JPWO2020090325A1 - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

The challenge is to provide an input device that can stably hold the pusher. The input device (1) includes a case (2), a movable member (3), a pusher (5), and a holding body (6). The case (2) has a fixed electrode (7). The movable member (3) has a movable electrode (8) facing the fixed electrode (7), and the movable electrode (8) is displaced with respect to the fixed electrode (7). The pusher (5) is arranged on the movable electrode (8) on the opposite side of the fixed electrode (7). The holding body (6) has a frame portion (62) gripped by the case (2) and a pusher (5) within the opening (620) of the frame portion (62) along the thickness of the frame portion (62). It has a connecting portion (61) that is displaceably connected to the frame portion (62). At least one of the case (2) and the holding body (6) protrudes toward the other and comes into contact with each other, and when the pusher (5) is displaced toward the movable electrode (8), the frame is interposed via the connecting portion (61). It has a regulating portion (64) that regulates the pulling of the frame portion (62) to the opening (620) side generated in the portion (62).

Description

The present disclosure relates to an input device in general, and more particularly to an input device used for input to various electronic devices.

Patent Document 1 discloses a push-on switch (input device). The push-on switch includes a case, movable contacts, and an elastic body. The elastic body is provided with a tubular peripheral portion (frame portion), and a thin-walled portion (connecting portion) so that a cylindrical portion (pusher) whose upper portion serves as an operation portion can move up and down in the central hole of the peripheral portion. ), And the lower end of the peripheral part is placed on the peripheral part of the movable contact. The lower end surface of the cylindrical portion is provided with a pressing portion that projects downward. The pressing portion is used to press the movable contact.

In the push-on switch of Patent Document 1, when the cylindrical portion is pushed and moved to the movable contact side, the thin-walled portion pulls the peripheral portion toward the movable contact side together with the cylindrical portion. As a result, if the position of the peripheral portion shifts or the posture changes, the holding of the pusher becomes unstable.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-120397

The challenge is to provide an input device that can stably hold the pusher.

The input device of one aspect of the present disclosure includes a case, a movable member, a pusher, and a holding body. The case has a fixed electrode. The movable member has a movable electrode facing the fixed electrode, and the movable electrode is displaced with respect to the fixed electrode. The pusher is arranged on the movable electrode on the side opposite to the fixed electrode. The holding body has a frame portion gripped by the case and a connecting portion that connects the pusher to the frame portion so as to be displaceable along the thickness of the frame portion within the opening of the frame portion. At least one of the case and the holding body protrudes toward the other and comes into contact with each other, and when the pusher is displaced toward the movable electrode side, the opening side of the frame portion generated in the frame portion via the connecting portion. It has a regulatory department that regulates the attraction to.

Another aspect of the input device of the present disclosure includes a case, a movable member, a pusher, and a retainer. The case has a fixed electrode. The movable member has a movable electrode facing the fixed electrode, and the movable electrode is displaced with respect to the fixed electrode. The pusher is arranged on the movable electrode on the side opposite to the fixed electrode. The holder is made of rubber. The holding body has a frame portion gripped by the case and a connecting portion that connects the pusher to the frame portion so as to be displaceable along the thickness of the frame portion within the opening of the frame portion. The holding body has a regulating portion that protrudes from the frame portion toward the case and is compressed by contacting a position closer to the opening of the frame portion than the center of the frame portion.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a first state. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the input device, which is a second state. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the input device. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the input device. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the case of the input device. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pusher and a holding body of the input device. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the pusher and holder of the input device. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1 of FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an input device of a comparative example. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a pusher and a support portion of the input device of the first modification. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X2-X2 of FIG. FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the pusher and holder of the input device of the second modification. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X3-X3 of FIG. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the input device of the modified example 3. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the input device of the modified example 4. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the cover of the input device. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a pusher and a holding body of the input device. FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the input device of the modified example 5. FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the input device.

1. 1. Embodiment 1.1 Overview FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the input device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The input device 1 includes a case 2, a movable member 3, a pusher 5, and a holding body 6. The case 2 has a fixed electrode 7. The movable member 3 has a movable electrode 8 facing the fixed electrode 7, and the movable electrode 8 is displaced with respect to the fixed electrode 7. The pusher 5 is arranged on the movable electrode 8 on the opposite side of the fixed electrode 7. The holding body 6 has a frame portion 62 gripped by the case 2 and a connecting portion 61 that connects the pusher 5 to the frame portion 62 so as to be displaceable along the thickness of the frame portion 62 within the opening 620 of the frame portion 62. Have. At least one of the case 2 and the holding body 6 projects and contacts toward the other, and the opening 620 of the frame portion 62 that occurs in the frame portion 62 via the connecting portion 61 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8 side. It has a regulation unit 64 that regulates the pulling to the side.

In particular, in the input device 1 of the present embodiment, the holding body 6 has a regulating portion 64 that protrudes from the frame portion 62 toward the case 2 and comes into contact with the holding body 6.

In the input device 1 described above, the regulating unit 64 works to cancel the force applied to the frame unit 62 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8. Therefore, when the pusher 5 is pushed and moved to the movable electrode 8 side, even if the pusher 5 pulls the frame portion 62 together with the connecting portion 61, the position of the frame portion 62 is less likely to shift and the posture is less likely to change. .. As a result, the misalignment of the pusher 5 is reduced, and the operation feel of the pusher 5 is less likely to change. Therefore, according to the input device 1, the pusher 5 can be stably held.

1.2 Details Hereinafter, the input device 1 of the present embodiment will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the input device 1. The input device 1 is a so-called push switch. The input device 1 is used for inputting to various electronic devices such as personal digital assistants, in-vehicle devices, and home appliances. The input device 1 is built in the housing of the device, for example, in a state of being mounted on a printed circuit board. In this case, for example, an operation button 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is arranged as an intermediate member at a position corresponding to the input device 1 in the housing. As a result, when the operator presses the operation button 10, the input device 1 is indirectly operated via the operation button 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, the input device 1 includes a case 2, a movable member 3, a pusher 5, a holding body 6, and conductive members (first and second conductive members) 91 and 92. There is.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the case 2 houses the movable member 3, the pusher 5, the holding body 6, and the conductive members 91 and 92. The case 2 includes a body 21 and a cover 22.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the body 21 has a flat square (for example, a square) box shape. The body 21 has electrical insulation. As an example, the body 21 is made of synthetic resin. The body 21 has a recess 210 on one surface 21a. In the present embodiment, one surface 21a of the body 21 is one surface (upper surface in FIG. 4) of the body 21 in the thickness direction. The recess 210 constitutes a space for accommodating the movable member 3. The bottom surface 211 of the recess 210 constitutes a part of the mounting surface for mounting the movable member 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the recess 210 includes a first space 210a having a circular shape in a plan view and a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) second spaces 210b protruding outward from the first space 210a. Have. The four second spaces 210b are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first space 210a. Further, the body 21 has a pair of protrusions 212 on both side surfaces in the first direction (vertical direction in FIG. 5) orthogonal to the thickness direction. The pair of protrusions 212 are separated in a second direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 5) orthogonal to the thickness direction and the first direction of the body 21.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cover 22 is attached to the body 21 so as to partially cover the recess 210 of the body 21. The cover 22 is made of metal. The cover 22 has a plate portion 220. The plate portion 220 has a uniform thickness and is a quadrangle (for example, a square) in a plan view.

Two first projecting pieces 231 and two second projecting pieces 232 projecting toward the body 21 are provided on the four sides of the plate portion 220. The two first projecting pieces 231 and the two second projecting pieces 232 have a rectangular plate shape. The two first projecting pieces 231 face each other in the direction corresponding to the second direction of the body 21, and the two second projecting pieces 232 face each other in the direction corresponding to the first direction of the body 21. The two first projecting pieces 231 and the two second projecting pieces 232 come into contact with the holding body 6 to position the holding body 6 with respect to the case 2 in a plan view. Each of the two second projecting pieces 232 has a pair of hook claws 233 protruding from the tip. The pair of hook claws 233 are separated in a direction corresponding to the second direction of the body 21. The body 21 and the cover 22 are coupled to each other by hooking the pair of hooking claws 233 of the two second projecting pieces 232 to the pair of projecting portions 212 on both side surfaces in the first direction of the body 21.

