input device

Abstract

An input device includes an operation surface that accepts an operation by an approaching operation body, and a plurality of first detection electrodes that are arranged along the operation surface so as to extend in parallel with each other in a first direction, each of the plurality of first detection electrodes including a plurality of detection surfaces arranged in the first direction, and a first current path portion that extends in a straight line in the first direction and connects the plurality of detection surfaces, each of the plurality of detection surfaces including one or a plurality of second current path portions, and a pair of first connection portions that connect the one or the plurality of second current path portions and the first current path portion in parallel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an input device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, a technique has been known in which, in an input device in which proximity of an operation body to an operation surface is detected based on electrostatic capacitance values of a plurality of detection electrodes, for each of a plurality of detection electrodes orthogonal to each other, a proximity position of the operation body in the electrode is detected based on a ratio of an electrostatic capacitance value detected by a detection portion on one end side of the electrode to an electrostatic capacitance value detected by a detection portion on the other end side of the electrode (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1).

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-132867 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] However, in the past, in a case where the length of each detection electrode is short, the length of the current path in each detection electrode cannot be ensured to be sufficient, and thus the resistance value of each detection electrode cannot be sufficiently increased. In this case, even in a case where the operation body approaches the operation surface, the change in the electrostatic capacitance value in each detection electrode is hardly generated in the past input device, and thus high-precision proximity detection cannot be performed.

[0008] Therefore, for example, in the past, in a case where the length of the current path of each detection electrode is short, a sufficient resistance value of each detection electrode cannot be obtained, and high-precision proximity detection cannot be performed. Also, for example, in the past, in a case where a low-resistance and inexpensive electrode film is used for each detection electrode, a sufficient resistance value of each detection electrode cannot be obtained, and high-precision proximity detection cannot be performed.

[0009] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] The input device of one embodiment includes an operation surface that accepts an operation by an approaching operation body, and a plurality of first detection electrodes that are arranged along the operation surface and extend in parallel to each other in a first direction. Each of the plurality of first detection electrodes includes a plurality of first detection surfaces arranged in the first direction, and a first current path portion that extends in a straight line in the first direction and connects the plurality of first detection surfaces. Each of the plurality of first detection surfaces includes one or a plurality of second current path portions, and a pair of first connection portions that connect the one or the plurality of second current path portions and the first current path portion in parallel.

[0011] -Effects of Invention-

[0012] According to one embodiment, in an input device in which proximity detection of an operating body with respect to an operating surface is performed based on electrostatic capacitance values of a plurality of detection electrodes, it is possible to easily adjust resistance values in the detection electrodes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a view that shows a structure of an input device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 is a view that shows an electrical connection structure of an input device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 is a view that shows a structure of a first detection surface provided to a first detection electrode according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 is a view that shows a structure of a second detection surface provided to a second detection electrode according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 is a view that shows a relationship between a distance of a pair of connection portions in a first detection surface provided to a first detection electrode according to one embodiment and a resistance value.

[0018] Figure 6 is a view that shows a first modification example of a first detection surface provided to a first detection electrode according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 is a view that shows a second modification example of a first detection surface provided to a first detection electrode according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] (Structure of Input Device 100)

[0022] Figure 1 is a view that shows a structure of an input device 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 1 , the input device 100 is, for example, a touch panel or the like that utilizes electrostatic capacitance detection of a self-capacitance system, and includes an operating surface 102, a plurality of (two in the example shown in Figure 1 , first detection electrodes 110 (first detection electrodes 110a to 110b), and a plurality of (eight in the example shown in Figure 1 , second detection electrodes 120 (second detection electrodes 120a to 120h). Among them, Figure 1The example shown is one example, and the number of the first detection electrode 110 and the number of the second detection electrode 120 can be any number.

[0023] In addition, Figure 1 To facilitate the distinction between the first detection electrode 110 and the second detection electrode 120, the first detection electrode 110 is marked with a shaded line, while the second detection electrode 120 is not marked with a shaded line.

[0024] The operating surface 102 is a horizontally elongated rectangular plane (parallel to the XY plane) viewed from above (positive Z-axis direction). The operating surface 102 is the surface on which the operating body (e.g., the fingers of an operator's hand) receives the operation. The operating surface 102 is formed, for example, from a sheet-like component (e.g., a resin plate, glass plate, etc.).

