WO2024071022A1

WO2024071022A1 - Touch sensor, and connection structure for touch sensor and object to be connected

Info

Publication number: WO2024071022A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/034688
Authority: WO
Inventors: 翼神谷; 広太山崎
Original assignee: 積水ポリマテック株式会社
Priority date: 2022-09-29
Filing date: 2023-09-25
Publication date: 2024-04-04

Abstract

Provided is a touch sensor with which it is possible to establish a conductive connection by means of a simple structure.　A touch sensor 10 is provided with: a connector part 40 which has a conductive part 41 and an insulated part 42 formed from a rubber-like elastic body covering the conductive part 41; and a touch sensor electrode 50 which is located at a first end 40a of the connector part 40 and is in conductive contact with the conductive part 41. By providing the touch sensor electrode 50 with the connector part 40, or providing the connector part 40 with the touch sensor electrode 50, it is possible to easily conductively connect the touch sensor 10 to a circuit electrode E by means of a simple structure.

Description

Touch sensor and connection structure between touch sensor and connection object

The disclosure of this application relates to a touch sensor and a connection structure between the touch sensor and an object to be connected.

Touch sensors are known as one type of sensor that detects input from an operator. A capacitance sensor, which is a typical type of touch sensor, detects changes in capacitance that occur when an operator's finger touches an operating surface that is located on the outer surface of the housing of an electronic device (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2016-081818 A, FIG. 1

A touch sensor has touch sensor electrodes that correspond to input switches when performing touch operations on an electronic device. The electrical signal obtained from the touch sensor electrodes is analyzed in a detection circuit via a connection object such as a board circuit (circuit electrode). At this time, the touch sensor electrodes are provided along the operation surface of the electronic device, for example, along the outer surface of the housing. On the other hand, the connection object may be provided at a position away from the operation surface, for example, deep inside the housing.

However, if the connection object is placed away from the touch sensor electrode, the number of components required to connect them increases, which may complicate the connection structure.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a touch sensor that can be electrically connected with a simple structure.

Some aspects disclosed in this application are configured to have the following features:

In other words, one aspect of the present disclosure includes a connector portion having a conductive portion and an insulating portion made of a rubber-like elastic material covering the conductive portion, and a touch sensor electrode located at a first end of the connector portion and in conductive contact with the conductive portion, the connector portion having a second end that conductively connects the touch sensor electrode to an object to be connected by contacting the connector portion with the object to be connected, and the conductive portion extending between the first end and the second end is a touch sensor having a linear shape.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a touch sensor having a connector portion and a touch sensor electrode. The touch sensor electrode, which is in conductive contact with the conductive portion of the connector portion, is located at a first end of the connector portion. Therefore, the touch sensor can be easily conductively connected to an object to be connected with a simple structure.

Furthermore, by placing the touch sensor with the second end of the connector portion in contact with the connection object, the connector portion can easily form a conductive path between the touch sensor electrode at its first end and the connection object. The linear conductive portion forms a linear conductive path that conductively connects the touch sensor electrode and the connection object. Therefore, the connection structure can conductively connect the touch sensor electrode and the connection object over a short linear distance.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the area of the touch sensor electrode is larger than the end face of the conductive portion.

The area of the touch sensor electrode is larger than the end face of the conductive portion. Therefore, even if the touch sensor electrode and the conductive portion are misaligned from the correct contact position as designed, the touch sensor electrode and the conductive portion can be in conductive contact. Furthermore, even if the touch sensor electrode and the conductive portion are misaligned, the touch sensor electrode and the conductive portion can maintain conductive contact.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor electrode is integrally fixed to the connector portion.

The touch sensor electrode and the connector section are integrated. As a result, the touch sensor electrode and the connector section that make up the touch sensor are a single component. This makes the touch sensor easy to handle and easy to electrically connect to the object to which it is connected.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor electrode is a metal plate.

The touch sensor electrode is a metal plate. Therefore, the connector portion can easily have a touch sensor electrode provided at its first end. In this case, the metal plate can be provided at the first end by, for example, adhering with a conductive adhesive, insert molding, etc.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor includes a base film, and the connector portion is formed integrally with the base film.

The base film and connector portion of the touch sensor are formed as a single unit. Therefore, because the base film and connector portion are a single component, even if the touch sensor is configured to include a base film, the touch sensor can be easily conductively connected to the object to be connected with a simple structure.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor includes a base film, and the touch sensor electrode is a conductive layer formed on either the base film or the first end.

A conductive layer is formed as a sensor electrode on the base film of the touch sensor. This makes it easy to provide a touch sensor electrode at the first end of the connector part. In this case, the conductive layer can be provided, for example, by printing or painting on the base film or the first end of the connector part.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor electrode has an electrode main body portion located in the operation area and an electrode extension portion located outside the operation area, and the conductive portion is in conductive contact with the electrode extension portion.

The conductive portion of the connector portion can be configured to be in conductive contact not only with the electrode main body portion located in the operation area, but also with the electrode extension portion located outside the operation area. Therefore, the touch sensor can bring the touch sensor electrode and the conductive portion into conductive contact even in a position outside the operation area. Therefore, the touch sensor can increase the degree of freedom in the connection position with the connection target in the electrical device in which it is mounted.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor has a positioning portion that positions the touch sensor electrode and the conductive portion at a predetermined contact position.

The touch sensor has a positioning portion that determines the relative positions of the touch sensor electrode and the conductive portion. This allows the touch sensor electrode and the conductive portion to be placed in a predetermined contact position.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor has a plurality of the connector portions and a plurality of the touch sensor electrodes.

The connector portion and the touch sensor electrodes can each be configured in multiple numbers. Therefore, even if there are multiple connector portions and multiple touch sensor electrodes, they can be easily electrically connected.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the connector portion is formed in a columnar shape, and has a locking protrusion on its outer periphery that locks onto a first attachment object to which the connector portion is attached. The attachment object here may be, but is not limited to, an electronic device (housing), a circuit board, or a member provided separately from the electronic device, the circuit board, etc.

The locking projections on the outer periphery of the columnar connector portion lock into the object to which it is attached. This makes it easy to attach the touch sensor to the object.

The locking projection can be provided with a water-stopping section. This provides a waterproof function that prevents water from entering between the locking projection and the mounting object toward the elements mounted on the circuit board. In this case, the water-stopping section can be provided, for example, by increasing the adhesion with the mounting object or by increasing the contact area with the mounting object.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor includes a retainer having a retainer body that holds the connector portion and support legs that protrude from the retainer body and attach the retainer to a second mounting object.

The touch sensor includes a retainer. Therefore, the retainer can hold the connector portion. The retainer has a retainer body that holds the connector portion, and support legs that are attached to the mounting object. Therefore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor can be easily attached to electronic devices, etc.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the support legs have a length that forms a space between the retainer body and the second mounting object to accommodate an element to be mounted on a circuit board.

The support legs have a predetermined length between the retainer body and the object to which they are attached. This allows a space to be formed between the retainer body and the object to which they are attached. This allows the space between the retainer body and the object to which they are attached to be used as a space to accommodate elements to be mounted on the circuit board.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the base film has a three-dimensional shape, and the touch sensor electrode is formed along the three-dimensional shape of the base film.

The touch sensor electrodes are formed to conform to the three-dimensional shape of the base film. This makes it possible to realize a touch sensor with a three-dimensional operating area.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first end of the connector portion that is in conductive contact with the touch sensor electrode is formed with an inclined surface.

The first end of the connector portion that is in conductive contact with the touch sensor electrode is formed with an inclined surface. This makes it possible to realize a touch sensor whose operation area is an inclined surface.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor further has a waterproofing member, which is at least one of a first waterproofing member that seals between the touch sensor and an operation target member that an operator touches, a second waterproofing member that seals between the touch sensor and a first attachment target to which the connector portion is attached, and a third waterproofing member that seals between the second attachment target and the touch sensor.

The touch sensor has a waterproofing member that seals the space between it and the object it is attached to. This makes the contact point between the touch sensor and the object it is attached to waterproof.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the waterproofing member is an annular sealing protrusion formed on the retainer body.

The waterproofing member is formed on the retainer body as an annular sealing protrusion. This allows waterproofing between the retainer body and the object to which it is attached.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the support leg is formed in a ring shape, and the waterproofing member is a ring-shaped sealing protrusion formed on the support leg.

