JP2016149306A - Electrostatic capacitance type input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrostatic capacitance type input device in which the dielectric constant between an operated member of an input body and a non-input body is reduced to enable high-sensitivity detection of contact to the operated member.SOLUTION: A device includes an electrostatic capacitance sensor sheet 1, an elastic click body 10 supported by the electrostatic capacitance sensor sheet 1, and a housing 20 for protecting the electrostatic capacitance sensor sheet 1 and the elastic click body 10. When an electrically conductive operating body 9 approaches to a detection electrode 5 of the electrostatic capacitance sensor sheet 1, electrostatic capacitance is allowed to be formed between the detection electrode 5 and the operating body 9. The elastic click body 10 and the housing 20 are arranged to proximately confront the detection electrode 5 of the electrostatic capacitance sensor sheet 1 and an electrode 6 for the housing, a key top member 30 is crimped to the elastic click body 10, an operation port 21 for the key top member is perforated in the housing 20, and the peripheral edge portion of the operation port 21 is made to confront the peripheral edge portion of the key top member 30, and a reduction member 40 for reducing the dielectric constant between the key top member 30 and the housing 20 is interposed between the peripheral edge portion of the key top member 30 and the peripheral edge portion of the operation port 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a capacitive input device used in music players, home appliances, computer equipment, information communication equipment, automobiles and the like.

  There are various types of conventional capacitive input devices (see Patent Documents 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). However, in a situation where the hand cannot be grasped visually, the operational feeling is reduced. It may be difficult to improve or prevent misoperation.

  In order to solve this problem, the applicant applied the electrostatic capacitance type capacitive sensor sheet, the deformable elastic click body supported by the electrostatic capacitance sensor sheet, and the electrostatic capacity sensor sheet and the elastic member. The click body is provided with a casing that covers and protects the click body from the outside, and when an operation body such as a finger approaches the detection electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet via the elastic click body, the detection electrode and the operation body of the capacitance sensor sheet In the meantime, we have developed and proposed a capacitance-type input device capable of forming a capacitance between the two.

  According to the capacitance type input device, when the key top member of the elastic click body exposed from the operation port of the housing is touched, the contact can be detected by the capacitance method, and the key of the elastic click body is detected. When the top member is pressed, the selected predetermined operation can be confirmed and executed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operational feeling or prevent an erroneous operation by the touch feeling.

JP 2014-185826 A JP 2014-60798 A JP 2013-232062 A JP 2011-175839 A Japanese Patent No. 5303671

  According to the capacitive input device proposed by the applicant, it is possible to improve the operational feeling or prevent erroneous operation by touch sensation, but the dielectric constant between the key top member of the elastic click body and the housing For example, when the casing is touched, the increase in the capacitance between the detection electrode and the operating body via the key top member and the elastic click body is suppressed, and contact with the key top member is prevented. It would be more convenient if it could be detected with high sensitivity.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and detects the contact with the operated member with high sensitivity by reducing the dielectric constant between the operated member of the input body such as the key top member and the non-input body such as the casing. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrostatic capacitance type input device that can be used.

In the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, a capacitance sensor sheet on which electrodes are formed, an input body for input provided on the capacitance sensor sheet, and a non-input body provided on the capacitance sensor sheet A device capable of forming a capacitance between the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet and the operation body when the conductive operation body approaches the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet,
At least one of the input body and the non-input body is brought close to and opposed to the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet, and an operation region is provided on the non-input body so that the operated member of the input body can be operated. A reduction member that opposes the operation member and is in contact with the operation member of the input body and a part of the operation area to reduce the dielectric constant between the operation member and the non-input body is interposed. It is said.

A capacitance sensor sheet having an electrode formed on an insulating substrate, an elastic click body supported by the capacitance sensor sheet, and a casing for protecting the capacitance sensor sheet and the elastic click body. Including a device capable of forming a capacitance between the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet and the operation body when the conductive operation body approaches the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet,
At least one of the elastic click body and the housing is brought close to and opposed to the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet, a key top member is attached to the elastic click body, and an operation port is provided on the housing to expose the key top member so as to be operable. Reduce the dielectric constant between the key top member and the housing between the peripheral edge of the key top member and the peripheral edge of the operation port, with the peripheral edge facing the peripheral edge of the key top member A member can be interposed.

