JP7401092B2 - Switch with haptic feedback function - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to switches such as capacitive touch switches and membrane switches with tactile feedback functionality.

There are switches that use haptics technology to provide tactile feedback in order to give the operator a so-called click feeling when the operator presses a button or key on the panel (for example, Patent Document 1) reference).

The touch switch described in Patent Document 1 includes a diaphragm and a piezoelectric film that vibrates the diaphragm. When a driving voltage is applied to the piezoelectric film, the piezoelectric film expands and contracts in the direction of the surface (the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction with respect to the surface). Electrodes are provided on each of both sides of the piezoelectric film. The piezoelectric film is made of, for example, L-type polylactic acid (PLLA) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which are chiral polymers.

Patent No. 6288387

“PVDF ferroelectric materials compatible with printed electronics”, [online], [searched on December 2, 2021], Internet <URL: https://www.technoalpha.co.jp/products/printed/ piezotech.html＞

In the touch switch described in Patent Document 1, two spacers are installed between the diaphragm and the piezoelectric film. Each spacer has multiple protrusions. Good functionality can be achieved by adjusting the height of each protrusion.

However, the internal structure of the touch switch is complicated because it is necessary to prepare a spacer having protrusions and also to adjust the height of the plurality of protrusions. Moreover, the number of man-hours required to obtain a touch switch is not small.

Note that Non-Patent Document 1 introduces a switch having a tactile feedback function in which a layer is formed by printing.

An object of the present invention is to obtain a switch having a tactile feedback function that can be provided at low cost while suppressing an increase in the number of manufacturing steps.

In the switch having a tactile feedback function according to the present invention, the film base material includes a plurality of parts, a piezoelectric member that expands and contracts when a voltage is applied to the surface of one of the plurality of parts, and a voltage applied to the piezoelectric member. One electrode for applying voltage to the piezoelectric member is printed and formed on the surface of another of the plurality of parts, and the other electrode for applying voltage to the piezoelectric member is printed and formed on the back surface of one part or the other part of the plurality of parts. Electrodes for contact detection are printed on the surface of other parts of the parts, each part is folded and laminated, and the electrodes for contact detection and the piezoelectric member are formed on a film base. These are switches facing each other with a material in between.

In a switch having a tactile feedback function according to still another aspect of the present invention, the film base material includes a plurality of parts, and one electrode for press detection is printed and formed on the surface of one of the plurality of parts. , when the other electrode for press detection is printed and formed on the surface of another part of the plurality of parts, and a voltage is applied to the back surface of the other part or the surface of still another part of the film base material. A piezoelectric member that expands and contracts and one electrode for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric member are printed and formed, and another electrode for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric member is printed and formed on another part of the plurality of parts. , has a structure in which each part is folded and laminated.

In another aspect of the switch having a tactile feedback function according to the present invention, the film base material includes a plurality of parts, and one electrode for press detection is printed and formed on the surface of one part of the plurality of parts, The other electrode for press detection is printed and formed on the surface of another part of the plurality of parts, and a voltage is applied to the back surface of the other part or the surface of still another part of the plurality of parts. It has a structure in which a piezoelectric member that expands and contracts and electrodes for applying voltage to the piezoelectric member are printed and each part is folded and laminated.

According to the present invention, a switch having a tactile feedback function can be provided at low cost while suppressing an increase in the number of manufacturing steps.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view and a sectional view showing the basic configuration of a portion that exhibits a vibration function in a switch having a haptic feedback function. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view and a sectional view showing the basic configuration of a portion that exhibits a vibration function in a switch having a haptic feedback function. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view and a plan view showing a switch according to a first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view and a plan view showing a switch according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a switch according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a switch according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view and a plan view showing a switch according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a switch according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a switch according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view and a plan view showing a switch according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a switch according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a switch according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a switch according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a switch according to an eighth embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of a switch with a tactile feedback function will be explained.

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view (Fig. 1 (a)) and a cross-sectional view (Fig. (b)).

The configuration shown in FIG. 1 includes a PVDF membrane 14 as a piezoelectric element for exerting a vibration function. When an alternating current voltage is applied through the electrodes, the PVDF membrane 14 expands and contracts. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is mainly used in combination with a capacitive switch that detects contact with a finger, etc., but it may also be used in combination with a press detection switch (for example, a membrane switch) that detects a press by a finger, etc. . However, in the following description, the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is positioned as a configuration used in combination with a capacitive switch (a contact type configuration).

