Tactile presentation device

Abstract

The present disclosure pertains to a tactile sensation presentation device in which a tactile sensation presentation button (3) is placed on an operation surface and a tactile sensation is presented to a user via the tactile sensation presentation button (3), the tactile sensation presentation button (3) being provided with: a conductive elastic part (6) having a surface layer (61) facing the operation surface and an inner layer (62) on the opposite side from the operation surface; and an operation part 4 for fixing the conductive elastic part, the surface layer 61 is set to have a greater shear deformation due to the operation of the tactile presentation button 3 than the inner layer 62, to generate vibration due to a change in friction force, and to have a greater compressive deformation when the tactile presentation button 3 is pressed than the inner layer 62, and the inner layer 62 has a greater vibration transmissibility than the surface layer 61.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tactile prompt panel for providing tactile prompts to a user via a tactile prompt button. Background Art

[0002] As a device that detects and outputs the position indicated by a user's finger or pen or other indicator on a touch screen (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "touch position"), a touch panel is widely known. As a touch panel using an electrostatic capacitance method, there is a projected electrostatic capacitance method touch panel (PCAP: Projected Capacitive Touch Panel). PCAP can detect the touch position even when the user side of the touch screen (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front side") is covered by a protective plate such as a glass plate with a thickness of several mm. In addition, PCAP has the advantages of excellent robustness because a protective plate can be arranged on the front side, and has the advantages of long life because there is no movable part.

[0003] The touch screen of the PCAP has: a detection row-direction wiring layer for detecting the coordinates of the touch position in the row direction, and a detection column-direction wiring layer for detecting the coordinates of the touch position in the column direction. In the following description, the detection row-direction wiring layer and the detection column-direction wiring layer are sometimes collectively referred to as "detection wiring layer".

[0004] In addition, a component provided with a detection wiring layer is called a “touch screen”, and a device formed by connecting a detection circuit to a touch screen is called a “touch panel”. Furthermore, an area in a touch screen where a touch position can be detected is called a “detectable area”.

[0005] As a detection wiring layer for detecting electrostatic capacitance (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "capacitance"), a first series of conductor elements formed on a thin dielectric film and a second series of conductor elements formed on the first series of conductor elements via an insulating film are provided. There is no electrical contact between the conductor elements, and when viewed from the normal direction of the surface side, one of the first series of conductor elements and the second series of conductor elements overlaps with the other in a plan view, but there is no electrical contact between the two and they are three-dimensionally crossed.

[0006] The detection circuit detects the capacitance formed between the indicator and the conductor element as the detection wiring (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "touch capacitance"), thereby determining the coordinates of the touch position of the indicator. In addition, the touch positions between the conductor elements can be interpolated using the relative values ​​of the detection capacitances of one or more conductor elements.

[0007] In recent years, touch panels, including switches, etc., as operating panels, have been used in a large number of devices in daily life instead of mechanical switches. However, as a touch panel, since it does not have bumps and depressions like a mechanical switch, but has a uniform feel, the surface shape will not be deformed due to operation. Therefore, it is necessary to rely on vision to perform all the operation processes from confirming the position of the switch to executing and completing the operation. When operating the audio system, etc. in parallel with other operations while driving a car, problems arise in terms of the reliability of blind operation and the operability of visually impaired people.

[0008] For example, in vehicle-mounted equipment, touch panels are widely used from the perspective of design, so it is difficult to operate the vehicle-mounted equipment by blind touch during driving. From the perspective of ensuring safety, touch panels with functions that can be operated by blind touch have received more attention. In addition, in civilian equipment, touch panels are used as operating panels in a large number of home appliances and electronic devices. Moreover, from the perspective of design, the number of devices equipped with PCAPs that protect the surface with cover glass is also increasing. However, since the surface of the touch panel is smooth, it is impossible to confirm the position of the switch by feel, and it is difficult to cope with general design, which becomes a problem. In the case of PCAP, the glass surface is required to be smooth for design purposes, and it is difficult to cope with general designs such as processing convex and concave surfaces on the glass surface corresponding to the switch position.

[0009] As a countermeasure to the above, there is a method of using sound to inform the user of the acceptance and completion of the operation, but due to privacy and noise issues, the environment in which the sound function can be used is limited, and it cannot achieve the same function and versatility as a mechanical switch. If the touch panel has a function to indicate the position of the switch and a function to give the user tactile feedback on the acceptance and completion of the operation, it can realize blind touch operation and universal design response.

[0010] In order to enhance the reliability of operation and operability independent of vision, cellular phones and smart phones are sometimes equipped with a tactile feedback function based on vibration. The feedback function based on vibration linked to the user's operation is rapidly gaining popularity, and the demand for high-performance tactile feedback is expected to further increase.

[0011] The ways of generating tactile sensation are roughly divided into three types: vibration, ultrasonic and electrical. The vibration method is characterized by being able to coexist with PCAP and being low-cost, but it is not suitable for embedding the vibrator into the frame in a way that makes the entire device vibrate sufficiently. In addition, it cannot be applied to a large area due to the output limit of the vibrator. Although the ultrasonic method can produce tactile sensations such as slippery feeling that cannot be produced by other methods, it is not suitable for embedding into the frame for the same reasons as the vibration method. In addition, it cannot be applied to a large area. As for the electrical method, there are electrostatic friction methods that generate tactile sensations through electrostatic friction and electrical stimulation methods that directly provide electrical stimulation to the fingers. These methods can produce tactile sensations in any part and can cope with large-area and multi-touch.

[0012] This method is described below. In addition, the component formed by configuring tactile electrodes on a transparent insulating substrate is referred to as a "tactile prompt screen", and the device formed by connecting a detection circuit to the tactile prompt screen is referred to as a "tactile prompt panel". In addition, the area in the tactile prompt screen that can provide tactile prompts is referred to as a "tactile promptable segment".

[0013] Regarding a tactile output device for a rotary knob, for example, in Patent Document 1, a tactile prompting button having a plurality of conductive elastic parts is placed on a tactile prompting panel, and a tactile prompting button is used to provide a user with a tactile sense. The tactile prompting button has a plurality of conductive elastic parts, and generates a tactile sense caused by a change in friction between the tactile prompting button and the tactile prompting panel provided with tactile electrodes.

[0014] Prior art literature

[0015] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 130971 Summary of the invention

[0016] In Patent Document 1, it is believed that the tactile sensation is caused by the vibration caused by the deformation of the conductive elastic part (hereinafter referred to as shear deformation) due to the horizontal movement of the tactile prompt button and the change in friction. In order to obtain a clear tactile sensation, it is preferred that the conductive elastic part has a large shear deformation and a small vibration attenuation. In order to obtain a stable tactile strength, it is necessary to suppress the suspension of the conductive elastic part relative to the operating surface caused by the flatness or surface roughness of the operating surface and the inclination of the tactile prompt button during operation. In order to keep the contact area constant, it is preferred to use a material with a large compression deformation. However, in general, materials with large shear and compression deformations also have large vibration attenuation. Therefore, when the conductive elastic part is formed of a single material as in Patent Document 1, it is sometimes difficult to ensure both clarity and stability of tactile strength.

[0017] The present disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a tactile prompting device that can suppress vibration attenuation and reduction of contact area and clearly prompt stable tactile sensation.

[0018] The tactile prompting device of the present invention is provided with a tactile prompting button on an operating surface, and prompts a user with tactile sensation via the tactile prompting button. The tactile prompting device comprises: a tactile electrode, including a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes arranged inside the operating surface of the tactile prompting device; a dielectric layer, covering the tactile electrode, and one side of the dielectric layer being the operating surface; and a voltage generating circuit, generating a first voltage signal having a first frequency applied to at least one of the first electrodes located in at least a portion of the operating surface of the tactile prompting device, and generating a first voltage signal having a frequency different from the first frequency applied to at least one of the second electrodes located in at least a portion of the operating surface The second voltage signal of the second frequency is supplied to generate friction between the operating surface and the tactile prompt button to prompt the tactile sense, and the tactile prompt button comprises: a conductive elastic part, having a surface layer opposite to the operating surface and an internal layer on the side opposite to the operating surface; and an operating part, fixing the conductive elastic part, the surface layer is set to: compared with the internal layer, the shear deformation caused by the operation of the tactile prompt button is larger, the vibration caused by the change of the friction force is generated, and the compression deformation when the tactile prompt button is pressed is larger than that of the internal layer, and the vibration transmission rate of the internal layer is set larger than that of the surface layer.

[0019] According to the tactile prompt device disclosed in the present invention, the surface layer vibrates due to the shear deformation and the change of friction caused by the operation of the tactile prompt button, and the internal layer transmits the vibration to the operating part and gives the user a tactile prompt via the tactile prompt button, thereby obtaining a clear tactile sensation with a small voltage change. In addition, the surface layer is compressed by the user pressing the tactile prompt button, and the contact area between the operating surface and the conductive elastic part during operation will not be affected by the flatness of the operating surface, the surface roughness, and the inclination of the tactile prompt button, so that a stable tactile intensity can be obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of the tactile feedback touch display according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure of a touch display with tactile cues.

