Touch sensing device

Abstract

Touch Sensing Device. This invention provides a novel touch sensing device with a seamless design. The sensing device includes a housing, a movable portion, a cover portion, and a lifting actuator for the movable portion. The movable portion is movable within an opening in the housing relative to an edge portion of the opening. The cover portion includes a flexible layer covering the edge portion of the opening and the movable portion. When the movable portion is at a first height position relative to the edge portion, a first region and a second region of the outer surface of the cover portion are substantially flush with each other, and a second portion of the flexible layer is at a third height position relative to the first portion of the flexible layer. When the movable portion is at a second height position relative to the edge portion, the second region is located on the Z′ direction side relative to the first region, and the second portion is at a fourth height position relative to the first portion. The flexible layer is configured to partially flex and stretch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a touch sensing device. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-49601 describes a conventional touch sensing device. The touch sensing device includes a frame with an opening, a touch sensor, a lifting mechanism, and a controller. The touch sensor, in a plan view, has an external shape corresponding to the shape of the opening in the frame, and is positioned within the opening to allow vertical movement between a neutral position and a lowered position. In the neutral position, the surface of the touch sensor (including the touch area) is flush with the surface of the frame, with no seam between them. In the lowered position, the surface of the touch sensor is below the surface of the frame. The lifting mechanism is configured to move the touch sensor vertically between the neutral and lowered positions. When the touch sensor undergoes a predetermined operation (e.g., a swipe operation), the controller drives the lifting mechanism to move the touch sensor from the neutral position to the lowered position. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] In traditional touch sensing devices, the shape of the frame opening and the external shape of the touch sensor are manufactured with high precision to eliminate the seam between the surface of the touch sensor and the surface of the frame. However, since the touch sensor and the frame are separate components, there is a very small gap between them that is exposed to the outside.

[0005] This invention provides a novel touch sensing device with a seamless design.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] A touch sensing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing, at least one movable portion, a cover portion, at least one touch sensor, and at least one lifting actuator. The housing includes at least one opening opening to at least one side in a first direction, and an edge portion of the at least one opening. The edge portion of the at least one opening includes a first surface on one side in the first direction. The first direction is the axial direction of the at least one opening. The at least one movable portion includes the first surface on one side in the first direction, and is movable relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening within the at least one opening in the first direction between a first height position and a second height position. The first height position is such that the first surface of the at least one movable portion is located at a predetermined height relative to the first surface of the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing in the first direction. The second height position is located on the other side or one side of the first height position relative to the first height position. The cover portion includes a flexible and stretchable flexible layer. The flexible layer covers at least the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing and the at least one movable portion from one side in the first direction. The flexible layer includes: at least one first portion, which is directly or indirectly fixed to a first surface of an edge portion of at least one opening of a housing, and includes a first surface on one side in a first direction; and at least one second portion, which is directly or indirectly fixed to a first surface of at least one movable portion, and includes a first surface on one side in a first direction. When at least one movable portion is positioned at a first height relative to the edge portion of at least one opening of the housing, the first surface of at least one second portion of the flexible layer is positioned at a predetermined third height relative to the first surface of at least one first portion of the flexible layer in a first direction. When at least one movable portion is positioned at a second height relative to the edge portion of at least one opening of the housing, the first surface of at least one second portion of the flexible layer is positioned at a fourth height relative to the first surface of at least one first portion of the flexible layer. The fourth height position is located on the opposite side or one side of the first direction relative to the third height position. The flexible layer is configured to partially flex and stretch, or alternatively partially contract, according to relative movement of at least one second portion relative to at least one first portion from the third height position to the fourth height position, or alternatively from the fourth height position to the third height position. At least one touch sensor is disposed at at least one movable part, or disposed at intervals on the opposite side of the first direction relative to at least one movable part. The at least one touch sensor is configured to detect a touch area on the outer surface of the contact cover on one side of the first direction.At least one lifting actuator is configured to move at least one movable portion in a first direction, or alternatively move an edge portion of at least one opening of the housing, such that at least one movable portion moves relative to the edge portion of at least one opening of the housing from a first height position to a second height position, or alternatively moves relative to the edge portion of the housing from a second height position to a first height position.

[0008] In such a touch sensing device, the edge portion of at least one opening of the housing and the movable portion are covered by a covering portion from one side in a first direction, such that the gap between the edge portion of at least one opening of the housing and the movable portion is not exposed on one side in the first direction. This arrangement achieves a seamless design for the touch sensing device.

[0009] The outer surface of the cover may include: at least one first region, which is located on one side in a first direction relative to the edge portion of at least one opening of the housing; and at least one second region, which is located on one side in the first direction relative to at least one movable portion. When the at least one movable portion is positioned at a first height relative to the edge portion of at least one opening of the housing, the at least one first region and the at least one second region of the outer surface may be substantially flush with each other. When the at least one movable portion is positioned at a second height relative to the edge portion of at least one opening of the housing, the at least one second region of the outer surface is located on the opposite side or one side of the first direction relative to the at least one first region of the outer surface.

[0010] At least one movable portion may be disposed in at least one opening of the housing, and a gap exists between the at least one movable portion and an edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing. In this case, the flexible layer may further include at least one third portion between at least one first portion and at least one second portion. The at least one third portion may be located on one side of the first direction relative to the gap.

[0011] At least one third portion can be configured to flex and stretch, or alternatively contract, based on the relative movement of at least one second portion relative to at least one first portion from a third height position to a fourth height position, or alternatively from a fourth height position to a third height position.

[0012] When at least one third portion is provided, the outer surface may further include at least one third region between at least one first region and at least one second region. The at least one third region may be located on one side of the first direction relative to the gap. When at least one movable portion is positioned at a first height relative to the edge portion of at least one opening of the housing, the at least one first region, at least one second region, and at least one third region of the outer surface may be substantially flush with each other. When at least one movable portion is positioned at a second height relative to the edge portion of at least one opening of the housing, the at least one second region of the outer surface may be located on the opposite side or one side of the first direction relative to the at least one first region of the outer surface, and the at least one third region of the outer surface may be inclined non-right-angled from the at least one second region of the outer surface toward the at least one first region of the outer surface.

[0013] Regardless of whether at least one third part and at least one third region are provided, when at least one movable part is located at a first height relative to the edge portion of at least one opening of the housing, at least one first region of the outer surface may be located on the opposite side or one side of the first direction relative to at least one second region of the outer surface.

[0014] The flexible layer can be configured to partially recover or partially stretch when the first surface of at least one second portion of the flexible layer returns from a fourth height position to a third height position relative to the first surface of at least one first portion of the flexible layer, and at least one movable portion moves from a second height position to a first height position relative to the edge portion of at least one opening of the housing; or alternatively, when the first surface of at least one second portion of the flexible layer returns from a third height position to a fourth height position relative to the first surface of at least one first portion of the flexible layer, and at least one movable portion moves from a first height position to a second height position relative to the edge portion of at least one opening of the housing.

[0015] The cover may further include an outermost layer, which includes an outer surface. The outermost layer may be located on one side relative to the flexible layer in the first direction. If the outermost layer is omitted, the flexible layer may include the outer surface.

[0016] The outermost layer can be configured to partially flex as the flexible layer flexes, or alternatively, to partially shrink as the flexible layer shrinks.

[0017] The cover may further include a buffer layer disposed between the flexible layer and the housing and at least one movable portion. The buffer layer may include: at least one first portion which may be located between at least one first portion of the flexible layer and a first surface of an edge portion of at least one opening of the housing; and at least one second portion which may be located between at least one second portion of the flexible layer and a first surface of at least one movable portion.

[0018] At least one touch sensor may be disposed on the first surface of at least one movable portion. In this case, at least one second portion of the flexible layer may be indirectly fixed to the first surface of at least one movable portion via at least one touch sensor.

[0019] At least one lifting actuator may be a solenoid, a piezoelectric element, or a motor. When at least one lifting actuator is a solenoid, a motion converter may be provided to convert the linear motion of the solenoid's plunger into the up-and-down motion of the movable part or the edge of the opening. When at least one lifting actuator is a motor, a motion converter may be provided to convert the rotational motion of the motor's rotating shaft into the up-and-down motion of the movable part or the edge of the opening.

[0020] The outer surface may further include at least one decorative protrusion projecting to one side in a first direction and / or at least one decorative recess recessing to the other side in the first direction. The at least one decorative protrusion and / or at least one decorative recess may be located between at least one first region and at least one second region. With at least one movable portion positioned at a first height relative to the edge portion of at least one opening of the housing, the at least one first region and at least one second region of the outer surface may be substantially flush with each other, except for the at least one decorative protrusion and / or at least one decorative recess.

[0021] The touch sensing device in any of the above aspects may also include a controller. The controller may be configured to drive at least one lifting actuator upon receiving at least one deformation indication.

[0022] At least one touch sensor may be configured to change or output an electrical signal based on contact between the detected object and a touch area on the outer surface of the cover. The controller may also be configured to determine whether a change in the electrical signal of the at least one touch sensor or a reception indication of the electrical signal indicates that at least one deformation indication has been received.

[0023] The touch sensing device in any of the above aspects may further include a proximity detector configured to output at least one deformation indication to the controller based on the proximity of the detected object to the touch area of ​​the outer surface of the cover.

[0024] The controller can also be configured to, upon receiving at least one deformation indication, detect positional information about the contact between the detected object and the touch area based on a change in the electrical signal in at least one touch sensor or by receiving an electrical signal from at least one touch sensor.

[0025] At least one touch sensor may be a touch panel, configured to change or output an electrical signal based on an operational input from a detected object to a touch area on the outer surface of the cover. In this case, the controller may also be configured to detect information about the operational input based on a change in the electrical signal in the at least one touch sensor or by receiving an electrical signal from the at least one touch sensor, and to determine whether the detected information about the operational input matches predetermined information about the operational input recorded in a memory. The controller may also be configured such that if the controller determines that the detected information about the operational input matches the information about the operational input in the memory, the controller determines that the detected information about the operational input indicates that at least one deformation indication has been received.

[0026] The controller can also be configured to detect information about the operational input of the detected object to the touch area based on a change in the electrical signal in at least one touch sensor or by receiving an electrical signal from at least one touch sensor after receiving at least one deformation indication.

[0027] The controller can also be configured to, upon receiving at least one deformation indication, detect information about the operation input based on a change in the electrical signal in at least one touch sensor or by receiving an electrical signal from at least one touch sensor, and determine whether the detected information about the operation input matches predetermined information about the operation input recorded in a memory.

[0028] The controller can also be configured such that if the controller determines that the detected information about the operation input matches the information about the operation input in the memory, the controller detects information about the operation input of the detected object to the touch area based on a change in the electrical signal in at least one touch sensor or by receiving an electrical signal from at least one touch sensor.

[0029] The touch sensing device in any of the above aspects may further include at least one vibration generator to apply vibration to at least one movable part. The controller may also be configured to drive at least one vibration generator based on a change in the electrical signal in at least one touch sensor or by receiving an electrical signal from at least one touch sensor.

[0030] The edge portion of at least one opening of the housing and / or the movable portion may include a stepped portion. In this case, the outermost layer may or may not extend along the stepped portion.

[0031] With at least one movable part positioned at a first height position or a second height position relative to the edge portion of at least one opening of the housing, at least one first region of the outer surface may be located on the opposite side or one side of the first direction relative to at least one second region of the outer surface. In this case, a step may be formed in the portion between at least one first region and at least one second region of the outer surface.

[0032] At least a third portion of the flexible layer may be semi-transparent.

[0033] At least one opening in the housing may be substantially circular. In this case, the movable part may have a substantially disc-shaped cross-section in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction.

[0034] At least one opening in the housing may include multiple openings. In this case, at least one movable portion may include multiple movable portions disposed in a respective opening. At least one first portion and at least one second portion of the flexible layer may each include multiple first portions and multiple second portions. At least one lifting actuator may include multiple lifting actuators, and each lifting actuator may be configured to move a corresponding one of the movable portions in a first direction, or alternatively move a corresponding one of the edge portions of the opening in the housing. At least one deformation indication may include multiple deformation indications. The controller may also be configured to drive each lifting actuator according to receiving a corresponding one of the deformation indications.

[0035] At least one movable part may include a plurality of movable parts disposed in at least one opening. At least one first portion and at least one second portion of the flexible layer may each include a plurality of first portions and a plurality of second portions. At least one lifting actuator may include a plurality of lifting actuators, and each lifting actuator may be configured to move a corresponding one of the movable parts in a first direction. At least one deformation indication may include a plurality of deformation indications. The controller may also be configured to drive the respective lifting actuators according to receiving a corresponding one of the deformation indications.

[0036] Where at least one first portion and at least one second portion respectively comprise multiple first portions and multiple second portions, at least one first region and at least one second region of the outer surface may each comprise multiple first regions and multiple second regions. At least one of the second regions may include a touch area to be contacted by the object to be detected.

[0037] The plurality of movable parts may include at least one first movable part and at least one second movable part. At least one opening of the housing may include a plurality of openings. An edge portion of at least one opening of the housing may include edge portions of a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings may include at least one first opening and at least one second opening. An edge portion of an opening may include an edge portion of at least one first opening and an edge portion of at least one second opening. The plurality of lifting actuators may include at least one first lifting actuator and at least one second lifting actuator. At least one first lifting actuator may be configured to move at least one first movable part or an edge portion of at least one first opening in a first direction to move at least one first movable part relative to the edge portion of at least one first opening from a first height position to a second height position. At least one second lifting actuator may be configured to move at least one second movable part or an edge portion of at least one second opening in a first direction to move at least one second movable part relative to the edge portion of at least one second opening from a first height position to a second height position.

[0038] The controller may also be configured to detect information about an operational input based on a change in an electrical signal in at least one touch sensor or based on receiving an electrical signal from at least one touch sensor, and to determine whether the detected information about the operational input matches at least one record of information about the operational input stored in a memory. The controller may also be configured such that if the controller determines that the detected information about the operational input matches at least one record of information about the operational input stored in a memory, the controller determines that the detected information about the operational input indicates that a deformation indication has been received. The controller may also be configured to drive at least one or all of the lifting actuators corresponding to the deformation indication based on the received deformation indication.

[0039] Each second region may include a touch area to be touched by the detected object. In this case, at least one touch sensor may include multiple touch sensors. Each touch sensor may be disposed at a corresponding location in the movable part or disposed at intervals on the opposite side of the first direction relative to a corresponding location in the movable part.

[0040] In the case where multiple touch sensors constitute a touch panel, the controller may also be configured to detect information about the operation input based on individual changes in the electrical signals in the touch sensors or based on individual receptions of electrical signals from the touch sensors, and determine whether the detected information about the operation input matches any of a plurality of information about various types of operation input recorded in memory. Furthermore, the controller may be configured such that if the controller determines that the detected information about the operation input matches a piece of information about various types of operation input in memory, the controller determines that the detected information about the operation input indicates the receipt of a deformation indication corresponding to the piece of information about various types of operation input. The controller may also be configured to drive one or more lifting actuators corresponding to the received deformation indication.

[0041] One of at least one touch sensor may be disposed on the opposite side of a first direction at intervals relative to a plurality of movable parts, and is configured to detect a detection object that contacts a touch area corresponding to the plurality of movable parts. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of the front, top, and right sides of the touch sensing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the outer surface of the touch sensing device flat.

[0043] Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the rear, bottom, and right sides of the touch sensing device according to the first embodiment in a state where the outer surface of the touch sensing device is flat.

[0044] Figure 2A It is along Figure 1A The image shows a cross-sectional view of the touch sensing device according to the first embodiment, taken from line 2A-2A.

[0045] Figure 2B It is along Figure 1A The cross-sectional view of the touch sensing device according to the first embodiment is taken from line 2B-2B.

[0046] Figure 2C It is along Figure 2A The image shows a cross-sectional view of the touch sensing device according to the first embodiment, taken from line 2C-2C.

[0047] Figure 3A These are exploded perspective views of the front, top, and right sides of the touch sensing device according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Figure 3B This is an exploded rear, bottom, and right perspective view of the touch sensing device according to the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the front, top, and right sides of a touch sensing device according to a first embodiment, having a recess formed in the outer surface of the touch sensing device.

[0050] Figure 4B This is a perspective view of the rear, bottom, and right sides of a touch sensing device according to a first embodiment, having a recess formed in the outer surface of the touch sensing device.

[0051] Figure 5A It is along Figure 4A The image shows a cross-sectional view of the touch sensing device according to the first embodiment, taken from line 5A-5A.

[0052] Figure 5B It is along Figure 4A The image shows a cross-sectional view of the touch sensing device according to the first embodiment, taken from line 5B-5B.

[0053] Figure 5C It is along Figure 5A The image shows a cross-sectional view of the touch sensing device according to the first embodiment, taken from line 5C-5C.

[0054] Figure 6A It is a variation of the touch sensing device according to the first embodiment, corresponding to Figure 2A Cross-sectional view.

[0055] Figure 6B It is a variant of the touch sensing device of the first embodiment. Figure 5A Cross-sectional view.

[0056] Figure 7A This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the touch sensing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention in a state where the outer surface of the touch sensing device becomes flat.

[0057] Figure 7B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a touch sensing device according to a second embodiment, having a recess formed in the outer surface of the touch sensing device.

[0058] Figure 7C This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first variant of a touch sensing device according to a second embodiment, having protrusions formed in the outer surface of the touch sensing device.

