WO2008072506A1 - 方向入力装置 - Google Patents
方向入力装置 Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2008072506A1 WO2008072506A1 PCT/JP2007/073409 JP2007073409W WO2008072506A1 WO 2008072506 A1 WO2008072506 A1 WO 2008072506A1 JP 2007073409 W JP2007073409 W JP 2007073409W WO 2008072506 A1 WO2008072506 A1 WO 2008072506A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- input
- movable
- key top
- downward
- input unit
- Prior art date
Links
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
- G06F3/0338—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
- H01H25/008—Operating part movable both angularly and rectilinearly, the rectilinear movement being perpendicular to the axis of angular movement
Definitions
- the present invention is used for electronic devices such as mobile phones (including so-called PHS), personal digital assistants (PDA: personal digital assistance, etc.), mobile audio, remote controllers for home appliances, game play devices, and keyboards.
- PHS personal digital assistants
- PDA personal digital assistance, etc.
- mobile audio mobile audio
- remote controllers for home appliances game play devices
- keyboards keyboards.
- the present invention relates to a direction input device capable of
- a directional input device includes a slide-type directional input device for detecting a sliding direction of an input unit using a change in capacitance of a capacitive element.
- a substrate (1), (2) is arranged in parallel and opposed to each other, and one of them can move in parallel with respect to the other. And an electrode part (C) provided on the opposing surface of the substrate (1) and an electrode part (Cx +) (Cx provided at a 90 ° angle interval with the central part of the opposing surface of the substrate (2) as the center. —) (Cy +) (Cy—) and an input part (J) provided at the center of one of the substrates (1) and (2). (See claim 1 of Patent Document 1).
- Patent Document 1 JP-A-6-314163
- the capacitive sensor described in Patent Document 1 detects the input direction of the input unit based on a change in the capacitance of the capacitive element due to a change in the area of the electrodes constituting the capacitive element.
- the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gap between electrodes included in the capacitive element corresponding to the sliding direction (that is, the input direction) in which the input unit is slid. An object of the present invention is to provide a direction input device that changes the capacitance of the capacitive element by changing the distance.
- a direction input device is a direction input device for detecting an input direction based on a change in capacitance of a capacitive element, and is horizontally arranged corresponding to an input direction that can be input.
- One or more movable parts that move the movable electrode corresponding to the input direction input to the input part downward and approach the fixed electrode that is opposed to the movable electrode.
- this movable part it is possible to change the slide of the input part to move the movable electrode downward. Since the movable electrode can be brought close to the fixed electrode facing the movable electrode, the capacitance of the capacitive element including the movable electrode and the fixed electrode can be changed. That is, this direction input device changes the capacitance of the capacitive element by changing the distance between the electrodes of the capacitive element in accordance with the sliding direction (that is, the input direction) in which the input unit is slid. It can be made.
- the input unit is provided so as to be tiltable while sliding corresponding to the input direction, and the movable unit is tilted while the input unit is tilted while sliding. According to this movement, the movable electrode corresponding to the input direction input to the input unit is moved downward to be close to the opposing fixed electrode.
- this direction input device changes the distance between the electrodes of the capacitive element in accordance with the direction in which the input unit is slid and tilted (that is, the input direction).
- the capacitance of the element can be changed.
- the input unit can be tilted and slidable, the input unit can be tilted while being slid.
- This direction input device can give a new feeling of operation to the operator of the direction input device. I can do it.
- the movable portion has a slope that gradually increases along a path along which the input portion slides in the path along which the input portion slides, and horizontally.
- the movable electrode corresponding to the input direction input to the input unit is provided on the lower surface of the movable unit, and is provided so that the tilt is pressed by the sliding input unit and moved downward. To do.
- the input unit slides horizontally, the input unit moves on the slope, but the input unit moves horizontally, so the input unit presses the slope. Since the movable part moves downward when the inclination is pressed by the input part, the movable electrode provided on the lower surface of the movable part can be brought close to the fixed electrode. As a result, the slide of the input unit can be changed to the downward movement of the movable electrode, and the movable electrode can be brought closer to the fixed electrode. Therefore, the capacitance of the capacitive element including the movable electrode and the fixed electrode is changed. I can do it.
- this direction input device changes the distance between the electrodes of the capacitive element in accordance with the sliding direction (that is, the input direction) in which the input unit is slid, thereby changing the capacitance of the capacitive element. Capacitance can be changed.
- the one or more movable parts have a slope that gradually increases along the sliding path of the input part in the sliding path of the input part, And at least one first movable portion that moves downward when the inclination is pressed by the input portion that slides horizontally, and is provided below the first movable portion so as to surround the input portion, and the first movable portion
- One or more second movable parts that are pressed by the part and move at least partially downward, and the movable electrode corresponding to the input direction input to the input part is provided on the lower surface of the second movable part. It is characterized by that.
- the input unit slides horizontally, the input unit moves on the slope, but the input unit moves horizontally, so the input unit presses the slope. Since the movable part moves downward when the inclination is pressed by the input part, the movable electrode provided on the lower surface of the movable part can be brought close to the fixed electrode. As a result, slide the input section under the movable electrode. Since the movable electrode can be moved closer to the fixed electrode, the capacitance of the capacitive element including the movable electrode and the fixed electrode can be changed.
- this direction input device changes the distance between the electrodes of the capacitive element in accordance with the sliding direction (that is, the input direction) in which the input unit is slid, thereby changing the capacitance of the capacitive element.
- the movable portion includes a first movable portion and a second movable portion, and the second movable portion is provided below the first movable portion so as to surround the input portion, if the second movable portion is designed in advance, The first movable part and the input part can be appropriately changed depending on the design convenience such as the number of input directions that can be input.
- the input unit is provided so as to be able to tilt while sliding corresponding to the input direction, and the movable unit is pressed by the input unit that tilts while sliding. It is provided to move downward.
- This direction input device changes the distance between the electrodes constituting the capacitive element in accordance with the direction in which the input unit is slid and tilted (ie, the input direction), thereby changing the capacitance of the capacitive element. Can be changed. Furthermore, since the input unit can be tilted while being slid, the input unit can be tilted while being slid, and this direction input device can give a new operational feeling to the operator of this direction input device. .
- the movable portion is formed in a sheet shape, is bent so as to protrude downward, and moves downward as the input portion slides.
- the movable electrode corresponding to the input direction input to the input unit is provided on the lower surface of the movable unit.
- the movable part With this movable part, it is possible to reliably change the slide of the input part to move the movable electrode downward. Furthermore, since the movable part is formed in a sheet shape and bent so as to protrude downward, it secures the distance necessary for the movement of the movable electrode to detect the capacitance and is movable in the initial state. The electrode can be kept close to the fixed electrode.
- the input unit includes at least a key top, and is formed such that when the key top is pressed in the vertical direction, the key top moves downward. It further comprises a pusher that moves downward along with the downward movement and presses the click feeling generating part that generates a click feeling.
- the key top of the input unit can be used as, for example, a determination key.
- a click feeling S can be obtained by pressing the key top.
- the multidirectional input device is further characterized by further comprising a bulging portion with which a top portion abuts against a central lower surface of the input portion.
- the input unit Since the input unit is formed to be tiltable, the input unit is smoothly tilted when the lower center surface of the input unit comes into contact with the top of the bulging portion.
- the input unit is provided with at least a key top in the center, and is formed such that when the key top is pressed in the vertical direction, the key top moves downward, and this direction input device is used for the downward movement of the key top. Accordingly, when the pusher that further moves downward and presses the click feeling generating portion that generates the click feeling is further provided, the top of the bulging portion comes into contact with the lower surface of the key top. By moving the top, the downward movement of the pusher can be reduced or eliminated, so that an extra force can be prevented from being applied to the click feeling generating portion. This prevents the occurrence of a click feeling when the input unit is tilted.
