two insulating parts and electrically connected to the first metal part; and disposed on the first surface side of the first housing and in the first state The second insulating portion is disposed in the vicinity and exposed to the outside in the second state so that the predetermined conductor can approach or come into contact with the inner side of the first housing than the third insulating portion. A third metal part disposed opposite to the third insulating part and electrically connected to the third metal part, and the predetermined conductor is in proximity to or in contact with the first insulating part in the first state A change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating portion in the case, and the predetermined conductor and the third conductor when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the third insulating portion in the second state Detects changes in physical quantity between 3 insulation parts A detecting portion that relates to a touch sensor comprising a.

  Further, in the first state, the second metal part and the third metal part are capacitively coupled, and the detection unit is configured to pass through the second metal part and the third metal part that are capacitively coupled. Detecting a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating portion when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the first insulating portion, and in the second state, the detecting portion It is preferable to detect a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the three insulating portions when the predetermined conductor is close to or in contact with the third insulating portion.

  A contact detection unit configured to detect proximity to or contact with the first insulating unit or the third insulating unit based on a change in the physical quantity detected by the detection unit; In the first state, in response to a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating portion when the predetermined conductor detected by the detecting portion approaches or contacts the first insulating portion. Based on the change in physical quantity between the changed second metal part and the third metal part, it is detected that the predetermined conductor is in contact with the first insulating part, and the detection is performed in the second state. In response to a change in a physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the third insulating portion when the predetermined conductor detected by the portion approaches or contacts the third insulating portion, the predetermined conductor is Touching the third insulation It is preferable to detect the.

  In the present invention, a first housing having a first surface, a second housing having a second surface and a third surface, the first housing and the second housing overlap, and the first surface is the A first state that is covered by the second surface and is not exposed to the outside; a second state in which the first housing and the second housing are separated and the first surface is exposed to the outside; and the first state The first housing and the second housing are coupled so that the housing and the second housing overlap and the first surface is covered with the third surface and is not exposed to the outside. A touch sensor used in an electronic device comprising: a connecting portion that is disposed on an outer surface side of the second casing and exposed to the outside in the first state so that a predetermined conductor can approach or come into contact therewith. And in the third state, the first side closer to the inner side of the second housing than the first insulating portion disposed close to the first surface. A first metal portion disposed opposite to the edge portion, and disposed on the second surface side of the second housing and disposed adjacent to the first surface in the first state and the third state. In addition to being disposed opposite to the second insulating portion on the inner side of the second housing than the second insulating portion that is exposed to the outside and disposed at a position where the predetermined conductor can be approached or abutted, A second metal part that is electrically connected to the first metal part; and a second metal part that is disposed on the first surface side of the first housing and is disposed close to the first metal part in the first state; In the third state, the first insulating portion is disposed close to the first housing, and in the second state, the first insulating portion is exposed to the outside so that the predetermined conductor can approach or come into contact with the first housing. A third metal part disposed on the inner side to face the third insulating part; A physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating portion when the predetermined conductor is electrically connected to the third metal portion and the predetermined conductor is close to or in contact with the first insulating portion in the first state; Change, change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the three insulating portions when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the third insulating portion in the second state, and the predetermined state in the third state The present invention relates to a touch sensor comprising: a detection unit that detects a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the two insulating units when a conductor approaches or contacts the second insulating unit.

  Further, in the first state, the second metal part and the third metal part are capacitively coupled, and the detection unit is configured to pass through the second metal part and the third metal part that are capacitively coupled. Detecting a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating portion when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the first insulating portion, and in the second state, the detecting portion A change in a physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the three insulating portions when the predetermined conductor approaches or abuts on the third insulating portion is detected, and in the third state, the first metal portion and the The third metal part is capacitively coupled, and the detection unit is in close proximity to or in contact with the second insulating part via the capacitively coupled first metal part and the third metal part. The predetermined conductor and the second insulating portion in the case It is preferable to detect a change in the physical quantity in.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the touch sensor which can detect the contact with respect to an operation part side housing | casing and a display part side housing | casing by one detection part can be provided.
In addition, according to the present invention, an electronic device on which the touch sensor is mounted can be provided.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The basic structure of the mobile phone 1 as a mobile terminal device will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a front view in a state (second state) in which the mobile phone 1 is opened. 2A shows a left side view when the mobile phone 1 is opened, and FIG. 2B shows a right side view when the mobile phone 1 is opened. FIG. 3 shows a rear view in a state where the mobile phone 1 is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile phone 1 includes an operation unit side body 2 as a first case having an operation surface 2A and a back surface 2B as a first surface, a main display surface 3A and a third surface as a third surface. A display unit side body 3 as a second housing having a sub display surface 3B as two surfaces, and a connecting unit 4 that connects the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 are provided.

  Here, the connecting portion 4 includes a biaxial hinge mechanism, and the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 overlap with each other, and the operation surface 2A is covered with the sub display surface 3B and is not exposed to the outside. (First closed state), a second state in which the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 are separated and the operation surface 2A is exposed to the outside (first open state), and an operation unit side case The body 2 and the display unit side body 3 overlap with each other, and the operation surface 2A is covered with the back surface 2B so that it can be changed to a third state (second closed state) that is not exposed to the outside. The housing 3 is connected. A modification of the mobile phone 1 will be described in detail later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the outer surface of the operation unit side body 2 is composed of a front case 2a and a rear case 2b. The operation unit side body 2 is configured such that an operation key group 11 and a voice input unit 12 to which a voice uttered by a user of the mobile phone 1 is input are exposed on the operation surface 2A side. The Here, the operation key group 11 includes a function setting operation key 13 for operating various functions such as various settings, a telephone book function, and a mail function, and an input for inputting numbers of telephone numbers, characters such as mails, and the like. An operation key 14 and a determination operation key 15 for performing determination in various operations, scrolling in the up / down / left / right directions, and the like are configured. The voice input unit 12 is disposed on the outer end side opposite to the connection unit 4 side in the longitudinal direction of the operation unit side body 2. That is, the voice input unit 12 is arranged on one outer end side when the mobile phone 1 is in the open state.