In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, layers of various functional elements are printed (for example, ink is screen printed) on a film (sheet) 10 as a base material. As the film 10, polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), etc. can be used.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the layers that are functional elements include a silver wiring 11, a transparent conductive film 12, a PVDF film 14, a silver wiring 15, a transparent conductive film 16, and a resist 17. The PVDF film 14 is printed using a PVDF-based material (for example, a polymer such as PVDF-TrFE or PVDF-TrFE-CTFE).

A silver wiring 11 is formed on the film 10 by printing, and a transparent conductive film 12 is further formed by printing. A PVDF film 14 is formed on the transparent conductive film 12 by printing. A silver wiring 15 is formed by printing on the PVDF film 14, and a transparent conductive film 16 is further formed by printing. Then, the resist 17 is formed by printing.

As a material for the transparent conductive film 16, for example, PEDOT-PSS (PEDOT (polyethylene dioxythiophene) containing PSS (polyethylene sulfonic acid) as an additive) or ITO (indium tin oxide) can be used. If transparency is not required, silver or copper may be used. The transparent conductive film 12 is also formed using PEDOT-PSS or the like.

When an AC voltage is applied, the PVDF membrane 14 expands and contracts, resulting in the front panel 50 vibrating. Specifically, when a control circuit (not shown) detects contact with a finger or the like, the control circuit applies an AC voltage to the PVDF film 14 via the silver wirings 11 and 15 and the transparent conductive films 12 and 16. control so that

By incorporating the capacitive switch function into the structure formed as described above and pasting the front panel 50 together, a product using a switch having a tactile feedback function is completed. Note that at least the central portion of the front panel 50 has flexibility.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view (FIG. 2(a)) and a cross-sectional view (FIG. 2(b)) showing the basic configuration of a portion exhibiting a vibration function in another switch having a haptic feedback function.

The configuration shown in FIG. 2 includes a PVDF membrane 14 as a piezoelectric element for exerting a vibration function. When an alternating current voltage is applied through the electrodes, the PVDF membrane 14 expands and contracts. The configuration shown in FIG. 2 is mainly used in combination with a press detection switch (for example, a membrane switch) that detects a press by a finger or the like, but it may also be used in combination with a capacitance switch that detects a touch by a finger or the like. . However, in the following description, the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is positioned as a configuration for use with a press detection switch (a press type configuration).

In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, layers of various functional elements are printed on the film 10 as a base material. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the layers that are functional elements include a silver wiring 11, a transparent conductive film 12, a double-sided tape 13 as a spacer, a PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) film 14, a silver wiring 15, a film (sheet) 20, and A transparent conductive film 16 is included.

A silver wiring 11 is formed on the film 10 by printing, and a transparent conductive film 12 is further formed by printing. Further, the silver wiring 11 is formed on the film 20 by printing, and furthermore, the transparent conductive film 16 is formed by printing. A PVDF film 14 is formed on the transparent conductive film 16 (lower side in FIG. 2) by printing. Then, the film 10 and the film 20 are bonded together using double-sided tape 13.

A product using a switch having a tactile feedback function is completed by incorporating the function of a press detection switch into the structure formed as described above and pasting the front panel 50 together. Note that at least the central portion of the front panel 50 has flexibility.

As shown in the lower part of FIG. 2(b), the surface panel 50 may be embossed. That is, a membrane switch having a dome portion may be formed. In addition, in the lower part of FIG. 2(b), descriptions other than the front panel 50 and the film 20 are omitted.

When a control circuit (not shown) detects that the front panel 50 has been pressed down with a finger or the like, the control circuit applies an AC voltage to the PVDF film 14 via the silver wirings 11 and 15 and the transparent conductive films 12 and 16. is applied. When detected by a control circuit (not shown), the control circuit controls the AC voltage to be applied to the PVDF film 14 via the silver wirings 11 and 15 and the transparent conductive films 12 and 16.

When an AC voltage is applied, the PVDF membrane 14 expands and contracts, resulting in the front panel 50 vibrating. Note that when the PVDF film 14 vibrates, the PVDF film 14 is in contact with the transparent conductive film 12 by pressing with a finger or the like.

A specific configuration of the switch having a tactile feedback function will be described below.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view (FIG. 3(a)) and a plan view (FIGS. 3(b) and (c)) showing the switch of the first embodiment. The switch of the first embodiment corresponds to the contact type configuration shown in FIG.

Note that the film 181 shown in the plan view is the same as the film shown in the cross-sectional view, but some parts of the structure are simplified in the plan view. Further, the plan view also serves as an explanatory diagram for explaining the manufacturing process. These matters apply to other embodiments as well.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), a conductive layer 122, a piezoelectric layer 140, and a conductive layer 121 are sequentially laminated on a film 181(A). For example, they are formed by printing. The conductive layer 122 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 16 in FIG. The conductive layer 121 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 12. The piezoelectric layer 140 corresponds to the PVDF film 14. Furthermore, a resist 171 is printed to cover each layer. Each layer formed on the film 181(A) is for exhibiting a vibration function.

