Electronic device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of detecting which portion of a housing is pressed. The electronic device includes: a housing having a hollow shape; a separator disposed in the housing; and a sensor that is disposed on the separator and detects deformation of the separator, the separator connecting a first portion of the inner surface of the housing and a second portion facing the first portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic equipment. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a display device including a pressure sensor, an operating panel, and a housing. The operating panel is fitted into the housing so as to block the opening surface of the housing. The pressure sensor includes a piezoelectric film. The pressure sensor is fixed to the operating panel. The pressure sensor detects deformation of the operating panel. Specifically, a user presses the operating panel. The piezoelectric film of the pressure sensor is deformed along with the deformation of the operating panel. The piezoelectric film is polarized according to the displacement of the piezoelectric film.

[0003] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2016 / 208560

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not describe a structure for detecting deformation other than the operation panel. For example, Patent Document 1 does not describe a structure for detecting which part of the housing is pressed. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of detecting which part of a housing is pressed.

[0006] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0007] a housing having a hollow shape;

[0008] A separator, disposed in the housing; and

[0009] A sensor is disposed on the partition to detect deformation of the partition.

[0010] The partition connects a first portion of the inner surface of the shell and a second portion opposite to the first portion.

[0011] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention can detect which part of a housing is pressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the electronic device 1 .

[0013] Figure 2 is a top view of the electronic device 1 .

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 AA section view in.

[0015] Figure 4 (A) and Figure 4 (B) are diagrams showing deformation modes of the housing 10 , the spacer 11 , and the piezoelectric sensor 12 , respectively.

[0016] Figure 5 (A) is a diagram showing an example of the signal SL1 when the housing 10 is pressed in the thickness direction. Figure 5 (B) is a diagram showing an example of the signal SL2 when the housing 10 is pressed in the arrangement direction of the side surfaces SF1 and SF2.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an electronic device 1 a according to a first modification of the electronic device 1 .

[0018] Figure 7 (A) is a top view showing an electronic device 1 b according to a second modification of the electronic device 1 . Figure 7 (B) is Figure 7 AA cross-sectional view in (A).

[0019] Figure 8 (A) and Figure 8 (B) are diagrams showing electronic devices 1c and 1d according to a second modification of the electronic device 1 .

[0020] Fig. 9 (A) Fig. 9 (B) and Fig. 9 (C) are diagrams showing electronic devices 1e, 1f, and 1g according to a third modification of the electronic device 1.

[0021] Fig.10 (A) Fig.10 (B) and Fig.10 (C) are diagrams showing electronic devices 1h, 1i, and 1j according to a fourth modification of the electronic device 1.

[0022] Fig.11 (A) Fig.11 (B) Fig.11 (C) and Fig.11 (D) are diagrams showing electronic devices 1k, 1m, 1n, and 1o according to a fifth modification of the electronic device 1.

[0023] Fig.12 It is a figure which shows the result of the experiment using the electronic devices 1, 1a, 1o.

[0024] Fig.13 (A) Fig.13 (B) and Fig.13 (C) are diagrams showing electronic devices 1p, 1q, and 1r according to a sixth modification of the electronic device 1.

[0025] Fig.14 (A) Fig.14 (B) and Fig.14(C) are diagrams showing electronic devices 1s, 1t, and 1u according to a seventh modification of the electronic device 1.

[0026] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing an electronic device 1 v according to Modification Example 8 of the electronic device 1 .

[0027] Explanation of the reference numerals: 1, 1a~1k, 1m~1v...electronic device; 10...housing; 11, 11b~11d, 11f~11u...partition; 12...piezoelectric sensor; 120...piezoelectric film; 121...first electrode; 122...second electrode; 20, 21, 22...component; 110d, 110f, 110k, 110o, 110p...first component; 111d, 111f, 111k, 111m, 111o, 111p...second component; 112g, 112o...third component; GP1, GP2...gap; OD...extension direction; SF1~SF4...side; SL1, SL2...signal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] [First embodiment]

[0029] Hereinafter, an electronic device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the electronic device 1. Figure 1 In the figure, the separator 11 and the piezoelectric sensor 12 are shown transparently and with dotted lines. Figure 2 is a top view of the electronic device 1. Figure 2 In the figure, the piezoelectric sensor 12 is shown in perspective and with a dotted line. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 AA section view in.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the electronic device 1 includes a housing 10 , a spacer 11 , and a piezoelectric sensor 12 .

[0031] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the housing 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. As an example, the housing 10 is about 7 mm in length, 25 mm in width, and 5 mm in thickness. The housing 10 has a hollow shape. The housing 10 is pressed by the user. The housing 10 is elastically deformed by the user's pressing.

[0032] In addition, the housing 10 does not necessarily have to have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the housing 10 may have a cube shape, a true sphere shape, an ellipsoid shape, or the like.

