JP2010277914A - Capacitance type input device - Google Patents

Capacitance type input device Download PDF

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JP2010277914A
JP2010277914A JP2009130748A JP2009130748A JP2010277914A JP 2010277914 A JP2010277914 A JP 2010277914A JP 2009130748 A JP2009130748 A JP 2009130748A JP 2009130748 A JP2009130748 A JP 2009130748A JP 2010277914 A JP2010277914 A JP 2010277914A
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dielectric
electrodes
input device
circuit board
contact
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JP5197490B2 (en
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Shoji Yamazaki
章司 山崎
Yusuke Kobayashi
佑輔 小林
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Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd
Shin Etsu Chemical Co Ltd
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Shin Etsu Chemical Co Ltd
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a capacitance type input device in which freedom of an operating pad in operation direction is improved and which can be operated just by touching only and moreover which can improve freedom of design. <P>SOLUTION: The capacitance type input device is equipped with a circuit board 1 of a mobile phone with a plurality of electrodes 2 on the surface and a dielectric operating pad 10 which is adhered to the circuit board 1 and covers the plurality of electrodes 2 on the surface and which is formed deformably with an insulating forming material, and functions as an input device by detecting the variation in the electrostatic capacity caused when a finger touches the dielectric operating pad 10. The dielectric pad 10 is provided with an operating part 11 of which the surface is touched by the finger and an extension part 12 which extends from the periphery of the operating part 11 to the surface direction of the circuit board 1, and has a relative dielectric constant of 4 or more. A plurality of projection parts 15 which are opposed to a part of the plurality of electrodes 2 with a spacing in free contact and separation are formed on the rear face of the operating part 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、携帯電話や自動車の操作スイッチ等に利用される静電容量型入力デバイスに関するものである。   The present invention relates to a capacitance-type input device used for an operation switch of a mobile phone or an automobile.

従来の携帯電話は、図示しないが、筐体の操作面に各種の操作キーと操作パッドとが複数配設され、これら操作キーや操作パッドの選択的な操作により、電話の送受信機能、メールの送受信機能、カメラの撮像機能等の所定の機能を実現する（特許文献１、２、３参照）。   Although not shown in the figure, a conventional mobile phone has a plurality of operation keys and operation pads arranged on the operation surface of the casing. By selectively operating these operation keys and operation pads, a telephone transmission / reception function, mail Predetermined functions such as a transmission / reception function and a camera imaging function are realized (see Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

操作パッドは、一般的にはカーソルキーと呼ばれ、硬質の成形材料を使用して平面円形や十字形等に形成されるとともに、中央部にセンターキーが一体形成されており、筐体に支持されて前後左右の四方向に揺動する。このような操作パッドは、前後左右の任意の方向に強く押圧して揺動操作されることにより、携帯電話の表示画面に表示されたメインメニューから所定のメニュー項目を選択し、センターキーが強く押圧して決定操作されることにより、選択されたメニュー項目の機能を実現する。   The operation pad is generally called a cursor key and is formed into a flat circular shape or cross shape using a hard molding material, and a center key is integrally formed at the center, and is supported by the housing. It swings in the four directions of front, rear, left and right. Such an operation pad is pressed and swung in any direction, front, back, left and right, to select a predetermined menu item from the main menu displayed on the display screen of the mobile phone, and the center key is strong. The function of the selected menu item is realized by pressing and determining.

特開平８‐２２２０７０号公報JP-A-8-222070 特公表２００１‐５０３５８６号公報Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-503586 特開平６‐３０９９９２号公報JP-A-6-309992

従来における携帯電話は、以上のように筐体に硬質の厚い操作パッドが機械的な可動部として単に支持されるに止まるので、操作パッドの操作方向に制限がある。また、操作パッドに軽く触れるだけでは操作できず、選択した機能を確実に実現することができないので、操作性や設計の自由度の点で問題がある。   As described above, the conventional mobile phone is limited to the operation direction of the operation pad because the hard thick operation pad is merely supported as a mechanical movable part on the casing. Further, since the operation cannot be performed simply by lightly touching the operation pad and the selected function cannot be reliably realized, there is a problem in terms of operability and design freedom.