[0059] Figure 8A This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second variant of the touch sensing device according to the second embodiment, in a state where the outer surface of the touch sensing device becomes flat.

[0060] Figure 8BThis is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second design modification of a touch sensing device having protrusions formed in the outer surface of the touch sensing device.

[0061] Figure 8C This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third variant of a touch sensing device according to the second embodiment, having a recess formed in the outer surface of the touch sensing device.

[0062] Figure 9A This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fourth variant of the touch sensing device according to the second embodiment in a state where the outer surface of the touch sensing device becomes flat.

[0063] Figure 9B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fifth variant of the touch sensing device according to the second embodiment in a state where the outer surface of the touch sensing device becomes flat.

[0064] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sixth variant of the touch sensing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in a state where the outer surface of the touch sensing device becomes flat. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The following describes several embodiments of the present invention, including the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and variations thereof. It should be noted that the components of the embodiments and variations thereof described can be combined in any possible manner. It should also be noted that the materials, shapes, dimensions, quantities, arrangements, etc., of each component constituting the embodiments and variations thereof are presented as examples only and can be modified in any way, as long as the same function is achieved.

[0066] First Implementation Method

[0067] Reference Figures 1A to 6B The following describes a touch sensing device D1 (which may be simply referred to as sensing device D1) according to various embodiments of the present invention (including the first embodiment and its variations). Figures 1A to 5C An example of a sensing device D1 according to a first embodiment is shown. Figure 6A and Figure 6B A variation of the sensing device D1 of the first embodiment is illustrated. Figures 1A to 2B , Figures 3A to 5B as well as Figures 6A to 6B Indicates the ZZ′ direction (first direction). Figures 1A to 2A , Figures 2C to 5A as well as Figures 5C to 6A Indicates the YY′ direction (second direction). Figures 1A to 1B , Figures 2B to 4B , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 6BIndicates the XX′ direction (third direction). The YY′ direction is substantially orthogonal to the ZZ′ direction, and the XX′ direction is substantially orthogonal to both the ZZ′ and YY′ directions.

[0068] The sensing device Dl can be, for example, interior components of a car (e.g., console, armrest, seat, dashboard, steering wheel, door panel, or headliner); furniture (e.g., sofa, stool, chair, table, workbench, etc.); portable information terminals such as smartphones; fixed information terminals operated by users (e.g., appliances, ATMs, automatic ticket machines, loan processing terminals for signing cash prepayment and other services, multimedia terminals for ticket reservations or product purchase applications, vending machines, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, ticket machines installed in airports, train stations, etc. for issuing boarding passes or other tickets, amusement devices (e.g., pinball machines, coin-operated machines in pinball parlors, coin-operated machines, arcade games, etc.); and so on.

[0069] The sensing device D1 includes a housing 100. The housing 100 is a housing for an interior of a vehicle, or for the aforementioned furniture, portable information terminal, fixed information terminal, etc. The housing 100 is made of an insulating material (such as synthetic resin). The housing 100 includes an opening 101. The opening 101 is open at least in the Z direction (at least on one side of the first direction). For example, the opening 101 may be a bottomed hole in the housing 100 that opens only in the Z direction, or it may be a through hole extending through the housing 100 in the ZZ′ direction and opening along both the Z and Z′ directions (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figures 1A to 5C When viewed from the Z-direction side, the opening 101 can have any shape, but can be, for example, essentially circular or polygonal.

[0070] The housing 100 also includes an edge portion 110 of the opening 101. The edge portion 110 may be a substantially annular portion surrounding the opening 101 of the housing 100. Alternatively, the edge portion 110 may be at least one of a first side, a second side, a third side, or a fourth side relative to the opening 101 on a Y-direction side, a Y′-direction side, an X-direction side, or a X′-direction side, respectively. The edge portion 110 may be part of the housing 100 or may be a component separate from the housing 100. The edge portion 110 includes a first surface 111 on the Z-direction side and a second surface 112 on the Z′-direction side. The ZZ′ direction is the axial direction of the opening 101 and also the thickness direction of the edge portion 110, and the Z′ direction corresponds to the other side of the first direction.

[0071] The sensing device Dl also includes a movable portion 300. The movable portion 300 includes a body 310, which is a plate or block of an insulating material (such as synthetic resin). The body 310 includes a first surface 311 on the Z-direction side and a second surface 312 on the Z′-direction side. The body 310 is movable relative to the edge portion 110 in the ZZ′ direction within the opening 101 between a first height position and a second height position. Specifically, (1) the body 310 can be movable relative to the edge portion 110 in the opening 101 between the first height position and the second height position. In this case, the edge portion 110 is an integral part of the housing 100 or a component separate from the housing 100, and is fixed to the housing 100 or a retaining portion (not shown) inside the housing 100. Alternatively, (2) the edge portion 110 can be movable relative to the body 310 between the first height position and the second height position. In this configuration, the edge portion 110 is a component separate from the housing 100, and the main body 310 is held by a retaining portion (not shown) inside the housing 100, and thus fixed in position within the opening 101. It should be noted that the movable portion 300 only needs to be movable relative to the edge portion 110, and the movable portion 300 itself may remain stationary.

[0072] The first height position allows the first surface 311 of the main body 310 of the movable part 300 to be positioned at a predetermined height relative to the first surface 111 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 in the ZZ′ direction. For example, the first height position allows the first surface 311 of the main body 310 and the first surface 111 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 to be positioned at the same height in the ZZ′ direction (see [link]). Figures 2A to 2B In this case, the first surface 311 of the body 310 at the first height position and the first surface 111 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 can form a composite surface, and this composite surface has a flat shape extending substantially orthogonally to the ZZ′ direction. Alternatively, the first height position can be such that the first surface 311 of the body 310 is located on the Z-direction side or the Z′-direction side relative to the first surface 111 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100. When the first surface 311 of the body 310 at the first height position is located on the Z-direction side relative to the first surface 111 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, the composite surface can have a spherical or arcuate shape protruding in the Z-direction. When the first surface 311 of the body 310 at the first height position is located on the Z′-direction side relative to the first surface 111 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, the composite surface can have a spherical or arcuate shape recessed in the Z′-direction. It should also be understood that the first height position is a neutral position of the body 310.

[0073] The second altitude position can be relative to the first altitude position (see...). Figures 5A to 5B On the Z′ direction side, the first surface 311 of the body 310 is located relative to the first height position on the Z′ direction side relative to the first height position, with respect to the first surface 111 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100. Alternatively, the second height position may be located relative to the first height position on the Z direction side, with respect to the first surface 111 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, with respect to the first height position on the Z direction side.

[0074] The main body 310 can be disposed in the opening 101 of the housing 100, and a gap G is provided between the main body 310 and the edge portion 110. In this case, the main body 310 can have any cross-sectional shape in the YY′ direction, but can have a cross-sectional shape in the YY′ direction corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the opening 101 in the YY′ direction. For example, if the opening 101 is circular, the main body 310 can have a disc-shaped cross-sectional shape in the YY′ direction (see...). Figures 1A to 5C Furthermore, if the opening 101 is polygonal, the body 310 may have a polygonal cross-section in the YY′ direction. Alternatively, the body 310 may be disposed within the opening 101 of the housing 100, without any gap G between the body 310 and the edge portion 110. In this case, the body 310 may have a cross-sectional shape in the YY′ direction corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the opening 101 in the YY′ direction, and may have an external cross-sectional dimension (area) in the YY′ direction that is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the cross-sectional dimension (area) of the opening 101 in the YY′ direction. The cross-sectional shape and external dimensions of the body 310 in the YY′ direction may be manufactured with high or low precision in accordance with the cross-sectional shape and external dimensions of the body 101 in the YY′ direction. Even if no gap G is provided between the body 310 and the edge portion 110, a very small or narrow gap may still be left between the body 310 and the edge portion 110.

[0075] The sensing device D1 also includes a cover portion 200. The cover portion 200 includes a flexible layer 210. The flexible layer 210 is made of a flexible and stretchable material such as: elastic materials (e.g., rubber or elastomers), styrene-based materials, polyurethane-based materials, polyester-based materials, olefin-based materials, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, or fabric made of fibrous materials (e.g., woven or knitted fabrics). The flexible layer 210 covers at least the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 and the movable portion 300 from the Z-direction side, and extends at least along the first surface 311 of the body 310 and the first surface 111 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 (i.e., at least along the composite surface in any of the above aspects). If the composite surface has a flat shape extending substantially orthogonally to the ZZ′ direction at a first height position, the flexible layer 210 also has a flat shape extending substantially orthogonally to the ZZ′ direction. If the composite surface has a spherical or arcuate shape protruding in the Z-direction at a first height position, the flexible layer 210 has a spherical or arcuate shape protruding in the Z-direction. When the composite surface has a spherical or arcuate shape that is recessed in the Z′ direction at the first height position, the flexible layer 210 has a spherical or arcuate shape that protrudes in the Z direction.

[0076] The flexible layer 210 includes a first portion 211 and a second portion 212. The first portion 211 is directly or indirectly fixed to a first surface 111 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100. The first portion 211 includes a first surface on the Z-direction side and a second surface on the Z′-direction side. The second portion 212 is directly or indirectly fixed to the first surface 311 of the body 310 of the movable portion 300. For example, the second portion 212 may be indirectly fixed to the first surface 311 of the body 310 of the movable portion 300 via adhesive or double-sided tape (via at least one first intermediate layer 230 described), or directly and firmly fixed to (closely contacting) the first surface 311 of the body 310 of the movable portion 300 by insert molding or external molding. In the latter case, the first surface 311 may be the boundary surface between the body 310 of the movable portion 300 and the second portion 212. Part 212 includes a first surface on the Z-direction side and a second surface on the Z′-direction side.

[0077] When the main body 310 and the edge portion 110 have the above-described configuration (1) and a gap G is provided between them, the second portion 212 movably and floatably supports the main body 310 in the ZZ′ direction. When the main body 310 and the edge portion 110 have the above-described configuration (1) and no gap G is provided between them, the second portion 212 movably supports the main body 310 in the ZZ′ direction. When the main body 310 and the edge portion 110 have the above-described configuration (2) and a gap G is provided between them, the first portion 211 movably and floatably supports the edge portion 110 in the ZZ′ direction. When the main body 310 and the edge portion 110 have the above-described configuration (2) and no gap G is provided between them, the first portion 211 movably supports the edge portion 110 in the ZZ′ direction.

[0078] When a gap G is provided between the main body 310 and the edge portion 110, the flexible layer 210 may further include a third portion 213. The third portion 213 is located on the Z-direction side relative to the gap G and is located between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212. The third portion 213 includes a first surface on the Z-direction side and a second surface on the Z′-direction side. When no gap G is provided between the main body 310 and the edge portion 110, the third portion 213 is omitted.

[0079] With the main body 310 positioned at a first height relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, the first surface of the second portion 212 is positioned at a predetermined third height relative to the first surface of the first portion 211 in the ZZ′ direction. For example, if the composite surface has a flat shape extending substantially orthogonally to the ZZ′ direction at the first height position and is provided with a third portion 213, the first surface of the second portion 212 at the third height position is at substantially the same height as the first surface of the first portion 211 and the first surface of the third portion 213 in the ZZ′ direction (see...). Figures 2A to 2BWhen the composite surface has a flat shape extending substantially orthogonally to the ZZ′ direction at a first height position and without a third portion 213, the first surface of the second portion 212 at the third height position is at substantially the same height as the first surface of the first portion 211 in the ZZ′ direction. When the composite surface has a spherical or arcuate shape protruding in the Z direction at a first height position and with a third portion 213, the first surface of the second portion 212 at the third height position is located relative to the first surface of the first portion 211 and the first surface of the third portion 213 on the Z-direction side, and the first surface of the third portion 213 is located relative to the first surface of the second portion 212 on the Z-direction side. When the composite surface has a spherical or arcuate shape protruding in the Z direction at a first height position and without a third portion 213, the first surface of the second portion 212 at the third height position is located relative to the first surface of the first portion 211 on the Z-direction side. When the composite surface has a spherical or arcuate shape that is concave in the Z′ direction at a first height position and a third portion 213 is provided, the first surface of the second portion 212 at the third height position is located on the Z′ direction side relative to the first surface of the first portion 211 and the first surface of the third portion 213, and the first surface of the third portion 213 is located on the Z′ direction side relative to the first surface of the second portion 212. When the composite surface has a spherical or arcuate shape that is concave in the Z′ direction at a first height position and no third portion 213 is provided, the first surface of the second portion 212 is located on the Z′ direction side relative to the first surface of the first portion 211.

[0080] With the main body 310 positioned at a second height relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, the first surface of the second portion 212 is positioned at a fourth height relative to the first surface of the first portion 211. When the first surface of the second portion 212 is positioned relative to the third height position on the Z′ direction side relative to the first surface of the first portion 211, the fourth height position can be positioned relative to the third height position on the Z′ direction side (see [reference]). Figures 5A to 5B Alternatively, if the first surface of the second portion 212 is located on the Z-direction side relative to the third height position relative to the first surface of the first portion 211, the fourth height position may be located on the Z-direction side relative to the third height position.

[0081] The flexible layer 210 is configured to partially flex and stretch according to the relative movement of the second portion 212 with respect to the first portion 211 from a third height position to a fourth height position. Specifically, when a third portion 213 is provided, it is the third portion 213 that is configured to flex and stretch. When the third portion 213 is not provided, it is the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 that is configured to flex and stretch. Especially when the opening 101 is substantially circular and has a disc-shaped cross-section in the YY′ direction, tensile stress concentration is less likely to occur on a portion or more of the boundary of the third portion 213 during flex and stretch.

[0082] Cover 200 may also include an outermost layer 220 (see Figure 6A and Figure 6B The outermost layer 220 is flexible and stretchable, and is made of materials such as natural leather, artificial leather or synthetic leather, fabric made of fibrous materials (e.g., woven or knitted fabrics), resin film, etc. The outermost layer 220 covers the flexible layer 210 from the Z-direction side and is directly or indirectly fixed to the flexible layer 210. The outermost layer 220 extends along the flexible layer 210. If the flexible layer 210 has a flat shape extending substantially orthogonally to the ZZ′ direction, the outermost layer 220 also has a flat shape extending substantially orthogonally to the ZZ′ direction. If the flexible layer 210 has a spherical or arcuate shape protruding in the Z-direction, the outermost layer 220 also has a spherical or arcuate shape protruding in the Z-direction. If the flexible layer 210 has a spherical or arcuate shape recessed in the Z′ direction, the outermost layer 220 also has a spherical or arcuate shape recessed in the Z′ direction.

[0083] The outermost layer 220 includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the outermost layer 220 is directly or indirectly fixed to the first surface of the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210. The second portion of the outermost layer 220 is directly or indirectly fixed to the first surface of the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210. As the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 moves relative to the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 from a third height position to a fourth height position, the second portion of the outermost layer 220 moves relative to the first portion of the outermost layer 220 accordingly. When the flexible layer 210 is provided with a third portion 213, the outermost layer 220 also includes a third portion. The outermost layer 220 is configured to partially flex and stretch according to the partial flexure and stretching of the flexible layer 210. Specifically, when the flexible layer 210 is provided with a third portion 213 configured to flex and stretch, the third portion of the outermost layer 220 is configured to flex and stretch according to the flexure and stretching of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210. In the absence of a third portion 213 in the flexible layer 210 and with the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 configured to flex and stretch, the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of the outermost layer 220 is configured to flex and stretch according to the flex and stretch of the boundary of the flexible layer 210.

[0084] The cover portion 200 also includes an outer surface 201 on the Z-direction side. When the outermost layer 220 is provided, the outer surface 201 is the surface on the Z-direction side of the outermost layer 220. When the outermost layer 220 is not provided, the outer surface 201 is the surface on the Z-direction side of the flexible layer 210. When the flexible layer 210 or the outermost layer 220 has a flat shape extending substantially orthogonally to the ZZ′ direction, the outer surface 201 has a flat shape extending substantially orthogonally to the ZZ′ direction. When the flexible layer 210 or the outermost layer 220 has a spherical or arcuate shape protruding in the Z-direction, the outer surface 201 has a spherical or arcuate shape protruding in the Z-direction. When the flexible layer 210 or the outermost layer 220 has a spherical or arcuate shape recessed in the Z′ direction, the outer surface 201 has a spherical or arcuate shape recessed in the Z′ direction. The outer surface 201 includes a first region 201a and a second region 201b. The first region 201a is the region on the outer surface 201 located on the Z-direction side relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100. The second region 201b is the region on the outer surface 201 located on the Z-direction side relative to the main body 310 of the movable part 300. The second region 201b includes a touch area 201b1 that is to be touched by a detection object (such as a human finger or stylus) from the Z-direction side.

[0085] When a gap G is provided between the main body 310 and the edge portion 110, the outer surface 201 also includes a third region 201c. The third region 201c is located on the Z-direction side relative to the gap G and is located between the first region 201a and the second region 201b.

[0086] At least one decorative protrusion and / or at least one decorative recess (not shown) may be provided between the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201. The at least one decorative protrusion and / or at least one decorative recess can be any decorative configuration. For example, at least one decorative protrusion and / or at least one decorative recess can be formed on the outer surface 201 of the outermost layer 220 by embossing or stitching. Decorative printing (not shown) may be applied between the first region 201a and / or the second region 201b of the outer surface 201. If at least one of the at least one decorative protrusion, at least one decorative recess, and decorative printing is provided, such a configuration allows the user to visually identify the first region 201a of the outer surface 201. At least one of the at least one decorative protrusion, at least one decorative recess, and decorative printing may be provided around the touch area 201b1, rather than between the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201. At least one decorative protrusion, at least one decorative recess, and decorative printing may be omitted.