[0025] The first detection electrodes 110a to 110b are arranged along the operating surface 102. Each of the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b is a detection electrode extending laterally (in the X-axis direction, an example of the "first direction"). Multiple first detection electrodes 110a to 110b are spaced apart and arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction (in the Y-axis direction, an example of the "second direction"). Furthermore, each of the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b is orthogonally arranged to each of the second detection electrodes 120a to 120h.

[0026] The first detection electrodes 110a-110b each have multiple (in) Figure 1 In the example shown, nine first detection surfaces 112 are arranged linearly in the transverse (X-axis direction). In this embodiment, each of the first detection surfaces 112 has a rhomboid shape, but it does not necessarily have to be a rhomboid shape; it can also have a polygonal shape other than a rhomboid. The multiple first detection surfaces 112 are interconnected by a first current path portion 114 extending linearly in the transverse (X-axis direction). In other words, the multiple first detection electrodes 110a to 110b each have multiple first detection surfaces 112 arranged in the X-axis direction (first direction) and a first current path portion 114 extending linearly in the X-axis direction (first direction) and connecting the multiple first detection surfaces 112.

[0027] That is, in Figure 1 In the example shown, in the input device 100, 18 rhomboid first detection surfaces 112 are arranged in a 2-row × 9-column matrix via first detection electrodes 110a to 110b. Each of the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b has a detection section D1 for detecting electrostatic capacitance at its left end and a detection section D2 for detecting electrostatic capacitance at its right end.

[0028] The second detection electrodes 120a to 120h are arranged along the operating surface 102. The plurality of second detection electrodes 120a to 120h extend parallel to each other in a second direction (Y-axis direction) different from the first direction (X-axis direction). That is, each of the second detection electrodes 120a to 120h is a detection electrode extending longitudinally (Y-axis direction). Furthermore, the plurality of second detection electrodes 120a to 120h are spaced apart and arranged parallel to each other in the transverse direction (X-axis direction). In addition, each of the second detection electrodes 120a to 120h is orthogonally arranged to each of the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b.

[0029] The second detection electrode 120a-120h will have multiple (in) Figure 1 In the example shown, three second detection surfaces 122 are arranged linearly in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). In this embodiment, each of the multiple second detection surfaces 122 has a rhomboid shape, but it does not necessarily have to be a rhomboid shape; it may also have a polygonal shape other than a rhomboid. The multiple second detection surfaces 122 are interconnected by a third current path portion 124 extending linearly in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). In other words, the multiple second detection electrodes 120a to 120h each have multiple second detection surfaces 122 arranged along the Y-axis direction (second direction) and a third current path portion 124 extending linearly along the Y-axis direction (second direction) and connecting the multiple second detection surfaces 122.

[0030] That is, in Figure 1 In the example shown, in the input device 100, 24 second detection surfaces 122 are arranged in a matrix of 3 rows × 8 columns via 8 second detection electrodes 120a to 120h. Each of the second detection electrodes 120a to 120h has a detection section D3 for detecting electrostatic capacitance at its upper end and a detection section D4 for detecting electrostatic capacitance at its lower end.

[0031] In addition, the multiple second detection surfaces 122 of the second detection electrodes 120a to 120h are all disposed in the gaps between the multiple first detection surfaces 112, so as not to overlap with the multiple first detection surfaces 112 of the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b.

[0032] Furthermore, the intersections of the first current path portion 114 of the first detection electrode 110 and the third current path portion 124 of the second detection electrode 120 are made so that the first current path portion 114 and the third current path portion 124 are insulated from each other, so that the first current path portion 114 and the third current path portion 124 are not connected to each other.

[0033] Furthermore, the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b and the second detection electrodes 120a to 120h are all formed using inexpensive, thin-film materials with conductivity.

[0034] (Electric connection structure of input device 100)

[0035] Figure 2 is a view that shows an electric connection structure of the input device 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 2 , the input device 100 has, in addition to the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b and the second detection electrodes 120a to 120h explained in Figure 1 , a detection circuit 130.

[0036] The detection circuit 130 is connected to the detection portions D1 and D2 of each of the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b. Further, the detection circuit 130 is connected to the detection portions D3 and D4 of each of the second detection electrodes 120a to 120h.