The support legs are formed in a ring shape. This allows the support legs to cover the periphery of the touch sensor in a ring shape. The waterproofing member is formed on the support legs as a ring-shaped sealing protrusion. This allows waterproofing between the support legs and the object to which they are attached.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the waterproofing member is a ring-shaped sealing protrusion formed on a base film of the touch sensor.

The waterproofing member is formed on the base film as an annular sealing protrusion. This allows waterproofing between the base film and the object to which it is attached.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the connector portion has a flange that extends outwardly, and the waterproofing member is the flange.

The flange is formed to extend outward from the connector portion. This allows the flange to cover a wider area of the outer periphery of the touch sensor. The waterproofing member is formed as a flange on the connector portion. This provides waterproofing between the flange and the object to which it is attached.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the touch sensor further includes an operation target member that is touched by the operator.

The touch sensor further includes an operation target member that is touched by the operator. Therefore, even in a touch sensor that includes an operation target member, it is possible to easily establish a conductive connection with a connection target using a simple structure.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a connection structure between a touch sensor and a connection object, which includes the touch sensor, and the conductive portion has a linear shape and forms a linear conductive path that electrically connects the touch sensor electrode and the connection object.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a connection structure between a touch sensor and a connection object. The touch sensor electrode that is in conductive contact with the conductive portion of the connector portion of the touch sensor is located at a first end of the connector portion. Therefore, since the touch sensor electrode is provided with a connector portion or the connector portion is provided with a touch sensor electrode, the touch sensor can be easily conductively connected to the connection object with a simple structure.

By placing the touch sensor in such a way that the second end of the connector portion is in contact with the object to be connected, a conductive path can be easily formed between the touch sensor electrode at the first end of the connector portion and the object to be connected.

The linear conductive portion forms a linear conductive path that electrically connects the touch sensor electrode to the object to be connected. Therefore, the connection structure can electrically connect the touch sensor electrode to the object to be connected in a short linear distance.

1A is an exploded cross-sectional view of a touch sensor body and a retainer corresponding to the IC-IC line in FIG. 1B; FIG. 1B is a plan view of the touch sensor assembled in an electronic device; and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the IC-IC line in FIG. 1B. 1C is a cross-sectional view showing a touch sensor according to a modified example of the first embodiment, taken along line IC-IC in FIG. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing a touch sensor according to a second embodiment, in which FIG. 3A is a plan view of the touch sensor assembled in an electronic device, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 3A. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a touch sensor according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing a touch sensor according to a second modified example of the second embodiment, in which FIG. 5A is a plan view of the touch sensor, and FIG. 5B is an exploded cross-sectional view of the electronic device corresponding to line VB-VB in FIG. 5A. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing a touch sensor according to a third embodiment, in which FIG. 6A is a plan view of the touch sensor assembled in an electronic device, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIB-VIB in FIG. 6A. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view showing a touch sensor according to a fourth embodiment, taken along line IC-IC in FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view showing a touch sensor according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment, taken along line IC-IC in FIG. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing a touch sensor according to a fifth embodiment, in which FIG. 9A is a plan view of the touch sensor assembled in an electronic device, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IXB-IXB of FIG. 9A. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a touch sensor according to a first modified example of the fifth embodiment, in which FIG. 10A is a plan view of the touch sensor assembled in an electronic device, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XB-XB of FIG. 10A. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a touch sensor according to a second modified example of the fifth embodiment, in which FIG. 11A is a plan view of the touch sensor assembled in an electronic device, and FIG. 11B is an exploded cross-sectional view along line XIB-XIB of FIG. 11A.

Below, a "touch sensor" and a "connection structure between a touch sensor and a connection object" according to one aspect of the present disclosure are specifically described. However, the following description is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, and should be understood as a description explaining an exemplary embodiment. The following description does not unduly limit the scope of the claims, and not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are necessarily essential as a solution.

In the following explanation, terms indicating directions such as "up," "down," "left," and "right" are used for convenience of explanation, and do not indicate a method or manner of use unless the context clearly specifies a limitation of the direction. Terms such as "first" and "nth" following "first" used in this specification and claims are used as identifying terms to distinguish between different elements, and do not indicate a particular order or superiority or inferiority.

The terms used in the following description are intended to describe particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Elements according to one aspect described in the present specification and claims are intended to include the plural, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and/or" is intended to refer to and include any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements. The terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and/or "comprising" used in the present specification and claims specify the presence of features, operations, elements, steps. However, they are not used as terms that exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, steps, and/or groups thereof.

The "touch sensor" of the present disclosure is a sensor that detects the touch operation of an operator touching an operation surface as an input. The "installation target" on which such a "touch sensor" is provided as an input means is not particularly limited, and can be equipped on machines, tools, equipment, components, electrical components such as push button switches, etc. for various applications. In the following, an example in which the installation target is electronic device D is described, but the installation target can also be, for example, a panel material such as a vehicle interior material or a building wall material. The "touch sensor" of the present disclosure can be configured to include or not include an installation target. In either configuration, the member having the operation surface on which the operator performs the touch operation is called the "operation target member."

For the sake of convenience, in this specification and claims, as shown in FIG. 1B, the left-right direction (left-right direction on the paper) of the touch sensor 10 as one embodiment of the present disclosure is described as the X direction, the depth (front-back) direction (up-down direction on the paper) is described as the Y direction, and as shown in FIG. 1A, the height direction of the touch sensor 10 (up-down direction on the paper) is described as the Z direction. Furthermore, in the electronic device D shown in FIG. 1C, the side of the operation surface S exposed on the outer surface Cs of the housing C is described as the upper side (outside) in the Z direction. And the side of the circuit electrode E of the circuit board B installed inside the electronic device D is described as the lower side (inside) in the Z direction. However, these do not limit the arrangement direction of the touch sensor 10, the input operation direction, etc. It should be noted that the circuit electrode E constitutes a "connection object" to which the touch sensor 10 is conductively connected.

First embodiment (FIGS. 1A to 1C)

1A, the touch sensor 10 includes a touch sensor body 20 and a retainer 30. As shown in FIG. 1C, the touch sensor body 20 is held by the retainer 30. The touch sensor 10 is housed in an electronic device D. The touch sensor body 20 is attached so as to be in conductive contact with a circuit electrode E of a circuit board B installed in a lower housing Cd of the electronic device D. In this attached state, the touch sensor body 20 is covered and pressed against an upper housing Cu of the electronic device D. However, if the touch sensor 10 can hold the touch sensor body 20 by another configuration, the retainer 30 can be omitted. In this embodiment, the "installation target" of the touch sensor 10 is the electronic device D, and the "operation target member" on which the operator performs a touch operation is the upper housing Cu of the electronic device D.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the touch sensor main body 20 includes a connector portion 40 and a touch sensor electrode 50. The connector portion 40 includes a conductive portion 41 and an insulating portion 42. The connector portion 40 is formed in a columnar shape extending in the Z direction (height direction, thickness direction). The connector portion 40 has a first end portion 40a at its upper end in the Z direction and a second end portion 40b at its lower end.

The conductive portion 41 is made of a conductive rubber-like elastic body having electrical conductivity. The conductive portion 41 is formed in a columnar, linear shape extending along the Z direction between the first end 40a and the second end 40b of the connector portion 40. The conductive portion 41 has a first end 41a at the upper end in the Z direction and a second end 41b at the lower end. The conductive portion 41 forms a conductive path 41c for electrical conduction between the first end 41a and the second end 41b. The cross section of the conductive portion 41 is circular. The cross section of the conductive portion 41 is not limited to a circular shape, and may be a polygonal shape such as a square, and is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the surfaces of the upper and lower ends of the conductive portion 41 are formed flat. However, the surface shape of the conductive portion 41 is not limited to a flat shape, and may be a convex curved shape such as a dome shape, a surface shape having minute dot-like or linear irregularities on the surface, and is not limited thereto.

The conductive rubber-like elastomer is a rubber-like elastomer, which is a raw material, filled with a conductive medium as an inorganic material that is a filler. That is, as shown in FIG. 1A etc., the conductive rubber-like elastomer contains a large number of conductive particles 43 as conductive filler inside the rubber-like elastomer. The conductive portion 41 is formed by concentrating the conductive particles 43 at such a high density that adjacent conductive particles 43 are in contact with each other.

