Electrostatic capacitance switch

Abstract

The present application is to provide a static capacitance switch which has high-speed response and can perform stable two-stage input with one stroke. To solve the above problem, the static capacitance switch has a fixed electrode 17 composed of a first electrode 171 and a second electrode 172 arranged in insulation with the first electrode 171, and a movable electrode 16 formed of a metal plate such as stainless steel. Further, it has a rubber member 11 provided with a protruding portion, and the distance between the movable electrode 16 and the fixed electrode 17 is changed by displacing the protruding portion. The movable electrode 16 is provided with a first region P1 and a second region P2. The protruding portion is provided with a central protruding portion 113 displaced by a first pressing of the rubber member 11 to make the first region P1 approach the fixed electrode 17, and a peripheral protruding portion 114 displaced by a second pressing greater than the first pressing to make the second region P2 approach the fixed electrode 17.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a switch used for an input device or the like that inputs information to an electronic instrument, and an electrostatic capacitance switch using an electrostatic capacitance method as an input method. BACKGROUND

[0002] For example, in an auto-focus shutter of a camera or the like, a two-stage switch is used, that is, a switch capable of two-stage input with one structure. As a method of operation of the two-stage switch, various methods are known, such as a mechanical method, a capacitance method, a mechanical / capacitance dual method, and the like. Among them, an electrostatic capacitance switch that utilizes a change in electrostatic capacitance is widely used because of excellent durability without mechanical contacts, simple circuit / structure, and good operation touch.

[0003] For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a switch capable of two-stage input by a method of changing electrostatic capacitance between a finger of a contact keyboard and a conductive pattern on a substrate, and a method of further increasing electrostatic capacitance by expanding a contact area of the keyboard using a full-press keyboard operation.

[0004] [Prior Art Documents]

[0005] (Patent Literature)

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-175839 SUMMARY

[0007] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0008] However, the electrostatic capacitance switch disclosed in Patent Literature 1 has the following problems. Since the switch is configured to use a finger of an operator as one electrode, even if the interval between the finger and the electrode is the same, the capacitance value changes due to a change in the contact area of the finger (thickness of the finger) and the body capacitance, and thus the capacitance value detected by the touch method greatly varies, and the stroke of the switch and the change in electrostatic capacitance value vary depending on the input environment.

[0009] In addition, it is difficult to eliminate noise on the human body and to cope with stray capacitance, and sometimes a stable capacitance value cannot be obtained, and it is difficult to obtain a sharp change in capacitance at two places. Further, since each switch differs, the switch is not suitable for use as an input device such as a game mouse that requires fast operation and a keyboard that requires continuous input.

[0010] The present application has been achieved in order to solve the above problems, and aims to provide an electrostatic capacitance switch having high-speed responsiveness and capable of stable two-stage input with one stroke.

[0011] [Technical Means for Solving the Problems]

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is characterized by comprising: an electrode portion consisting of a first electrode and a second electrode disposed insulated from the first electrode; a moving member formed of a conductor or dielectric; and a pressing member having a protrusion, wherein the distance between the moving member and the electrode portion is changed by displacing the protrusion; wherein the moving member has a first moving surface and a second moving surface that moves independently of the first moving surface, and the protrusion is composed of a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion being displaced by a first pressing of the pressing member, causing the first moving surface to approach the electrode portion, and the second protrusion being displaced by a second pressing greater than the first pressing, causing the second moving surface to approach the electrode portion.

[0013] (The effect of the invention)

[0014] The electrostatic capacitive switch of the present invention has high-speed response and can achieve stable two-stage input in one stroke. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an electrostatic capacitive switch according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the inactive state.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a rubber component of an electrostatic capacitive switch used in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a perspective view from below showing the rubber component of an electrostatic capacitive switch used in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing the structure of the fixed electrode of an electrostatic capacitive switch used in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a plan view showing the structure of the movable electrode of an electrostatic capacitive switch used in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which a movable electrode is arranged on the fixed electrode of an electrostatic capacitive switch used in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the electrostatic capacitive switch in the first stage of operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the electrostatic capacitive switch in the second stage of operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 9 is a graph showing changes in stroke and electrostatic capacitance when the electrostatic capacitance switch is provided as a one-stage structure and as a two-stage structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, an electrostatic capacitance switch of an embodiment of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a sectional view showing the configuration of an electrostatic capacitance switch (hereinafter, simply referred to as "switch") of an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1 , the switch 1 is provided with a rubber member 11 (pressing member), a plunger 12, an upper housing 13, a lower housing 14, a movable electrode 16, a fixed electrode 17, and a substrate 18. The gasket 15 is provided on the lower housing 14. In addition, the symbol 19 is a boss for fixing the lower housing 14 to the substrate 18.