[0022] Figure 3 It is used to illustrate Figure 2A schematic diagram of an electrostatic capacitor formed between a tactile electrode and a tactile prompt button of a tactile prompt panel.

[0023] Figure 4 It is used to illustrate Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of an electrostatic capacitor formed between a tactile electrode and a tactile prompt button of a tactile prompt panel.

[0024] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of a voltage signal of a first frequency applied to a first electrode.

[0025] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of a voltage signal of a second frequency applied to a second electrode.

[0026] Figure 7 It is shown that by combining Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 A graph of the amplitude modulated signal generated by each voltage signal.

[0027] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 2 A top view of an example of a touch screen.

[0028] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 Partial cross-sectional view along line A1-A1 and line A2-A2.

[0029] Fig.10 It is shown Figure 2 A top view of an example of a touch screen.

[0030] Fig.11 It is along Fig.10 Partial cross-sectional view along line B1-B1 and line B2-B2.

[0031] Fig.12 It is schematically shown Figure 2 A top view of the structure of the tactile prompt screen.

[0032] Fig.13 It is used to illustrate Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the electrostatic capacitance formed between the tactile electrode and the indicator of the tactile prompt panel.

[0033] Fig.14 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the rotating portion of the tactile feedback knob according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Fig.15 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a fixing portion when the position at which the tactile feedback button according to the first embodiment is placed is fixed to one location.

[0035] Fig.16 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a rotating shaft structure when the position where the haptic feedback button according to the first embodiment is placed is moved.

[0036] Fig.17 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A block diagram of the structure of a tactile cue touch panel.

[0037] Fig.18 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 Schematic diagram of electrostatic capacitance formed in the tactile prompt touch panel when the indicator does not touch the tactile prompt button in the tactile prompt touch panel.

[0038] Fig.19 It is a schematic diagram showing the state when the indicator is not in contact with the tactile prompt button. Figure 1 A timing diagram of the tactile prompt touch panel's action timing.

[0039] Fig. 20 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 Schematic diagram of electrostatic capacitance formed in a tactile prompt touch panel when an indicator contacts a tactile prompt button in the tactile prompt touch panel.

[0040] Fig.21 It schematically shows the situation when the indicator touches the tactile prompt button. Figure 1 A timing diagram of the tactile prompt touch panel's action timing.

[0041] Fig. 22 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 Schematic diagram of electrostatic capacitance formed in a tactile cue touch panel when the tactile cue touch panel detects a touch position.

[0042] Fig.23 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 Schematic diagram of electrostatic capacitance formed in a tactile cue touch panel when the tactile cue touch panel generates tactile sensation.

[0043] Fig.24 This is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of the tactile feedback touch panel when a portion of the tactile feedback electrodes that the tactile feedback buttons contact with are grounded via the dielectric layer when the signal voltage according to the first embodiment is applied.

[0044] Fig.25 This is a block diagram schematically showing the relationship among the display panel, the touch panel, and the haptic feedback panel according to the first embodiment.

[0045] Fig.26 This is a flowchart showing the haptic feedback process according to the first embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 27 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a tactile feedback button according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0047] Fig.28 It is a partially enlarged plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a tactile feedback button according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0048] Fig.29 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conductive elastic portion of a tactile feedback button according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0049] Fig.30 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conductive elastic portion of a tactile feedback button according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0050] Fig.31 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conductive elastic portion of a tactile feedback button according to a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0051] Fig.32 It is a diagram for explaining the concave-convex pitch of the conductive elastic portion of the tactile feedback button according to the modification of the first embodiment.

[0052] Fig.33 It is a diagram for explaining the concave-convex pitch of the conductive elastic portion of the tactile feedback button according to the modification of the first embodiment.

[0053] Fig.34 It is a diagram schematically showing a state in which an air layer is formed between the haptic feedback button and the haptic feedback panel.

[0054] Fig.35 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the thickness of the air layer between the tactile feedback button and the tactile feedback panel, and the electrostatic force generated between the tactile electrode and the conductive elastic part.

[0055] Fig.36 This is a diagram schematically showing a state in which an air layer is formed between the haptic feedback button and the haptic feedback panel according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0056] Fig.37 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the thickness of the air layer between the tactile feedback button and the tactile feedback panel and the electrostatic force generated between the tactile electrode and the conductive elastic portion according to the modification of the first embodiment.

[0057] Fig.38 This is a diagram schematically showing shear deformation when the conductive elastic portion does not form an electrostatic capacitance with the tactile electrode.

[0058] Fig.39 This is a diagram schematically showing shear deformation when the conductive elastic portion and the tactile electrode form an electrostatic capacitance.

[0059] Fig.40 This is a diagram schematically showing shear deformation of the conductive elastic portion when the surface layer of the conductive elastic portion is not provided with an uneven shape.

[0060] Fig.41 This is a diagram schematically showing shear deformation of the conductive elastic portion when a concavo-convex shape is provided on the surface layer of the conductive elastic portion.

[0061] Fig.42 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a contact state between the conductive elastic portion and the haptic feedback panel when the flatness of the haptic feedback panel is low.

[0062] Fig.43 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a contact state between the conductive elastic portion and the tactile feedback panel when the tactile feedback button is tilted.

[0063] Fig.44 The diagram schematically shows a deformed state of the conductive elastic portion when undulations are generated on the surface of the tactile feedback panel when the surface layer of the conductive elastic portion has no concavo-convex shape.

[0064] Fig.45 This is a diagram schematically showing a deformed state of the conductive elastic portion when undulations are generated on the surface of the tactile feedback panel when the surface layer of the conductive elastic portion has a concavo-convex shape.

[0065] Fig.46 This is a diagram schematically showing a deformed state of the conductive elastic portion when the surface layer of the conductive elastic portion is not provided with a concavo-convex shape.

[0066] Fig.47 This is a diagram schematically showing a deformed state of the conductive elastic portion when the surface layer of the conductive elastic portion is provided with a concavo-convex shape.

[0067] Fig.48 This is a diagram showing an example of the concavo-convex shape provided to the conductive elastic portion of the tactile feedback button according to the second embodiment.

[0068] Fig.49 This is a diagram showing an example of the concavo-convex shape provided to the conductive elastic portion of the tactile feedback button according to the second embodiment.

[0069] Fig.50 This is a diagram showing an example of the concavo-convex shape provided to the conductive elastic portion of the tactile feedback button according to the second embodiment.

[0070] Fig.51 This is a diagram showing an example of the concavo-convex shape provided to the conductive elastic portion of the tactile feedback button according to the second embodiment.

[0071] Fig.52 This is a diagram showing an example of the concavo-convex shape provided to the conductive elastic portion of the tactile feedback button according to the third embodiment.

[0072] Fig.53 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the tactile feedback button 3 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0073] Fig.54 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the tactile feedback button 3 according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] <Implementation Method 1>

[0075] <Haptic Cue Touch Display>

[0076] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of a tactile feedback device that provides tactile feedback buttons 3 on the tactile feedback touch display 1 in the first embodiment to provide tactile feedback of an operation feeling and an operation amount. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the haptic feedback touch display 1 .

[0077] The tactile prompt touch display 1 has a tactile prompt touch panel 400 and a display panel 300 on which the tactile prompt touch panel 400 is mounted. The display panel 300 has a pressure-sensitive sensor 216. The tactile prompt touch panel 400 has a tactile prompt panel 100 and a touch panel 200. The tactile prompt panel 100 has a tactile prompt screen 150 and a voltage supply circuit 110. The touch panel 200 has a touch screen 250 and a touch detection circuit 210. In addition, the tactile prompt panel 100 is sometimes referred to as a tactile prompt device.

[0078] In the first embodiment, the tactile prompt screen 150 is arranged on the side (front side) facing the user of the tactile prompt touch display 1, and is fixed to the surface (front side) facing the user of the touch screen 250 by the adhesive material 20b. The touch screen 250 is fixed to the surface (front side) facing the user of the display panel 300 by the adhesive material 20a.

[0079] The tactile prompting screen 150 includes a transparent insulating substrate 101, a tactile electrode 102, and a dielectric layer 106. The tactile electrode 102 includes a plurality of first electrodes 102a and a plurality of second electrodes 102b that are alternately arranged at intervals on the transparent insulating substrate 101. The dielectric layer 106 covers the plurality of first electrodes 102a and the plurality of second electrodes 102b. The tactile prompting screen 150 is electrically connected to the voltage supply circuit 110 via an FPC (Flexible Print Circuit) 108. In addition, a liquid crystal driving circuit unit 311 is provided on the back side of the display panel 300.