The conductive particles 43 may be uniformly dispersed inside the rubber-like elastic body, but are preferably arranged in the Z direction. By arranging the conductive particles 43 continuously and in a chain, a conductive path 41c is formed in the arrangement direction, reducing the resistance and improving the conductivity of the conductive part 41. By improving the conductivity of the conductive part 41 in the Z direction, the sensor sensitivity of the connector part 40 can be stabilized. A magnetic material can be used for the conductive particles 43. If the conductive particles 43 are magnetic, the connector part 40 can be magnetically oriented. Specifically, by applying a magnetic field along the Z direction when molding the connector part 40 with a mold, the conductive particles 43 can be arranged continuously and in a chain in the Z direction. In addition, the conductive particles 43 can be arranged by aligning the Z direction with the flow direction by using a flow field.

The insulating portion 42 is made of a rubber-like elastic body that is non-conductive (insulating). The insulating portion 42 covers the conductive portion 41. In other words, the insulating portion 42 has a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the conductive portion 41. By having the insulating portion 42 in the connector portion 40, it is possible to ensure insulation of the connector portion 40 from the surroundings. Furthermore, the insulating portion 42 prevents the conductive particles 43 from falling off, and can maintain the columnar shape of the conductive portion 41.

The conductive portion 41 and the insulating portion 42, both of which are made of a rubber-like elastic material, are integrated to form the connector portion 40. This allows the connector portion 40 to be compressively deformed in the Z direction as a whole. When the connector portion 40 is housed in the electronic device D, it is compressed by the upper housing Cu and the lower housing Cd that fit together. Therefore, the connector portion 40 is used in a compressed state in which the end-to-end distance between the first end 41a and the second end 41b is shorter than in the uncompressed state. That is, the thickness H0 of the connector portion 40, which is the end-to-end distance in the uncompressed state shown in FIG. 1A, is shortened to the thickness H1 of the connector portion 40, which is the end-to-end distance in the compressed state shown in FIG. 1C. By shortening the end-to-end distance, the connector portion 40 can further reduce the resistance of the conductive path 41c. Accordingly, the dielectric constant of the touch sensor 10 can be increased. Furthermore, by allowing the connector portion 40 to be compressible, the position of the connector portion 40 can be fixed inside the electronic device D by compression by the upper housing Cu and the lower housing Cd. That is, the touch sensor 10 can be fixed inside the electronic device D by the compressive force of the upper housing Cu and the lower housing Cd and the repulsive force of the connector portion 40 without using a fixing member. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the ease of assembling the touch sensor 10 to the electronic device D can be improved. Furthermore, since the touch sensor 10 is fixed inside the electronic device D only by the compressive force of the upper housing Cu and the lower housing Cd without using an adhesive or the like, the touch sensor 10 can also be easily removed from the electronic device D.

The cross section of the connector portion 40 is circular. The cross section of the connector portion 40 is not limited to a circle, but may be a polygonal shape such as a rectangle, but is not limited to these. The connector portion 40 is formed to have a constant cross section regardless of the position in the Z direction. However, the cross section of the connector portion 40 may differ depending on the position in the Z direction. The connector portion 40 can be configured to be more easily compressed in the Z direction, for example, by being barrel-shaped, with the cross section areas of the upper and lower ends narrower than the cross section area of the part between them.

The touch sensor electrode 50 is made of a metal plate. The touch sensor electrode 50 is in the form of a thin plate having a thickness in the Z direction smaller than the length in the X direction and the Y direction. The metal plate is an example, and the touch sensor electrode 50 may be a metal foil thinner than a metal plate, but is not limited thereto. The touch sensor electrode 50 corresponds to an input switch when performing a touch operation on the electronic device D. For this reason, the touch sensor electrode 50 is arranged on the inside of the housing C, which is the back side of the operation surface S, so that the electrode surface is aligned with the operation surface S of the electronic device, etc., which is touched by the operator's finger, etc. The touch sensor electrode 50 may be arranged so as to be in direct contact with the inner surface of the housing C, which is the back side of the operation surface S, or may be arranged indirectly without direct contact with the back side of the operation surface S. When the touch sensor electrode 50 is arranged indirectly, one or more layers or members (for example, double-sided tape for fixing) may be interposed between the inner surface of the housing C and the touch sensor electrode 50.

The touch sensor electrode 50 is positioned so that its backside surface faces and contacts the conductive portion 41 at the first end 40a of the connector portion 40. In other words, the backside surface of the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41 at the first end 40a of the connector portion 40 are configured to be electrically connectable. In this way, the touch sensor electrode 50 is provided with the connector portion 40, or the connector portion 40 is provided with the touch sensor electrode 50, so that the touch sensor 10 can be easily electrically connected to the circuit electrode E with a simple structure.

The conductive portion 41 of the connector portion 40 is arranged so that the second end 41b faces the circuit electrode E of the circuit board B. The conductive portion 41 is configured so that it can be electrically connected to the circuit electrode E at the second end 41b. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by placing the touch sensor 10 with the conductive portion 41 at the second end 40b of the connector portion 40 in contact with the circuit electrode E, a conductive path 41c can be easily formed between the touch sensor electrode 50 at the first end 40a of the connector portion 40 and the circuit electrode E.

The conductive portion 41 extending between the first end 40a and the second end 40b of the connector portion 40 is columnar, more specifically, linear. Therefore, in the connection structure between the touch sensor 10 and the circuit electrode E, the linear conductive portion 41 forms a linear conductive path 41c that electrically connects the touch sensor electrode 50 and the circuit electrode E. Therefore, according to the connection structure between the touch sensor 10 and the circuit electrode E of this embodiment, the touch sensor electrode 50 and the circuit electrode E can be electrically connected in a short linear distance. The area around the axis of the linear conductive portion 41 that electrically connects in a short linear distance becomes the storage space for the connector portion 40. Therefore, the internal space of the electronic device D can be efficiently utilized. Furthermore, the touch sensor 10 can be arranged on the circuit board B without interfering with the elements e and the like mounted around the circuit electrode E on the circuit board B.

The area of the touch sensor electrode 50 is larger than the end face of the conductive portion 41 in a plan view. That is, as shown in FIG. 1A and the like, the area of the back side of the touch sensor electrode 50 is larger than the area of the end face (first end 41a) of the conductive portion 41 at the first end 40a of the connector portion 40. Usually, the position where the entire conductive portion 41 overlaps in a plan view within the area of the touch sensor electrode 50 is considered to be the normal contact position of the design between the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41. Therefore, according to this configuration, even if the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41 are deviated from the normal contact position of the design, the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41 can be in conductive contact. Also, even if the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41 are deviated from each other, the conductive contact between the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41 can be maintained.

Furthermore, the area of the touch sensor electrode 50 is formed to be larger than the area of the end face of the connector portion 40 in a planar view. That is, as shown in FIG. 1A etc., the area of the back side surface of the touch sensor electrode 50 is larger than the area of the first end portion 40a of the connector portion 40. The touch sensor electrode 50 has a protruding portion 58 that protrudes from the first end portion 40a of the connector portion 40 in a planar view. In this way, the touch sensor electrode 50 may protrude from the end face of the connector portion 40 in a planar view. In other words, the touch sensor electrode 50 may have a portion that does not overlap with the insulating portion 42 in a planar view.

The touch sensor electrode 50 is formed with an area larger than the end face of the connector portion 40 in a plan view, so a variety of electrode shapes can be realized regardless of the shape of the connector portion 40.

The protruding portion 58 is a portion that faces the inner surface of the upper housing Cu when the touch sensor 10 is housed in the electronic device D. The upper housing Cu and the protruding portion 58 may be attached with a conductive adhesive or the like. Furthermore, the connector portion 40 does not exist below the protruding portion 58 in a plan view. For this reason, the connector portion 40 may have a pressing support portion for the protruding portion 58 protruding from the outer periphery of the connector portion 40. This can also be realized by the flange 45 in the modified example of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 8 described later. That is, since the connector portion 40 has the flange 45, the flange 45 can press the protruding portion 58 when the touch sensor 10 is housed in the electronic device D. The flange 45 may be formed to a thickness that allows the touch sensor electrode 50 to be pressed against the back surface of the operation surface S. Such a pressing support portion may be provided as a pressing protrusion that holds the protruding portion 58 on the retainer body 31 described later.