本発明は上記に鑑みなされたもので、操作パッドの操作方向の自由度を向上させ、触れるだけで操作することができ、しかも、設計の自由度を向上させることのできる静電容量型入力デバイスを提供することを目的としている。   The present invention has been made in view of the above, and a capacitance-type input device that improves the degree of freedom of the operation direction of the operation pad, can be operated simply by touching, and can improve the degree of freedom of design. The purpose is to provide.

本発明においては上記課題を解決するため、表面に複数の電極を備えた回路基板と、この回路基板に取り付けられてその表面の複数の電極を覆う誘電操作パッドとを備え、この誘電操作パッドを絶縁性の成形材料により変形可能に成形し、誘電操作パッドに導電体が接触した場合に生じる静電容量の変化を検出することにより、入力デバイスとして機能するものであって、
誘電操作パッドは、表面が導電体に接触される操作部と、この操作部から回路基板の表面方向に伸びる伸長部とを含んで高い比誘電率を有し、操作部の裏面に、複数の電極の一部に間隔をおいて接離可能に対向する複数の突出部を形成し、
複数の電極の一部と導電体との距離の変化、及び複数の電極の一部に接触して変形した突出部の接触面積の変化による静電容量の変化を検出し、この静電容量の変化に基づいて導電体の押し込み量を検出するようにしたことを特徴としている。 In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention includes a circuit board having a plurality of electrodes on the surface, and a dielectric operation pad attached to the circuit board and covering the plurality of electrodes on the surface. It functions as an input device by forming a deformable shape with an insulating molding material and detecting a change in capacitance that occurs when a conductor contacts the dielectric operation pad,
The dielectric operation pad has a high relative dielectric constant including an operation portion whose surface is in contact with a conductor and an extension portion extending from the operation portion toward the surface of the circuit board. Forming a plurality of protrusions facing each other so as to be able to contact and separate with a part of the electrode;
Changes in the electrostatic capacitance due to changes in the distance between a part of the plurality of electrodes and the conductor, and changes in the contact area of the protrusions deformed in contact with the part of the plurality of electrodes are detected. It is characterized in that the pushing amount of the conductor is detected based on the change.

なお、回路基板の複数の電極は、回路基板の表面に配列されて誘電操作パッドの複数の突出部と対向する複数の第一電極を備え、この第一電極と導電体との間の距離の短縮、及び第一電極に接触して変形した突出部の接触面積の拡大による静電容量の変化を検出し、この静電容量の変化により、導電体の押し込み量を検出することができる。   The plurality of electrodes of the circuit board includes a plurality of first electrodes arranged on the surface of the circuit board and facing the plurality of protrusions of the dielectric operation pad, and the distance between the first electrode and the conductor is A change in capacitance due to shortening and an increase in the contact area of the projecting portion deformed in contact with the first electrode can be detected, and the push-in amount of the conductor can be detected based on the change in capacitance.

また、回路基板の複数の電極は、複数の第一電極の外側に位置する第二電極を備え、
誘電操作パッドの伸長部に、回路基板の表面と第二電極に接触する接触片を形成し、誘電操作パッドの操作部に導電体が接触した場合に、第二電極と導電体との間にコンデンサを形成して導電体の接触を検出することができる。 In addition, the plurality of electrodes of the circuit board includes a second electrode positioned outside the plurality of first electrodes,
A contact piece that contacts the surface of the circuit board and the second electrode is formed in the extended portion of the dielectric operation pad, and when a conductor comes in contact with the operation portion of the dielectric operation pad, the contact piece is interposed between the second electrode and the conductor. Capacitors can be formed to detect electrical contact.

また、誘電操作パッドを、シリコーンゴムに少なくとも酸化亜鉛が配合されて比誘電率が４以上の成形材料より成形することが可能である。
さらに、誘電操作パッドの突出部の少なくとも先端を、電極に圧接変形する略半球面に形成することも可能である。 Further, the dielectric operation pad can be molded from a molding material in which at least zinc oxide is blended with silicone rubber and the relative dielectric constant is 4 or more.
Furthermore, it is also possible to form at least the tip of the projecting portion of the dielectric operation pad into a substantially hemispherical surface that press-deforms the electrode.