[0033] The partition 11 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The partition 11 is disposed in the housing 10. The partition 11 connects two opposing side surfaces SF1 and SF2 of the side surfaces of the housing 10. The side surfaces SF1 and SF2 are arranged in the short side direction ( Figure 2 The side surfaces SF1 and SF2 correspond to the first part and the second part in the present application, respectively. In addition, the separator 11 may also connect the two side surfaces SF3 and SF4 arranged in the length direction of the shell 10. The separator 11 is slightly closer to the bottom surface side than the center in the thickness direction of the shell 10. However, in the present invention, the separator 11 does not need to be slightly closer to the bottom surface side than the center in the thickness direction of the shell 10. For example, the separator 11 may also be arranged in the center in the thickness direction. In addition, the shape of the separator 11 when viewed from above is not particularly limited.

[0034] The piezoelectric sensor 12 has a long side and a short side, and has a sheet shape when viewed from above. The piezoelectric sensor 12 is arranged on the partition 11. When viewed from above, the piezoelectric sensor 12 is fixed to the center of the partition 11 by an adhesive such as a double-sided tape (not shown). The piezoelectric sensor 12 does not contact the housing 10. There is a gap between the piezoelectric sensor 12 and the housing 10. Therefore, for example, even if an impact is generated in the housing 10 due to the electronic device 1 falling, the vibration generated in the housing 10 due to the impact is not easily transmitted to the piezoelectric sensor 12. Therefore, it is not easy for the piezoelectric sensor 12 to malfunction due to the impact of the falling or the like.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the piezoelectric sensor 12 includes a piezoelectric film 120 , a first electrode 121 , and a second electrode 122 .

[0036] The piezoelectric film 120 has a sheet shape with long sides and short sides. The piezoelectric film 120 is, for example, a film formed of a chiral polymer. The chiral polymer is, for example, polylactic acid (PLA), particularly L-type polylactic acid (PLLA) or D-type polylactic acid (PDLA). The main chain of PLA composed of chiral polymer has a helical structure. The piezoelectric film 120 has a piezoelectric constant of d14. The piezoelectric film 120 has piezoelectric properties due to molecular orientation through uniaxial stretching. Figure 2As shown, the extension direction OD of the piezoelectric film 120 forms an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the direction in which the long side of the piezoelectric film 120 extends. However, the angle formed by the extension direction OD and the direction in which the long side of the piezoelectric film 120 extends can be about 45 degrees ± 10 degrees. The piezoelectric film 120 is polarized according to the amount of deformation of the piezoelectric film 120. The direction of polarization when the piezoelectric film 120 is stretched in the direction in which the long side extends is opposite to the direction of polarization when the piezoelectric film 120 is stretched in the direction in which the short side extends. The direction of polarization when the piezoelectric film 120 is convexly bent toward the upper surface of the piezoelectric film 120 is opposite to the direction of polarization when the piezoelectric film 120 is convexly bent toward the bottom surface of the piezoelectric film 120. In addition, the above-mentioned angle is an example, for example, the angle formed by the extension direction OD and the direction in which the long side of the piezoelectric film 120 extends can also be 0 degrees.

[0037] The first electrode 121 is, for example, a signal electrode. Figure 3 As shown, the first electrode 121 is disposed on one main surface of the piezoelectric film 120. The first electrode 121 is fixed to the main surface by an adhesive (not shown).

[0038] The second electrode 122 is, for example, a reference electrode. Figure 3 As shown, the second electrode 122 is disposed on the principal surface of the piezoelectric film 120 where the first electrode 121 is not disposed. The second electrode 122 is fixed to the principal surface by an adhesive (not shown).

[0039] In addition, the first electrode 121 does not necessarily have to be a signal electrode and the second electrode 122 does not necessarily have to be a reference electrode. The first electrode 121 may be a reference electrode and the second electrode 122 may be a signal electrode.

[0040] The piezoelectric sensor 12 detects the deformation of the partition 11. The housing 10 is deformed by the user pressing the housing 10. As the housing 10 is deformed, the partition 11 connected to the housing 10 is deformed. As the partition 11 is deformed, the piezoelectric sensor 12 disposed on the partition 11 is deformed. The piezoelectric sensor 12 outputs a signal corresponding to the deformation of the piezoelectric sensor 12.

[0041] Figure 4 (A) and Figure 4 (B) are diagrams showing deformation modes of the housing 10 , the spacer 11 , and the piezoelectric sensor 12 , respectively.

[0042] The piezoelectric sensor 12 outputs signals of different polarities according to the pressing along the short side direction of the housing 10 (the direction in which the side SF1 and the side SF2 are opposite) and the pressing along the thickness direction of the housing 10. The short side direction of the housing 10 corresponds to the first direction in the present application. The thickness direction of the housing 10 corresponds to the direction other than the first direction in the present application.