Further, a conductive layer 200 is printed on the film 181(B). As the material of the conductive layer 200, for example, PEDOT-PSS (PEDOT (polyethylene dioxythiophene) with PSS (polyethylene sulfonic acid) as an additive) or ITO (indium tin oxide) can be used. When transparency is not required. Silver or copper may be used for the touch switch (capacitance switch).Furthermore, a resist 172 is printed to cover the conductive layer 200. Each layer formed on the film 181 (B) It is meant to perform its functions.

In reality, each of the film 181(A) and the film 181(B) is a part of one film 181, as shown in FIG. 3(b). This also applies to the following embodiments.

After each layer is formed on the film 181 (A) by printing as described above, and each layer is formed on the film 181 (B) by printing as described above, the film 181 (A) and the film 181 (B) are formed. An adhesive layer 190 is printed on one of the non-printing surfaces (back surfaces). In the example shown in FIG. 3, an adhesive layer 190 is printed on the back surface of the film 181(B) (see cross hatching on the right side in FIG. 3(b)). Note that the adhesive layer 190 is made of adhesive, but double-sided tape may also be used.

After that, the film 181 is folded so that the non-printing surfaces face each other, and the film 181(A) and the film 181(B) are bonded together. The plane of the film 181 after being folded is schematically shown in FIG. 3(c).

When a touch such as a finger is detected by a control circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the conductive layer 200, the control circuit applies an alternating current voltage to the piezoelectric layer 140 via the conductive layers 121 and 122. control so that

Note that in the switch of this embodiment, an electrode for contact detection (conductive layer 200) is printed on the surface of the film base material (film 181 (B)), and other parts of the film base material (film 181 (A) )) A piezoelectric member (piezoelectric layer 140) that expands and contracts when a voltage is applied and electrodes (conductive layers 121, 122) for applying voltage to the piezoelectric member are printed on the surface of the contact detection electrode. This is a switch having a tactile feedback function in which a piezoelectric member and a piezoelectric member face each other with a film base material (film 181) interposed therebetween.

In this embodiment, a switch having a tactile feedback function that combines the function of a touch switch and a vibration function is realized by printing a layer as a functional element on one surface (surface) of a single film 181. Therefore, it can be provided at low cost while suppressing an increase in the number of man-hours for manufacturing.

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (FIG. 4(a)) and a plan view (FIG. 4(b)) showing a switch according to the second embodiment. The switch of the second embodiment corresponds to the contact type configuration shown in FIG. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, printing is performed on both sides of the film 181 having the shape shown in FIG. 4(b).

For example, the conductive layer 200 is printed on the surface of the film 181(A) (equivalent to the film 181 in the second embodiment). Furthermore, a resist 172 is printed to cover the conductive layer 200. Each layer formed on the surface of the film 181(A) is for exhibiting the function of a touch switch.

Furthermore, a conductive layer 122, a piezoelectric layer 140, and a conductive layer 121 are sequentially laminated on the back surface of the film 181(A). For example, they are formed by printing. The conductive layer 122 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 16 in FIG. The conductive layer 121 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 12. The piezoelectric layer 140 corresponds to the PVDF film 14. Furthermore, a resist 171 is printed to cover each layer. Each layer formed on the back surface of the film 181(A) is for exhibiting a vibration function.

When a touch such as a finger is detected by a control circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the conductive layer 200, the control circuit applies an alternating current voltage to the piezoelectric layer 140 via the conductive layers 121 and 122. control so that

Note that in the switch of this embodiment, an electrode for contact detection (conductive layer 200) is printed on the surface of a film base material (film 181 (A)), and a voltage is applied to the back surface of the film base material. A piezoelectric member (piezoelectric layer 140) that expands and contracts and electrodes (conductive layers 121, 122) for applying voltage to the piezoelectric member are printed and formed, and the electrodes for contact detection and the piezoelectric member are attached to a film base material (film 181). ) is a switch with tactile feedback function.

In this embodiment, a switch having a tactile feedback function and a reduced thickness can be obtained as compared to the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a switch according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a switch according to the third embodiment. The switch of the third embodiment corresponds to the push-down configuration shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, a silver layer (silver electrode) 312 and a silver layer (silver electrode) 311 are formed on the surfaces of the films 181 (B) and 181 (C) by printing, and further, to prevent oxidation of the electrodes. A carbon layer 313 and a carbon layer 314 are formed by printing. Each layer formed on the surface of the films 181(B) and 181(C) functions as a press detection switch. That is, each layer formed on the surface of the films 181(B) and 181(C) functions as a membrane switch.