Further, a through hole 24 is provided in the central portion of the plate portion 220 of the cover 22. The through hole 24 is located at a position facing the recess 210. The through hole 24 is a hole for exposing the pusher 5. The through hole 24 has a circular shape in a plan view. As described above, the cover 22 has a plate portion 220 having a through hole 24 facing the recess 210 and covering one surface 21a of the body 21.

Both the first conductive member 91 and the second conductive member 92 are made of a conductive material (in this embodiment, a metal plate). The first conductive member 91 and the second conductive member 92 form a metal body 9. The first conductive member 91 and the second conductive member 92 are attached to the body 21 so as not to come into contact with each other. In particular, in the present embodiment, the metal body 9 (first conductive member 91 and second conductive member 92) is integrated with the body 21 by insert molding. That is, the body 21 is insert-molded with the first conductive member 91 and the second conductive member 92 as insert products.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first conductive member 91 has an electrode (fixed electrode) 7 and a terminal (first terminal) 11. The first conductive member 91 has a portion exposed on the bottom surface 211 (center of) of the recess 210 of the body 21, and the fixed electrode 7 is provided in the portion. The fixed electrode 7 has a circular shape in a plan view. The first terminal 11 projects outward from the side surface of the body 21. The first terminal 11 can be mechanically coupled and electrically connected to, for example, a conductive member on a printed circuit board on which the input device 1 is mounted by soldering.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second conductive member 92 has an electrode (support electrode) 921 and a terminal (second terminal) 12. The support electrode 921 has a frame shape. The support electrode 921 is exposed on the bottom surface 211 of the recess 210. In particular, the support electrode 921 is exposed on the peripheral portion of the bottom surface 211, avoiding the fixed electrode 7 at the center of the bottom surface 211 of the recess 210. At least, the support electrode 921 is exposed at a position corresponding to each second space 210b of the recess 210. The surface of the support electrode 921 is flush with the bottom surface 211, and together with the bottom surface 211, constitutes a mounting surface. The second terminal 12 projects outward from the side surface of the body 21. In particular, the second terminal 12 projects from the side surface of the body 21 opposite to the first terminal 11. The second terminal 12 can be mechanically coupled and electrically connected to, for example, a conductive member on a printed circuit board on which the input device 1 is mounted by soldering.

As shown in FIG. 4, the movable member 3 has a circular plate shape as a whole. The movable member 3 has an elastically deformed portion 30 and a support portion (in this embodiment, a plurality of support portions) 31. The movable member 3 has conductivity. In the present embodiment, the movable member 3 is formed of an elastic material, and the elastically deformed portion 30 and the supporting portion 31 are integrated. Examples of the elastic material include a metal plate such as a stainless steel (SUS) plate. If necessary, the metal plate may be coated with a film (for example, a plating film) of a metal (gold or silver) having higher conductivity than the material of the metal plate (for example, stainless steel).

The elastically deformed portion 30 has a dome shape. In particular, the elastically deformed portion 30 has a circular shape in a plan view. The elastically deformed portion 30 is a so-called metal dome. One surface (upper surface in FIG. 4) of the elastically deformed portion 30 in the thickness direction is a convex surface, and the central portion thereof constitutes the pressure receiving portion 32. As the pressure receiving portion 32 of the elastically deformed portion 30 is pressed, the elastically deformed portion 30 elastically deforms as shown in FIG. 2, which causes a click feeling. More specifically, due to this elastic deformation, the central portion of the elastically deformed portion 30 is inverted to change from a convex state to a concave state. In this way, when the pressure receiving portion 32 is pressed, the elastically deformed portion 30 elastically deforms so that the pressure receiving portion 32 is recessed to generate a click feeling. In the present embodiment, the portion corresponding to the central portion (pressure receiving portion 32) of the elastically deformed portion 30 constitutes the movable electrode 8.

A plurality of (four in this embodiment) support portions 31 are portions supported by the mounting surface in the movable member 3. Each support portion 31 projects from the peripheral portion of the elastically deformed portion 30. The four support portions 31 extend radially from the elastically deformed portion 30 (movable electrode 8) in a plan view. The four support portions 31 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the elastically deformed portions 30. In this way, the support portion 31 is arranged so as to surround the elastically deformed portion 30. Each support portion 31 has a plate shape, and the width becomes narrower toward the tip.

The movable member 3 is housed in the recess 210 of the body 21 and placed on the mounting surface. In particular, the four support portions 31 are arranged on the support electrode 921 of the second conductive member 92 so as to be located in the four second spaces 210b of the recess 210. As a result, the movable electrode 8 of the elastically deformed portion 30 is held at a position facing the fixed electrode 7 of the case 2. Since the elastically deformable portion 30 is elastically deformable, the movable member 3 can displace the movable electrode 8 with respect to the fixed electrode 7 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

The pusher 5 is a member for pressing the pressure receiving portion 32 of the elastically deformed portion 30 of the movable member 3. The pusher 5 has electrical insulation. The pusher 5 is made of an elastic material. In this embodiment, the pusher 5 is made of rubber. The pusher 5 is columnar. In particular, the pusher 5 is a solid columnar shape having the same size in the axial direction, preferably a solid columnar shape. The pusher 5 is arranged on the movable member 3 on the opposite side of the fixed electrode 7 so as to face the pressure receiving portion 32 of the movable member 3. That is, the pusher 5 is arranged on the movable electrode 8 on the opposite side of the fixed electrode 7. In the present embodiment, the pusher 5 and the movable member 3 are not in contact with each other in a normal state, and there is a gap between the pusher 5 and the pressure receiving portion 32 of the movable member 3.

The holding body 6 is a member for attaching the pusher 5 to the case 2. The holder 6 has electrical insulation. The holding body 6 is made of an elastic material. In this embodiment, the holding body 6 is made of rubber. Further, the pusher 5 and the holder 6 are integrally formed. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the holding body 6 has a connecting portion 61, a frame portion 62, and an extending portion 63.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame portion 62 is a portion of the holding body 6 that is gripped by the case 2. In other words, the frame portion 62 of the holder 6 is a portion that is physically connected to the case 2. In the present embodiment, the frame portion 62 has a rectangular shape and has an opening 620. In this embodiment, the opening 620 is circular. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the frame portion 62 has a first surface 62a and a second surface 62b that are opposite surfaces in the thickness direction. The frame portion 62 is fixed to the case 2 with the first surface 62a facing the fixed electrode 7 side and the second surface 62b facing the side opposite to the fixed electrode 7. Therefore, the first surface 62a is a surface close to the fixed electrode 7, and the second surface 62b is a surface far from the fixed electrode 7. The frame portion 62 is sandwiched between the body 21 and the cover 22. That is, the frame portion 62 is gripped by the case 2. In other words, the frame portion 62 is physically coupled to the case 2. In the present disclosure, "physical bond" refers to a bond by a physical method rather than a chemical method. Examples of bonding by scientific methods include bonding and crimping (thermocompression bonding, etc.). Examples of physical coupling include pinching and fitting. The frame portion 62 may be coupled to the case 2 by using both a physical method and a chemical method in combination. In the present embodiment, the frame portion 62 is sandwiched between the peripheral portion of the recess 210 on one surface 21a of the body 21 and the peripheral portion of the through hole 24 in the plate portion 220 of the cover 22. The peripheral portion of the recess 210 on one surface 21a of the body 21 is a portion (first portion) facing the first surface 62a of the frame portion 62 in the case 2. Further, the peripheral portion of the through hole 24 in the plate portion 220 of the cover 22 is a portion (second portion) facing the second surface 62b of the frame portion 62 in the case 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connecting portion 61 is a portion for connecting the pusher 5 to the frame portion 62. The connecting portion 61 connects the pusher 5 to the frame portion 62 so as to be displaceable along the thickness of the frame portion 62 within the opening 620 of the frame portion 62. As will be described in detail later, the connecting portion 61 deforms itself so that the pusher 5 can be displaced along the thickness of the frame portion 62. In particular, the connecting portion 61 is inverted with the connecting portion with the frame portion 62 as a fulcrum (see FIGS. 1 and 2) so that the pusher 5 can be displaced along the thickness of the frame portion 62. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 61 has a hollow truncated cone shape. The outer surface of the connecting portion 61 is formed by a smooth curve along the axial direction in a cross-sectional view. That is, the connecting portion 61 has a truncated cone shape having an outer surface narrowed inward from the outer surface of a normal truncated cone whose diameter dimension increases at a constant rate. The connecting portion 61 has the same thickness throughout the longitudinal direction. The connecting portion 61 extends from the inner side surface of the frame portion 62 toward the outer surface of the pusher 5 on the side opposite to the fixed electrode 7. That is, the connecting portion 61 is integrally connected to the frame portion 62 at the outer peripheral portion. In particular, the outer peripheral portion of the connecting portion 61 is integrally connected to the end portion on the first surface 62a side on the inner side surface of the frame portion 62. Further, the connecting portion 61 is integrally connected to the pusher 5 at the inner peripheral portion. In particular, the inner peripheral portion of the connecting portion 61 is integrally connected to the intermediate portion of the outer surface of the pusher 5.