ここで、特許請求の範囲における複数の電極の第二電極は、単数複数を特に問うものではない。また、誘電操作パッドの操作部は、平面円形、楕円形、矩形、多角形等に適宜形成することができる。この誘電操作パッドの突出部は、例えば円柱形、半球形、半楕球形等に形成することができる。本発明に係る静電容量型入力デバイスは、少なくとも携帯電話等のモバイル機器、コンピュータ機器、ゲーム機器、家電機器、自動車の操作スイッチ等として利用することができる。   Here, the second electrode of the plurality of electrodes in the claims does not specifically refer to a plurality. In addition, the operation portion of the dielectric operation pad can be appropriately formed in a planar circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a polygon, or the like. The protruding portion of the dielectric operation pad can be formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape, a hemispherical shape, a semi-elliptical spherical shape, or the like. The capacitance-type input device according to the present invention can be used at least as a mobile device such as a mobile phone, a computer device, a game device, a home appliance, an automobile operation switch, and the like.

本発明によれば、静電容量型入力デバイスを携帯機器や車載装置の入力デバイスとして使用する場合には、誘電操作パッドの操作部に導電体を接触させ、押圧して操作すれば良い。
すると、回路基板の複数の電極の一部に操作部の突出部が接触して電極の一部と導電体との間にコンデンサを形成する。このコンデンサは、電極の一部と導電体間の距離の変化、及び電極の一部に接触した突出部の面積の変化により静電容量が変化し、この静電容量の変化により、操作時の導電体の押し込み量が読み取られる。このような静電容量の変化により、携帯機器や車載装置の所定の機能を実現することができる。 According to the present invention, when an electrostatic capacitance type input device is used as an input device for a portable device or an in-vehicle device, the operation may be performed by bringing a conductor into contact with and pressing the operation portion of the dielectric operation pad.
Then, the protruding portion of the operation unit comes into contact with a part of the plurality of electrodes of the circuit board, and a capacitor is formed between the part of the electrode and the conductor. In this capacitor, the capacitance changes due to a change in the distance between a part of the electrode and the conductor and a change in the area of the protruding portion that contacts the part of the electrode. The pushing amount of the conductor is read. Due to such a change in capacitance, a predetermined function of the mobile device or the in-vehicle device can be realized.

本発明によれば、操作パッドの操作方向の自由度を向上させ、しかも、触れるだけで操作することができるので、操作性が向上するという効果がある。また、耐久性や設計の自由度を確保することができる。   According to the present invention, the degree of freedom of the operation direction of the operation pad can be improved, and the operation can be performed simply by touching, so that the operability is improved. Further, durability and design freedom can be ensured.

また、誘電操作パッドを、シリコーンゴムに少なくとも酸化亜鉛が配合されて比誘電率が４以上の成形材料より成形すれば、大きな静電容量を獲得したり、抵抗値のバラツキを抑制することができる。
さらに、誘電操作パッドの突出部の少なくとも先端を、電極に圧接変形する略球面に形成すれば、簡易な構成で突出部と電極との接触面積を増大させ、大きな静電容量を得ることが可能になる。 In addition, if the dielectric operation pad is molded from a molding material in which at least zinc oxide is blended with silicone rubber and the relative dielectric constant is 4 or more, it is possible to obtain a large capacitance or to suppress variations in resistance value. .
Furthermore, if at least the tip of the protrusion of the dielectric operation pad is formed into a substantially spherical surface that is deformed in pressure contact with the electrode, it is possible to increase the contact area between the protrusion and the electrode with a simple configuration and obtain a large capacitance. become.

本発明に係る静電容量型入力デバイスの実施形態を模式的に示す一部切り欠き斜視説明図である。1 is a partially cutaway perspective explanatory view schematically showing an embodiment of a capacitive input device according to the present invention. FIG. 本発明に係る静電容量型入力デバイスの実施形態における誘電操作パッドを模式的に示す斜視説明図である。It is a perspective explanatory view showing typically the dielectric operation pad in the embodiment of the capacitive input device according to the present invention. 本発明に係る静電容量型入力デバイスの実施形態における誘電操作パッドの裏面側を模式的に示す斜視説明図である。It is a perspective explanatory view showing typically the back side of the dielectric operation pad in the embodiment of the capacitive input device according to the present invention. 本発明に係る静電容量型入力デバイスの実施形態における誘電操作パッドを模式的に示す断面説明図である。It is a section explanatory view showing typically the dielectric operation pad in the embodiment of the capacitive input device according to the present invention.