Further, a conductive layer 321, a piezoelectric layer 340, and a conductive layer 361 are sequentially laminated on the film 181(A). For example, they are formed by printing. The conductive layer 361 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 12 in FIG. The conductive layer 321 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 16. The piezoelectric layer 340 corresponds to the PVDF film 14. Furthermore, a resist 371 is printed to cover each layer. Each layer formed on the film 181(A) is for exhibiting a vibration function.

Actually, not only film 181(A) and film 181(B) but also film 181(C) are part of one film 181, as shown in FIG. 6(a). This also applies to the following embodiments.

Then, each layer is formed on the film 181 (B) and the film 181 (C) by printing as described above, and after each layer is formed on the film 181 (A) by printing as described above, the film 181 (B) and the film 181 (B) are formed. For example, a double-sided tape 331 as a spacer is attached to either printing surface of the film 181(C). In the example shown in FIG. 6, a double-sided tape 331 is attached to the surface of the film 181(B) (see hatching on the left side in FIG. 6(a)). As the double-sided tape 331, a double-sided tape with a height such that the carbon layers 313 and 314 are separated (a space is formed between them) when not pressed by a finger or the like is used. Note that an adhesive layer may be used instead of the double-sided tape 331.

Further, an adhesive layer 390 is printed on the non-printing surface of the film 181(C). Note that although the adhesive layer 390 is made of adhesive, double-sided tape may also be used.

After that, the film 181(B) and the film 181(C) are folded so that the printed surfaces thereof face each other, and they are bonded together. The plane of the film 181 after being folded is schematically shown in FIG. 6(b). Furthermore, the back side of the film 181(C) and the front side of the film 181(A) are bent so as to face each other, and they are bonded together. The plane of the film 181 after being folded is schematically shown in FIG. 6(c).

When a press by a finger or the like is detected by a control circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the silver electrodes 311 and 312, the control circuit applies an AC voltage to the piezoelectric layer 340 via the conductive layers 321 and 361. is applied.

Note that in the switch of this embodiment, the film base material (film 181) includes a plurality of parts (film 181(A), film 181(B), and film 181(C)), and one of the plurality of parts One electrode (silver electrode 312) for press detection is printed on the surface of the part (film 181 (B)), and the other part (film 181 (C)) of the plurality of parts is printed. The other electrode (silver electrode 311) for press detection is formed by printing, and a piezoelectric member (piezoelectric The switch has a tactile feedback function and has a layer 340) and electrodes (conductive layers 321, 361) for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric member, and each part is folded and laminated.

In this embodiment, a switch having a tactile feedback function that has both a press detection function and a vibration function is formed by printing a layer that is a functional element on one surface (surface) of a single film 181. Therefore, it can be provided at a low cost while suppressing an increase in the number of manufacturing steps.

Embodiment 4.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view (FIG. 7(a)) and a plan view (FIGS. 7(b) and (c)) showing a switch according to the fourth embodiment. The switch of the fourth embodiment corresponds to the push-down configuration shown in FIG. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, printing is performed on both sides of the film 181 having the shape shown in FIG. 7(b).

As shown in FIG. 7(a), a silver layer (silver electrode) 311 and a silver layer (silver electrode) 312 are formed on the surfaces of the films 181(A) and 181(B) by printing, and the electrodes are further oxidized. A carbon layer 314 and a carbon layer 313 for prevention are formed by printing. Each layer formed on the surface of the films 181(A) and 181(B) is for exhibiting the function of a press detection switch.

Further, a conductive layer 361, a piezoelectric layer 340, and a conductive layer 321 are sequentially laminated on the back surface of the film 181(A). For example, they are formed by printing. The conductive layer 361 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 12 in FIG. The conductive layer 321 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 16. The piezoelectric layer 340 corresponds to the PVDF film 14. Furthermore, a resist 371 is printed to cover each layer. Each layer formed on the back surface of the film 181(A) is for exhibiting a vibration function.

Then, each layer is formed by printing on the front surface of the films 181(A) and 181(B) as described above, and each layer is formed by printing on the back surface of the film 181(A) as described above. For example, double-sided tape 331 as a spacer is attached to the surface of either A) or film 181(B). In the example shown in FIG. 7, a double-sided tape 331 is attached to the surface of the film 181(A) (see hatching on the left side in FIG. 7(b)). Note that an adhesive layer may be used instead of the double-sided tape 331. Further, the black portions in FIGS. 7(b) and 7(c) mean that the carbon layer 313 is formed in a comb-teeth shape. However, the carbon layer 313 does not have to be formed in a comb-teeth shape. For example, it may be formed as shown in FIG.