[0043] For example, Figure 4As shown in (A), the shell 10 is in the thickness direction of the shell 10 ( Figure 4 When pressed in the vertical direction of the paper (A), the upper surface and the bottom surface of the shell 10 are deformed to be concave, and the center of the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 are in the short side direction of the shell 10 ( Figure 4 In this case, Figure 4 As shown in (A), the separator 11 is deformed so that the upper surface and the bottom surface of the separator 11 are stretched. In particular, since the separator 11 is arranged closer to the bottom surface side than the center in the thickness direction of the housing 10, the stretching amount on the upper surface side is greater than the stretching amount on the bottom surface side. Since the piezoelectric sensor 12 is arranged on the upper surface of the separator 11, it is deformed so that it is stretched greatly along the short side direction of the housing 10.

[0044] On the other hand, Figure 4 As shown in (B), the housing 10 is in the short side direction of the housing 10 ( Figure 4 When pressed in the left-right direction of the paper in (B), the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 are deformed to be concave, and the upper surface and bottom surface of the housing 10 are protruded. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1B , the partition 11 is deformed so that the upper surface and the bottom surface of the partition 11 are contracted. In particular, the partition 11 is arranged closer to the bottom surface side than the center of the housing 10 in the thickness direction.

[0045] Figure 5 (A) is a diagram showing an example of the signal SL1 when the housing 10 is pressed in the thickness direction. Figure 5 (B) is a diagram showing an example of a signal SL2 when the shell 10 is pressed in the arrangement direction of the side surfaces SF1 and SF2. When the shell 10 is pressed in the thickness direction, the piezoelectric sensor 12 is deformed to stretch along the short side direction of the shell 10. On the other hand, when the shell 10 is pressed in the arrangement direction of the side surfaces SF1 and SF2, the piezoelectric sensor 12 is deformed to contract along the short side direction of the shell 10. That is, the piezoelectric sensor 12 expands and contracts in opposite directions depending on whether the shell 10 is pressed in the thickness direction or in the arrangement direction of the side surfaces SF1 and SF2. Therefore, Figure 5 (A) and Figure 5 As shown in (B), the polarity of the signal SL1 when the housing 10 is pressed in the thickness direction is reversed relative to the polarity of the signal SL2 when the housing 10 is pressed in the arrangement direction of the side surfaces SF1 and SF2. The electronic device 1 can use the polarity reversal of the signal to distinguish between the detection of pressing on the upper surface and the bottom surface of the housing 10 and the detection of pressing on surfaces other than the upper surface and the bottom surface (for example, the side surfaces SF1, SF2 or SF3, SF4 of the housing 10). That is, the electronic device 1 can detect that different surfaces of the housing 10 are pressed.

[0046] In addition, the deformation mode of the housing 10 is not limited to Figure 4 (A) and Figure 4 For example, only one of the surfaces of the housing 10 may be pressed. In this case, it is also possible to distinguish between pressing on the upper surface and the bottom surface of the housing 10 and pressing on surfaces other than the upper surface and the bottom surface (e.g., the side surfaces SF1, SF2 or SF3, SF4 of the housing 10).

[0047] In addition, the same effect is achieved when the separator 11 does not connect the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 but connects the side surfaces SF3 and SF4. In this case, the side surfaces SF3 and SF4 correspond to the first part and the second part in the present application, respectively. The piezoelectric sensor 12 outputs signals with different polarities according to the situation that the shell 10 is pressed in the thickness direction and the situation that it is pressed in the direction in which the side surfaces SF3 and SF4 are arranged. Therefore, the electronic device 1 can distinguish between the situation that the shell 10 is pressed in the thickness direction and the situation that it is pressed in the arrangement direction of the side surfaces SF3 and SF4.

[0048] [Modification 1]

[0049] Hereinafter, an electronic device 1 a according to a first modification of the electronic device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an electronic device 1 a according to a first modification of the electronic device 1 .

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, in the electronic device 1a, the partition 11 is arranged at a position very close to the bottom surface or the top surface of the housing 10. In this modification, the partition 11 is arranged in the housing 10 at a position close to the top surface of the housing 10. The distance between the partition 11 and the top surface of the housing 10 in this modification is shorter than the distance between the partition 11 and the bottom surface of the housing 10 in the first embodiment.

[0051] When the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 of the shell 10 are pressed, the separator 11 is bent convexly in the upward direction if it is arranged at a position close to the upper surface of the shell 10. When the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 of the shell 10 are pressed, the separator 11 is bent convexly in the bottom direction if it is arranged at a position close to the bottom surface of the shell 10. On the other hand, if the separator 11 is arranged in the center in the thickness direction, it is difficult to bend in the upward or downward direction even if the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 of the shell 10 are pressed. The closer the separator 11 is arranged to the upper surface or the bottom surface of the shell 10, the greater the deformation of the separator 11 relative to the same pressing force. That is, the closer the separator 11 is arranged to the upper surface or the bottom surface of the shell 10, the higher the sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor 12. The distance between the separator 11 and the upper surface of the shell 10 in this modified example is shorter than the distance between the separator 11 and the bottom surface of the shell 10 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor 12 in this modification is higher than the sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor 12 in the first embodiment.