In this embodiment, the touch sensor electrode 50 can be configured to be fixed integrally with the connector portion 40. That is, as shown in FIG. 1A etc., the touch sensor main body 20 is configured such that the touch sensor electrode 50 and the connector portion 40 are fixed in advance. Since the touch sensor electrode 50 and the connector portion 40 are fixed in advance, it is possible to prevent foreign objects from being caught between them.

In this way, the touch sensor electrode 50 and the connector portion 40 that constitute the touch sensor 10 are integrated. Therefore, the touch sensor electrode 50 and the connector portion 40 that constitute the touch sensor 10 are a single component. Therefore, the touch sensor 10 is easy to handle and can be easily electrically connected to the circuit electrode E. At this time, the contact surfaces of the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41 do not separate, so stable conductivity is maintained between them. This prevents attenuation of the electrical signal obtained from the touch sensor electrode 50 and operational malfunctions such as chattering between the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41, and stabilizes the sensor sensitivity of the touch sensor 10.

Furthermore, since the touch sensor electrode 50 and the connector portion 40 are a single component, the number of components of the touch sensor 10 can be reduced. In addition, the process of attaching the touch sensor main body portion 20 to the retainer 30 can be omitted, and the number of assembly steps for the touch sensor 10 can be reduced. In this case, since it is no longer necessary to assemble the touch sensor electrode 50, which is a tiny component, separately to the electronic device D, the ease of assembly of the touch sensor 10 to the electronic device D can be improved.

In this embodiment, since the touch sensor electrode 50 is a metal plate as described above, the touch sensor electrode 50 can be easily provided at the first end 40a of the connector portion 40. In this case, the metal plate can be provided at the first end 40a by, for example, adhering with a conductive adhesive, insert molding, or the like.

The retainer 30 has a retainer body 31 and support legs 32. The retainer body 31 holds the connector portion 40. The retainer body 31 has a flat plate shape that is longer in the X and Y directions than in the Z direction. The retainer body 31 has a length (thickness) in the Z direction sufficient to hold the connector portion 40. Therefore, the retainer body 31 can hold the posture of the connector portion 40, which extends in a columnar shape with the Z direction as its axial direction.

The retainer body 31 is provided with a cylindrical opening that penetrates in the Z direction, thereby forming a holding portion 33 that defines the shape of the opening. The holding portion 33 has a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the outer shape of an X-Y cross section that intersects with the axial direction of the connector portion 40. For example, the holding portion 33 has a cross-sectional shape that is slightly larger than the outer shape of the connector portion 40. This allows the connector portion 40 to be easily attached to the holding portion 33. Then, by attaching the connector portion 40 to the holding portion 33, the retainer 30 can hold the connector portion 40.

The support leg 32 is a portion that is attached to an attachment object (second attachment object) when the touch sensor 10 is mounted on the electronic device D. The "attachment object" to which the support leg 32 is attached may be, but is not limited to, the electronic device D (lower housing Cd), the circuit board B, or a member provided separately from the electronic device D, the circuit board B, etc.

The support legs 32 are formed to protrude outward in the X-Y plane and in the Z direction, particularly downward, from the retainer body 31. Thus, the support legs 32 have an X-Y cross-sectional shape that is a rounded rectangular ring (square tube shape). The components of the touch sensor 10 other than the support legs 32 are contained within the area surrounded by the support legs 32. However, the upper part in the Z direction, i.e., the touch sensor electrodes 50, may protrude above the support legs 32. This is because the touch sensor main body 20 is pressed against the upper housing Cu of the electronic device D in the Z direction.

With such a touch sensor 10, the retainer 30 has a retainer body 31 that holds the connector portion 40 and support legs 32 that are attached to the mounting object, so that the touch sensor 10 can be easily attached to an electronic device or the like. At this time, the retainer 30 to which the touch sensor body portion 20 is previously attached may be attached to the mounting object, or the touch sensor body portion 20 may be attached to the retainer 30 that is previously attached to the mounting object.

If the retainer body 31 is arranged close to the circuit board B, there is a risk of interference with the element e mounted on the circuit board B. However, as described above, the support legs 32 are configured to protrude downward from the retainer body 31. That is, the support legs 32 have a predetermined length between the retainer body 31 and the lower housing Cd, which is the "mounting object" here, and between the retainer body 31 and the circuit board B fixed to the lower housing Cd. This makes it possible to form a space in the area sandwiched between the retainer body 31 and the circuit board B. Therefore, the space between the retainer body 31 and the circuit board B can be used as a storage space for elements e such as a control IC (Integrated Circuit) and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 100 mounted on the circuit board B. In this case, the support legs 32 can also be made to a length corresponding to a tall element e such as an electrolytic capacitor.

The retainer body 31 has a first waterproof protrusion 34 (retainer body waterproof protrusion). The first waterproof protrusion 34 is a waterproof member (first waterproof member) formed by an annular sealing protrusion formed on the retainer body 31. The first waterproof protrusion 34 protrudes upward from the front side surface in a region including the outer circumferential end of the retainer body 31. The first waterproof protrusion 34 is semicircular in side view with the upper cross-sectional area narrower than the lower cross-sectional area. By making the first waterproof protrusion 34 into such a semicircular shape, tapered shape, etc., it can be configured to be more easily compressed in the Z direction. Furthermore, by making the first waterproof protrusion 34 into such a semicircular shape, tapered shape, etc., there is also the advantage that the reaction force load on the electronic device D that houses the touch sensor 10 is not large. When the touch sensor 10 is attached to the electronic device D, the tip (upper) end portion of the first waterproof protrusion 34 comes into watertight contact with the upper housing Cu.

This provides waterproofing between the first waterproof protrusions 34 and the upper housing Cu. In other words, the touch sensor 10 can be provided with a waterproof function that prevents water from entering from the area on the outer periphery of the retainer body 31 toward the area on the inner periphery. This prevents water from entering the touch sensor electrodes 50, etc., that are arranged in the area on the inner periphery of the retainer body 31.

The support leg 32 has a second waterproof protrusion 35 (operation surface side waterproof protrusion, first waterproof member) and a third waterproof protrusion 36 (circuit board side waterproof protrusion, third waterproof member). The second waterproof protrusion 35 and the third waterproof protrusion 36 are waterproof members (first waterproof member and third waterproof member) formed on the support leg 32 by annular sealing protrusions. The second waterproof protrusion 35 protrudes upward from the upper end surface of the support leg 32. The second waterproof protrusion 35 is illustrated as being a separate member from the first waterproof protrusion 34, but may be configured as an integral part with the first waterproof protrusion 34. The third waterproof protrusion 36 protrudes downward from the lower end surface of the support leg 32. Like the first waterproof protrusion 34, the second waterproof protrusion 35 and the third waterproof protrusion 36 are semicircular in side view with a cross-sectional area on the tip side narrower than the cross-sectional area on the base side, and can achieve the same effect as the first waterproof protrusion 34. The second waterproof protrusion 35 has a tip (upper) end portion that makes watertight contact with the upper housing Cu when the touch sensor 10 is attached to the electronic device D. The third waterproof protrusion 36 has a tip (lower) end portion that makes watertight contact with the lower housing Cd when the touch sensor 10 is attached to the electronic device D.

This provides waterproofing between the second waterproof protrusion 35 and the upper housing Cu, and between the third waterproof protrusion 36 and the lower housing Cd. In other words, the touch sensor 10 can be endowed with a waterproof function that prevents water from entering from the area on the outer periphery of the support leg 32 toward the area on the inner periphery. This prevents water from entering the touch sensor electrode 50, the circuit electrode E, the element e mounted on the circuit board B, and the like that are arranged in the area on the inner periphery of the support leg 32.