After that, the film 181(A) and the film 181(B) are folded so that the printed surfaces thereof face each other. The plane of the film 181 after being folded is schematically shown in FIG. 7(c).

When a press by a finger or the like is detected by a control circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the silver electrodes 311 and 312, the control circuit applies an AC voltage to the piezoelectric layer 340 via the conductive layers 321 and 361. is applied.

Note that in the switch of this embodiment, the film base material (film 181) includes a plurality of parts (film 181(A) and film 181(B)), and one part of the plurality of parts (film 181( One electrode (silver electrode 312) for press detection is printed on the surface of B)), and the other electrode for press detection is formed on the surface of another part (film 181(A)) of the plurality of parts. An electrode (silver electrode 311) is printed and formed on the back side of another part (film 181 (A)), and a piezoelectric member (piezoelectric layer 340) that expands and contracts when a voltage is applied, and a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric member. This is a switch with a tactile feedback function, in which the electrodes (conductive layers 321, 361) are printed and each part is folded and laminated.

In this embodiment, a switch having a tactile feedback function and a reduced thickness can be obtained as compared to the third embodiment.

Embodiment 5.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a switch according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a switch according to the fifth embodiment. The switch of the fifth embodiment corresponds to the contact type configuration shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, a conductive layer 122 and a piezoelectric layer 140 are sequentially laminated on a film 181(A). For example, they are formed by printing. The conductive layer 122 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 16 in FIG. The piezoelectric layer 140 corresponds to the PVDF film 14.

Further, the conductive layer 121 is formed on the film 181 (B) by printing. The conductive layer 121 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 12 in FIG. Each layer formed on the films 181(A) and 181(B) is for exhibiting a vibration function.

Further, a conductive layer 200 is printed on the film 181(C). Furthermore, a resist 171 is printed to cover the conductive layer 200. Each layer formed on the film 181(C) is for exhibiting the function of a touch switch.

Then, after each layer is formed on the films 181 (A) and (B) by printing as described above, and each layer is formed on the film 181 (C) by printing as described above, the film 181 (A) and the film 181 For example, a double-sided tape 131 as a spacer is attached to either printing surface of (B). In the example shown in FIG. 9, the double-sided tape 131 is attached to the surface of the film 181(B) (see hatching at the center on the left side in FIG. 9(a)). As the double-sided tape 131, a double-sided tape with a height such that the conductive layer 121 and the piezoelectric layer 140 are separated (a space is formed between them) when not pressed by a finger or the like is used. Note that an adhesive layer may be used instead of the double-sided tape 131.

Further, an adhesive layer 190 is printed on the non-printing surface of the film 181(A). Note that the adhesive layer 190 is made of adhesive, but double-sided tape may also be used.

After that, the film 181(A) and the film 181(B) are folded so that the printed surfaces thereof face each other, and they are bonded together. The plane of the film 181 after being folded is schematically shown in FIG. 9(b). Furthermore, the printed surface (front surface) of the film 181(C) and the back surface of the film 181(A) are bent so as to face each other, and they are bonded together. The plane of the film 181 after being folded is schematically shown in FIG. 9(c).

When a touch such as a finger is detected by a control circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the conductive layer 200, the control circuit applies an alternating current voltage to the piezoelectric layer 140 via the conductive layers 121 and 122. control so that

Note that in the switch of this embodiment, the film base material (film 181) includes a plurality of parts (film 181(A), film 181(B), and film 181(C)), and one of the plurality of parts A piezoelectric member (piezoelectric layer 140) that expands and contracts when a voltage is applied and one electrode (conductive layer 122) for applying voltage to the piezoelectric member are printed on the surface of the portion (film 181(A)). The other electrode (conductive layer 121) for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric member is printed on the surface of another part (film 181(B)) of the plurality of parts, and Furthermore, an electrode for contact detection (conductive layer 200) is printed on the surface of another part (film 181 (C)), and each part has a structure in which the parts are folded and laminated, and the electrode for contact detection This is a switch having a tactile feedback function in which a piezoelectric member and a piezoelectric member face each other with a film base material (film 181) interposed therebetween.

In this embodiment, a switch having a tactile feedback function that combines the function of a touch switch and a vibration function is realized by printing a layer as a functional element on one surface (surface) of a single film 181. Therefore, it can be provided at low cost while suppressing an increase in the number of man-hours for manufacturing.