- the input unit includes at least a key top, and is formed such that when the key top is pressed in the vertical direction, the key top moves downward. It further comprises a pusher that moves downward along with the downward movement of the top and presses a click feeling generating portion that generates a click feeling.
- the key top of the input unit can be used as, for example, a determination key.
- a click feeling S can be obtained by pressing the key top.
- “moving downward” means that when at least a part of the member moves downward in parallel as long as it moves downward, it moves downward so as to rotate around a certain point.
- it is an expression including a case where it moves obliquely downward, and a case where at least a part moves downward by pinching.
- the movable electrode corresponding to the input direction input to the input unit is provided on the lower surface of the movable unit
- the movable electrode is provided on at least a part of the lower surface of the movable unit. It is only necessary to In the present invention, “the movable electrode corresponding to the input direction input to the input unit is provided on the lower surface of the second movable unit” means that the movable electrode is provided on at least a part of the lower surface of the second movable unit.
- the movable electrode corresponding to the input direction input to the input unit may be plural.
- movable electrodes there may be a plurality of “movable electrodes” that move downward as the movable portion moves downward.
- “moving the movable electrode corresponding to the input direction input to the input unit downward to bring it closer to the opposed fixed electrode” means moving a part of the movable electrode downward to It is also an expression including bringing a part close to the fixed electrode.
- the capacitance is obtained by changing the distance between the electrodes constituting the capacitive element in accordance with the sliding direction (that is, the input direction) in which the input unit is slid.
- the capacitance of the element can be changed.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a direction input device 1 according to an example of a first embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of the direction input device 1 according to an example of the first embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the direction input device 1 according to an example of the first embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a third member 7.
- FIG. 5 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. (B) is a BB cross-sectional view in FIG.
- FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining the first operation of the directional input device 1.
- FIG. 6 (a) is a diagram in which the right direction is input from the state of ⁇ in the initial state, from ⁇ to (b), (b) Changes to state (c)
- FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining a second operation of the direction input device 1, and (a) is a state in which the right direction is input from the state of ⁇ in the initial state from ⁇ (b), (b) Changes to state (c)
- FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining a third operation of the directional input device 1, wherein (a) shows a state in which (a) to (b) when the key top is pressed in the vertical direction from the state (a) in the initial state. The state changes.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an example of the direction input device 100 according to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a direction input device 100 according to a second embodiment.
- FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining a first operation of the directional input device 100, where (a) shows an initial state; In this state, when the upward direction (left direction in the figure) is input from the state (a), the state changes from (a) to (b) and from (b) to (c).
- FIG. 12 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining a second operation of the directional input device 100.
- FIG. 12 (a) is an initial state, and when the key top is pressed in the vertical direction from the state of ⁇ , the state from ⁇ to (b) Change to
- FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram when the directional input device 200 is incorporated in a mobile phone.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a direction input device 1 according to an example of the first embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of the direction input device 1 according to an example of the first embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the direction input device 1 according to an example of the first embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the third member 7.
- FIG. 5 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. Figure 5 (b) is shown in Figure 2.
- FIG. 5 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. Figure 5 (b) is shown in Figure 2.
- the plate material 3 is omitted. Further, in FIG. 3, only the main parts of the plate 3 and the substrate 8 are drawn. In FIG. 5, the plate 3 and the substrate 8 are drawn only in the main part. Further, in FIG. 5, the cross sections of the fixed electrode 82a to the fixed electrode 82d, the plate member 3, and the base member 80 are not hatched.
- FIG. 2 a part of the internal configuration is drawn with a dotted line. 2 corresponds to the side surface 5 la of the pressing member 51 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B).
- the third member 7 is disposed on the substrate 8.
- the second member 6 is disposed on the third member 7.
- the first member 5 is disposed on the second member 6.
- the cover member 4 is disposed so as to cover the first member 5 to the third member 7. Further, the plate member 3 is disposed on the cover member 4.
- the key top 2 is attached to the first member 5 with the plate member 3 and the cover member 4 interposed therebetween.
- the plate member 3 constitutes a part of the casing of the mobile phone.
- the plate member 3 is interposed between the plate member 3 and the cover member 4 as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b).
- a gap is provided.
- a stroke necessary for the downward movement and tilting of the key top 2 is secured between the plate 3 and the key top 2.
- the cover member 4 is put on the first member 5 to the third member 7, and the first member 5 to the third member 7 is fixed to the substrate 8, or the pins included in the first member 5 to the third member 7 are provided.
- the first member 5 to the third member 7 are arranged on the substrate 8 by an appropriate method such as fixing the first member 5 to the third member 7 to the substrate through pins in the holes 97 to 99.
- the key top 2 is used by an operator to input a desired direction to the mobile phone.
- the key top 2 includes an operation unit 21 and a support unit 22 that supports the operation unit 21 and transmits the operation of the operation unit to the internal mechanism of the direction input device 1.
- the key top 2 includes a recess 23 at a predetermined position on the side surface of the support portion 22.
- the shape of the key top 2 can be adopted as appropriate.
- the key top 2 is formed of various synthetic resins including hard resin such as polycarbonate resin, polyurethane resin, and silicone resin. Key Top 2 is made of various glass, It can be made of other suitable materials such as metal! /.
- the plate member 3 constitutes a part of the casing of the mobile phone.
- the plate material 3 is formed of various synthetic resins including hard resins such as polycarbonate resin, polyurethane resin, and silicone resin. The shape etc. of the board
- plate material 3 can be determined suitably.
- the plate 3 may be formed of other suitable materials such as a metal plate such as SUS. Further, the plate 3 has a through hole 31 having a size that does not hinder the operation of the key top 2.
- the plate member 3 includes through holes 32, 33, 34, and 35 (see FIG. 1), and key tops such as function keys are disposed in these through holes.
- the cover member 4 houses the first member 5, the second member 6, and the third member 7 therein.
- the cover member 4 is formed of various synthetic resins including hard resins such as polycarbonate resin, polyurethane resin, and silicone resin. Further, the cover member 4 may be formed of other suitable materials such as a metal plate such as SUS! The shape and the like of the cover member 4 can be determined as appropriate.
- a through-hole 41 having a substantially cross shape that passes the support portion 22 of the key top 2 and restricts the movement of the key top 2 in the input direction in four directions, up, down, left and right.
- the input directions that can be input are four directions.
- the through hole 41 may have a shape that restricts the movement of the key top 2 in the input direction in eight directions, ie, an up / down / left / right direction and an intermediate direction thereof (for example, an upper right direction).
- the shape of the through hole 41 may be determined so as to limit the movement of the key top 2 in the input direction depending on the required input direction such as the sixteen direction and the thirty-two direction. good. If the input direction that can be input is 360 degrees in all directions, the key top 2 is not limited to the four directions of up, down, left, and right (for example, a circle).
- the input direction that can be input to the direction input device 1 may be a plurality of (including all directions), and may be determined as appropriate depending on the application.
- the shape of the through hole 41 is determined corresponding to the input direction. To do. Further, the through hole 41 has a shape that limits the moving distance of the key top 2 as required.
- the through hole 31 of the plate member 3 may be the same as the through hole 41 of the cover member 4.
- the through hole 41 of the cover member 4 may be a through hole similar to the through hole 31.
