JP6874789B2 - Input devices and electronic devices - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an input device and an electronic device, and more particularly to an input device applicable to an electronic device provided with a touch panel on the visual field side of a display unit.

In recent years, high-performance and portable electronic devices such as smartphones (high-performance mobile phones), tablet terminals, and wearable devices have become widespread. In such a portable electronic device, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, a touch panel provided on the front surface (visual field side) of a display unit such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) is often used as an input device. There is. Further, as another example of the input device applied to the portable electronic device, for example, as described in Patent Document 2, by touching a touch sensor provided around the display unit, the screen can be displayed. There are also known devices that perform input operations such as scrolling and menu selection.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-153679 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-288172

However, in the input device described in Patent Document 1 and the like described above, when the touch panel provided on the front surface of the display unit is touched with a finger or the like, for example, when scrolling the screen or selecting a menu, the finger or the like is used. There is a problem that the screen display of the display unit is obstructed and the visibility and operability are deteriorated. As a method for solving such a problem, for example, a method in which an area for input operation is provided at the end of the display unit is also known, but in this case, in a small portable electronic device, the display unit is displayed. There was a problem that the area and the operation area of the touch panel were narrowed. Further, as in the input device described in Patent Document 2 and the like described above, the display unit is provided with a touch sensor for screen operation in addition to the touch panel provided on the front surface of the display unit around the display unit. Although it is possible to secure a display area and an operation area of the touch panel, in this case, there is a problem that the mechanism and control processing of the input device become complicated and the electronic device becomes large.

Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention can satisfactorily perform an input operation with a simple configuration without narrowing the display area of the display unit or the operation area of the touch panel or inviting an increase in the size of the device. It is an object of the present invention to provide an input device and an electronic device equipped with the input device.

The input device according to the present invention is
Capacitive touch panel and
Exterior members and
With
The exterior member has a specific portion formed of a dielectric material and has a specific portion.
The specific portion is provided with one or more first conductors without being exposed to the outer surface of the exterior member.
The one or a plurality of first conductors are provided so as to partially overlap the touch panel in a plan view from the upper surface side of the touch panel.
The touch panel is characterized in that it detects an electric capacity generated between the touch panel and the first conductor.

The electronic device according to the present invention is
With the above input device
With a display panel,
The touch panel is provided on a surface of the display panel on the visual field side.

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform a good input operation with a simple configuration without narrowing the display area of the display unit or the operation area of the touch panel or inviting an increase in size of the device.

It is a schematic composition diagram which shows the 1st Embodiment of the electronic device to which the input device which concerns on this invention is applied. It is the schematic which shows the cross-sectional structure of the main part of the electronic device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 1st example (comparative example 1) of the electronic device to be compared with 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example (comparative example 2) of the electronic device to be compared with 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic composition diagram which shows the 2nd Embodiment of the electronic device to which the input device which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a schematic composition diagram which shows the 3rd Embodiment of the electronic device to which the input device which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the 1st modification of embodiment of the electronic device to which the input device which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the 2nd modification of embodiment of the electronic device to which the input device which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the 3rd modification of embodiment of the electronic device to which the input device which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the 4th modification of embodiment of the electronic device to which the input device which concerns on this invention is applied. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the 4th modification of embodiment of the electronic device to which the input device which concerns on this invention is applied.

Hereinafter, the input device and the electronic device according to the present invention will be described in detail by showing embodiments. Here, in each of the following embodiments, a case where the input device according to the present invention is applied to an electronic device having a wristwatch-shaped shape will be described.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of an electronic device to which the input device according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the electronic device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a front view of the device main body of the electronic device as viewed from the visual field side. Further, FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional structure of a main part of the electronic device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 (a) is a structural diagram of a cross section of IIA-IIA in the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 (b), and FIG. 2 (b) is a structural diagram of a cross section of IIB-IIB. ) Is a detailed view of the IIC portion in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 2 (a). In this specification, "II" is used for convenience as a symbol corresponding to the Roman numeral "2" shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The first embodiment of the electronic device provided with the input device according to the present invention displays various information according to the operation and function of the electronic device 100, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. It has a wristwatch-like shape including a device main body 102 provided with a display unit DSP and a belt-shaped belt portion (attached member) 104 for attaching the device main body 102 to a human body such as a wrist.

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the device main body 102 has a substantially rectangular planar shape, and one surface on the visual field side (the upper surface of FIG. 1A, the front surface of FIG. 1B). A display unit DSP provided with a touch panel is provided on the (upper surface) side of FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), while the other surface (lower surface of FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b)) of the device main body 102. Is provided with a back cover (closing lid) 120.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, for example, the device main body 102 has a resin case 110 formed in a frame shape and having an insulating property and forming a dielectric. A circuit configuration including a protective plate 116, a display panel 112 of a liquid crystal system, a touch panel 114 of a capacitance system, a circuit board, a battery, etc., inside an opening 110h provided so as to penetrate the center thereof. The portion 118 and the fixing member 110a are incorporated (accommodated). Here, the display panel 112, the touch panel 114, and the protective plate 116 form a display unit DSP, and the touch panel 114 is a detection surface on which the visual field side detects a touch position. The touch panel 114 and the protective plate 116 have transparency so that the display by the display panel 112 can be visually recognized from the upper surface, and the protective plate 116 is formed of, for example, glass. The protective plate 116 is not limited to that made of glass, and may be made of a transparent resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate. Further, the case 110 does not have to be a dielectric except for a portion provided on the upper part of the touch panel 114 and provided with the conductor ELC described later, and may be made of metal, for example.

The protective plate 116 is attached to the most visible side in the opening 110h of the case 110. The touch panel 114 is provided so that one side, which is a detection surface, is in close contact with the protective plate 116, and the other side is in close contact with the display panel 112. Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, for example, the touch panel 114 has a width dimension (length in the left-right direction of the drawing) H2 larger than the width dimension H1 of the opening 110h on one side of the case 110. The end portion is provided so as to extend to the case 110 portion which is formed and is provided around the display portion DSP (periphery in the left-right direction in the drawing). Here, the case 110 around the display unit DSP in the device main body 102 is a portion corresponding to a so-called bezel of a wristwatch.