Embodiment 6.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view (FIG. 10(a)) and a plan view (FIGS. 10(b) and (c)) showing a switch according to the sixth embodiment. The switch of the sixth embodiment corresponds to the contact type configuration shown in FIG. Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, printing is performed on both sides of the film 181 having the shape shown in FIG. 10(b).

As shown in FIG. 10, a conductive layer 122 and a piezoelectric layer 140 are sequentially laminated on a film 181(B). For example, they are formed by printing. The conductive layer 122 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 16 in FIG. The piezoelectric layer 140 corresponds to the PVDF film 14.

Furthermore, the conductive layer 121 is formed on the film 181(A) by printing. The conductive layer 121 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 12 in FIG. Each layer formed on the films 181(A) and 181(B) is for exhibiting a vibration function.

Furthermore, a conductive layer 200 is printed on the back surface of the film 181(B). Furthermore, a resist 171 is printed to cover the conductive layer 200. Each layer formed on the back surface of the film 181(B) is for exhibiting the function of a touch switch.

After each layer is formed on the films 181 (A) and (B) by printing as described above, a double-sided tape, for example, as a spacer is applied to the printed surface of either the film 181 (A) or the film 181 (B). 131 is pasted. In the example shown in FIG. 10, double-sided tape 131 is attached to the surface of film 181(B) (see hatching on the left side in FIG. 10(b)). As the double-sided tape 131, a double-sided tape with a height such that the conductive layer 121 and the piezoelectric layer 140 are separated (a space is formed between them) when not pressed by a finger or the like is used. Note that an adhesive layer may be used instead of the double-sided tape 131.

After that, the film 181(A) and the film 181(B) are folded so that the printed surfaces thereof face each other, and they are bonded together. The plane of the film 181 after being folded is schematically shown in FIG. 10(c).

When a touch such as a finger is detected by a control circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the conductive layer 200, the control circuit applies an alternating current voltage to the piezoelectric layer 140 via the conductive layers 121 and 122. control so that

Note that in the switch of this embodiment, the film base material (film 181) includes a plurality of parts (film 181 (A) and film 181 (B )) , and one part (film 181 ( B) A piezoelectric member (piezoelectric layer 140) that expands and contracts when a voltage is applied and one electrode (conductive layer 122) for applying voltage to the piezoelectric member are printed on the surface of The other electrode (conductive layer 121) for applying voltage to the piezoelectric member is printed on the surface of the other part (film 181 (A) ), and the back surface of one part (film 181 (B) ) An electrode for contact detection (conductive layer 200) is printed and formed, and each part has a stacked structure in which the electrode for contact detection and the piezoelectric member are formed on a film base material (film 181 ) . This is a switch with tactile feedback function that is facing through the switch.

In this embodiment, a switch having a tactile feedback function and a reduced thickness can be obtained as compared to the fifth embodiment.

Embodiment 7.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a switch according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a switch according to the seventh embodiment. The switch of the seventh embodiment corresponds to the push-down configuration shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, a silver layer (silver electrode) 312 and a silver layer (silver electrode) 311 are formed on the surfaces of the films 181(C) and 181(A) by printing, and are further provided to prevent oxidation of the electrodes. A carbon layer 313 and a carbon layer 314 are formed by printing. Each layer formed on the surface of the films 181(A) and 181(C) is for exhibiting the function of a press detection switch. That is, each layer formed on the surface of the films 181(A) and 181(C) functions as a membrane switch.

Furthermore, a conductive layer 361 and a piezoelectric layer 340 are sequentially laminated on the film 181 (D). For example, they are formed by printing. The conductive layer 361 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 12 in FIG. The piezoelectric layer 340 corresponds to the PVDF film 14. Further, a conductive layer 321 is formed on the film 181(B) by printing. The conductive layer 321 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 16 in FIG. Each layer formed on the films 181(B) and 181(D) is for exhibiting a vibration function.

In reality, not only film 181(A), film 181(B) and film 181(C) but also film 181(D) are part of one film 181, as shown in FIG. 12(a). It is. Film 181 (D) corresponds to the fourth portion of film 181.

After each layer is formed on the film 181 (A), the film 181 (B), the film 181 (C), and the film 181 (D) by printing as described above, the film 181 (A) and the film 181 (B) are formed. For example, a double-sided tape 332 as a spacer is attached to one of the printed surfaces. In the example shown in FIG. 12, a double-sided tape 332 is attached to the surface of the film 181(B) (see hatching on the left side in FIG. 12(a)). As the double-sided tape 332, a double-sided tape with a height such that the piezoelectric layer 340 and the conductive layer 321 are separated (a space is formed between them) when not pressed by a finger or the like is used. Note that an adhesive layer may be used instead of the double-sided tape 332.