[0080] The touch screen 250 includes: a transparent and insulating substrate 201, an excitation electrode 202, a detection electrode 203, an interlayer insulating layer 204, and an insulating layer 205. The touch screen 250 is electrically connected to the touch detection circuit 210 through the FPC 108. The touch detection circuit 210 detects the touched position on the transparent insulating substrate 101 of the tactile prompt screen 150. As a result, not only tactile prompts but also touch position detection can be performed on the transparent insulating substrate 101. The touch detection circuit 210 includes, for example, a detection IC (Integrated Circuit) for detecting changes in electrostatic capacitance caused by touch and a microcomputer. The details of the structure of the touch screen 250 will be described later by giving a specific example.

[0081] The display panel 300 has two opposing transparent insulating substrates and a display function layer sandwiched between them and having a display function. The display panel 300 is typically a liquid crystal panel. The display panel 300 may also be an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, a micro LED (Micro Light Emitting Diode) panel, or an electronic paper panel. The touch panel 200 is typically a PCAP. In addition, in the case where the pressure-sensitive sensor 216 has a touch position detection function, the touch panel 200 may not be provided. The pressure-sensitive sensor 216 uses an electrostatic capacitance method that detects the deformation of the components constituting the tactile prompt touch display 1 due to pressing as a capacitance change, a piezoelectric method that detects the deformation as a resistance change of a semiconductor strain gauge, etc. Any method may be used as long as it is a pressure-sensitive sensor that can detect pressing.

[0082] <Overview of Tactile Reminder Panel>

[0083] Figure 3 is used to schematically explain the electrostatic capacitance C formed between the tactile electrode 102 of the tactile feedback panel 100 and the tactile feedback button 3. NE . Figure 4 yes Figure 3When the tactile prompt button 3 touches the contact surface CT, which is a part of the surface side of the tactile prompt screen 150, an electrostatic capacitor C is formed between the tactile prompt button 3 and the tactile electrode 102 on the contact surface CT via the dielectric layer 106. NE In addition, in these figures, only the voltage supply circuit 110 (see Figure 2 ) includes a tactile feedback voltage generating circuit 113, and other structures included in the voltage supply circuit 110 are not shown. A more specific structure of the voltage supply circuit 110 will be described later.

[0084] The tactile feedback voltage generating circuit 113 included in the voltage supply circuit 110 includes a first voltage generating circuit 113a and a second voltage generating circuit 113b. The first voltage generating circuit 113a applies a voltage signal V to the first electrode 102a located on at least a portion of the transparent insulating substrate 101 among the plurality of first electrodes 102a. a In the first embodiment, a voltage signal V is applied to all the first electrodes 102a located on at least a portion of the transparent insulating substrate 101. a The second voltage generating circuit 113b applies a voltage signal V to the second electrode 102b located on at least a portion of the transparent insulating substrate 101 among the plurality of second electrodes 102b. b In the first embodiment, a voltage signal V is applied to all the second electrodes 102b located on at least a portion of the transparent insulating substrate 101. b .

[0085] Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 They are respectively showing the voltage signal V a And the voltage signal V b The voltage signal V of the first voltage generating circuit 113a is a The (first voltage signal) has a first frequency. The voltage signal V of the second voltage generating circuit 113b b (Second voltage signal) has a second frequency different from the first frequency. Voltage signal V a The amplitude and voltage signal V b The amplitude can be the same as the amplitude V L .exist Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the example, as the voltage signal V a And the voltage signal V b , using sine waves of different frequencies. Pulse waves or waves with other shapes may also be used instead of sine waves. In order to generate a sufficiently large tactile sensation, the amplitude V L Preferably, it is about several tens of V.

[0086] Figure 7 is shown by combining the voltage signal V a (Refer to Figure 5 ) and the voltage signal V b (Refer to Figure 6 ) and the amplitude modulated signal V N A voltage signal V is applied to the first electrode 102a. a , and a voltage signal V is applied to the second electrode 102b b As a result, an electrostatic capacitance C is formed between the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b and the tactile feedback button 3. NE (Refer to Figure 4 ) in the region, according to the amplitude V L Roughly 2 times the maximum amplitude V H The amplitude modulation signal V N As a result, a vibration with the maximum amplitude V is applied to the tactile feedback button 3 which is in contact with the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b via the dielectric layer 106. H The amplitude modulation signal V N The corresponding electrostatic force. Amplitude modulation signal V N There is a beat frequency corresponding to the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency. Therefore, when the tactile prompt button 3 rotates on the tactile prompt screen 150, the friction force acting on the tactile prompt button 3 changes according to the beat frequency. As a result, the tactile prompt button 3 vibrates at the beat frequency. The user perceives the vibration of the tactile prompt button 3 as a tactile sensation obtained from the tactile prompt screen 150. As described above, the tactile prompt screen 150 of the tactile prompt panel 100 is configured to change the friction force applied to the tactile prompt button 3 by controlling the electrostatic force applied to the tactile prompt button 3, thereby generating a tactile sensation.

[0087] As mentioned above, the input voltage signal V a (Refer to Figure 5 ) and the voltage signal V b (Refer to Figure 6 ) compared to the respective voltage signals, an amplitude modulation signal V having a voltage approximately twice as large as that of the N Thus, the amplitude modulation signal V required for causing the desired friction force to act on the tactile feedback button 3 can be modulated. N By having a voltage signal V with a voltage of approximately 1 / 2 of its a (Refer to Figure 5 ) and the voltage signal V b (Refer to Figure 6Therefore, compared with the case where the amplitude modulation signal is directly input to the first electrodes 102a and 102b, the same electrostatic force can be generated with 1 / 2 of the voltage, and low-voltage driving can be achieved.

[0088] In order to provide the user with a sufficiently strong tactile sensation, the maximum amplitude V H It can be large enough, compared with the amplitude V L can be a small value. Therefore, the amplitude V L The amplitude V does not need to be large enough to generate a sufficiently large tactile sensation by itself. L As a result, when only one of the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b contacts the tactile feedback button 3, no matter how the voltage signal V is selected a And the voltage signal V b The frequency is so high that users can hardly feel the touch.

[0089] In order to facilitate the setting of the tactile prompt button 3 in a manner spanning the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the pitch P of the tactile electrodes 102 E Preferably, it is smaller than the diameter R of the contact surface CT. NE .

[0090] <Touch Panel>

[0091] Figure 8 The touch screen 250 (see Figure 2 ) is an example of an electrostatic capacitance touch screen 250a. Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 Partial cross-sectional view along line A1-A1 and line A2-A2.

[0092] The touch screen 250a includes a plurality of row-direction wiring layers 206 and a plurality of column-direction wiring layers 207. Each of the row-direction wiring layers 206 is electrically connected to a plurality of excitation electrodes 202 (see Figure 2 ) is composed of a plurality of detection electrodes 203 (see Figure 2 ) Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 In the figure, such fine structures are ignored and the row-direction wiring layer 206 and the column-direction wiring layer 207 are shown. Figure 2 ) is composed of a single-layer film or a multi-layer film of a metal, or a multi-layer structure containing any of these materials and also using other conductive materials. As the metal, for example, a low-resistance metal such as aluminum or silver is preferred. Figure 2) is the same. By using metal as wiring material, the wiring resistance can be reduced. On the other hand, metal wiring is opaque and therefore easy to be visually recognized. In order to reduce visual recognition and increase the transmittance of the touch screen, the metal wiring can be given a fine line structure. The fine line structure is typically mesh-shaped.

[0093] The row-direction wiring layers 206 each extend in the row direction (the x direction in the figure), and the column-direction wiring layers 207 each extend in the column direction (the y direction in the figure). A plurality of row-direction wiring layers 206 are arranged at intervals in the column direction, and a plurality of column-direction wiring layers 207 are arranged at intervals in the row direction. Figure 8 As shown, in a plan view, each row-direction wiring layer 206 intersects with a plurality of column-direction wiring layers 207, and each column-direction wiring layer 207 intersects with a plurality of row-direction wiring layers 206. The row-direction wiring layers 206 and the column-direction wiring layers 207 are insulated by an interlayer insulating layer 204.

[0094] The interlayer insulating layer 204 is composed of a single layer of an organic insulating film, a single layer of an inorganic insulating film, or a multilayer film. In terms of improving moisture resistance, an inorganic insulating film is preferred, and in terms of improving flatness, an organic insulating film is preferred. As the inorganic insulating film, for example, a transparent silicon-based inorganic insulating film such as a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxide nitride film, or a transparent inorganic insulating film composed of a metal oxide such as aluminum oxide is used. As the material of the organic insulating film, a polymer material having a main chain composed of silicon oxide, silicon nitride film, or silicon oxide nitride film and having an organic substance bonded to its side chain or functional group, or a thermosetting resin having a main chain composed of carbon can be used. As the thermosetting resin, for example, acrylic resin, polyimide resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, or olefin resin can be listed.

[0095] The row-direction wiring layers 206 of the touch screen 250a are connected to the touch screen terminal portion 208 through the lead-out wiring layers R(1) to R(m). The column-direction wiring layers 207 are connected to the touch screen terminal portion 208 through the lead-out wiring layers C(1) to C(n). The touch screen terminal portion 208 is provided at the end of the substrate 201.