Further, the circuit configuration unit 118 including the circuit board, the battery, etc. is provided on the other surface side (back cover 120 side) of the display panel 112, and although detailed illustration is omitted, the arithmetic processing circuit such as the CPU and MPU, and the storage It has a circuit board unit on which a circuit or the like is mounted, a power supply unit that supplies drive power to each unit of the device main body 102, and the like. The fixing member 110a is attached so as to be fitted in the opening 110h on the other side of the case 110, and fixes the positions of the touch panel 114, the display panel 112, and the circuit component 118 incorporated in the opening 110h. The back cover 120 closes the touch panel 114, the display panel 112, the circuit component 118, and the fixing member 110a incorporated in the opening 110h on the other side of the case 110.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2A, the device main body 102 is a protective plate 116 constituting the display unit DSP in order to secure the strength against damage and impact when the electronic device 100 is used and the design. The case 110 provided around the display unit DSP is formed so as to project toward the one surface side (visual field side; upper side of FIG. 2A) as compared with the surface on the one surface side.

Then, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 (b), 2 (a), and (b), a case 110 portion (that is, a bezel; a specific portion) provided so as to project around the display unit DSP. When the device main body 102 is viewed in a plan view from one side, one or a plurality of touch panels 114 are arranged so as to be planarly overlapped with the touch panel 114 provided so that the end portion extends beyond the width dimension H1 of the opening 110h. A conductor (first conductor) ELC is provided. The conductor ELC is a columnar member formed in a columnar shape such as a prism or a cylinder made of a metal material having a relatively low resistance value (ideally, a resistance value of 0Ω) such as copper (Cu) or aluminum (Al). have.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2C, for example, the columnar member constituting the conductor ELC is provided so as to extend in the direction perpendicular to the touch panel 114 (vertical direction in the drawing) and faces the touch panel 114. The area Sa of the lower surface (the surface on the lower side of the drawing; the first surface) and the area Sb of the upper surface (the surface on the upper side of the drawing; the second surface) facing the surface on one surface side of the case 110 are, for example, the same or It is formed so as to be equivalent (Sa≈Sb).

Further, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the distance (first distance) L1 between the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114 and the distance between the conductor ELC and the surface of the case 110 on one surface (1st distance) ( The second distance) L2 is set to be the same or equivalent (L1≈L2), for example. The areas Sa and Sb of the lower surface and the upper surface of the conductor ELC, and the distances L1 and L2 between the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114 and one surface side of the case 110 are the capacitance generated in the protective plate 116 constituting the display unit DSP. The capacitance C _{1 (first capacitance) and the capacitance C 3} (second capacitance) generated in the case 110 portion provided with the conductor ELC around the display unit DSP are the same or the same. It is set to a predetermined value so as to be equivalent (C ₁ ≈ C _3). Such a conductor ELC is used in a process of resin molding the case 110 by using, for example, an insert molding method that is often used in manufacturing a resin molded product in which metal parts such as screws and nuts are embedded. It can be integrally provided inside the 110.

Regarding the areas Sa and Sb that specify the size and shape of the columnar member of the conductor ELC and the distances L1 and L2 that specify the embedding position thereof, the area Sa is used to simplify the calculation in the comparative verification described later. And Sb are set to be the same or equivalent (Sa≈Sb), and the distances L1 and L2 are set to be the same or equivalent (L1≈L2), but the present invention is not limited thereto. .. _{That is, as will be described later, the capacitance C 1} generated in the protective plate 116 constituting the display unit DSP and the _{capacitance C 3} generated in the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP are the same or equivalent (C _1). if ≒ _{C 3)} to those set to be the area of the conductor ELC Sa, it may be configured to set the Sb and distance L1, L2 to different values (Sa ≠ Sb, L1 ≠ L2 ).

The procedure for assembling the device main body 102 having such a structure is as follows, for example, in a state where the touch panel 114 and the display panel 112 are laminated and adhered to each other, inserted into the opening 110h from the other surface side of the case 110, and further, a circuit configuration is performed. After inserting the portion 118 and the fixing member 110a, the opening 110h is closed by the back cover 120. Further, the protective plate 116 is inserted into the opening 110h from one side of the case 110, and is fitted so as to be in close contact with the touch panel 114. As a result, waterproofness and airtightness inside the device main body 102 are ensured. The protective plate 116 is adhered to the case 110 at a portion in contact with the case 110 by, for example, an adhesive member such as double-sided tape or an adhesive.

Then, in such a device main body 102, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the outer surface (second) of the protective plate 116 constituting the display unit DSP is used so that the user can perform an arbitrary input operation. The finger USf or the like is brought into contact with the operation surface) or the surface (first operation surface) of the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP. Input to the touch panel 114 by detecting a change in the current flowing from the touch panel 114 to the ground voltage GND via the user's finger USf or the like (that is, a change in the capacitance generated in the protective plate 116 or the case 110). The operation is detected.

(Verification of action and effect)
Next, a comparative example will be shown to verify in detail the action and effect of the electronic device to which the input device according to the present embodiment is applied. Here, as a comparison target of the electronic devices according to the present embodiment, a structure in which a conductor is not provided in a case portion provided around the display portion of the device main body is shown for comparison.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first example (comparative example 1) of an electronic device to be compared according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 (a) is a front view of the electronic device of Comparative Example 1, and FIG. 3 (b) is a structural view of a cross section of IIIB-IIIB in the electronic device shown in FIG. 3 (a). c) is a structural drawing of the same IIIC-IIIC cross section. Further, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second example (comparative example 2) of the electronic device to be compared with this embodiment. 4 (a) is a front view of the electronic device of Comparative Example 2, and FIG. 4 (b) is a structural view of an IVB-IVB cross section of the electronic device shown in FIG. 4 (a). c) is a structural drawing of the IVC-IVC cross section. In this specification, "III" is used for convenience as a symbol corresponding to the Roman numeral "3" shown in FIG. 3, and corresponds to the Roman numeral "4" shown in FIG. "IV" is used as a symbol for convenience. Here, the description of the structure equivalent to that of the first embodiment described above will be simplified.

Comparative Example 1 of the electronic device according to the first embodiment described above is incorporated in the opening 110h provided in the center of the device main body 102, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C. The touch panel 114 has a plane shape and dimensions substantially equivalent to those of the display panel 112, and the end portion extends to a case 110 portion provided around the display unit DSP as in the first embodiment described above. Not done. Further, no conductor is provided in the case 110 portion provided around the display unit DSP.