[0052] [Modification 2]

[0053] Hereinafter, electronic devices 1b, 1c, and 1d according to a second modification of the electronic device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 7 (A) is a top view showing an electronic device 1 b according to a second modification of the electronic device 1 . Figure 7 (B) is Figure 7 AA cross-sectional view in (A). Figure 8 (A) and Figure 8 (B) are diagrams showing electronic devices 1c and 1d according to a second modification of the electronic device 1 .

[0054] The electronic devices 1b, 1c, and 1d are different from the electronic device 1 in that they include spacers 11b, 11c, and 11d that are different from the spacer 11. The spacers 11b, 11c, and 11d do not connect the two side surfaces SF3 and SF4.

[0055] like Figure 7 As shown in (A), the electronic device 1b includes a partition 11b instead of the partition 11. Figure 7 (A) and Figure 7 As shown in (B), the separator 11b extends from the side surface SF3 toward the side surface SF4. The separator 11b does not contact the side surface SF4. The other structures of the separator 11b are the same as those of the separator 11, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0056] like Figure 8 As shown in (A), the electronic device 1c includes a partition 11c instead of the partition 11. The partition 11c extends in a direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the housing 10 (in Figure 8In (A), the paper is tilted in the left-right direction. Figure 8 In (A), the partition 11c extends toward the upper right direction of the paper from the side formed by the bottom surface and the side surface SF3 of the housing 10. The other structures of the electronic device 1c are the same as those of the electronic device 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0057] like Figure 8 As shown in (B), the electronic device 1d has a partition 11d instead of the partition 11. The partition 11d includes a first component 110d and a second component 111d. The first component 110d extends from the side SF3 toward the side SF4. The second component 111d extends from the side SF4 toward the side SF3. The second component 111d does not contact the first component 110d. Figure 8 In (B), the piezoelectric sensor 12 is disposed in the first component 110d, but may be disposed in the second component 111d. Figure 8 In (B), the second component 111d is larger than the first component 110d, but the size of the first component 110d and the size of the second component 111d may be the same or different. The other structures of the electronic device 1d are the same as those of the electronic device 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0058] The partitions 11b, 11c, and 11d do not connect the side surface SF3 and the side surface SF4, but connect the side surface SF1 and the side surface SF2. Therefore, in the electronic devices 1b, 1c, and 1d, as in the electronic device 1, the piezoelectric sensor 12 outputs signals of different polarities according to the pressing along the short side direction of the housing 10 and the pressing along the thickness direction. Therefore, the electronic devices 1b, 1c, and 1d can distinguish and detect the pressing on the upper surface and the bottom surface of the housing 10 and the pressing on the side surfaces SF1 and SF2.

[0059] Furthermore, in the electronic device 1d, the first component 110d and the second component 111d may also be in contact. In addition, the side surface SF3 and the side surface SF4 may be connected by the first component 110d and the second component 111d in contact. When the housing 10 is pressed in the arrangement direction of the side surfaces SF3 and SF4, the piezoelectric sensor 12 undergoes the same deformation as when it is pressed in the arrangement direction of the side surfaces SF1 and SF2. Therefore, the electronic device 1d can distinguish between the detection of the pressing on the side surfaces SF3 and SF4 of the housing 10 and the pressing on the upper surface and the bottom surface.

[0060] [Variation 3]

[0061] Hereinafter, electronic devices 1e, 1f, and 1g according to a third modification of the electronic device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 9 (A) Fig. 9 (B) and Fig. 9(C) are diagrams showing electronic devices 1e, 1f, and 1g according to a third modification of the electronic device 1.

[0062] like Fig. 9 As shown in (A), the electronic device 1e is different from the electronic device 1d in that the piezoelectric sensor 12 is arranged across both the first member 110d and the second member 111d of the spacer 11d. The other structures of the electronic device 1e are the same as those of the electronic device 1d, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0063] like Fig. 9 As shown in (B), the electronic device 1f is different from the electronic device 1e in that it includes a partition 11f that is different from the partition 11d. The partition 11f includes a first member 110f and a second member 111f. Fig. 9 In (B), the first component 110f extends from the edge formed by the bottom surface of the housing 10 and the side surface SF3 toward the upper right direction of the paper, and the second component 111f extends from the edge formed by the upper surface of the housing 10 and the side surface SF4 toward the lower left direction of the paper. The second component 111f does not contact the first component 110f. The piezoelectric sensor 12 is arranged across the first component 110f and the second component 111f. The other structures of the electronic device 1f are the same as those of the electronic device 1, so the description is omitted.

[0064] like Fig. 9 As shown in (C), the electronic device 1g is different from the electronic device 1e in that it has a separator 11g that is different from the separator 11d. The separator 11g includes a third component 112g in addition to the first component 110d and the second component 111d. The third component 112g is arranged between the first component 110d and the second component 111d. The third component 112g does not contact the first component 110d and the second component 111d. The piezoelectric sensor 12 is arranged across the first component 110d, the second component 111d and the third component 112g. The other structures of the electronic device 1g are the same as those of the electronic device 1e, so the description is omitted.