[0096] The lead wiring layers R(1) to R(m) are arranged outside the detectable section, and extend to the corresponding electrodes in a manner that obtains approximately the shortest distance, starting from the lead wiring layer close to the center of the arrangement of the touch screen terminal portion 208. The lead wiring layers R(1) to R(m) ensure mutual insulation and are arranged as densely as possible. The same is true for the lead wiring layers C(1) to C(n). By setting it to such a configuration, the area of ​​the portion outside the detectable section in the substrate 201 can be suppressed.

[0097] A shield wiring layer 209 may be provided between the group of lead wiring layers R(1) to R(m) and the group of lead wiring layers C(1) to C(n). This can suppress the generation of noise in the other group due to the influence of one group. In addition, the noise generated by the display panel 300 (see FIG. 2 ) can be reduced. Figure 2 The shield wiring layer 209 may be formed simultaneously with the row-direction wiring layer 206 or the column-direction wiring layer 207 using the same material.

[0098] The insulating layer 205 is provided on the substrate 201 in such a manner that the touch screen terminal portion 208 is exposed, and covers the row-direction wiring layer 206, the column-direction wiring layer 207, and the interlayer insulating layer 204. The insulating layer 205 can be formed using the same material as the interlayer insulating layer 204. In the case where the display panel 300 is a liquid crystal panel, an upper polarizing plate with anti-glare treatment for a liquid crystal panel may be attached to the portion of the insulating layer 205 that transmits light for display.

[0099] Fig.10 The touch screen 250 (see Figure 2 ) is an example of a top view of an electrostatic capacitance touch screen 250b. Fig.11 It is along Fig.10 Partial cross-sectional view of line B1-B1 and line B2-B2. Fig.10 as well as Fig.11 In the example of FIG. 1 , a so-called diamond structure is used.

[0100] The row-direction wiring layer 206 and the column-direction wiring layer 207 are arranged in the same layer. In each of the column-direction wiring layers 207, a plurality of diamond-shaped electrodes connected to each other are provided as the detection electrodes 203. In the row-direction wiring layer 206, a plurality of diamond-shaped electrodes separated from each other and a bridge 206B for electrically connecting adjacent diamond-shaped electrodes are provided as the excitation electrodes 202. The interlayer insulating layer 204 is arranged to insulate the bridge 206B from the column-direction wiring layer 207. In addition, the bridge structure may be applied to the column-direction wiring layer instead of the row-direction wiring layer. By forming the bridge, there is a tendency for the electrical resistance of the wiring layer to increase, so it is preferable to apply the bridge structure to the shorter side of the column-direction wiring layer and the row-direction wiring layer.

[0101] As the material of the row-direction wiring layer 206 and the column-direction wiring layer 207, for example, a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (ITO) is used. ITO is light-transmissive, so the possibility of the wiring layer being visually recognized by the user becomes low. Transparent conductive films such as ITO have relatively high electrical resistance, so they are suitable for small touch screens where wiring resistance is not a problem. In addition, transparent conductive films such as ITO are prone to disconnection due to corrosion between them and other metal wirings, so in order to prevent corrosion, moisture resistance and water resistance need to be considered.

[0102] In addition, the above description describes a case where the structure of the touch screen and the structure of the display panel are independent, but they can also be integrated in an inseparable manner. For example, in the case of a so-called on-cell touch panel, the touch screen is directly formed on the substrate (typically a color filter substrate) of the display panel 300 without using the substrate 201. In the case of a so-called in-cell touch panel, the touch screen is formed between two transparent insulating substrates (not shown) of the display panel 300.

[0103] <Pressure sensor>

[0104] illustrate Figure 1 The pressure-sensitive sensor 216 shown. Generally, as the pressure-sensitive sensor 216, there are a method of detecting the pressure applied to a diaphragm (membrane) composed of semiconductor Si (silicon) as deformation of the membrane, an electrostatic capacitance type that detects the deformation of a display panel or a touch panel caused by a pressing force based on a change in electrostatic capacitance, and a resistance type that detects a change in resistance of a metal wire caused by deformation corresponding to the pressing force.

[0105] In the case of the electrostatic capacitance type, for example, pressure-sensitive sensors 216 are provided at four symmetrical locations on the diagonal line on the surface of the display panel 300 on the side opposite to the display surface. In this case, when the operation surface of the tactile prompting touch display 1 is pressed by the tactile prompting button 3, the tactile prompting touch display 1 is bent in the direction opposite to the operation surface due to the pressing force, or the tactile prompting touch display 1 is slightly moved in the direction opposite to the operation surface. The pressure-sensitive sensor 216 detects the pressing force by detecting the capacitance change caused by the narrowing of the interval between the capacitance detection electrodes arranged in the pressure-sensitive sensor 216. Each capacitance detection electrode in the pressure-sensitive sensor 216 is parallel to the operation surface of the tactile prompting touch display 1 and is provided in a manner separated by an arbitrary interval.

[0106] In the case of a method other than the electrostatic capacitance method, the pressing force is also detected by detecting a change in shape of a member constituting the tactile feedback touch display 1 due to an arbitrary pressing force.

[0107] In addition, Figure 1 In the embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sensor 216 is arranged on the lower side of the display panel 300 (the side opposite to the display surface), but is not limited to this. Regarding the pressure-sensitive sensor 216, in the structure of the tactile prompt touch display 1, the reproducibility of the relationship between the shape change and the pressing force is excellent, the shape change caused by the pressing force is large, and it is arranged at a position where the sensitivity of the pressure-sensitive sensor 216 is optimal. In addition, instead of the pressure-sensitive sensor 216, a sheet-shaped pressure sensor arranged in a matrix on the back of the display panel 300 may be arranged. In addition, without being limited to this, a pressure sensor of the most suitable detection method can be arranged.

[0108] The number and the positions of the pressure-sensitive sensors 216 are not limited to the above, and more pressure-sensitive sensors 216 can be evenly arranged in the display segment to detect the amount of pressure with higher sensitivity and high precision to calculate the distribution of the amount of pressure in the display segment 301. In this case, the load of the tactile prompt button 3 can also be detected to calculate the position of the tactile prompt button 3.

[0109] In addition, the location where the pressure-sensitive sensor 216 is arranged is not limited to the back side of the display panel 300. For example, when the periphery of the tactile prompt touch display 1 is fixed to the frame, it can also be arranged on the periphery of the back side of the fixed tactile prompt panel 100, that is, below the black frame printed portion 302, to detect the deformation of the tactile prompt touch display 1. When the pressure-sensitive element is composed of a transparent conductive film, it can also be set as an integrated structure in which the pressure-sensitive elements are arranged in a matrix in any structure of the tactile prompt panel 100, the touch panel 200, and the display panel 300.

[0110] <Haptic Prompt Panel>

[0111] Fig.12 1 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of the tactile feedback screen 150 . Fig.13 is the electrostatic capacitance C between the tactile electrode 102 and the tactile prompt button 3 NE Schematic diagram of the formation of .

[0112] As described above, the tactile prompting screen 150 includes the transparent insulating substrate 101, the tactile electrodes 102, and the dielectric layer 106. Furthermore, a tactile prompting panel terminal portion 107 is provided at the end of the transparent insulating substrate 101, and a plurality of lead wiring layers 105 are arranged on the transparent insulating substrate 101. The dielectric layer 106 is provided so that the tactile prompting panel terminal portion 107 is exposed. The tactile electrodes 102 are connected to the tactile prompting panel terminal portion 107 via the lead wiring layer 105. The tactile prompting panel terminal portion 107 is connected to the tactile prompting panel terminal portion 107 via the FPC 108 (see Figure 1 ) is connected to a voltage supply circuit 110 (refer to Figure 2) In addition, the details of the lead wiring layer 105 will be described later.

[0113] The tactile electrodes 102 are each arranged along an extension direction ( Fig.12 The plurality of tactile electrodes 102 extend along the arrangement direction ( Fig.12 In the horizontal direction), they are arranged at intervals. Fig.12 In the example of FIG. 1 , the transparent insulating substrate 101 has a rectangular shape having long sides and short sides. Therefore, the tactile feedback panel 150 also has long sides and short sides corresponding to the transparent insulating substrate 101 .

[0114] The electrostatic capacitance C formed between the tactile electrode 102 and the tactile prompt button 3 NE The larger the area, the stronger the tactile sensation can be prompted. From this viewpoint, the area of ​​the tactile electrode 102 is preferably large. When the size of the area of ​​the tactile electrode 102 is prioritized, it is difficult to make the tactile electrode 102 difficult to be visually recognized by giving the tactile electrode 102 a fine structure. In order to increase the area of ​​the tactile electrode 102 while making the tactile electrode 102 difficult to be visually recognized, the tactile electrode 102 can be formed using a transparent conductive film. As a typical material for a transparent conductive film, there is ITO. Transparent conductive films such as ITO have a relatively high electrical resistance compared to metals, so they are suitable for use in small touch screens where wiring resistance is not a problem. In the case of a large touch screen where wiring resistance is a problem, the ITO film thickness is thickened or the content of dopants is increased to reduce the resistivity. In this case, the light absorption rate of ITO changes, and sometimes the touch screen looks colored, so sometimes it is necessary to adjust the color of the display. In addition, transparent conductive films such as ITO are prone to disconnection due to corrosion between them and other metal wirings. Therefore, when reducing wiring resistance by a stacked structure of electrodes and other metals, moisture resistance and water resistance must be considered to prevent corrosion.