In Comparative Example 1 having such a structure, the input operation is performed by the user touching the protective plate 116 arranged on the visual field side of the touch panel 114 of the display unit DSP with a finger USf or the like. At this time, when the dielectric constant of the protective plate 116 provided in close contact with the touch panel 114 is ε ₁ and the thickness is d, the user's finger USf comes into contact with the surface of the protective plate 116 in a contact area S. _{The capacitance C 1} generated in the protective plate 116 is represented by the equation (11).

_{The capacitance C 1} represented by the equation (11) is the static electricity generated when the user touches the surface of the protective plate 116 with the finger USf in the display unit DSP of the electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment. It is also the capacity.

In the structure of Comparative Example 1 described above, when the finger USf is brought into contact with the display unit DSP to perform an input operation such as scrolling the screen or selecting a menu, the finger USf blocks the screen display of the display unit DSP. Therefore, there is a problem that visibility and operability are lowered. Here, in order to ensure visibility and operability, it is conceivable to provide an area dedicated to input operations such as scrolling at the end of the display unit DSP, but in this case, the original display unit DSP is displayed. There is a problem that the area and the operation area of the touch panel 114 are narrowed.

Therefore, for example, as in Comparative Example 2 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the end portion of the touch panel 114 incorporated in the opening 110h is extended to the case 110 portion provided around the display unit DSP. It is conceivable that the user performs the input operation by bringing the finger USf into contact with the case 110 provided around the display unit DSP by extending the extension. Here, the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP on which the end of the touch panel 114 extends is for ensuring the strength and design for protecting the display unit DSP, as in the first embodiment described above. In addition, it is formed so as to project to one side as compared with the surface of the protective plate 116. That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, the distance L3 from one surface of the touch panel 114 to the surface of one surface of the case 110 with which the user's finger USf comes into contact (hereinafter referred to as "thickness of the case 110") is displayed. It is set to be larger than the thickness d of the protective plate 116 of the part DSP.

In Comparative Example 1 having such a structure, when the dielectric constant of the resin case 110 is ε _{2 , the capacitance C 2} generated in the case 110 when the user's finger USf comes into contact with the contact area S is , (12).

Here, for example, the thickness L3 of the case 110 is twice the thickness d of the protective plate 116 (L3 = 2d), and the dielectric constant of the resin case 110 is ε ₂ and the dielectric constant ε _{1 of the protective plate 116.} Assuming that they are equivalent (ε ₁ ≈ ε _{2 ), the capacitance C 2} generated in the case 110 is expressed by the equation (13).

In this case, the capacitance C ₂ generated in the case 110 is substantially half of the _{capacitance C 1} generated in the protective plate 116. Therefore, there is a problem that the detection sensitivity when the input operation is performed in the case 110 portion is significantly lowered, or the input operation itself becomes impossible. In the equation (13), in order to simplify the calculation and simplify the explanation, the thickness L3 of the case 110 is set to twice the thickness d of the protective plate 116 (L3 = 2d), and the case made of resin. Although the case where the dielectric constant ε _{2 of} 110 is set to be equivalent to the dielectric constant of the protective plate 116 (ε ₁ ≈ ε ₂ ) has been described, the present invention is not limited to such numerical setting. That is, as described above, the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP is formed so as to project to one side with respect to the surface of the protective plate 116 as described above, so that the thickness L3 of the case 110 Is set to be larger than the thickness d of the protective plate 116 (L3> d), and the dielectric constant ε ₂ of the resin material forming the case 110 is quartz generally applied to the protective plate 116. It approximates _{the permittivity ε 1} of glass or the like _{(ε 1} ≈ ε ₂ ). Therefore, since the capacitance C _{2 generated in the case 110 is generally smaller than the capacitance C 1} generated in the protective plate 116, a phenomenon occurs in which the detection sensitivity at the time of input operation in the case 110 portion is lowered. become.

On the other hand, in the electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the end portion of the touch panel 114 is located on the case 110 portion provided around the display unit DSP. It is formed so as to extend to, and one or more conductor ELCs are provided in the 110 portion of the case. Here, as described above, the conductor ELC has a columnar shape such that the area Sa of the lower surface facing the touch panel 114 and the area Sb of the upper surface facing the surface of the case 110 are the same or equivalent (Sa≈Sb). The member is applied, and the embedding position is set so that the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114 are separated by a distance L1 and the conductor ELC and the surface of the case 110 are separated by a distance L2.

In the electronic device 100 having such a structure, the distance L1 between the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114 and the distance L2 between the conductor ELC and the surface on one side of the case 110 are, for example, the same predetermined values (L1 =). Set so that L2 = ε ₂ d / 2ε _1). Further, for example, the thickness L3 of the case 110 is twice the thickness d of the protective plate 116 (L3 = 2d), and the dielectric constant of the resin case 110 is ε ₂ equal to _{the dielectric constant ε 1} of the protective plate 116. Set so that (ε ₁ ≒ ε _{2). In this case, the capacitance C 3} generated in the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP is represented by the equation (14). Here, the capacitance C ₃ is a series connection of a capacitance component formed between the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114 and a capacitance component formed between the conductor ELC and the surface of the case 110. Calculated.

That is, in the present embodiment, as described above, the distances L1 and L2 that define the shape and dimensions of the conductor ELC and the positions when the conductor ELC is provided in the case 110 around the display unit DSP are protected. set to an appropriate value based on the dielectric constant epsilon ₂ of the dielectric constant epsilon ₁ and the case 110 of the plate _{116 (ε 2 d / 2ε 1} ). _{As a result, as shown in the equation (14), the capacitance C 3} equivalent to the _{capacitance C 1} in the protective plate 116 of the display unit DSP shown in the equation (11) is provided to the case 110 around the display unit DSP. Even on one side of the case 110 portion provided with the conductor ELC around the display unit DSP, the input operation can be performed satisfactorily with the same sensitivity as the display unit DSP. Therefore, with a simple configuration in which a conductor is provided in the case portion where the end of a single touch panel provided on the display unit extends, the display area of the display unit and the operation area of the touch panel can be narrowed and the size of the device can be increased. Without inviting, you can select the menu by touching the display part or the case part around it with your finger etc., or you can scroll the screen by shifting it while touching it to improve the input operation. It can be carried out.

<Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the electronic device to which the input device according to the invention is applied will be described.
In the first embodiment, a case where a user touches a finger USf or the like to the surface of one side (visual field side) of the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP to perform an input operation has been described. The second embodiment is characterized in that the user touches the side surface of the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP or the visual field side and the side surface of the case 110 portion with a finger USf or the like to perform an input operation.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of an electronic device to which the input device according to the present invention is applied. 5 (a) is a front view of the electronic device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 (b) is a structural view of a VB-VB cross section of the electronic device shown in FIG. 5 (a). (C) is a detailed view of the VC portion (first example) in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5 (b), and FIG. 5 (d) is a VC portion in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5 (b). It is a detailed view of (the second example). In this specification, "V" is used for convenience as a symbol corresponding to the Roman numeral "5" shown in FIG. Here, the description of the structure equivalent to that of the first embodiment described above will be simplified.

In the first example of the electronic device according to the second embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the conductor ELC provided in the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP has, for example, a corner. It has a columnar member and is arranged so as to extend in a direction parallel to the touch panel 114 (horizontal direction in FIGS. 5B and 5C). Further, the conductor ELC is arranged so that a part of the conductor ELC overlaps the touch panel 114 in a plane when the device main body 102 is viewed in a plane from one side.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5C, for example, the conductor ELC has an area Sc of a region (the surface on the left side of the drawing; the first surface) that is planarly overlapped with the touch panel 114 and faces the touch panel 114. , The area Sd of the surface (the surface on the right side of the drawing; the second surface) facing the surface on the side surface of the case 110 is formed so as to be, for example, the same or equivalent (Sc≈Sd). Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the distance L4 between the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114 and the distance between the conductor ELC and the side surface of the case 110 (second distance). ) L5 is set so as to have, for example, a predetermined same or equivalent value (L4 ≈ L5 = ε ₂ d / _{2 ε 1} ).

Then, the above-mentioned area Sc in electrical conductor ELC, Sd, and the distance L4, L5 is the capacitance _{C 1} generated in the protective plate 116 constituting the display unit DSP as described above, the periphery of the display unit DSP, conductor _{The capacitance C 4} generated in the case 110 portion provided with the ELC is set to a predetermined value so as to be the same or equivalent (C ₁ ≈ C _4). Here, the capacitance C ₄ is a capacitance component formed between the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114, and a capacitance component formed between the conductor ELC and the side surface of the case 110. It is calculated as a series connection and is expressed in the same manner as the equation (14) shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, also in the present embodiment, the _{capacitance C 4} equivalent to the _{capacitance C 1} in the protective plate 116 of the display unit DSP can be generated in the case 110 around the display unit DSP, and the display unit DSP can be generated. Even on the side surface of the surrounding case 110 portion provided with the conductor ELC, the input operation can be performed satisfactorily with the same detection sensitivity as the display unit DSP.

A second example of the electronic device according to the second embodiment is a conductor ELC provided in the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5D. However, for example, it has a prismatic member and branches in a direction perpendicular to the touch panel 114 (vertical direction in FIGS. 5 (b) and 5 (d)) and in a parallel direction (horizontal direction in FIGS. 5 (b) and 5 (d)). It is arranged so as to extend. Further, the conductor ELC is arranged so that a part of the conductor ELC overlaps the touch panel 114 in a plane when the device main body 102 is viewed in a plane from one side.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5D, for example, the conductor ELC has an area Se of a region (the surface on the left side of the drawing; the first surface) that is planarly overlapped with the touch panel 114 and faces the touch panel 114. , Area Sf of the surface facing the side surface of the case 110 (the surface on the right side of the drawing; the second surface) and the surface facing the surface of the case 110 on the one side (the surface on the upper side of the drawing; the second surface). The area Sg of the surface) is formed to be the same or equivalent (Se≈Sf≈Sg), for example. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 5D, the distance L4 between the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114 and the distance between the conductor ELC and the side surface of the case 110 (second distance). ) L5 and the distance (second distance) L6 between the conductor ELC and the surface of the case 110 on one side are, for example, predetermined same or equivalent values (L4 ≈ L5 ≈ L6 = ε ₂ d / 2ε ₁ ). It is set to be.

Then, the above-mentioned area Se in electrical conductor ELC, Sf, Sg, and the distance L4, L5, L6 is the capacitance _{C 1} generated in the protective plate 116 constituting the display unit DSP as described above, the periphery of the display unit DSP _{The capacitance C 5} generated in the case 110 portion provided with the conductor ELC is set to a predetermined value so as to be the same or equivalent (C ₁ ≈ C _5). Here, the capacitance C ₅ is a capacitance component formed between the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114, a capacitance component formed between the conductor ELC and the side surface of the case 110, or a capacitance component. It is calculated as a series connection of the capacitance component formed between the conductor ELC and the surface on one side of the case 110, and is expressed in the same manner as the equation (14) shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, also in the present embodiment, the _{capacitance C 5} equivalent to the _{capacitance C 1} in the protective plate 116 of the display unit DSP can be generated in the case 110 around the display unit DSP, and the display unit DSP can be generated. Even on one side and the side surface of the case 110 portion provided with the conductor ELC, input operations such as screen scrolling and menu selection can be performed satisfactorily with the same detection sensitivity as the display unit DSP.

<Third embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the electronic device to which the input device according to the invention is applied will be described.
In the first and second embodiments, one side of the case 110 provided around the display unit DSP is the touch panel 114 and the protective plate 116 of the display unit DSP (or FIGS. 1 (b) and 5 (a)). The case where the plane has a plane substantially parallel to the paper surface of the above has been described. In the third embodiment, one side of the case 110 around the display unit is parallel (0) to the touch panel 114 and the protective plate 116 in order to secure the strength and design for protecting the display unit DSP. It is characterized by having a plane having a predetermined inclination angle other than °).

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a third embodiment of an electronic device to which the input device according to the present invention is applied. 6 (a) is a front view of the electronic device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 (b) is a structural view of a VIB-VIB cross section of the electronic device shown in FIG. 6 (a). (C) is a structural drawing of the same VIC-VIC cross section. In this specification, "VI" is used for convenience as a symbol corresponding to the Roman numeral "6" shown in FIG. Here, the description of the structure equivalent to the above-described embodiment will be simplified.

In the electronic device according to the third embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, one surface side of the case 110 provided in a frame shape around the display unit DSP protects the display unit DSP. In order to secure the strength and design for the display unit DSP, the touch panel 114 and the protective plate 116 of the display unit DSP have a plane having a predetermined inclination angle (hereinafter, referred to as “inclined surface”).

Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, for example, the conductor ELC provided in the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP has a plane on which one side of the case 110 is substantially parallel to the touch panel 114 and the protective plate 116. In the region having the column member, a columnar member such as a prism or a cylinder is provided as in the first embodiment described above. On the other hand, the conductor ELC is formed so that the upper surface of the columnar member becomes a plane parallel to the inclined surface in the region where one surface side of the case 110 has an inclined surface with respect to the touch panel 114 and the protective plate 116. Has been done. That is, the lower surface of the conductor ELC has a plane parallel to the facing touch panel 114, and the upper surface is formed so as to be a parallel plane according to the inclination of the surface on one surface side of the case 110. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6C, the distance L1 between the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114, the distance L2 between the conductor ELC and the plane parallel to the touch panel 114 on one side of the case 110, and the conductor. The distance L7 between the ELC and the inclined surface on one side of the case 110 can be set to be the same or equivalent value (L1≈L2≈L7). Therefore, regardless of the state of inclination of the surface on one side of the case 110, a substantially uniform capacitance can be generated in substantially the entire area on the one side of the case 110 provided with the conductor ELC.

In the electronic device 100 having such a structure, one surface side of the case 110 has an inclined surface of, for example, 45 ° (or 135 °) with respect to the touch panel 114, and the distance L1 between the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114. , The distance L7 between the conductor ELC and the inclined surface on one side of the case 110 is set to be, for example, the same predetermined value (L1 = L7 = ε ₂ d / 2ε ₁ ). Further, for example, the thickness L3 of the case 110 is twice the thickness d of the protective plate 116 (L3 = 2d), and the dielectric constant of the resin case 110 is ε ₂ equal to _{the dielectric constant ε 1} of the protective plate 116. Set so that (ε ₁ ≒ ε _{2). In this case, the capacitance C 6} generated in the case 110 portion having the inclined surface is represented by the equation (15). Here, as shown in FIGS. 6 (b) and 6 (c), the user's finger USf is placed on the surface of the protective plate 116 of the display unit DSP or on a flat surface on one side of the case 110 parallel to the touch panel 114. against it, in contact at the contact area _{S 1,} it is assumed that contact with the contact area _{S 2} = √2 · _{S 1} to the inclined surface of one side of 45 ° of the case 110. Here, as in the first embodiment described above, the capacitance C ₆ is formed between the capacitance component formed between the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114 and the inclined surface of the conductor ELC and the case 110. It is calculated as a series connection with the capacitance component formed in.

As described above, when one surface side of the case 110 has an inclined surface of, for example, 45 ° with respect to the touch panel 114, the area of the upper surface of the conductor ELC provided on the case 110 facing the inclined surface is the touch panel. The area of the upper surface of the conductor ELC facing the plane parallel to 114 is increased by √2 times. _{Therefore, the capacitance C 6} generated in the case 110 portion having the inclined surface shown in the equation (15) is the touch panel 114 shown in the equations (11) and (14) in the first embodiment described above. The capacitance is increased as compared with the _{capacitance C 1} (= C ₃ ) generated in the case 110 portion having a plane parallel to the case _{(C 6} > C ₁ ). In this state, there is a difference between the detection sensitivity of the protective plate 116 of the display unit DSP and the case 110 portion having a plane parallel to the touch panel 114 and the detection sensitivity of the case 110 portion having an inclined surface. Operability during input operation may be reduced.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in the structure shown in FIG. 6, the electrostatic capacitance C ₆ occurring case 110 portion having an inclined surface is, the electrostatic capacitance generated case 110 portion having a plane parallel to the touch panel 114 C ₁ and to be the same _{(C 6 = C 1),} (16) as shown in equation a lower surface of the area _{S 1} of the conductor ELC facing the touch panel 114, than the contact area S of the user's finger USf Is also set to be small.

As a result, the protective plate 116 of the display unit DSP and the _{capacitance C 6} equivalent to the _{capacitance C 1} (= C ₃ ) in the case 110 portion having a plane parallel to the touch panel 114 have an inclined surface. It can occur in the case 110 portion. Therefore, regardless of the state of inclination of the surface on one side of the case 110, input operations such as screen scrolling and menu selection can be performed satisfactorily with the same detection sensitivity as the protective plate 116 of the display unit DSP.

_{In the present embodiment, the capacitance C 6} generated in the case 110 portion having an inclined surface is the same as or equivalent to the _{capacitance C 1} generated in the case 110 portion having a plane parallel to the touch panel 114. as such, those the area S ₁ of the lower surface of the conductor ELC facing the touch panel 114, the case has been described where the set to be smaller than the contact area S of the user's finger USF, the present invention is not limited to this is not it. That is, (16) as is apparent in the formula, the distance L1, L2, by L7 appropriately adjusting the electrostatic capacitance of the _{C 1} and _{C 6} to define the shape and dimensions of the conductor ELC, the embedding position May be the same or equivalent.

<Modification example>
Next, a modification based on the technical idea shown in each of the above-described embodiments will be described.
(Modification example 1)
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a first modification of the embodiment of the electronic device to which the input device according to the present invention is applied. 7 (a) is a front view of the electronic device according to the present modification, and FIG. 7 (b) is a structural view of a VIIB-VIIB cross section of the electronic device shown in FIG. 7 (a). (C) is a detailed perspective view showing the inside of the front main part of the electronic device according to another example of the present modification, and FIGS. 7 (d) and 7 (e) are front views shown in FIG. 7 (c). It is a structural drawing of the VIID-VIID cross section in the figure. In this specification, "VII" is used for convenience as a symbol corresponding to the Roman numeral "7" shown in FIG. 7. Here, the description of the structure equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments will be simplified.

In the first modification of the electronic device 100 according to the above-described embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), the case 110 around the display unit DSP is curved so as to project in one surface direction. It has a curved surface. Further, in the conductor ELC provided in the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP, for example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the upper surface of the columnar member has a constant distance L8 with respect to the curved surface on one surface side of the case 110. It is formed so as to have a curved surface.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, the distance L1 between the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114 and the distance L8 between the conductor ELC and the curved surface on one side of the case 110 are set to the same or equivalent values. It is possible to generate a substantially uniform capacitance in substantially the entire area on one surface side of the case 110 portion provided with the conductor ELC by setting so as (L1≈L8). Therefore, regardless of the curved state of one surface of the case 110, the screen scrolling and menu selection can be performed on the one surface side of the case 110 with the same detection sensitivity as the protective plate 116 of the display unit DSP, as in each of the above-described embodiments. Etc. can be satisfactorily performed.