[0026] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the rubber member 11, Figure 3 is an oblique view of the rubber member 11 as viewed from below. The rubber member 11 is composed of a material having flexibility and insulating property. For example, it is composed of silicone rubber, urethane rubber, or the like.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2 , the rubber member 11 has a pressing portion 111 in a hollow cylindrical shape, and a central protruding portion 113 (first protruding portion) formed at a substantially central portion of a lower end surface 116 of the pressing portion 111 in a cylindrical shape. In addition, the rubber member 11 is provided with peripheral protruding portions 114 (second protruding portions) formed at two places of a peripheral portion of the lower end surface 116. The two peripheral protruding portions 114 are provided at positions opposite to each other, that is, at positions of 180°, in a manner of sandwiching the central protruding portion 113.

[0028] The lower end of the central protruding portion 113 protrudes downward by a certain amount more than the lower ends of the peripheral protruding portions 114. Therefore, when the pressing portion 111 is pressed and the support leg portions 112 described later are elastically deformed, first, the lower end of the central protruding portion 113 contacts the movable electrode 16, and further, by the elastic deformation of the support leg portions 112, the lower ends of the peripheral protruding portions 114 contact the movable electrode 16. In other words, after the pressing portion 111 is pressed to form a first pressing, the central protruding portion 113 contacts the movable electrode 16 to move the movable electrode 16 downward. Further, after the pressing portion 111 is pressed to form a second pressing larger than the first pressing, the peripheral protruding portions 114 contact the movable electrode 16 to move the movable electrode 16 downward.

[0029] The rubber member 11 has a rubber base 115 which is circular in shape and rectangular in cross section, and a support leg portion 112 (deformation member) which is provided between the pressing portion 111 and the rubber base 115 and is generally conical in shape.

[0030] The rubber base 115 is located on the surface of the peripheral portion of the movable electrode 16 and supports the entire rubber member 11.

[0031] The rubber member 11 has two protruding portions, namely, a central protruding portion 113 (first protruding portion) and a peripheral protruding portion 114 (second protruding portion), and functions as a pressing member, namely, displaces the protruding portions in the vertical direction, thereby changing the distance between the movable electrode 16 (moving member) and the fixed electrode 17 (electrode portion).

[0032] The central protruding portion 113 (first protruding portion) is provided at the center of a plan view (a plan view observed from the direction of the symbol G) of the rubber member 11 (pressing member) viewed from above, and is separated from the movable electrode 16 (moving member) in the normal state where the rubber member 11 is not pressed, and contacts the first region PI (first moving surface) when pressed to the first stage (first pressing). Figure 2

[0033] Further, the peripheral protruding portion 114 (second protruding portion) is provided at a position apart from the central protruding portion 113 in the plan view of the rubber member 11, and is separated from the movable electrode 16 in the normal state, and the support leg portion 112 is further deformed when pressed to the second stage (second pressing), thereby contacting the second region P2 (second moving surface).

[0034] The support leg portion 112 is flexible, and elastically deforms when the pressing portion 111 is pressed downward from the upper end side by the user's operation. Therefore, the pressing portion 111 moves downward, and even the central protruding portion 113 and the peripheral protruding portion 114 move downward. Further, the rubber member 11 returns to the original state due to the elastic force when the user's pressing is released.

[0035] Returning to Figure 1 , the plunger 12 is provided above the rubber member 11. The plunger 12 is composed of a cylindrical portion 121, a flat plate portion 122, and a leg portion 123. The plunger 12 is composed of an insulating material such as plastic.

[0036] In addition, an operation switch such as a key cap, a mouse key, or the like is provided on the upper portion of the plunger 12.

[0037] The cylindrical portion 121 is cylindrical in shape, and the upper surface is the surface pressed by the user from the direction of the symbol "F". The flat plate portion 122 is formed so as to be substantially parallel to the substrate 18, and the lower surface of the flat plate portion 122 contacts the pressing portion 111 of the rubber member 11 (see FIG. 2).​Figure 2 The upper surface of ).

[0038] The leg portion 123 is formed to extend diagonally downward from around the flat plate portion 122.

[0039] Around the plunger 12, there are upper housing 13 and lower housing 14 for holding the plunger 12.