[0037] In the input device 100, the electrostatic capacitance values of the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b and the second detection electrodes 120a to 120h each change according to the approaching state of the operation body with respect to the operation surface 102.

[0038] The detection circuit 130 is driven by supplying an alternating voltage to each of the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b. Further, the detection circuit 130 can detect the electrostatic capacitance value in the detection portion D1 of the left end portion and the electrostatic capacitance value in the detection portion D2 of the right end portion for each of the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b. Furthermore, the detection circuit 130 can determine the approaching position of the operation body based on the electrostatic capacitance value in the detection portion D1 and the electrostatic capacitance value in the detection portion D2 for each of the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b. In such a surface type detection method, the detection value is determined according to the ratio of the resistance values from the approaching position of the operation body to the detection portions D1 and D2, and thus each of the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b needs to have a certain degree of resistance value.

[0039] For example, in a case where the operation body approaches the center of the first detection electrode 110, the electrostatic capacitance value in the detection portion D1 is approximately equal to the electrostatic capacitance value in the detection portion D2.

[0040] Further, for example, in a case where the operation body approaches a position closer to the detection portion D1 than the center in the first detection electrode 110, the electrostatic capacitance value in the detection portion D1 is greater than the electrostatic capacitance value in the detection portion D2. In particular, since the resistance value from the approaching position to the detection portion D1 becomes smaller and the resistance value from the approaching position to the detection portion D2 becomes larger as the approaching position of the operation body becomes closer to the detection portion D1, the electrostatic capacitance value in the detection portion D1 becomes larger and the electrostatic capacitance value in the detection portion D2 becomes smaller.

[0041] Further, for example, in a case where the operation body is close to a position closer to the detection section D2 side than the center in the first detection electrode 110, the electrostatic capacity value in the detection section D2 is larger than the electrostatic capacity value in the detection section Dl. In particular, since the resistance value from the close position to the detection section D2 becomes smaller and the resistance value from the close position to the detection section Dl becomes larger as the close position of the operation body becomes closer to the detection section D2, the electrostatic capacity value in the detection section D2 becomes larger and the electrostatic capacity value in the detection section Dl becomes smaller.

[0042] Therefore, the detection circuit 130 can determine the close position of the operation body based on the electrostatic capacity value in the detection section Dl and the electrostatic capacity value in the detection section D2 for each of the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b.

[0043] Likewise, the detection circuit 130 drives each of the second detection electrodes 120a to 120h by supplying an alternating voltage. Also, the detection circuit 130 can detect the electrostatic capacity value in the upper end detection section D3 and the electrostatic capacity value in the lower end detection section D4 for each of the second detection electrodes 120a to 120h. Further, the detection circuit 130 can determine the close position of the operation body based on the electrostatic capacity value in the detection section D3 and the electrostatic capacity value in the detection section D4 for each of the second detection electrodes 120a to 120h.

[0044] (Structure of first detection surface 112)

[0045] Figure 3 is a view showing the structure of each of the plurality of first detection surfaces 112 provided in the first detection electrode 110 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 3 the first detection surface 112 is configured to include a plurality of second current path sections 301, 302 and a pair of first connection sections 311, 312.

[0046] The plurality of second current path sections 301, 302 are arranged in opposition to each other in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) with the first current path section 114 interposed therebetween. The plurality of second current path sections 301, 302 have a shape that is linearly symmetrical with respect to the first current path section 114.

[0047] Specifically, the second current path section 301 is arranged slightly separated from the first current path section 114 on the front side (positive side of the Y-axis) of the first current path section 114. The second current path section 301 has an isosceles triangle shape with its base parallel to the first current path section 114.

[0048] On the other hand, the second current path section 302 is arranged slightly separated from the first current path section 114 on the rear side (negative side of the Y-axis) of the first current path section 114. The second current path section 302 has an isosceles triangle shape with its base parallel to the first current path section 114.

[0049] A pair of first connecting portions 311, 312 connects the second current path portions 301 and 302. Specifically, the pair of first connecting portions 311, 312 is arranged in the lateral direction (X-axis direction) between the bottom edge portion of the second current path portion 301 and the bottom edge portion of the second current path portion 302. The pair of first connecting portions 311, 312 each extends linearly in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) and are parallel to each other.