  A predetermined function is assigned to each key constituting the operation key group 11 according to the deformed state of the mobile phone 1 and the type of the activated application (key assignment). In the mobile phone 1, when each key constituting the operation key group 11 is pressed by the user, an operation corresponding to the function assigned to each key is executed. Here, on the back side of the input operation key member 14b as the third insulating portion constituting the input operation key 14 (inside of the operation portion side housing 2), the third metal portion G1 constituting the third sensor portion G is provided. To G12 are arranged. Here, the input operation key members 14b facing the third metal parts G1 to G12 are the third insulating parts g1 to g12, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, on one side of the operation unit side body 2, an interface 16 for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device (for example, a host device), a headphone / microphone terminal 17, A removable external memory interface 18 and a charging terminal group 19 for charging the battery are provided. The interface 16, the headphone terminal / microphone terminal 17, and the interface 18 are covered with a dust-proof cap that can be attached and detached when not in use. The charging terminal group 19 includes a charging terminal 19a, a ground terminal 19b, an audio data output terminal 19c, and a control data output terminal 19d that outputs control data from a CPU (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2B, on the other side of the operation unit side body 2, a pair of side keys 20, an operation key 21 used at the time of imaging, and a broadcast wave whose radio wave reception angle can be adjusted. A receiving antenna 22 is arranged. A predetermined function is assigned to the side key 20 in accordance with a deformed state such as an open / close state and a front / back state of the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 and the type of the activated application ( Key assignment). Here, similarly to the above, when the side key 20 is pressed by the user, an operation corresponding to the function assigned to the side key 20 in the mobile phone 1 is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the rear case 2b of the operation unit side body 2, a lens 23 that constitutes a camera unit that captures an image of a subject and a light unit 24 that emits light to the subject are exposed. . The lens 23 and the light unit 24 constituting the camera unit are arranged on the connection unit 4 side in the operation unit side body 2. In addition, the rear case 2b in the operation unit side body 2 is provided with an opening 92a for mounting the battery 80 in the battery housing portion 92, and the battery lid 25 is disposed so as to close the opening 92a.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper end portion of the operation unit side body 2 and the lower end portion of the display unit side body 3 are connected via the connecting portion 4 including the biaxial hinge mechanism described above. As shown in FIG. 3, the sub operation key group 33 is arranged in a line in the width direction (short direction) of the mobile phone 1 on one surface (back surface) of the connecting portion 4. The sub operation key group 33 includes a first key 33a, a second key 33b, and a third key 33c. The second key has a first part 33bx and a second part 33by. Each of the keys constituting the sub operation key group 33 depends on a deformed state such as an open / closed state or a front / back state of the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 and the type of application being activated. A predetermined function is assigned (key assignment). In the mobile phone 1, when each key constituting the operation key group 11 is pressed by the user, an operation corresponding to the function assigned to each key is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the outer surface of the display unit side body 3 is constituted by a front case 3a and a rear case 3b. The main display surface 3A of the display unit side body 3 is arranged so as to expose a main display 30 having a predetermined shape for displaying various types of information and a voice output unit 31 for outputting voice on the other side of the call. The The main display 30 displays image information such as TV images and photographic images in addition to various character information. The audio output unit 31 is disposed on the outer end side opposite to the connection unit 4 in the longitudinal direction of the display unit side body 3. That is, the audio output unit 31 is arranged on the other end side when the mobile phone 1 is in the open state.

The front case 3a includes a first member 300b having a transparent acrylic plate 300a and a second member 300d as a frame to which the first member 300b is attached (see FIG. 8).
In addition, a sub display 32 for displaying various types of information is exposed in the rear case 3 b of the display unit side body 3. Character information is mainly displayed on the sub display 32. Each of the main display 30 and the sub display 32 includes a liquid crystal panel, a drive circuit that drives the liquid crystal panel, and a light source unit such as a backlight that emits light from the back side of the liquid crystal panel.

  The display unit side body 3 constitutes first metal parts E1 to E3 constituting the first sensor part E arranged on the main display surface 3A side and a second sensor part F arranged on the sub display surface 3B side. Second metal portions F1 to F3.

  Here, the portions of the acrylic plate 300 facing the first metal parts E1 to E3 are the first insulating parts e1 to e3. Further, the portions of the resin rear case 3b that face the second metal portions F1 to F3 are the second insulating portions f1 to f3.

Next, the deformation state of the mobile phone 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
4 shows a front view of the state in which the display unit side body 3 of the mobile phone 1 is folded from the state shown in FIG. 1 around the opening / closing axis X of the connecting part 4 (first state). FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the display unit side body 3 of the mobile phone 1 is rotated by a predetermined angle about the rotation axis Y of the connecting unit 4 from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a state (third state) in which the display unit side body 3 is rotated 180 degrees around the rotation axis Y from the state shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the mobile phone 1, the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 are connected to each other by a connection unit 4 so as to be opened and closed and rotated. By opening and closing the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 around the opening / closing axis X, or by rotating the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 around the rotation axis Y, the mobile phone 1 can be in various states. Can be transformed into

  For example, the mobile phone in the first state (first closed state) in which the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 shown in FIG. 4 overlap and the operation surface 2A is covered with the sub display surface 3B and is not exposed to the outside. 1 is deformed so as to open around the opening / closing axis X so that the ends opposite to the opening / closing axis X in the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 are separated from each other. Thereby, the mobile phone 1 enters a second state (first open state) in which the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 are separated from each other and the operation surface 2A is exposed to the outside.

  Conversely, in the mobile phone 1 (see FIG. 1) in the second state (first open state), the ends of the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 opposite to the opening / closing axis X approach each other. The first state (first closed state) shown in FIG. 4 can be obtained by deforming the opening / closing axis X so as to be closed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the display unit side body 3 can be rotated around the rotation axis Y. Furthermore, the front and back states of the display unit side body 3 can be switched by further rotating the display unit side body 3 around the rotation axis Y from the state of FIG.

  Specifically, the main display 30 disposed on the main display surface 3A in the display unit side body 3 and the operation key group 11 disposed on the operation surface 2A in the operation unit side body 2 face the same side. The main display 30 disposed on the main display surface 3A of the display unit side body 3 by rotating the display unit side body 3 180 degrees around the rotation axis Y from the second state (first open state). Then, the operation key group arranged on the operation surface 2A of the operation unit side body 2 can be in a state facing the opposite side (second open state).

  Then, by deforming the display unit side body 3 in the second open state shown in FIG. 5 so as to close about the opening / closing axis X, the mobile phone 1 has the operation unit side case 2 and the display unit shown in FIG. The side housing 3 overlaps and the operation surface 2A is covered with the sub display surface 3B and is transformed into a third state (second closed state) that is not exposed to the outside. The mobile phone 1 is configured to be able to transition from the first state to the third state via the second state.

  Here, the state in the mobile phone 1 is detected by a state detection unit 400 described later. The state detection unit 400 is based on information from a state detection sensor 390 configured by an open / close detection sensor (not shown), a rotation detection sensor (not shown) that detects the rotation of the biaxial hinge mechanism in the connecting unit 4, and the like in the mobile phone 1. Detect state. When the state is detected by the state detection unit 400, a calibration processing unit 410 described later performs a calibration process on the detection unit 420. Further, based on the state detected by the state detection unit 400, it is determined to detect contact of any of the sensor units E to G with the sensor unit. That is, based on the state detected by the state detection unit 400, the assignment of the contact position in the third metal parts G1 to G12 constituting the third sensor part G is changed. Details are as described later.