[0040] The lower outer casing 14 is cylindrical, and the central axis of the cylinder is set to face the vertical direction relative to the substrate 18.

[0041] The upper housing 13 is configured to surround the plunger 12. A protrusion 131 is formed around the periphery of the upper housing 13, and a notch 141 is formed on the inner side of the lower housing 14. The protrusion 131 engages with the notch 141, and the upper housing 13 is fixed relative to the lower housing 14.

[0042] Furthermore, in the state where the plunger 12 is not pressed (the state where no force is applied from the direction of the symbol "F"), that is, in the normal state, the upper back surface 132 of the upper housing 13 contacts the surface of the flat plate portion 122 of the plunger 12.

[0043] The gasket 15 formed on the lower outer shell 14 has an L-shaped cross section and is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the rubber base 115 of the rubber component 11 and the substrate 18.

[0044] The movable electrode 16 (moving member) is flat and is disposed on the upper surface of the pad 15 in a manner substantially parallel to the substrate 18. Furthermore, a rubber base 115 of a rubber member 11 is connected around the movable electrode 16. The pad 15 is formed on the lower housing 14, thereby forming a space 20.

[0045] The substrate 18 is, for example, a rigid substrate. A fixed electrode 17 in the shape of a flat plate is formed on the substrate 18, and a photoresist is further formed on its surface.

[0046] [Structure of movable electrode 16 and fixed electrode 17]

[0047] Next, refer to Figure 4 ~ Figure 6 This section describes the detailed structure of the movable electrode 16 and the fixed electrode 17. Figure 4 This is a plan view of the fixed electrode 17. Figure 5 This is a plan view of the movable electrode 16. Figure 6 This is a plan view showing the fixed electrode 17 (represented by a double-dotted line) overlapping the movable electrode 16.

[0048] like Figure 4As shown, the fixed electrode 17 (electrode portion) formed on the insulating substrate 18 has two electrodes, namely a first electrode 171 and a second electrode 172, which are made of a conductive material such as copper foil and are semi-circular in shape. The area between each electrode 171 and 172 where no electrode is formed is designated as a space portion 173. That is, the first electrode 171 and the second electrode 172 are insulated by the space portion 173. The space portion 173 is made of photoresist.

[0049] The first electrode 171 and the second electrode 172 are respectively connected to the detection circuit via wires (illustration omitted).

[0050] The fixed electrode 17 functions as a capacitor. One of the electrodes 171 and 172 is a driving-side fixed electrode, and the other is a sensing-side fixed electrode.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, the movable electrode 16 is formed from a metal plate such as stainless steel, and the spiral-shaped notches 161a to 161c are formed by etching or the like. Notch 161a is a narrow arc shape, centered on the central portion of the movable electrode 16, and formed at an angle slightly less than 360°. Similarly, notch 161b is also a narrow arc shape, centered on the central portion of the movable electrode 16, and formed at an angle slightly less than 360°. Alternatively, the movable electrode 16 may also be made of a dielectric material other than metal. Furthermore, in... Figure 5 The diagram shows an example where notches 161a and 161b are formed at an angle slightly less than 360°, but the invention is not limited thereto and the angle may be greater than 360°.

[0052] The notch 161c is formed through the area between the two notches 16a and 16lb, and through the center of the movable electrode 16. The notch 161c forms a semi-circular curved portion p1 at the center of the movable electrode 16. Using the curved portion p1, the central region of the movable electrode 16 is divided into two regions: a first region P1 (first moving surface) and a second region P2 (second moving surface). Furthermore, the semi-circular curved portion p1 forms, thereby creating a semi-circular portion P2 in the first region P1.

[0053] Furthermore, the shape of the curved portion p1 does not have to be semi-circular, as long as it is a shape that can be pressed down by the central protrusion 113 of the rubber member 11. For example, the shape of the semi-circular portion p2 can be quadrilateral or triangle, etc.

[0054] The regions (denoted by q1 and q2) of the metal plates held by the notches 161a to 161c are formed into narrow, curved regions. Because of the notches 161a to 161c, these regions function as springs, meaning they are powered by a force applied in a direction orthogonal to the metal plates (normal direction). Within the regions held by the notches 161a to 161c, the region connecting to the first region P1 is designated as spring section q1 (first spring section), and the region connecting to the second region P2 is designated as spring section q2 (second spring section).

[0055] That is, the movable electrode 16 (moving member) is planar in shape and includes: a spring portion ql (first spring portion), which is powered by the displacement of the central protrusion 113, causing the first region P1 (first moving surface) to move toward the fixed electrode 17; and a spring portion q2 (second spring portion), which is powered by the displacement of the surrounding protrusion 114, causing the second region P2 (second moving surface) to move toward the fixed electrode 17.