[0115] Instead of using the transparent conductive film as described above, the tactile electrode 102 may also be an electrode having a single-layer film or a multilayer film of a metal, or a multilayer structure containing any of them and also using other conductive materials (hereinafter also referred to as "electrode containing a metal film"). As the metal, for example, a low-resistance metal such as aluminum or silver is preferred. By using an electrode containing a metal film, the wiring resistance can be reduced. On the other hand, the metal film is opaque and therefore easy to be visually identified. Therefore, in order to make the metal film less visually recognizable, the electrode containing the metal film can be given a fine line structure. The fine line structure is typically mesh-shaped.

[0116] The dielectric layer 106 is composed of a single layer of an organic insulating film, a single layer of an inorganic insulating film, or a multilayer film. In the case of a multilayer film, different types of organic insulating films can be stacked, or different types of inorganic insulating films can be stacked, or organic insulating films and inorganic insulating films can be stacked. The inorganic insulating film has high moisture impermeability, high hardness and high wear resistance. The tactile prompt button 3 rotates on the dielectric layer 106, so the dielectric layer 106 needs to have high wear resistance. Organic insulating films are preferred in order to obtain high flatness, but have low hardness and low wear resistance. Therefore, in order to obtain both high flatness and high wear resistance, it is preferred to form an inorganic insulating film on the organic insulating film. As the inorganic insulating film, for example, a transparent silicon-based inorganic insulating film such as a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxide nitride film, or a transparent inorganic insulating film composed of a metal oxide such as aluminum oxide is used. As the material of the organic insulating film, a polymer material having a main chain composed of silicon oxide, silicon nitride film or silicon oxide nitride film and having an organic substance bonded to its side chain or functional group, or a thermosetting resin having a main chain composed of carbon can be used. Examples of the thermosetting resin include acrylic resin, polyimide resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin or olefin resin.

[0117] Electrostatic Capacitance C NE It is represented by the following formula (1).

[0118] C NE =Q / V=εS / d…(1)

[0119] Here, Q is the amount of charge stored in the conductive elastic part 6 and the tactile electrode 102, V is the voltage between the tactile prompt button 3 and the tactile electrode 102, ε is the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 106, S is the contact area between the conductive elastic part 6 and the tactile electrode 102 through the dielectric layer 106, and d is the thickness of the dielectric layer 106. Electrostatic capacitance C NE It is proportional to the dielectric constant ε and inversely proportional to the thickness d.

[0120] According to the above formula (1), in order to increase the electrostatic capacitance C NE, the dielectric constant ε is preferably high. Specifically, the dielectric layer 106 preferably includes a film having a relative dielectric constant of 10 or more (hereinafter also referred to as a "high dielectric constant insulating film"). In the high dielectric constant insulating film, a state of displacement of positive and negative charges in the material is generated due to an electric field applied from the outside (generally referred to as dielectric polarization). Regarding dielectric polarization, the charge generated by polarization (generally referred to as polarization charge) is maintained during the period of maintaining the voltage, and the polarization charge decreases when the voltage is reduced and the dielectric polarization decreases, and the dielectric polarization also disappears when the applied voltage is made zero volts. The direction of dielectric polarization can change according to the electric field. The high dielectric constant insulating film can be used as a single layer, or it can be used as a multilayer film by stacking with other low dielectric constant inorganic insulating films or organic insulating films, or other high dielectric constant insulating films. Generally speaking, the higher the dielectric constant, the higher the refractive index, so by stacking a high dielectric constant insulating film and a low dielectric constant insulating film, a stacked structure of a high refractive index film and a low refractive index film can be obtained. Due to this stacked structure, the dielectric layer 106 can also function as an antireflection film.

[0121] In addition, according to the above formula (1), in order to increase the electrostatic capacitance C NE The thickness d is preferably small. By stacking a high dielectric constant insulating film and an organic insulating film, the thickness of the organic insulating film can be reduced while ensuring sufficient insulation. Thus, the thickness d of the dielectric layer 106 can be reduced.

[0122] When the tactile electrode is assumed to be a matrix structure (i.e., a structure having X electrodes and Y electrodes intersecting each other) (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-097076), steps, i.e., unevenness, are generated at the intersection of the X electrodes and the Y electrodes. The unevenness is flattened if the thickness of the insulating layer covering it is large, but in order to avoid the electrostatic capacitance C NE The thickness of the insulating layer is limited due to excessive reduction of the surface roughness. Therefore, unevenness may occur on the surface side of the tactile prompt screen. When the texture of the unevenness is mixed with the texture given by the electrostatic force from the tactile electrode, it is difficult to provide the intended texture to the user. When an organic insulating film with a flattening effect on the surface shape is used as the dielectric layer 106, although the above-mentioned unevenness is avoided, a certain degree of thickness is required for flattening, so the electrostatic capacitance C cannot be avoided. NE of reduction.

[0123] In contrast, according to the first embodiment, the tactile electrode 102 has no intersection, so the size of the concavoconvex is suppressed to the thickness of the tactile electrode 102. As a result, it is possible to achieve thinning of an organic film having a planarizing effect or to use a high dielectric constant insulating film having a low planarizing effect. As a result, the electrostatic capacitance C NEIn addition, since the contact surface of the tactile prompt screen 150 with the tactile prompt button 3 has fewer bumps and depressions, the tactile prompt button 3 will not be provided with a tactile sense caused by the bumps and depressions on the surface of the tactile prompt screen 150 when no voltage signal is applied, so the tactile sense of the tactile prompt button 3 becomes clearer when a voltage signal is applied.

[0124] In addition, even if the electrostatic capacitance C NE Similarly, if the tactile prompt button 3 is easy to slide on the dielectric layer 106, the change in the electrostatic force between the tactile prompt button 3 and the tactile electrode 102 is also easy to be perceived by the user as a change in friction force. As a result, a greater sense of touch can be provided to the user. In order to make the tactile prompt button 3 easy to slide on the dielectric layer 106, it is necessary to suppress the adhesion between the dielectric layer 106 and the tactile prompt button 3. For this purpose, for example, a film having higher waterproofness than the inside of the dielectric layer 106 can be provided on the outermost surface of the dielectric layer 106, or on the contact surface of the conductive elastic part 6 with the dielectric layer 106, or on both sides thereof.

[0125] <Structure of tactile prompt button>

[0126] Fig.14 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the operation unit 4 of the tactile feedback button 3 . Fig.15 This is a schematic diagram of the fixing portion 5 when the operation portion 4 is rotated on the contact surface of the tactile feedback panel 100 in a case where the position where the tactile feedback button 3 is placed is fixed at one location.

[0127] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram of the rotating shaft portion 5a that suppresses horizontal movement when the operating portion 4 of the tactile prompt button 3 is rotated on the contact surface of the tactile prompt panel 100. The operating portion 4 and the fixed portion 5 (rotating shaft portion 5a) are both composed of metals such as aluminum, SUS, and copper, and resins such as polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, ABS resin, AS resin, acrylic resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, modified polyphenylene ether, polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, polyacetal, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polyarylate, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyamideimide, polyetherimide, thermoplastic polyimide, polyphenylene sulfide, liquid crystal polymer, polyetheretherketone, and fluororesin. The operating feel and tactile sensation vary depending on the weight of the tactile prompt button 3, so the material is selected according to the user's preference, the use environment of the tactile prompt button 3, and the purpose of use. The side surface 10 of the rotating portion needs to be in contact with the conductive elastic portion 6 and the indicator 2 (see Fig. 20 ) is electrically connected, so the surface portion 10s of the rotating portion side 10 that contacts the indicator 2 and the boundary conductive portion 16s are made of metal or conductive resin material (preferably with a resistance of 10 3The resistance value of the surface portion 10s and the boundary conductive portion 16s is preferably set to a value such that the capacitance C formed between the tactile electrode 102 and the conductive elastic portion 6 in the RC circuit formed with the wiring resistance of the tactile electrode 102, the resistance of the conductive elastic portion 6, and the dielectric layer 106 becomes maximum.