[0050] The pair of first connecting portions 311, 312 each connects the upper end portion with the bottom edge portion of the second current path portion 301 and the lower end portion with the bottom edge portion of the second current path portion 302. Further, the pair of first connecting portions 311, 312 is orthogonal to the first current path portion 114, respectively. Further, the pair of first connecting portions 311, 312 is formed integrally with the first current path portion 114 and the plurality of second current path portions 301, 302, respectively.

[0051] The first detection surface 112 has the pair of first connecting portions 311, 312, and thereby has the first current path passing through the first current path portion 114 and the second current path passing through the plurality of second current path portions 301, 302 between the pair of first connecting portions 311, 312. In the present embodiment, the first detection surface 112 has the plurality of second current path portions 301, 302, but it is not necessarily required to be plural, and it can be a structure having only one second current path portion 301 (or 302). In other words, the plurality of first detection surfaces 112 each has one or more second current path portions 301, 302 and a pair of first connecting portions 311, 312 connecting the one or more second current path portions 301, 302 and the first current path portion 114 in parallel.

[0052] Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the pair of first connecting portions 311, 312 has a lateral (X-axis direction) interval LI in the first detection surface 112 provided in the first detection electrode 110. The first detection surface 112 can adjust the resistance value of the entire first detection surface 112 (i.e., the resistance value between both ends of the first current path portion 114 passing through the first detection surface 112) by adjusting the interval LI. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the first detection surface 112 has a first detection surface 112a having a first interval LIa and a first detection surface 112b having a second interval LIb. The first interval LIa is larger than the second interval LIb. Figure 3 Figure 5 ​As will be described later, as the interval LI becomes larger, the resistance value of the first detection surface 112 as a whole of the first detection surface 112 becomes smaller. Therefore, the first detection surface 112 of the present embodiment can set the resistance value of the first detection surface 112 as a whole to a desired resistance value without changing the areas of the second current path portions 301, 302 by adjusting the interval LI of the pair of first connection portions 311, 312. As described above, in the surface-type detection method, each of the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b needs to have a certain degree of resistance value. Therefore, the plurality of first detection electrodes 110a to 110b respectively adjust the interval LI of the pair of first connection portions 311, 312 so that each of the plurality of first detection surfaces 112 has a first given resistance value as a whole. Here, the first given resistance value is a resistance value at which the surface-type electrostatic capacity detection can be performed, and is a value determined by the designer by adjusting the interval LI.

[0053] (Structure of Second Detection Surface 122)

[0054] Figure 4 is a view that schematically shows a structure of a second detection surface 122 that the second detection electrode 120 according to one embodiment is provided with. As shown in Figure 4 , the second detection surface 122 is configured to be provided with a plurality of fourth current path portions 401, 402 and a pair of second connection portions 411, 412.

[0055] The plurality of fourth current path portions 401, 402 are arranged in opposition to each other in the lateral direction (X-axis direction) with the third current path portion 124 interposed therebetween. The plurality of fourth current path portions 401, 402 have shapes that are linearly symmetrical with respect to the third current path portion 124.

[0056] Specifically, the fourth current path portion 401 is arranged slightly apart from the third current path portion 124 on the left side (negative side of the X-axis) of the third current path portion 124. The fourth current path portion 401 has an isosceles triangle shape whose base is parallel to the third current path portion 124.

[0057] On the other hand, the fourth current path portion 402 is arranged slightly apart from the third current path portion 124 on the right side (positive side of the X-axis) of the third current path portion 124. The fourth current path portion 402 has an isosceles triangle shape whose base is parallel to the third current path portion 124.

[0058] The pair of second connection portions 411, 412 connects the fourth current path portion 401 and the fourth current path portion 402. Specifically, the pair of second connection portions 411, 412 is arranged in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) between the bottom edge portion of the fourth current path portion 401 and the bottom edge portion of the fourth current path portion 402. The pair of second connection portions 411, 412 each extend linearly in the lateral direction (X-axis direction) and are parallel to each other.