以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施形態を説明すると、本実施形態における静電容量型入力デバイスは、図１ないし図４に示すように、複数の電極２を備えた携帯電話の回路基板１と、この回路基板１に接着されてその複数の電極２を覆う操作パッドである誘電操作パッド１０とを備え、この誘電操作パッド１０を絶縁性の成形材料により成形し、誘電操作パッド１０に導電体である指が接触した場合に生じる静電容量の変化を検出することにより、携帯電話の入力デバイス、具体的にはカーソルキーとして機能する。   DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A capacitive input device according to this embodiment is a circuit board of a mobile phone provided with a plurality of electrodes 2 as shown in FIGS. 1 and a dielectric operation pad 10 that is an operation pad that is bonded to the circuit board 1 and covers the plurality of electrodes 2. The dielectric operation pad 10 is formed of an insulating molding material. By detecting a change in capacitance that occurs when a finger, which is a conductor, contacts, it functions as an input device of a cellular phone, specifically, a cursor key.

回路基板１は、図１に示すように、例えば高密度フレキシブル基板、フレキシブルプリント配線板、ガラスエポキシ製の配線板、あるいはプリント配線板等からなり、表面に複数の電極２と図示しない所定の導電パターンとがエッチング法やスクリーン印刷法等によりそれぞれ形成されており、図示しないＣＰＵを含む制御装置に電気的に接続される。   As shown in FIG. 1, the circuit board 1 is composed of, for example, a high-density flexible board, a flexible printed wiring board, a glass epoxy wiring board, a printed wiring board, or the like. A pattern is formed by an etching method, a screen printing method, or the like, and is electrically connected to a control device including a CPU (not shown).

複数の電極２は、回路基板１の表面に平面リング形に間隔をおき配列されて誘電操作パッド１０の内部に対向する複数の第一電極３と、この複数の第一電極３の外側に間隔をおいて配列される複数の第二電極４とを備え、誘電操作パッド１０や指と共にコンデンサを形成する。第一電極３は平面円形に形成され、第二電極４は平面矩形に形成される。   The plurality of electrodes 2 are arranged on the surface of the circuit board 1 at intervals in a plane ring shape and are opposed to the inside of the dielectric operation pad 10, and are spaced apart from the plurality of first electrodes 3. And a plurality of second electrodes 4 arranged at a distance, and a capacitor is formed together with the dielectric operation pad 10 and the finger. The first electrode 3 is formed in a planar circle, and the second electrode 4 is formed in a planar rectangle.

誘電操作パッド１０は、所定の成形材料により少なくとも上下前後左右方向に弾性変形可能に成形され、大容量の静電容量型入力デバイスを得る観点から、比誘電率が４以上、好ましくは７以上、より好ましくは８以上の誘電体として機能する。   The dielectric operation pad 10 is molded by a predetermined molding material so as to be elastically deformable at least in the vertical and horizontal directions, and from the viewpoint of obtaining a large capacity capacitive input device, the dielectric constant is 4 or more, preferably 7 or more, More preferably, it functions as a dielectric of 8 or more.

誘電操作パッド１０の所定の成形材料としては、ウレタン系エラストマー、オレフィン系エラストマー、シリコーンゴム、シリコーンゴムに少なくとも酸化亜鉛とチタン酸バリウムとが配合された成形材料等があげられるが、高誘電率を得る観点から、シリコーンゴムに少なくとも酸化亜鉛とチタン酸バリウムとが配合された成形材料（例えば、信越化学工業社製）が最適である。誘電率を高めたい場合には、酸化亜鉛とチタン酸バリウムとの配合量を適宜増加すれば良い。   Examples of the predetermined molding material for the dielectric operation pad 10 include urethane-based elastomers, olefin-based elastomers, silicone rubber, molding materials in which at least zinc oxide and barium titanate are blended in silicone rubber, and the like. From the viewpoint of obtaining, a molding material (for example, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) in which at least zinc oxide and barium titanate are blended with silicone rubber is optimal. In order to increase the dielectric constant, the blending amount of zinc oxide and barium titanate may be increased as appropriate.