- at least one of the plate member 3 and the cover member 4 performs the operation of the direction input device 1 or the like. If possible, it can be changed to another member. Further, it is not necessary to provide at least one of the plate member 3 and the cover member 4 as long as the operation of the direction input device 1 can be realized.
- the first member 5 includes a frame body portion 57, a bent portion 52, and a pressing member 51.
- the pressing member 51 attaches the key top 2 and presses a later-described first movable portion 61 by tilting or sliding in the horizontal direction.
- a mounting portion 53 for attaching the key top 2 so as to be movable in the vertical direction is provided.
- the attachment portion 53 includes a through hole 54 and a convex portion 55.
- a part of the key top support portion 22 is fitted into the through hole 54.
- the shape of the through hole 54 is substantially matched with the shape of the support portion 22 of the key top.
- the convex portion 55 enters the lower portion of the concave portion 23 described above. Thereby, the pressing member 51 and the key top 2 are engaged, and the key top 2 can be moved downward separately from the pressing member 51. As a result, when the key top 2 is pressed in the vertical direction, the key top of the input unit moves downward.
- the pressing member 51 is formed of various synthetic resins including hard resin such as polycarbonate resin, polyurethane resin, and silicone resin.
- the pressing member 51 may be formed of other suitable materials such as various kinds of glass and metal.
- the pressing member 51 is formed of a material having a hardness necessary for pressing an inclined portion 61 described later.
- a bent portion 52 where the sheet-like member bends in a substantially bellows shape is formed.
- the bent portion 52 is appropriately expanded and contracted by the tilt and / or slide of the pressing member 51, and the tilt and / or slide of the pressing member 51 is smoothed.
- the bent portion 52 is integrally formed with the pressing member 51 by heat fusion or bonding.
- the pressing member 51 has a disk-shaped force S, and the shape can be changed as appropriate. Further, although the bent portion 52 is formed in an annular shape in the present embodiment, it is formed along the outer periphery of the pressing member 51, so that the shape is appropriately determined depending on the shape of the pressing member 51.
- a frame part 57 is provided outside the bent part 52.
- the bent portion 52 and the frame body portion 57 are integrally formed.
- the bent portion 52 is made of a deformable material such as an elastic material.
- the bent portion 52 and the frame body portion 57 are integrally formed using a rubber material such as silicone rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, various synthetic resins, or the like.
- a part or most of the frame portion 57 is formed of various synthetic resins such as a polycarbonate resin, a polyurethane resin, a hard resin such as a silicone resin, or a metal. It is integrally formed with a so-called reinforcing plate 56 by heat fusion or adhesion.
- the reinforcing plate 56 can add rigidity to the first member 5.
- the input unit is composed of the key top 2 and the pressing member 51.
- the input unit includes, for example, a key top and one or more members that slide and tilt with the key top as the key top slides and tilts (here, the pressing member 51 corresponds).
- the input unit may be configured with only a key top.
- the second member 6 includes a frame body 65, first movable portions 61a to 61d connected to the frame body 65 through recesses 66a to 66d, and first movable portions 61a to 61d (collectively, A thin portion 63a to 63d (collectively referred to as a thin portion 63) connected to the first movable portion 61), and a bulging portion 64 is provided at the center connected to the thin portions 63a to 63d. .
- the first movable portions 61a to 61d are connected to inclined portions 67a to 67d connected to the frame body 65 through the recesses 66a to 66d, and the inclined portions 67a to 67d (collectively referred to as the inclined portions 67).
- Horizontal portions 68a to 68d (horizontal portion 68 and! /) Are connected to the thin-walled portions 63a to 63d.
- the second member 6 is formed of various synthetic resins such as a hard resin such as polycarbonate resin, polyurethane resin, and silicone resin, or integrally formed of metal or the like.
- the inclined portion 67 is connected to the frame body 65 via a recess 66 (acting like a hinge).
- the inclined portion 67 has an inclination on the upper surface. This inclination gradually increases along the path along which the input unit slides. Further, this inclination is provided in the course of sliding of the input unit.
- the first movable portion 61 has a slope that gradually increases along the path along which the input section slides in the path along which the input section slides.
- the inclined portion 67 is pressed and moved downward by the sliding and tilting of the pressing member 51, that is, the sliding and tilting of the input portion. Further, the lower surface of the inclined portion 67 is flat and abuts against a predetermined position of the third member 7. Inclined part 67 is connected to horizontal part 68 Garage.
- the horizontal portion 68 has a horizontal upper surface.
- a pressing member 51 is disposed on the upper surface of the horizontal portion 68.
- the upper surface of the horizontal portion 68 is in contact with the portion of the lower surface of the pressing member 51 corresponding to the horizontal portion.
- the horizontal portion 68 gradually decreases in thickness from a predetermined position toward the inside, and is connected to the thin portion 63.
- the thin portion 63 and the horizontal portion 68 are connected with a predetermined angle.
- the thin-walled portion 63 and the horizontal portion 62 are connected in a substantially “h” shape.
- the thin portion 63 has substantially the same thickness.
- the thin portion 63 is formed so as to be lowered toward the center and is connected to the bulging portion 64.
- the concave portion 66 and the thin-walled portion 63 provide a smooth deformation force that moves the inclined portion 61 and the horizontal portion 62, that is, the first movable portion 61 downward.
- the bulging portion 64 is provided at a position corresponding to the central portion, for example, the key top 2.
- the bulging portion has a substantially spherical shape so as to bulge upward.
- the top of the bulging portion 64 abuts on the lower center surface of the input portion, that is, the lower surface of the key top 2.
- the bulging portion 64 is for preventing the tilting of the key top 2 and the pressing portion 51 from being hindered.
- the shape of the bulging portion 64 may be any shape that does not hinder the tilting of the key top 2 and the pressing portion 51, that is, a suitable shape such as a substantially spherical shape or a pyramid shape.
- the direction input device 1 has four input directions that can be input in the vertical and horizontal directions, the four first movable parts 61 are provided in four directions in the vertical and horizontal directions. As described above, when a plurality of the first movable parts 61 are provided, the first movable parts 61 are moved downward so that the first movable parts 61 are moved downward so that the first movable parts 61 are moved downward. Interference with part 61 can be prevented.
- the number of the first movable parts 61 can be changed as appropriate.
- the first movable portion 61 may be provided in an annular shape so as to surround the input portion as appropriate, for example, when the input direction where input is possible is all directions. In this case, the first movable part 61 becomes one. Further, it is desirable that the first movable part 61 is formed of a hard material in order to press the second movable part 73! /.
- the third member 7 is made of a deformable material such as an elastic material.
- the third member 7 It is formed using a rubber material such as ricone rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, or various synthetic resins. In this embodiment, it is integrally formed in a sheet shape by an elastic conductive material such as a conductive rubber. In this case, the position (second movable part) corresponding to the fixed electrode becomes the movable electrode. In this case, the lower surface layer portion of the third member 7 at a position corresponding to the fixed electrode is expressed as a movable electrode.
- the movable electrode when the movable electrode is provided on the lower surface of the predetermined member, for example, on the lower surface of the movable portion or the second movable portion, at least the lower surface side of the movable portion and the second movable portion is provided. Including the case of forming with an elastic conductive material.
- the movable electrode is formed by using an appropriate metal thin film forming method such as vapor deposition or sputtering.
- the movable electrode may be formed by, for example, attaching a previously formed metal thin film or the like using an adhesive or an adhesive material. It is desirable that the movable electrode be flexible so that it can be deformed when contacting the fixed electrodes 82a to 82d.