[0065] The electronic devices 1e, 1f, and 1g have the same effects as those of the electronic devices 1b, 1c, and 1d.

[0066] In addition, for example, Fig. 9 (A)~ Fig. 9 As shown in (C), the electronic device in the present application may also be a structure in which the piezoelectric sensor 12 is in contact with a plurality of components that are in contact with the side surfaces that are opposite to each other in the housing 10. In other words, it may also be a structure in which a plurality of first components and the piezoelectric sensor 12 are in contact with the side surfaces that are opposite to each other in the housing 10 in a continuous manner. Even in such a structure, since a plurality of partitions are in contact with the side surfaces that are opposite to each other, the piezoelectric sensor 12 can obtain a sufficient output.

[0067] [Variation 4]

[0068] Hereinafter, electronic devices 1h, 1i, and 1j according to a fourth modification of the electronic device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig.10 (A) Fig.10 (B) and Fig.10 (C) are diagrams showing electronic devices 1h, 1i, and 1j according to a fourth modification of the electronic device 1.

[0069] The electronic devices 1 h , 1 i , and 1 j are different from the electronic device 1 in that the volume of the partition is larger than the volume of a portion of the housing 10 where the partition is not arranged.

[0070] like Fig.10 As shown in (A), the electronic device 1h includes a partition 11h different from the partition 11. The partition 11h is disposed in all parts of the housing 10 except the vicinity of the upper surface of the housing 10. The other structures of the electronic device 1h are the same as those of the electronic device 1, and thus description thereof is omitted.

[0071] like Fig.10 As shown in (B), the electronic device 1i is different from the electronic device 1h in that it has a partition 11i that is different from the partition 11h. The partition 11i is arranged in all parts of the housing 10 except near the upper surface and near the bottom surface of the housing 10. The distance between the partition 11h and the upper surface of the housing 10 is substantially the same as the distance between the partition 11h and the bottom surface of the housing 10. The other structures of the electronic device 1i are the same as those of the electronic device 1h, so the description is omitted.

[0072] like Fig.10 As shown in (C), the electronic device 1j is different from the electronic device 1i in that it has a partition 11j that is different from the partition 11i. The distance between the partition 11j and the upper surface of the housing 10 is different from the distance between the partition 11j and the bottom surface of the housing 10. The other structures of the electronic device 1j are the same as those of the electronic device 1i, so the description is omitted.

[0073] When the upper surface and the bottom surface of the shell 10 are pressed, the pressing force of the upper surface and the bottom surface of the shell 10 is transmitted to the partition, and it is bent convexly in the upward direction or the downward direction in the same way as the upper surface or the bottom surface of the shell 10. The larger the volume of the partition, the easier it is to transmit the pressing force to the partition. Therefore, relative to the same pressing force, the larger the volume of the partition, the greater the deformation of the partition. That is, the larger the volume of the partition, the higher the sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor 12. The volume of the partitions 11h, 11i, and 11j of Modified Example 4 is larger than the volume of the portion of the shell 10 where the partitions 11h, 11i, and 11j are not configured. Therefore, the sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor 12 in Modified Example 4 is higher than the sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor 12 in the first embodiment.

[0074] [Variation 5]

[0075] Hereinafter, electronic devices 1k, 1m, 1n, and 1o according to a fifth modification of the electronic device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig.11 (A) Fig.11 (B) Fig.11 (C) and Fig.11 (D) are diagrams showing electronic devices 1k, 1m, 1n, and 1o according to a fifth modification of the electronic device 1.

[0076] The electronic devices 1 k , 1 m , 1 n , and 1 o are different from the electronic device 1 in that a plurality of components included in the partition are arranged in the thickness direction of the housing 10 .

[0077] like Fig.11 As shown in (A), the electronic device 1k includes a partition 11k including a first component 110k and a second component 111k. The first component 110k and the second component 111k are arranged in the thickness direction of the housing 10. There is a gap between the first component 110k and the second component 111k. The volume of the second component 111k is larger than the volume of the gap. The piezoelectric sensor 12 is arranged on the first component 110k. The other structures of the electronic device 1k are the same as those of the electronic device 1, so the description is omitted.

[0078] like Fig.11 As shown in (B), the electronic device 1m is different from the electronic device 1k in that it has a separator 11m that is different from the separator 11k. The separator 11m includes a second component 111m that is different from the second component 111k. The volume of the second component 111m is smaller than the volume of the gap between the first component 110k and the second component 111m. The other structures of the electronic device 1m are the same as those of the electronic device 1k, so the description is omitted.