[0087] When the third region 201c is provided, with the main body 310 positioned at a first height relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, the first region 201a, the second region 201b, and the third region 201c are substantially flush with each other. When the main body 310 is positioned at a second height relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, the third region 201c is stretched to tilt from the first region 201a towards the second region 201b. Without the third region 201c provided, with the main body 310 positioned at a first height relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, the first region 201a and the second region 201b are substantially flush with each other. When the main body 310 is positioned at a second height relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, the boundary between the first region 201a and the second region 201b is stretched to tilt. The term "substantially flush" in this document means that, regardless of whether the outer surface 201 has a flat shape extending substantially orthogonally to the ZZ′ direction or a spherical or arcuate shape protruding in the Z direction or recessed in the Z′ direction, there is no substantial height difference at the boundary between the first region 201a, the second region 201b, and the third region 201c, or alternatively at the boundary between the first region 201a and the second region 201b, except for at least one decorative protrusion and / or at least one decorative recess (if provided).

[0088] The cover 200 may also include at least one flexible and stretchable first intermediate layer 230 (see Figure 6A and Figure 6B At least one first intermediate layer 230 may be one or more first intermediate layers. Multiple first intermediate layers 230 are stacked in the ZZ′ direction. One or more first intermediate layers 230 are located between the flexible layer 210 and the combination of the edge portion 110 and the movable portion 300 of the housing 100. This or each first intermediate layer 230 is double-sided tape, an adhesive layer, a cushioning layer, etc.

[0089] Each or every first intermediate layer 230 includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of one or more first intermediate layers 230 is located between the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 and the edge portion 110 of the housing 100. The second portion of one or more first intermediate layers 230 is located between the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 and the body 310 of the movable portion 300. As the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 moves relative to the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 from a third height position to a fourth height position, the second portions of one or more first intermediate layers 230 move relative to the first portions of one or more first intermediate layers 230 accordingly. If the flexible layer 210 is provided with a third portion 213, each or every first intermediate layer 230 also includes a third portion. One or more first intermediate layers 230 are configured to partially flex and stretch according to partial flexing and stretching of the flexible layer 210. Specifically, when the flexible layer 210 is provided with a third portion 213 configured to flex and stretch, the third portion of one or more first intermediate layers 230 is configured to flex and stretch according to the flexing and stretching of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210. When the flexible layer 210 is not provided with a third portion 213 and the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 is configured to flex and stretch, the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of one or more first intermediate layers 230 is configured to flex and stretch according to the flexing and stretching of the boundary of the flexible layer 210. At least one first intermediate layer 230 may be omitted.

[0090] When the outermost layer 220 is provided, the cover portion 200 may further include at least one flexible and stretchable second intermediate layer (not shown). The at least one second intermediate layer may be a plurality of second intermediate layers stacked in the ZZ′ direction. One or more second intermediate layers are located between the outermost layer 220 and the flexible layer 210. With at least one second intermediate layer provided, the outermost layer 220 is indirectly fixed to the flexible layer 210 via one or more second intermediate layers. This or each second intermediate layer is a double-sided tape, an adhesive layer, a cushioning layer, etc.

[0091] Each or every second intermediate layer includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of one or more second intermediate layers is located between the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 and the first portion of the outermost layer 220. The second portion of one or more second intermediate layers is located between the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 and the second portion of the outermost layer 220. As the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 moves relative to the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 from a third height position to a fourth height position, the second portions of one or more second intermediate layers move correspondingly relative to the first portions of one or more second intermediate layers. When the flexible layer 210 is provided with a third portion 213, each or every second intermediate layer also includes a third portion. One or more second intermediate layers are configured to partially flex and stretch according to partial flexure and stretching of the flexible layer 210. Specifically, when the flexible layer 210 is provided with a third portion 213 configured to flex and stretch, the third portions of one or more second intermediate layers are configured to flex and stretch according to the flexure and stretching of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210. When the flexible layer 210 does not have a third portion 213 and the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 is configured to flex and stretch, the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of one or more second intermediate layers is configured to flex and stretch according to the flex and stretch of the boundary of the flexible layer 210. At least one second intermediate layer may be omitted.

[0092] When the cover portion 200 includes only the flexible layer 210 and has a third portion 213, at least the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210 may be translucent. The second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210, in addition to the third portion 213, may also be translucent. The first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210, in addition to the third portion 213 and the second portion 212, may also be translucent. The entire flexible layer 210 of the cover portion 200 may be translucent. When the cover portion 200 also includes an outermost layer 220, the third portion of the outermost layer 220 may also be translucent. The second portion of the outermost layer 220, in addition to the third portion, may also be translucent. The first portion of the outermost layer 220, in addition to the third and second portions, may also be translucent. The entire outermost layer 220 may also be translucent. When the cover portion 200 also includes at least one first intermediate layer 230, the third portion of at least one first intermediate layer 230 may also be translucent. In at least one first intermediate layer 230, the second portion, in addition to the third portion, may also be translucent. In at least one first intermediate layer 230, the first portion, in addition to the third and second portions, may also be translucent. The entire at least one first intermediate layer 230 may also be translucent. In the case where the cover 200 also includes at least one second intermediate layer, the third portion of at least one second intermediate layer may also be translucent. In at least one second intermediate layer, the second portion, in addition to the third portion, may also be translucent. In at least one second intermediate layer, the first portion, in addition to the third and second portions, may also be translucent. The entire at least one second intermediate layer may also be translucent. In any of the above cases, the translucent portions or portions transmit light in the Z direction and can emit light from a light-emitting device (not shown) located on the Z′ side relative to the cover 200. The cover 200 may not have any translucent material. As used herein, the term "translucent" means that an element allows some light to pass through and that the element may be transparent.

[0093] The sensing device Dl also includes a motion converter and a lifting actuator 700. The lifting actuator 700 is a solenoid including a plunger 710 and a coil (not shown). The motion converter is configured to convert the movement of the plunger 710 in the YY′ direction into the up-and-down movement of the movable part 300 or the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 in the ZZ′ direction.

[0094] With the body 310 and edge portion 110 having the above-described configuration (1), the motion converter is configured as follows: The motion converter includes at least one guide 140 and / or at least one guide shaft 500, and a slider 400.

[0095] At least one guide 140 is configured to guide the slider 400 to be movable in the YY′ direction relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100. For example, the guide 140 may be disposed on a second surface 112 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 and include two ridges, which may extend in a side-by-side and spaced-apart relationship in the YY′ direction. In this case, the slider 400 includes at least one slider 430. The dimension of the slider 430 in the XX′ direction is substantially the same as the distance between the two ridges in the XX′ direction. The slider 430 is configured to be guided to move in the YY′ direction between the two ridges of the guide 140. In this way, the slider 400 is movable in the YY′ direction along at least one guide 140. Figures 1A to 6B In the illustrated embodiment, at least one guide 140 includes two guides 140, and at least one slider 430 includes two sliders 430. One and the other guides 140 are located on the X-direction side and the X′-direction side, respectively, relative to the opening 101. One of the two sliders 430 is configured to be guided to move in the YY′ direction between two ridges of the guide 140 on the X-direction side, and the other slider 430 is configured to be guided to move in the YY′ direction between two ridges of the guide 140 on the X′-direction side.

[0096] Alternatively, each guide 140 may be disposed on a second surface 112 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 and include a guide rail extending in the YY′ direction. In this case, each slider 430 of the slider 400 includes a groove (not shown). The guide rail of each guide 140 is received in the groove of each slider 430 of the slider 400 for relative movement in the YY′ direction. Thus, the slider 400 is movable in the YY′ direction along at least one guide 140. Each guide 140 may include multiple guide rails, and each slider 430 may include multiple grooves.

[0097] At least one guide shaft 500 extends in the YY′ direction and passes through the slider 400 in the YY′ direction. In this case, retaining portions 121 and 122 are provided on the second surface 112 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100. Retaining portions 121 and 122 are respectively provided on the Y-direction and Y′-direction sides relative to the opening 101. Retaining portion 121 retains the end of one or each guide shaft 500 on the Y-direction side, while retaining portion 122 retains the end of one or each guide shaft 500 on the Y′-direction side. The distance between retaining portions 121 and 122 is greater than the dimension of the slider 400 in the YY′ direction. The slider 400 is movable in the YY′ direction along at least one guide shaft 500 between retaining portions 121 and 122. Figures 1A to 6B In the illustrated embodiment, at least one guide shaft 500 includes two guide shafts 500, and the slider 400 includes connecting portions 410 and 420 to connect two sliders 430. The connecting portions 410 and 420 are spaced apart along the YY′ direction between retaining portions 121 and 122. The two guide shafts 500 extend upward in the YY′ direction through the connecting portions 410 and 420, and the slider 400 is movable along the two guide shafts 500.

[0098] (A) The slider 400 can be in the Y′ direction from a neutral position (see above) along at least one guide 140 and / or at least one guide axis 500. Figures 2A to 2C ) Towards the off-position (see Figures 5A to 5C (B) Movement. In this case, the displaced position is located on the Y′ side relative to the neutral position. Alternatively, (B) the slider 400 can move in the Y direction from the neutral position to the displaced position along at least one guide 140 and / or at least one guide shaft 500. In this case, the displaced position is located on the Y direction side relative to the neutral position.

[0099] When both at least one guide 140 and at least one guide shaft 500 are provided, the at least one guide 140 may be disposed between retaining portions 121 and 122 that hold the at least one guide shaft 500 on the second surface 112 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100. One of the connecting portions 410 or 420 of the slider 400 may be omitted.

[0100] The motion converter also includes at least one cam groove 431 of the slider 400, at least one camshaft 600, at least one retaining portion 320 of the movable part 300, and at least one retaining portion 130 of the housing 100.

[0101] At least one cam groove 431 includes one or more cam grooves. When at least one slider 430 is a single slider 430, the slider 430 is provided with one or more cam grooves 431. When at least one slider 430 is two sliders 430 and at least one cam groove 431 is a plurality of cam grooves 431, each of the two sliders 430 is provided with one or more cam grooves 431. The cam groove 431 passes through the corresponding slider 430 in the XX′ direction. The cam groove 431 includes a first groove portion, a second groove portion, and an intermediate groove portion therebetween. The first groove portion and the second groove portion of the cam groove 431 have any of the following configurations (C1) to (C4).

[0102] (C1) When the second height position is located on the Z′ direction side relative to the first height position and the slider 400 is configured to move in the manner described in (A), the second groove is located on the Z′ direction side and the Y direction side relative to the first groove (see...). Figures 2A to 2C and Figures 5A to 5C ).

[0103] (C2) When the second height position is located on the Z-direction side relative to the first height position and the slider 400 is configured to move in the manner described above (A), the second groove is located on both the Z-direction side and the Y-direction side relative to the first groove.

[0104] (C3) When the second height position is located on the Z′ direction side relative to the first height position and the slider 400 moves in the manner described above (B), the second groove is located on both the Z′ direction side and the Y′ direction side relative to the first groove.

[0105] (C4) When the second height position is located on the Z-direction side relative to the first height position and the slider 400 is configured to move in the manner described above (B), the second groove is located on both the Z-direction side and the Y′-direction side relative to the first groove.

[0106] In any of the configurations (C1) to (C4), the intermediate groove extends from the first groove and slopes toward the second groove.

[0107] When at least one slider 430 is a single slider 430, at least one camshaft 600 is one or more camshafts depending on the number of at least one cam groove 431 of the single slider 430. When at least one slider 430 is two sliders 430, at least one camshaft 600 is one or more camshafts depending on the number of at least one cam groove 431 of each of the two sliders 430. Each camshaft 600 extends in the XX′ direction and includes a first end on the X-direction side and / or a second end on the X′-direction side.

[0108] At least one retaining portion 320 may be one or more retaining portions 320 depending on the number of at least one camshaft 600. Each or every retaining portion 320 is disposed on the second surface 312 of the body 310 and retains the corresponding camshaft 600. When at least one slider 430 is a single slider 430, a first end of the corresponding camshaft 600 protrudes from each or every retaining portion 320 in the X direction, or a second end of the corresponding camshaft 600 protrudes from each or every retaining portion 320 in the X′ direction. The first or second end of the corresponding camshaft 600 is received in a corresponding cam groove 431 of the single slider 430, thereby being movable between a first groove portion and a second groove portion of the cam groove 431. When at least one slider 430 is two sliders 430, a first end of the corresponding camshaft 600 protrudes from each or every retaining portion 320 in the X direction and is received in a corresponding cam groove 431 of the slider 430 on the X-direction side of the two sliders 430, thereby being movable between a first groove portion and a second groove portion of the cam groove 431. The second end of the corresponding camshaft 600 protrudes from the or each retaining portion 320 in the X′ direction and is received in the corresponding cam groove 431 of the slider 430 on the X′ direction side, thereby being movable between the first groove and the second groove of the cam groove 431. It should be noted that at least one retaining portion 320 may be omitted. In this case, at least one camshaft 600 may not be held by at least one retaining portion 320, but rather by the body 310 in any of the aforementioned manner.

[0109] When the first or second end of the corresponding camshaft 600 protrudes from the retaining portion 320, at least one retaining portion 130 may be one or more retaining portions depending on the number of at least one camshaft 600. In this case, the retaining portion 130 is disposed on the second surface 112 of the edge portion 110 of the corresponding guide 140 or housing 100, located on the X-direction side or X′-direction side relative to a slider 430, and retains the first or second end of the corresponding camshaft 600.

[0110] When the first and second ends of the respective camshaft 600 protrude from each or every retaining portion 320, at least one retaining portion 130 includes at least one first retaining portion 130 and at least one second retaining portion 130. The at least one first retaining portion 130 may be one or more first retaining portions depending on the number of at least one camshaft 600, and the at least one second retaining portion 130 may be one or more second retaining portions depending on the number of at least one camshaft 600. Each or every first retaining portion 130 is disposed on the second surface 112 of the edge portion 110 of the respective guide 140 or housing 100, located on the X-direction side or X′-direction side relative to the slider 430 on the X-direction side, and retains the first end of the respective camshaft 600. Each or every second retaining portion 130 is disposed on the second surface 112 of the edge portion 110 of the respective guide 140 or housing 100, located on the X-direction side or X′-direction side relative to the slider 430 on the X′-direction side, and retains the second end of the respective camshaft 600.

[0111] When the slider 400 is configured to move in the manner described above (A) and the first and second slot portions of each cam groove 431 have the configuration described above (C1), when the slider 400 moves from the neutral position to the off-position position in the Y′ direction, and the first and / or second ends of each camshaft 600 move from the first slot portion to the second slot portion within the corresponding cam groove 431 of the slider 400, the main body 310 of the movable part 300 moves from the first height position to the second height position in the Z′ direction, the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 moves from the third height position to the fourth height position in the Z′ direction, and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 moves and recesses relative to the first region 201a in the Z′ direction. At this time, with the third portion 213 and the third region 201c provided, the third portion 213 flexes and stretches, and the third region 201c becomes inclined from the first region 201a to the second region 201b. When at least one of an outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210. Without the third portion 213, the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 flexes and stretches, and the boundary between the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 stretches and becomes inclined. When at least one of an outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210.

[0112] When the slider 400 is configured to move in the manner described above (A) and the first and second slot portions of each cam groove 431 have the configuration described above (C2), when the slider 400 moves from the neutral position to the off-position position in the Y′ direction, and the first and / or second ends of each camshaft 600 move from the first slot portion to the second slot portion within the corresponding cam groove 431 of the slider 400, the main body 310 of the movable part 300 moves from the first height position to the second height position in the Z direction, the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 moves from the third height position to the fourth height position in the Z direction, and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 moves relative to the first region 201a in the Z direction and becomes protruding. At this time, with the third portion 213 and the third region 201c provided, the third portion 213 flexes and stretches, and the third region 201c becomes inclined from the first region 201a to the second region 201b. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210. Without the third portion 213, the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 flexes and stretches, and the boundary between the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 stretches and becomes inclined. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210.

[0113] When the slider 400 is configured to move in the manner described above (B) and the first and second slots of each cam groove 431 have the configuration described above (C3), when the slider 400 moves from the neutral position to the off-position position in the Y direction, and the first and / or second ends of each camshaft 600 move from the first slot to the second slot within the corresponding cam groove 431 of the slider 400, the main body 310 of the movable part 300 moves from the first height position to the second height position in the Z′ direction, the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 moves from the third height position to the fourth height position in the Z′ direction, and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 moves and recesses relative to the first region 201a in the Z′ direction. At this time, with the third portion 213 and the third region 201c provided, the third portion 213 flexes and stretches, and the third region 201c becomes inclined from the first region 201a to the second region 201b. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210. Without the third portion 213, the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 flexes and stretches, and the boundary between the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the surface 201 stretches and becomes inclined. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210.

[0114] When the slider 400 is configured to move in the manner described above (B) and the first and second slot portions of each cam groove 431 have the configuration described above (C4), when the slider 400 moves from the neutral position to the off-position position in the Y direction, and the first and / or second ends of each camshaft 600 move from the first slot portion to the second slot portion within the corresponding cam groove 431 of the slider 400, the main body 310 of the movable part 300 moves from the first height position to the second height position in the Z direction, the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 moves from the third height position to the fourth height position in the Z direction, and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 moves relative to the first region 201a in the Z direction and becomes protruding. At this time, with the third portion 213 and the third region 201c provided, the third portion 213 flexes and stretches, and the third region 201c becomes inclined from the first region 201a to the second region 201b. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210. Without the third portion 213, the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 flexes and stretches, and the boundary between the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 stretches and becomes inclined. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210.