- the third member 7 includes a pusher 71, a first thin portion 72, a second movable portion 73, a second thin portion 74, and a frame body portion 75.
- a concave portion 76 is provided in the large frame portion 75.
- a part or most of the frame 75 is formed of various synthetic resins such as polycarbonate resin, polyurethane resin, silicone resin, or other so-called reinforcing plate 77 formed of metal or the like. Are integrally formed by adhesion or the like.
- the reinforcing plate 77 can add rigidity to the third member 7.
- the pusher 71 is formed at a position corresponding to the key top 2, the bulging portion 64, and the metal dome 81.
- the shape of the pusher 71 is not limited as long as a click feeling can be obtained by pressing the metal dome 81.
- the shape of the upper surface of the pusher 71 is a shape that matches the shape of the lower surface of the bulging portion 64. The upper surface of the pusher 71 comes into contact with the lower surface of the bulging portion 64. Thereby, the pressing force generated by the downward movement of the key top 2 can be smoothly transmitted to the pusher 71, and the pusher 71 can be smoothly moved downward.
- the first thin portion 72 is provided so that the downward movement of the pusher 71 and the downward movement of the second movable portion 73 are smooth.
- the first thin portion 72 is provided so that the downward movement of the pusher 71 and the downward movement of the second movable portion 73 are smooth, In order to connect the movable part 73 without difficulty, it is formed to bend in the cross-sectional direction.
- the second movable portion 73 is provided in an annular shape around the pusher 71 corresponding to the fixed electrode 82 (that is, so as to surround the input portion).
- the second movable portion 73 is located below the first movable portion 61 (here, the lower surface of the first movable portion 61 is in contact with the upper surface of the second movable portion 73), and is below the first movable portion 61.
- a plurality of second movable parts 73 may be provided so as to surround the input part.
- the second movable portion 73 may not have an annular shape but may have another closed shape.
- the movable parts are respectively the first movable parts 61a to 61d and the corresponding areas under the first movable parts 61a to 61d of the second movable part 73, respectively. Consists of. In the present embodiment, the number of movable parts can be determined as appropriate corresponding to the number of input directions in which four movable parts can be input to the force input parts provided.
- One or more (here, four) movable parts 61 are composed of one or more (here, four) first movable parts and one or more (here, one) second movable parts. Is done.
- the movable portion includes a first movable portion and a second movable portion, and by providing the second movable portion 73 below the first movable portion 61 so as to surround the input portion, in particular, an annular shape surrounding the input portion.
- the first movable part and the input part can be designed such as the number of input directions that can be input. It can be changed as needed.
- the lower surface of the second movable portion 73 has an inclination so as to approach the fixed electrode from the outside toward the inside.
- the movable electrode (the surface layer portion on the lower surface (back surface) side of the second movable portion 73) is formed in a substantially reverse C shape in cross section. That is, the movable electrode faces the fixed electrode 82 with an inclination. Further, the lower surface of the second movable portion 73 may have an inclination so as to approach the fixed electrode 82 from the inside toward the outside. In this case, the movable electrode (the surface layer portion on the lower surface (back surface) side of the second movable portion 73) is formed in a substantially C-shaped cross section.
- the movable electrode faces the fixed electrode with an inclination.
- the lower surface of the second movable portion 73 may be formed so as to be parallel to the fixed electrode as long as the change in the capacitive element due to the change between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode can be detected.
- the movable electrode is opposed to the fixed electrode 82 with an inclination, so that the movable electrode is brought closer to the fixed electrode 82 than the movable electrode and the fixed electrode 82 are opposed in parallel. I can do it.
- the movable electrode can be brought close to the fixed electrode 82 while ensuring the moving distance of the movable electrode, and a sufficient amount of change can be obtained with respect to the amount of change in capacitance.
- the second movable portion 73 is provided in an annular shape.
- the movable electrode also has an annular shape.
- the force with which the movable electrode becomes one the regions corresponding to the plurality of fixed electrodes become the movable electrodes constituting the capacitive element, respectively, so that the movable electrode can be regarded as a plurality.
- one of the movable electrode and the fixed electrode is one and the other is plural, one movable electrode or fixed electrode is expressed as the same number as the other, that is, plural.
- there are four fixed electrodes there are four movable electrodes.
- the number of movable electrodes is not limited to one, and four or eight movable electrodes may be provided as appropriate.
- the shapes of the second movable portion 73 and the movable electrode are not limited to the annular shape, and can be changed as appropriate.
- the second thin portion 74 is provided in an annular shape around the second movable portion 73. Further, a frame body part 75 is provided on the outside thereof. The frame body 75 is provided with a recess 76 in an annular shape.
- the concave portion 76 has a role like a hinge, and is used to smoothly move the second movable portion 73 together with the second thin portion 74 downward.
- the substrate 8 is composed of various substrates.
- the substrate 8 is composed of a substrate of a mobile phone.
- the substrate 8 is configured by providing a metal dome 81 and a fixed electrode 82 on a base material 80.
- the fixed electrode 82 is divided into four directions, up, down, left, and right (fixed electrodes 82a to 82d). In other words, four fixed electrodes 82 are provided. Further, the fixed electrode 82 is covered with an insulating film, and is configured not to conduct even when the movable electrode comes into contact. This insulating film may be provided on the second movable portion 73 so as to cover the movable electrode side. If there are a plurality of movable electrodes, the number of the fixed electrodes 82 may be one as in the case of the movable electrodes of the present embodiment. Further, the number of the fixed electrodes 82 other than four, eight, etc. can be appropriately changed (for example, the number of divisions of the fixed electrodes).
- the fixed electrode and the movable electrode constitute a plurality of capacitive elements for detecting the input direction.
- the metal dome 81 is a tacky feeling generating portion that is elastically deformed and generates a click feeling when pressed by the pusher 71.
- the metal dome 81 short-circuits the contacts provided on the substrate 8 and under the metal dome 81 by the elastic deformation.
- the metal dome 81 is constituted by a metal plate 86 and a thin film sheet 85 attached to the base material 80 in order to fix the plate on the contact point. Further, the metal dome 81 can be changed to another click feeling generating portion that can generate a click feeling.
- FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining the first operation of the direction input device 1.
- FIG. 6 (a) is an initial state, and when the right direction is input from the state of ⁇ , ), (B) to (c).
- hatching indicating a cross section is omitted.
- the input unit operates the key top 2 in the right direction, that is, when the right direction is input to the input unit, the key top 2 and the pressing unit 51 (input unit) are placed on the surface of the first member 5. Slide to the right as you slide (see Fig. 6 (b) to (c)). When sliding, the portion corresponding to the sliding direction of the bent portion 52 is folded and contracted as shown in the figure, and the opposite side is opened and extended (see FIGS. 6 (b) to (c)). ). Thus, the input part can slide smoothly by the expansion and contraction of the bent part 52.
- the lower surface of the right end portion of the pressing member 51 is horizontally (including substantially horizontal in the present invention) so as to climb the inclined portion 67a (first movable portion 61a). Slide in the direction. For this reason, the pressing member 51 contacts the back surface of the upper surface of the cover member 4. After the pressing member 51 comes into contact with the back surface of the upper surface of the cover member 4, the cover member 4 serves as a guide and further slides horizontally in the right direction. By this sliding, the inclination of the inclined part 67a is pressed by the pressing member 51 (input part).
- the pressing member 51 does not come into contact with the back surface of the upper surface of the cover member, and the pressing member 51 slides horizontally as it is.