In this way, the touch sensor 10 can be further configured to have a waterproofing member that blocks the gap between the touch sensor 10 and at least one of the operation target member and the mounting target (first mounting target, second mounting target). This makes it possible to make the contact position between the touch sensor 10 and the mounting target waterproof. In other words, the touch sensor 10 can be given a waterproofing function that prevents water from entering from the external region of the touch sensor 10 to the internal region. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water from infiltrating the touch sensor electrode 50, the circuit electrode E, the element e mounted on the circuit board B, etc., which are arranged in the internal region of the touch sensor 10. In other words, it is possible to protect the touch sensor electrode 50, the circuit electrode E, the element e, etc. from liquid foreign matter such as water. And it is possible to ensure the reliability of conduction in the touch sensor 10. In this way, since the touch sensor 10 has a waterproofing function, it can be applied to electronic devices D used around water such as kitchens, bathrooms, washbasins, and toilets, and electronic devices D used outdoors, on water, underwater, etc.

It is preferable that the conductive portion 41 has an electrical resistance of 100 mΩ or less when compressed by 25%. If the electrical resistance is 100 mΩ or less, the conductive portion 41 is less likely to generate heat even when a large current is passed through it. From this perspective, the electrical resistance is more preferably 20 mΩ or less. Due to material and other constraints, the electrical resistance is usually 0.1 mΩ or more. The electrical resistance when compressed by 25% can be obtained by passing a current generated by a constant current source through the conductive portion 41 while the conductive portion 41 is compressed by 25%, measuring the voltage, and calculating the electrical resistance value.

The conductive particles 43 are preferably magnetic conductive fillers. Examples of the material of the magnetic conductive fillers include nickel, cobalt, iron, ferrite, or alloys thereof, and the fillers may be in the form of particles, fibers, flakes, thin wires, etc. Furthermore, the fillers may be made of electrically conductive metals, resins, or ceramics coated with a magnetic conductor, or magnetic conductors coated with electrically conductive metals. Examples of electrically conductive metals include gold, silver, platinum, aluminum, copper, iron, palladium, chromium, and stainless steel.

The average particle size of the conductive particles 43 is preferably 1 to 200 μm, and more preferably 5 to 100 μm, in that a chain state is easily formed by application of a magnetic field, and a conductor can be efficiently formed. In particular, in this embodiment, the average particle size of the conductive particles 43 is preferably 10 to 80 μm in order to suppress transmission loss of electrical signals. The average particle size refers to the particle size (D50) at which the volume accumulation is 50% in the particle size distribution of the conductive filler obtained by a laser diffraction/scattering method. The conductive filler may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

The filling rate of the conductive particles 43 in the conductive portion 41 is, for example, 25 to 80 volume percent, and preferably 30 to 75 volume percent. By setting the filling rate of the conductive particles 43 within this range, it is possible to ensure conductivity while imparting a certain level of strength to the conductive portion 41. The filling rate refers to the volume ratio of the conductive particles 43 to the total volume of the conductive portion 41.

On the other hand, the insulating section 42 does not normally contain conductive particles 43, and the filling rate of the conductive particles 43 in the insulating section 42 is 0% by volume. However, the insulating section 42 may contain a small amount of conductive particles 43 that are inevitably mixed in during the manufacturing process, etc., within a range that does not impair the insulating properties. Therefore, for example, the filling rate of the conductive particles 43 in the insulating section 42 may be less than 5% by volume, and is preferably less than 1% by volume.

Examples of the rubber-like elastic material constituting the conductive portion 41 include thermosetting rubber and thermoplastic elastomer. Thermosetting rubber is rubber that hardens and crosslinks when heated, and specific examples include silicone rubber, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene rubber, acrylic rubber, fluororubber, and urethane rubber. Among these, silicone rubber is preferred because of its excellent moldability, electrical insulation, and weather resistance.

Thermoplastic elastomers include styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, ester-based thermoplastic elastomers, urethane-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomers, vinyl chloride-based thermoplastic elastomers, fluorinated thermoplastic elastomers, and ion-crosslinked thermoplastic elastomers. The rubber-like elastomer may be one of the above, or two or more of them may be used in combination.

The rubber-like elastic material that forms the polymer matrix constituting the insulating part 42 can be made of thermosetting rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, or the like. Similarly, the rubber-like elastic material that constitutes the insulating part 42 can be made of one type alone or two or more types in combination. As mentioned above, it is preferable that the rubber-like elastic material that constitutes the insulating part 42 and the conductive part 41 be integrally formed. Therefore, it is preferable to use the same type of rubber-like elastic material that constitutes the insulating part 42 and the conductive part 41, and it is more preferable that the rubber-like elastic material that constitutes the insulating part 42 and the conductive part 41 are both silicone rubber.

From the viewpoint of facilitating the alignment of the conductive filler in the thickness direction by application of a magnetic field or the like, the rubber-like elastic body is preferably a hardened liquid rubber or a material that can be melted by heating. Note that liquid rubber is liquid at room temperature (23°C) and normal pressure (1 atm) before hardening, and specific rubbers that can be used include liquid rubbers listed as thermosetting rubbers, of which liquid silicone rubber is preferred. Examples of materials that can be melted by heating include thermoplastic elastomers.

The hardness of the conductive part 41 is preferably 30 to 87, more preferably 40 to 85, and even more preferably 60 to 80. By setting the hardness of the conductive part 41 within this range, it becomes easier to adjust the compressive stress when the conductive member is compressed by 25% within the desired range. From the same perspective, the hardness of the insulating part 42 is preferably 20 to 50, and more preferably 25 to 40. The hardness of the conductive part 41 is measured at 23°C using a type A durometer in accordance with "Vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic rubber - Determination of hardness - Part 3: Durometer hardness" described in JIS K6253-3:2012.

The diameter of the conductive portion 41 in the connector portion 40 is, for example, 0.3 to 6.0 mm. By setting the diameter of the conductive portion 41 within the aforementioned range, it becomes easier to set the electrical resistance at 25% compression within a specified range. As a result, even if a large current flows between the upper and lower surfaces of the connector portion 40 during compression, the temperature rise of the connector portion 40 can be suppressed. From these perspectives, the diameter of the conductive portion 41 is preferably 0.3 to 3.0 mm, and more preferably 0.5 to 2.6 mm. Note that, when the diameter of the conductive portion 41 varies in the thickness direction, the diameter of the conductive portion 41 means the average value of the diameter of the conductive portion 41 on the upper surface and the diameter of the conductive portion 41 on the lower surface. In addition, in this specification, when the diameter is other than a circle, it can be calculated as the diameter of a circle having an area equal to the area of the conductive portion 41.

The diameter of the conductive portion 41 is preferably 35-97% of the diameter of the connector portion 40. By setting this ratio at 35% or more, the electrical resistance can be sufficiently reduced. On the other hand, by setting this ratio at 97% or less, the connector portion 40 can be given appropriate elasticity. From these points of view, the ratio of the diameter of the conductive portion 41 to the diameter of the connector portion 40 is more preferably 50% or more, even more preferably 55% or more, more preferably 60% or more, more preferably 95% or less, and even more preferably 80% or less. By setting such a ratio, it is possible to pass a large current, while rubber elasticity is easily maintained for a long period of time, and more stable conduction is possible. Note that when the diameter of the connector portion 40 differs in the thickness direction, the diameter means the average value of the diameter at the upper surface and the diameter at the lower surface.

The diameter of the connector portion 40 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.5 to 8.0 mm, preferably 0.5 to 6.0 mm, and more preferably 0.8 to 5.0 mm. The thickness of the connector portion 40 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.2 to 20.0 mm, and more preferably 0.3 to 10.0 mm. By setting the thickness of the connector portion 40 within the above-mentioned range, the connector portion 40 is easily held in a compressed state by the upper housing Cu and the lower housing Cd. When the connector portion 40 is used while being held in a compressed state in the thickness direction, the compression ratio is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 5 to 40%, preferably 10 to 35%, and more preferably 15 to 30%. The compression ratio can be calculated by the formula (H0-H1)/H0, where H0 is the thickness of the connector portion 40 when no load is applied, and H1 is the thickness of the connector portion 40 compressed during use.

To manufacture the connector portion 40 of this embodiment with such a configuration, first prepare a mold consisting of an upper mold and a lower mold made of a non-magnetic material such as aluminum or copper. A pin made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron or a magnet is embedded in the upper and lower mold halves at positions corresponding to the conductive portion 41. One end of the pin is exposed on the cavity surface of the upper and lower molds.

Next, the liquid rubber or molten thermoplastic elastomer that will be the raw material for the connector part 40 is injected into the cavity. Magnetic conductive particles 43 are premixed into the liquid rubber.