The extension portion 63 extends from the end portion (lower end portion in FIG. 1) connected to the frame portion 62 in the connecting portion 61 toward the fixed electrode 7. In particular, the extension portion 63 is integrally formed with the connecting portion 61. Further, the extension portion 63 has a tubular shape (in the present embodiment, a cylindrical shape). The extension portion 63 has a size that fits inside the frame portion 62 (inside the opening 620 of the frame portion 62). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the extension portion 63 is located in the recess 210 of the body 21 and faces the inner surface of the recess 210.

Here, in the holding body 6, when the pusher 5 is pressed and displaced toward the movable electrode 8, a load is applied to the connecting portion 61 along with the displacement of the pusher 5. Here, since the outer peripheral portion of the connecting portion 61 is connected to the frame portion 62, the inner peripheral portion of the connecting portion 61 is pushed together with the pusher 5 toward the movable electrode 8. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion 61 is inverted with the connecting portion between the connecting portion 61 and the frame portion 62 as a fulcrum. That is, the connecting portion 61 is inverted with the predetermined portion of the holding body 6 as a fulcrum when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8, and the predetermined portion includes the connecting portion between the connecting portion 61 and the frame portion 62. .. Further, in the process of reversing the connecting portion 61, the extending portion 63 comes into contact with the inner surface of the recess 210 (see FIG. 2) to assist the reversing of the connecting portion 61. That is, the predetermined portion of the holding body 6 that serves as the fulcrum of the reversal of the connecting portion 61 also includes the corner portion between the frame portion 62 and the extension portion 63. When the pressing of the pusher 5 is stopped, the connecting portion 61 exerts an elastic force and returns from the inverted state (see FIG. 2) to the original state (see FIG. 1), and the pusher 5 also moves accordingly. It is displaced in the direction away from the electrode 8. In this way, in the holding body 6, the connecting portion 61 connects the pusher 5 to the frame portion 62 so as to be displaceable along the thickness of the frame portion 62 inside the frame portion 62 (inside the opening 620).

When the pusher 5 is displaced in this way, the connecting portion 61 is deformed. Therefore, when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8, the connecting portion 61 has a force to reverse the connecting portion 61. Moment is generated. Then, since the pusher 5 pulls the frame portion 62 toward the movable electrode 8 side together with the connecting portion 61, a moment of force for reversing the connecting portion 61 is also generated in the frame portion 62. In this case, the position of the frame portion 62 may shift or the posture may change. Such a misalignment of the frame portion 62 or a change in the posture may cause a misalignment of the pusher 5 or a change in the operation feel.

Therefore, the holding body 6 has a regulating unit 64. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the regulation unit 64 is provided on the first surface 62a of the frame unit 62. The regulating portion 64 is a rib protruding from the first surface 62a of the frame portion 62 toward the body 21 (one surface 21a of the body 21). As shown in FIG. 7, the regulation unit 64 has a triangular cross section orthogonal to its length and has rounded vertices. Therefore, the regulating portion 64 has an inclined surface (an inclined surface facing the outside of the frame portion 62 and an inclined surface facing the inside of the frame portion 62) inclined with respect to the surface facing the regulating portion 64. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the regulation unit 64 surrounds the opening 620 of the frame unit 62 over the entire length. More specifically, the regulating portion 64 has a rectangular frame shape in a plan view, but the corner portions have a tapered shape.

The regulating portion 64 projects from the holding body 6 toward the case 2 and is in contact with the regulating portion 64, and reduces the force applied to the frame portion 62 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8. That is, when the frame portion 62 is pulled inward by the connecting portion 61, a moment of force for reversing the connecting portion 61 is generated. However, when the regulating portion 64 is pressed against one surface 21a of the body 21, the regulating portion 64 generates a moment of force around the fulcrum in a direction opposite to the moment of force that reverses the connecting portion 61. Therefore, when the pusher 5 is pushed and moved to the movable electrode 8 side, even if the pusher 5 pulls the frame portion 62 together with the connecting portion 61, the frame portion 62 is less likely to be pulled in. As a result, the misalignment of the frame portion 62 and the change in posture are reduced, and as a result, the misalignment of the pusher 5 and the change in operation feel are reduced. As described above, according to the input device 1, the pusher 5 can be stably held.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the regulating portion 64 is located on the first surface 62a of the frame portion 62 at a position closer to the inside than the outside of the frame portion 62. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the center line C2 of the regulating portion 64 is closer to the inside of the frame portion 62 (opening 620) than the center line C1 of the frame portion 62. As a result, the regulating portion 64 protrudes from the frame portion 62 toward the case 2, and is compressed by coming into contact with a position closer to the opening 620 of the frame portion 62 than the center of the frame portion 62. Here, the center of the frame portion 62 is not the center with respect to the entire frame portion 62, but the center in the width direction of the portion surrounding the opening 620. In this case, the regulating portion 64 is applied to the frame portion 62 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8 side, as compared with the case where the regulating portion 64 is located closer to the outside than the inside of the frame portion 62 on the first surface 62a. The force can be further reduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the regulation unit 64 is asymmetric in the width direction. In other words, in the regulation unit 64, the apex 64a is not on the center line C2. In the present embodiment, the apex 64a is closer to the inside of the frame portion 62 (opening 620) than the center line C2. That is, in the regulating unit 64 itself, the inclined state on the outer surface is gentler than the inclined state on the inner surface. The regulating portion 64 comes into contact with the first portion of the case 2 (the peripheral portion of the recess 210 on one surface 21a of the body 21) at a portion (vertex 64a) closer to the inside than the outside of the frame portion 62. In this case, the force applied to the frame portion 62 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8 as compared with the case where the regulating portion 64 contacts the body 21 at a portion closer to the outside than the inside of the frame portion 62. Can be further reduced. If the rubber regulating portion 64 is used, the compression amount of the regulating portion 64 itself is larger on the inner surface side than on the outer surface side. This is useful when the frame portion 62 is moved and pulled in with the rotation of the frame portion 62 itself generated in the frame portion 62 via the connecting portion 61 when the frame portion 62 is pulled into the opening 620 side.

Further, since the regulating portion 64 is a part of the holding body 6, it is made of rubber. That is, the regulation unit 64 has elasticity. The regulating portion 64 surrounds the opening 620 of the frame portion 62 over the entire length and is in contact with the peripheral portion of the recess 210 on one surface 21a of the body 21. Therefore, the regulating portion 64 can act as a seal between the frame portion 62 and the body 21. As a result, the gap between the frame portion 62 and the case 2 can be filled, and the airtightness inside the input device 1 can be improved. In particular, the regulating portion 64 has a rectangular frame shape in a plan view, but the corner portions have a tapered shape. As a result, the regulating portion 64 can be easily compressed uniformly over the entire circumference, and the frame portion 62 can be stably coupled to the case 2.