Next, the internal structure of the mobile phone 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the operation unit side body 2. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the display unit side body 3.
As shown in FIG. 7, the operation unit side body 2 includes a front case 2a, a key structure unit 40, a key substrate 50, a case body 60, a reference potential pattern layer 75, and RF (Radio Frequency for cellular phones). ) A circuit board 70 including various electronic components such as modules, an antenna unit 90, a rear case 2b including a battery lid 2c, and a battery 80.

  The front case 2a and the rear case 2b are disposed such that the concave inner surfaces face each other, and are joined so that the outer peripheral edges thereof overlap each other. Further, the key structure 40, the key board 50, the case body 60, the circuit board 70, and the antenna part 90 are built in between the front case 2a and the rear case 2b.

  In the front case 2a, key holes 13a, 14a, and 15a are formed on the inner surface facing the main display surface 3A of the display unit side body 3 in a state in which the cellular phone 1 is folded. From each of the key holes 13a, 14a, 15a, the pressing surface of the function setting operation key member 13b constituting the function setting operation key 13, the pressing surface of the input operation key member 14b constituting the input operation key 14, and the determination operation key 15 The pressing surface of the determination operation key member 15b that constitutes is exposed. By pressing the exposed function setting operation key member 13b, the input operation key member 14b, and the determination operation key member 15b so as to depress, the metal dome described later is provided in each corresponding key switch 51, 52, 53. The apex of (saddle-like shape) is pressed and comes into electrical contact with the switch terminal.

  The key structure unit 40 includes an operation member 40A, a key frame 40B as a reinforcing member, and a key sheet 40C as a sheet member.

  The operation member 40A is composed of a plurality of key operation members. Specifically, it is configured by a function setting operation key member 13b, an input operation key member 14b, and a determination operation key member 15b. Each operation key member constituting the operation member 40A is bonded to the key sheet 40C with a key frame 40B described later interposed therebetween. As described above, the pressing surface of each operation key member bonded to the key sheet 40C is disposed so as to be exposed to the outside from each of the key holes 13a, 14a, 15a.

  On the back surface of the input operation key member 14b (inside of the operation unit side body 2), a third sensor unit G that constitutes a touch sensor is arranged. Specifically, on the inner side of each of the twelve input operation key members 14b as the third insulating portion, the third metal portions G1 to G12 that constitute the third sensor portion G so as to face the input operation key member 14b. Each is arranged. The third metal parts G1 to G12 are arranged on the operation surface 2A side in the display unit side body 3.

Here, as described above, the portions of the input operation key member 14b facing the third metal portions G1 to G12 are the third insulating portions g1 to g12.
In the first state, the second insulating portions f1 to f3 are arranged close to the third insulating portions g1 to g12. Further, in the third state, the first insulating portions e1 to e3 are disposed close to the third insulating portions g1 to g12. Further, in the second state, the third insulating portions g1 to g12 are exposed to the outside so that a predetermined conductor (for example, a user's finger) can approach or come into contact therewith.

  Each of the third metal parts G1 to G12 is electrically connected to a CPU 45 including a detection part 420 as a function part described later. The detecting unit 420 detects a change in capacitance as a physical quantity between the conductor and the case insulating unit due to a conductor such as a user's finger approaching or contacting each insulating unit. Then, the contact detection unit 430 described later detects the contact of the user's finger or the like with respect to each insulating unit based on the change in the capacitance detected by the detection unit 420. The detection unit 420 and the contact detection unit 430 will be described in detail later.

  The key frame 40B is a metallic plate-like member having a plurality of holes 14c. The key frame 40B is a reinforcing member for preventing adverse effects on the circuit board 70 and the like due to the pressing of the input operation key member 14b. The key frame 40B is a conductive member, and also functions as a member for releasing static electricity from the input operation key member 14b. The plurality of holes 14c formed in the key frame 40B are arranged so that convex portions 14d formed in the key sheet 40C described later are fitted. The input operation key member 14b is bonded to the convex portion 14d.

  The key sheet 40C is a flexible sheet-like member made of silicon rubber. As described above, a plurality of convex portions 14d are formed on the key sheet 40C. The plurality of convex portions 14d are formed on the surface of the key sheet 40C on the side where the key frame 40B is disposed. Each of the plurality of convex portions 14d is formed at a position corresponding to a key switch 52 described later.

  The key board 50 has a plurality of key switches 51, 52, 53 arranged on the key sheet 40C side. The plurality of key switches 51, 52, 53 are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective operation members 40A. The key switches 51, 52 and 53 arranged on the key substrate 50 have a structure having a metal dome of a metal plate which is curved in a bowl shape and is three-dimensionally formed. The metal dome is configured to be electrically connected to a switch terminal formed on an electric circuit (not shown) printed on the surface of the key substrate 50 when the apex of the bowl-shaped shape is pressed. Is done. The key board 50 is obtained by sandwiching wiring between a plurality of insulating layers (insulating films).

  Since the key substrate 50 is placed on the flat plate portion 61 of the case body 60, the pressure and bending due to the pressing of the operation members 40 </ b> A are not easily transmitted to the circuit board 70 disposed below the case body 60.

  The case body 60 is a conductive member having a shape in which one wide surface of a thin rectangular parallelepiped is opened. The case body 60 includes ribs 62 that are formed substantially perpendicular to the opening-side surface of the flat plate portion 61. The rib 62 is formed to be equal to or sufficiently higher than the height of the tallest electronic component among the various electronic components mounted on the circuit board 70. The rib 62 is formed so as to correspond to the reference potential pattern layer 75 constituting the reference potential portion on the periphery and inside of the flat plate portion 61. Specifically, the rib 62 is formed so as to be disposed on the reference potential pattern layer 75 in a state where the case body 60 is placed on the circuit board 70. Note that the case body 60 may be formed of a metal, a skeleton formed of a resin, and a conductor film formed on the surface thereof.

  The case body 60 is electrically connected to the reference potential pattern layer 75 when the bottom surface of the rib approaches or comes into contact with the reference potential pattern layer 75. The case body 60 is electrically connected to the reference potential pattern layer 75 and has the same potential as the reference potential pattern layer 75. That is, the case body 60 functions as a shield case. The case body 60 serves as a shield case to suppress external noise such as high frequency from acting on various electronic components disposed on the circuit board 70, and to emit from an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit, a CPU circuit, a power supply circuit, and the like. This prevents the generated noise from acting on other electronic components and a receiving circuit connected to the antenna. Specifically, the bottom surface of the rib 62 in the case body 60 is disposed on the reference potential pattern layer 75, so that each circuit described later is surrounded by the rib 62 and covered with a part of the flat plate portion 61. The rib 62 functions as a partition wall in each circuit, and shields each circuit together with a part of the flat plate portion 61.

  On the circuit board 70, various electronic components and circuits such as a CPU 45 including a signal processing unit that processes signals transmitted and received by the antenna 108, a detection unit 420 and a contact detection unit 430, which will be described later, are arranged. Various electronic components form a plurality of circuit blocks by a predetermined combination. For example, various circuit blocks including an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit, a power supply circuit, and the like are formed.