[0115] The lifting actuator 700 is disposed on the Y′ direction side relative to the slider 400. When the slider 400 is configured to move in the manner described above (A), the plunger 710 of the lifting actuator 700 is connected to the slider 400. The lifting actuator 700 is configured such that when the coil is energized, the plunger 710 retracts from its original position into the lifting actuator 700, thereby pulling the slider 400 in the Y′ direction and moving the slider 400 from the neutral position to the off-center position in the Y′ direction (see [link]). Figures 1A to 5CWhen the slider 400 is configured to move in the manner described above (B), the lifting actuator 700 is configured such that when the coil is energized, the plunger 710 advances from its original position to press the slider 400 in the Y direction, and moves the slider 400 from a neutral position to an off-center position (not shown) in the Y direction. In this case, the plunger 710 in its original position can contact the slider 400 from the Y′ direction, with a gap provided between the plunger 710 and the slider 400, or it can be coupled to the slider 400. If a coupling portion 420 is provided, the coupling portion 420 may be provided with a through-hole to receive the plunger 710. For ease of illustration, from... Figure 2A , Figure 5A , Figure 6A and Figure 6B The internal structure of the lifting actuator 700 is omitted.

[0116] When the plunger 710 of the lifting actuator 700 is connected to the slider 400 and is provided with a third portion 213 and a third region 201c, the plunger 710 returns to its original position when the coil is de-energized. By returning the plunger 710 to its original position, the slider 400 moves from its out-of-position position back to its intermediate position, the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210 automatically recovers, the main body 310 of the movable part 300 moves from its second height position back to its first height position, and the second region 201b, first region 201a, and third region 201c of the outer surface 201 become substantially flush with each other again. Furthermore, when at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is stacked, the third portion of this at least one layer automatically recovers based on the recovery of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210.

[0117] When the plunger 710 of the lifting actuator 700 is connected to the slider 400 and neither the third portion 213 nor the third region 201c is provided, the plunger 710 returns to its original position when the coil becomes de-energized. As the plunger 710 returns to its original position, the slider 400 moves from its displaced position back to its neutral position, the boundary between the second portion 212 and the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 automatically recovers, the main body 310 of the movable part 300 moves from its second height position back to its first height position, and the second region 201b and the first region 201a of the outer surface 201 become substantially flush with each other again. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the second and first portions of this at least one layer automatically recovers due to the recovery of the boundary of the flexible layer 210.

[0118] When the plunger 710 of the lifting actuator 700 is not connected to the slider 400 and the third portion 213 and the third region 201c are provided, when the coil becomes de-energized, the plunger 710 releases its pressure on the slider 400 in the Y direction, causing the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210 to recover on its own. With the recovery of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210, the main body 310 of the movable part 300 moves from the second height position back to the first height position, the slider 400 moves from the off-position position back to the neutral position, and the second region 201b, the first region 201a, and the third region 201c of the outer surface 201 become substantially flush with each other again. Furthermore, when at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of this at least one layer recovers on its own due to the recovery of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210.

[0119] When the plunger 710 of the lifting actuator 700 is not connected to the slider 400 and neither the third portion 213 nor the third region 201c is provided, when the coil is de-energized, the plunger 710 is released, pressing the slider 400 in the Y direction, causing the boundary between the second portion 212 and the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 to recover automatically. Through the recovery of the boundary of the flexible layer 210, the main body 310 of the movable part 300 moves from the second height position back to the first height position, the slider 400 moves from the off-position position back to the neutral position, and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 becomes substantially flush with the first region 201a again. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the second and first portions of this at least one layer recovers automatically due to the recovery of the boundary of the flexible layer 210.

[0120] With the body 310 and edge portion 110 having the above-described configuration (2), the motion converter can have any of the above-described configurations, but differs from the motion converter with the body 310 and edge portion 110 having the above-described configuration (1) in the following aspects: At least one guide 140 is configured to movably guide the slider 400 relative to the body 310 of the movable portion 300 in the YY′ direction. At least one guide 140 is not provided on the second surface 112 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, but is provided on the second surface 312 of the body 310 of the movable portion 300.

[0121] The retaining portions 121 and 122 are not provided on the second surface 112 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, but are provided at intervals along the YY′ direction on the second surface 312 of the main body 310 of the movable portion 300.

[0122] At least one retaining portion 130 may be one or more retaining portions depending on the number of at least one camshaft 600. Each or every retaining portion 130 is disposed on a corresponding guide 140 or on a second surface 312 of the body 310 of the movable portion 300, and retains the corresponding camshaft 600. In the case where at least one slider 430 is a single slider 430, a first end of the corresponding camshaft 600 protrudes from each or every retaining portion 130 in the X direction, or a second end of the corresponding camshaft 600 protrudes from each or every retaining portion 130 in the X′ direction. The first or second end of the corresponding camshaft 600 is received in a corresponding cam groove 431 of the single slider 430, allowing it to move between a first and a second groove portion of the cam groove 431. When at least one slider 430 is two sliders 430, the first end of the corresponding cam groove 600 protrudes from the or each retaining portion 130 in the X direction and is received in the corresponding cam groove 431 of the slider 430 on the X-direction side of the two sliders 430, so as to be movable between the first groove portion and the second groove portion of the cam groove 431. The second end of the corresponding camshaft 600 protrudes from the or each retaining portion 130 in the X′ direction and is received in the corresponding cam groove 431 of the slider 430 on the X′-direction side of the two sliders 430, so as to be movable between the first groove portion and the second groove portion of the cam groove 431. It should be noted that at least one retaining portion 130 may be omitted. In this case, at least one camshaft 600 may be held by the body 310 in any of the above-described manner.

[0123] At least one retaining portion 320 may be a plurality of retaining portions 320, two for each of at least one camshaft 600, and are not disposed on the second surface 312 of the body 310, but rather on the second surface 112 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100. Each pair of retaining portions 320 includes: a retaining portion 320 on the X-direction side, which is located on the X-direction side relative to the opening 101 and retains the first end of the respective camshaft 600; and a retaining portion 320 on the X′-direction side, which is located on the X′-direction side relative to the opening 101 and retains the second end of the respective camshaft 600.

[0124] When the slider 400 is configured to move in the manner described above (A) and the first and second slot portions of each cam groove 431 have the configuration described above (C1), when the slider 400 moves from the neutral position to the off-center position in the Y′ direction, and the first and / or second ends of each camshaft 600 move from the first slot portion to the second slot portion of the corresponding cam groove 431 of the slider 400, the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 moves from the first height position to the second height position in the Z′ direction, the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 moves from the third height position to the fourth height position in the Z′ direction, and the first region 201a of the outer surface 201 moves and recesses relative to the second region 201b in the Z′ direction. At this time, with the third portion 213 and the third region 201c provided, the third portion 213 flexes and stretches, and the third region 201c becomes inclined from the first region 201a to the second region 201b. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210. Without the third portion 213, the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 flexes and stretches, and the boundary between the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 stretches and becomes inclined. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210.

[0125] When the slider 400 is configured to move in the manner described above (A) and the first and second slots of each cam groove 431 have the configuration described above (C2), when the slider 400 moves from the neutral position to the off-center position in the Y′ direction, and the first end and / or second end of each camshaft 600 moves from the first slot to the second slot of the corresponding cam groove 431 of the slider 400, the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 moves from the first height position to the second height position in the Z direction, the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 moves from the third height position to the fourth height position in the Z direction, and the first region 201a of the outer surface 201 moves and protrudes relative to the second region 201b in the Z direction. At this time, with the third portion 213 and the third region 201c provided, the third portion 213 flexes and stretches, and the third region 201c becomes inclined from the first region 201a to the second region 201b. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210. Without the third portion 213, the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 flexes and stretches, and the boundary between the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 stretches and becomes inclined. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210.

[0126] When the slider 400 is configured to move in the manner described above (B) and the first and second slots of each cam groove 431 have the configuration described above (C3), when the slider 400 moves from the neutral position to the off-position position in the Y direction, and the first end and / or second end of each camshaft 600 moves from the first slot to the second slot of the corresponding cam groove 431 of the slider 400, the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 moves from the first height position to the second height position in the Z′ direction, the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 moves from the third height position to the fourth height position in the Z′ direction, and the first region 201a of the outer surface 201 moves and recesses relative to the second region 201b in the Z′ direction. At this time, with the third portion 213 and the third region 201c provided, the third portion 213 flexes and stretches, and the third region 201c becomes inclined from the first region 201a to the second region 201b. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210. Without the third portion 213, the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 flexes and stretches, and the boundary between the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 stretches and becomes inclined. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210.

[0127] When the slider 400 is configured to move in the manner described above (B) and the first and second slots of each cam groove 431 have the configuration described above (C4), when the slider 400 moves from the neutral position to the off-position position in the Y direction, and the first end and / or second end of each camshaft 600 moves from the first slot to the second slot of the corresponding cam groove 431 of the slider 400, the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 moves from the first height position to the second height position in the Z direction, the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 moves from the third height position to the fourth height position in the Z direction, and the first region 201a of the outer surface 201 moves relative to the second region 201b in the Z direction and becomes protruding. At this time, with the third portion 213 and the third region 201c provided, the third portion 213 flexes and stretches, and the third region 201c becomes inclined from the first region 201a to the second region 201b. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210. Without the third portion 213, the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 flexes and stretches, and the boundary between the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 stretches and becomes inclined. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210.

[0128] When the plunger 710 of the lifting actuator 700 is connected to the slider 400 and is provided with the third portion 213 and the third region 201c, the plunger 710 returns to its original position when the coil becomes de-energized. As the plunger 710 returns to its original position, the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210 automatically recovers, the slider 400 moves from the off-position to the neutral position, the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 moves from the second height position to the first height position, and the first region 201a, the second region 201b, and the third region 201c of the outer surface 201 become substantially flush with each other again. Furthermore, when at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of at least one layer automatically recovers based on the recovery of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210.

[0129] When the plunger 710 of the lifting actuator 700 is connected to the slider 400 and neither the third portion 213 nor the third region 201c is provided, the plunger 710 returns to its original position when the coil becomes de-energized. As the plunger 710 returns to its original position, the slider 400 moves from its displaced position back to its neutral position, the boundary between the second portion 212 and the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 automatically recovers, the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 moves from its second height position back to its first height position, and the first region 201a of the outer surface 201 becomes substantially flush with the second region 201b again. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the second and first portions of this at least one layer automatically recovers due to the recovery of the boundary of the flexible layer 210.

[0130] When the plunger 710 of the lifting actuator 700 is not connected to the slider 400 and the third portion 213 and the third region 201c are provided, when the coil becomes de-energized, the pressure of the plunger 710 on the slider 400 in the Y direction is released, causing the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210 to recover on its own. With the recovery of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210, the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 moves from the second height position back to the first height position, the slider 400 moves from the off-position position back to the neutral position, and the first region 201a, the second region 201b, and the third region 201c of the outer surface 201 become substantially flush with each other again. Furthermore, when at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of this at least one layer recovers on its own due to the recovery of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210.

[0131] When the plunger 710 of the lifting actuator 700 is not connected to the slider 400 and neither the third portion 213 nor the third region 201c is provided, when the coil is de-energized, the pressure of the plunger 710 on the slider 400 in the Y direction is released, causing the boundary between the second portion 212 and the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 to recover automatically. Through the recovery of the boundary of the flexible layer 210, the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 moves from the second height position back to the first height position, the slider 400 moves from the off-position position back to the neutral position, and the first region 201a of the outer surface 201 becomes substantially flush with the second region 201b again. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the second and first portions of this at least one layer recovers automatically due to the recovery of the boundary of the flexible layer 210.

[0132] The sensing device D1 may also include a capacitive touch sensor S and a controller 800. The touch sensor S may be disposed on the main body 310 of the movable part 300. For example, the touch sensor S may be disposed on the second surface 312, the first surface 311, or inside the main body 310 of the movable part 300. When the touch sensor S is disposed on the second surface 312 of the main body 310 of the movable part 300, the touch sensor S is adhered to the second surface 312 of the main body 310 of the movable part 300 with adhesive, double-sided tape, etc., or fixed to the second surface 312 by external molding or other means. When the touch sensor S is disposed on the first surface 311 of the main body 310 of the movable part 300, the touch sensor S is adhered to the first surface 311 of the main body 310 of the movable part 300 by adhesive, double-sided tape, etc., or fixed to the first surface 311 by external molding or other means. The touch sensor S is also adhered to the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 of the cover portion 200 or one or more first intermediate layers 230 of the cover portion 200 by adhesive, double-sided tape, etc. In this case, the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 of the cover portion 200 is indirectly fixed to the main body 310 of the movable part 300 via the touch sensor S, or alternatively via one or more first intermediate layers 230 and the touch sensor S. When the touch sensor S is disposed inside the main body 310 of the movable part 300, the touch sensor S is embedded inside the main body 310 of the movable part 300 by insert molding, external molding, or other means. Alternatively, the touch sensor S may be arranged at intervals with the main body 310 of the movable part 300 in the Z′ direction. In this case, the touch sensor S may be supported by a support member or other member in the housing 100.

[0133] The touch sensor S is a touch switch or touch panel, configured to detect a detection object in contact with the touch area 201b1 of the outer surface 201 of the cover 200. The touch sensor S includes at least one first electrode Sa (see...). Figure 2A and Figure 2B At least one first electrode Sa may be multiple first electrodes Sa. Each or every first electrode Sa is located on the Z′ direction side relative to the touch area 201b1. Each or every first electrode Sa is configured such that the capacitance of the detected object changes as it approaches the first electrode Sa from the Z direction side, and the electrical signal (e.g., voltage or current) of the first electrode Sa changes accordingly. Each or every first electrode Sa is electrically connected to the controller 800, and the electrical signal of each or every first electrode Sa is input into the controller 800.

[0134] When the touch sensor S is a self-capacitance touch sensor, the controller 800 is configured to charge and discharge one or more first electrodes Sa. During charging and discharging, when a detected object comes into contact with the touch area 201b1 of the cover 200 from the Z-direction side (i.e., approaches a single first electrode Sa or at least one first electrode Sa from the Z-direction side), the contact causes a change in the electrostatic capacitance between the detected object and the single first electrode Sa or at least one of the first electrodes Sa. Based on the change in electrostatic capacitance, the electrical signal of the single first electrode Sa or at least one of the first electrodes Sa changes. The controller 800 is a logic circuit, software to be processed by the logic circuit, etc., configured to monitor the electrical signals of one or more first electrodes Sa and compare the electrical signals with a first threshold on the controller 800's memory or external memory. When the controller 800 determines, as a result of the comparison, that the electrical signal of the single first electrode Sa or at least one of the first electrodes Sa has exceeded the first threshold, the controller 800 then determines that the detected object has come into contact with the portion of the touch area 201b1 of the first electrode Sa whose electrical signal has exceeded the first threshold on the Z-direction side. Therefore, the controller 800 detects positional information regarding the contact between the detected object and the touch area 201b1.

[0135] The touch sensor S can be a mutual capacitance touch sensor. In the case where the touch sensor S is a mutual capacitance touch sensor including at least one first electrode Sa and at least one second electrode Sb, each or every second electrode Sb can be a driving electrode, and each or every first electrode Sa can be a detection electrode. The first electrode Sa and the second electrode Sb are electrically connected to the controller 800. The controller 800 is configured to provide driving pulses to one or more second electrodes Sb and monitor the electrical signals (voltage or current) of one or more first electrodes Sa, and compare the electrical signals with a second threshold stored in the controller 800's memory or in an external memory. During the time the controller 800 provides driving pulses to one or more second electrodes Sb, when a detected object approaches a single first electrode Sa or at least one of the first electrodes Sa from the Z-direction side, and a single second electrode Sb or at least one of the second electrodes Sb, the electrostatic capacitance between the single first electrode Sa or at least one of the first electrodes Sa and the single second electrode Sb or at least one of the second electrodes Sb changes, thereby changing the electrical signal of the single first electrode Sa or at least one of the first electrodes Sa. When the controller 800 determines, based on the comparison, that the electrical signal of a single first electrode Sa or at least one of the first electrodes Sa has exceeded a second threshold, the controller 800 then determines that the detected object has made contact with the portion of the touch area 201b1 on the Z-direction side relative to the first electrode Sa whose electrical signal has exceeded the second threshold. Therefore, the controller 800 detects positional information regarding the contact between the detected object and the touch area 201b1.

[0136] The touch sensor S can be a combination of self-capacitance and mutual capacitance sensors. In this case, when the controller 800 charges and discharges one or more first electrodes Sa, the electrostatic capacitance between a detected object approaching from the Z-direction side and a single first electrode Sa or at least one of the first electrodes Sa changes, thereby changing the electrical signal of the single first electrode Sa or at least one of the first electrodes Sa. Furthermore, during the time when the controller 800 provides drive pulses to one or more second electrodes Sb, when a detected object approaches a single first electrode Sa or at least one of the first electrodes Sa and a single second electrode Sb or at least one of the second electrodes Sb from the Z-direction side, the electrostatic capacitance between the single first electrode Sa or at least one of the first electrodes Sa and the single second electrode Sb or at least one of the second electrodes Sb changes, and thus changing the electrical signal of the single first electrode Sa or at least one of the first electrodes Sa. The controller 800 is configured to monitor the electrical signal (voltage or current) of one or more first electrodes Sa and compare the electrical signal with a third threshold stored in the controller 800's memory or external memory. When the controller 800 determines, based on the comparison, that the electrical signal of a single first electrode Sa or at least one of the first electrodes Sa has exceeded a third threshold, the controller 800 then determines that the detected object has made contact with the portion of the touch area 201b1 located on the Z-direction side relative to the first electrode Sa whose electrical signal has exceeded the third threshold. Therefore, the controller 800 detects positional information regarding the contact between the detected object and the touch area 201b1.