- Fig. 6 (c) the force S with the key top 2 further slid from Fig. 6 (b), the way of applying the force was changed by the operation, so the pressing member 51 slides so that the right side is lowered! /
- the input unit is arranged on the second member 6 and is slidable by being supported by a support member that is slidably supported, such as the bent portion 52. Further, for example, the input unit comes into contact with the back surface of the upper surface of the case of the direction input device 1 such as the cover member 4, so that the back surface is Id. With this guide, the input unit can slide in the horizontal direction.
- the upper surface of the pressing member 51 that is, the input unit may be brought into contact with the back surface of the upper surface of the cover member 4 from the beginning. Thereby, the horizontal sliding of the input unit becomes smooth.
- the first movable portion 61a moves downward. That is, the concave portion 66a is deformed so as to open, and the first movable portion 61a moves downward so that the first movable portion 61a rotates using this portion as a fulcrum.
- the inclined portion can smoothly move downward by the recess 66a. Further, the joint between the horizontal portion 68a and the thin portion 63a and the joint between the thin portion 63a and the bulging portion 64 are deformed. Due to this deformation, the downward movement of the first movable part 61 can be made smoothly.
- the second movable portion 73 (the portion corresponding to the first movable portion 61a) positioned below the first movable portion 61a is pressed and moved downward.
- the concave portion 76 is deformed so as to open, thereby smoothly moving the second movable portion 73 (the portion corresponding to the first movable portion 61a).
- the movable electrode provided on the lower surface (back surface) of the second movable portion 73 approaches the fixed electrode 82a. Then, the movable electrode comes into contact with the fixed electrode 82a. As a result, the distance between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode that moves can be changed, so that the capacitance of the capacitive element including the movable electrode and the fixed electrode can be changed. Note that since the insulating film is provided on the surface of the fixed electrode 82a, the capacitive element including the fixed electrode 82a and the movable electrode functions even if the fixed electrode 82a and the movable electrode are in contact with each other.
- a plurality of movable electrodes may be provided on a lower surface of the second movable portion 73 and a region moving downward, and the second movable portion 73 may move a plurality of movable electrodes corresponding to the input direction.
- the direction input device 1 When the input to the input unit is completed, the direction input device 1 returns to the initial state by the restoring force of each member.
- the movable portion (here, the region corresponding to the first movable portion 61 of the first movable portion 61 and the second movable portion 73) moves downward as the input portion slides. Move and accompany this move Then, the movable electrode corresponding to the input direction input to the input unit is moved downward to come close to the opposed fixed electrode. Accordingly, the capacitance of the capacitive element can be changed by changing the distance between the electrodes constituting the capacitive element in accordance with the sliding direction (that is, the input direction) in which the input unit is slid.
- each of the movable parts has a slope that gradually increases along the path of sliding of the input part in the path of sliding of the input part, and the slope is pressed by the input part that slides horizontally.
- One or more (four in this case) are provided to move downward.
- one or more (four in this case) movable parts have a slope gradually increasing along the path of sliding of the input part in the course of sliding of the input part, and the input part sliding horizontally.
- One or more (four in this case) first movable parts 61 that move downward when the inclination is pressed, and are provided below the first movable part so as to surround the input part and are pressed against the first movable part.
- the movable electrode is provided on the lower surface of the second movable part (that is, the movable part).
- the input unit slides horizontally, the input unit moves on the slope along the slope. Since the input unit moves horizontally, the input unit presses the slope. Since the movable part moves downward when the inclination is pressed by the input part, the movable electrode provided on the lower surface of the movable part can be brought close to the fixed electrode.
- FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining the second operation of the direction input device 1.
- FIG. 7A is an initial state, and when the right direction is input from the state of ⁇ , Changes from (b) to (c). In FIG. 7, the hatching indicating the cross section is omitted.
- the key top 2 is operated to tilt rightward. In this case, key top 2 tilts while sliding.
- the key top 2 When the key top 2 is operated in the right direction, that is, when the right direction is input to the input unit, the key top 2 and the pressing unit 51 (input unit) become the first member 5 (first movable unit). It slides to the right as it slides on the surface and tilts to the right. (See Figures 7 (b) to (c)). When sliding and tilting, the portion of the bent portion 52 corresponding to the sliding direction is folded in the horizontal direction and opened in the vertical direction as shown in the figure. The opposite side is opened and extended (see Figs. 7 (b) to (c)). In this way, the input part slides smoothly due to the expansion and contraction of the bent part 52. You can tilt while.
- the tilting fulcrum of the input unit is the center of the bottom surface of the input unit (position where the input unit (key top 2) and the bulging part abut) when the operation of the input unit starts. .
- the upper left end of the pressing member 51 comes into contact with the back surface of the upper surface of the cover member 3 as shown in FIG.
- the portion becomes a tilting fulcrum, and the pressing member 51 tilts.
- the upper surface of the cover member 4 may be raised, and the tilting fulcrum may be a portion where the lower surface (back surface) of the input portion and the top of the bulging portion 64 abut.
- the input unit is disposed on the second member 6 and supported by a support member that is slidably supported, such as the bent portion 52, and the tilting fulcrum of the input unit is provided in the direction input device 1, and the movable unit is pressed.
- a support member that is slidably supported, such as the bent portion 52, and the tilting fulcrum of the input unit is provided in the direction input device 1, and the movable unit is pressed.
- the input part By moving downward (especially when the inclination of the movable part is pressed), the input part can be tilted while sliding in accordance with the input direction. Thereby, the input unit can be tilted while sliding, and this direction input device can give a new feeling of operation to the operator.
- the lower surface of the center of the input portion comes into contact with the top portion of the bulging portion 64, so that the input portion can be tilted smoothly. Furthermore, since the top of the bulge 64 comes into contact with the lower surface of the key top 2, the movement of the key top 2 due to the tilting of the input section can reduce or eliminate the downward movement of the pusher 71. It is possible to prevent an excessive force from being applied to the click feeling generating portion (metal dome 81). As a result, it is possible to prevent a click feeling when the input unit is tilted.
- the input unit presses the first movable unit 61a.
- the input portion presses the inclination by the slide of the input portion.
- the pressure due to the tilt of the input unit can be increased.
- the input unit tilts while sliding As a result, the inclination can be further pressed, and the downward movement of the first movable part can be further increased.
- the moving distance of the movable electrode can be increased, so that the change in capacitance can be increased.
- the second movable part 73 located below the first movable part 61a is pressed and moved downward. At this time, the second movable portion is smoothly moved by being deformed so that the concave portion 76 is opened.
- the second movable portion 73 (the portion corresponding to the first movable portion 61a) moves downward, the movable portion provided on the back surface of the second movable portion 73 (the portion corresponding to the first movable portion 61a).
- the electrode approaches the fixed electrode 82a.
- the movable electrode comes into contact with the fixed electrode 82a.
- the distance between the moving movable electrode and the fixed electrode can be changed, so that the capacitance of the capacitive element including the movable electrode and the fixed electrode can be changed.
- the capacitive element including the fixed electrode 82a and the movable electrode functions even if the fixed electrode 82a and the movable electrode are in contact with each other.
- a plurality of movable electrodes may be provided on a lower surface of the second movable portion 73 and a region moving downward, and the second movable portion 73 may move a plurality of movable electrodes corresponding to the input direction.
- the direction input device 1 returns to the initial state by the restoring force of each member.
- the movable portion (here, the region corresponding to the first movable portion 62 of the first movable portion 62 and the second movable portion 73) is tilted while the input portion slides.
- the movable electrode corresponding to the input direction input to the input unit is moved downward. And move it closer to the opposite fixed electrode.