  In addition, a detection determination unit that detects a change in capacitance formed between the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet and the operating body is included. The detection determination unit converts the change in capacitance into a detection value. A function for comparing with the first threshold value, a function for determining that the operating body and the key top member of the elastic click body are in contact with each other when the detected value of the compared electrode exceeds the first threshold value, and a comparison When the detected electrode value is equal to or smaller than the first threshold value, the function of determining that the operating body and the key top member of the elastic click body are not in contact with each other, and comparing the detected electrode value with the second threshold value When the detected value of the compared electrode exceeds the second threshold value, the function of determining that the electrode and the elastic click body are in contact with each other by the pressing operation of the operating body, and the detected value of the compared electrode are If it is below the second threshold, the electrode and the elastic click body It is possible to realize a function to determine to be in contact with.

  Further, the capacitance sensor sheet includes an insulating sheet, an electrode formed on the insulating sheet, a light-transmitting cover provided on the surface of the insulating sheet to protect the electrode, and a reinforcement provided on the back surface of the insulating sheet. A light source that illuminates at least the elastic click body among the elastic click body and the key top member can be disposed on the back surface side of the reinforcing member by laminating and forming the member.

Further, the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet is supported so that at least the elastic click body can be contacted and separated with a gap between the elastic click body and the housing,
The reduction member may be a plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of protrusions may be arranged at intervals on either the front surface peripheral portion of the key top member or the peripheral portion rear surface of the operation port.
Further, the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet is supported so that at least the elastic click body can be contacted and separated with a gap between the elastic click body and the housing,
The reduction member can be an endless projection, and the endless projection can be formed on either the front surface peripheral portion of the key top member or the peripheral portion rear surface of the operation port.

Further, the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet is supported so that at least the elastic click body can be contacted and separated with a gap between the elastic click body and the housing,
The reduction member can be an endless elastic member containing air, and this elastic member can be attached to either the front surface peripheral portion of the key top member or the peripheral portion rear surface of the operation port.

In addition, the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet is divided into first and second detection electrodes, the second detection electrodes are separated from each other around the first detection electrode, and the elastic click body is used as the first detection electrode. It is possible to oppose the gap between the elastic click body and extend the leg from the peripheral edge of the elastic click body in the direction of the second detection electrode, and to support the leg on the second detection electrode. is there.
Further, an air exhaust groove may be formed below the leg portion of the elastic click body, and the air exhaust groove may be opposed to at least one of the first and second detection electrodes of the electrode with a gap.

  Here, the number of electrodes in the claims is not particularly limited, but the number of input bodies and elastic click bodies increases or decreases according to this number. This electrode is divided into a detection electrode and a housing electrode, and an elastic click body is supported on the periphery of the detection electrode so as to be able to come in contact with or separated from each other, or a facing portion of the housing is opposed to the housing electrode. Can be made. The capacitance sensor sheet may be a self-capacitance type or a mutual capacitance type, and is transparent, opaque, or translucent as required.

  The input body and the non-input body do not specifically ask whether they are movable or fixed. The operating body includes at least a finger and a conductive writing instrument. The elastic click body can be formed of a conductive material or an insulating material. A non-contact contact avoiding portion can be formed on the wiring connected to the electrode at the facing portion that is close to and faces the electrostatic capacitance sensor sheet of the housing. Furthermore, the reducing member can be provided integrally or separately as one of the peripheral portion of the key top member and the peripheral portion of the operation port.

  According to the present invention, between the operated member of the input body and a part of the operation area of the non-input body, the operated member and the non-input body come into contact with the operated member of the input body and a part of the operation area. Since a reduction member that lowers the dielectric constant is interposed, it is possible to suppress a large change in capacitance in the reduction member, and the contact of the operating body with the non-input body reacts with the electrode through the non-input body. Can be suppressed.

  Moreover, according to this invention, between the peripheral part of a keytop member, and the peripheral part of an operation port, the peripheral part of these keytop members and the peripheral part of an operation port are contacted, and between a keytop member and a housing. Since a reducing member that lowers the dielectric constant is interposed, a large change in capacitance can be suppressed in the reducing member, and the contact of the operating body with the housing reacts with the electrode via the key top member and the elastic click body. Can be suppressed.