[0059] The pair of second connection portions 411, 412 each connects the left end portion with the bottom edge portion of the fourth current path portion 401 and the right end portion with the bottom edge portion of the fourth current path portion 402. Further, the pair of second connection portions 411, 412 is orthogonal to the third current path portion 124, respectively. Further, the pair of second connection portions 411, 412 is formed integrally with the third current path portion 124 and the plurality of fourth current path portions 401, 402, respectively.

[0060] The second detection surface 122 has the pair of second connection portions 411, 412, and thus has the third current path passing through the third current path portion 124 and the fourth current path passing through the plurality of fourth current path portions 401, 402 between the pair of second connection portions 411, 412. In the present embodiment, the second detection surface 122 has the plurality of fourth current path portions 401, 402, but it is not necessarily required to be a plurality of fourth current path portions 401, 402, and it can be a structure having only one fourth current path portion 401 (or 402). In other words, the plurality of second detection surfaces 122 each has one or more fourth current path portions 401, 402 and a pair of second connection portions 411, 412 connecting the one or more fourth current path portions 401, 402 and the third current path portion 124 in parallel.

[0061] Here, in the second detection surface 122 provided in the second detection electrode 120, the pair of second connection portions 411, 412 has a spacing L2 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). The second detection surface 122 can adjust the resistance value of the entire second detection surface 122 (i.e., the resistance value between both ends of the third current path portion 124 passing through the second detection surface 122) by adjusting the spacing L2. Specifically, the second detection surface 122, like the first detection surface 112, has a smaller resistance value of the entire second detection surface 122 as the spacing L2 becomes larger. Thus, the second detection surface 122 of the present embodiment can have a desired resistance value of the entire second detection surface 122 by adjusting the spacing L2 of the pair of second connection portions 411, 412.

[0062] As described above, in the surface type detection method, each of the second detection electrodes 120a to 120h needs to have a certain degree of resistance value. Therefore, the plurality of second detection electrodes 120a to 120h respectively adjust the interval L2 of the pair of second connection portions 411, 412 so that each of the plurality of second detection surfaces 122 has a second given resistance value as a whole. Here, the second given resistance value is a resistance value at which the electrostatic capacity detection based on the surface type detection method is possible, and is a value determined by the designer by adjusting the interval L2.

[0063] In addition, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3 , each of the first detection surfaces 112 provided to each of the first detection electrodes 110 has a relatively large interval Ll of the pair of first connection portions 311, 312. Thus, each of the first detection surfaces 112 provided to each of the first detection electrodes 110 has a resistance value as a whole of the first detection surface 112 that is a first given resistance value predetermined according to the aspect ratio of the operation surface 102, which is relatively small.

[0064] As shown in Figure 1 , the operation surface 102 has a horizontally long rectangular shape. In conjunction with this, the length of each of the first detection electrodes 110 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) becomes relatively long according to the length of the operation surface 102 in the horizontal direction, and the number of the first detection surfaces 112 in each of the first detection electrodes 110 is also a relatively large number (nine in the example shown in Figure 1 ). Therefore, each of the first detection electrodes 110 can obtain a relatively large resistance value as a whole of the first detection electrode 110 even though the resistance value of each of the first detection surfaces 112 is small. Thus, each of the first detection electrodes 110 easily detects a change in the electrostatic capacity value.

[0065] In contrast to this, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 4 , each of the second detection surfaces 122 provided to each of the second detection electrodes 120 has a relatively small interval L2 of the pair of second connection portions 411, 412. Thus, each of the second detection surfaces 122 provided to each of the second detection electrodes 120 has a resistance value as a whole of the second detection surface 122 that is a second given resistance value predetermined according to the aspect ratio of the operation surface 102, which is relatively large.

[0066] As shown in Figure 1 , the length of each of the second detection electrodes 120 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) becomes relatively short according to the length of the operation surface 102 in the vertical direction, and the number of the second detection surfaces 122 in each of the second detection electrodes 120 is also a relatively small number (one in the example shown in Figure 1In the example shown, the interval L2 of the pair of second connection portions 411, 412 is 3. Thus, each second detection electrode 120 minimizes the interval L2 of the pair of second connection portions 411, 412 to maximize the resistance value of each second detection surface 122, thereby obtaining a comparatively large resistance value as a whole of the second detection electrode 120. Thus, each second detection electrode 120 easily detects a change in electrostatic capacity value.