- the capacitance of the capacitive element can be changed by changing the distance between the electrodes constituting the capacitive element in accordance with the tilted input direction while sliding the input unit.
- each of the movable parts has a slope that gradually increases along the path of sliding of the input part in the path of sliding of the input part, and the tilt is pressed by the input part that tilts while sliding.
- One or more (four here) are provided to move downward.
- one or more (four in this case) movable parts have a slope that gradually increases along the path of sliding of the input part in the path of sliding of the input part, and the input tilts while sliding.
- first movable parts 61 that move downward when the inclination is pressed by the part, and are provided below the first movable part so as to surround the input part and are pressed against the first movable part And one or more (here, one) second movable parts at least partially moving downward.
- a movable electrode is provided in the lower surface of a 2nd movable part (namely, movable part). When the input unit tilts while sliding, the input unit presses this tilt. Since the movable part moves downward when the inclination is pressed by the input part, the movable electrode provided on the lower surface of the movable part can be brought close to the fixed electrode.
- FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory view for explaining a third operation of the direction input device 1.
- (a) is an initial state, and when the key top is pressed in the vertical direction from the state (a) (a ) To (b).
- the hatching indicating the cross section is omitted.
- the key top 2 can move in the vertical direction separately from the pressing member 51, when the key top 2 is pressed, the key top 2 moves downward.
- the pusher 71 moves downward by the downward movement of the bulging portion 64. With this pusher 71, the metal dome 81 is pressed and elastically deformed to generate a click feeling. When the metal dome 81 is elastically deformed, the contacts on the base material 80 and immediately below the metal dome 81 are short-circuited. This is used for determining a menu, for example.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an example of the direction input device 100 according to the second embodiment.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an example of the direction input device 100 according to the second embodiment.
- a key top 102, a plate member 103, a first attachment member 104, a cover member 105, a second attachment member 106, a key top attachment member 107, a deformation member 108, and a substrate 109 are provided.
- the deformable member 108 is disposed on the substrate 109.
- a keytop attachment member 107 is attached to the deformable member 108.
- the second mounting member 106 is mounted on the key top mounting member 107.
- a cover member 105 is disposed on the second mounting member 106.
- the first attachment member 104 is attached to the second attachment member 106 with the cover member 105 interposed therebetween.
- the key top 2 is attached to the key top attachment member 107 with the plate member 103, the first attachment member 104, the cover member 105, and the second attachment member 106 interposed therebetween.
- the plate member 103 constitutes a part of the casing of the mobile phone.
- the key top 102 is interposed between the plate member 103 and the key top 102 as shown in FIG. A gap is provided to secure the stroke required for the downward movement.
- Keytop 102 is used by an operator to input a desired direction to the mobile phone.
- the key top 102 includes an operation unit 121 and a support unit 122 that supports the operation unit 121 and transmits the operation of the operation unit to the internal mechanism of the direction input device 100.
- the shape of the key top 102 can be adopted as appropriate, but for example has a substantially T-shaped cross section as shown in FIG.
- the key top 102 is formed of various synthetic resins including hard resin such as polycarbonate resin, polyurethane resin, and silicone resin.
- the key top 102 may be formed of other suitable materials such as various types of glass and metal.
- the plate member 103 constitutes a part of the casing of the mobile phone.
- the plate 103 is made of various synthetic resins including hard resin such as polycarbonate resin, polyurethane resin, silicone resin, etc. To form.
- plate material 103 can be determined suitably.
- the plate material 103 may be formed of other suitable materials such as a metal plate such as SUS.
- the plate member 103 has a through hole 131 having a size that does not hinder the operation of the key top 2.
- the cover member 105 houses the second attachment member 106, the key top attachment member 107, and the deformation member 108 therein.
- a circular through hole 151 is provided to determine the limit of movement of the key top 102 in the input direction through the support portion 122 of the key top 102.
- the input directions that can be input are all directions.
- the cover member 105 is formed of various synthetic resins including hard resin such as polycarbonate resin, polyurethane resin, and silicone resin. Further, the cover member 105 may be formed of other suitable materials such as a metal plate such as SUS. The shape and the like of the cover member 105 can be determined as appropriate.
- the through hole 151 has a shape that restricts the movement of the key top 2 in the input direction to four directions in the up / down / left / right direction and eight directions in the up / down / left / right direction and an intermediate direction thereof (for example, the upper right direction) But it ’s okay.
- the shape of the through hole 151 that restricts the movement of the key top 102 in the input direction may be determined depending on how many input directions that can be input are required, such as sixteen directions and thirty-two directions.
- the input direction that can be input to the direction input device 100 can be appropriately determined depending on the application, and the shape of the through hole 151 is determined in accordance with the input direction. Further, the through hole 151 has a shape that limits the moving distance of the key top 102 as necessary.
- the through hole 131 of the plate member 103 may be a through hole similar to the through hole 151 of the cover member 105.
- the through hole 151 of the cover member 105 may be a through hole similar to the through hole 131.
- at least one of the plate member 103 and the cover member 105 can be changed to another member as long as the operation of the direction input device 100 can be realized. Further, at least one of the plate member 103 and the cover member 105 may not be provided as long as the operation of the direction input device 100 can be realized.
- the first attachment member 104 and the second attachment member 106 are attached to the cover member 105 with the cover member 105 interposed therebetween.
- the first mounting member 104 and the second mounting member 106 are assembled so that a guide made of two parallel or substantially parallel plate members extending in the horizontal direction can be obtained. It is formed.
- one side of the cross-section has a substantially U-shape, and the force bar member 105 is inserted into the substantially U-shape to be attached to the cover member.
- the input unit including the key top 102 can be Is slidable.
- the force that creates a gap between the upper or lower inner surface of the substantially U-shaped portion constituted by the first mounting member 104 and the second mounting member 106 and the cover member 105 This is because the first attachment member 104 and the second attachment member 106 are supported by the lower surface of the deformation member 108 being in contact with the metal dome 191.
- the gap may not be provided, and the upper or lower inner surface of the substantially U-shaped portion may be in contact with the cover member 105.
- the shape of the first mounting member 104 can be appropriately changed to another shape as long as the force key top 102 having a C-ring shape can be slidable.
- the shape of the second mounting member 105 is formed by providing a convex portion 162 on a disk 161.
- the shape of the second mounting member 105 can be appropriately changed to another shape as long as the key top 102 can be slid.
- a through hole 163 is provided in the convex portion 162 of the second mounting member 105.
- the key top mounting member 107 is fitted in the through hole 163 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.
- the protrusion 162 passes through the through hole 151, and the first attachment member 104 is attached with the cover member 105 interposed therebetween.
- the first mounting member 104 and the second mounting member 105 are formed of various synthetic resins including hard resin such as polycarbonate resin, polyurethane resin, and silicone resin.
- the first attachment member 104 may be formed of other suitable materials such as a metal plate such as SUS.
- the key top mounting member 107 is formed by providing a convex portion 172 on a disk 171.
- the convex portion 172 is fitted in the through hole 163 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.
- a through hole 173 is provided in the convex portion 172 of the key top mounting member 107.
- a part of the support portion 122 of the key top 102 is fitted and fixed in the through hole 173.
- the key top mounting member 107 is provided with a recess 174. This A projection (not shown) of the key top 102 is fitted into the recess 174 of the key top 102 so that the key top 102 does not rotate or the like.
- the key top mounting member 107 is formed of various synthetic resins including hard resin such as polycarbonate resin, polyurethane resin, and silicone resin.
- the deformable member 108 includes a frame body 181, a movable portion 182 and a bottom surface portion 183.
- the movable part 18 2 is formed in a sheet shape.