[0128] In the tactile prompt button 3, the shape of the shaft portion 14 and the shape of the hole portion of the fixing hole 9 are the same cylindrical shape. The tactile prompt button 3 is a structure obtained by inserting the shaft portion 14 of the fixing portion 5 (rotating shaft portion 5a) into the fixing hole 9 of the rotating portion. Fig.14 as well as Fig.15 As shown, by inserting the shaft portion 14 formed with unevenness into the fixing hole 9, the operation portion 4 and the shaft portion 14 can be prevented from being separated. As for the gap between the shaft portion 14 and the fixing hole 9, it is preferable that the gap is as narrow as possible within the range in which the operation portion 4 can rotate smoothly. When the gap between the shaft portion 14 and the fixing hole 9 is narrow, the shaking of the rotation axis when the tactile prompt button 3 rotates is reduced, and the tactile sense different from the tactile sense originally given to the tactile prompt button 3, such as shaking and vibration of the operation portion 4 caused by the shaking of the rotation axis, is suppressed from being provided to the indicator 2, and the tactile sense given to the user becomes clearer. In order to make the operation portion 4 rotate smoothly, the unevenness of the surface of the shaft portion 14 and the inner surface of the fixing hole 9 is preferably as small as possible, and the surface roughness Ra is preferably less than 0.5μm. The inner diameter tolerance of the fixing hole 9 is preferably 0 to +0.5mm, and the outer diameter tolerance of the shaft portion 14 is preferably -0.0005mm.

[0129] The fixed portion 5 (rotational axis portion 5a) is the portion that becomes the rotational axis (central axis) when the operating portion 4 rotates, and serves to keep the operating surface of the tactile prompting panel 100 and the rotational axis of the operating portion 4 perpendicular. Therefore, the center of the shaft portion 14 of the fixed portion 5 (rotational axis portion 5a) is orthogonal to the bottom portion 15 and the adhesive portion 17 (shaft structure retaining portion 17a), the bottom surface of the adhesive portion 17 (shaft structure retaining portion 17a) is flat, and the contact surface of the conductive elastic portion 6 with the tactile prompting panel 100 and the adhesive portion 17 (shaft structure retaining portion 17a) are located on the same plane. In addition, Fig.15 FIG. 1 shows a case where the diameter of the bonding portion 17 is the same as the diameter of the fixing table 13, but it may also be Fig.16 The diameter of the shaft structure holding portion 17a is different from the diameter of the fixing base 13. By providing the fixing portion 5, the rotation axis when operating the tactile feedback knob 3 can be stabilized, and a clearer tactile feeling can be generated.

[0130] The surface portion 10s and the boundary conductive portion 16s of the rotating portion side 10 of the operating portion 4, which the indicator 2 contacts when the operating portion 4 is rotated, are made of a conductive material and are also electrically connected to the conductive elastic portion 6 and the position detection portion 7. Whether or not the user touches the surface of the operating portion 4 is detected, and the accumulation of electric charge in the conductive elastic portion 6 is suppressed. The surface portion 10s and the boundary conductive portion 16s are made of the same material as the conductive elastic portion 6. In particular, a metal with low electrical resistance is preferably used, and the surface portion 10s and the boundary conductive portion 16s may be formed by coating with metal plating or the like after the operating portion 4 is formed with resin or the like. Details will be described later.

[0131] The conductive elastic part 6 is a conductor that forms an electrostatic capacitance with the tactile electrode 102. The conductive elastic part 6 is divided into two or more parts to prevent the tactile intensity from decreasing. The details of this effect will be described later. By making the conductive elastic part 6 elastic, it has the effect of suppressing the decrease in tactile intensity 106 caused by the decrease in adhesion. When the adhesion between the conductive elastic part 6 and the surface of the tactile prompt panel is reduced due to the decrease in the flatness of the surface of the tactile prompt panel 100 caused by the processing accuracy of the operating part 4 and the fixing part 5 (rotating shaft part 5a) or the assembly accuracy of the tactile prompt screen 150 and the tiny unevenness on the surface of the tactile prompt panel 100, the tactile electrode 102 and the conductive elastic part 6 form an electrostatic capacitance not only through the dielectric layer 106 but also through the air with a small dielectric constant. As a result, the electrostatic capacitance formed between the tactile electrode 102 and the conductive elastic part 6 is reduced, resulting in a decrease in tactile intensity. By making the conductive elastic part 6 elastic, the gap between the dielectric layer 106 and the conductive elastic part 6 caused by the unevenness of the surface of the tactile feedback panel 100 can be filled, thereby preventing a decrease in tactile intensity due to a decrease in adhesion between the conductive elastic part 6 and the tactile feedback panel 100 .

[0132] As a material for the conductive elastic part 6, a resin material called conductive rubber having an elasticity and being formed by mixing a conductive material such as conductive carbon black or metal powder with a thermosetting elastomer such as natural rubber (NR), isoprene rubber (IR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), acrylonitrile rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), butyl rubber (IIR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPDM), chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber (CSM), silicone rubber (VMQ), fluororubber (FKM), fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ), acrylic rubber (ACM), urethane rubber (U), a thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane (TPU), polystyrene (TPS), olefin / alkene (TPO), polyvinyl chloride (TPVC), polyester fiber (TPEE), polyamide (TPAE) as a base material and conductive materials such as conductive carbon black or metal powder can be used. In addition, carbon nanotubes (CNT) can also be used as the conductive material.

[0133] The volume resistivity is 10 6 The lower the volume specific resistance, the more difficult it is for the conductive elastic part 6 to accumulate charge. The details of the charge accumulation in the conductive elastic part 6 will be described later. In addition, since an electrostatic capacitance is formed with the tactile electrode 102, the life and reliability of the conductive elastic part 6 are improved when the withstand voltage characteristic is as high as possible, which is preferred. The position detection part 7 forms an electrostatic capacitance with the detection electrode 203 of the touch screen 250, which is used to detect the position and rotation amount of the tactile prompt button 3.

[0134] The material forming the position detection portion 7 may also be a conductor capable of forming an electrostatic capacitance with the detection electrode 203, and may have elasticity similar to the conductive elastic portion 6, and may use the same material as the conductive elastic portion 6 as a base material. When the adhesion with the tactile prompting panel 100 is good, the difference between the design value and the actual electrostatic capacitance value is unlikely to occur, and stable position detection accuracy can be obtained.

[0135] By setting the conductive elastic part 6 and the position detection part 7 to the same thickness so that they are in close contact with the surface of the tactile prompt panel 100 without forming a gap, strong tactile strength and high-precision position detection can be obtained. The flatness of the surface where the conductive elastic part 6 and the position detection part 7 are in contact with the tactile prompt panel 100 (the distance from a certain reference plane is measured, and the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the measured value) is preferably 0.5 mm or less. In addition, regarding the diameter of the contact area of ​​a person's finger relative to the touch surface when operating the touch panel, it is about 3 mm for children and about 7 to 10 mm at most for adults. Generally speaking, the contact area of ​​the finger in various touch operations is 20 to 400 mm. 2 , so it can be considered that the area of ​​the position detection part 7 is 7mm 2Above and 400mm 2 Within the following range.

[0136] <Detailed Structure of Tactile Hint Touch Panel>

[0137] Fig.17 This is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of the tactile prompt touch panel 400. Here, it is assumed that excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) are provided as a plurality of excitation electrodes 202, detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n) are provided as a plurality of detection electrodes 203, and tactile electrodes H(1) to H(j) are provided as a plurality of tactile electrodes 102. The tactile electrodes H(1) to H(j) are arranged in order according to the numbers in the parentheses, and the odd-numbered tactile electrodes 102 correspond to the first electrode 102a, and the even-numbered tactile electrodes 102 correspond to the second electrode 102b. In addition, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that one excitation electrode 202 constitutes one row direction wiring layer 206 (refer to Figure 8 or Fig.10 ), and one detection electrode 203 constitutes one column-direction wiring layer 207 (refer to Figure 8 or Fig.10 ).

[0138] As described above, the haptic feedback touch panel 400 includes the touch panel 200 and the haptic feedback panel 100. The touch panel 200 includes the touch screen 250 and the touch detection circuit 210. The haptic feedback panel 100 includes the haptic feedback screen 150 and the voltage supply circuit 110.

[0139] The touch detection circuit 210 includes an excitation pulse generating circuit 215, a charge detecting circuit 212, a touch coordinate calculating circuit 214, and a touch detection control circuit 213. The touch detection control circuit 213 controls the operation of the excitation pulse generating circuit 215, the charge detecting circuit 212, and the touch coordinate calculating circuit 214. The excitation pulse generating circuit 215 applies an excitation pulse signal to the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) in sequence. The charge detecting circuit 212 measures the signals obtained from the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n), respectively. Thus, the charge detecting circuit 212 detects the charge amount of each of the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n). Regarding the information on the charge detection result, k is set to an integer greater than 1 and less than m, and the value corresponding to the mutual capacitance of each detection electrode of the excitation electrode Ty(k) and the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n) when the excitation pulse signal is applied to the excitation electrode Ty(k) is shown. In addition, the charge detection circuit 212 can identify to which of the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) the excitation pulse signal is applied based on the control signal from the touch detection control circuit 213. The touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 obtains the data of the coordinates touched by the indicator 2 (hereinafter referred to as "touch coordinate data") based on the above charge detection results.