FIG. 9 shows a holding body 600 of a comparative example, which is different from the holding body 6 in that the holding body 600 does not include the regulating portion 64. In the holding body 600, when the pusher 5 is pushed, the pusher 5 pulls the frame portion 62 together with the connecting portion 61, so that the frame portion 62 may be pulled toward the movable electrode 8. That is, when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8 side, the frame portion 62 may be pulled into the frame portion 62 toward the opening 620 side via the connecting portion 61. The pulling of the frame portion 62 toward the opening 620 means that the peripheral portion of the opening 620 in the frame portion 62 is displaced toward the opening 620. As a result, the position of the frame portion 62 may shift or the posture may change. As an example of the change in the posture of the frame portion 62, there is a case where the frame portion 62 is tilted inward as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. That is, the thickness of the frame portion 62 changes from being parallel to the thickness of the case 2 to being inclined. In such a case, a gap may be formed between the frame portion 62 and the plate portion 220, or the position of the pusher 5 may shift. On the other hand, in the input device 1 of the present embodiment, since the holding body 6 has the regulating portion 64, the force applied to the frame portion 62 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8 is reduced. In other words, the regulating portion 64 regulates the pulling of the frame portion 62 to the opening 620 side generated in the frame portion 62 via the connecting portion 61 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8 side. Therefore, the input device 1 of the present embodiment can reduce the positional deviation and the change in posture of the frame portion 62 as compared with the comparative example of FIG. 9 (see FIG. 2).

1.3 Operation The operation of the input device 1 will be described below. The input device 1 has a first state shown in FIG. 1 and a second state shown in FIG. In the first state, the elastically deformed portion 30 of the movable member 3 is not elastically deformed, and the movable electrode 8 is not in contact with the fixed electrode 7. Therefore, in the first state, there is no conduction between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12. In the second state, the elastically deformed portion 30 of the movable member 3 is elastically deformed, and the movable electrode 8 is in contact with the fixed electrode 7. Therefore, in the second state, there is conduction between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12. Therefore, it can be said that the first state and the second state are the off state and the on state, respectively.

In order to change the input device 1 from the first state to the second state, the operator may press the pusher 5 with a force equal to or higher than a certain level. As a result, the pressure receiving portion 32 of the movable member 3 is pressed toward the mounting surface side via the pusher 5. As a result, the elastically deformed portion 30 of the movable member 3 is gradually deformed. Then, when the magnitude of the force pushing the elastically deformed portion 30 exceeds a certain value, the elastically deformed portion 30 vigorously buckles and deforms greatly (see FIG. 2). By such a reversing operation of the elastically deformed portion 30, the operator who pushes the pusher 5 is given a sense of moderation (click feeling) due to the elastic deformation of the elastically deformed portion 30. Then, when the elastically deformed portion 30 is deformed as described above, as shown in FIG. 2, the movable electrode 8 comes into contact with the fixed electrode 7, and the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 become conductive. Therefore, the input device 1 is in the second state.

In order to change the input device 1 from the second state to the first state, the operator may stop pressing the pusher 5. When the pusher 5 is no longer pressed, the elastically deformed portion 30 returns to its original shape due to its restoring force. Then, when the elastically deformed portion 30 has the original shape, as shown in FIG. 1, the movable electrode 8 is separated from the fixed electrode 7, so that there is no conduction between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12. Therefore, the input device 1 is in the first state.

2. Modifications The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above embodiments. The above-described embodiment can be changed in various ways depending on the design and the like as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Examples of modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

For example, the shapes of the case 2 and the holding body 6 are not limited to the shapes shown in the above embodiment.

2.1 Modification 1
FIG. 10 shows the holding body 6A of the input device of the first modification. The holding body 6A has a regulating unit 64A different from the regulating unit 64 of the holding body 6.

As shown in FIG. 10, the regulating portion 64A is provided on the first surface 62a of the frame portion 62. The regulating portion 64A is a rib protruding from the first surface 62a of the frame portion 62 toward the body 21 side. As shown in FIG. 11, the regulation unit 64A has a fan-shaped cross section orthogonal to its length. Therefore, the regulating portion 64 has an inclined surface (here, a convex curved surface) inclined with respect to the surface facing the regulating portion 64. As shown in FIG. 10, the regulating portion 64A surrounds the opening 620 of the frame portion 62 over the entire length. More specifically, the regulating portion 64A has a rectangular frame shape in a plan view, but the corner portion has an R shape.

However, the regulating portion 64A is located on the first surface 62a of the frame portion 62 at a position closer to the outside than the inside of the frame portion 62. That is, the center line of the regulating portion 64A is closer to the outside of the frame portion 62 than the center line of the frame portion 62. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the regulation unit 64A is asymmetrical in the width direction. In other words, the regulation unit 64A does not have its apex on its center line. In this modification, the apex of the regulating portion 64A is closer to the inside of the frame portion 62 (opening 620) than the center line thereof.

Similar to the regulation unit 64, the regulation unit 64A described above also protrudes from the holding body 6 toward the case 2 and is in contact with the case 2, and exerts a force on the frame portion 62 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8 side. Reduce. Therefore, when the pusher 5 is pushed and moved to the movable electrode 8 side, even if the pusher 5 pulls the frame portion 62 together with the connecting portion 61, the frame portion 62 is less likely to be pulled in. Therefore, even in the first modification, the pusher 5 can be stably held.

Further, the regulating portion 64A has a rectangular frame shape in a plan view, but the corner portion has a tapered shape. As a result, the regulating portion 64A can be easily compressed uniformly, and the frame portion 62 can be stably coupled to the case 2.

2.2 Modification 2
FIG. 12 shows the holding body 6B of the input device of the second modification. The holding body 6B has regulating parts 641B and 642B different from the regulating part 64 of the holding body 6. That is, the holding body 6B has two regulating portions 641B and 642B.

As shown in FIG. 12, the regulating portions 641B and 642B are provided on the first surface 62a of the frame portion 62. The regulating portions 641B and 642B are ribs protruding from the first surface 62a of the frame portion 62 toward the body 21 side. As shown in FIG. 12, the regulating portions 641B and 642B surround the opening 620 of the frame portion 62 over the entire length. More specifically, the regulating portions 641B and 642B have a rectangular frame shape having different sizes in a plan view. Here, the regulation unit 641B is smaller than the regulation unit 642B and is located inside the regulation unit 642B.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the regulating portion 641B is located on the first surface 62a of the frame portion 62 at a position closer to the inside than the outside of the frame portion 62. That is, the center line of the regulation portion 641B is closer to the inside of the frame portion 62 than the center line of the frame portion 62. As shown in FIG. 13, the regulation unit 641B is symmetrical in the width direction. In other words, the apex of the regulation unit 641B is on the center line thereof. On the other hand, the regulating portion 642B is located on the first surface 62a of the frame portion 62 at a position closer to the outside than the inside of the frame portion 62. That is, the center line of the regulation portion 642B is closer to the outside of the frame portion 62 than the center line of the frame portion 62. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the regulation unit 642B is asymmetrical in the width direction. In other words, the regulation unit 642B does not have its apex on its center line. In this modification, the apex of the regulating portion 642B is closer to the outside of the frame portion 62 than the center line thereof.

Similar to the regulation unit 64, the regulation units 641B and 642B described above also project from the holding body 6 toward the case 2 and are in contact with each other, and are applied to the frame portion 62 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8 side. Reduce force. Therefore, when the pusher 5 is pushed and moved to the movable electrode 8 side, even if the pusher 5 pulls the frame portion 62 together with the connecting portion 61, the frame portion 62 is less likely to be pulled in. Therefore, even in the first modification, the pusher 5 can be stably held.