[0137] When the touch sensor S is a touch switch, it can have any of the above configurations. When the touch sensor S is a self-capacitance touch panel, it can include multiple first electrodes Sa. When the touch sensor S is a mutual-capacitance touch panel or a combination of self-capacitance and mutual-capacitance touch panels, it can include multiple first electrodes Sa and multiple second electrodes Sb. In this case, the controller 800 is configured to detect multiple pieces of positional information about the contact of the detected object, which are detected as information about the operation input to the touch area 201b1. In other words, the controller 800 is configured to detect information about the operation input to the touch area 201b1 based on changes in the electrical signal of the touch sensor S.

[0138] The controller 800 is configured (step) to repeatedly determine whether the controller 800 has received a deformation indication until a deformation indication is received, and is configured (step) to drive the lifting actuator 700 (excite the coil of the lifting actuator 700) according to the received deformation indication. Specifically, the controller includes at least one of the following configurations (I) to (IV).

[0139] (I) The controller 800 is configured to (step) repeat the process of repeatedly determining whether there is a change in the electrical signal of one or more first electrodes Sa of the touch sensor S exceeding a first threshold, a second threshold, or a third threshold, and is configured to (step) when there is a change in the electrical signal of one or more first electrodes Sa of the touch sensor S exceeding the first threshold, a second threshold, or a third threshold, then the controller 800 determines that the change indicates receiving a deformation indication and drives the lifting actuator 700.

[0140] (II) The sensing device D1 also includes a proximity detector (not shown) electrically connected to the controller 800. In this case, the proximity detector is a capacitive proximity sensor, a photoelectric sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. The capacitive proximity sensor has a configuration similar to that of the touch sensor S and is configured such that the electrical signal of at least one electrode changes as a detected object approaches the touch area 201b1. In this case, the controller 800 is configured to (step) monitor the electrical signal of at least one electrode and compare the electrical signal of at least one electrode with a fourth threshold in the memory of the controller 800 or in an external memory (configured to repeatedly determine whether there is a change in the electrical signal of at least one electrode exceeding the fourth threshold). The controller 800 is also configured (step) such that if the controller 800 determines, as a result of the comparison, that at least one electrical signal has exceeded the fourth threshold, the controller 800 determines that the change in at least one electrical signal indicates receiving a deformation indication and drives the lifting actuator 700. The photoelectric sensor includes a light-emitting device that emits light to or near the touch area 201b1 and a receiving device that receives the light emitted from the light-emitting device and the light reflected by a detected object approaching the touch area 201b1 and outputs an electrical signal to the controller 800. In this configuration, the controller 800 is configured to repeatedly determine whether it has received an electrical signal from the photoelectric sensor, and is further configured to determine whether the electrical signal received from the photoelectric sensor indicates a deformation indication and drive the lifting actuator 700. The ultrasonic sensor is configured to emit ultrasonic waves toward the touch area 201b1 or its vicinity, receive ultrasonic waves reflected by a detected object that has approached the touch area 201b1, and output an electrical signal to the controller 800. In this configuration, the controller 800 is configured to repeatedly determine whether it has received an electrical signal from the ultrasonic sensor, and is further configured to determine whether the electrical signal received from the ultrasonic sensor indicates a deformation indication and drive the lifting actuator 700.

[0141] (C) The deformation indication is output from an external device of the sensing device D1 (such as a controller built into a car, furniture, portable information terminal, fixed information terminal, etc., as described above). The controller 800 is configured to (step) repeatedly determine whether the controller 800 has received a deformation indication from the external device, and is configured to drive the lifting actuator 700 according to the received deformation indication.

[0142] (D) When the touch sensor S is a touch panel, the controller 800 is configured to (step) detect multiple pieces of positional information about the contact of the detected object as information about the operation input to the touch area 201b1, as described above, and is configured to (step) determine whether the detected information about the operation input matches predetermined information about the operation input recorded in the controller 800's memory or external memory. The controller 800 is also configured to (step) such that if the controller 800 determines that the detected information about the operation input matches the information about the operation input in the memory, the controller 800 determines that the detected information about the operation input indicates that a deformation instruction has been received and drives the lifting actuator 700. It should be understood that the information about the predetermined operation input can be, but is not limited to, information about a sweep operation input, and can be any other information. Each of the above-described memories can store information about a single operation input, or can store information about multiple operation inputs.

[0143] The controller 800 can be configured (step) to detect positional information regarding the contact between the detection object and the touch area 201b1 in the manner described above after receiving any of the aforementioned deformation indications, and / or to be configured (step) to detect multiple pieces of positional information regarding the contact of the detection object as information about operational input to the touch area 201b1. In this case, the controller 800 is configured to drive the lifting actuator 700 according to the deformation indication and form a recess or protrusion in the outer surface 201 of the cover 200 as described above, and then be able to detect the contact and / or operational input of the detection object on the touch area 201b1 via the touch sensor S.

[0144] Alternatively, when the touch sensor S is a touch panel, the controller 800 can be configured to (step) detect multiple pieces of positional information about the detected object after receiving any of the aforementioned variation instructions, which are detected as information about an operation input to the touch area 201b1 in the manner described above, and is configured to (step) determine whether the detected information about the operation input matches information about a predetermined operation input recorded in the controller 800's memory or external memory. The controller 800 can also be configured to (step) such that if the controller 800 determines that the detected information about the operation input matches information about the operation input in the memory, then the controller 800 detects positional information about the contact of the detected object on the touch area 201b1 in the manner described above, and / or is configured to (step) detect multiple pieces of positional information about the contact of the detected object as information about an operation input to the touch area 201b1 in the manner described above. In this case, the controller 800 is configured to drive the lifting actuator 700 according to any of the above-mentioned deformation instructions, to form a recess or protrusion in the outer surface 201 of the cover 200 as described above, and then determine whether a predetermined operation input (e.g., an operation input for unlocking) has been made to the touch area 201b1 via the touch sensor S, and if a predetermined operation input has been made, the controller 800 can detect the contact and / or operation input of the detected object on the touch area 201b1 via the touch sensor S.

[0145] The sensing device D1 may also include a vibration generator V to vibrate the movable part 300 (see...). Figure 2A and Figure 5AThe vibration generator V can be an electromagnetic solenoid comprising a plunger and a coil (not shown). In this case, the vibration generator V is disposed on the Z′ direction side relative to the second surface 312 of the main body 310 of the movable part 300. The vibration generator V is configured to repeatedly press the main body 310 in the ZZ′ direction by reciprocating the plunger according to the excitation of the coil, and to apply vibration to the movable part 300 in the ZZ′ direction. Alternatively, the vibration generator V can be a vibration motor comprising a motor and a plunger (not shown). This vibration generator V is also disposed on the Z′ direction side relative to the second surface 312 of the main body 310 of the movable part 300. The vibration generator V is configured to repeatedly press the main body 310 in the ZZ′ direction by reciprocating the plunger in the ZZ′ direction under the drive of the motor unit, and to apply vibration to the movable part 300 in the ZZ′ direction. Still alternatively, the vibration generator V can be a vibration element using shape memory alloy wiring. The vibration generator V is also disposed on the second surface 312 of the main body 310 of the movable part 300 on the Z′ direction side. The vibration generator V is configured to apply vibration to the movable part 300 in the ZZ′ direction by repeatedly pressing the main body 310 through vibration (i.e., reciprocating) of the wiring in the ZZ′ direction. For ease of explanation, from Figure 1B , Figure 2B , Figure 3A to Figure 4B and Figure 5B The vibration generator V is omitted in the text.

[0146] The controller 800 may also be configured to drive the vibration generator V when, after receiving any of the aforementioned deformation indications, there is a change in the electrical signal of one or more first electrodes Sa of the touch sensor S exceeding a first threshold, a second threshold, or a third threshold. The controller 800 may be configured to drive the vibration generator V before and after detecting positional information regarding the contact between the detected object and the touch area 201b1, and / or after detecting multiple pieces of positional information regarding the operational input of the detected object to the touch area 201b1, which are detected as information regarding the operational input to the touch area 201b1. Therefore, the controller 800 is configured to drive the vibration generator V based on changes in the electrical signals of one or more first electrodes Sa of the touch sensor S. By driving the vibration generator V, vibration is applied to the body 310 of the movable part 300 in any of the aforementioned ways, causing the movable part 300 and the second portion 212 of the cover 200 fixed thereto to vibrate, and vibrating the second region 201b of the cover 200 including the touch area 201b1. Vibration is transmitted through touch area 201b1 to the detection object that comes into contact with touch area 201b1, giving tactile sensation to the detection object (i.e., the detection object during touch input operation).

[0147] The controller 800 can also be configured to (step) drive the vibration generator V before driving the lifting actuator 700 according to any of the above-mentioned deformation instructions, count a predetermined period of time from the start of driving the vibration generator V using the timer circuit of the controller 800 or the software timer on the memory, and drive the lifting actuator 700 once the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0148] In this configuration, before the lifting actuator 700 is driven, that is, before a recess or protrusion is formed in the outer surface 201 of the cover 200, the vibration applied by the vibration generator V is transmitted through the touch area 201b1 to the detection object that comes into contact with the touch area 201b1, thus imparting a tactile sensation to the detection object.

[0149] It should be understood that the above configuration (steps) of controller 800 can be combined in any feasible manner. Vibration generator V can be omitted. If vibration generator V is omitted, the configuration related to the control of vibration generator V of controller 800 can also be omitted.

[0150] The aforementioned sensing device D1 provides the following technical features and effects.

[0151] Technical features and effects (1): The edge portion 110 of the housing 100 and the movable portion 300 are covered by the cover portion 200 from the Z direction side. This arrangement does not allow very small gaps or gaps G that may exist between the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 and the movable portion 300 to be exposed in the Z direction. Therefore, the outer surface 201 of the cover portion 200 of the sensing device D1 can be made seamless.

[0152] Technical Features and Effects (2): When the outer surface 201 of the cover 200 includes a third region 201c, the first region 201a, the second region 201b, and the third region 201c of the outer surface 201 are substantially flush with each other when the movable part 300 is positioned relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 at a first height position. When the outer surface 201 of the cover 200 does not include the third region 201c, the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 are substantially flush with each other when the movable part 300 is positioned relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 at a first height position. In each case, when the main body 310 is positioned relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 at a first height position, the outer surface 201 of the cover 200 has no substantial height difference at the boundaries of the above regions, that is, the outer surface 201 is seamless. On the other hand, when a deformation instruction is input to the controller 800 in the manner described above, the lifting actuator 700 is actuated, the movable part 300 moves relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 from a first height position to a second height position, and the second portion 212 of the flexible laminate 210 moves relative to the first portion 211 in the Z′ direction or Z direction from a third height position to a fourth height position. As a result, the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 of the cover 200 moves relative to the first region 201a in the Z′ direction or Z direction, and a recess or protrusion is formed in the outer surface 201 of the cover 200. The recess or protrusion allows the user to visually identify where the touch area 201b1 is located in the outer surface 201 of the cover 200. Furthermore, when the main body 310 of the movable portion 300 at the second height position is located on the Z′ direction side relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, or when the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 is located on the Z direction side relative to the main body 310 of the movable portion 300, the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 of the cover portion 200 is recessed to form a recess. This recess can be used as a guide to the touch area 201b1 of the second region 201b.

[0153] Technical features and effects (3): The edge portion 110 of the housing 100 and the movable portion 300 are covered by the covering portion 200. In this arrangement, as described above, the outer surface 201 of the covering portion 200 is seamless, and the external dimensions and cross-sectional shape of the main body 310 in the YY′ direction do not need to be manufactured with high precision to correspond to the dimensions and cross-sectional shape of the opening 101 in the YY′ direction. In particular, when a gap G is provided between the main body 310 of the movable portion 300 and the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, the external dimensions and cross-sectional shape of the main body 310 of the movable portion 300 in the YY′ direction can be manufactured to any degree within the opening 101. Therefore, it is easy to manufacture the main body 310 and the opening 101 of the housing 100.

[0154] Technical features and effects (4): When a gap G is provided between the main body 310 of the movable part 300 and the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, friction will not occur between the main body 310 and the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 due to the relative movement of the main body 310 relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 between the first height position and the second height position.

[0155] Technical features and effects (5): When the main body 310 is movable between a first height position and a second height position relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, and a gap G is provided between the main body 310 and the edge portion 110, the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 of the cover 200 is movable in the ZZ′ direction and floatably supports the main body 310. In this arrangement, when a vibration generator V is provided to apply vibration to the main body 310, the main body 310 is prone to vibration.

[0156] Second Implementation Method

[0157] Reference Figures 7A to 8C The following describes a touch sensing device D2 (which may be simply referred to as sensing device D2) according to various embodiments of the present invention (including a second embodiment and variations thereof). Figures 7A to 7B An example of a sensing device D2 according to a second embodiment is shown. Figure 7C A first variant of the sensing device D2 according to the second embodiment is illustrated. Figure 8A and Figure 8B A second variation of the sensing device D2 according to the second embodiment is illustrated. Figure 8C illustrates a third variation of the sensing device D2 according to the second embodiment. Similar to... Figure 2B , Figure 7A Figure 8C indicates the ZZ′ and XX′ directions.

[0158] Sensing device D2 is similar to sensing device D1, but differs in that: at least one lever 330 replaces the motion converter; at least one retaining portion 320 is omitted; sensing device D2 also includes a support member 900; and the lifting actuator 700 is at least one lifting actuator 700 (see...). Figures 7A to 8C Now we will focus on these differences from touch sensing device D1 and omit repetitive descriptions to describe touch sensing device D2.

[0159] With the aforementioned configuration (1) of the main body 310 of the movable part 300' and the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, the movable part 300' includes at least one lever 330. The at least one lever 330 is substantially L-shaped and includes a first beam and a second beam. The first beam extends from the main body 310 in the Z' direction. The second beam extends perpendicularly to the first beam. At least one lever 330 may be multiple levers 330. Figures 7A to 7C In the illustrated embodiment, two levers 330 are provided. The first beam of one of the two levers 330 extends from the end of the body 310 on the X-direction side, and the first beam of the other lever 330 extends from the end of the body 310 on the X′-direction side. The second beams of the two levers 330 extend away from each other.

[0160] The support member 900 is a plate, platform, or the like, spaced apart from the second beam of at least one lever 330 and disposed on the Z′ direction side. In the case of multiple levers 330, the support member 900 is spaced apart from the second beam of each lever 330 and disposed on the Z′ direction side.

[0161] At least one lifting actuator 700 may be one or more lifting actuators 700 depending on the number of at least one lever 330. In the case of a single lifting actuator 700 and a single lever 330, the lifting actuator 700 is positioned between the second beam of the lever 330 and the support member 900. In the case of multiple lifting actuators 700 and multiple levers 330, each lifting actuator 700 is positioned between the second beam of the corresponding lever 330 and the support member 900.

[0162] The plunger 710 of each or every lifting actuator 700 can be coupled to the second beam of the corresponding lever 330, and each or every lifting actuator 700 is fixed to the support 900. Each or every lifting actuator 700 is configured such that when the coil is energized, the plunger 710 retracts from its original position into the lifting actuator 700 to pull the corresponding lever 330 of the movable portion 300' in the Z′ direction (see...). Figure 7BAs a result, the main body 310 of the movable part 300′ moves from a first height position to a second height position in the Z′ direction, the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 moves from a third height position to a fourth height position in the Z′ direction, and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 moves relative to the first region 201a in the Z′ direction and becomes concave. At this time, when the third portion 213 and the third region 201c are provided, the third portion 213 flexes and stretches, and the third region 201c becomes inclined from the first region 201a to the second region 201b. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexing and stretching of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210. Without the third portion 213, the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 flexes and stretches, and the boundary between the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 stretches and becomes inclined. With at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer, the boundary between the first and second portions of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexing and stretching of the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210.

[0163] Alternatively, the plunger 710 of the or each lifting actuator 700 may be coupled to, contact with or spaced apart from, the second beam of the or corresponding lever 330. The or each lifting actuator 700 is configured such that, when the coil is energized, the plunger 710 thereby advances from its original position to press the corresponding lever 330 of the movable portion 300′ in the Z direction (see [link]). Figure 7CAs a result, the main body 310 of the movable part 300' moves from a first height position to a second height position in the Z direction, the second part 212 of the flexible layer 210 moves from a third height position to a fourth height position in the Z direction, and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 moves relative to the first region 201a in the Z direction and becomes protruding. At this time, when the third part 213 and the third region 201c are provided, the third part 213 flexes and stretches, and the third region 201c becomes inclined from the first region 201a to the second region 201b. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third part of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexing and stretching of the third part 213 of the flexible layer 210. When the third part 213 is not provided, the boundary between the first part 211 and the second part 212 of the flexible layer 210 flexes and stretches, and the boundary between the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 stretches and becomes inclined. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230 and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the first and second portions of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210.