[0079] like Fig.11As shown in (C), the electronic device 1n is different from the electronic device 1m in that the second member 111m of the partition 11m does not contact the bottom surface of the housing 10. The other structures of the electronic device 1n are the same as those of the electronic device 1m, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0080] like Fig.11 As shown in (D), the electronic device 1o is different from the electronic device 1k in that it has a partition 11o that is different from the partition 11k. The partition 11o is different from the partition 11k and includes three components. The partition 11o includes a first component 110o, a second component 111o, and a third component 112o. The first component 110o, the second component 111o, and the third component 112o are arranged in the thickness direction of the housing 10. The first component 110o, the second component 111o, and the third component 112o are not in contact with each other. The other structures of the electronic device 1o are the same as those of the electronic device 1k, so the description is omitted.

[0081] The volume of the partitions 11k, 11m, 11o of the electronic devices 1k, 1m, 1n, 1o of Modification 5 is larger than the volume of the portion where the partitions 11k, 11m, 11o are not arranged in the housing 10. Therefore, the sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor 12 of the electronic devices 1k, 1m, 1n, 1o of Modification 5 is also higher than the sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor 12 of the first embodiment.

[0082] [Experiments using electronic devices 1, 1a, 1o]

[0083] Hereinafter, an experiment using the electronic devices 1, 1a, and 1o will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig.12 It is a figure which shows the result of the experiment using the electronic devices 1, 1a, 1o. Fig.12 The output of the piezoelectric sensor 12 when the housing 10 of the electronic device 1, 1a, 1o is pressed in the thickness direction of the housing 10 and the output of the piezoelectric sensor 12 when the housing 10 of the electronic device 1, 1a, 1o is pressed in the direction in which the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 are arranged. Fig.12 In the table in FIG. 1 , the output of the piezoelectric sensor 12 when the housing 10 of the electronic device 10 is pressed in the thickness direction is used as a reference.

[0084] like Fig.12 As shown, in the electronic device 1, when the housing 10 is pressed in the thickness direction, the output of the piezoelectric sensor 12 is 8%, that is, the polarity of the signal of the piezoelectric sensor 12 is positive. Similarly, in each of the electronic devices 1a and 1o, when the housing 10 is pressed in the thickness direction, the polarity of the signal of the piezoelectric sensor 12 is positive.

[0085] On the other hand, Fig.12As shown, in the electronic device 1, when the housing 10 is pressed in the direction in which the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 are arranged, the output of the piezoelectric sensor 12 is -4%, that is, the polarity of the signal of the piezoelectric sensor 12 is negative. Similarly, in each of the electronic devices 1a and 1o, when the housing 10 is pressed in the thickness direction, the polarity of the signal of the piezoelectric sensor 12 is negative.

[0086] As described above, in the electronic devices 1, 1a, 1o, when the housing 10 is pressed in the thickness direction and when it is pressed in the direction in which the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 are arranged, the polarity of the signal output by the piezoelectric sensor 12 is different. Therefore, the electronic devices 1, 1a, 1o can detect the pressing of the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 of the housing 10 and the pressing of the upper surface and the bottom surface of the housing 10 by detecting whether the polarity of the signal output by the piezoelectric sensor 12 is positive or negative.

[0087] In addition, as described in the modification example 1, when the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 of the housing 10 are pressed, the closer the partition 11 is arranged to the upper surface or the bottom surface of the housing 10, the greater the deformation of the partition 11. The partition 11 in the electronic device 1a is arranged closer to the upper surface or the bottom surface of the housing 10 than the partition 11 in the electronic device 1. Therefore, Fig.12 As shown, when the housing 10 is pressed in the direction in which the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 are arranged, the output of the piezoelectric sensor 12 in the electronic device 1 a is larger than the output of the piezoelectric sensor 12 in the electronic device 1 .

[0088] In addition, as described in Modifications 4 and 5, when the upper surface and the bottom surface of the housing 10 are pressed, the larger the volume of the partition 11 is, the easier it is to transmit the pressing force due to the pressing to the partition 11. The volume of the partition 11o in the electronic device 1o is larger than the volume of the partition 11 in the electronic device 1 and the electronic device 1a. Fig.12 As shown, when the housing 10 is pressed in the thickness direction, the output of the piezoelectric sensor 12 in the electronic device 1o is larger than the output of the piezoelectric sensor 12 in the electronic devices 1 and 1a.

[0089] [Variation 6]

[0090] Hereinafter, electronic devices 1p, 1q, and 1r according to a sixth modification of the electronic device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig.13 (A) Fig.13 (B) and Fig.13 (C) are diagrams showing electronic devices 1p, 1q, and 1r according to a sixth modification of the electronic device 1.

[0091] The electronic devices 1p, 1q, and 1r are different from the electronic device 1 in that the piezoelectric sensor 12 is sandwiched by spacers.

[0092] like Fig.13 As shown in (A), the electronic device 1p has a partition 11p. The partition 11p includes a first component 110p and a second component 111p. The first component 110p and the second component 111p are arranged in the thickness direction of the housing 10. The first component 110p and the second component 111p are not in contact with each other, and there is a gap GP1 between the first component 110p and the second component 111p. The piezoelectric sensor 12 is arranged in the first component 110p. The piezoelectric sensor 12 is arranged between the first component 110p and the second component 111p, that is, arranged in the gap GP1. The other structures of the electronic device 1p are the same as those of the electronic device 1, so the description is omitted.