[0067] (Relationship between interval L1 and resistance value)

[0068] Figure 5 is a graph showing a relationship between the interval L1 of the pair of first connection portions 311, 312 on the first detection surface 112 provided to the first detection electrode 110 according to one embodiment and the resistance value. In the graph shown, the vertical axis represents the resistance value as a whole of the first detection surface 112, and the horizontal axis represents the interval L1 of the pair of first connection portions 311, 312 on the first detection surface 112. Figure 5 In the graph shown, the vertical axis represents the resistance value as a whole of the first detection surface 112, and the horizontal axis represents the interval L1 of the pair of first connection portions 311, 312 on the first detection surface 112.

[0069] As shown in Figure 5 the first detection surface 112 according to the present embodiment becomes smaller as the interval L1 of the pair of first connection portions 311, 312 becomes larger. It is considered that this is because the current path of the second current path portions 301, 302 connected in parallel to the first current path portion 114 between the pair of first connection portions 311, 312 becomes longer, that is, the combined resistance value of the first current path portion 114 and the second current path portions 301, 302 between the pair of first connection portions 311, 312 becomes lower.

[0070] Thus, the first detection surface 112 according to the present embodiment can set the resistance value as a whole of the first detection surface 112 to a desired resistance value without changing the area of the first detection surface 112 by adjusting the interval L1 of the pair of first connection portions 311, 312.

[0071] In addition, since the second detection surface 122 provided to the second detection electrode 120 has the same structure as the first detection surface 112 provided to the first detection electrode 110, as with the first detection surface 112, the resistance value as a whole of the second detection surface 122 becomes smaller as the interval L2 of the pair of connection portions 411, 412 becomes larger. Thus, the second detection surface 122 according to the present embodiment can set the resistance value as a whole of the second detection surface 122 to a desired resistance value without changing the area of the second detection surface 122 by adjusting the interval L2 of the pair of connection portions 411, 412.

[0072] (First modified example of first detection surface 112)

[0073] Figure 6is a view that shows a first modification example of the first detection surface 112 that the first detection electrode 110 according to one embodiment is provided with. Figure 6 The first detection surface 112A shown in the drawing makes the positions of the pair of first connection portions 311, 312 in the lateral direction different from those of the first detection surface 112 shown in the drawing. Figure 3 The first detection surface 112 shown in the drawing is changed.

[0074] Specifically, in the first detection surface 112A shown in the drawing, the first connection portion 311 is changed to a position that connects the left end portion of the second current path portion 301 and the left end portion of the second current path portion 302. In addition, the first connection portion 312 is changed to a position that connects the right end portion of the second current path portion 301 and the right end portion of the second current path portion 302. Figure 6

[0075] Thus, the first detection surface 112A becomes a surface in which the interval L1 of the pair of first connection portions 311, 312 is maximized. That is, the first detection surface 112A becomes a surface in which the resistance value of the entire first detection surface 112 (i.e., the resistance value between both ends of the first current path portion 114 that penetrates the first detection surface 112) is minimized.

[0076] (Second Modification Example of First Detection Surface 112)

[0077] Figure 7 is a view that shows a second modification example of the first detection surface 112 that the first detection electrode 110 according to one embodiment is provided with. Figure 7 The electrode shape of the first detection surface 112B shown in the drawing is different from that of the first detection surface 112 (refer to Figure 3 ) and the first detection surface 112A (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0078] Specifically, the second current path portion 301 that the first detection surface 112B is provided with has three current path portions 301a, 301b, 301c that extend in parallel with each other in the lateral direction (X-axis direction). In addition, in the second current path portion 301, two current path portions that are adjacent to each other are connected by a pair of connection portions 313 that extend in parallel with each other in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). Thus, the second current path portion 301 has three current paths of the three current path portions 301a, 301b, 301c.

[0079] ​Furthermore, the second current path portion 302 of the first detection surface 112B has three current path portions 302a, 302b, and 302c that extend parallel to each other in the transverse direction (X-axis direction). In addition, in the second current path portion 302, two adjacent current path portions are connected by a pair of connecting portions 314 that extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). Thus, the second current path portion 302 has three current paths formed by the three current path portions 302a, 302b, and 302c.