Furthermore, a double-sided tape 331, for example, as a spacer is attached to the printed surface of either the film 181(C) or the film 181(D). In the example shown in FIG. 12, a double-sided tape 331 is attached to the surface of the film 181(C) (see hatching on the right side in FIG. 12(a)). As the double-sided tape 331, a double-sided tape with a height such that the carbon layers 313 and 314 are separated (a space is formed between them) when not pressed by a finger or the like is used.

Further, an adhesive layer 390 is printed on the non-printing surface of the film 181(A) or the film 181(D). In the example shown in FIG. 12, an adhesive layer 390 is printed on the non-printing surface of the film 181(A) (see cross hatching in FIG. 12(a)). Note that although the adhesive layer 390 is made of adhesive, double-sided tape may also be used.

After that, the film 181(A) and the film 181(B) are folded so that the printed surfaces thereof face each other, and they are bonded together. Further, the film 181(C) and the film 181(D) are bent so that the printed surfaces thereof face each other, and then they are adhered. The plane of the film 181 after being folded is schematically shown in FIG. 12(b). Further, the back surface of the film 181(A) and the back surface of the film 181(D) are bent so as to face each other, and then bonded. The plane of the film 181 after being folded is schematically shown in FIG. 12(c).

When a press by a finger or the like is detected by a control circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the silver electrodes 311 and 312, the control circuit applies an AC voltage to the piezoelectric layer 340 via the conductive layers 321 and 361. is applied.

Note that in the switch of this embodiment, the film base material (film 181) includes a plurality of parts (film 181(A), film 181(B), film 181(C), and film 181(D)), and One electrode (silver electrode 312) for press detection is printed on the surface of one of the parts (film 181(C)), and the other part of the plurality of parts (film 181(A) )) The other electrode (silver electrode 311) for press detection is printed and formed on the surface of the film base material, and expands and contracts when a voltage is applied to the surface of the other part of the film base material (film 181 (D)). A piezoelectric member (piezoelectric layer 340) and one electrode (conductive layer 361) for applying voltage to the piezoelectric member are printed and formed, and another part (film 181 (B)) of the plurality of parts is formed with piezoelectric material. The other electrode (conductive layer 321) for applying a voltage to the member is printed and formed, and each part is folded and laminated to provide a switch having a tactile feedback function.

In this embodiment, a switch having a tactile feedback function that has both a press detection function and a vibration function is formed by printing a layer that is a functional element on one surface (surface) of a single film 181. Therefore, it can be provided at a low cost while suppressing an increase in the number of manufacturing steps.

Embodiment 8.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a switch according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a switch according to the eighth embodiment. The switch of the eighth embodiment corresponds to the push-down configuration shown in FIG. Furthermore, in the eighth embodiment, printing is performed on both sides of a film 181 having the shape shown in FIG. 14(a).

As shown in FIG. 13, a silver layer (silver electrode) 311 and a silver layer (silver electrode) 312 are formed on the surfaces of the films 181(A) and 181(C) by printing, and are further provided to prevent oxidation of the electrodes. The carbon layer 314 and the carbon layer 313 are formed by printing. Each layer formed on the surface of the films 181(A) and 181(C) is for exhibiting the function of a press detection switch.

Furthermore, a conductive layer 361 and a piezoelectric layer 340 are sequentially laminated on the back surface of the film 181(A). For example, they are formed by printing. The conductive layer 361 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 12 in FIG. The piezoelectric layer 340 corresponds to the PVDF film 14. Furthermore, a conductive layer 321 is formed by printing on the surface of the film 181(B). The conductive layer 321 corresponds to the transparent conductive film 16 in FIG. Each layer formed on the back surface of the film 181(A) and the surface of the film 181(B) is for exhibiting a vibration function.

After each layer is formed on film 181(A), film 181(B), and film 181(C) by printing as described above, one of film 181(A) and film 181(B) is formed. For example, double-sided tape 332 is attached as a spacer to the printing surface. In the example shown in FIG. 14, a double-sided tape 332 is attached to the surface of the film 181(B) (see hatching at the center on the left side in FIG. 14(a)). As the double-sided tape 332, a double-sided tape with a height such that the piezoelectric layer 340 and the conductive layer 321 are separated (a space is formed between them) when not pressed by a finger or the like is used. Note that an adhesive layer may be used instead of the double-sided tape 332.