Further, the regulating portions 641B and 642B can also act as a seal between the frame portion 62 and the body 21 in the same manner as the regulating portion 64. As a result, the gap between the frame portion 62 and the case 2 can be filled, and the airtightness inside the input device 1 can be improved. In particular, since the holding body 6B includes a plurality of regulating parts (two regulating parts 641B and 642B), the creepage distance of the holding body 6B becomes long, and the airtightness can be further improved.

2.3 Deformation example 3
FIG. 14 shows the holding body 6C of the input device of the modified example 3. The holding body 6C has a regulating unit 64C different from the regulating unit 64 of the holding body 6.

As shown in FIG. 14, the regulating portion 64C is provided on the second surface 62b of the frame portion 62. The regulating portion 64C is a rib protruding from the second surface 62b of the frame portion 62 toward the cover 22 (the surface of the plate portion 220 of the cover 22 facing the body 21). Similar to the regulation unit 64, the regulation unit 64C has a triangular cross section orthogonal to its length and has rounded vertices. Further, the regulation unit 64C surrounds the opening 620 of the frame portion 62 over the entire length, similarly to the regulation unit 64.

The regulating portion 64C projects from the holding body 6 toward the case 2 and is in contact with the regulating portion 64C, and reduces the force applied to the frame portion 62 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8. That is, when the frame portion 62 is pulled inward by the connecting portion 61, a moment of force for reversing the connecting portion 61 is generated. However, when the regulating portion 64C is pressed against the plate portion 220 of the cover 22, the regulating portion 64C generates a moment of force around the fulcrum in a direction opposite to the moment of force that reverses the connecting portion 61. Therefore, when the pusher 5 is pushed and moved to the movable electrode 8 side, even if the pusher 5 pulls the frame portion 62 together with the connecting portion 61, the frame portion 62 is less likely to be pulled in. As a result, the misalignment of the frame portion 62 and the change in posture are reduced, and as a result, the misalignment of the pusher 5 and the change in operation feel are reduced. As described above, according to the modified example 3, the pusher 5 can be stably held.

In particular, the regulating portion 64C is located on the second surface 62b of the frame portion 62 at a position closer to the outside than the inside of the frame portion 62. In this modification, the center line of the regulating portion 64C is closer to the outside of the frame portion 62 than the center line of the frame portion 62. In this case, the restricting portion 64C is applied to the frame portion 62 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8 side, as compared with the case where the regulating portion 64C is located closer to the inside than the outside of the frame portion 62 on the second surface 62b. The force can be further reduced.

Further, the regulating unit 64C is asymmetric in the width direction. In other words, the regulation unit 64C does not have its apex on its center line. In this modification, the apex of the regulating portion 64C is closer to the outside of the frame portion 62 than the center line thereof. Therefore, the regulating portion 64C contacts the second portion of the case 2 (the peripheral portion of the through hole 24 in the plate portion 220 of the cover 22) at a portion (apex) closer to the outside than the inside of the frame portion 62. In this case, the force applied to the frame portion 62 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8 as compared with the case where the regulating portion 64C contacts the cover 22 at a portion closer to the inside than the outside of the frame portion 62. Can be further reduced.

2.4 Modification 4
FIG. 15 shows the case 2D and the holding body 6D of the input device of the modified example 4.

The case 2D has a cover 22D different from the cover 22 of the case 2. The cover 22D further includes a regulation unit 25. The regulating portion 25 projects from the cover 22D of the case 2D toward the frame portion 62 of the holding body 6D and is in contact with the regulating portion 25. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the cover 22D includes a regulating portion 251 provided on each of the two first projecting pieces 231 and a regulating portion 252 provided on each of the two second projecting pieces 232. Have. In the following, when the regulation units 251,252 are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as the regulation unit 25. The regulating portion 251 is a rib protruding from the surface of the corresponding first projecting piece 231 on the holding body 6 side. The regulation unit 251 exists over the entire length of the corresponding first projecting piece 231. Further, the regulating portion 251 is located on the base end side (the side closer to the plate portion 220) of the first projecting piece 231 in the corresponding first projecting piece 231. The regulating portion 252 is a rib protruding from the surface of the corresponding second projecting piece 232 on the holding body 6 side. The regulation unit 252 exists over the entire length of the corresponding second projecting piece 232. Further, the regulating portion 252 is located on the base end side (the side closer to the plate portion 220) of the second projecting piece 232 in the corresponding second projecting piece 232. Each regulating portion 25 has a flat surface facing the opposite side to the plate portion 220. Further, the regulation unit 25 is provided integrally with the case 2D.

The holding body 6D has a regulating unit 64D different from the regulating unit 64 of the holding body 6. The regulating portion 64D projects from the frame portion 62 of the holding body 6D toward the cover 22D of the case 2D and is in contact with the regulating portion 64D. More specifically, the regulating portion 64D is provided on the outer surface of the frame portion 62 as shown in FIG. The regulating portion 64D is a rib protruding outward from the outer surface of the frame portion 62. The regulating portion 64D is on the first surface 62a side on the outer surface of the frame portion 62. In particular, the regulating portion 64D is formed in the frame portion 62 so as not to hit the regulating portion 25 in a direction orthogonal to the thickness of the frame portion 62. Further, the regulating portion 64D has a flat surface facing the side opposite to the first surface 62a of the frame portion 62. Further, the regulating portion 64D surrounds the opening 620 of the frame portion 62 over the entire length.

In this modification, each regulating portion 25 is in contact with the outer surface of the frame portion 62, and the force applied to the frame portion 62 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8 is reduced. Further, the regulating portion 64D is in contact with the surfaces of the two first projecting pieces 231 and the two second projecting pieces 232 on the holding body 6 side, and when the pusher 5 is displaced to the movable electrode 8 side, the frame portion 62 The applied force is reduced. Moreover, the regulating portion 25 and the regulating portion 64D face each other and are in contact with each other in the direction along the thickness of the frame portion 62. As a result, the force applied to the frame portion 62 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8 side is further reduced. Therefore, when the frame portion 62 is pulled inward by the connecting portion 61, a moment of force for reversing the connecting portion 61 is generated, but the regulating portion 25 is on the outer surface of the frame portion 62 and the regulating portion 64D is the cover 22D. Furthermore, the regulation units 25 and 64D are pressed against each other. As a result, the regulating portions 25 and 64D generate a moment of force around the fulcrum in the direction opposite to the moment of force that reverses the connecting portion 61. Therefore, when the pusher 5 is pushed and moved to the movable electrode 8 side, even if the pusher 5 pulls the frame portion 62 together with the connecting portion 61, the frame portion 62 is less likely to be pulled in. As a result, the misalignment of the frame portion 62 and the change in posture are reduced, and as a result, the misalignment of the pusher 5 and the change in operation feel are reduced. As described above, according to the modified example 4, the pusher 5 can be stably held.

2.5 Deformation example 5
18 and 19 show the input device 1E of the modified example 5.

As shown in FIG. 18, the input device 1E includes a case 2E, a movable member 3, a pusher 5, a holding body 6E, conductive members (first and second conductive members) 91 and 92, and an insulating sheet 26. And have.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the case 2E houses the movable member 3, the pusher 5, the holding body 6E, the conductive members 91 and 92, and the insulating sheet 26. The case 2E includes a body 21E and a cover 22.

The body 21E differs from the body 21 in that it has a stepped portion 213. The step portion 213 is provided on the inner wall forming the recess 210 of the body 21E over the circumferential direction. In this modification, the space surrounded by the stepped portion 213 in the recess 210 is the space in which the fixed electrode 7 and the movable electrode 8 are arranged, that is, the first space 210a and the four second spaces 210b. One surface (upper surface in FIG. 18) 213a of the step portion 213 is located at a position lower than the uppermost surface (one surface 21a) of the body 21E by a predetermined height. Further, the height dimension (vertical dimension) of the step portion 213 is the same over the entire circumference. The outer peripheral edge of the insulating sheet 26 is placed on one surface 213a of the step portion 213. The width dimension (dimension in the left-right direction) of one surface 213a of the step portion 213 may be a dimension on which the outer peripheral edge of the insulating sheet 26 can be placed.