[0140] The touch coordinate data is output to the button movement amount calculation circuit 220, and is also output to the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120 and the tactile prompt control circuit 114 (tactile prompt circuit) as touch action information. The button movement amount calculation circuit 220 outputs the information of the rotation angle, rotation speed, and horizontal movement distance as the movement amount of the button to the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120 (tactile intensity calculation circuit) and the display screen processing circuit 321. The tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120 outputs the electrical signal condition that realizes the tactile intensity (operation sense intensity) calculated based on the input information to the tactile prompt control circuit 114.

[0141] The voltage supply circuit 110 includes a switch circuit 112, a tactile feedback voltage generation circuit 113, and a tactile feedback control circuit 114. The tactile feedback voltage generation circuit 113 applies a voltage signal V to the first electrode 102a among the tactile electrodes H(1) to H(j) via the switch circuit 112. a , a voltage signal V is applied to the second electrode 102b b In other words, the voltage signal V is applied alternately to the tactile electrodes H(1) to H(j) arranged in one direction (horizontally in the figure). a And the voltage signal V b . The switch circuit 112 obtains an on state or an off state according to an instruction from the tactile prompt voltage generating circuit 113. The switch circuit 112 connects the tactile electrode 102 to the tactile prompt voltage generating circuit 113 in the on state, and sets the tactile electrode 102 to a floating state in the off state. In the present embodiment 1, the switch circuit 112 has two switches 40, one of which switches the electrical path toward all the first electrodes 102a, and the other switches the electrical path toward all the second electrodes 102b. These two switches 40 can also be controlled in a linked manner. In addition, the switch 40 is equivalent to a switching unit.

[0142] The haptic feedback control circuit 114 refers to the information of the haptic intensity calculated by the haptic formation condition conversion circuit 120. The haptic feedback control circuit 114 can control the operation of the haptic feedback voltage generation circuit 113 based on the information. That is, the touch detection circuit 210 also functions as a contact detection unit that detects the user's contact with the haptic feedback button 3.

[0143] <Haptic prompts for touch panel actions>

[0144] Fig.18 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image of the electrostatic capacitance of the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 when the pointer 2 is not in contact with the tactile presentation button 3 . Fig.19The tactile feedback touch panel 400 is schematically shown when the indicator 2 is not in contact with the tactile feedback button 3 (see Fig.17 )’s action timing diagram.

[0145] When the indicator 2 does not touch the tactile prompt button 3, the conductive elastic portion 6 and the tactile electrode 102 are both in a floating state and at the same potential as the detection electrode 203, and the charge detection circuit 212 detects the charge amount based on the electrostatic capacitance of the detection electrode 203 and the excitation electrode 202. The touch detection control circuit 213 also outputs the control signal of the excitation electrode 202 to the tactile prompt voltage generation circuit 113.

[0146] According to the control signal, the tactile feedback voltage generation circuit 113 can recognize the touch detection period P1. During the touch detection period P1, the tactile feedback voltage generation circuit 113 turns off the switch 40 of the switch circuit 112. As a result, the electrical connection between the tactile feedback voltage generation circuit 113 and all the tactile electrodes 102 is cut off. As a result, the potential of all the tactile electrodes 102 becomes a floating state.

[0147] When the distance between the electrodes of the tactile electrodes 102 is wide and the detection electrode 203 and the position detection unit 7 of the tactile prompt button 3 form an electrostatic capacitance via the gap between the electrodes of the tactile electrodes 102, the tactile electrodes 102 do not need to be floated, but may be fixed to the detection GND or any fixed potential. As for the potential of the tactile electrodes 102, the potential that is most likely to detect the amount of charge mainly based on the electrostatic capacitance of the detection electrode 203 and the excitation electrode 202 is selected.

[0148] Next, in the touch coordinate calculation period P2, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 determines whether there is a touch using the indicator 2 based on the charge detection results of the mutual capacitances corresponding to the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) respectively, which are input and held from the charge detection circuit 212, in other words, the charge detection results of the capacitances of all the intersections formed by the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) and the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n). As a result of the electric field coupling between the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 being relaxed due to the proximity or contact of the indicator 2 such as a finger, the charge in the mutual capacitance decreases. Based on the degree of this decrease, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 can determine whether there is a touch. When it is determined that there is a touch, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 starts calculating the touch coordinate data based on the above-mentioned charge detection results. Specifically, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 can calculate the touch coordinate data by performing calculation processing such as centroid calculation on the detection results of the intersection with the largest degree of charge decrease and the intersections around it. When the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 determines that there is no touch, it does not calculate the touch coordinate data, and the processing returns to the touch detection period P1. In order to perform such processing, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 gives the touch detection control circuit 213 a signal indicating the determination result of whether the indicator 2 touches the touch panel surface and whether it touches the tactile prompt button 3. When there is no determination result that the indicator 2 touches the tactile prompt button 3, the actions of P1 to P3 are repeated.

[0149] Here, the operation in the case where there is no determination result that the pointer 2 has touched the tactile presentation button 3 will be described below.

[0150] Fig. 20 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image of the electrostatic capacitance between the excitation electrode 202 and the position detection unit 7 when the pointer 2 contacts the tactile presentation button 3 . Fig.21 The tactile feedback touch panel 400 (see FIG. Fig.17 )’s action timing diagram.

[0151] When the indicator 2 contacts the tactile prompt button 3, the conductive elastic portion 6 is grounded via the tactile prompt button 3 and the indicator 2, and the detection electrode 203 forms an electrostatic capacitance with the conductive elastic portion 6 via the tactile electrode 102, and the electrostatic capacitance between the detection electrode 203 and the excitation electrode 202 decreases. As a result, the amount of charge detected by the charge detection circuit 212 decreases, and it is detected that the indicator 2 contacts the tactile prompt button 3.

[0152] During the touch detection period P1, the touch detection control circuit 213 outputs a control signal indicating the first conversion timing to the excitation pulse generating circuit 215. Receiving the control signal, the excitation pulse generating circuit 215 provides an excitation pulse signal (charging pulse signal) to the excitation electrode Ty(1). As a result, the inter-electrode capacitance (mutual capacitance) between the excitation electrode Ty(1) and each of the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n) intersecting with it when viewed from above is charged. The charge detection circuit 212 uses the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n) to detect the amount of charge based on the above charging. In addition, the charge detection circuit 212 performs analog / digital conversion (A / D conversion) on its detection result, and outputs the digital information obtained therefrom as the charge detection result of the mutual capacitance corresponding to the excitation electrode Ty(1) to the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214. Similarly, the touch detection control circuit 213 sequentially outputs control signals indicating the second conversion timing to the mth conversion timing to the mth conversion timing to the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214. Corresponding to each of the second conversion timing to the mth conversion timing, the charge detection results of the mutual capacitances corresponding to the excitation electrodes Ty( 2 ) to Ty(m) are output to the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 .

[0153] The touch detection control circuit 213 also outputs the control signal to the tactile prompt voltage generation circuit 113. According to the control signal, the tactile prompt voltage generation circuit 113 can identify the touch detection period P1. In the touch detection period P1, the tactile prompt voltage generation circuit 113 turns off the switch 40 of the switch circuit 112. As a result, the electrical connection between the tactile prompt voltage generation circuit 113 and all the tactile electrodes 102 is cut off. As a result, the potential of all the tactile electrodes 102 becomes a floating state.

[0154] Next, in the touch coordinate calculation period P2, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 determines whether there is a touch using the indicator 2 based on the charge detection results of the mutual capacitances corresponding to the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) respectively, which are input and held from the charge detection circuit 212, in other words, the charge detection results of the capacitances of all the intersections formed by the excitation electrodes Ty(1) to Ty(m) and the detection electrodes Tx(1) to Tx(n). As a result of the electric field coupling between the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 being relaxed due to the proximity or contact of the indicator 2 such as a finger, the charge in the mutual capacitance decreases. Based on the degree of this decrease, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 can determine whether there is a touch. When it is determined that there is a touch, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 starts calculating the touch coordinate data based on the above-mentioned charge detection results. Specifically, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 can calculate the touch coordinate data by performing calculation processing such as centroid calculation on the detection results of the intersection with the largest degree of charge decrease and the intersections around it. If the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 determines that there is no touch, it does not calculate the touch coordinate data and returns the process to the touch detection period P1. To perform such a process, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 gives the touch detection control circuit 213 a signal indicating the result of the touch determination.

[0155] Next, during the touch coordinate sending period P3, according to the touch coordinate data sending timing from the touch detection control circuit 213, the touch coordinate calculation circuit 214 outputs the touch coordinate data to the button movement amount calculation circuit 220, and also outputs it as touch action information to the tactile formation condition transformation circuit 120 and the tactile prompt control circuit 114.

[0156] Next, in the determination period P4 , the haptic feedback control circuit 114 determines the position of the haptic feedback button 3 based on the touch coordinate data, and determines a section for providing haptic feedback.