誘電操作パッド１０は、図１ないし図４に示すように、表面が指先に接触される円板形の操作部１１と、この操作部１１の周縁から回路基板１の表面方向に伸長する円筒形の短い伸長部１２と、この伸長部１２の自由端に一体的に屈曲形成されて回路基板１の表面に接着される接触片１３とを備え、背の低い断面略ハット形に形成される。   As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the dielectric operation pad 10 includes a disk-shaped operation unit 11 whose surface is in contact with a fingertip, and a cylindrical shape that extends from the periphery of the operation unit 11 toward the surface of the circuit board 1. And a contact piece 13 which is integrally bent at the free end of the extension portion 12 and is bonded to the surface of the circuit board 1.

操作部１１は、複数の第一電極３を覆う大きさに形成され、裏面の中心部に、先端が半球形に湾曲した突起１４が回路基板１の表面方向に突出形成されており、裏面の周縁部付近には、複数の電極２の一部、具体的には複数の第一電極３に間隔をおいて接離可能に対向する複数の突出部１５が平面リング形に並べて一体形成される。各突出部１５は、第一電極３に潰れて圧接変形する半球面に面取りして湾曲形成され、この湾曲形成により、第一電極３との接触時に接触面積が増大する。   The operation unit 11 is formed to have a size that covers the plurality of first electrodes 3, and a protrusion 14 whose tip is curved in a hemispherical shape is formed at the center of the back surface so as to protrude toward the surface of the circuit board 1. In the vicinity of the peripheral edge, a part of the plurality of electrodes 2, specifically, a plurality of projecting portions 15 that face the plurality of first electrodes 3 at an interval so as to come into contact with and separate from each other are arranged in a flat ring shape and integrally formed. . Each projecting portion 15 is chamfered and curved to form a hemispherical surface that is crushed by the first electrode 3 and deformed in pressure contact, and this curved formation increases the contact area when in contact with the first electrode 3.

誘電操作パッド１０の接触片１３は水平横方向に伸びる平坦な板形に形成されて第二電極４に常時接触するが、この接触により、操作部１１の表面に指先が接触した場合に、第二電極４と指先との間にコンデンサが形成されて指の接触を検出する。   The contact piece 13 of the dielectric operation pad 10 is formed in a flat plate shape extending in the horizontal horizontal direction and always contacts the second electrode 4. When the fingertip contacts the surface of the operation unit 11 due to this contact, A capacitor is formed between the two electrodes 4 and the fingertip to detect finger contact.

上記構成において、誘電操作パッド１０を携帯電話のカーソルキーとして使用する場合には、誘電操作パッド１０の操作部１１における任意の箇所を指先で触れ、軽く押圧して操作すれば、携帯電話の表示画面に表示されたメインメニューから所定のメニュー項目を選択したり、選択されたメニュー項目の機能を実現することができる。   In the above-described configuration, when the dielectric operation pad 10 is used as a cursor key of a mobile phone, if any part of the operation unit 11 of the dielectric operation pad 10 is touched with a fingertip and operated by lightly pressing, the display of the mobile phone is displayed. A predetermined menu item can be selected from the main menu displayed on the screen, and the function of the selected menu item can be realized.

係る操作の際、操作部１１の表面に指先が触れると、回路基板１の第二電極４と誘電操作パッド１０の接触片１３とが常時接触状態にあるので、第二電極４と指との間にコンデンサが形成され、静電容量の微弱な変化により携帯電話の制御装置が指の接触を検出し、携帯電話がスリープモードから通常のノーマルモードや入力モードに復帰したり、操作キーが発光等する。   During the operation, when the fingertip touches the surface of the operation unit 11, the second electrode 4 of the circuit board 1 and the contact piece 13 of the dielectric operation pad 10 are always in contact with each other. A capacitor is formed between them, and the cellular phone control device detects a finger touch due to a slight change in capacitance, and the cellular phone returns from the sleep mode to the normal mode or input mode, and the operation key emits light. Etc.