  According to the present invention, since the reducing member that decreases the dielectric constant between the operated member and the operation region is interposed between the operated member and a part of the operation region, By reducing the dielectric constant between the input bodies, it is possible to detect contact with the operated member with high sensitivity.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is a reduction member between the peripheral portion of the key top member and the peripheral portion of the operation port so as to come into contact with the peripheral portion and reduce the dielectric constant between the key top member and the casing. By reducing the dielectric constant between the key top member and the housing of the elastic click body, it is possible to detect contact with the key top member with high sensitivity.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of protrusions for reducing the contact area between the peripheral portion of the key top member and the peripheral portion of the casing are arranged, a large change in capacitance is suppressed in the plurality of protrusions. The contact of the operating body with respect to the housing can be prevented from reacting with the electrode via the key top member and the elastic click body.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the endless projections without cuts block the inside and outside of the housing, dust and dust can be prevented from entering the inside from the outside of the housing when the capacitive input device is not used. be able to.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, if the elastic member contains a large amount of air having a low dielectric constant, the dielectric constant between the key top member and the housing can be further reduced. In addition, if an elastic member such as a sponge is used, it is possible to suppress a collision sound caused by a collision between the key top member and the casing.

1 is a perspective explanatory view schematically showing an embodiment of a capacitive input device according to the present invention. It is a section explanatory view showing typically an embodiment of a capacitance type input device concerning the present invention. It is a perspective explanatory view showing typically the key top member in the embodiment of the capacitive input device according to the present invention. It is a perspective explanatory view showing typically a housing in an embodiment of a capacitive input device according to the present invention. It is a perspective explanatory view showing typically the back of the case in the embodiment of the capacitive input device according to the present invention. It is a perspective explanatory view showing typically the key top member in the 2nd embodiment of the capacitive type input device concerning the present invention. It is a perspective explanatory view showing typically a housing in a 2nd embodiment of a capacitance type input device concerning the present invention. It is a section explanatory view showing typically a 3rd embodiment of a capacitance type input device concerning the present invention. It is a perspective explanatory view showing typically the key top member in a 3rd embodiment of the capacitive type input device concerning the present invention. It is a section explanatory view showing typically the 4th embodiment of the capacity type input device concerning the present invention. It is a perspective explanatory view showing typically an elastic member in a 4th embodiment of a capacitance type input device concerning the present invention.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The capacitive input device according to the present embodiment has an electrode 3 of a capacitive sensor sheet 1 as shown in FIGS. The elastic click body 10 and the housing 20 are respectively closely opposed to the detection electrode 5 and the housing electrode 6 to be formed, and the key top member 30 operated by the operation body 9 such as a finger is attached to the elastic click body 10. 20, an operation port 21 that exposes the key top member 30 so as to be operable is perforated, and a peripheral portion thereof is opposed to the key top member 30, and a key is interposed between the key top member 30 and the peripheral portion of the operation port 21. Means for detecting and determining a change in capacitance formed between the detection electrode 5 of the capacitance sensor sheet 1 and the operation body 9 with a reduction member 40 for reducing the dielectric constant between the top member 30 and the housing 20 interposed therebetween. By It is to be detected.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the capacitance sensor sheet 1 includes, for example, a flat rectangular thin insulating sheet 2, and a necessary number of electrodes 3 are formed on the surface of the insulating sheet 2. The reinforcing plate 4 that increases the strength is adhered by a double-sided adhesive tape or the like from the viewpoint of preventing deformation.

  The insulating sheet 2 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyimide, phenol resin, glass fiber impregnated epoxy resin, acrylic film, and the like. It is done. Among these, a flexible thin transparent polyethylene terephthalate or polycarbonate film which is excellent in dimensional stability and insulation is suitable. Moreover, if a glass fiber impregnated epoxy resin is used as the insulating sheet 2, high strength can be expected, so that the reinforcing plate 4 can be omitted. A cover made of a light-transmitting film or the like that protects the electrode 3 is laminated and adhered to the surface of the insulating sheet 2 as necessary.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the electrode 3 includes a detection electrode 5 positioned below the elastic click body 10 and a housing electrode 6 that is close to and opposed to the housing 20, and includes gold, silver, copper, nickel, It is formed using aluminum, brass, laminated members or alloys thereof, conductive paste, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, metal mesh, metal nanofibers, conductive polymers, or the like.