[0080] Furthermore, the second current path section 301 and the second current path section 302 are connected to each other by a pair of first connecting sections 311 and 312 that extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction), and are also connected to the first current path section 114.

[0081] like Figure 7 As shown, each first detection surface 112 of each first detection electrode 110 can be of any shape, that is, it can be neither a rhombus shape nor a polygon shape.

[0082] Furthermore, the first detection surface 112 has multiple current paths through the second current path section 301 and the second current path section 302, and each of the second current path section 301 and the second current path section 302 can adjust the resistance value. Therefore, a more precise adjustment of the overall resistance value of the first detection surface 112 can be performed.

[0083] As described above, one embodiment of the input device 100 includes: an operation surface 102 for receiving operation by approaching an operation body; and first detection electrodes 110a to 110b arranged along the operation surface 102 and extending parallel to each other in the lateral direction. The first detection electrodes 110a to 110b each have a plurality of first detection surfaces 112 arranged in the lateral direction and a first current path portion 114 extending in a straight line in the lateral direction and connecting the plurality of first detection surfaces. The plurality of first detection surfaces 112 each have a plurality of second current path portions 301, 302 and a pair of first connecting portions 311, 312 that connect the plurality of second current path portions 301, 302 and the first current path portions 114 in parallel.

[0084] Thus, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can easily adjust the resistance value of the first detection surface 112 without changing the area of the first detection surface 112. Also, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can easily increase the resistance value of each first detection electrode 110 by adjusting the resistance value of each first detection surface 112 of each first detection electrode 110. Thus, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, in a case where electrostatic capacity detection using the surface type principle is performed, even in a case where the current path of each first detection electrode 110 is relatively short, by easily increasing the resistance value of each first detection electrode 110, high-precision proximity detection can be achieved. Further, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, even in a case where a low-resistance and inexpensive electrode film is used for each first detection electrode 110, the resistance value of each first detection electrode 110 can be easily increased, and thus the cost involved in each first detection electrode 110 can be reduced. That is, electrostatic capacity detection using the surface type principle requires, as described above, a material having a certain degree of resistance value to be used for a detection electrode, but the present application can perform adjustment of the resistance value, and thus even without using a material having a high resistance value and a high cost such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), inexpensive materials can be used for proximity detection of an operation body based on electrostatic capacity detection regardless of the level of the resistance value. Further, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can adjust the resistance value of the first detection surface 112 without changing the area of the second current path portion 301, 302 of the first detection surface 112, and thus can adjust the resistance value of the first detection surface 112 without affecting the detection sensitivity of the first detection surface 112.

[0085] Further, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, each of the first detection electrodes 110a to 110b adjusts the interval L1 of the pair of first connection portions 311, 312 so that each of the plurality of first detection surfaces 112 has a first given resistance value as a whole.

[0086] Thus, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can easily adjust the resistance value of the first detection surface 112 by adjusting the interval L1 of the pair of first connection portions 311, 312.

[0087] Further, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, each of the plurality of first detection surfaces 112 has a rhombus shape.

[0088] Thus, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can cover a wide range of the operation surface 102 by the plurality of first detection surfaces 112.

[0089] Further, the input device 100 according to one embodiment is provided with second detection electrodes 120a to 120h arranged along the operation surface 102 and extending in parallel with each other in the longitudinal direction, each of the second detection electrodes 120a to 120h having a plurality of second detection surfaces 122 arranged in the longitudinal direction and a third current path portion 124 extending linearly in the longitudinal direction and connecting the plurality of second detection surfaces 122, and each of the plurality of second detection surfaces 122 having a plurality of fourth current path portions 401, 402 and a pair of second connection portions 411, 412 connecting the plurality of fourth current path portions 401, 402 and the third current path portion 124 in parallel.

[0090] Thus, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can individually and easily adjust the resistance value of each of the plurality of first detection electrodes 110 extending in the lateral direction and the resistance value of each of the plurality of second detection electrodes 120 extending in the longitudinal direction, and thus can be applied to input devices having various aspect ratios of the operation surface 102.

[0091] Further, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the second detection electrodes 120a to 120h individually adjust the interval L2 of the pair of second connection portions 411, 412 so that each of the plurality of second detection surfaces 122 has a second given resistance value as a whole.