The insulating sheet 26 has a rectangular shape having an area sufficient to cover the first space 210a and the four second spaces 210b of the recess 210. The insulating sheet 26 is made of a material having electrical insulation. The insulating sheet 26 is preferably made of a material having resistance to a gas such as _{sulfur dioxide (SO 2).} Examples of the material of the insulating sheet 26 include a resin material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In addition, the insulating sheet 26 may be formed of a gas-resistant material such as nylon 9T or a polyimide resin.

An adhesive is applied to the entire lower surface of the insulating sheet 26. Therefore, the outer peripheral edge of the insulating sheet 26 is placed on the upper surface of the step portion 213, so that the insulating sheet 26 is attached to the upper surface of the step portion 213 by an adhesive and is held in the case 2.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the holding body 6E has a connecting portion 61, a frame portion 62, and a regulating portion 64E.

As shown in FIG. 19, the regulating portion 64E is provided on the first surface 62a of the frame portion 62. The regulating portion 64E projects from the first surface 62a of the frame portion 62 toward the body 21E (one surface 213a of the step portion 213 of the body 21E). In particular, the regulation portion 64E is integrally formed with the frame portion 62. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the regulation portion 64E has a triangular cross section orthogonal to the length thereof. Further, the regulating portion 64E surrounds the opening 620 of the frame portion 62 over the entire length. Therefore, the regulation unit 64E has a cylindrical shape. The regulating portion 64E has a size that fits in the recess 210, but does not fit in the space (first space 210a and four second spaces 210b) surrounded by the stepped portion 213.

As shown in FIG. 19, the holding body 6E is arranged on one surface 213a of the step portion 213 of the body 21E. More specifically, the holding body 6E is supported by the regulating portion 64E on one surface 213a of the step portion 213. Then, by attaching the cover 22 to the body 21E, the frame portion 62 and the restricting portion 64E of the holding body 6E are between one surface 213a of the step portion 213 of the body 21E and the peripheral portion of the through hole 24 in the plate portion 220 of the cover 22. It is sandwiched between. One surface 213a of the step portion 213 of the body 21E is a portion (first portion) facing the first surface 62a of the frame portion 62 in the case 2E. Further, the peripheral portion of the through hole 24 in the plate portion 220 of the cover 22 is a portion (second portion) facing the second surface 62b of the frame portion 62 in the case 2E.

The regulating portion 64E projects from the holding body 6E toward the case 2E and is in contact with the regulating portion 64E, and reduces the force applied to the frame portion 62 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8. That is, when the frame portion 62 is pulled inward by the connecting portion 61, a moment of force for reversing the connecting portion 61 is generated. However, when the regulating portion 64E is pressed against one surface 213a of the step portion 213 of the body 21E, the regulating portion 64E applies a moment of force in the direction opposite to the moment of force that reverses the connecting portion 61 around the fulcrum. Give rise. Therefore, when the pusher 5 is pushed and moved to the movable electrode 8 side, even if the pusher 5 pulls the frame portion 62 together with the connecting portion 61, the frame portion 62 is less likely to be pulled in. As a result, the misalignment of the frame portion 62 and the change in posture are reduced, and as a result, the misalignment of the pusher 5 and the change in operation feel are reduced. As described above, according to the input device 1E, the pusher 5 can be stably held. Further, in this modification, the regulating portion 64E is adapted to hit the inner edge of the step portion 213. That is, the regulation portion 64E hits the corner of the step portion 213. As a result, the force applied to the frame portion 62 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8 can be further reduced.

Further, the insulating sheet 26 is interposed between the regulating portion 64E and the stepped portion 213. As a result, the insulating sheet 26 attached to the step portion 213 is pressed from above by the regulating portion 64E integrally formed with the pusher 5. The height dimension (vertical dimension) of the regulation unit 64E is set so that the lower end of the regulation unit 64E can apply a predetermined pressure to the corresponding portion of the insulating sheet 26. In this configuration, since the regulating unit 64E presses the outer peripheral edge of the insulating sheet 26, the space (first space 210a and four fourth spaces) in which the fixed electrode 7 and the movable electrode 8 are arranged during the operation of the input device 1E. It is easy to prevent the insulating sheet 26 from being drawn into the two spaces 210b). Further, the first space 210a of the recess 210 and the four second spaces 210b are sealed by the insulating sheet 26. Therefore, in this modification, it is possible to prevent gas such as sulfur dioxide from flowing into the first space 210a and the four second spaces 210b from the outside, and the fixed electrode 7 and the movable electrode 8 are affected by the gas. It has the advantage of being difficult.

By the way, as the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the insulating sheet 26, a resin-made pressure-sensitive adhesive such as an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive or a silicone-based pressure-sensitive adhesive can be adopted. And, such a resin adhesive usually tends to soften in a relatively high temperature environment. For example, when the input device 1E is mounted on the wiring board of an electronic device by reflow soldering, the adhesive of the insulating sheet 26 may soften. However, in the input device 1E, the outer peripheral edge of the insulating sheet 26 is pressed against the step portion 213 by the regulating portion 64E. Therefore, even if the adhesive of the insulating sheet 26 is softened, the insulating sheet 26 is hard to float from the stepped portion 213, and as a result, the space (first space 210a and four first spaces 210a) in which the fixed electrode 7 and the movable electrode 8 are arranged is arranged. The sealed state of the two spaces 210b) is also easily maintained. Therefore, the input device 1E can be mounted on an electronic device in a state where the influence of gas on the fixed electrode 7 and the movable electrode 8 is less likely to affect.

From the viewpoint of ensuring the airtightness of the space (first space 210a and four second spaces 210b) in which the fixed electrode 7 and the movable electrode 8 are arranged, the adhesive is applied over the entire lower surface of the insulating sheet 26. It is desirable that it is applied. However, it suffices if it is applied at least to the portion of the lower surface of the insulating sheet 26 that overlaps with the step portion 213.

When the adhesive is applied over the entire lower surface of the insulating sheet 26, another insulating sheet may be attached to the central portion of the lower surface of the insulating sheet 26. In this case, it is possible to prevent the adhesive applied to the insulating sheet 26 from adhering to other members (for example, the movable electrode 8) when the input device 1E is operated.

In addition, the insulating sheet 26 may be held in the case 2E by welding to the step portion 213 instead of using an adhesive. Examples of the welding method include welding by laser irradiation, welding by ultrasonic waves, and the like.

2.6 Other Modifications The shape of the regulation part is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modification. The regulating portion may be an inclined surface in which at least one is inclined, instead of a rib protruding from at least one of the surfaces of the case and the holding body facing each other. That is, the regulating portion may be provided by inclining one of the surfaces of the case and the holder facing each other with respect to the other. Further, the position of the regulation unit is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modification. Further, the regulating portion does not necessarily have to be provided on the holding body 6, and may be provided on the case 2. Further, the number of regulatory units may be two or more instead of one. In short, in the input device 1, at least one of the case 2 and the holding body 6 protrudes toward the other and comes into contact with each other to reduce the force applied to the frame portion 62 when the pusher 5 is displaced toward the movable electrode 8. It suffices to have a part 64.

Further, the shapes of the case 2, the movable member 3, the pusher 5, the holding body 6, the first conductive member 91, and the second conductive member 92 are not limited to the shapes shown in the above-described embodiments and modifications.

In one modification, the case 2 may have a polygonal shape other than a circular shape or a quadrangle in a plan view.

In one modification, the elastically deformed portion 30 of the movable member 3 may be made of resin instead of metal. Further, the elastically deformed portion 30 is not limited to a dome shape, and may have a shape capable of elastically deforming to give a click feeling.

Further, the number of support portions 31 of the movable member 3 is not limited. For example, the movable member 3 may have three support portions 31, and the three support portions 31 may be arranged at equal intervals so as to surround the elastically deformed portions 30. Further, when the movable member 3 has one support portion 31, the support portion 31 may be an annular shape surrounding the elastically deformed portion 30.

The number of movable members 3 is not particularly limited, and a plurality of movable members 3 may be stacked and used. In this case, the magnitude of the operating force required for the movable member 3 to buckle changes depending on the number of the movable members 3 to be stacked, and the operating feel of the input device 1 changes.