  The detection electrode 5 is divided into, for example, first and second detection electrodes 7 and 8 which are flat thin films. The first detection electrode 7 is formed in a plane circle, and the first detection electrode 7 is a plane C. It is surrounded by a gap so as not to contact the second detection electrode 8 such as a letter shape, and functions so as to form an electrostatic capacity with the elastic click body 10 sandwiched between the operation body 9.

  The first detection electrode 7 has an elongated wire extending from the peripheral edge thereof, and this wiring passes through the cut between both ends of the second detection electrode 8 and extends toward the peripheral edge of the insulating sheet 2, A terminal portion of the wiring is electrically connected to an input terminal of a detection determination unit (not shown). This wiring is formed of the same material as the first and second detection electrodes 7 and 8. Such a first detection electrode 7 forms a capacitance with the operation body 9 that is pressed by contacting the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10.

  The second detection electrode 8 is electrically connected to the outer peripheral edge of an elongated wire, and the end of the wire is electrically connected to the input terminal of the detection determination means. This wiring is also formed of the same material as the first and second detection electrodes 7 and 8. Such a second detection electrode 8 is statically connected between the operating body 9 separated from the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10 and between the operating body 9 contacting the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10. Form a capacitance.

  The housing electrode 6 is not particularly limited. For example, the housing electrode 6 is formed in a flat thin-film rectangular piece or a plane frame shape arranged at a predetermined interval, and is formed on the surface peripheral portion of the insulating sheet 2. It is electrically connected to the input terminal of the determination means. The housing electrode 6 is formed of the same material as the first and second detection electrodes 7 and 8.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the elastic click body 10 is formed using, for example, silicone rubber or fluorine rubber having excellent elasticity, and is connected to the surface of the first detection electrode 7 through a gap, in other words, through an air layer. Oppositely facing each other, the leg portion 12 is adhesively fixed to the surface of the second detection electrode 8 and functions as an input multi-stage switch that is touched or pressed by a finger or the like. The center portion 11 of the back surface of the elastic click body 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape and protrudes in the direction of the first detection electrode 7 and faces the surface of the first detection electrode 7 from above so as to be able to contact and separate through an air layer. When the operating body 9 is pressed, the capacitance is increased by pressing against the surface of the first detection electrode 7.

  A skirt-shaped leg 12 that can be bent and deformed is extended from the lower periphery of the elastic click body 10 while gradually expanding in the direction of the second detection electrode 8, and the lower end of the inclined leg 12 is a flat flange 13. The flange 13 is fixed to the surface of the second detection electrode 8 via a double-sided adhesive tape or the like. An elongated air exhaust groove facing the wiring of the first and second detection electrodes 7 and 8 through a gap is cut out in the width direction of the elastic click body 10 as necessary on the rear surface of the flange 13 of the leg portion 12. The air exhaust groove exhausts the internal air to the outside during the stroke of the elastic click body 10 to facilitate the deformation and return operation of the elastic click body 10.

  The double-sided adhesive tape is, for example, a well-known tape whose both surfaces are an acrylic base material, and is interposed between the surface of the second detection electrode 8 and the back surface of the flange 13 of the elastic click body 10 to adhere them. To do. This double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape may be an insulating type, but is preferably a conductive type from the viewpoint of ensuring a wide change in capacitance.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, the casing 20 is made of a three-dimensional box-shaped non-conducting material using an insulating molding material made of, for example, polycarbonate, polyether ether ketone, polyether sulfone, or acrylic. The input body is three-dimensionally formed, and the opened lower portion is covered on the surface of the capacitance sensor sheet 1 via the housing electrode 6. The casing 20 is configured to have a substantially rectangular plane corresponding to the size of the capacitance sensor sheet 1, and a planar rectangular operation port 21 that is loosely fitted to the elastic click body 10 is drilled in the thickness direction of the center portion. The operation port 21 exposes the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10 so as to be operable.

  A gap (air layer) is defined between the casing 20 and the casing electrode 6, and is fixed with various double-sided adhesive tapes or adhesives so that the gap is minimized. With such fixation, the contact of the operating body 9 with the housing 9 can be detected with high sensitivity by the housing electrode 6.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the key top member 30 is formed into a flat rectangular shape and is in close contact with the flat upper surface of the elastic click body 10 as a member to be operated. A flange 31 is provided around the engagement flange 31 so as to face the flat rear surface of the operation port 21 of the housing 20 through a gap. The key top member 30 is formed to a thickness of about 0.5 to 3.0 mm using a resin such as polycarbonate, acrylic, polybutylene terephthalate, or the like, or a metal such as glass, aluminum, chromium, or nickel. 10 is formed in a plate larger than the upper surface of the surface 10, and the surface is curved and recessed so as to contribute to the operation of the operating body 9.