  In addition to the various electronic components described above, a reference potential pattern layer 75 constituting a reference potential portion is formed on the first surface 70a of the circuit board 70 on the case body 60 side. The reference potential pattern layer 75 is formed so as to partition each circuit block described above. The reference potential pattern layer 75 is formed by printing a conductive member in a predetermined pattern on the surface of the first surface 70a of the circuit board 70.

  The antenna unit 90 is configured by arranging an antenna element having a predetermined shape on a base. The antenna unit 90 is disposed on the end side opposite to the connecting unit 4 side in the mobile phone 1. The antenna element of the antenna unit 90 is formed of a strip-shaped sheet metal. The antenna unit 90 is supplied with power from the circuit board 70 via a power supply terminal (not shown). As a result, the antenna element is fed from the circuit board 70 via the feed terminal and is connected to the RF module and the like of the circuit board 70.

  A detachable battery lid 2c is provided on one end side (in FIG. 2) of the rear case 2b. After the battery 80 is stored from the outside of the rear case 2b, the battery case 2b is attached to the rear case 2b. In addition, an audio input unit 12 (not shown) for inputting the user's voice is accommodated at one end of the rear case 2b.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the display unit side body 3 is a circuit board including a front case 3a, a display unit 100, an internal frame 110 made of a metal member, a reference potential pattern layer, and electronic components for display. 120, a sub display unit 130, and a rear case 3b.

  The front case 3a and the rear case 3b are arranged so that their concave inner surfaces face each other, and are joined so that their outer peripheral edges overlap. Further, between the front case 3a and the rear case 3b, the display unit 100, the internal frame 110, the circuit board 120, and the sub display unit 130 are accommodated and arranged in this order from the front case 3a side.

  The front case 3a includes a first member 300b having a transparent acrylic plate 300a and a second member 300d as a frame to which the first member 300b is attached.

  The first sensor portion E is disposed on the main display surface 3A side on the end portion side opposite to the connecting portion 4 side. The first sensor unit E is disposed between the display unit 100 and the transparent acrylic plate 300a. Further, the second sensor unit F is disposed on the sub display surface 3B side in the operation unit side body 2. The second sensor portion F is disposed in proximity to or in contact with the inner surface of the rear case 3b.

The first sensor unit E disposed on the main display surface 3A side includes first metal units E1 to E3. The second sensor part F disposed on the sub display surface 3B side includes second metal parts F1 to F3.
The first metal parts E1 to E3 and the second metal parts F1 to F3 are mounted on the flexible printed circuit board H and are electrically connected to each other by the wirings h1 to h3 in a one-to-one relationship. Specifically, the first metal part E1 and the second metal part F1 are electrically connected by the wiring h1. The first metal part E2 and the second metal part F2 are electrically connected by the wiring h2. Further, the first metal part E3 and the second metal part F3 are electrically connected by the wiring h3.

  The flexible printed circuit board H is in a state where the connecting portion connecting the first sensor unit E and the second sensor unit F is curved, the first sensor unit E is close to the acrylic plate 300a, and the second sensor unit F is the rear case 3b. It arrange | positions so that it may adjoin to the inner surface of.

  A transparent acrylic plate 300a is disposed outside the first sensor unit E. Specifically, a transparent acrylic plate 300a is disposed outside the first metal parts E1 to E3 constituting the first sensor part E. Here, the portions of the acrylic plate 300a facing the first metal portions E1 to E3 are the first insulating portions e1 to e3. Each of the first insulating portions e1 to e3 is disposed on the operation surface 2A side of the operation unit side body 2, and the second insulating portions f1 to f3 are disposed close to each other in the first state, and the first insulating portion in the third state. The parts e1 to e3 are arranged close to each other, and are arranged so as to be exposed to the outside in the second state so that a predetermined conductor (such as a user's finger) can be brought close to or abutted.

  A resin rear case 3b is disposed outside the second sensor portion F. Specifically, a resin rear case 3b is disposed outside the second metal portions F1 to F3 constituting the second sensor portion F. The portions facing the second metal portions F1 to F3 in the resin rear case 3b are second insulating portions f1 to f3.

  Here, a part of the third metal parts G1 to G12 is capacitively coupled to the first metal parts E1 to E3 in the first state. A part of the third metal parts G1 to G12 is capacitively coupled to the second metal parts F1 to F3 in the third state.

  The display unit 100 includes a main display 30 and a holder that fixes the main display 30.

  The inner frame 110 is a member having an H-shaped cross section, and shallow concave housing portions are formed on the front case 3a side and the rear case 3b side. The display unit 100 is accommodated and disposed on the front case 3a side of the internal frame 110, and the circuit board 120 is accommodated and disposed on the rear case 3b side. Here, the internal frame 110 functions as a reinforcing member for securing rigidity with respect to the bending operation and the twisting operation in the display unit side body 3 and a shield for electrostatic countermeasures.

  The circuit board 120 is accommodated and arranged on the rear case 3b side of the internal frame 110 as described above. Various electronic components (not shown) are arranged on the rear case 3b side of the circuit board 120. The audio output unit 31 described above is disposed on the outer end side opposite to the connection unit 4 in the circuit board 120. In addition, various electronic components form circuit blocks such as a display control block that performs display control of the display mode and timing of the main display 30 and the sub display 32 by a predetermined combination.

  A reference potential pattern layer (not shown) is formed on the circuit board 120 on the front case 3a side. A conducting member is disposed between a predetermined position on the reference potential pattern layer and a predetermined position on the surface facing the internal frame 110. Thereby, the reference potential pattern layer in the circuit board 120 and the internal frame 110 are electrically connected.

  The sub display unit 130 includes a sub display 32 and a holder for fixing the sub display 32. The sub display unit 130 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the rear case 3 b and the circuit board 120. That is, the sub display unit 130 presses the circuit board 120 against the inner frame 110 side by a force applied by being sandwiched between the front case 3a and the rear case 3b.

  Moreover, the sub display unit 130 is arrange | positioned so that it may expose from the window part 3c formed in the rear case 3b as mentioned above.

Next, the arrangement of each metal part and each insulating part in the first state and the third state will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the mobile phone 1 in the first state shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the position of each sensor unit in the first state. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile phone 1 in the third state (corresponding to the AA cross-sectional view of FIG. 9). FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the position of each sensor unit in the third state.

First, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the arrangement of each metal part and each insulating part in the first state will be described.
As shown in FIG. 9, in the first state, the main display surface 3A is exposed to the outside, and the operation surface 2A and the sub display surface 3B are arranged close to each other. Specifically, in the first state, the first insulating portions e1 to e3 are arranged so that they are exposed to the outside and a predetermined conductor (such as a user's finger) can approach or contact. The first sensor unit E is arranged on the outer surface side of the mobile phone 1 in the first state. The first metal parts E1 to E3 constituting the first sensor part E are arranged inside the display unit side body 3 so as to face the first insulating parts e1 to e3.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in the first state, the second insulating portions f1 to f3 are arranged close to the third insulating portions g12, g9, and g6, respectively.
The second sensor unit F is disposed on the operation unit side body 2 side. The second metal parts F1 to F3 constituting the second sensor part F are arranged inside the operation unit side body 2 so as to face the second insulating parts f1 to f3. Here, each of the second metal parts F1 to F3 constituting the second sensor part F is electrically connected to each of the first metal parts E1 to E3 by wires h1 to h3.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in the first state, the third insulating portions g12, g9, and g6 are disposed close to the second insulating portions f1 to f3, respectively.
The third sensor unit G is disposed on the display unit side body 3 side. The third metal parts G12, G9, G3 constituting the third sensor part G are arranged inside the operation unit side body 2 so as to face the third insulating parts g12, g9, g6. Each of the third metal parts G12, G9, G3 constituting the third sensor part G is electrically connected to a CPU 45 including a detection part 420 as a functional part and a contact detection part 430 by wiring not shown.

  Here, in the first state, each of the second metal parts F1 to F3 and each of the third metal parts G12, G9, and G6 is connected via the second insulating parts f1 to f3 and the third insulating parts g12, g9, and g6. And capacitively coupled to each other. Thus, in the first state, the detection unit 420 described later has a predetermined conductor (such as a user's finger) connected to the first metal part F1 to F3 and the third metal parts G12, G9, and G6 that are capacitively coupled. A change in capacitance between a predetermined conductor and the first insulating portions e1 to e3 when the one insulating portion e1 to e3 approaches or abuts is detected.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the arrangement of each metal part and each insulating part in the third state will be described.
As shown in FIG. 11, in the third state, the sub display surface 3B is exposed to the outside, and the operation surface 2A and the main display surface 3A are arranged close to each other. Specifically, in the third state, the second insulating portions f1 to f3 are exposed to the outside and arranged so that a predetermined conductor (such as a user's finger) can approach or come into contact therewith. The second sensor unit F is disposed on the outer surface side of the mobile phone 1 in the third state. The second metal parts F1 to F3 constituting the second sensor part F are arranged inside the display unit side body 3 so as to face the second insulating parts f1 to f3.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the third state, the first insulating portions e1 to e3 are arranged close to the third insulating portions g12, g11, and g10, respectively.
The first sensor unit E is disposed on the operation unit side body 2 side. The first metal parts E1 to E3 constituting the first sensor part E are arranged inside the operation unit side body 2 so as to face the first insulating parts e1 to e3. Here, each of the first metal parts E1 to E3 constituting the first sensor part E is electrically connected to each of the second metal parts F1 to F3 by wirings h1 to h3.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the third state, the third insulating portions g12, g11, and g10 are disposed close to the second insulating portions f1 to f3, respectively.
The third sensor unit G is disposed on the display unit side body 3 side. The third metal parts G12, G11, G10 constituting the third sensor part G are arranged inside the operation unit side body 2 so as to face the third insulating parts g12, g11, g10. Each of the third metal parts G12, G11, G10 constituting the third sensor part G is electrically connected to a CPU 45 including a detection part 420 as a function part and a contact detection part 430 by a wiring (not shown).

  Here, in the third state, each of the first metal parts E1 to E3 and each of the third metal parts G12, G11, and G10 is connected via the first insulating parts e1 to e3 and the third insulating parts g12, g11, and g10. And capacitively coupled to each other. Accordingly, in the third state, the detection unit 420 described later has a predetermined conductor (such as a user's finger) connected to the first metal parts E1 to E3 and the third metal parts G12, G11, and G10 that are capacitively coupled. The change in electrostatic capacitance between a predetermined conductor and the second insulating portions f1 to f3 when the two insulating portions f1 to f3 are close to or in contact with each other is detected.

  In the second state, the third insulating portions g1 to g12 are exposed to the outside, and a predetermined conductor (such as a user's finger) is disposed so as to be close to or abutable. In the second state, the detection unit 420 described later has a capacitance between the predetermined conductor and the third insulating units g1 to g12 when the predetermined conductor approaches or comes into contact with the third insulating units g1 to g12. Detect changes. Here, in the second state, when a predetermined conductor approaches or comes into contact with the first insulating portions e1 to e3 or the second insulating portions f1 to f3, the first metal portions E1 to E3 and the second metal portion F1 Since F3 is not capacitively coupled to any of the third metal parts G1 to G12, the capacitance detected by the detection unit 420 described later does not change.

Next, functions of the mobile phone 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.
FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of the mobile phone 1. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the contents of the table 450 stored in the memory 44.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the mobile phone 1 includes a first sensor unit E, a second sensor unit F, a third sensor unit G, a state detection sensor 390, and a state detection unit as a functional unit included in the CPU 45. 400, a calibration processing unit 410, a detection unit 420, a contact detection unit 430, and a memory 44.

  The state detection sensor 390 includes an open / close detection sensor (not shown), a rotation detection sensor (not shown) that detects the rotation of the biaxial hinge portion of the connecting portion 4, and the like. The state detection sensor 390 outputs information from the open / close detection sensor and the rotation detection sensor to the state detection unit 400.

  The state detection unit 400 detects the state of the mobile phone 1 based on information from the state detection sensor 390. The state detection unit 400 is configured to be able to detect whether the mobile phone 1 is in the first state or the third state. Further, the state detection unit 400 is configured to be able to detect that the state of the mobile phone 1 has changed.

  When the state detection unit 400 detects that the state of the mobile phone 1 has changed, the calibration processing unit 410 performs a predetermined adjustment process on the detection unit 420. As described above, the mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment detects that a predetermined conductor in a different portion (insulating portion) for each state has come into contact. For this reason, the calibration processing unit 410 performs a predetermined adjustment process every time the state of the mobile phone 1 changes.

The detector 420 is electrically connected to the third metal parts G1 to G12.
The detection unit 420 detects a change in capacitance between each insulating unit and a predetermined conductor that contacts each insulating unit. Specifically, in the first state, the detection unit 420 is configured such that the predetermined conductor and the first insulating units e1 to e3 when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the first insulating units e1 to e3. Detects changes in capacitance. In the second state, the detection unit 420 has a capacitance between the predetermined conductor and the third insulating units g1 to g12 when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the third insulating units g1 to g12. Detect changes. In the third state, the detection unit 420 has a capacitance between the predetermined conductor and the second insulating units f1 to f3 when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the second insulating units f1 to f3. Detect changes.

  Specifically, in the first state, the detection unit 420 has a predetermined conductor connected to the first insulating units e1 to e3 via the second metal units F1 to F3 and the third metal units G12, G9, and G6 that are capacitively coupled. A change in electrostatic capacitance between a predetermined conductor and the first insulating portions e1 to e3 in the case of proximity or contact is detected. More specifically, in the first state, the detection unit 420 includes a static conductor between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating portions e1 to e3 when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the first insulating portions e1 to e3. A change in capacitance between the second metal parts F1 to F3 and the third metal parts G12, G9, and G6, which has changed in accordance with the change in capacitance, is detected (see FIG. 9).