[0164] When the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 is connected to the second beam of the corresponding lever 330 and a third portion 213 and a third region 201c are provided, the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 returns to its original position when the coil of one or each lifting actuator 700 is de-energized. As the plunger 710 returns to its original position, the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210 automatically recovers, the main body 310 of the movable part 300' moves from the second height position back to the first height position, and the first region 201a, the second region 201b, and the third region 201c of the outer surface 201 become substantially flush with each other again. Furthermore, when at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of the at least one layer automatically recovers based on the recovery of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210.

[0165] When the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 is connected to the second beam of the corresponding lever 330 and neither the third portion 213 nor the third region 201c is provided, the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 returns to its original position when the coil of one or each lifting actuator 700 becomes de-energized. By the return of the plunger 710 to its original position, the boundary between the second portion 212 and the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 is restored, the body 310 of the movable part 300' moves from the second height position back to the first height position, and the second region 201b and the first region 201a of the outer surface 201 become substantially flush with each other again. Furthermore, when at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of the at least one layer is restored automatically based on the restoration of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210.

[0166] When the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 is not connected to the second beam of the corresponding lever 330 and a third portion 213 and a third region 201c are provided, when the coil of one or each lifting actuator 700 becomes de-energized, what is released is the pressure of the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 on the corresponding lever 330 of the movable part 300' in the Z direction, causing the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210 to recover automatically. Through the recovery of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210, the main body 310 of the movable part 300' moves from the second height position back to the first height position, and the second region 201b, the first region 201a, and the third region 201c of the outer surface 201 become substantially flush with each other again. Moreover, when at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of the at least one layer recovers automatically due to the recovery of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210.

[0167] When the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 is not connected to the second beam of the corresponding lever 330 and neither the third portion 213 nor the third region 201c is provided, when the coil of one or each lifting actuator 700 becomes de-energized, what is released is the pressure of the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 on the corresponding lever 330 of the movable part 300' in the Z direction, causing the boundary between the second portion 212 and the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 to recover automatically. Through the recovery of the boundary of the flexible layer 210, the main body 310 of the movable part 300' moves from the second height position back to the first height position, and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 becomes substantially flush with the first region 201a again. Moreover, when at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the second portion and the first portion of the at least one layer recovers automatically due to the recovery of the boundary of the flexible layer 210.

[0168] With the above-described configuration (2) of the main body 310 of the movable part 300′ and the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 includes at least one lever 330. The at least one lever 330 is substantially L-shaped and includes a first beam and a second beam. The first beam extends from the edge portion 110 in the Z′ direction (see...). Figure 8A to Figure 8C The second beam extends perpendicularly from the first beam. At least one lever 330 can be multiple levers. For example, two levers 330 can be provided. In this case, the first beam of one of the two levers 330 extends from the portion of the edge portion 110 relative to the opening 101 on the X-direction side, the first beam of the other lever 330 extends from the portion of the edge portion 110 relative to the opening 101 on the X′-direction side, and the second beams of the two levers 330 extend away from each other.

[0169] The support member 900 is configured as described above. Each lifting actuator 700 is located between the second beam of the corresponding lever 330 and the support member 900.

[0170] The plunger 710 of each or every lifting actuator 700 is coupled to the second beam of the corresponding lever 330, and each or every lifting actuator 700 is fixed to the support 900. Each or every lifting actuator 700 is configured such that when the coil is energized, the plunger 710 retracts from its original position within the lifting actuator 700 to pull the corresponding lever 330 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 in the Z′ direction (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 8BAs a result, the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 moves from a first height position to a second height position in the Z′ direction, the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 moves from a third height position to a fourth height position in the Z′ direction, and the first region 201a of the outer surface 201 moves relative to the second region 201b in the Z′ direction and becomes concave. At this time, with the third portion 213 and the third region 201c provided, the third portion 213 flexes and stretches, and the third region 201c becomes inclined from the first region 201a to the second region 201b. With at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer provided, the third portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexing and stretching of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210. Without the third portion 213, the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 flexes and stretches, and the boundary between the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 stretches and becomes inclined. With at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer, the boundary between the first and second portions of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexing and stretching of the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210.

[0171] Alternatively, the plunger 710 of the or each lifting actuator 700 may be coupled to, contact with or spaced apart from, the second beam of the or corresponding lever 330. The or each lifting actuator 700 is configured such that, when the coil is energized, the plunger 710 thereby advances from its original position to press the corresponding lever 330 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 in the Z direction (see [link]). Figure 8CAs a result, the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 moves from a first height position to a second height position in the Z direction, the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 moves from a third height position to a fourth height position in the Z direction, and the first region 201a of the outer surface 201 moves in the Z direction relative to the second region 201b and becomes protruding. At this time, with the third portion 213 and the third region 201c provided, the third portion 213 flexes and stretches, and the third region 201c becomes inclined from the first region 201a to the second region 201b. With at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer provided, the third portion of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexing and stretching of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210. Without the third portion 213 provided, the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 flexes and stretches, and the boundary between the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 stretches and becomes inclined. When at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230 and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the first and second portions of the at least one layer flexes and stretches according to the flexure and stretching of the boundary between the first portion 211 and the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210.

[0172] When the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 is connected to the second beam of the corresponding lever 330 and the device has a third portion 213 and a third region 201c, the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 returns to its original position when the coil of one or each lifting actuator 700 becomes de-energized. By the return of the plunger 710 to its original position, the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210 automatically recovers, the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 moves from the second height position back to the first height position, and the first region 201a, the second region 201b, and the third region 201c of the outer surface 201 become substantially flush with each other again. Furthermore, when at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of the at least one layer automatically recovers based on the recovery of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210.

[0173] When the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 is connected to the second beam of the corresponding lever 330 and neither the third portion 213 nor the third region 201c is provided, the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 returns to its original position when the coil of one or each lifting actuator 700 becomes de-energized. As the plunger 710 returns to its original position, the boundary between the second portion 212 and the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 is restored, the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 moves from the second height position back to the first height position, and the first region 201a of the outer surface 201 becomes substantially flush with the second region 201b again. Furthermore, when at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of the at least one layer is restored automatically based on the restoration of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210.

[0174] When the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 is not connected to the second beam of the corresponding lever 330 and a third portion 213 and a third region 201c are provided, when the coil of one or each lifting actuator 700 becomes de-energized, what is released is the pressure of the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 on the corresponding lever 330 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 in the Z direction, causing the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210 to recover on its own. Through the recovery of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210, the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 moves from the second height position back to the first height position, and the first region 201a, the second region 201b, and the third region 201c of the outer surface 201 become substantially flush with each other again. Moreover, when at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the third portion of the at least one layer recovers on its own due to the recovery of the third portion 213 of the flexible layer 210.

[0175] When the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 is not connected to the second beam of the corresponding lever 330 and neither the third portion 213 nor the third region 201c is provided, when the coil of one or each lifting actuator 700 becomes de-energized, what is released is the pressure of the plunger 710 of one or each lifting actuator 700 on the corresponding lever 330 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 in the Z direction, causing the boundary between the second portion 212 and the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 to recover automatically. Through the recovery of the boundary of the elastic layer 210, the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 moves from the second height position back to the first height position, and the first region 201a of the outer surface 201 becomes substantially flush with the second region 201b again. Moreover, when at least one of the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and at least one second intermediate layer is provided, the boundary between the second and first portions of the at least one layer recovers automatically due to the recovery of the boundary of the flexible layer 210.

[0176] The controller 800 of the sensing device D2 is configured (step) to drive the lifting actuator 700 in the manner described above in accordance with any deformation indication received above. Alternatively, the controller 800 of the sensing device D2 may have substantially the same configuration (step) as the controller 800 of the sensing device D1.

[0177] The aforementioned sensing device D2 provides similar technical features and effects to those of sensing device D1 (1) to (5). Furthermore, sensing device D2 has a simplified configuration because each lifting actuator 700 is configured to pull or press the corresponding lever 330 and does not require a motion converter.

[0178] It should be noted that the above-described touch sensing device is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified in any way within the scope of the claims. Details will be described below.

[0179] The touch sensor in any of the above aspects is not limited to a capacitive touch sensor and may be a resistive touch sensor or an optical touch sensor as described below. In addition to providing a resistive or optical touch sensor instead of a capacitive touch sensor, the touch sensing device in any of the above aspects is configured as described above.

[0180] A resistive touch sensor includes at least one first electrode, at least one second electrode, and at least one insulating spacer. The at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode are arranged to partially overlap each other in the ZZ′ direction. The at least one spacer is located between the at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode in the ZZ′ direction to separate the at least one first electrode from the at least one second electrode in the ZZ′ direction. When a detected object comes into contact with the touch area 201b1, a load is applied to a portion of the at least one first electrode, causing at least a portion of the at least one first electrode to flex to make contact with the at least one second electrode, thereby becoming conductive with the at least one second electrode. It should be understood that the resistive touch sensor can be used as a touch panel including multiple first electrodes and multiple second electrodes. The resistive touch sensor can be used as a touch switch including multiple first electrodes and multiple second electrodes. A controller 800 is configured to determine that a detected object has made contact with a portion of the contact area in the touch area 201b1 relative to the contact area between the first and second electrodes of the resistive touch sensor on the Z-direction side. Therefore, the controller 800 detects positional information regarding the contact between the detected object and the touch area 201b1. When the resistive touch sensor is a touch panel, the controller 800 is configured to detect multiple positional information about the contact of the detected object as information about the operation input to the touch area 201b1. Furthermore, the controller 800 can also be configured to (step) determine the reception of electrical conduction (electrical signal) as a deformation indication and drive the lifting actuator 700. The controller 800 can be configured to (step) detect, upon receiving any of the aforementioned deformation indications, positional information about the contact between the detected object and the touch area 201b1 via the resistive touch sensor and / or multiple positional information about the contact of the detected object as information about the operation input to the touch area 201b1. In other words, the controller 800 can be configured to (step) detect positional information about the contact between the detected object and the touch area 201b1 based on the reception of the electrical signal from the resistive touch sensor, and / or be configured to (step) detect information about the operation input to the touch area 201b1 based on the reception of the electrical signal from the resistive touch sensor.

[0181] An optical touch sensor may include at least one light-emitting device and at least one light-receiving device. In this case, at least one light-emitting device and at least one light-receiving device are respectively disposed on one side and the other side (e.g., on the X-direction side and the X′-direction side) relative to the touch area 201b1, such that at least one light-emitting device and at least one light-receiving device face each other across the touch area 201b1. At least one light-receiving device is configured to receive a light signal emitted by at least one light-emitting device and output an electrical signal. A detected object touching the touch area 201b1 blocks the light signal emitted from at least one light-emitting device. In this case, at least one light-receiving device does not output an electrical signal. In other words, there is a change in the electrical signal from at least one light-receiving device. It should be understood that the optical touch sensor can be used as a touch panel including multiple light-emitting devices and multiple light-receiving devices. The optical touch sensor can be used as a touch switch including multiple light-emitting devices and multiple light-receiving devices. The controller 800 is configured to (step) determine, based on the change in the electrical signal of at least one light-receiving device, that a detected object has entered contact with a portion of the touch area 201b1 on the Z-direction side relative to the portion between at least one light-receiving device and at least one light-emitting device. Therefore, the controller 800 detects positional information regarding the contact between the detected object and the touch area 201b1. When the optical touch sensor is a touch panel, the controller 800 is configured to (step) detect multiple pieces of positional information regarding the contact of the detected object, which are detected as information about operational input to the touch area 201b1. Furthermore, the controller 800 can also be configured to (step) determine a change in the electrical signal as a received deformation indication and drive the lifting actuator 700. The controller 800 can be configured to (step) detect, via the aforementioned optical touch sensor, in the manner described above, positional information regarding the contact between the detected object and the touch area 201b1 and / or multiple pieces of positional information regarding the contact of the detected object, which are detected as information about operational input to the touch area 201b1, in the manner described above. In other words, the controller 800 can be configured to (step) detect positional information regarding the contact between the detection object and the touch area 201b1 based on changes in the electrical signal of the optical touch sensor, and / or be configured to (step) detect information regarding operational input to the touch area 201b1 based on changes in the electrical signal of the optical touch sensor. When the touch sensor is optical, the cover 200 in either of the above aspects has a semi-transparent portion on the Z-direction side relative to the touch sensor.

[0182] As described above, the vibration generator V can be disposed separately from the lifting actuator 700, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The lifting actuator 700 can also serve as the vibration generator V, and the plunger 710 of the lifting actuator 700 can be configured to apply vibration in the ZZ′ direction to the movable part 300 or 300′ or to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100.

[0183] The lifting actuator 700 may or may not be a solenoid. For example, the lifting actuator 700 may be a piezoelectric element or a motor. When the lifting actuator 700 is a piezoelectric element, it is configured to move the movable portion 300 or 300' or the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 in the ZZ' direction between a first height position and a second height position. When the lifting actuator 700 is a motor, the motion converter described above can be configured to convert the rotational motion of the motor shaft into movement of the movable portion 300 or 300' or the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 in the ZZ' direction. The motion converter may consist of a cam mechanism, multiple gears, a linkage mechanism, or a combination thereof.

[0184] The second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 may have a larger dimension in the ZZ′ direction than the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210. In this case, the first surface 311 of the body 310 of any of the movable portions 300 or 300′ at the first height position may be located relative to the first surface 111 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 on the Z-direction side. Alternatively, the second portion 212 may have a smaller dimension in the ZZ′ direction than the first portion 211. In this case, the first surface 311 of the body 310 of any of the movable portions 300 or 300′ at the first height position may be located relative to the first surface 111 of the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 on the Z′-direction side.

[0185] With the movable portion 300 or 300' in any of the above-mentioned states positioned at a first height relative to the edge portion 110, the first region 201a of the outer surface 201 of the covering portion 200 in any of the above-mentioned states may be located on the Z-direction side or the Z'-direction side relative to the second region 201b. In this case, with the second portion 212 positioned at a third height relative to the first portion 211, the flexible layer 210 partially flexes and stretches towards the Z-direction side or the Z'-direction side. As the movable portion 300 or 300' moves from the first height position to the second height position relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, the second portion 212 moves relative to the first portion 211 from the third height position to the fourth height position, and the flexible layer 210 partially contracts or flexes and stretches towards the Z'-direction side or the Z-direction side. When the third portion 213 is provided, with the second portion 212 positioned at a third height position relative to the first portion 211, the third portion 213 flexes and stretches towards the Z-direction side or the Z'-direction side. As the movable portion 300 or 300' moves from a first height position to a second height position relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, the third portion 213 contracts towards the Z' direction or the Z direction, or flexes and stretches towards the Z' direction or the Z' direction. When the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and / or at least one second intermediate layer are provided, with the second portion 212 positioned relative to the first portion 211 at a third height position, the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and / or at least one second intermediate layer partially flex and stretch along the flexible layer 210. Depending on the partial contraction or stretching of the flexible layer 210, the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and / or at least one second intermediate layer also partially contract, or flex and stretch. In other aspects, the cover portion 200 can be configured as described above. When the second portion 212 returns from the fourth height position to the third height position relative to the first portion 211, and the movable portion 300 or 300' moves relative to the edge portion 110 from the second height position to the first height position, the flexible layer 210 partially flexes and stretches in the Z' direction or the Z direction. When the third portion 213 is provided, when the second portion 212 returns from the fourth height position to the third height position relative to the first portion 211, and the movable portion 300 or 300' moves relative to the edge portion 110 from the second height position to the first height position, the third portion 213 flexes and stretches in the Z' direction or the Z direction. When the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and / or at least one second intermediate layer are provided, the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and / or at least one second intermediate layer are stretched according to the partial stretching of the flexible layer 210 during the return.

[0186] The neutral position of the movable portion 300 or 300' relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 in any of the above aspects can be a second height position instead of a first height position. In this case, the motion converter and the lifting actuator 700, or alternatively the lifting actuator 700, are configured to move the movable portion 300 or 300' from the second height position to the first height position instead of from the first height position to the first height position, but otherwise it can be configured as described above. In this case, with the second portion 212 in a fourth height position relative to the first portion 211, the flexible layer 210 partially flexes and stretches towards the Z' direction or the Z direction. According to the movement of the movable portion 300 or 300' relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 from the second height position to the first height position, the second portion 212 moves relative to the first portion 211 from the fourth height position to the third height position, and the flexible layer 210 partially contracts towards the Z direction or the Z' direction. With the third portion 213 provided, when the second portion 212 is positioned at a fourth height relative to the first portion 211, the third portion 213 flexes and stretches towards the Z′ or Z-direction. Depending on the movement of the movable portion 300 or 300′ relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 from the second height position to the first height position, the third portion 213 contracts towards the Z-direction or Z′-direction. With the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and / or at least one second intermediate layer provided, when the second portion 212 is positioned at a fourth height relative to the first portion 211, the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and / or at least one second intermediate layer partially flex and stretch along the flexible layer 210. Depending on the partial contraction of the flexible layer 210, the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and / or at least one second intermediate layer also partially contract. In other aspects, the cover portion 200 can be configured as described above. When the second portion 212 returns from the third height position to the fourth height position relative to the first portion 211, and the movable portion 300 or 300' moves from the second height position to the first height position relative to the edge portion 110, the flexible layer 210 partially flexes and stretches in the Z' direction or the Z direction. When the third portion 213 is provided, when the second portion 212 returns from the fourth height position to the third height position relative to the first portion 211, and the movable portion 300 or 300' moves from the second height position to the first height position relative to the edge portion 110, the third portion 213 flexes and stretches in the Z' direction or the Z direction.When an outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and / or at least one second intermediate layer are provided, the outermost layer 220, at least one first intermediate layer 230, and / or at least one second intermediate layer are stretched according to the partial stretching of the flexible layer 210 upon return.