  Of the front and back surfaces of the key top member 30, patterns, colors, characters, figures, symbols, and the like are formed on at least the front surface as necessary to facilitate the operation of the operation body 9. Such a key top member 30 is brought into close contact with the upper surface of the elastic click body 10 in a preloaded state.

  When the key top member 30 is made of a transparent material, a pattern, color, character, figure, symbol, or the like can be formed on the back surface. Moreover, when decorating the plastic key top member 30, the material of the decoration may be conductive or insulating.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the reduction member 40 includes, for example, a plurality of protrusions 41, and the plurality of protrusions 41 are arranged and arranged on the back surface of the peripheral edge of the operation port 21. Each protrusion 41 is formed in, for example, a small small cylindrical shape, a prismatic shape, a truncated cone, a tapered pin or the like, and is directed downward, and comes into contact with the surface of the engagement flange 31 of the key top member 30 so as to be able to contact and separate from above To do. The surface of the protrusion 41 reduces the contact range with the engagement flange 31 and decreases the dielectric constant between the key top member 30 and the housing 20, so that a large number of minute irregularities are formed as necessary, or the surface is rough and rough. Is processed.

  Although not shown in the figure, the detection determination means is composed of, for example, a microcontroller or the like, and a predetermined history or the like is stored in the RAM, and a predetermined program is stored in the ROM. Rewritten. The microcontroller is not particularly limited, but for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, I / O block, and the like are built in, and a digital circuit and an analog circuit can be separately designed in the IC. (A registered trademark of Cypress Semiconductor Corporation) and the like are used. This PSoC includes CY8C21645 type, CY8C22345 type, CY8C24994 type and the like.

  Such a detection determination means realizes a predetermined function as a computer by reading a predetermined program stored in the ROM using the RAM area as a work area. That is, the detection determination unit compares the function of detecting a change in capacitance into a detection value and the function of comparing the detected value of the detected second detection electrode 8 with the first threshold value. When the detection value of the detection electrode 8 exceeds the first threshold value, the function of determining that the operating body 9 and the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10 are in contact with the second detection electrode 8 is compared. When the detected value is equal to or smaller than the first threshold value, the function of determining that the operating body 9 and the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10 are in a non-contact state and the detected value of the first detection electrode 7 are The elastic click body deformed with the first detection electrode 7 by the pressing operation of the operation body 9 when the detected value of the first detection electrode 7 compared with the second threshold value exceeds the second threshold value. 1st detection electrode compared with the function which determines with 10 being in a contact state Of when the detected value is less than the second threshold value, the first detection electrode 7 and the elastic click member 10 to realize a certain and determining function in a non-contact state.

  The first threshold value is set in consideration of a capacitance value, an experimental result, and the like when the operating body 9 and the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10 are in contact with each other. The second threshold value is set in consideration of the capacitance value, the experimental result, and the like when the operating body 9 presses the elastic click body 10.

  Next, the operation of the capacitive input device will be described. First, a case where the operating body 9 is slightly separated from the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10 and the operating body 9 and the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10 are in a non-contact state will be described. 9 and the second detection electrode 8, the capacitance between the operating body 9 and the second detection electrode 8 is long and long, and the second detection electrode 8 and the elastic click body 10 are large. Since these are non-contact and an air layer having a low dielectric constant is interposed between them, the value becomes very small and the detection value becomes very small.

  At this time, since the plurality of protrusions 41 as the reduction members 40 come into contact with the surface of the flat engagement flange 31 of the key top member 30 from above, the dielectric constant between the key top member 30 and the housing 20 becomes a low value. Therefore, even if the operating body 9 touches the surface of the housing 20, it is possible to suppress an increase in capacitance with the detection electrode 5 via the key top member 30 and the elastic click body 10. Occurrence can be suppressed.

  When the operating body 9 comes close to the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10 in a non-contact manner, the detection determination means detects a change in capacitance converted into a detection value, and detects the detected second detection electrode 8. The detected value is compared with a first threshold value. As a result of the comparison, the detection value of the second detection electrode 8 is a very small value and is equal to or less than the first threshold value, and therefore the operation body 9 and the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10 are in a non-contact state. It will be judged.