After that, a magnetic field is applied from above and below the mold using magnets. A parallel magnetic field that connects the pins is formed inside the cavity, and the conductive particles 43 in the liquid rubber etc. are aligned continuously in the direction of the magnetic field lines. After this alignment, the upper and lower molds are completely clamped and a heat treatment is performed to harden the liquid rubber, resulting in a molded body that will become the connector part 40. A metal plate that will become the touch sensor electrode 50 is then attached to the molded body, resulting in the touch sensor main body part 20 of this embodiment.

Modification of the first embodiment (FIG. 2)

The touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a configuration in which a retainer 30 formed separately from the touch sensor main body 20 holds the touch sensor main body 20. However, the touch sensor main body 20 and the retainer 30 can also be formed as a single unit. In this case, a material that satisfies the functions required of both the touch sensor main body 20 and the retainer 30 is used. The material used for the touch sensor main body 20 and the retainer 30 may be the same material, or two or more different materials. In addition, the touch sensor main body 20 and the retainer 30 may be molded simultaneously by molding, or one may be molded after the other, and the integration method is not limited to these.

The modified touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 2 has an integral structure of the touch sensor body 20 and the retainer 30. This allows the touch sensor 10 to have a simpler structure. The touch sensor 10 can therefore be easily conductively connected to the circuit electrode E with a simple structure. Furthermore, since the touch sensor body 20 and the retainer 30 are a single component, the number of components in the touch sensor 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, the touch sensor 10 does not require the step of attaching the touch sensor body 20 to the retainer 30, reducing the number of assembly steps for the touch sensor 10.

Other variations

In this embodiment, an example has been shown in which the area of the touch sensor electrode 50 is larger than the area of the end face of the connector portion 40 in a plan view. However, the shape of the end face of the connector portion 40, i.e., the first end portion 40a, and the shape of the touch sensor electrode 50 may be the same shape in a plan view.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been shown in which one connector portion 40 is arranged for one touch sensor electrode 50. However, multiple connector portions 40 may be arranged for one touch sensor electrode 50.

Second embodiment (FIGS. 3A to 3B)

The touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a configuration in which a metal plate is used as the touch sensor electrode 50. However, the touch sensor electrode 50 can also have a configuration other than a metal plate. That is, the touch sensor 10 according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes a base film 51. The touch sensor electrode 50 is formed of a conductive layer 52 formed on the base film 51. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the touch sensor 10 has a conductive sheet 54 in which the conductive layer 52 is formed on the base film 51.

The base film 51 is made of a resin film. The base film 51 is in the form of a sheet that is extremely thin in the Z direction compared to the X and Y directions. The base film 51 is a substrate for arranging the touch sensor electrodes 50. For this reason, the base film 51 is arranged along and below (deeper side of) the operation surface S of an electronic device or the like that is touched by an operator's finger or the like.

The conductive layer 52 has a wheel shape in a plan view. The conductive layer 52 is arranged so that its backside faces and contacts the conductive portion 41 at the first end 40a of the connector portion 40. In other words, the backside of the conductive layer 52 and the conductive portion 41 at the first end 40a of the connector portion 40 are configured to be electrically connectable. The conductive layer 52 can be provided, for example, by printing or painting on the base film 51 or the first end 40a of the connector portion 40.

In this embodiment, a conductive layer 52 is formed as a touch sensor electrode 50 on a substrate film 51 provided in the touch sensor 10. Therefore, even with this embodiment, the touch sensor electrode 50 can be easily provided on the first end 40a of the connector portion 40. And since the touch sensor 10 has the connector portion 40 on the conductive layer 52 or has the conductive layer 52 on the connector portion 40, the touch sensor 10 can be easily conductively connected to the circuit electrode E with a simple structure.

Here, the connector portion 40 can also be formed integrally with the base film 51. As a result, the base film 51 and the connector portion 40 are a single component, so even if the touch sensor 10 is configured to include the base film 51, the touch sensor 10 can be easily electrically connected to the circuit electrode E with a simple structure.

In this case, the base film 51 is made of a material that can be formed integrally with the connector portion 40. When the connector portion 40 and the base film 51 are formed integrally, the conductive portion 41 and the conductive layer 52 are maintained in a pre-contact state. This prevents the contact surfaces of the conductive portion 41 and the conductive layer 52 from separating, maintaining stable conductivity. This prevents attenuation of the electrical signal obtained from the conductive layer 52 and operational malfunctions such as chattering between the conductive portion 41 and the conductive layer 52, and stabilizes the sensor sensitivity of the touch sensor 10.

In the touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 3, the conductive layer 52 is formed across the area from the connector portion 40 to the area of the retainer body 31 in a plan view. Therefore, the conductive layer 52 is covered and protected by the base film 51, the insulating portion 42, and the retainer body 31. This improves the durability of the conductive layer 52, and allows the high reliability of the touch sensor 10 to be maintained.

The base film 51 has a fourth waterproof protrusion 53 (base waterproof protrusion). The fourth waterproof protrusion 53 is a waterproof member (first waterproof member) formed by an annular sealing protrusion formed on the base film 51. The fourth waterproof protrusion 53 protrudes upward from the front side surface in an area including the outer circumferential end of the base film 51. When the touch sensor 10 is attached to the electronic device D, the tip (upper) end portion of the fourth waterproof protrusion 53 comes into watertight contact with the upper housing Cu. This provides waterproofing between the fourth waterproof protrusion 53 and the upper housing Cu. In other words, the touch sensor 10 can be given a waterproof function that prevents water from entering from the outer circumferential area of the base film 51 toward the inner circumferential area. Therefore, it is possible to prevent infiltration into the touch sensor electrodes 50 and the like arranged in the inner circumferential area of the base film 51.

The conductive layer 52 can be formed on the base film 51 by a method of conductive printing in the desired sensor shape on the X-Y plane, a method of laminating conductive metal foil in the desired sensor shape, or the like. Furthermore, when the conductive sheet 54 is integrated with the connector portion 40, the conductive layer 52 can also be formed by a method of conductive printing on the first end portion 40a of the connector portion 40, or a method of laminating conductive metal foil. After that, the connector portion 40 and the base film 51 can be integrally formed.

The base film 51 can be a thin film, sheet, etc. made of resin, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, etc. Examples of resin include thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), acrylic (AC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc. Examples of synthetic rubber include urethane rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, etc. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include urethane-based, olefin-based, styrene-based, polyester-based, silicone-based, fluorine-based, etc.

The conductive layer 52 can be made of a metal paste such as silver or copper, a carbon paste, a conductive coating such as a conductive polymer, or a conductive metal foil. Furthermore, the conductive layer 52 can be made of a paste containing conductive nanoparticles such as PEDOT/PSS (Poly(3,4-EthyleneDiOxyThiophene) PolyStyrene Sulfonate (a dispersion of polyethylenedioxythiophene and polystyrenesulfonic acid), ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), nanoscale fine conductive powder, or fine conductive fibers. If the conductive layer 52 is a transparent conductive film using a thin film, paste, or paste containing conductive nanoparticles of PEDOT/PSS or ITO, it will be translucent and can transmit backlight illumination.

First modified example of the second embodiment (FIG. 4)

In the touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1 etc., the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41 at the first end 41a are positioned opposite each other. However, for example, there may be cases where it is not possible to secure a sufficient area for the connector portion 40 in the X-Y plane inside electronic device D. As in this example, when it is difficult to position the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41 at the first end 41a opposite each other, it is also possible to configure them so that their contact positions are shifted.

In the touch sensor 10 according to the first modified example shown in FIG. 4, the touch sensor electrode 50 has an electrode body 55 and an electrode extension 56. The electrode body 55 is located in the operation area. That is, the electrode body 55 is arranged on the back side of the operation surface S of an electronic device or the like that is touched by the operator's finger or the like. In contrast, the electrode extension 56 is located outside the operation area. That is, the electrode extension 56 is not located on the back side of the operation surface S. The electrode extension 56 extends in a wire-like manner from the electrode body 55. The tip of the electrode extension 56 is a dead end, and is not connected to other circuits. That is, the electrode extension 56 is not connected to other circuits. The conductive portion 41 is arranged so as to be in conductive contact with such an electrode extension 56. The touch sensor 10 according to this modified example can be applied to a configuration in which the electrode body 55 is arranged along the top surface of the electronic device D, the electrode extension 56 is arranged along the side surface of the electronic device D, and the conductive portion 41 extends in the horizontal direction.