In one modification, the pusher 5 does not have to protrude from the case 2. For example, the pusher 5 may be housed in the case 2. In this case, the cover 22 of the case 2 may have a flexible portion that covers the pusher 5. In this case, the pusher 5 may have conductivity, and may be made of metal, for example.

In one modification, in the first state, there may be no gap between the pusher 5 and the movable member 3. For example, in the input device 1, the pusher 5 may be in contact with the pressure receiving portion 32 of the movable member 3 in the first state. Further, in the input device 1E, the lower end portion of the pusher 5 may be in contact with the insulating sheet 26 in the first state.

In one modification, the retainer 6 does not have to be made of rubber. The holding body 6 may have conductivity, and may be made of metal, for example. Further, the frame portion 62 of the holding body 6 may have a polygonal shape other than a circular shape or a quadrangular shape in a plan view. Further, the connecting portion 61 of the holding body 6 does not necessarily have to be cylindrical, and may be composed of a plurality of beams. Further, the holding body 6 does not have to have the extension portion 63.

In one modification, the pusher 5 and the holding body 6 do not have to be integrated, and may be separate bodies. In this case, the holding body 6 may be fixed to the pusher 5 by an appropriate fixing means such as adhesion.

In one modification, the number of the first conductive member 91 and the second conductive member 92 is not particularly limited. Further, in the second conductive member 92, the support electrode 921 may be composed of two or more electrodes, and for example, the second conductive member 92 has a plurality of support electrodes 921 corresponding to the plurality of support portions 31 of the movable member 3. good.

In the above embodiment, the fixed electrode 7 and the movable electrode 8 form a mechanical contact. In one modification, there may be a dielectric layer between the fixed electrode 7 and the movable electrode 8, in which case a pressure sensor is configured. That is, it can be used as a mechanical contact or a pressure sensor with the movable electrode 8 and the fixed electrode 7.

The stroke length of the input device 1, that is, the amount of movement of the pusher 5 from the first state to the second state of the input device 1 by the push operation can be appropriately set. For example, the input device 1 may be a short stroke type having a relatively short stroke length, a long stroke type having a relatively long stroke length, or a medium stroke type corresponding to an intermediate between the short stroke type and the long stroke type. Further, the input device 1 is not limited to the normally open type, and may be a normally closed type that is turned off only during operation. That is, the pusher 5 of the input device 1 may be configured to push the movable member 3 from the off position to the on position by receiving a force from the outside, or vice versa.

The input device 1 is not limited to the configuration used for the operation unit of the device and operated by a person, and may be used, for example, for the detection unit of the device. When the input device 1 is used as a detection unit of a device, the input device 1 is used for detecting the position of a mechanical part such as an actuator as a limit switch, for example.

The configuration of the other modified examples described above can be applied not only to the above-described embodiment but also to the modified examples 1 to 5.

3. 3. Aspects As will be clear from the above embodiments and modifications, the present disclosure includes the following aspects. In the following, reference numerals are given in parentheses only to clearly indicate the correspondence with the embodiments.

The first aspect is an input device (1; 1E), which includes a case (2; 2D; 2E), a movable member (3), a pusher (5), and a holder (6; 6A; 6B; 6C; 6D; 6E) and. The case (2; 2D; 2E) has a fixed electrode (7). The movable member (3) has a movable electrode (8) facing the fixed electrode (7), and the movable electrode (8) is displaced with respect to the fixed electrode (7). The pusher (5) is arranged on the movable electrode (8) on the opposite side of the fixed electrode (7). The retainer (6; 6A; 6B; 6C; 6D; 6E) is placed in the frame portion (62) held by the case (2; 2D; 2E) and in the opening (620) of the frame portion (62). It has a connecting portion (61) that connects the pusher (5) to the frame portion (62) so as to be displaceable along the thickness of the frame portion (62). At least one of the case (2; 2D; 2E) and the holder (6; 6A; 6B; 6C; 6D; 6E) is a regulatory unit (64; 64A; 641B, 642B; 64C; 25, 64D; 64E. ). The regulation unit (64; 64A; 641B, 642B; 64C; 25, 64D; 64E) projects and contacts the other, and when the pusher (5) is displaced toward the movable electrode (8), the above-mentioned The pulling of the frame portion (62) to the opening (620) side generated in the frame portion (62) via the connecting portion (61) is restricted. According to this aspect, the pusher (5) can be stably held.

The second aspect is based on the input device (1; 1E) of the first aspect. In the second aspect, the restricting portion (64; 64A; 641B, 642B; 64C; 25, 64D; 64E) is pulled into the opening (620) side of the frame portion (62) when the frame portion (62) is pulled into the opening (620) side. ) Regulate the movement of itself in the direction of rotation. According to this aspect, the pusher (5) can be stably held.

The third aspect is based on the input device (1; 1E) of the first or second aspect. In the third aspect, the connecting portion (61) determines the holding body (6; 6A; 6B; 6C; 6D; 6E) when the pusher (5) is displaced toward the movable electrode (8). Invert the part as a fulcrum. The restricting portion (64; 64A; 641B, 642B; 64C; 25, 64D; 64E) generates a moment of force around the fulcrum in the direction opposite to the moment of force that reverses the connecting portion (61). Let me. According to this aspect, the pusher (5) can be stably held.

The fourth aspect is based on the input device (1) of the third aspect. In the fourth aspect, the holding body (6; 6A; 6B; 6C; 6D) is moved from the end portion connected to the frame portion (62) in the connecting portion (61) to the fixed electrode (7) side. It has an extension (63) that extends. The predetermined portion includes a corner portion between the frame portion (62) and the extension portion (63). According to this aspect, the pusher (5) can be stably held.

The fifth aspect is based on the input device (1; 1E) of any one of the first to fourth aspects. In a fifth aspect, the regulating section (64; 64A; 641B, 642B; 64C; 25, 64D; 64E) surrounds the opening (620) of the frame section (62) over its entire length. According to this aspect, the gap between the frame portion (62) and the case (2; 2D; 2E) can be filled, and the airtightness inside the input device (1; 1E) can be improved.

The sixth aspect is based on the input device (1) of any one of the first to fifth aspects. In the sixth aspect, the restricting unit (64; 64A; 641B, 642B; 64C; 25, 64D) faces the surface facing the restricting unit (64; 64A; 641B, 642B; 64C; 25, 64D). Has an inclined surface. According to this aspect, the pusher (5) can be stably held.

The seventh aspect is based on any one of the input devices (1; 1E) of the first to sixth aspects. In the seventh aspect, the frame portion (62) has a first surface (62a) close to the fixed electrode (7) and a second surface (62b) far from the fixed electrode (7). The case (2; 2D; 2E) has a first portion facing the first surface (62a) of the frame portion (62) and a second portion facing the second surface (62b) of the frame portion (62). It has a portion, and the frame portion (62) is sandwiched between the first portion and the second portion. The restricting portion (64; 64A; 641B, 642B; 64C; 64E) is provided between the first surface (62a) of the frame portion (62) and the first portion of the case (2; 2D; 2E). It is located on at least one of the second surface (62b) of the frame portion (62) and the second portion of the case (2; 2D; 2E). According to this aspect, the pusher (5) can be held more stably.

The eighth aspect is based on the input device (1; 1E) of the seventh aspect. In the eighth aspect, the restricting portion (64; 64A; 641B, 642B; 64C; 64E) is located on at least one of the first surface (62a) and the second surface (62b) of the frame portion (62). .. According to this aspect, the regulation unit (64; 64A; 641B, 642B; 64C; 6E) is provided by the design change of the holding body (6; 6A; 6B; 6C; 6E) instead of the case (2; 2D; 2E). be able to.

The ninth aspect is based on the input device (1; 1E) of the eighth aspect. In the ninth aspect, the restricting portion (64; 64A; 641B; 64E) is closer to the inside of the first surface (62a) of the frame portion (62) than to the outside of the frame portion (62). According to this aspect, the force applied to the frame portion (62) when the pusher (5) is displaced toward the movable electrode (8) can be further reduced.