[0093] like Fig.13 As shown in (B), the electronic device 1q is different from the electronic device 1p in that the second member 111p contacts the upper surface of the housing 10. The other structures of the electronic device 1q are the same as those of the electronic device 1p, and thus description thereof is omitted.

[0094] like Fig.13 As shown in (C), the electronic device 1r is different from the electronic device 1q in that the first member 110p contacts the bottom surface of the housing 10. The other structures of the electronic device 1r are the same as those of the electronic device 1q, and thus description thereof is omitted.

[0095] In the electronic devices 1p, 1q, and 1r, the piezoelectric sensor 12 is arranged in the gap GP1. Therefore, even if the electronic devices 1p, 1q, and 1r are dropped and an impact is generated in the housing 10, the vibration generated in the housing 10 due to the impact is not transmitted to the piezoelectric sensor 12. Therefore, it is not easy for the piezoelectric sensor 12 to malfunction due to the impact of the drop or the like. In addition, the volume of the partition 11p of each of the electronic devices 1p, 1q, and 1r is larger than the volume of the portion of the housing 10 where the partition 11p is not arranged. Therefore, the sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor 12 of each of the electronic devices 1p, 1q, and 1r is also higher than the sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor 12 in the first embodiment.

[0096] [Variation 7]

[0097] Hereinafter, electronic devices 1s, 1t, and 1u according to a seventh modification of the electronic device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig.14 (A) Fig.14 (B) and Fig.14 (C) are diagrams showing electronic devices 1s, 1t, and 1u according to a seventh modification of the electronic device 1.

[0098] The electronic devices 1s, 1t, 1u are different from the electronic device 1r in that a partition surrounds the piezoelectric sensor 12.

[0099] like Fig.14 As shown in (A), the electronic device 1s includes a partition 11s. A gap GP2 having a size larger than that of the piezoelectric sensor 12 exists in the partition 11s. The piezoelectric sensor 12 is arranged in the gap GP2. The gap GP2 is located on the side surface SF1 of the housing 10. The gap GP2 is in contact with the side surface SF1 of the housing 10. The other structures of the electronic device 1s are the same as those of the electronic device 1r, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

[0100] like Fig.14 As shown in (B), the electronic device 1t includes a partition 11t different from the partition 11s. The partition 11t does not contact the bottom surface and the top surface of the housing 10. The other structures of the electronic device 1t are the same as those of the electronic device 1s, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0101] like Fig.14 As shown in (C), the electronic device 1u has a separator 11u different from the separator 11t. In the separator 11u, the gap GP2 is located closer to the center of the short side direction of the separator 11u than the gap GP2 in the separator 11t. The gap GP2 does not contact the side SF2. Therefore, in the electronic device 1u, the entire surface of the piezoelectric sensor 12 is surrounded by the separator 11u. The other structures of the electronic device 1u are the same as those of the electronic device 1t, so the description is omitted.

[0102] The volume of the partition 11p of each electronic device 1p, 1q, 1r is larger than the volume of the portion without the partition 11p in the housing 10. Therefore, the sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor 12 of each electronic device 1p, 1q, 1r is also higher than that of the piezoelectric sensor 12 in the first embodiment.

[0103] In addition, the spacers 11s, 11t, and 11u may be connected to the ground. In this case, the piezoelectric sensor 12 surrounded by the spacers 11s, 11t, and 11u is less susceptible to external noise, and the sensitivity of the piezoelectric sensor 12 is increased.

[0104] [Variation 8]

[0105] Hereinafter, Modification Example 8 of the electronic device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig.15 It is a diagram showing an electronic device 1 v according to Modification Example 8 of the electronic device 1 .

[0106] like Fig.15As shown, the electronic device 1v has components 20, 21, and 22. In this modification, the housing 10 surrounds the components 20, 21, and 22. The electronic device 1v is, for example, a small electronic device such as a smartphone or a TWS (True Wireless Stereo) headset. The housing 10 is, for example, a housing of a smartphone or a housing of a headset. The components 20, 21, and 22 are, for example, batteries, substrates, Bluetooth (registered trademark) modules, etc., which are used to realize the functions of the electronic device 1v.

[0107] In such an electronic device 1v, for example, when the member 21 connects the side SF1 and the side SF2 of the housing 10, the member 21 functions as the separator 11 in the first embodiment. The piezoelectric sensor 12 is arranged on the member 21. At this time, when the housing 10 is pressed in the thickness direction, the piezoelectric sensor 12 arranged on the upper surface of the member 21 is deformed to be greatly stretched along the short side direction of the housing 10. On the other hand, when the housing 10 is pressed in the short side direction, the piezoelectric sensor 12 arranged on the upper surface of the member 21 is deformed to be greatly contracted along the short side direction of the housing 10. As a result, in the electronic device 1v, the polarity of the signal is different depending on the pressing on the upper surface and the bottom surface of the housing 10 and the pressing on the side SF1 and SF2, so it is possible to distinguish and detect the pressing on the upper surface and the bottom surface of the housing 10 and the pressing on the side SF1 and SF2.