Further, in another example of the electronic device 100 according to the present modification, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), for example, the case 110 around the display unit DSP projects in the side surface direction (for example, the left-right direction in the drawing). It has a curved curved surface. Further, in the conductor ELC provided in the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7 (c) and 7 (d), the surface facing the side surface of the case 110 is the side surface side. It is formed so as to be a curved surface having a constant distance L8 with respect to the curved surface of.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 7D, the distance L1 in the region where the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114 overlap in a plane and face each other, and the distance L8 between the conductor ELC and the curved surface on the side surface side of the case 110. Is set to a predetermined same or equivalent value (L1≈L8) to generate a substantially uniform capacitance in substantially the entire side surface side of the case 110 portion provided with the conductor ELC. it can. Therefore, regardless of the curved state of the side surface of the case 110, the screen scrolling and menu selection can be performed on the side surface side of the case 110 with the same detection sensitivity as the protective plate 116 of the display unit DSP, as in each of the above-described embodiments. Etc. can be satisfactorily performed.

In FIG. 7, the first modification of the electronic device 100 and other examples are shown as individual configurations, but the structure is not limited to this, and for example, the case 110 around the display unit DSP may be used. It may have a curved surface that is curved so as to project in the one-side direction and the side-side direction. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 7D, a conductor having a shape that branches and extends in a direction perpendicular to the touch panel 114 (one side direction of the case 110) and a parallel direction (side direction of the case 110). Apply ELC. Then, the distance L1 between the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114, the distance L8 between the conductor ELC and the curved surface on one side of the case 110, and the distance L8 between the conductor ELC and the curved surface on the side surface of the case 110 are predetermined. It is set so that the same or equivalent value (L1≈L8) of. As a result, in substantially the entire area of the one-sided surface side and the side surface side of the case 110 portion provided with the conductor ELC, the detection sensitivity equivalent to that of the protective plate 116 of the display unit DSP is equal to that of the curved state of one surface and the side surface of the case 110. The input operation can be performed well with.

(Modification 2)
FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a second modification of the embodiment of the electronic device to which the input device according to the present invention is applied. 8 (a) is a front view of the electronic device according to the present modification, and FIG. 8 (b) is a detailed perspective view showing the inside of the VIIIB portion in the front view shown in FIG. 8 (a). FIG. 8C is a structural diagram of a cross section of VIIIC-VIIIC in the electronic device shown in FIG. 8A. In this specification, "VIII" is used for convenience as a symbol corresponding to the Roman numeral "8" shown in FIG. Here, the description of the structure equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments will be simplified.

In the second modification of the electronic device 100 according to the above-described embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, an end portion extends inside the case 110 around the display unit DSP. Two conductors EL1 and EL2 made of columnar members are provided so as to overlap the touch panel 114 in a plane. Here, the conductor EL1 extends along the upper half side of the side surface of the case 110 (the left and right side surfaces in the drawing), and the conductor EL2 extends along the lower half side of the side surface of the case 110. Moreover, the conductors EL1 and EL2 are arranged so as to be separated from each other. Further, the conductors EL1 and EL2 are shown in FIG. 8C, for example, so that a substantially uniform predetermined capacitance is generated in substantially the entire area on one surface side of the case 110 portion provided with the conductors EL1 and EL2. As described above, the distance L9 between the conductors EL1 and EL2 and the touch panel 114 and the distance L10 between the conductors EL1 and EL2 and the one-sided surface of the case 110 are set to predetermined values. Alternatively, in the conductors EL1 and EL2, the area of the lower surface facing the touch panel 114 and the area of the upper surface facing the surface on one side of the case 110 are set to predetermined values.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, of the case 110 around the display unit DSP, the region AR1 provided with the conductor EL1 functions as the first switch, and the user to the region AR1 by the touch panel 114. By detecting the contact of the finger USf or the like, it is detected as if the first switch has been operated. Further, the region AR2 provided with the conductor EL2 functions as a second switch, and by detecting the contact of the finger USf or the like with the region AR2 by the touch panel 114, it is detected as if the second switch has been operated. To do. Further, the region AR3 in which the two conductors EL1 and EL2 are provided apart from each other functions as a third switch, and the touch panel 114 allows a finger to the region AR3 (that is, a region corresponding to both the conductors EL1 and EL2). By detecting the contact with USf or the like, it is detected as if the third switch has been operated. As described above, in this modification, the sensitivity is set to an appropriate level so that it can detect which region of the case 110 (the region corresponding to which conductors EL1 and EL2) the user's finger USf or the like is in contact with. Therefore, the capacitance generated in the case 110 portion provided with the conductors EL1 and EL2 may be set to be different from the capacitance generated in the protective plate 116.

As a result, the size, shape, and embedding position of the columnar members of the conductors EL1 and EL2 provided in the case 110 are not strictly set, and the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP is defined with a relatively simple configuration. It can function as a plurality of switches having the detection sensitivity of the above, and input operations such as menu selection can be performed satisfactorily. In other words, by appropriately setting the shapes and embedding positions of the conductors EL1 and EL2 provided in the case 110, the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP can function as a high-sensitivity switch.

(Modification example 3)
FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a third modification of the embodiment of the electronic device to which the input device according to the present invention is applied. 9 (a) is a front view of the electronic device according to the present modification, and FIG. 9 (b) shows the inside of the IXB portion (first example) in the front view shown in FIG. 9 (a). 9 is a detailed perspective view, FIG. 9 (c) is a structural view of an IXC-IXC cross section in the electronic device shown in FIG. 9 (a), and FIG. 9 (d) is a front view shown in FIG. 9 (a). It is a perspective detailed view which shows the inside of the IXB part (second example) in the figure. In this specification, "IX" is used for convenience as a symbol corresponding to the Roman numeral "9" shown in FIG. Here, the description of the structure equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments will be simplified.

In the third modification of the electronic device 100 according to the above-described embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a part of the end portion of the touch panel 114 is formed inside the case 110 around the display unit DSP. (Hereinafter referred to as “protruding portion 114a)) is provided so as to extend, and one conductor ELC made of a columnar member is provided so as to overlap the protruding portion 114a in a plane. The conductor ELC is arranged so as to extend along the side surfaces (side surfaces on the left and right sides of the drawing) of the case 110. Further, the conductor ELC is provided on one surface side of the case 110 portion provided with the conductor ELC. As shown in FIG. 9C, for example, the distance L11 between the conductor ELC and the touch panel 114 and the distance L12 between the conductor ELC and the surface of the case 110 on one surface side are set so that a predetermined capacitance is generated. Alternatively, the conductor ELC is set to a predetermined value in the area of the lower surface facing the touch panel 114 and the area of the upper surface facing the surface on one side of the case 110.