また、誘電操作パッド１０の操作部１１が軽く押圧操作されると、回路基板１の第一電極３に操作部１１の突出部１５が接触して第一電極３と指との間にコンデンサを形成する。このコンデンサは、第一電極３と指との間の距離の短縮、及び第一電極３に圧接した突出部１５の接触面積の拡大により静電容量が変化し、しかも、この静電容量の変化により、操作時の指の押し込み量（動作ストローク）もが適切に検出される。   Further, when the operation portion 11 of the dielectric operation pad 10 is lightly pressed, the protruding portion 15 of the operation portion 11 contacts the first electrode 3 of the circuit board 1 and a capacitor is placed between the first electrode 3 and the finger. Form. In this capacitor, the capacitance changes due to the shortening of the distance between the first electrode 3 and the finger and the expansion of the contact area of the protruding portion 15 that is in pressure contact with the first electrode 3. Thus, the pushing amount (operation stroke) of the finger at the time of operation is also appropriately detected.

このとき、指先の操作圧力に応じ、操作部１１の湾曲した突出部１５が潰れて圧接変形し、第一電極３と指との距離を短縮し、かつ第一電極３に対する接触面積を拡大するので、静電容量の増大が大いに期待できる。このような静電容量の変化により、携帯電話の制御装置が所定のメニュー項目を選択したり、選択されたメニュー項目の機能を実現する。   At this time, according to the operation pressure of the fingertip, the curved protrusion 15 of the operation unit 11 is crushed and deformed by pressure, shortening the distance between the first electrode 3 and the finger and increasing the contact area with the first electrode 3. Therefore, an increase in capacitance can be greatly expected. With such a change in capacitance, the control device of the mobile phone selects a predetermined menu item or realizes the function of the selected menu item.

上記構成によれば、機械的な誘電操作パッド１０を使用するのではなく、静電容量式の変形可能な薄い誘電操作パッド１０を使用するので、誘電操作パッド１０を３６０°の全方向に操作することができ、誘電操作パッド１０の操作方向に制限が生じるのを有効に抑制防止することができる。また、誘電操作パッド１０に軽く触れるだけで指の接触を簡単に検出し、容易に操作することができるので、設計の自由度や長寿命化を図ることができる。   According to the above configuration, instead of using the mechanical dielectric operation pad 10, the capacitance-type thin dielectric operation pad 10 that can be deformed is used, so that the dielectric operation pad 10 is operated in all directions of 360 °. It is possible to effectively suppress and prevent the operation direction of the dielectric operation pad 10 from being restricted. In addition, since the finger contact can be easily detected and operated simply by lightly touching the dielectric operation pad 10, the degree of freedom in design and the extension of the life can be achieved.

また、操作部１１の押圧操作の際の静電容量の変化を利用すれば、第一電極３に対する指の押し込み量をも有効に検出し、操作に資することができる。さらに、シリコーンゴムに少なくとも酸化亜鉛とチタン酸バリウムとが配合された成形材料を使用して誘電操作パッド１０を成形すれば、高誘電率を得るだけでなく、小型で大容量の入力デバイスを製造したり、高い検出精度を獲得したり、抵抗値や高周波、品質のバラツキ防止を図ることが可能になる。   In addition, if the change in the capacitance during the pressing operation of the operation unit 11 is used, the amount of finger pressing on the first electrode 3 can also be detected effectively and contribute to the operation. Furthermore, if the dielectric operation pad 10 is molded using a molding material in which at least zinc oxide and barium titanate are blended with silicone rubber, not only a high dielectric constant is obtained, but also a small and large-capacity input device is manufactured. Or obtaining high detection accuracy, and preventing variations in resistance value, high frequency, and quality.

なお、上記実施形態の回路基板１の複数の電極２は、銅箔製でも良いし、導電ゴム製でも良い。また、上記実施形態では断面略ハット形の誘電操作パッド１０を単に示したが、誘電操作パッド１０の操作部１１表面に金属製のキートップを設けても良いし、誘電体からなるキートップを設けても良い。   Note that the plurality of electrodes 2 of the circuit board 1 of the above embodiment may be made of copper foil or conductive rubber. In the above embodiment, the dielectric operation pad 10 having a substantially hat-shaped cross section is simply shown. However, a metal key top may be provided on the surface of the operation portion 11 of the dielectric operation pad 10, or a key top made of a dielectric may be provided. It may be provided.