[0056] Spring section q1 and spring section q2 are spiral-shaped springs.

[0057] The notches 161a to 161c are formed in, for example, an Archimedean spiral shape, and the width of the notch is constant. Therefore, the spring portions q1 and q2 also have a constant width. The variation of the spring portions q1 and q2 relative to the direction orthogonal to the metal plate (normal direction) is less in the horizontal direction (parallel to the metal plate), thus resulting in higher durability. The movable electrode 16 functions as a moving member formed of a conductor or dielectric.

[0058] Furthermore, the notches 161a to 161c do not necessarily have to be of the same width; they can be made thicker at the outer starting point and gradually taper towards the end point. Conversely, they can also be made thinner at the outer starting point and gradually thicker towards the end point. As long as the spring portions ql and q2 are used, the first region P1 and the second region can be connected in the vertical direction (with...). Figure 5 It can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the paper. The shape of the notches 161a to 161c can be various, for example, it can also be formed into a shape that fluctuates with a certain width.

[0059] A spring portion q1 is formed therein, thereby moving towards the normal direction of the movable electrode 16 (and... Figure 5 When the first region P1 is pressed (in the direction orthogonal to the paper), the first region P1 moves in the direction of the normal, and the spring ql is energized. That is to say, when the first region P1 is pressed in the direction of the normal (orthogonal), the spring q1 is energized; and when the pressing is released, the first region P1 returns to its original position.

[0060] Likewise, after the second region P2 is pressed in the direction of the normal line of the movable electrode 16, the second region P2 moves in the direction of the normal line, and the spring portion q2 is energized; and after the pressing is released, it returns to the original position. That is, the first region PI and the second region P2 independently move in the direction of the normal line of the movable electrode 16.

[0061] In addition, the semicircular portion P2 formed on the first region PI is a portion pressed by the central protruding portion 113 of the rubber member 11. Figure 2

[0062] Figure 6 is a view showing the fixed electrode 17 superimposed on the movable electrode 16. As shown in Figure 6 , among the notch portions 161c, the region a across the central portion of the movable electrode 16 and the space portion 173 of the fixed electrode 17 are configured to be orthogonal to each other.

[0063] [Explanation of the Effects of the Present Embodiment]

[0064] Next, the effects of the switch 1 of the present embodiment will be explained. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state when the plunger 12 is pressed from the direction shown by the symbol "F" to become a first pressing (hereinafter, referred to as a first pressing state). Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state when the plunger 12 is further pressed from the first pressing state to become a second pressing greater than the first pressing (hereinafter, referred to as a second pressing state). In addition, in order to distinguish from Figure 7 , Figure 8 For comparison, the state shown in Figure 1 , that is, a state when the plunger 12 is not pressed, is referred to as a "normal state".

[0065] In the normal state shown in Figure 1 , since the plunger 12 is not pressed, the support leg portion 112 (refer to Figure 2 ) is not elastically deformed. Therefore, the central protruding portion 113 does not contact the movable electrode 16, and a distance zl (refer to Figure 1 ) is formed between the movable electrode 16 and the fixed electrode 17. That is, since the movable electrode 16 does not approach the fixed electrode 17, the electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode 171 and the second electrode 172 of the fixed electrode 17 becomes a first electrostatic capacitance (denoted as Cl).

[0066] Next, after the user presses the plunger 12, as shown in Figure 7 , the pressing portion 111 of the rubber member 11 moves downward, the support leg portion 112 is elastically deformed to move the central protruding portion 113 downward. The central protruding portion 113 contacts Figure 5 ​The semicircular portion p2 is pressed downward as shown, and the first region P1 is also pressed downward. The first region P1 moves downward and approaches the fixed electrode 17. That is, the first pressing state is achieved. At this time, the distance between the flat plate portion 122 of the plunger 12 and the upper back surface 132 of the upper case 13 is xl. Note that "approaches the fixed electrode 17" includes the case where the first region P1 of the movable electrode 16 contacts the fixed electrode 17 through the resist. Further, since the fixed electrode 17 is covered with the resist, even if the first region P1 of the movable electrode 16 contacts the fixed electrode 17 through the resist, the first electrode 171 and the second electrode 172 are in an insulating state and do not short-circuit.