In this modified example, the conductive portion 41 of the connector portion 40 can be configured to be in conductive contact not only with the electrode main body portion 55 located in the operation area, but also with the electrode extension portion 56 located outside the operation area. Therefore, the touch sensor 10 can achieve conductive contact between the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41 even when the touch sensor 10 is located outside the operation area. Therefore, the touch sensor 10 can increase the degree of freedom in the connection position with the circuit electrode E on which it is mounted.

Second Modification of Second Embodiment (FIGS. 5A to 5B)

In the touch sensor 10, if the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41 are misaligned and do not make proper conductive contact between them, there is a risk that the touch operation by the operator cannot be reliably detected. To prevent such a problem from occurring, the touch sensor 10 can be configured to have a "positioning portion" that positions the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41 at a predetermined contact position.

In the touch sensor 10 according to the second modified example shown in FIG. 5, the base film 51 has a positioning recess 57 as a "positioning portion", and the retainer body 31 has a positioning protrusion 37 as a "positioning portion". The positioning recess 57 is a cylindrical opening penetrating the base film 51 in the Z direction. The positioning protrusion 37 is a cylindrical protrusion protruding upward from the front side surface of the retainer body 31. The positioning recess 57 and the positioning protrusion 37 are provided at positions where they overlap each other in a plan view. When the base film 51 is provided from above the retainer body 31, the positioning recess 57 of the base film 51 fits into the positioning protrusion 37 of the retainer body 31. This allows the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41 to be positioned at a predetermined contact position.

The touch sensor 10 often has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis, as shown in Figure 5A. In this case, it is preferable to provide the positioning recess 57 and the positioning protrusion 37 so that the base film 51 is in the same position (point symmetry) even when rotated 180° in the XY plane with respect to the touch sensor body 20 and the retainer 30, as this increases assembly efficiency.

There is no particular limit to the number of "positioning portions". However, if there is one set of "positioning portions", there is a risk that the base film 51 will rotate around the "positioning portions" in the X-Y plane. On the other hand, if there are three or more sets of "positioning portions", it becomes difficult to assemble the "positioning portions" at all locations. Therefore, it is preferable that there are two sets of "positioning portions", in that the touch sensor electrodes 50 and the conductive portions 41 can be reliably positioned at the specified contact positions and can be easily assembled. Furthermore, the number of positioning protrusions 37 and positioning recesses 57 does not necessarily have to be the same. For example, one positioning protrusion 37 and two positioning recesses 57 may be provided.

The touch sensor 10 of this modified example has a positioning recess 57 and a positioning protrusion 37 that determine the positional relationship between the base film 51 and the connector portion 40. This allows the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41 to be placed in a predetermined contact position. Furthermore, after the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41 are placed in the predetermined contact position, the mating positioning recess 57 and positioning protrusion 37 allow the touch sensor electrode 50 and the conductive portion 41 to be maintained in the predetermined contact position.

Third embodiment (FIGS. 6A to 6B)

As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the touch sensor 10 can also be configured to have multiple connector portions 40 and multiple touch sensor electrodes 50. This allows the touch sensor 10 to be used as a multi-pole sensor electrode, slider electrode, etc.

The touch sensor 10 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6 has four connector parts 40 and four touch sensor electrodes 50. The four connector parts 40 and the four touch sensor electrodes 50 are arranged at equal intervals in the X direction. All four connector parts 40 have the same shape. The four touch sensor electrodes 50 are slider electrodes that are all formed in a W shape in a plan view. The four touch sensor electrodes 50 are formed on a single base material film 51. Therefore, by assembling one base material film 51 to the connector parts 40 and the retainer 30, it is possible to make conductive contact between all four touch sensor electrodes 50 and the conductive parts 41.

In this embodiment, the connector portion 40 and the touch sensor electrode 50 can each be configured in a plurality of parts. Therefore, the touch sensor 10 can be easily electrically connected even if the connector portion 40 and the touch sensor electrode 50 are each multiple.

Fourth embodiment (FIG. 7)

In the touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1, the connector portion 40 has a simple cylindrical shape and can be positioned arbitrarily in the Z direction relative to the retainer body 31. However, it is also possible to configure the connector portion 40 to determine its position in the Z direction.

That is, in the touch sensor 10 according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the connector portion 40 is formed in a columnar shape. A touch sensor electrode 50 made of metal foil is provided at the first end 40a of the connector portion 40. The connector portion 40 has a locking protrusion 44 on its outer periphery that locks the connector portion 40 to an object to which the connector portion 40 is to be attached. The object to be attached here is the retainer 30. However, the object to be attached may be an attachment member formed on the electronic device D or the like. The locking protrusion 44 is a protrusion that protrudes outward in a semicircular shape from the outer periphery of the connector portion 40 and goes around the connector portion 40 in a ring shape. When the locking protrusion 44 is simply to lock the connector portion 40 to the object to which the connector portion 40 is to be attached, it does not matter if the locking protrusion 44 does not go around completely and has a partial missing portion. Two locking protrusions 44 are formed with a gap between them at the top and bottom. The connector portion 40 has a tapered shape with a smaller diameter toward the bottom. Therefore, the upper locking protrusion 44 has a larger diameter than the lower locking protrusion 44 in the XY plane.

When the connector portion 40 is attached to the retainer 30 from above, the connector portion 40 is tapered and is therefore easily pushed into the retainer 30 until the lower locking projection 44 comes into contact with it. Furthermore, when the connector portion 40 is pushed into the retainer 30 from above, the lower locking projection 44 climbs over the retainer 30. That is, the lower locking projection 44 passes through a cylindrical opening formed in the retainer body 31 that penetrates in the Z direction from above to below. On the other hand, the opening of the retainer body 31 is formed with dimensions that do not allow the upper locking projection 44 to climb over it. Therefore, the connector portion 40 is fixed with the retainer 30 sandwiched between the upper locking projection 44 and the lower locking projection 44.

In this embodiment, the locking protrusions 44 on the outer periphery of the columnar connector portion 40 are configured to lock onto the object to which the touch sensor 10 is attached. Therefore, the connector portion 40 can easily fasten the touch sensor 10 to the object to which the touch sensor 10 is attached.

Furthermore, the locking projection 44 can be provided with a water-stopping portion. This can provide a waterproof function that prevents water from entering between the locking projection 44 and the retainer 30 toward the element e and the like mounted on the circuit board B. In this case, the water-stopping portion can be provided, for example, by increasing the adhesion with the retainer 30, increasing the contact area with the retainer 30, etc.

Modification of the fourth embodiment (FIG. 8)

In the touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 1, the retainer 30 is configured to have a waterproof function. However, the configuration of the connector portion 40 can also be configured to enhance the waterproof function of the touch sensor 10. That is, in a modified example of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the connector portion 40 has a flange 45 that extends to the outer periphery, and the waterproof members (first waterproof member and second waterproof member) can be configured to be the flange 45.

In the touch sensor 10 according to this modified example, the connector portion 40 has a cylindrical shape with the same dimensions in the vertical direction. As with the touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 7, the connector portion 40 has a lower locking protrusion 44, but does not have an upper locking protrusion 44. The connector portion 40 has a flange 45 that protrudes outward in a disk shape from the outer circumferential surface of the upper portion including the first end 40a of the connector portion 40. A touch sensor electrode 50 made of metal foil is provided on the first end 40a of the connector portion 40, and its range extends to the outer circumferential edge of the flange 45.

When the connector part 40 is attached to the retainer 30 from above, the lower locking projection 44 climbs over the retainer 30. At that time, the flange 45 comes into contact with the retainer 30 over a wide area. Therefore, the connector part 40 is fixed with the retainer 30 sandwiched between the upper flange 45 and the lower locking projection 44.

In this modified example, the flange 45 is formed to extend toward the outer periphery of the connector portion 40. This allows the flange 45 to cover a wider area of the outer periphery of the touch sensor 10. In this modified example, a waterproofing member is formed on the connector portion 40 as the flange 45. This allows the touch sensor 10 to be waterproof between the flange 45 and the object to which it is attached.