  In the second state, the detection unit 420 changes the capacitance between the predetermined conductor and the third insulating units g1 to g12 when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the third insulating units g1 to g12. Is detected.

  In the third state, the detection unit 420 has a predetermined conductor in proximity to or in contact with the second insulating units f1 to f3 via the first metal units E1 to E3 and the third metal units G12, G11, and G10 that are capacitively coupled. In this case, a change in capacitance between the predetermined conductor and the second insulating portions f1 to f3 is detected. More specifically, in the third state, the detection unit 420 includes a static conductor between the predetermined conductor and the second insulating portions f1 to f3 when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the second insulating portions f1 to f3. A change in capacitance between the first metal parts E1 to E3 and the third metal parts G12, G11, and G10, which has changed in accordance with the change in the capacitance, is detected (see FIG. 11).

  Based on the change in capacitance detected by the detection unit 420, the contact detection unit 430 may approach or close the first insulation units e1 to e3, the third insulation units g1 to g12, and the second insulation units f1 to f3. Detect contact. The contact detection unit 430 detects the contact of a predetermined conductor with respect to each insulating unit according to the state detected by the state detection unit 400.

  Specifically, when the state detection unit 400 detects that the contact detection unit 430 is in the first state, the contact detection unit 430 causes the first detection based on the change in capacitance detected in the third metal units G12, G9, and G6. A contact of a predetermined conductor in the insulating portions e1 to e3 is detected.

  Further, when the state detection unit 400 detects that the contact detection unit 430 is in the second state, the contact detection unit 430 is changed from the third insulation units g1 to g12 by the change in capacitance detected in the third metal units G1 to G12. Detects contact of a predetermined conductor at.

  In addition, when the state detection unit 400 detects that the contact detection unit 430 is in the third state, the contact detection unit 430 causes the second insulating unit f1 due to a change in capacitance detected in the third metal units G12, G11, and G10. To f3 are detected.

  Here, based on the table 450 stored in the memory 44, the contact detection unit 430 contacts a predetermined conductor in the insulating unit due to a change in capacitance that is directly detected by any of the third metal units G1 to G12. Is detected.

  The memory 44 includes a table 450 that indicates in which state the change in capacitance directly detected from each of the third metal parts G1 to G12 is a contact of a predetermined conductor in which insulating part.

As shown in FIG. 14, the table 440 includes a first column 440a, a second column 440b, a third column 440c, and a fourth column 440d.
The first column 440a shows the third metal parts G1 to G12 that are electrically connected to the detection part 420.

  The second column 440b shows an insulating part (contact part) corresponding to the third metal parts G1 to G12 in the first state. Specifically, in the second column 440b, in the first state, the change in the capacitance directly detected by the third metal part G6 indicates contact with the first insulating part e1, and directly by the third metal part G9. The detected capacitance change includes information indicating that the first insulating portion e2 is touched, and the capacitance detected directly by the third metal portion G12 includes information indicating that the first insulating portion e3 is touched. .

  The third column 440c indicates an insulating portion (contact portion) corresponding to the third metal portions G1 to G12 in the second state. Specifically, the third column 440c is information that, in the second state, a change in capacitance directly detected by each of the third metal parts G1 to G12 indicates contact with each of the third insulating parts g1 to g12. Is included.

  The fourth column 440d shows an insulating part (contact part) corresponding to the third metal parts G1 to G12 in the third state. Specifically, in the fourth column 440d, in the third state, the change in the capacitance directly detected by the third metal part G10 indicates contact with the second insulating part f3, and the third metal part G11 directly It includes information that the detected change in capacitance indicates contact with the second insulating portion f2, and the change in capacitance detected directly by the third metal portion G12 indicates contact with the second insulating portion f1. .

Next, the operation of the mobile phone 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the mobile phone 1.
First, the mobile phone 1 in the second state (open state) is in a state where the third insulating portions g1 to g12 located on the operation surface 2A side are exposed. When the user's finger approaches or comes into contact with any of the third insulating parts g1 to g12 in the second state, the contact detection unit 430 detects the static detected directly from the third metal parts G1 to G12 by the detection unit 420. The proximity or contact of the user's finger in the third insulating portions g1 to g12 is detected by the change in the capacitance.

  Next, when the mobile phone 1 in the second state is deformed to the first state (closed state) (ST1), the state detection unit 400 detects that the mobile phone 1 is deformed from the second state to the first state. (ST2). In the first state, the first insulating portions e1 to e3 on the main display surface 3A side are exposed to the outside. The second metal parts F1 to F3 and the third metal parts G12, G9, G6 are capacitively coupled to each other.

  Here, when the user's finger approaches or comes into contact with the first insulating portion e1 (ST3), the detection unit 420 detects the user's finger via the second metal portion F1 and the third metal portion G12 that are capacitively coupled. And change in capacitance between the first insulating portion e1 and the first insulating portion e1 (ST4). More specifically, in the first state, the detection unit 420 changes the capacitance between the user's finger and the first insulating unit e1 when the user's finger approaches or comes into contact with the first insulating unit e1. The change in the capacitance between the second metal part F1 and the third metal part G12 that has changed in response to is detected.

  And the contact detection part 430 detects the proximity | contact or contact | abutting of a user's finger | toe in the 1st insulation part e1 based on the information from the state detection part 400 and the detection part 420 (ST5). Specifically, the contact detection unit 430 refers to the table 440 stored in the memory 44, and the user's finger approaches or comes into contact with the first insulating unit e1 corresponding to the third metal unit G12 in the first state. It is detected that

  Subsequently, when the mobile phone 1 in the first state is deformed to the third state (ST6), the state detection unit 400 detects that the mobile phone 1 is deformed from the first state to the third state (ST7). . In the third state, the second insulating portions f1 to f3 on the sub display surface 3B side are exposed to the outside. The first metal parts E1 to E3 and the third metal parts G12, G11, G10 are capacitively coupled to each other.

  Here, when the user's finger approaches or comes into contact with the second insulating portion f3 (ST8), the detection unit 420 detects the user's finger via the first metal portion E3 and the third metal portion G10 that are capacitively coupled. And change in electrostatic capacitance between the first insulating part f3 and the second insulating part f3 (ST9). More specifically, the detection unit 420 changes the capacitance between the user's finger and the second insulating part f3 when the user's finger approaches or comes into contact with the second insulating part f3 in the third state. The change in the capacitance between the first metal part E3 and the third metal part G10 that has changed in response to is detected.