[0067] In the first pressing state, the first region P1 of the movable electrode 16 approaches between the first electrode 171 and the second electrode 172 of the fixed electrode 17, and thus the electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode 171 and the second electrode 172 changes to a second electrostatic capacitance (denoted by C2).

[0068] Further, since the spring portion ql is formed on the movable electrode 16, the spring portion ql is energized. That is, in this state, as soon as the user releases the pressing of the plunger 12, the movable electrode 16 returns to the original flat plate shape by the energization of the spring portion ql. Further, the rubber member 11 returns to the normal state (the state shown in FIG. 1) by the energization of the support leg portion 112 and the lower end surface 116. Figure 1 The state shown).

[0069] On the other hand, as soon as the plunger 12 is further pressed from the first pressing state shown in FIG. 3, Figure 7 the plunger 12 is further pressed from the first pressing state shown in FIG. 3, Figure 2 the surrounding protrusion portion 114 presses Figure 5 the second region P2 of the movable electrode 16 downward. As shown in FIG. 6, Figure 8 the second region P2 moves downward and approaches the fixed electrode 17. That is, the second pressing state is achieved. At this time, the distance between the flat plate portion 122 of the plunger 12 and the upper back surface 132 of the upper case 13 is x2.

[0070] In the second pressing state, both the first region P1 and the second region P2 of the movable electrode 16 approach between the first electrode 171 and the second electrode 172 of the fixed electrode 17, and thus the electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode 171 and the second electrode 172 changes to a third electrostatic capacitance (denoted by C3).

[0071] Further, after the pressing of the plunger 12 is released, the movable electrode 16 returns to the original flat plate shape by the energization of the spring portions ql and q2. Further, the rubber member 11 returns to the normal state (the state shown in FIG. 1) by the energization of the support leg portion 112 and the lower end surface 116. Figure 1 The state shown).

[0072] [Stroke and change in electrostatic capacitance]

[0073] Next, referring to the graph of FIG. 6, the stroke and the change in electrostatic capacitance when the plunger 12 is pressed will be explained. Figure 9

[0074] Figure 9 The curve S1 (solid line) shown in FIG. 6 shows the case where the switch 1 is a two-stage structure (the case of the present embodiment), and the curve S2 (broken line) shows the case where it is not a two-stage structure (a standard structure). In the curve S2, after the stroke of the plunger 12 reaches 0.5 [mm], the electrostatic capacitance starts to rise, and approaches the upper limit of about 4.2 [pF] at around 0.8 [mm]. That is, in the normal state, the electrostatic capacitance is 0 [pF], and in the pressed state of the plunger, it becomes 4.2 [pF].

[0075] On the other hand, in the curve S1, after the stroke of the plunger 12 reaches 0.5 [mm], the electrostatic capacitance starts to rise, and in the range of 0.6 to 0.8 [mm], the electrostatic capacitance becomes 2 to 2.5 [pF]. Further, after the stroke reaches around 0.9 [mm], the electrostatic capacitance reaches 4.2 [pF]. That is, in the normal state, the electrostatic capacitance is 0 [pF], in the first pressed state, the electrostatic capacitance reaches 2 to 2.5 [pF], and in the two-stage pressed state, the electrostatic capacitance reaches 4.2 [pF].

[0076] After that, even if the stroke is made larger, since the state where the movable electrode 16 and the fixed electrode 17 are in contact with the resist is maintained, the electrostatic capacitance does not change.

[0077] In this way, in the present embodiment, the function of a two-stage switch can be exerted, which is switched using the stroke of the plunger 12.

[0078] [Explanation of effects of the present embodiment]

[0079] In this way, in the switch 1 (electrostatic capacitance switch) of the present embodiment, in the normal state where the user does not press the plunger 12, the electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode 171 and the second electrode 172 becomes the first electrostatic capacity Cl. When the user presses the plunger 12 to become the first pressed state, the electrostatic capacitance becomes the second electrostatic capacity C2. Further, when the user presses the plunger 12 to become the second pressed state, the electrostatic capacitance becomes the third electrostatic capacity C3.

[0080] Further, the change in these electrostatic capacitances is detected, whereby the pressed state of the plunger 12 by the user can be detected. Therefore, the switch 1 can be used as a two-stage switch.

[0081] ​Further, the support leg 112 provided on the rubber member 11 is elastically deformed, whereby the movable electrode 16 is pressed, and thus, the switch is returned to the normal state immediately after the pressing by the user is released, and thus, the switching speed of the switch can be improved.