Fifth embodiment (FIGS. 9A to 9B)

The touch sensor 10 is not limited to being embedded under a flat operation surface S without any irregularities, but can also be applied to an electronic device D whose operation surface S is a three-dimensional surface. That is, in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the base film 51 has a three-dimensional shape, and the touch sensor electrode 50 can be configured to be formed along the three-dimensional shape of the base film 51.

The operation surface S of this embodiment is shaped like a truncated cone, and a base film 51 is provided along the top and side surfaces. The touch sensor electrode 50 is formed across the top and side surfaces. However, the touch sensor electrode 50 is not formed in the center of the top surface. In other words, the touch sensor electrode 50 is shaped like a wheel with a central portion missing. The connector portion 40 extends to a position on the back side of the top surface of the operation surface S to match the operation surface S, which protrudes upward as a three-dimensional shape. By being configured in this way, the touch sensor 10 is configured to be able to detect operations by an operator on the outer periphery and side surfaces of the top surface.

The touch sensor electrode 50 is formed along the three-dimensional shape of the base film 51. This makes it possible to realize a touch sensor 10 with a three-dimensional operating area. In this case, if the operating surface S is three-dimensional, the inter-terminal distance from the touch sensor electrode 50 to the circuit electrode E becomes long, which tends to increase electrical resistance. However, the touch sensor 10 according to this embodiment has a linear conductive portion 41, so that a conductive connection can be established from the touch sensor electrode 50 to the circuit electrode E in a short linear distance. As a result, the resistance of the conductive path 41c of the touch sensor 10 can be reduced, thereby improving the sensor sensitivity of the touch sensor 10.

First modified example of the fifth embodiment (FIGS. 10A to 10B)

In the touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 9, the first end 40a of the connector portion 40 is formed perpendicular to the extension direction of the conductive portion 41, i.e., horizontally. However, in a first modified example of the fifth embodiment, the first end 40a of the connector portion 40 that is in conductive contact with the touch sensor electrode 50 can be configured to be formed with an inclined surface.

The operation surface S of this modified example has a quadrangular pyramid shape, and a base film 51 is provided along the top and side surfaces. The touch sensor electrode 50 is formed on the side surface. The connector portion 40 extends to a position behind the side surface of the operation surface S to match the operation surface S, which protrudes upward as a three-dimensional shape. The connector portion 40 connects to the touch sensor electrode 50 as an inclined surface at the first end portion 40a. The conductive portion 41 is in conductive contact with the touch sensor electrode 50 as an inclined surface at the first end portion 41a of the conductive portion 41, similar to the connector portion 40. The touch sensor 10 is configured in this manner, and is configured to be able to detect operations by an operator on the side surface.

In this modified example, the first end 41a of the connector portion 40 that is in conductive contact with the touch sensor electrode 50 is formed as an inclined surface. This makes it possible to realize a touch sensor 10 whose operation area is an inclined surface.

Second Modification of Fifth Embodiment (FIGS. 11A to 11B)

The touch sensor electrodes 50 can also be provided on the three-dimensional side surface and the planar top surface of the upper housing Cu. Furthermore, the touch sensor 10 can also be provided with a light-emitting element such as an LED 100.

The operation surface S of this modified example is shaped like a truncated cone, and a base film 51 is provided along its top and side surfaces and the top surface of the planar shape. The touch sensor electrode 50 is formed spanning from the side surface to the top surface of the planar shape. The connector portion 40 extends to a position behind the top surface of the planar shape. The touch sensor 10 is configured in this way, so that it can detect operations by an operator on the side surface and the top surface of the planar shape. An LED 100 is mounted on the circuit board B. A light-transmitting material is used for the upper housing Cu and the base film 51.

In this modified example, the touch sensor electrodes 50 are formed along the three-dimensional side portions and the planar top surface of the upper housing Cu. This makes it possible to realize a touch sensor 10 in which the operation area is on a three-dimensional inclined surface, a planar top surface, etc. Furthermore, in this modified example, an LED 100 is provided. This makes it possible to prompt the operator to perform an operation using the LED 100, and to notify the operator of the results of the operation using light, etc.

In the "touch sensor" of the present disclosure, the configurations shown in each embodiment and modification may be freely combined to the extent that no contradictions arise. For example, the multiple connector parts 40 and multiple touch sensor electrodes 50 in the third embodiment may be combined with the configurations of any of the embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, for example, the touch sensor electrode 50 made of a metal plate in the first embodiment and the touch sensor electrode 50 in which a conductive layer 52 is formed on a base film 51 in the second embodiment may have any configuration used in the other embodiments and modifications.

In this disclosure, we have described a "touch sensor" that comes into contact with the operation area. However, the "touch sensor" of this disclosure can also be applied to a "proximity sensor" that does not come into contact with the operation area.

Although each embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will easily understand that many modifications are possible that do not substantially deviate from the novel aspects and effects of the present invention. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Touch sensor 20 Touch sensor body 30 Retainer 31 Retainer body 32 Support leg 40 Connector section 40a First end 40b Second end 41 Conductive section 41c Conductive path 42 Insulating section 50 Touch sensor electrode 51 Base film 52 Conductive layer

Claims

a connector portion having a conductive portion and an insulating portion made of a rubber-like elastic material covering the conductive portion;
a touch sensor electrode located at a first end of the connector portion and in conductive contact with the conductive portion;
the connector portion has a second end portion that electrically connects the touch sensor electrode and the connection object by contacting the second end portion with the connection object;
The conductive portion extending between the first end and the second end of the touch sensor is linear.
The touch sensor according to claim 1 , wherein an area of the touch sensor electrode is larger than an area of an end face of the conductive portion.
3. The touch sensor according to claim 1, wherein the touch sensor electrode is fixed integrally with the connector portion.
The touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connector portion is formed in a columnar shape and has a locking projection on its outer periphery for locking with a first mounting object to which the connector portion is attached.
The touch sensor includes a retainer.
The touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the retainer has a retainer body that holds the connector portion, and support legs that protrude from the retainer body and attach the retainer to a second mounting object.
The touch sensor according to claim 5 , wherein the support legs have a length sufficient to form a space for accommodating an element mounted on a circuit board between the retainer body and the second mounting object.
The touch sensor further includes a waterproof member,
The waterproof member is
a first waterproof member that blocks a gap between an operation target member that an operator touches and the touch sensor;
a second waterproof member that seals a gap between a first attachment object to which the connector portion is attached and the touch sensor;
7. The touch sensor according to claim 5, further comprising at least one third waterproof member that seals a gap between the second mounting object and the touch sensor.
8. The touch sensor according to claim 7, wherein the waterproof member is an annular sealing protrusion formed on the retainer body.
The support leg is formed in an annular shape,
9. The touch sensor according to claim 7, wherein the waterproof member is an annular sealing protrusion formed on the support leg.
The connector portion has a flange extending outwardly,
10. The touch sensor according to claim 7, wherein the waterproof member is the flange.
The touch sensor includes a base film,
The touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the connector portion is formed integrally with the base film.
The touch sensor includes a base film,
The touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the touch sensor electrode is a conductive layer formed on either the base film or the first end portion.
The touch sensor according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the waterproof member is an annular sealing protrusion formed on a base film of the touch sensor.
The base film has a three-dimensional shape,
The touch sensor according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the touch sensor electrode is formed along the three-dimensional shape of the base film.
The touch sensor according to claim 14 , wherein the first end of the connector portion that is in conductive contact with the touch sensor electrode is formed as an inclined surface.
The touch sensor electrode has an electrode main body portion located in an operation area and an electrode extension portion located outside the operation area,
The touch sensor according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the conductive portion is in conductive contact with the electrode extension portion.
The touch sensor according to any one of claims 11 to 16, further comprising a positioning portion for arranging the touch sensor electrode and the conductive portion at a predetermined contact position.
The touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the touch sensor electrode is a metal plate.
The touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising a plurality of the connector portions and a plurality of the touch sensor electrodes.
The touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising an operation target member on which an operator performs a touch operation.
The touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the conductive portion has a linear conductive path in which conductive particles are arranged in a Z direction, which is a direction connecting the first end and the second end.
A touch sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 21,
The conductive portion is linear in shape, and forms a linear conductive path that electrically connects the touch sensor electrode and the connection object.