  And the contact detection part 430 detects the proximity | contact or contact | abutting of a user's finger | toe in the 2nd insulation part f3 based on the information from the state detection part 400 and the detection part 420 (ST10). Specifically, the contact detection unit 430 refers to the table 440 stored in the memory 44, and the user's finger approaches or comes into contact with the second insulating unit f3 corresponding to the third metal unit G10 in the third state. It is detected that

  According to this embodiment, the first metal parts E1 to E3 arranged on the main display surface 3A side in the display unit side body 3 and the second metal parts arranged on the sub display surface 3B side in the display unit side body 3 are arranged. Metal parts F1 to F3, third metal parts G1 to G12 arranged on the operation surface 2A side in the operation part side body 2, and a detection part 420 electrically connected to the third metal parts G1 to G12, And a mobile phone 1 including the touch sensor can be provided. Moreover, the touch sensor further provided with the state detection part 400 and the contact detection part 430, and the mobile telephone 1 provided with this touch sensor can be provided.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a touch sensor capable of detecting contact with the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 by one detection unit 420 and a mobile phone having the touch sensor.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the change in capacitance is detected as a change in physical quantity by the detection unit 420, the change in capacitance can be detected even if the metal parts are separated from each other.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, since each metal part is comprised with a metal film, the freedom degree of design in the mobile telephone 1 improves. Further, the cost of the mobile phone 1 can be reduced.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the calibration processing unit 410 changes the state of the mobile phone 1, the calibration processing unit 410 makes a predetermined adjustment to the detection unit 420. The predetermined adjustment can be performed in a state where the finger or the like is not approaching or abutting.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment was described, this invention can be implemented with a various form, without being limited to embodiment mentioned above. For example, in the present embodiment, the mobile phone 1 is described as an electronic device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited to this. A PHS (registered trademark), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable navigation device, and a laptop computer. Etc.

  In the present embodiment, the mobile phone 1 is a so-called biaxial hinge type, but is not limited to this, and may be a foldable folding type, a slide type, or a rotation (turn) type, for example. Here, when the mobile phone as the electronic device is a folding type, a slide type, or a rotation (turn) type, the other configuration is the same except that the biaxial hinge mechanism is not provided and the third state is not deformed. It is.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although each metal part is comprised with a metal film, it is not limited to this, For example, a metal plate etc. may be sufficient. The metal film may be a metal film formed in a thin film in advance, may be formed by printing, or may be formed by metal vapor deposition.

  In the present embodiment, each of the first sensor unit E and the second sensor unit F disposed in the display unit side body 3 has a size corresponding to a part of each of the main display surface 3A and the sub display surface 3B. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the first sensor unit E and the second sensor unit F is all in the main display surface 3A and the sub display surface 3B (or may be the entire surface of the main display 30). May be formed in a size corresponding to.

  In the present embodiment, the first insulating portions e1 to e3 are arranged on the main display surface 3A side as the third surface, but are not limited to this, and are different from the sub display surface 3B as the second surface. What is necessary is just to arrange | position to the surface side. For example, the first insulating portions e1 to e3 may be arranged on the side surface connecting the main display surface 3A and the sub display surface 3B in addition to the main display surface 3A side.

The front view in the state (2nd state) which opened the mobile telephone 1 is shown. (A) The left view in the state which opened the mobile telephone 1 is shown. (B) The right view in the state which opened the mobile telephone 1 is shown. The rear view in the state which opened the mobile telephone 1 is shown. The front view in the state (1st state) which folded the display part side housing | casing 3 of the mobile telephone 1 centering on the opening-and-closing axis | shaft X of the connection part 4 from the state shown by FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where the display unit side body 3 of the mobile phone 1 is rotated by a predetermined angle around the rotation axis Y of the connecting unit 4 from the state shown in FIG. 1. The perspective view of the state (3rd state) which rotated the display part side housing | casing 3 180 degree | times centering on the rotating shaft Y from the state shown by FIG. The disassembled perspective view of the operation part side housing | casing 2 is shown. The disassembled perspective view of the display part side housing | casing 3 is shown. It is AA sectional drawing of the mobile telephone 1 in the 1st state shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the position of each sensor part in a 1st state. It is sectional drawing (equivalent to AA sectional drawing of FIG. 9) of the mobile telephone 1 in a 3rd state. It is a schematic diagram explaining the position of each sensor part in a 3rd state. 3 is a functional block diagram in the mobile phone 1. FIG. It is a figure explaining the content of the table 450 memorize | stored in the memory. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the mobile phone 1.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mobile phone 2 Operation part side housing | casing 3 Display part side housing | casing 4 Connection part

e1-e3 1st insulation part f1-f3 2nd insulation part g1-g12 3rd insulation part E1-E3 1st metal part F1-F3 2nd metal part G1-G12 3rd metal part 420 detection part

Claims (14)