  Next, the case where the operating body 9 does not press the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10 but simply touches or slides on the surface of the key top member 30 will be described. In this case, the capacitance formed between the operation body 9 and the second detection electrode 8 is larger than the above value because the distance between the operation body 9 and the second detection electrode 8 is small and short. Value, and the detection value also increases.

  At this time, since the plurality of protrusions 41 come into contact with the surface of the engagement flange 31 of the key top member 30 from above, the dielectric constant between the key top member 30 and the housing 20 becomes a low value. Therefore, even if the operating body 9 touches the housing 20, it is possible to suppress an increase in electrostatic capacitance with the detection electrode 5 via the key top member 30 and the elastic click body 10. It becomes possible to suppress. Even if the operating body 9 touches the key top member 30, it is possible to suppress an increase in electrostatic capacitance with the housing electrode 6, and thus it is possible to suppress the generation of noise.

  When the operating body 9 comes into contact with the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10, the detection determination means detects the change in electrostatic capacitance by converting it into a detection value, and detects the detected value of the detected second detection electrode 8. Compare with the first threshold. As a result of comparison, since the detection value of the second detection electrode 8 exceeds the first threshold value, it is determined that the operating body 9 and the elastic click body 10 are in contact with each other via the key top member 30, and a predetermined function is determined. Is executed.

  Next, the case where the operating body 9 touches and presses the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10 and the first detection electrode 7 contacts the deformed elastic click body 10 on the back surface central portion 11 will be described. In this case, the electrostatic capacitance formed between the operating body 9 and the first detection electrode 7 has the shortest distance between the operating body 9 and the first detection electrode 7, and the first Since the detection electrode 7 and the elastic click body 10 come into contact with each other and no air layer is interposed therebetween, the detection electrode 7 and the elastic click body 10 increase greatly, and the detection value also increases.

  When the operating body 9 performs a pressing operation on the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10, the detection determination unit converts the capacitance change into a detection value and detects the change, and the detection value of the first detection electrode 7 is set to the second value. Compare with the threshold value. As a result, since the detected value of the first detection electrode 7 compared exceeds the second threshold value, the first detection electrode 7 and the deformed elastic click body 10 are in contact with each other by the pressing operation of the operation body 9. And another predetermined function is executed.

  When the detected value of the first detection electrode 7 compared is equal to or less than the second threshold value, the operating body 9 stops touching the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10 and is elastic with the first detection electrode 7. It is determined that the click body 10 is in a non-contact state.

  According to the above configuration, the protrusions 41 that minimize the contact area with the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10 are arranged on the periphery of the operation port 21 of the housing 20. A large change can be suppressed, and the contact of the operating body 9 with the housing 20 reacts with the housing electrode 6 through the housing 20, but does not react with the detection electrode 5 through the key top member 30 and the elastic click body 10. Can be.

  The contact of the operating body 9 with the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 10 reacts with the detection electrode 5 through the key top member 30 and the elastic click body 10, but reacts with the housing electrode 6 through the housing 20. You can avoid it. Therefore, contact with the key top member 30 can be detected with high sensitivity. Further, it is possible to suppress vibration from propagating from the housing 20 to the elastic click body 10 and to reduce vibration from the elastic click body 10 to the housing 20.

  In addition, since the engagement flange 31 of the key top member 30 can be set to the protrusion 41 of the operation port 21 of the housing 20 in a slightly pressurized state, it is possible to effectively prevent the key top member 30 from rattling in a non-pressed state. It becomes possible to eliminate. Further, the key top member 30 is not simply attached to the upper surface of the flat surface of the elastic click body 10, but is pressed in a preloaded state so that air enters between the elastic click body 10 and the key top member 30. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the positional deviation of the key top member 30 and to reduce the clearance. These effects can be expected greatly only by arranging the elastic click body 10 on the detection electrode 5 of the capacitance sensor sheet 1.