[0187] The edge portion 110 of the housing 100 in any of the above aspects may be provided with a stepped portion 150 surrounding the opening 101 (see...). Figure 9A and Figure 9B The stepped portion 150 includes at least one step portion. In this case, the cover 200 of any of the above aspects may extend along the first surface 111 of the edge portion 110 instead of along the stepped portion 150 (see...). Figure 9A Alternatively, the cover 200 in any of the above aspects may extend along the stepped portion 150 (see...). Figure 9B When the stepped portion 150 is provided, the first surface 311 of the movable portion 300 or 300′ in any of the above aspects at the first height position may be located at the same height position relative to the surface of at least one step portion of the stepped portion 150 of the edge portion 110 on the Z-direction side in the ZZ′ direction, or alternatively, relative to the surface of at least one step portion of the stepped portion 150 of the edge portion 110 on the Z-direction side on the Z-direction side or on the Z′-direction side. At least one step portion of the stepped portion 150 may be multiple step portions.

[0188] For example, if at least one step portion of the stepped portion 150 is a single step portion and the cover portion 200 in any of the above aspects extends along the stepped portion 150, the surface of the step portion on the Z-direction side is located on the Z′-direction side relative to the surface of the surrounding portion of the edge portion 110 on the Z-direction side. In this case, the outer surface 201 of the cover portion 200 is formed with a step 201d along the height difference between the surface of the step portion on the Z-direction side and the surface of the surrounding portion on the Z-direction side. The area inside the step 201d can be used as a second area 201b of the outer surface 201 to allow a user to touch the step 201d of the outer surface 201 with a detection object, thereby identifying the second area 201b including the touch area 201b1.

[0189] For example, in a multi-step section including a first step section surrounding the opening 101, a second step section having a surface on the Z-direction side relative to the surface of the first step section, and a third step section having a surface on the Z-direction side relative to the surface of the second step section, and in any of the above cases, the cover 200 extends along the step section 150, the outer surface 201 of the cover 200 forms a first step along the height difference between the surface on the Z-direction side of the third step section and the surface on the Z-direction side of the second step section, and also forms a second step along the height difference between the surface on the Z-direction side of the second step section and the surface on the Z-direction side of the first step section. This arrangement allows a user to touch the first step of the outer surface 201 with a detection object, thereby identifying that the detection object is near the second region 201b, and also allows the user to touch the second step of the outer surface 201 with a detection object and thereby identify that the detection object is entering the second region 201b.

[0190] Alternatively, in a plurality of step portions including a first step portion and a second step portion surrounding the opening 101, and the second step portion having a surface on the Z-direction side relative to the first step portion and a surface on the Z′-direction side relative to the surface on the Z-direction side of the surrounding portion of the second step, and in the case where the cover portion 200 extends along the step portion 150 in any of the above aspects, the outer surface 201 of the cover portion 200 forms a first step with a height difference between the surface on the Z-direction side of the second step portion and the surface on the Z-direction side of the surrounding portion, and also forms a second step with a height difference between the surface on the Z-direction side of the second step portion and the surface on the Z-direction side of the first step portion. This arrangement also allows a user to touch the first step of the outer surface 201 with a detection object to identify that the detection object is near the second region 201b, and also allows a user to touch the second step of the outer surface 201 with a detection object to identify that the detection object is entering the second region 201b.

[0191] The stepped portion 150 may not be provided on the edge portion 110 of the housing 100, but may be provided on the main body 310 of the movable portion 300 or 300' described above. Similarly, in this case, the covering portion 200 described above may extend along the stepped portion 150 in the manner described above. The touch area 201b1 may be provided on the Z-direction side of the stepped portion 150 of the main body 310 on the Z-direction side. The stepped portion 150 may be provided on both the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 and the main body 310 of the movable portion 300 or 300'.

[0192] Without the stepped portion 150, a step can be provided on the outer surface 201. The movable portion 300 or 300' of any of the above aspects is directly or indirectly fixed to the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 of the covering portion 200, and the edge portion 110 of any of the above aspects is directly or indirectly fixed to the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 of the covering portion 200. Therefore, when the movable portion 300 or 300' of any of the above aspects is located at a first height position (neutral position) or a second height position (neutral position) relative to the edge portion 110, the first region 201a of the outer surface 201 of the covering portion 200 is located on the Z-direction side or the Z′-direction side relative to the second region 201b, such that a step is formed at the portion between the first region 201a and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201. The formation of the step is independent of the presence or absence of the third portion 213 and the third region 201c of the covering portion 200. Such steps function similarly to steps 201d.

[0193] In addition to the touch sensors provided at the main body 310 (upper or middle) of the movable part 300 or 300', or the touch sensors provided at intervals in the Z' direction with respect to the main body 310 of the movable part 300 or 300', the touch sensors may also be provided on the Z' direction side relative to the surface of the second step portion. In this case, the controller 800 may also be configured to (step) detect contact between the detection object and the portion of the surface of the outer surface 201 located on the Z' direction side relative to the second step portion based on changes in the electrical signal or reception of the electrical signal of the touch sensor on the Z' direction side relative to the surface of the second step portion. Therefore, the controller 800 is able to detect contact between the detection object and the portion of the surface of the outer surface 201 located on the Z' direction side relative to the second step portion, i.e., detect that the detection object is located outside the touch area 201b1 of the second region 201b.

[0194] In any of the above-described touch sensing devices, the opening 101 of the housing 100, the movable portion 300 or 300', the lifting actuator 700, the first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210, the second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210, the first region 201a of the outer surface 201, and the second region 201b of the outer surface 201 can each be at least one element. The at least one opening 101 of the housing 100 can be multiple openings, the at least one movable portion 300 or 300' can be multiple movable portions, the at least one lifting actuator 700 can be multiple lifting actuators, the at least one first portion 211 of the flexible layer 210 can be multiple first portions, the at least one second portion 212 of the flexible layer 210 can be multiple second portions, the at least one first region 201a of the outer surface 201 can be multiple first regions, and the at least one second region 201b of the outer surface 201 can be multiple second regions (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 10In the case of providing multiple openings 101 in any of the above aspects, the edge portions 110 of the plurality of openings 101 correspond to the plurality of openings, the plurality of movable portions 300 or 300' correspond to the plurality of openings, the plurality of first portions 211 correspond to the plurality of openings, the plurality of second portions 212 correspond to the plurality of openings, the plurality of first regions 201a correspond to the plurality of openings, and the plurality of second regions 201b correspond to the plurality of openings. The main bodies 310 of the plurality of movable portions 300 or 300' are each provided in a corresponding opening in the opening 101. The plurality of third portions 213 of the flexible layer 210 and the plurality of third regions 201c of the outer surface 201 can be provided corresponding to the plurality of second portions 212 and the plurality of second regions 201b. When at least one first intermediate layer and / or at least one second intermediate layer are provided in any of the above aspects, each of the at least one first intermediate layer and / or at least one second intermediate layer may include a plurality of first portions and a plurality of second portions corresponding to a plurality of first portions 211 and a plurality of second portions 212 of the flexible layer 210. At least one first intermediate layer and / or at least one second intermediate layer in any of the above aspects may each include a plurality of third portions corresponding to a plurality of third portions 213. When a plurality of lifting actuators 700 are provided in any of the above aspects, at least one of them is provided for each edge portion 110 of the opening 101 in any of the above aspects and is configured to move each edge portion 110 in the ZZ′ direction as described above; or alternatively, at least one lifting actuator 700 is provided for each movable portion 300 or 300′ in any of the above aspects and is configured to move each movable portion 300 or 300′ in the ZZ′ direction as described above. A plurality of motion converters in any of the above aspects may be provided corresponding to a plurality of lifting actuators 700.

[0195] The plurality of movable parts 300 or 300' may include at least one first movable part 300 or 300' and at least one second movable part 300 or 300'. In this case, the first movable part 300 or 300' has the same configuration as the movable part 300 or 300' in any of the above aspects, and the first height position is a neutral position. On the other hand, the second movable part 300 or 300' has the same configuration as the movable part 300 or 300' in any of the above aspects, except that the second height position is not the first height position and is a neutral position. In this case, the plurality of openings 101 include at least one first opening 101 and at least one second opening 101, the plurality of edge portions 110 of the openings 101 include at least one edge portion 110 of the first opening 101 and at least one edge portion 110 of the second opening 101, and the plurality of lifting actuators 700 include at least one first lifting actuator 700 and at least one second lifting actuator 700. Each of the first lifting actuators 700 is configured to move a corresponding first movable portion 300 or 300' or a corresponding edge portion 110 of the first opening 101 in the ZZ' direction, so as to move the corresponding first movable portion 300 or 300' relative to the corresponding edge portion 110 of the first opening 101 from a first height position to a second height position. Each of the second lifting actuators 700 is configured to move a corresponding second movable portion 300 or 300' or a corresponding edge portion 110 of the second opening 101 in the ZZ' direction, so as to move the corresponding second movable portion 300 or 300' relative to the corresponding edge portion 110 of the second opening 101 from a second height position to a first height position. When the motion converters described above are provided, the motion converters may be multiple motion converters, including at least one first motion converter and at least one second motion converter. Each of the first motion transducers can be configured to convert the motion of the plunger or motor shaft of the corresponding first lifting actuator 700 into driving force to move the corresponding first movable portion 300 or 300' or the corresponding edge portion 110 of the first opening 101 in the ZZ′ direction. Similarly, each of the second motion transducers can be configured to convert the motion of the plunger or motor shaft of the corresponding second lifting actuator 700 into driving force to move the corresponding second movable portion 300 or 300' or the corresponding edge portion 110 of the second opening 101 in the ZZ′ direction.

[0196] When multiple movable portions 300 or 300' having any of the above configurations, multiple lifting actuators 700, multiple first portions 211 of the flexible layer 210, multiple second portions 212 of the flexible layer 210, multiple first regions 201a of the outer surface 201, and multiple second regions 201b of the outer surface 201 are provided, the housing 100 may include a single opening 101. In this case, multiple movable portions 300 or 300' are provided in the opening 101 in the manner described above, but other configurations are as described above. When multiple openings 101 are provided, more than one movable portion 300 or 300' may be provided in each opening 101 in the manner described above.

[0197] The touch sensor in any of the above aspects can be a plurality of touch sensors, each of which can be disposed at, on, or in the body 300 of a corresponding one of the movable portions 300 or 300', or disposed at intervals in the ZZ' direction with respect to the body 300 of a corresponding one of the movable portions 300 or 300', as described above. In this case, each of the plurality of second regions 201b of the outer surface 201 includes a touch region 201b1. Alternatively, the touch sensor in any of the above aspects can be a single touch sensor, which can be disposed at, on, or in the body 300 of one of the movable portions 300 or 300', or disposed at intervals in the ZZ' direction with respect to the body 300 of one of the movable portions 300 or 300', as described above (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 10 In this case, a second region 201b of the outer surface 201 located on the Z-direction side relative to the touch sensor includes a touch region 201b1. Alternatively, a single touch sensor may be arranged at intervals in the ZZ' direction with the bodies 310 of the plurality of movable parts 300 or 300' as described above. In this case, the plurality of second regions 201b of the outer surface 201 include a single touch region 201b1.

[0198] The controller 800 is also configured to (step) drive each lifting actuator 700 (including at least one first lifting actuator 700 and at least one second lifting actuator 700) according to each deformation indication received in any of the above aspects.

[0199] The controller 800 may also be configured to (step) detect information about the operation input in the manner described above, based on a change in the electrical signal of a single touch sensor or one of the multiple touch sensors, or based on receiving an electrical signal from a single touch sensor or one of the multiple touch sensors in the manner described above. The controller 800 may also be configured to (step) determine whether the detected information about the operation input matches any one of the information about the operation input recorded in the memory or any one of the multiple pieces of information about various types of operation input. The controller 800 may also be configured to (step) such that if the controller 800 determines that the detected information about the operation input matches any one of the information about the operation input recorded in the memory or any one of the multiple pieces of information about various types of operation input, then the controller 800 determines that the detected information about the operation input indicates the receipt of a variant indication corresponding to any one of the information about the operation input or any one of the multiple pieces of information about various types of operation input. The controller 800 may be further configured to (step) drive one or more (but not all) or all of the lifting actuators 700 (including at least one first lifting actuator 700 and at least one second lifting actuator 700) corresponding to the deformation indication according to the received deformation indication. Information about the lifting actuator 700 corresponding to each deformation indication is recorded in a memory and can be referenced by the controller 800 according to each deformation indication. When the controller 800 is configured in this way, when a detected object is used to perform a predetermined operation input on a touch area or multiple touch areas 201b1 located on the Z-direction side relative to the touch sensor or multiple sensors, thereby driving one or more or all of the corresponding lifting actuators 700, the operated touch area or multiple touch areas 201b1 with outer surface 201 protrudes or recesses.

[0200] When multiple touch sensors are provided as described above, each touch sensor can be a capacitive touch panel, resistive touch panel, or optical touch panel. In this case, the controller 800 can also be configured to (step) detect information about the operation input in the described manner based on changes in the electrical signals of each touch sensor, or based on the reception of the electrical signals of each touch sensor. The controller 800 can also be configured to (step) determine whether the detected information about the operation input matches any of the multiple pieces of information about various types of operation input recorded in the memory. The controller 800 can also be configured to (step) such that if the controller 800 determines that the detected information about the operation input matches one of the multiple pieces of information about various types of operation input recorded in the memory, the controller 800 determines that the detected information about the operation input indicates the receipt of a deformation indication corresponding to said one of the multiple pieces of information about various types of operation input. The controller 800 can also be configured to (step) drive one of the lifting actuators 700 corresponding to the deformation indication based on the received determined deformation indication. When the controller 800 is configured as described above, when the detected object performs a predetermined operation input on the touch area 201b1 of the second area 201b located on the Z-direction side relative to each touch sensor, thereby driving a corresponding lift actuator in the lift actuator 700, the second area 201b of the operated touch area 201b1 with the outer surface 201 protrudes or recesses.

[0201] When more than one movable part 300 or 300' (including at least one first movable part 300 or 300' and at least one second movable part 300 or 300') is provided in each or every opening 101, the memory of the controller 800 stores multiple preset information entries, each preset information entry corresponding to each of multiple types of deformation indications. Each preset information entry includes information about two or more lifting actuators 700 to be driven. The controller 800 may also be configured to (step) detect information about operational input in a described manner based on a change in the electrical signal of at least one touch sensor, or based on receiving an electrical signal from at least one touch sensor. The controller 800 may also be configured to (step) determine whether the detected information about operational input matches any of the multiple entries about multiple types of operational input recorded in the memory. The controller 800 may also be configured to (step) such that if the controller 800 determines that the detected information about the operation input matches one of a plurality of information about various types of operation inputs in the memory, the controller 800 determines that the detected information about the operation input indicates that a deformation indication corresponding to said one of the plurality of information about various types of operation inputs has been received. The controller 800 may also be configured to (step) based on the received determined deformation indication, refer to one of a plurality of preset information corresponding to the deformation indication, and drive two or more lifting actuators 700 corresponding to the referenced preset information. When the controller 800 is configured as described above, when the detected object is used to perform one of the predetermined operation inputs on the touch area or multiple touch areas 201b1 of the second area or multiple second areas 201b located on the Z-direction side relative to the touch sensor, the preset information corresponding to the performed operation input is referenced to drive two or more lifting actuators 700 corresponding to the referenced preset information, causing the outer surface 201 to partially protrude or retract. By selecting which two or more of the lifting actuators 700 according to the preset information of each operation input, the shape of the protrusion or recess of the outer surface 201 can be changed for each operation input.For example, when the opening 101 accommodates 16 rectangular movable parts 300 or 300' arranged in four columns in the YY' direction and four rows in the XX' direction, if the controller 800 determines that the detected information about the operation input matches the information recorded in the memory about one of the various types of operation inputs (the first operation input), and determines that the detected information indicates that a deformation instruction corresponding to the first operation input has been received, then the controller 800 refers to the preset information corresponding to the first operation input and drives 16 lifting actuators 700 corresponding to all 16 movable parts 300 or 300' to move the 16 movable parts 300 or 300' from a first height position to a second height position, and vice versa. In this case, the entire shape corresponding to the 16 movable parts 300 or 300' is formed in the outer surface 201 with substantially square recesses or protrusions. If the controller 800 determines that the detected information about the operation input matches information recorded in the memory about another operation input (a second operation input) among various types of operation inputs, and determines that the detected information indicates that a deformation instruction corresponding to the second operation input has been received, then the controller 800 refers to the preset information corresponding to the second operation input and drives six lifting actuators 700 corresponding to six of the 16 movable parts 300 or 300' to move the six movable parts 300 or 300' from a first height position to a second height position, and vice versa. In this case, corresponding to the overall shape of the six movable parts 300 or 300', a substantially rectangular recess or protrusion is formed in the outer surface 201.