- the movable portion 182 is provided in a substantially horizontal direction so as to connect the frame body 181 and the bottom surface portion 183 (input portion), and is bent so as to protrude downward. By projecting downward and bending in this way, the movable electrode provided on the back surface of the movable part can be brought closer to the fixed electrode.
- the movable portion 182 is provided in an annular shape so as to surround the key top 102, that is, the input portion.
- the movable part 182 is one.
- a plurality of movable parts 182 may be provided depending on the number of input directions that can be input. For example, in the case of four directions, up, down, left, and right, the deformable portions may be provided separately in the four directions, up, down, left, and right, so as to connect the frame body 181 and the bottom surface portion 183 (input unit).
- the deformable member 108 is made of a deformable material such as an elastic material.
- the deformable member 108 is formed using a rubber material such as silicone rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer, various synthetic resins, or the like.
- the deformable member 108 is integrally formed of an elastic conductive material such as a conductive rubber.
- the position corresponding to the fixed electrode becomes the movable electrode.
- the back surface layer portion of the movable portion 182 at a position corresponding to the fixed electrode is expressed as a movable electrode.
- the movable electrode is provided on the lower surface of the predetermined member, for example, on the lower surface of the movable part 182, this includes the case where at least the lower surface side of the movable part 182 is formed of an elastic conductive material.
- the movable electrode is formed on the lower surface of the movable portion 182 by using an appropriate metal thin film forming method such as vapor deposition or sputtering.
- the movable electrode may be formed by, for example, attaching a previously formed metal thin film or the like to the lower surface of the movable part 182 using an adhesive or an adhesive material.
- the movable electrode is preferably flexible so that it can be deformed when it comes into contact with the fixed electrode 18 2.
- polycarbonate resin, polyurethane-based It is integrally formed by a force formed by various synthetic resins such as a resin, a hard resin such as a silicone-based resin, a so-called reinforcing plate 187 formed by a metal or the like, and heat fusion or bonding.
- the reinforcing plate 187 can add rigidity to the deformable member 108.
- the movable electrode 182 is also provided in an annular shape.
- a region corresponding to the fixed electrode 192 of the movable part becomes a movable electrode, and in this case, there are a plurality of movable electrodes.
- an annular movable electrode is appropriately provided on the movable part, and a plurality of movable electrodes are provided at predetermined positions corresponding to the fixed electrode 192.
- the movable electrode when the movable electrode is provided in an annular shape, the force with which the movable electrode becomes one. Actually, since the regions corresponding to the plurality of fixed electrodes 192 are movable electrodes constituting the capacitive element, the movable electrode Can be considered as multiple. In the present invention, if one of the movable electrode or the fixed electrode 192 is one and the other is plural, the one movable electrode or fixed electrode 192 is expressed as the same number as the other, that is, plural. In this embodiment, since there are four fixed electrodes, there are four movable electrodes 192. Note that the number of movable electrodes is not limited to one, and a plurality of movable electrodes such as four or eight may be provided as appropriate.
- the deformable member 108 and the key top mounting member 107 are integrally formed by heat fusion or bonding. As a result, the key top attachment member 107 is attached to the deformation member 108.
- a pusher 184 is provided on the back surface of the deformable member 108 at a position corresponding to the key top 102. The pusher 184 contacts the metal dome 191.
- the shape of the pusher 184 is not limited as long as the metal dome 191 can be elastically deformed to generate a click feeling.
- the substrate 109 is composed of various substrates.
- the substrate 109 is composed of a substrate of a mobile phone.
- the substrate 109 has a base material 190, a metal dome 191, and a fixed electrode 192.
- the fixed electrode 192 is divided into four directions, up, down, left, and right (fixed electrodes 192a to 192d).
- Fixed electrode 192 is a movable electrode If there is a plurality, the number may be one like the movable electrode of the present embodiment. Further, the number of fixed electrodes 192 other than four, such as eight, can be appropriately changed (for example, the number of divisions of the fixed electrodes).
- the metal dome 191 is a click feeling generating section that is elastically deformed and generates a click feeling when pressed by the pusher 181.
- the metal dome 191 short-circuits the contacts provided on the substrate and under the metal dome 191 by the elastic deformation.
- the metal dome 191 is composed of a metal dish 196 and a thin film film sheet 195 affixed to the base material 190 in order to fix the dish on the contact point. Further, the metal dome 191 can be changed to another click feeling generating portion that can generate a click feeling.
- the input unit is constituted by the key top 102, the key top mounting member 107, and the bottom surface part 183.
- the input unit includes, for example, a key top and one or more members that slide with the key top as the key top slides (here, the key top mounting member 107 and the bottom surface portion 183 correspond).
- the input unit may be configured with only a key top.
- FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory diagram for explaining the first operation of the direction input device 100.
- (a) is an initial state, and an upward direction (left direction in the figure) is input from the state of (a).
- the state changes from (a) to (b) and from (b) to (c).
- hatching indicating the cross section of the fixed electrode 192b, the fixed electrode 192c, the dish 196, the thin film sheet 195, and the base material 190 is omitted.
- the first mounting member 104 and the second mounting member 105 form the input section including the key top 102.
- the upper part of the U-shape is a guide that slides to the left (see Figures 11 (b) to 11 (c)).
- the area corresponding to the input direction of the movable part 181 crawls and moves downward.
- at least a part of the movable part 181 moves downward as the movable part 181 crawls.
- the region of the movable portion 181 opposite to the input direction is pulled (at least a part thereof) to move upward.
- the movable electrode corresponding to the input direction can be brought close to the fixed electrode 192d.
- the movable electrode can be moved away from the fixed electrode 192b.
- the movable part 183 is symmetrically (in this case, in an annular shape) corresponding to the input direction as seen from the center.
- the capacitive element including the movable electrode and the fixed electrode 192 functions as a capacitive element.
- the movable portion 183 is formed by protruding downward and bending to form the movable portion 18.
- FIG. 12 is an operation explanatory view for explaining the second operation of the direction input device 100.
- (a) is an initial state, and when the key top is pressed in the vertical direction from the state (a), The state changes to (b).
- the pusher 184 moves downward.
- the metal dome 191 is elastically deformed to generate a click feeling.
- the contacts on the substrate and immediately below the metal dome 191 are short-circuited. This is used to determine menus, for example.
- the shape of the member in the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be changed as appropriate.
- the second member 6 and the deformable member 108 may be formed as a key base that is a sheet-like member constituting a key sheet on which function keys and the like are arranged.
- two linear electrodes that can be short-circuited by contacting the movable electrode may be provided inside or outside the fixed electrode. Good.
- this linear electrode is short-circuited to the movable electrode, it can be used as an excitation signal for starting direction detection.
- the two linear electrodes are provided, for example, in a concentric ring shape. Also, this linear electrode may be provided on the movable electrode side. Do not provide an insulating layer at the part that comes into contact with the electrode so that the linear electrode can be short-circuited!
- the configuration of the multi-directional input device 200 may be the same as that of the directional input device 1 or the directional input device 100 described above.
- FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram when the direction input device 200 is incorporated in a mobile phone.
- the fixed electrodes 260a, 260b, 260c, 260di are notched (not shown to clarify the fixed electrodes 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d.
- the number of capacitive elements can be changed as appropriate, and the principle of direction detection conforms to the following explanation even if the number of capacitive elements is changed. .
- the movable electrode 250 corresponds to an annular movable electrode provided on the lower surface of the movable part of the direction input device 1 or the direction input device 100 described above.