Furthermore, a double-sided tape 331, for example, as a spacer is attached to the printed surface of the film 181(C). As the double-sided tape 331, a double-sided tape with a height such that the silver electrode 312 and the carbon layer 314 are separated (a space is formed between them) when not pressed by a finger or the like is used. Note that an adhesive layer may be used instead of the double-sided tape 331. Furthermore, the black portions in FIGS. 14(a) to 14(c) mean that the carbon layer 313 is formed in a comb-like shape. However, the carbon layer 313 does not have to be formed in a comb-teeth shape. For example, it may be formed as shown in FIG.

After that, the film 181(A) and the film 181(B) are folded so that the printed surfaces thereof face each other, and they are bonded together. The plane of the film 181 after being folded is schematically shown in FIG. 12(b). Furthermore, the back side of the film 181(A) and the front side of the film 181(C) are bent so as to face each other, and they are bonded together. The plane of the film 181 after being folded is schematically shown in FIG. 14(c).

When a press by a finger or the like is detected by a control circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the silver electrodes 311 and 312, the control circuit applies an AC voltage to the piezoelectric layer 340 via the conductive layers 321 and 361. is applied.

Note that in the switch of this embodiment, the film base material (film 181) includes a plurality of parts (film 181(A), film 181(B), and film 181(C)), and one of the plurality of parts One electrode (silver electrode 312) for press detection is printed on the surface of the part (film 181(C)), and the surface of the other part (film 181(A)) among the plurality of parts is printed. The other electrode (silver electrode 311) for press detection is printed and formed, and a piezoelectric member (piezoelectric layer 340) that expands and contracts when a voltage is applied and the piezoelectric member on the back side of the other part (film 181 (A)). One electrode (conductive layer 361) for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric member is printed and formed, and the other electrode for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric member is formed on another part (film 181 (B)) of the plurality of parts. This switch has a tactile feedback function and has a structure in which (conductive layer 321) is printed and each part is folded and laminated.

In this embodiment, a switch having a tactile feedback function and a reduced thickness can be obtained as compared to the seventh embodiment.

As described above, each of the embodiments described above can be provided at a low cost while suppressing an increase in the number of manufacturing steps, but the effects of the present invention do not stop there.

Although each of the above embodiments has been described with respect to one contact, the switch of each of the above embodiments can be easily applied to a single sheet having multiple contacts. In that case, since the functional element layer is formed by printing, a piezoelectric layer such as a PVDF film can be easily placed only on contacts that require vibration feedback. In addition, since printing ink using PVDF-based materials (for example, polymers such as PVDF-TrFE and PVDF-TrFE-CTFE) is almost transparent, designs (such as letters and pictures) can be applied to the contact areas. It can also be applied to products configured to be illuminated from behind. That is, it is possible to obtain a product in which the surface design is illuminated and vibration feedback is provided in response to contact or depression of the contact portion.

10,20 Film 11,15 Silver wiring 12,16 Transparent conductive film 13 Double-sided tape 14 PVDF film 17 Resist 50 Surface panel 121,122 Conductive layer 131 Double-sided tape 140 Piezoelectric layer 171,172 Resist 181 Film 190,390 Adhesive layer 200 Conductive Layer 311, 312 Silver layer (silver electrode)
313,314 Carbon layer 321,361 Conductive layer 331,332 Double-sided tape 340 Piezoelectric layer 371 Resist

Claims (3)

The film base material includes a plurality of parts,
A piezoelectric member that expands and contracts when a voltage is applied and one electrode for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric member are printed and formed on the surface of one of the plurality of parts,
The other electrode for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric member is printed and formed on the surface of another part of the plurality of parts,
An electrode for contact detection is printed and formed on the back surface of the one region or the surface of another region among the plurality of regions,
A switch having a tactile feedback function, having a structure in which each of the parts is folded and laminated, and the contact detection electrode and the piezoelectric member face each other with the film base material in between. The film base material includes a plurality of parts,
One electrode for press detection is printed and formed on the surface of one of the plurality of parts,
The other electrode for press detection is formed by printing on the surface of another part of the plurality of parts,
A piezoelectric member that expands and contracts when a voltage is applied and one electrode for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric member are printed and formed on the back surface of the other portion or the surface of still another portion of the film base material,
Another electrode for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric member is printed and formed on another part of the plurality of parts,
A switch having a tactile feedback function, having a structure in which each of the above parts is folded and laminated. The film base material includes a plurality of parts,
One electrode for press detection is printed and formed on the surface of one of the plurality of parts,
The other electrode for press detection is formed by printing on the surface of another part of the plurality of parts,
A piezoelectric member that expands and contracts when a voltage is applied and an electrode for applying a voltage to the piezoelectric member are printed and formed on the back surface of the other portion or the surface of another portion of the plurality of portions,
A switch having a tactile feedback function, having a structure in which each of the above parts is folded and laminated.

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