[0092] Thus, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can easily adjust the resistance value of the second detection surface 122 without changing the area of the second detection surface 122 by adjusting the interval L2 of the pair of second connection portions 411, 412.

[0093] Further, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the plurality of second detection surfaces 122 each have a rhombus shape.

[0094] Thus, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can cover a wide range of the operation surface 102 by the plurality of second detection surfaces 122.

[0095] Further, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the interval L1 of the pair of first connection portions 311, 312 and the interval L2 of the pair of second connection portions 411, 412 are adjusted based on the aspect ratio of the operation surface. That is, the first given resistance value and the second given resistance value are values determined in advance based on the aspect ratio of the operation surface 102.

[0096] Thus, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can appropriately perform proximity detection with respect to the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the operation surface 102 by appropriately adjusting the first given resistance value and the second given resistance value according to the aspect ratio of the operation surface 102.

[0097] The above describes one embodiment of the present application, but the present application is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present application recited in the claims.

[0098] For example, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the operation surface 102 does not necessarily have to be a horizontally long rectangular shape when viewed from above, and the present application can be applied to various shapes. Furthermore, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the plurality of first detection surfaces 112 can each have a polygonal shape other than a rhombic shape. Thus, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can cover a wide range of the operation surface 102 by the plurality of first detection surfaces 112.

[0099] Further, for example, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the plurality of first detection surfaces 112 can each have one or more than three second current path portions.

[0100] Further, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the plurality of second detection surfaces 122 can each have a polygonal shape other than a rhombic shape. Thus, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can cover a wide range of the operation surface 102 by the plurality of second detection surfaces 122.

[0101] Further, for example, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the plurality of second detection surfaces 122 can each have one or more than three fourth current path portions.

[0102] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-006898 filed on January 20, 2020, and the entire contents of the application are incorporated into this international application.

[0103] -Explanation of Reference Numerals-

[0104] 100 input device

[0105] 102 operation surface

[0106] 110, 110a to 110b first detection electrode

[0107] 112 first detection surface

[0108] 114 first current path portion

[0109] 120, 120a to 120h second detection electrode

[0110] 122 second detection surface

[0111] 124 third current path portion

[0112] 130 detection circuit

[0113] 301, 302 second current path portion

[0114] 311, 312 first connection portion

[0115] 401, 402 fourth current path portion

[0116] 411 second connection portion

[0117] D1, D2, D3, D4 detection portion

Claims

1. An input device, characterized in that, have: The operating surface receives operations through proximity to the operating body; and Multiple first detection electrodes are arranged along the operating surface and extend parallel to each other in a first direction to detect electrostatic capacitance via self-capacitance. The plurality of first detection electrodes are respectively connected at both ends to a detection circuit for detecting electrostatic capacitance, and the plurality of first detection electrodes each have: Multiple first detection surfaces are arranged in the first direction; and The first current path extends in a straight line in the first direction and connects the plurality of first detection surfaces. The plurality of first detection surfaces each have: One or more second current path sections; and A pair of first connecting parts connects one or more second current path parts and the first current path part in parallel.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first detection electrodes respectively adjust the spacing of the pair of first connection portions so that each of the plurality of first detection surfaces as a whole has a first given resistance value.

3. The input device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of first detection surfaces has a polygonal shape.

4. The input device according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the plurality of first detection surfaces has a rhombus shape.

5. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The input device further includes: a plurality of second detection electrodes arranged along the operating surface and extending parallel to each other in a second direction different from the first direction. The plurality of second detection electrodes each have: Multiple second detection surfaces are arranged in the second direction; and The third current path extends in a straight line in the second direction and connects the plurality of second detection surfaces. The plurality of second detection surfaces each have: One or more fourth current path sections; and A pair of second connecting parts connects one or more fourth current path parts and the third current path part in parallel.

6. The input device according to claim 5, wherein, The plurality of second detection electrodes respectively adjust the spacing of the pair of second connections so that each of the plurality of second detection surfaces as a whole has a second given resistance value.

7. The input device according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the plurality of second detection surfaces has a polygonal shape.

8. The input device according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the plurality of second detection surfaces has a rhombus shape.

9. The input device according to claim 5, wherein, The spacing between the pair of first connecting portions and the spacing between the pair of second connecting portions are adjusted based on the aspect ratio of the operating surface.

Images