A first housing having a first surface;
A second housing having a second surface;
The first state where the first case and the second case overlap and the first surface is covered with the second surface and is not exposed to the outside, and the first case and the second case are separated from each other And a connecting portion that connects the first housing and the second housing to be capable of transitioning to a second state in which the first surface is exposed to the outside,
A first insulating portion on the outer surface side of the second casing and exposed to the outside in the first state and arranged so that a predetermined conductor can be approached or contacted;
A first metal part disposed opposite to the first insulating part on the inner side of the second housing than the first insulating part;
A second insulating portion disposed on the second surface side of the second housing and disposed in proximity to the first surface in the first state;
A second metal part disposed opposite to the second insulating part on the inner side of the second housing than the second insulating part and electrically connected to the first metal part;
Arranged on the first surface side of the first housing, the second insulating portion is disposed in proximity in the first state, and exposed to the outside in the second state, and the predetermined conductor is in proximity Or a third insulating part capable of contacting,
A third metal part disposed opposite to the third insulating part on the inner side of the first housing than the third insulating part;
A physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating portion when electrically connected to the third metal portion and in the first state when the predetermined conductor is close to or in contact with the first insulating portion And a detection unit that detects a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the three insulating parts when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the third insulating part in the second state, Electronic equipment comprising. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first insulating portion is disposed on a surface side different from the second surface in the second housing. In the first state,
The second metal part and the third metal part are capacitively coupled,
The detection unit includes the predetermined conductor and the first when the predetermined conductor is close to or in contact with the first insulating unit via the second and third metal parts that are capacitively coupled. Detect changes in physical quantities with the insulation,
In the second state,
The said detection part detects the change of the physical quantity between the said predetermined conductor and the said 3 insulation part when the said predetermined conductor adjoins or contact | abuts to the said 3rd insulation part. Electronics.   The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the physical quantity is a capacitance. 5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first metal part, the second metal part, and the third metal part are configured by a metal film. A state detection unit that detects that the electronic device is in the first state or the second state;
When the state detection unit detects that the state is the first state,
The detection unit detects the physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating unit,
When the state detection unit detects that the state is the second state,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the third insulating unit. When the state detected by the state detector changes,
The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the detection unit performs a calibration process. A first housing having a first surface;
A second housing having a second surface and a third surface;
The first state where the first case and the second case overlap and the first surface is covered with the second surface and is not exposed to the outside, and the first case and the second case are separated from each other Then, the second state where the first surface is exposed to the outside, and the first housing and the second housing overlap, and the first surface is covered with the third surface and is not exposed to the outside. A connecting portion that connects the first housing and the second housing so as to be capable of transitioning to a state;
The second housing is disposed on the third surface side, is exposed to the outside in the first state, and is disposed so that a predetermined conductor can approach or come into contact with the second housing, and is close to the first surface in the third state. A first insulating part arranged
A first metal part disposed opposite to the first insulating part on the inner side of the second housing than the first insulating part;
The second housing is disposed on the second surface side, is disposed close to the first surface in the first state, is exposed to the outside in the third state, and the predetermined conductor is disposed near or A second insulating portion disposed so as to be able to contact,
A second metal part disposed opposite to the second insulating part on the inner side of the second housing than the second insulating part and electrically connected to the first metal part;
Arranged on the first surface side of the first housing, in the first state, the second insulating part is arranged in proximity, in the third state, the first insulating part is arranged in proximity, A third insulating portion that is exposed to the outside in the second state and is capable of approaching or contacting the predetermined conductor;
A third metal part disposed opposite to the third insulating part on the inner side of the first housing than the third insulating part;
A physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating portion when electrically connected to the third metal portion and in the first state when the predetermined conductor is close to or in contact with the first insulating portion A change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the three insulating portions when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the third insulating portion in the second state, and the predetermined state in the third state An electronic device comprising: a detection unit configured to detect a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the two insulating units when the first conductor is close to or in contact with the second insulating unit. In the first state,
The second metal part and the third metal part are capacitively coupled,
The detection unit includes the predetermined conductor and the first when the predetermined conductor is close to or in contact with the first insulating unit via the second and third metal parts that are capacitively coupled. Detect changes in physical quantities with the insulation,
In the second state,
The detection unit detects a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the three insulating parts when the predetermined conductor is close to or in contact with the third insulating part,
In the third state,
The first metal part and the third metal part are capacitively coupled,
The detection unit includes the predetermined conductor and the second conductor when the predetermined conductor is in proximity to or in contact with the second insulating unit via the capacitively coupled first metal part and the third metal part. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein a change in physical quantity between the insulating unit and the insulating unit is detected. A first housing having a first surface, a second housing having a second surface, the first housing and the second housing overlap, and the first surface is covered by the second surface and is external The first case and the first state are capable of transitioning to a first state that is not exposed to the second state and a second state in which the first case and the second case are separated and the first surface is exposed to the outside. A sensor for use in an electronic device comprising a connecting portion for connecting two housings,
The first insulation on the outer surface side of the second housing and on the inner side of the second housing than the first insulating portion that is exposed to the outside in the first state and is disposed so that a predetermined conductor can be brought into contact therewith. A first metal part disposed opposite the part;
The second insulating portion is disposed closer to the inner side of the second housing than the second insulating portion disposed on the second surface side of the second housing and disposed closer to the first surface in the first state. And a second metal part electrically connected to the first metal part,
The first insulating member is disposed on the first surface side of the first housing, and the second insulating portion is disposed close to the first housing in the first state. A third metal part disposed opposite to the third insulating part on the inner side of the first housing than the third insulating part that can come into contact;
A physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating portion when electrically connected to the third metal portion and in the first state when the predetermined conductor is close to or in contact with the first insulating portion And a detection unit that detects a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the three insulating parts when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the third insulating part in the second state, A touch sensor comprising: In the first state,
The second metal part and the third metal part are capacitively coupled,
The detection unit includes the predetermined conductor and the first when the predetermined conductor is close to or in contact with the first insulating unit via the second and third metal parts that are capacitively coupled. Detect changes in physical quantities with the insulation,
In the second state,
The touch sensor according to claim 10, wherein the detection unit detects a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the three insulating portions when the predetermined conductor is close to or in contact with the third insulating portion. . Based on the change in the physical quantity detected by the detection unit, a contact detection unit that detects proximity to or contact with the first insulating unit or the third insulating unit,
The contact detector is
In the first state,
The second changed according to a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating portion when the predetermined conductor detected by the detecting portion is close to or in contact with the first insulating portion. Based on a change in physical quantity between the metal part and the third metal part, it is detected that the predetermined conductor has contacted the first insulating part,
In the second state,
The predetermined conductor according to a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the third insulating portion when the predetermined conductor detected by the detecting portion is close to or in contact with the third insulating portion. The touch sensor according to claim 11, wherein the touch sensor detects that the contact with the third insulating portion. A first housing having a first surface, a second housing having a second surface and a third surface, the first housing and the second housing overlap, and the first surface becomes the second surface A first state that is covered and not exposed to the outside; a second state in which the first housing and the second housing are separated and the first surface is exposed to the outside; and the first housing and the A connecting portion that connects the first housing and the second housing so as to be capable of transitioning to a third state that overlaps with the second housing and the first surface is covered with the third surface and is not exposed to the outside; A touch sensor used in an electronic device comprising:
The outer surface of the second housing is exposed to the outside in the first state and a predetermined conductor is disposed so as to be close to or abutable, and is disposed close to the first surface in the third state. A first metal part disposed opposite to the first insulating part on the inner side of the second housing than the first insulating part;
Arranged on the second surface side of the second housing and disposed in the first state in the vicinity of the first surface and exposed to the outside in the third state so that the predetermined conductor can approach or abut A second metal that is disposed on the inner side of the second casing with respect to the second insulating portion relative to the second insulating portion and that is electrically connected to the first metal portion. And
The first housing is disposed on the first surface side of the first housing, the second insulating portion is disposed close to the first housing in the first state, and the first insulating portion is disposed close to the first housing. A third metal disposed opposite to the third insulating portion on the inner side of the first housing than the third insulating portion exposed to the outside in two states and allowing the predetermined conductor to approach or contact. And
A physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the first insulating portion when electrically connected to the third metal portion and in the first state when the predetermined conductor is close to or in contact with the first insulating portion A change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the three insulating portions when the predetermined conductor approaches or contacts the third insulating portion in the second state, and the predetermined state in the third state And a detection unit that detects a change in a physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the two insulating parts when the conductor is close to or in contact with the second insulating part. In the first state,
The second metal part and the third metal part are capacitively coupled,
The detection unit includes the predetermined conductor and the first when the predetermined conductor is close to or in contact with the first insulating unit via the second and third metal parts that are capacitively coupled. Detect changes in physical quantities with the insulation,
In the second state,
The detection unit detects a change in physical quantity between the predetermined conductor and the three insulating parts when the predetermined conductor is close to or in contact with the third insulating part,
In the third state,
The first metal part and the third metal part are capacitively coupled,
The detection unit includes the predetermined conductor and the second conductor when the predetermined conductor is in proximity to or in contact with the second insulating unit via the capacitively coupled first metal part and the third metal part. The touch sensor according to claim 13, wherein a change in physical quantity between the insulating part and the insulating part is detected.

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