- the fixed electrodes 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d correspond to the fixed electrodes 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d and the fixed electrodes 192a, 192b, 192c, 192d of the direction input device 1 and the direction input device 100 described above.
- the movable electrode 260 and the fixed electrodes 260a, 260b, 260c, and 260d constitute four capacitive elements in the vertical and horizontal directions.
- the movable electrode 20 moves as the input unit is operated in any direction. By this movement, the capacitance of at least one of the four capacitive elements changes.
- the portion of the movable electrode 260 corresponding to the fixed electrode and corresponding to the input direction (for example, if the input is to the right, the movable electrode corresponding to the fixed electrode 260a) approaches the fixed electrode.
- the capacitance of at least one capacitance element (capacitance element having the fixed electrode 260a) corresponding to the above changes (increases).
- the input direction of the input unit (in the above, the right direction) can be detected from the change in capacitance accompanying the movement of the movable electrode 250.
- the change in the capacitance of the four capacitive elements is appropriately combined. Can be used! /
- the C / V conversion IC 201, A / D 202, CPU 240, and the like constitute a control unit.
- Components such as A / D202 and CPU240 that constitute the control unit are logic circuits such as signal processing circuits and other suitable components.
- the member can be appropriately changed.
- control unit can perform a process of further measuring the strength and / or speed of the force used for the input of the input unit from the change in the electrostatic capacitance.
- the C / V conversion IC 201 converts the capacitance change amount due to the change in at least one of the four capacitance elements into a voltage value change amount ( ⁇ ).
- the change amount of the voltage value is converted into a digital signal by the A / D 202, and the CPU 203 recognizes the change amount of at least one of the four capacitance elements from the converted digital signal.
- the input direction is detected from the four recognized capacitance changes. In this way, by using the amount of change in capacitance (for example, the balance of changes in capacitance of each capacitive element) for direction detection, it is theoretically possible to detect all 360 degrees in any direction. Then, the CPU 203 performs processing according to the detected direction, such as moving the pointer on the screen of the mobile phone display device 290 so as to correspond to the arbitrary direction.
- the processing method of the direction detection based on the change in capacitance can be changed as appropriate.
- the intensity of force and / or the speed of force used for the input of the input unit can be further measured by the amount of change in capacitance.
- the strength of the force can be determined from the amount of change in capacitance.
- the speed of force may be divided by the time required for the input operation.
- the control unit can perform processing according to the strength of the force and / or the speed of the force.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
- Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
- Position Input By Displaying (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/312,418 US20100045593A1 (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2007-12-04 | Directional input device |
EP07850057A EP2096521A1 (en) | 2006-12-11 | 2007-12-04 | Direction input device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2006333894A JP2008146417A (ja) | 2006-12-11 | 2006-12-11 | 方向入力装置 |
JP2006-333894 | 2006-12-11 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2008072506A1 true WO2008072506A1 (ja) | 2008-06-19 |
Family
ID=39511528
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2007/073409 WO2008072506A1 (ja) | 2006-12-11 | 2007-12-04 | 方向入力装置 |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100045593A1 (ja) |
EP (1) | EP2096521A1 (ja) |
JP (1) | JP2008146417A (ja) |
KR (1) | KR20090094074A (ja) |
CN (1) | CN101553773A (ja) |
WO (1) | WO2008072506A1 (ja) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN101908871A (zh) * | 2009-06-02 | 2010-12-08 | 松下电器产业株式会社 | 压敏开关和使用了该开关的输入装置 |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2010026845A1 (ja) * | 2008-09-03 | 2010-03-11 | Mizushima Masanori | 入力装置 |
JP2011100212A (ja) * | 2009-11-04 | 2011-05-19 | Omron Corp | 情報入力装置 |
WO2011094877A1 (en) * | 2010-02-08 | 2011-08-11 | Optotune Ag | Input device with elastic membrane |
US8957850B2 (en) * | 2012-07-30 | 2015-02-17 | Harris Corporation | Hand-held communication devices with finger navigation user interface |
US10528155B2 (en) | 2014-02-13 | 2020-01-07 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Low-profile pointing stick |
US10627918B2 (en) * | 2014-02-13 | 2020-04-21 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Low-profile pointing stick |
US9733675B2 (en) * | 2014-02-17 | 2017-08-15 | Htc Corporation | Elastic body and electronic device |
CN105468213A (zh) * | 2014-09-04 | 2016-04-06 | 中兴通讯股份有限公司 | 触摸屏感应方法和装置 |
CN107810467B (zh) * | 2015-06-26 | 2021-03-02 | 三星电子株式会社 | 输入装置、用于从输入装置接收信号的电子设备及其控制方法 |
KR102180661B1 (ko) * | 2018-09-28 | 2020-11-19 | 주식회사 모리스 | 압력 기반의 사용자 입력 장치와 이를 이용한 3d 무선 프리젠터 |
EP3861426B1 (en) * | 2018-10-05 | 2022-09-28 | Razer (Asia-Pacific) Pte. Ltd. | Joystick device and a method of manufacturing thereof |
JP7133133B2 (ja) * | 2019-04-23 | 2022-09-08 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | スイッチ装置 |
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JPH06314163A (ja) | 1993-04-28 | 1994-11-08 | Nitta Ind Corp | 静電容量式センサー |
JP2003162932A (ja) * | 2001-11-28 | 2003-06-06 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | 多方向操作スイッチおよびその製造方法 |
JP2004288459A (ja) * | 2003-03-20 | 2004-10-14 | Polymatech Co Ltd | スライド入力キーパッド及びスライド入力スイッチ |
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JP2001221700A (ja) * | 2000-02-08 | 2001-08-17 | Nitta Ind Corp | 静電容量式センサ |
JP5059276B2 (ja) * | 2000-08-23 | 2012-10-24 | 任天堂株式会社 | 情報処理装置およびプログラム |
JP2002236552A (ja) * | 2001-02-08 | 2002-08-23 | Alps Electric Co Ltd | 座標入力装置 |
-
2006
- 2006-12-11 JP JP2006333894A patent/JP2008146417A/ja active Pending
-
2007
- 2007-12-04 CN CNA2007800442698A patent/CN101553773A/zh active Pending
- 2007-12-04 EP EP07850057A patent/EP2096521A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-12-04 US US12/312,418 patent/US20100045593A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-12-04 KR KR1020097009908A patent/KR20090094074A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2007-12-04 WO PCT/JP2007/073409 patent/WO2008072506A1/ja active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JPH06314163A (ja) | 1993-04-28 | 1994-11-08 | Nitta Ind Corp | 静電容量式センサー |
JP2003162932A (ja) * | 2001-11-28 | 2003-06-06 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | 多方向操作スイッチおよびその製造方法 |
JP2004288459A (ja) * | 2003-03-20 | 2004-10-14 | Polymatech Co Ltd | スライド入力キーパッド及びスライド入力スイッチ |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN101908871A (zh) * | 2009-06-02 | 2010-12-08 | 松下电器产业株式会社 | 压敏开关和使用了该开关的输入装置 |
US8228162B2 (en) | 2009-06-02 | 2012-07-24 | Panasonic Corporation | Pressure sensitive switch and input device using pressure sensitive switch |
CN101908871B (zh) * | 2009-06-02 | 2013-04-10 | 松下电器产业株式会社 | 压敏开关和使用了该开关的输入装置 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR20090094074A (ko) | 2009-09-03 |
CN101553773A (zh) | 2009-10-07 |
EP2096521A1 (en) | 2009-09-02 |
US20100045593A1 (en) | 2010-02-25 |
JP2008146417A (ja) | 2008-06-26 |
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