Then, in the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP, the region provided with the conductor ELC functions as one switch, and the touch panel 114 detects the contact of the user's finger USf or the like with the region to switch. Is detected as being manipulated. As described above, in this modification, the sensitivity may be set to an appropriate level so that it can detect whether or not the user's finger USf or the like is in contact with the case 110 around the display unit DSP. The capacitance generated in the case 110 portion provided with the ELC may be set to be different from the capacitance generated in the protective plate 116.

As a result, the size, shape, and embedding position of the columnar member of the conductor ELC provided in the case 110 are not strictly set, and a predetermined detection of the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP is performed with a relatively simple configuration. By functioning as one switch having sensitivity, input operations such as menu selection can be performed satisfactorily. In other words, by appropriately setting the shape and the embedding position of the conductor ELC provided in the case 110, the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP can function as a high-sensitivity switch.

Further, in this modification, since only a part of the end portion of the touch panel 114 is extended as the protruding portion 114a, the entire end portion of the touch panel 114 is extended inside the case 110. The area of the touch panel 114 can be reduced, and the mounting area of the touch panel 114 on the device main body 102 can be suppressed. Further, by making the positions of the protruding portions 114a at the left and right ends of the touch panel 114 different from each other, the number of cuts (the number of cutouts) when a plurality of touch panels 114 are cut out from a large substrate at the time of manufacturing an apparatus is increased. The cost can be reduced.

In the modified examples shown in FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (c), only a part of the end portion of the touch panel 114 is extended as the protruding portion 114a inside the case 110 around the display unit DSP. The case of functioning as a switch has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, in this modified example, as shown in FIG. 9D, for example, a plurality of portions of the end portion of the touch panel 114 are extended as projecting portions 114a inside the case 110 around the display unit DSP, and each projecting portion is formed. It may have a structure in which individual conductor ELCs are provided so as to overlap 114a in a plane. Here, as in each of the above-described embodiments, the conductor ELC is the same as the conductor ELC so that the capacitance equivalent to the capacitance in the protective plate 116 is generated in the case 110 portion where the conductor ELC is provided. The distance to the touch panel 114, the distance to the surface of the case 110, the area of the conductor ELC facing the touch panel 114, and the area of the conductor ELC facing the surface of the case 110 are set to predetermined values. ing.

As a result, similarly to each of the above-described embodiments, a capacitance equivalent to that of the protective plate 116 of the display unit DSP can be generated in the case 110 around the display unit DSP, and the display unit DSP can be generated. Even in the surrounding case 110 portion provided with the conductor ELC, input operations such as screen scrolling and menu selection can be performed satisfactorily with the same detection sensitivity as the display unit DSP. Further, also in this modification, since a plurality of portions of the end portion of the touch panel 114 are extended as protruding portions 114a, the entire end portion of the touch panel 114 is extended inside the case 110. Compared with the structure, the mounting area of the touch panel 114 on the device main body 102 can be suppressed. Further, by making the positions of the protruding portions 114a at the left and right ends of the touch panel 114 different from each other, the number of touch panels 114 cut out from the large substrate at the time of manufacturing the device is increased (the number of cutouts), and the manufacturing cost is increased. Can be reduced.

(Modification example 4)
FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a fourth modification of the embodiment of the electronic device to which the input device according to the present invention is applied. 10 (a) is a front view of the electronic device according to the present modification, and FIG. 10 (b) is a detailed perspective view showing the inside of the front main part of the electronic device shown in FIG. 10 (a). 10 (c) is a structural diagram of an XC-XC cross section in the electronic device shown in FIG. 10 (b). In this specification, "X" is used for convenience as a symbol corresponding to the Roman numeral "10" shown in FIG. Here, the description of the structure equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments will be simplified.

In the fourth modification of the electronic device 100 according to the above-described embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, an end portion extends inside the case 110 around the display unit DSP. One conductor (first conductor) ELC is provided so as to overlap the touch panel 114 in a plane. Further, the pair of belt portions (attached members) 104 detachably attached to the device main body 102 are provided with conductors (second conductors) EL11 and EL12, respectively. Here, the conductor ELC provided in the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP overlaps the touch panel 114 in a plane and extends along the side surfaces (side surfaces on the left and right sides of the drawing) of the case 110. It has an EL3 and conductor portions EL4 and EL5 that are bent at both ends of the conductor portion EL3 and extend along the side surfaces (side surfaces on the upper and lower sides of the drawing) on the belt portion 104 attachment side of the case 110, respectively. Further, the conductor ELC is the distance between the conductor portion EL3 and the touch panel 114 and the case 110 so that a predetermined capacitance is generated at least on one surface side of the case 110 portion provided with the conductor portion EL3. The distance to the surface, the area of the conductor portion EL3 facing the touch panel 114, and the area of the conductor portion EL3 facing the surface of the case 110 are set to predetermined values.

Further, the conductors EL11 and EL12 provided in the belt portion 104 extend along the attachment end portion of the belt portion 104 to the case 110, respectively, and are provided in the conductor portions EL4 and EL5 provided in the case 110, respectively. It has a portion facing each other and a portion extending along the extending direction (vertical direction of FIGS. 10A and 10B) of the belt-shaped belt portion 104. Here, as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, a predetermined capacitance Ca is formed (that is, capacitively coupled) between the conductor EL11 and the conductor portion EL4 provided in the case 110. ), They are arranged apart by a predetermined distance. Further, the conductor EL12 is arranged apart by a predetermined distance so that a predetermined capacitance Ca is formed (capacitively coupled) with the conductor portion EL5 provided in the case 110. The conductors EL11 and EL12 can be realized, for example, by embedding a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) in which a metal wiring or the like is formed in a pattern, for example, in the belt portion 104.

Then, in the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP, the region provided with the conductor ELC functions as one switch, and the touch panel 114 detects the contact of the user's finger USf or the like with the region to switch. Is detected as being manipulated. Further, in the belt portion 104, the conductors EL11 and EL12 function as a detection unit of the switch by capacitively coupling with the conductor ELC provided in the case 110, and the conductors EL11 and EL12 are provided in the touch panel 114. By detecting the contact of the conductive member or the like with the area, it is detected as if the switch has been operated. As described above, in this modification, whether or not the user's finger USf or the like is in contact with the case 110 around the display unit DSP, and whether or not the conductive member or the like is in contact with the belt portion 104. Since the sensitivity may be set to an appropriate level so that it can be detected, the capacitance generated in the case 110 portion and the belt portion 104 may be set to be different from the capacitance generated in the protective plate 116.