[0202] One or more of the main bodies 310 of a plurality of movable portions 300 or 300′ (including at least one first movable portion 300 or 300′ and at least one second movable portion 300 or 300′) arranged at intervals in the ZZ′ direction can be moved relative to the edge portion 110 of the housing 100 from a first height position to a second height position. These main bodies 310 may not have touch sensors, or may be recessed or protruded in one or more second regions 201b on the Z-direction side relative to the one or more main bodies 310. Forming such recesses and / or protrusions, or multiple recesses and / or protrusions, in the outer surface 201 allows the user to visually identify touch areas or multiple touch areas 201b1 near the recesses and / or protrusions, and / or allows the recesses and / or protrusions or multiple recesses and / or protrusions to be used as decorative designs. The combination of the recesses and / or protrusions formed in the outer surface 201 can be selected.

[0203] It should be noted that the plurality of movable portions 300 or 300' (including at least one first movable portion 300 or 300' and at least one second movable portion 300 or 300') located at various first height positions may be located at the same or different heights relative to the corresponding edge portions 110 of the plurality of openings 101 (including at least one edge portion 110 of the first opening 101 and at least one edge portion 110 of the second opening 101). Furthermore, the plurality of movable portions 300 or 300' (including at least one first movable portion 300 or 300' and at least one second movable portion 300 or 300') at various second height positions may be located at the same or different heights relative to the corresponding edge portions 110 of the plurality of openings 101 (including at least one edge portion 110 of the first opening 101 and at least one edge portion 110 of the second opening 101). The plurality of second portions 212 of the flexible layer 210 at various third height positions may be located at the same or different heights relative to the corresponding first portions 211. The multiple second portions 212 of the flexible layer 210 at each of the fourth height positions may be located at the same or different heights relative to the corresponding first portions 211.

[0204] When a vibration generator V is provided in any of the above aspects, the vibration generator V can be one or more vibration generators based on the main body or multiple main bodies 310 of one or more movable parts 300 or 300'. The controller 800 can be configured to drive one or more vibration generators V based on changes in or receipt of electrical signals from one or more touch sensors S. Moreover, regarding one or more main bodies 310 of multiple movable parts 300 or 300' that have touch sensors S provided in them or have touch sensors S arranged at intervals in the ZZ' direction, it is not necessary to vibrate such main bodies or multiple main bodies 310 with a vibration generator or multiple vibration generators V, so that the vibration generator or multiple vibration generators V used to vibrate the main bodies or multiple main bodies 310 can be omitted. Furthermore, when multiple main bodies 310 are provided, it is obvious that the vibration generator or multiple vibration generators V can be omitted.

[0205] The controller 800 in any of the above aspects can be configured to use a timer circuit or a software timer in memory of the controller 800 to count a predetermined period of time starting from the input of any of the above deformation indications or from the operation input for unlocking, and if there is no change or no electrical signal received in the electrical signal of at least one touch sensor in any of the above aspects within the predetermined period of time, then return to the following steps: repeat the process of determining whether the controller 800 has received a deformation indication until any deformation indication is received. The controller 800 described above can be omitted. In this case, instead of the controller 800, a controller built into a car, furniture, portable information terminal, fixed information terminal, etc., can be used, and such a built-in controller can have a similar configuration to the controller 800 in any of the above aspects.

[0206] The first direction (ZZ′ direction) of the present invention can be any direction corresponding to the axial direction of the opening 101 and / or the thickness direction of the edge portion 110.

[0207] List of reference numerals

[0208] D1, D2, D3: Touch sensing devices

[0209] 100: Casing

[0210] 101: Opening; 110: Edge portion; 111: First surface of the edge portion; 112: Second surface of the edge portion; 121: Retaining portion; 122: Retaining portion; 130: Retaining portion; 140: Guide; 150: Stepped portion; G: Gap

[0211] 200: Coverage Department

[0212] 201: Outer surface; 201a: First area; 201b: Second area; 201b1: Touch area; 201c: Third area; 201d: Step

[0213] 210: Flexible layer; 211: First part; 212: Second part; 213: Third part; 220: Outermost layer

[0214] 230: First Intermediate Layer

[0215] 300, 300′: Movable part

[0216] 310: Main body; 311: First surface of the main body; 312: Second surface of the main body

[0217] 320: Keep part

[0218] 400: Slider

[0219] 410: Connecting part; 420: Connecting part; 430: Slider; 431: Cam groove

[0220] 500: Guide shaft

[0221] 600: Camshaft

[0222] 700: Lifting Actuator

[0223] 710: Plunger

[0224] 800: Controller

[0225] 900: Support component

[0226] S: Touch sensor

[0227] Sa: First electrode; Sb: Second electrode

[0228] V: Vibration generator

Claims

1. A touch sensing device, the touch sensing device comprising: Housing, the housing comprising: At least one opening, the at least one opening opening to at least one side in a first direction, the first direction being the axial direction of the at least one opening, and The edge portion of the at least one opening, the edge portion of the at least one opening including a first surface on the side in the first direction; At least one movable part includes a first surface on one side in the first direction, the at least one movable part being movable relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening within the at least one opening at a first height position and a second height position in the first direction, the first height position being such that the first surface of the at least one movable part is located at a predetermined height in the first direction relative to the first surface of the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing, and the second height position is located on the other side or the first side in the first direction relative to the first height position; A cover portion comprising a flexible and stretchable flexible layer that covers at least the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing and the at least one movable portion from the side in the first direction, and the cover portion comprising: At least one first portion, which is directly or indirectly fixed to the first surface of the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing, and includes a first surface on the side in the first direction, and At least one second part, which is directly or indirectly fixed to the first surface of the at least one movable part and includes a first surface on one side in the first direction, wherein With the at least one movable part positioned at a first height relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing, the first surface of the at least one second portion of the flexible layer is positioned at a predetermined third height relative to the first surface of the at least one first portion of the flexible layer in the first direction. With the at least one movable part positioned at a second height relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing, the first surface of the at least one second portion of the flexible layer positioned at a fourth height relative to the first surface of the at least one first portion of the flexible layer, the fourth height position being located on the other side or one side of the first direction relative to the third height position, and The flexible layer is configured to partially flex and stretch, or alternatively partially contract, in accordance with the relative movement of the at least one second portion relative to the at least one first portion from the third height position to the fourth height position, or alternatively from the fourth height position to the third height position. At least one touch sensor, disposed at the at least one movable portion, or disposed at intervals on the other side of the first direction relative to the at least one movable portion, the at least one touch sensor being configured to detect a detection object contacting a touch area of ​​the outer surface of the cover on the first side; and At least one lifting actuator is configured to move the at least one movable portion in the first direction, or alternatively move the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing, such that the at least one movable portion moves relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing from the first height position to the second height position, or alternatively moves relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing from the second height position to the first height position.

2. The touch sensing device according to claim 1, wherein... The outer surface of the cover includes: At least one first region, the at least one first region being located on one side of the first direction relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing, and At least one second region, located on one side of the at least one movable part in the first direction, and at least one of the at least two second regions includes a touch area to be detected by the object being touched. With the at least one movable part positioned relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing at the first height position, the at least one first region and the at least one second region of the outer surface are flush with each other, and With the at least one movable part positioned at the second height relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing, the at least one second region of the outer surface is positioned relative to the at least one first region of the outer surface on the other side or one side of the first direction.

3. The touch sensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The at least one movable part is disposed in the at least one opening of the housing, and a gap exists between the at least one movable part and the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing. The flexible layer further includes at least one third portion between the at least one first portion and the at least one second portion, the at least one third portion being located on one side of the gap in the first direction, and The at least one third portion is configured to flex and stretch, or alternatively contract, in accordance with the relative movement of the at least one second portion relative to the at least one first portion from the third height position to the fourth height position, or alternatively from the fourth height position to the third height position.

4. The touch sensing device according to claim 2, wherein The at least one movable part is disposed in the at least one opening of the housing, and a gap is formed between the at least one movable part and the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing. The outer surface also includes at least one third region between the at least one first region and the at least one second region, the at least one third region being located on one side of the gap in the first direction. The flexible layer further includes at least one third portion between the at least one first portion and the at least one second portion, the at least one third portion being located on one side of the gap in the first direction, and With the at least one movable part positioned at the first height relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing, the at least one first region, the at least one second region, and the at least one third region of the outer surface are flush with each other, and With the at least one movable part positioned at the second height relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing, the at least one second region of the outer surface is positioned relative to the at least one first region of the outer surface on the other side or one side of the first direction, and the at least one third region of the outer surface is inclined from the at least one second region of the outer surface toward the at least one first region of the outer surface.

5. The touch sensing device according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein When the first surface of the at least one second portion of the flexible layer returns from the fourth height position to the third height position relative to the first surface of the at least one first portion of the flexible layer, and the at least one movable portion moves from the second height position to the first height position relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing, or alternatively, when the first surface of the at least one second portion of the flexible layer returns from the third height position to the fourth height position relative to the first surface of the at least one first portion of the flexible layer, and the at least one movable portion moves from the first height position to the second height position relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing, the flexible layer is configured to partially self-recover or partially stretch.

6. The touch sensing device according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein The covering portion further includes an outermost layer, which includes the outer surface and is located on one side relative to the flexible layer in the first direction. The outermost layer is configured to partially flex as the flexible layer flexes, or alternatively, to partially contract as the flexible layer contracts.

7. The touch sensing device according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein The cover further includes a buffer layer disposed between the assembly of the housing and the at least one movable part and the flexible layer, the buffer layer comprising: At least one first portion, the at least one first portion being located between the at least one first portion of the flexible layer and the first surface of the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing; as well as At least one second portion, which is located between the at least one second portion of the flexible layer and the first surface of the at least one movable portion.

8. The touch sensing device according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein The at least one touch sensor is disposed on the first surface of the at least one movable part, and The at least one second portion of the flexible layer is indirectly fixed to the first surface of the at least one movable part via the at least one touch sensor.

9. The touch sensing device according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein, The at least one lifting actuator is a solenoid.

10. The touch sensing device according to claim 2 or 4, wherein The outer surface also includes: At least one decorative protrusion protruding toward one side in the first direction and / or at least one decorative recess recessing toward the other side in the first direction, the at least one decorative protrusion and / or the at least one decorative recess located between the at least one first region and the at least one second region, and With the at least one movable portion positioned relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing at the first height position, the at least one first region and the at least one second region of the outer surface are flush with each other, except for the at least one decorative protrusion and / or the at least one decorative recess.

11. The touch sensing device according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein, The touch sensing device also includes a controller configured to drive the at least one lifting actuator upon receiving at least one deformation indication.

12. The touch sensing device according to claim 11, wherein... The at least one touch sensor is configured to change or output an electrical signal based on the contact between the detected object and the touch area of ​​the outer surface of the cover, and The controller is also configured to determine whether a change in the electrical signal of the at least one touch sensor or a reception indication of the electrical signal is received by the at least one deformation indication.

13. The touch sensing device according to claim 11, wherein, The touch sensing device further includes a proximity detector configured to output the at least one deformation indication to the controller based on the proximity of a detected object to the touch area of ​​the outer surface of the cover.

14. The touch sensing device according to claim 12, wherein The controller is also configured to, upon receiving the at least one deformation indication, detect positional information regarding the contact between the detected object and the touch area based on changes in electrical signals in the at least one touch sensor or the reception of electrical signals from the at least one touch sensor.

15. The touch sensing device of claim 11, wherein... The at least one touch sensor is a touch panel configured to change or output an electrical signal based on the operation input of the detected object on the touch area of ​​the outer surface of the cover. The controller is further configured to detect information about the operation input based on changes in electrical signals in or from the at least one touch sensor, and to determine whether the detected information about the operation input matches predetermined information about the operation input recorded in a memory. The controller is further configured such that if the controller determines that the detected information about the operation input matches the information about the operation input in the memory, the controller determines that the detected information about the operation input indicates that the at least one deformation indication has been received.

16. The touch sensing device according to claim 15, wherein The controller is also configured to, upon receiving the at least one deformation indication, detect information regarding the operational input of the detected object to the touch area based on a change in the electrical signal in the at least one touch sensor or the reception of an electrical signal from the at least one touch sensor.

17. The touch sensing device of claim 11, wherein... The at least one touch sensor is a touch panel configured to change or output an electrical signal based on the operation input of the detected object on the touch area of ​​the outer surface of the cover. The controller is further configured to, upon receiving the at least one deformation indication, detect information about the operation input based on a change in the electrical signal in the at least one touch sensor or the reception of an electrical signal from the at least one touch sensor, and determine whether the detected information about the operation input matches predetermined information about the operation input recorded in a memory.

18. The touch sensing device according to claim 16, wherein The controller is further configured such that if the controller determines that the detected information about the operation input matches the information about the operation input in the memory, the controller detects information about the operation input of the detected object to the touch area based on a change in the electrical signal in the at least one touch sensor or the reception of an electrical signal from the at least one touch sensor.

19. The touch sensing device according to claim 14, further comprising at least one vibration generator for applying vibration to the at least one movable part. in, The controller is also configured to drive the at least one vibration generator based on a change in the electrical signal in the at least one touch sensor or the reception of an electrical signal from the at least one touch sensor.

20. The touch sensing device according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein The edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing and / or the movable portion includes a stepped portion, and The outermost layer extends along the stepped portion.

21. The touch sensing device according to claim 1, wherein The outer surface of the cover includes: At least one first region, which is located on one side of the first direction relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing; as well as At least one second region, located on one side of the at least one movable part in the first direction, wherein at least one of the at least one second region includes a touch area to be touched by the detected object. With the at least one movable part positioned relative to the edge portion of the at least one opening of the housing at either the first height position or the second height position, the at least one first region of the outer surface is located on the other side or one side of the first direction relative to the at least one second region of the outer surface, and A step is formed in the portion between the at least one first region and the at least one second region of the outer surface.

22. The touch sensing device according to claim 3, wherein, At least the at least one third portion of the flexible layer is translucent.

23. The touch sensing device according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein The at least one opening in the housing is circular, and The movable part has a disc-shaped cross-section in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

24. The touch sensing device according to claim 11, wherein At least one opening of the housing includes multiple openings. The at least one movable part includes a plurality of movable parts disposed in the corresponding opening. The at least one first portion and the at least one second portion of the flexible layer each include a plurality of first portions and a plurality of second portions. The at least one lifting actuator includes a plurality of lifting actuators, and each lifting actuator is configured to move a corresponding one of the movable portions in the first direction, or alternatively, to move a corresponding one of the edge portions of the opening of the housing. The at least one deformation indicator includes multiple deformation indicators, and The controller is also configured to drive each of the lifting actuators according to a corresponding one of the received deformation instructions.

25. The touch sensing device according to claim 11, wherein The at least one movable part includes a plurality of movable parts disposed in the at least one opening. The at least one first portion and the at least one second portion of the flexible layer each include a plurality of first portions and a plurality of second portions. The at least one lifting actuator includes a plurality of lifting actuators, and each lifting actuator is configured to move a corresponding one of the movable parts in the first direction. The at least one deformation indicator includes multiple deformation indicators, and The controller is also configured to drive each of the lifting actuators according to a corresponding one of the received deformation instructions.

26. The touch sensing device according to claim 24, wherein The plurality of movable parts includes at least one first movable part and at least one second movable part. The edge portion of the opening includes at least one edge portion of a first opening and at least one edge portion of a second opening. The plurality of lifting actuators includes at least one first lifting actuator and at least one second lifting actuator. The at least one first lifting actuator is configured to move the edge portion of the at least one first movable portion or the at least one first opening in the first direction to move the at least one first movable portion relative to the edge portion of the at least one first opening from the first height position to the second height position, and The at least one second lifting actuator is configured to move the edge portion of the at least one second movable portion or the at least one second opening in the first direction to move the at least one second movable portion relative to the edge portion of the at least one second opening from the first height position to the second height position.

27. The touch sensing device according to claim 24, wherein The controller is further configured to detect information regarding an operation input by a detected object to the touch area of ​​the outer surface of the cover portion based on changes in electrical signals in the at least one touch sensor or based on the reception of electrical signals from the at least one touch sensor, and to determine whether the detected information regarding the operation input matches at least one piece of information regarding the operation input recorded in a memory. The controller is further configured such that if the controller determines that the detected information about the operation input matches at least one piece of information about the operation input in the memory, the controller determines that the detected information about the operation input indicates that the deformation indication has been received, and The controller is also configured to drive at least one or all of the lifting actuators corresponding to the deformation indication upon receiving the deformation indication.

28. The touch sensing device of claim 23, wherein... The at least one touch sensor includes multiple touch sensors, and Each touch sensor is disposed at a corresponding location in the movable part or at intervals on the other side of the first direction relative to a corresponding location in the movable part.

29. The touch sensing device according to claim 28, wherein The multiple touch sensors constitute a touch panel. The touch sensing device further includes a controller configured to detect information regarding an operational input by a detected object to a touch area on the outer surface of the cover, based on various changes in electrical signals in the touch sensor or on various receptions of electrical signals from the touch sensor, and to determine whether the detected information regarding the operational input matches any of a plurality of pieces of information regarding various types of operational input recorded in a memory. The controller is further configured such that if the controller determines that the detected information about the operation input matches one of the information about multiple types of operation input in the memory, the controller determines that the detected information about the operation input indicates the receipt of a variant indication corresponding to one of the information about multiple types of operation input. The controller is also configured to drive one or more of the lifting actuators corresponding to the received deformation indication.

30. The touch sensing device according to claim 24, wherein One of the at least one touch sensor is disposed at intervals on the other side of the first direction relative to the plurality of movable parts, and is configured to detect a detection object that contacts a touch area corresponding to the plurality of movable parts.

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