  Further, if the elastic click body 10 is not simply disposed on the detection electrode 5 of the capacitance sensor sheet 1, but the flange 13 of the elastic click body 10 is firmly supported on the detection electrode 5, the following effects can be obtained. Can be obtained. That is, since the detection electrode 5 and the elastic click body 10 can always be positioned at the same location, even if vibration is applied, it is possible to effectively prevent the displacement of the elastic click body 10 in the XY directions. It becomes. Therefore, since the facing area between the detection electrode 5 and the elastic click body 10 does not change, it is possible to eliminate the situation in which variations in the capacitance change or the detection of the change in capacitance is hindered. It becomes possible.

  In addition, since variations in the capacitance hardly occur, the threshold value of the detection determination means used for comparison with the detection value can be set with high accuracy and precision. In addition, since the detection electrode 5 and the flange 13 of the elastic click body 10 are firmly fixed and the free movement of the leg portion 12 of the elastic click body 10 is restricted, the leg portion even if the elastic click body 10 is pressed. 12 does not flex and lift. Therefore, it is possible to effectively eliminate the possibility that the area of the elastic click body 10 facing the detection electrode 5 is reduced and the change in capacitance becomes unstable.

  Furthermore, since the change of the electrostatic capacity is stabilized by fixing the flange 13 of the elastic click body 10, the gap between the detection electrode 5 and the protruding rear surface central portion 11 of the elastic click body 10 can be reduced. As a result, it is not necessary to ensure a wide and long stroke from the detection electrode 5 to the elastic click body 10, so that the use of the capacitance-type input device is not limited and can be used for a thin panel or the like. We can expect much improvement.

  Next, FIGS. 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the reducing member 40 is a plurality of protrusions 41, and the plurality of protrusions 41 are the back surfaces of the peripheral edge of the operation port 21. Rather than being formed in an array, the surface is formed on the surface of the flat engagement flange 31 of the key top member 30 with an interval.

Each protrusion 41 is formed in, for example, a small small cylindrical shape, prismatic shape, truncated cone, tapered pin, or the like, and comes into contact with the rear surface of the peripheral edge of the operation port 21 so as to be able to contact and separate from below. In order to reduce the dielectric constant between the key top member 30 and the housing 20, the surface of the protrusion 41 is formed with a lot of minute irregularities or roughened as necessary. The other parts are the same as those in the above embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.
Also in this embodiment, the same effect as the above embodiment can be expected, and it is obvious that the plurality of projections 41 cannot be formed on the rear surface of the peripheral edge portion of the operation port 21.

  Next, FIGS. 8 and 9 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the reducing member 40 is a flat frame-shaped endless protrusion 42, and the endless protrusion 42 is used as the key top member 30. It is integrally formed on the surface of the flat engagement flange 31 so as to come into contact with the flat rear surface of the peripheral edge of the operation port 21 from below.

  The endless protrusion 42 is preferably formed in an elongated band shape and integrally formed on the surface of the engagement flange 31 of the key top member 30, but may be integrally formed on the rear surface of the peripheral edge of the operation port 21 as necessary. . That is, the endless protrusion 42 can be formed on either the engaging flange 31 of the key top member 30 or the rear surface of the peripheral edge of the operation port 21. The other parts are the same as those in the above embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Also in this embodiment, the same effect as the above embodiment can be expected, and the endless protrusion 42 without a break contacts the rear surface of the peripheral edge of the operation port 21 to block the inside and outside of the housing 20. It is obvious that dust or dirt can be prevented from entering the inside of the housing 20 when the input device is not used.

  Next, FIGS. 10 and 11 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the reducing member 40 is made to contain air as an endless elastic member 43, and this elastic member 43 is used as a key top. It is attached to the surface of the flat engagement flange 31 of the member 30 so as to come into contact with the flat rear surface of the peripheral edge of the operation port 21 from below.

  The elastic member 43 is preferably formed into a thin flat frame shape using, for example, a compressible and deformable sponge or non-woven fabric, and is preferably adhered to the surface of the engagement flange 31 of the key top member 30. 21 may be adhered to the rear surface of the peripheral edge portion. That is, the elastic member 43 can be bonded to both the engagement flange 31 of the key top member 30 and the rear surface of the peripheral edge of the operation port 21. The other parts are the same as those in the above embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Also in this embodiment, the same effect as the above embodiment can be expected, and if the elastic member 43 contains more air having a dielectric constant lower than that of the resin, the dielectric constant between the key top member 30 and the housing 20 can be increased. It can be further reduced. Moreover, if the elastic member 43 made of a thick sponge is used, it is possible to suppress a collision sound accompanying a collision between the key top member 30 and the casing 20.