The tenth aspect is based on the input device (1; 1E) of the ninth aspect. In a tenth aspect, the restricting portion (64; 64A; 641B; 64E) contacts the first portion of the case (2; 2D; 2E) at a portion closer to the inside than the outside of the frame portion (62). do. According to this aspect, the force applied to the frame portion (62) when the pusher (5) is displaced toward the movable electrode (8) can be further reduced.

The eleventh aspect is based on the input device (1) of the eighth aspect. In the eleventh aspect, the restricting portion (64C) is closer to the outside than the inside of the frame portion (62) on the second surface (62b) of the frame portion (62). According to this aspect, the force applied to the frame portion (62) when the pusher (5) is displaced toward the movable electrode (8) can be further reduced.

The twelfth aspect is based on the input device (1) of the eleventh aspect. In the twelfth aspect, the restricting portion (64C) contacts the second portion of the case (2; 2D; 2E) at a portion closer to the outside than the inside of the frame portion (62). According to this aspect, the force applied to the frame portion (62) when the pusher (5) is displaced toward the movable electrode (8) can be further reduced.

The thirteenth aspect is based on any one of the input devices (1; 1E) of the first to twelfth aspects. In the thirteenth aspect, the retainer (6; 6A; 6B; 6C; 6D; 6E) is made of rubber. According to this aspect, the quietness during operation of the input device (1; 1E) can be improved as compared with the case where the holding body (6; 6A; 6B; 6C; 6D; 6E) is made of metal.

The fourteenth aspect is based on the input device (1; 1E) of the thirteenth aspect. In the fourteenth aspect, the pusher (5) and the holder (6; 6A; 6B; 6C; 6D; 6E) are integral and made of rubber. According to this aspect, the input device (1; 1E) is quieter during operation as compared with the case where the pusher (5) and the holder (6; 6A; 6B; 6C; 6D; 6E) are made of metal. You can improve your sex.

The fifteenth aspect is based on any one of the input devices (1; 1E) of the first to fourteenth aspects. In a fifteenth aspect, the case (2; 2D; 2E) has a body (21; 21E) and a cover (22; 22D). The body (21; 21E) has a recess (210) on one surface (21a; 213a). The fixed electrode (7) is exposed on the bottom surface of the recess (210) of the body (21; 21E). The movable member (3) is housed in a recess (210) of the body (21; 21E). The cover (22; 22D) has a plate portion (220) having a through hole (24) facing the recess (210) and covering one surface (21a; 213a) of the body (21; 21E). The frame portion (62) is sandwiched between one surface (21a; 213a) of the body (21) and a plate portion (220) of the cover (22; 22D). The pusher (5) is located in the through hole (24) of the plate portion (220) of the cover (22; 22D). According to this aspect, the pusher (5) can be stably held.

The sixteenth aspect is an input device (1; 1E), which includes a case (2; 2D; 2E), a movable member (3), a pusher (5), and a holder (6; 6A; 6B; 6C; 6D; 6E) and. The case (2; 2D; 2E) has a fixed electrode (7). The movable member (3) has a movable electrode (8) facing the fixed electrode (7), and the movable electrode (8) is displaced with respect to the fixed electrode (7). The pusher (5) is arranged on the movable electrode (8) on the opposite side of the fixed electrode (7). The holding body (6; 6A; 6B; 6C; 6D; 6E) has a frame portion (62) and a connecting portion (61). The frame portion (62) is gripped by the case (2; 2D; 2E). The connecting portion (61) connects the pusher (5) to the frame portion (62) so as to be displaceable along the thickness of the frame portion (62) within the opening (620) of the frame portion (62). do. The retainer (6; 6A; 6B; 6C; 6D; 6E) is made of rubber. The retainer (6; 6A; 6B; 6C; 6D; 6E) has a regulatory unit (64; 64A; 641B, 642B; 64C; 64D; 64E). The regulation portion (64; 64A; 641B, 642B; 64C; 64D; 64E) protrudes from the frame portion (62) toward the case (2; 2D; 2E) and from the center of the frame portion (62). Is also compressed by coming into contact with a position close to the opening (620) of the frame portion (62). According to this aspect, the pusher (5) can be stably held.

1,1E Input device 2,2D, 2E Case 21,21E Body 21a, 213a One side 210 Recess 22, 22D Cover 220 Plate part 24 Through hole 3 Movable member 5 Pusher 6,6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E Holder 61 Connecting part 62 Frame part 62a First surface 62b Second surface 620 Opening 63 Extension part 64, 64A, 641B, 642B, 64C, 64D, 64E Restricting part 7 Fixed electrode 8 Movable electrode

Claims (16)

A case with a fixed electrode and
A movable member having a movable electrode facing the fixed electrode and the movable electrode being displaced with respect to the fixed electrode.
In the movable electrode, a pusher arranged on the opposite side of the fixed electrode and
A holding body having a frame portion gripped by the case and a connecting portion for connecting the pusher to the frame portion so as to be displaceable along the thickness of the frame portion within the opening of the frame portion.
With
At least one of the case and the holding body protrudes toward the other and comes into contact with each other, and when the pusher is displaced toward the movable electrode side, the opening side of the frame portion generated in the frame portion via the connecting portion. Has a regulatory department that regulates attraction to
Input device. The restricting portion restricts the movement of the frame portion itself in the rotational direction when the frame portion is pulled into the opening side.
The input device according to claim 1. The connecting portion is inverted with a predetermined portion of the holding body as a fulcrum when the pusher is displaced toward the movable electrode side.
The regulating portion generates a moment of force around the fulcrum in a direction opposite to the moment of force that reverses the connecting portion.
The input device according to claim 1 or 2. The holding body has an extension portion extending from an end portion connected to the frame portion to the fixed electrode side at the connecting portion.
The predetermined portion includes a corner portion between the frame portion and the extension portion.
The input device according to claim 3. The regulating portion surrounds the opening of the frame portion over the entire length.
The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The regulating portion has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a surface facing the regulating portion.
The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The frame portion has a first surface close to the fixed electrode and a second surface far from the fixed electrode.
The case has a first portion facing the first surface of the frame portion and a second portion facing the second surface of the frame portion, and the first portion and the second portion form the frame. With the part in between
The restricting portion is located at least one of the first surface of the frame portion and the first portion of the case and the second surface of the frame portion and the second portion of the case.
The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The regulating portion is located on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the frame portion.
The input device according to claim 7. The regulating portion is closer to the inside than the outside of the frame portion on the first surface of the frame portion.
The input device according to claim 8. The restricting portion contacts the first portion of the case at a portion closer to the inside than the outside of the frame portion.
The input device according to claim 9. The regulating portion is closer to the outside than the inside of the frame portion on the second surface of the frame portion.
The input device according to claim 8. The restricting portion contacts the second portion of the case at a portion closer to the outside than the inside of the frame portion.
The input device according to claim 11. The holder is made of rubber.
The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The pusher and the holder are integrated and made of rubber.
The input device according to claim 13. The case has a body and a cover.
The body has a recess on one side.
The fixed electrode is exposed on the bottom surface of the recess of the body.
The movable member is housed in a recess of the body.
The cover has a plate portion that has a through hole facing the recess and covers one surface of the body.
The frame portion is sandwiched between one surface of the body and the plate portion of the cover.
The pusher is located in the through hole of the plate portion of the cover.
The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 14. A case with a fixed electrode and
A movable member having a movable electrode facing the fixed electrode and the movable electrode being displaced with respect to the fixed electrode.
In the movable electrode, a pusher arranged on the opposite side of the fixed electrode and
A rubber holder having a frame portion gripped by the case and a connecting portion for connecting the pusher to the frame portion so as to be displaceable along the thickness of the frame portion within the opening of the frame portion.
With
The holding body has a regulating portion that protrudes from the frame portion toward the case and is compressed by contacting a position closer to the opening of the frame portion than the center of the frame portion.
Input device.

Images