１ 回路基板
２ 電極
３ 第一電極（複数の電極の一部）
４ 第二電極
１０ 誘電操作パッド
１１ 操作部
１２ 伸長部
１３ 接触片
１５ 突出部 1 circuit board 2 electrode 3 first electrode (part of a plurality of electrodes)
4 Second electrode 10 Dielectric operation pad 11 Operation part 12 Extension part 13 Contact piece 15 Projection part

Claims (5)

表面に複数の電極を備えた回路基板と、この回路基板に取り付けられてその表面の複数の電極を覆う誘電操作パッドとを備え、この誘電操作パッドを絶縁性の成形材料により変形可能に成形し、誘電操作パッドに導電体が接触した場合に生じる静電容量の変化を検出することにより、入力デバイスとして機能する静電容量型入力デバイスであって、
誘電操作パッドは、表面が導電体に接触される操作部と、この操作部から回路基板の表面方向に伸びる伸長部とを含んで高い比誘電率を有し、操作部の裏面に、複数の電極の一部に間隔をおいて接離可能に対向する複数の突出部を形成し、
複数の電極の一部と導電体との距離の変化、及び複数の電極の一部に接触して変形した突出部の接触面積の変化による静電容量の変化を検出し、この静電容量の変化に基づいて導電体の押し込み量を検出するようにしたことを特徴とする静電容量型入力デバイス。 A circuit board having a plurality of electrodes on the surface, and a dielectric operation pad that is attached to the circuit board and covers the plurality of electrodes on the surface, the dielectric operation pad is molded in a deformable manner with an insulating molding material. A capacitance-type input device that functions as an input device by detecting a change in capacitance that occurs when a conductor contacts the dielectric operation pad,
The dielectric operation pad has a high relative dielectric constant including an operation portion whose surface is in contact with a conductor and an extension portion extending from the operation portion toward the surface of the circuit board. Forming a plurality of protrusions facing each other so as to be able to contact and separate with a part of the electrode;
Changes in the electrostatic capacitance due to changes in the distance between a part of the plurality of electrodes and the conductor, and changes in the contact area of the protrusions deformed in contact with the part of the plurality of electrodes are detected. An electrostatic capacitance type input device characterized in that an amount of pushing of a conductor is detected based on a change. 回路基板の複数の電極は、回路基板の表面に配列されて誘電操作パッドの複数の突出部と対向する複数の第一電極を備え、この第一電極と導電体との間の距離の短縮、及び第一電極に接触して変形した突出部の接触面積の拡大による静電容量の変化を検出し、この静電容量の変化により、導電体の押し込み量を検出するようにした請求項１記載の静電容量型入力デバイス。   The plurality of electrodes of the circuit board includes a plurality of first electrodes arranged on the surface of the circuit board and facing the plurality of protrusions of the dielectric operation pad, and shortening a distance between the first electrode and the conductor, And a change in capacitance due to an increase in the contact area of the projecting portion deformed in contact with the first electrode, and a push-in amount of the conductor is detected based on the change in capacitance. Capacitive input device. 回路基板の複数の電極は、複数の第一電極の外側に位置する第二電極を備え、
誘電操作パッドの伸長部に、回路基板の表面と第二電極に接触する接触片を形成し、誘電操作パッドの操作部に導電体が接触した場合に、第二電極と導電体との間にコンデンサを形成して導電体の接触を検出するようにした請求項２記載の静電容量型入力デバイス。 The plurality of electrodes of the circuit board includes a second electrode positioned outside the plurality of first electrodes,
A contact piece that contacts the surface of the circuit board and the second electrode is formed in the extended portion of the dielectric operation pad, and when a conductor comes in contact with the operation portion of the dielectric operation pad, the contact piece is interposed between the second electrode and the conductor. 3. The capacitive input device according to claim 2, wherein a capacitor is formed to detect contact of the conductor. 誘電操作パッドを、シリコーンゴムに少なくとも酸化亜鉛が配合されて比誘電率が４以上の成形材料より成形した請求項１、２、又は３記載の静電容量型入力デバイス。   4. The capacitive input device according to claim 1, wherein the dielectric operation pad is formed from a molding material in which at least zinc oxide is blended with silicone rubber and a relative dielectric constant is 4 or more. 誘電操作パッドの突出部の少なくとも先端を、電極に圧接変形する略半球面に形成した請求項１ないし４いずれかに記載の静電容量型入力デバイス。   5. The capacitance-type input device according to claim 1, wherein at least a tip of the projecting portion of the dielectric operation pad is formed into a substantially hemispherical surface that is deformed in pressure contact with the electrode.
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