[0082] Since the spring portions q1 and q2 are formed on the movable electrode 16, and the first region P1 and the second region P2 are brought close to the fixed electrode 17, the responsiveness is excellent, and the durability can be improved.

[0083] Further, the drastic change in the analog signal (capacitance) at two places with a short stroke can be made, and the high-speed responsiveness of the switching operation can be achieved with "two operations / one stroke", and the continuous input can be performed.

[0084] Further, the ON position can be selected according to the position preferred by the user, with the drastic change in the capacitance of the capacitor in each stroke. Further, as described above, the S / N ratio (signal-to-noise ratio) under the detection of the minute electrostatic capacitance is improved, and the stable switching operation can be performed, without being affected by the noise caused by the human body.

[0085] Further, with the electrostatic capacitance method, the input can be performed with a weak force, and thus, even if there are two input points, the most appropriate load characteristics can be maintained. As a two-stage input switch, since the structure is simple, the switch can be manufactured at a low cost, compared with other methods. Further, the thinning can be achieved, which cannot be achieved with the conventional conical spring method.

[0086] The above has described the embodiments of the present application, but the description and the drawings forming a part of the disclosure should not be construed as limiting the present application. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and application techniques can be apparent to those having ordinary knowledge in the art from the disclosure.

[0087] Reference Signs

[0088] 1 Electrostatic Capacitance Switch

[0089] 11 Rubber Member (Pressing Member)

[0090] 12 Plunger

[0091] 13 Upper Housing

[0092] 14 Lower Housing

[0093] 15 Gasket

[0094] 16 Movable Electrode (Moving Member)

[0095] 17 Fixed Electrode (Electrode Portion)

[0096] 18 Substrate

[0097] 20 space

[0098] 111 pressing portion

[0099] 112 support leg portion (deformation member)

[0100] 113 central protrusion portion (first protrusion portion)

[0101] 114 peripheral protrusion portion (second protrusion portion)

[0102] 115 rubber base

[0103] 116 lower end surface

[0104] 121 cylindrical portion

[0105] 122 flat plate portion

[0106] 123 leg portion

[0107] 131 protrusion

[0108] 132 upper back surface

[0109] 141 notch

[0110] 161a, 161b, 161c notch portion

[0111] 171 first electrode

[0112] 172 second electrode

[0113] 173 space portion

[0114] p1 curved portion

[0115] p2 semicircular portion

[0116] P1 first region (first movement surface)

[0117] P2 second region (second movement surface)

[0118] q1 spring portion (first spring portion)

[0119] q2 spring portion (second spring portion)

Claims

1. An electrostatic capacitive switch, characterized in that, have: The electrode section comprises a first electrode and a second electrode that is insulated from the first electrode. A movable component, which is formed of a conductor or a dielectric; and, The pressing member has a protrusion, and by displacing the protrusion, the distance between the moving member and the electrode part changes. The aforementioned movable component includes a first movable surface and a second movable surface that moves independently of the first movable surface. Furthermore, the aforementioned protrusion is composed of a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion is displaced by a first pressing force from the aforementioned pressing member, causing the first moving surface to approach the aforementioned electrode portion. The second protrusion is displaced by a second pressing force greater than the first pressing force, causing the second moving surface to approach the aforementioned electrode portion. The aforementioned movable member is planar in shape and includes: a first spring portion, which is powered by the displacement of the aforementioned first protrusion, causing the aforementioned first movable surface to move toward the aforementioned electrode portion; and a second spring portion, which is powered by the displacement of the aforementioned second protrusion, causing the aforementioned second movable surface to move toward the aforementioned electrode portion.

2. The electrostatic capacitive switch according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned first and second mainspring sections are composed of spiral-shaped springs.

3. The electrostatic capacitive switch according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned pressing member is a deformable member with flexible deformation capabilities. Furthermore, the aforementioned first protrusion is located at the center of the plan view of the aforementioned pressing member. When the aforementioned pressing member is not pressed, it is separated from the aforementioned moving member. However, during the aforementioned first pressing, it comes into contact with the aforementioned first moving surface by deforming the aforementioned deformable member. In the plan view of the aforementioned pressing member, the aforementioned second protrusion is located away from the aforementioned first protrusion. Normally, it is separated from the aforementioned moving member, but during the aforementioned second pressing, it comes into contact with the aforementioned second moving surface by deforming the aforementioned deformable member.

4. The electrostatic capacitive switch according to claim 3, wherein, In the plan view of the aforementioned pressing member, the aforementioned second protrusion is provided at two opposite locations in a manner that clamps the aforementioned first protrusion.

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