As a result, with a relatively simple configuration, the case 110 portion and the belt portion 104 around the display unit DSP can function as switches having a predetermined detection sensitivity, and input operations such as menu selection can be performed satisfactorily. .. Specifically, for example, when the electronic device 100 is placed on a steel desk or the like, a state in which the conductive member is in contact with the belt portion 104 is detected by the touch panel 114, and the state continues for a predetermined time or longer. , It is possible to control to change the operation screen or the like displayed on the display panel 112 of the display unit DSP (for example, display OFF, transition to sleep state, etc.).

(Modification 5)
FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a fourth modification of the embodiment of the electronic device to which the input device according to the present invention is applied. FIG. 11A is a front view of the electronic device according to the present modification, and FIG. 11B is a structural view of a cross section of the XIB-XIB in the electronic device shown in FIG. 11A. In this specification, "XI" is used for convenience as a symbol corresponding to the Roman numeral "11" shown in FIG. Here, the description of the structure equivalent to each of the above-described embodiments will be simplified.

In the fifth modification of the electronic device 100 according to the above-described embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, an end portion extends inside the case 110 around the display unit DSP. One or more conductor ELCs and a piezo element (oscillator) 130 are provided so as to overlap the touch panel 114 in a plane. Here, the piezo element 130 is provided on one side of the conductor ELC.

Then, in the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP, the region provided with the conductor ELC functions as one or a plurality of switches, and the touch panel 114 detects the contact of the user's finger USf or the like with the region. , The switch is detected as being operated, and a predetermined vibration is generated in the piezo element 130.

As a result, it is possible to notify and recognize whether or not the user's finger USf or the like is in contact with the case 110 portion provided with the conductor ELC by the vibration generated from the piezo element 130. Input operations such as scrolling and menu selection can be performed reliably and satisfactorily. It should be noted that this modification can be satisfactorily applied not only to the electronic device 100 according to each of the above-described embodiments, but also to the electronic device 100 according to each of the above-mentioned modifications.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the case 110 around the display unit DSP has a structure protruding with respect to the surface of the protective plate 116 has been shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. .. That is, even when the dielectric constant of the case 110 around the display unit DSP has a structure significantly different from the dielectric constant of the protective plate 116 of the display unit DSP, the conductor ELC is provided as described above. A substantially uniform detection sensitivity may be realized by generating an equivalent capacitance in the display unit DSP and the case 110 portion around the display unit DSP. In this case, the surface of the case 110 around the display unit DSP has a structure formed at a uniform height (that is, flush with each other) with the surface of the protective plate 116 of the display unit DSP, for example. May be good. According to this, when performing an input operation between the display unit and the case portion around it, it is difficult to feel a step between each other even if the finger is touched and moved, so that the continuous and good input operation is performed. Can be done.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the touch panel 114 has a portion provided with the protective plate 116 and an end portion extending to the case 110 portion is a single panel. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the portion provided with the protective plate 116 and the portion provided with the case 110 portion may be separate touch panels.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, an electronic device having a wristwatch-shaped shape has been described in detail as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, like smartphones, tablet terminals, digital cameras, various wearable devices, etc., a touch panel is provided on the visual field side of the display unit, and the case around the display unit protrudes or is thicker than the display unit, or , The dielectric constant of the case can be satisfactorily applied to a small electronic device having a structure different from the dielectric constant of the protective plate.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.
The inventions described in the claims of the original application of the present application are described below.

(Additional note)
[1]
Capacitive touch panel with detection surface and
With a case accommodating the touch panel,
The case has at least a specific portion provided above a portion of the detection surface of the touch panel.
The specific portion is formed of a dielectric material and
An input device characterized in that one or a plurality of first conductors are provided in a member forming the case of the specific portion.

[2]
A part of the outer surface of the region on the detection surface in the specific portion of the case is used as the first operation surface for the touch panel.
The first conductor is characterized by having a first surface facing the detection surface of the touch panel and a second surface facing the first operation surface of the case. The input device according to [1].

[3]
The input device according to [2], wherein the first conductor has a shape corresponding to the shape of the first operation surface of the case.

[4]
It has a protective plate provided in contact with a region of the detection surface of the touch panel where the specific portion of the case is not provided.
The outer surface of the protective plate is a second operation surface for the touch panel.
The first capacitance generated between the second operation surface and the detection surface of the touch panel when a user's finger comes into contact with the second operation surface of the protection plate, and the first operation. The first capacitance is equal to or equal to the second capacitance generated between the first operation surface and the detection surface of the touch panel when the user's finger touches the surface. The input device according to [2] or [3], wherein the size of the conductor and the arrangement in the member constituting the case are set.

[5]
The first conductor has an area of the first surface and an area of the second surface so that the first capacitance and the second capacitance are the same or the same. A first distance between the first surface and the detection surface of the touch panel and a second distance between the second surface and the first operation surface of the case are set. The input device according to [4].

[6]
The input device according to [1], further comprising a second conductor that is capacitively coupled to the first conductor.

[7]
The input device described in [1] to [5] and
A display panel housed in the case and
The touch panel is an electronic device provided on a surface of the display panel on the visual field side.

[8]
It has an accessory member that is detachably provided on the case and is used to attach the electronic device to the user.
The electronic device according to [7], wherein the electronic device is provided on the attached member and has a second conductor that is capacitively coupled to the first conductor.

100 Electronic equipment 102 Equipment body 104 Belt part 110 Case 112 Display panel 114 Touch panel 114a Protruding part 116 Protective plate 120 Back cover DSP display part ELC Conductor USf Finger

Claims (2)

Capacitive touch panel and
Exterior members and
With
The exterior member has a specific portion formed of a dielectric material and has a specific portion.
The specific portion is provided with one or more first conductors without being exposed to the outer surface of the exterior member.
The one or a plurality of first conductors are provided so as to partially overlap the touch panel in a plan view from the upper surface side of the touch panel.
The touch panel is an input device characterized by detecting an electric capacity generated between the touch panel and the first conductor. The input device according to claim 1 and
With a display panel,
The touch panel is an electronic device provided on a surface of the display panel on the visual field side.

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