  In the above embodiment, the detection electrode 5 and the housing electrode 6 are shown as the electrode 3, but the housing electrode 6 may be omitted if necessary. Although the detection electrode 5 is divided into the first and second detection electrodes 7 and 8, the detection electrode 5 is formed in a flat circular shape or the like without being divided, and the elastic click body 10 is formed on the periphery of the detection electrode 5. The flange 13 may be fixed. Further, the flange 13 of the elastic click body 10 may be directly fixed to the surface of the second detection electrode 8, but the flange 13 of the elastic click body 10 is fixed to the surface of the second detection electrode 8 through a cover. May be.

  In addition, the flange 13 of the elastic click body 10 may be fixed to the second detection electrode 8 with an adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive, or may be fixed with a surface modification treatment or a coupler such as a screw or boss. Further, the elastic click body 10 is not fixed to the detection electrode 5 of the capacitance sensor sheet 1 but can be simply arranged and supported. Further, in the above embodiment, the key top member 30 is pressure-bonded to the upper surface of the elastic click body 10, but the key top member 30 may be adhered with a double-sided adhesive tape or the like, or the key top member 30 is mounted in a replaceable manner. You can also. Further, the endless protrusion 42 and the elastic member 43 can be formed in a flat ring shape or the like in accordance with a change in the shape of the key top member 30 or its engagement flange 31.

  The capacitance-type input device according to the present invention is used in the manufacturing field of music players, home appliances, toys, building tools, computer equipment, information communication equipment, automotive equipment, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Capacitance sensor sheet 2 Insulation sheet 3 Electrode 5 Detection electrode 6 Housing electrode 7 First detection electrode 8 Second detection electrode 9 Operation body 10 Elastic click body (input body)
12 Leg 13 Flange 20 Housing (Non-input body)
21 Operation port (operation area)
30 Key top member (operated member)
31 Engagement flange (peripheral edge)
40 Reduction member 41 Protrusion 42 Endless protrusion 43 Elastic member

Claims (5)

An electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet, comprising: a capacitance sensor sheet on which an electrode is formed; an input body for input provided on the capacitance sensor sheet; and a non-input body provided on the capacitance sensor sheet. A capacitive input device capable of forming a capacitance between the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet and the operating body when a conductive operating body approaches
At least one of the input body and the non-input body is brought close to and opposed to the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet, and an operation region is provided on the non-input body so that the operated member of the input body can be operated. A reduction member that opposes the operation member and is in contact with the operation member of the input body and a part of the operation area to reduce the dielectric constant between the operation member and the non-input body is interposed. Capacitive type input device. A capacitance sensor sheet having an electrode formed on an insulating substrate; an elastic click body supported by the capacitance sensor sheet; and a casing for protecting the capacitance sensor sheet and the elastic click body. A capacitive input device capable of forming a capacitance between the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet and the operation body when the conductive operation body approaches the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet,
At least one of the elastic click body and the housing is brought close to and opposed to the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet, a key top member is attached to the elastic click body, and an operation port is provided on the housing to expose the key top member so as to be operable. Reduce the dielectric constant between the key top member and the housing between the peripheral edge of the key top member and the peripheral edge of the operation port, with the peripheral edge facing the peripheral edge of the key top member 2. The capacitive input device according to claim 1, wherein a member is interposed. In the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet, between the elastic click body and the housing, at least the elastic click body is supported so as to be able to contact and separate with a gap,
3. The capacitance-type input device according to claim 2, wherein the reduction member is a plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of protrusions are arranged at intervals on either the front surface peripheral portion of the key top member or the peripheral portion rear surface of the operation port. . In the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet, between the elastic click body and the housing, at least the elastic click body is supported so as to be able to contact and separate with a gap,
3. The capacitance-type input device according to claim 2, wherein the reducing member is an endless protrusion, and the endless protrusion is formed on either the front surface peripheral portion of the key top member or the peripheral portion rear surface of the operation port. In the electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet, between the elastic click body and the housing, at least the elastic click body is supported so as to be able to contact and separate with a gap,
The capacitance-type input device according to claim 2, wherein the reducing member is an endless elastic member containing air, and the elastic member is attached to either the front surface peripheral portion of the key top member or the peripheral portion rear surface of the operation port.

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