[0108] In addition, if Fig.15 As shown, in the electronic device 1v, even if there is no space for attaching the piezoelectric sensor 12 in the housing 10, it is possible to detect which part of the housing 10 is pressed simply by arranging the piezoelectric sensor 12 in the member 21 connecting the two side surfaces of the housing 10. That is, there is no need to provide a space for attaching the piezoelectric sensor 12 in the housing 10, and the electronic device 1v can be space-saving and miniaturized.

[0109] If the electronic device 1v includes electrodes as a member, the electrodes may be used as the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122 of the piezoelectric sensor 12. In this case, only the piezoelectric film 120 may be attached to the member 21 connecting the two side surfaces of the housing 10.

[0110] [Other embodiments]

[0111] The description of the present embodiment should be considered to be illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not indicated by the above-mentioned embodiment but by the claims. Moreover, the scope of the present invention includes the scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

[0112] The electronic device of the present invention is not limited to the electronic devices 1, 1a to 1k, and 1m to 1v, and can be modified within the scope of the gist thereof. The structures of the electronic devices 1, 1a to 1k, and 1m to 1v can be arbitrarily combined.

[0113] Furthermore, when the separator 11 connects the side SF3 and the side SF4 in addition to the side SF1 and SF2, the electronic device 1 can detect the pressing in the direction in which the side SF3 and SF4 are arranged. Here, the area of ​​the side SF3 and SF4 is smaller than the area of ​​the side SF1 and SF2, so if the pressing force is the same, the deformation of the side SF3 and SF4 is smaller than the deformation of the side SF1 and SF2. Therefore, the deformation of the separator 11 when the side SF3 and SF4 are pressed is smaller than the deformation of the separator 11 when the side SF1 and SF2 are pressed, so the deformation of the piezoelectric sensor 12 when the side SF3 and SF4 are pressed is smaller. Therefore, the output of the piezoelectric sensor 12 when the side SF3 and SF4 are pressed is smaller than the output of the piezoelectric sensor 12 when the side SF1 and SF2 are pressed. Therefore, the electronic device 1 can also detect whether the side SF1 and SF2 are pressed or the side SF3 and SF4 are pressed based on the size of the output of the piezoelectric sensor 12. Specifically, when the piezoelectric sensor 12 outputs a signal that is negative with respect to the reference potential, if the magnitude of the signal is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the electronic device 1 detects that the side surfaces SF3 and SF4 are pressed, and if the magnitude of the signal is larger than a predetermined threshold, the electronic device 1 detects that the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 are pressed. That is, the electronic device 1 can also detect which group of the opposing surfaces in the rectangular parallelepiped housing 10 is pressed.

[0114] The present invention has the following configuration. (1)

[0116] An electronic device, comprising:

[0117] a housing having a hollow shape;

[0118] A separator, disposed in the housing; and

[0119] A sensor is disposed on the partition to detect deformation of the partition.

[0120] The partition connects a first portion of the inner surface of the shell and a second portion opposite to the first portion. (2)

[0122] The electronic device according to (1), wherein:

[0123] The sensor outputs signals of different polarities according to compression along a first direction in which the first portion and the second portion of the housing are opposed to each other and compression along a direction other than the first direction. (3)

[0125] The electronic device according to (1) or (2), wherein:

[0126] The volume of the partition is larger than the volume of a portion of the housing where the partition is not arranged. (4)

[0128] The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein:

[0129] The sensor is arranged at a position close to either the first portion or the second portion. (5)

[0131] The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein:

[0132] The sensor does not contact the housing. (6)

[0134] The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein:

[0135] The separator comprises a first component and a second component.

[0136] The sensor is disposed on the first component or the second component.

[0137] There is a gap between the first component and the second component.

[0138] The sensor is disposed in the gap. (7)

[0140] The electronic device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein:

[0141] The separator is connected to the ground.

Claims

1. An electronic device, wherein: have: a housing having a hollow shape; a partition disposed in the housing; and A sensor is disposed on the partition to detect deformation of the partition. The partition connects a first portion of the inner surface of the housing and a second portion opposite to the first portion.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor outputs signals of different polarities according to compression along a first direction in which the first portion and the second portion of the housing are opposite and compression along a direction other than the first direction.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The volume of the partition is larger than the volume of a portion of the housing where the partition is not arranged.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sensor is arranged at a position close to either the first portion or the second portion.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sensor is not in contact with the housing.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The separator comprises a first part and a second part, The sensor is disposed on the first component or the second component, There is a gap between the first component and the second component, The sensor is disposed in the gap.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The separator is connected to the ground.

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