[0157] The tactile prompt control circuit 114 selects a tactile prompt signal waveform corresponding to the coordinates of the display screen and the tactile prompt button 3 according to the input from the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120. The "tactile prompt signal waveform" defines the voltage signal V a And the voltage signal V b In addition, the voltage signal V a With the voltage signal V bThe difference in waveform between the two is typically a difference in frequency. The tactile prompt signal waveform is set inside or outside the tactile prompt control circuit 114. The type of tactile prompt signal waveform can be one or more than one. When there is only one type of tactile prompt signal waveform, there is no need to select the processing of the tactile prompt signal waveform. When there are more than one type of tactile prompt signal waveform, the type of tactile prompt signal waveform is selected based on the input from the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120.

[0158] Next, during the tactile prompt signal application period P5, the tactile prompt control circuit 114 generates a tactile prompt signal under the above-mentioned tactile prompt signal waveform. In addition, the switch 40 connected to the tactile electrode 102 existing in the area where the tactile prompt signal is input to the switch circuit 112 is connected to the tactile prompt voltage generation circuit 113, and the switch 40 connected to the tactile electrode 102 existing in the area where the tactile prompt signal is not input is connected to GND, or the switch is not turned on as it is and the tactile electrode 102 is set to float. As a result, a signal is applied to the tactile electrode 102, thereby providing a tactile prompt. Fig.21 In the example of , an AC signal having an H level (high level) and an L level (low level) is applied to the tactile electrode 102. The tactile electrode 102 is charged with a positive high voltage, typically tens of volts, during the H level period, and is discharged during the 0 level period. It is charged with a negative high voltage, typically tens of volts, during the L level. The generation cycle and generation period of the pulse signal can be appropriately set according to the input from the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120.

[0159] After the haptic prompt signal application period P5, the process returns to the touch detection period P1. Thus, the above-mentioned operation is repeated. Thus, the haptic prompt touch panel 400 can detect the position of the haptic prompt button 3 and provide haptic prompts corresponding to the position of the haptic prompt button 3 and the display screen.

[0160] Fig. 22 The touch detection period P1 (see Fig.21 ) is a schematic diagram showing the formation of electrostatic capacitance in the touch display 1. In the touch detection period P1, an electrostatic capacitance C is formed between the indicator 2 and the detection electrode 203. ND During this period, the potentials of all the touch electrodes 102 are in a floating state. This prevents the touch electrodes 102 from functioning as a shield. Therefore, the sensitivity of touch detection can be improved.

[0161] Fig.23 The tactile feedback signal application period P5 (see Fig.21) is a schematic diagram of the formation of electrostatic capacitance in the tactile prompt touch display 1. During the tactile prompt signal application period P5, the potential of the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 of the touch panel 200 can be in a floating state. As a result, the formation of capacitance caused by the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 to the electrostatic capacitor C can be suppressed. NE Alternatively, the potential of the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 of the touch panel 200 may be substantially constant potential, for example, the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 may be connected to the ground potential with low impedance. Thus, the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 can function as a shield between the tactile electrode 102 and the display panel 300. Therefore, the noise generated in the display panel 300 due to the high voltage signal applied to the tactile electrode 102 is suppressed. Therefore, the display defect caused by the noise can be prevented. On the contrary, the noise generated in the tactile electrode 102 due to the display panel 300 is suppressed. When the tactile prompt signal is applied to the tactile electrode 102, the conductive elastic part 6 forms an electrostatic capacitance with the tactile electrode 102, and a charge with a potential opposite to the voltage of the tactile electrode 102 is accumulated in the surface of the conductive elastic part 6 in contact with the dielectric layer 106, and an electrostatic force is generated between the conductive elastic part 6 and the dielectric layer 106. As a result, the frictional force between the conductive elastic part 6 and the dielectric layer 106 changes. The change in frictional force changes the torque of the button when the tactile feedback button 3 is rotated, and the operation feeling when the tactile feedback button 3 is rotated is sensed.

[0162] Furthermore, when a floating state is used, both the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 may be placed in a floating state, or one of them may be placed in a floating state. Furthermore, when a constant potential is used, both the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 may be placed in a constant potential, or one of them may be placed in a constant potential. It is also possible to place one of the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 in a floating state, and place the other in a constant potential. When the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 are at different distances from the tactile electrode 102, it is also possible to place the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 that is closer to the tactile electrode 102 in a floating state, and place the one that is further away in a constant potential.

[0163] In addition, Fig.17 In the example shown, the touch coordinate data is sent from the touch detection circuit 210 to the voltage supply circuit 110, but as a modification, the charge detection circuit 212 may send information of the charge detection result to the voltage supply circuit 110. In this case, the tactile feedback control circuit 114 uses the information of the charge detection result to determine whether a touch is present and calculate the touch coordinates.

[0164] In the case where the position of the tactile prompt button 3 is changed on the tactile prompt panel 100 during operation or for each operation, the bottom surface 15 may be fixed in a surface-to-surface manner on the tactile prompt panel 100. In addition, in the case where the position of the tactile prompt button 3 is not changed on the tactile prompt panel 100 during operation or for each operation (in the case where the position of the tactile prompt button 3 is fixed for use), the bottom surface 15 may be bonded and fixed to the tactile prompt panel 100 using the bonding portion 17.

[0165] Fig.24 The block diagram shows a structure in which the tactile electrode 102 is driven so that at least one of the conductive elastic parts 6 divided into two or more forms an electrostatic capacitance with the tactile electrode 102 and at least one of the conductive elastic parts 6 is connected to the grounded tactile electrode 102 via the dielectric layer 106. Fig.21 ), the tactile prompt control circuit 114 determines the position where the tactile prompt button 3 is placed according to the touch coordinate data, determines the segment for tactile prompt, divides the segment into two or more, determines the area for inputting the tactile prompt signal and the area connected to GND.

[0166] The tactile prompt control circuit 114 selects a tactile prompt signal waveform corresponding to the coordinates of the display screen and the tactile prompt button 3 according to the input from the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120. The "tactile prompt signal waveform" defines the voltage signal V a And the voltage signal V b In addition, the voltage signal V a With the voltage signal V b The difference in waveform between the two is typically a difference in frequency. The tactile prompt signal waveform is set inside or outside the tactile prompt control circuit 114. The type of tactile prompt signal waveform can be one or more than one. In the case where there is only one type of tactile prompt signal waveform, there is no need to select the processing of the tactile prompt signal waveform. In the case where there are more than one type of tactile prompt signal waveform, the type of tactile prompt signal waveform is selected based on the input from the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120.

[0167] Next, during the tactile feedback signal application period P5 (refer to Fig.21), the tactile prompt control circuit 114 generates a tactile prompt signal under the above-mentioned tactile prompt signal waveform. In addition, the switch 40 connected to the tactile electrode 102 existing in the area where the tactile prompt signal of the input switch circuit 112 is connected to the tactile prompt voltage generating circuit 113, and the switch 40 connected to the tactile electrode 102 existing in the area connected to GND is connected to GND. The switch 40 connected to the tactile electrode 102 existing in the area where the tactile prompt signal is not input is connected to GND, or the switch 40 is not turned on to keep the tactile electrode 102 floating. As a result, a signal is applied to the tactile electrode 102, thereby prompting tactile sensation. In Fig.24 In the example of , an AC signal having an H level (high level) and an L level (low level) is applied to the tactile electrode 102. The tactile electrode 102 is charged with a positive high voltage, typically tens of volts, during the H level period, and is discharged during the 0 level period. It is charged with a negative high voltage, typically tens of volts, at the L level. The generation cycle and generation period of the pulse signal can be appropriately set according to the input from the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120.

[0168] After the haptic prompt signal application period P5, the process returns to the touch detection period P1. Thus, the above-mentioned operation is repeated. Thus, the haptic prompt touch panel 400 can detect the position of the haptic prompt button 3 and provide haptic prompts corresponding to the position of the haptic prompt button 3 and the display screen.

[0169] In the first embodiment, the GND terminal is used as the charge discharge portion 115, but other structures may be used as long as the charges accumulated in the conductive elastic portion 6 can be discharged. For example, instead of using the GND terminal, a positive voltage or a negative voltage that can efficiently discharge the charges may be applied depending on the conductivity of the charges accumulated in the conductive elastic portion 6.

[0170] <Differences between the electrode structure of the tactile prompt screen and the electrode structure of the touch screen>

[0171] As a suitable condition for the tactile electrode 102 , first, a structure in which the indicator 2 can contact the tactile electrode 102 without passing through a member other than the dielectric layer 106 is preferred. Therefore, the tactile electrode 102 covered with the dielectric layer 106 is preferably arranged on the outermost surface of the tactile feedback touch panel 400 .

[0172] Second, the closer the distance between the indicator 2 and the tactile electrode 102 is, the greater the tactile sensation can be. From this viewpoint, the thickness of the dielectric layer 106 is preferably small, and the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 106 is preferably large.

[0173] Third, in order to increase the electrostatic capacitance C when generating tactile sensation NE (Refer to Fig.23 ) and preferably the tactile electrodes 102 are densely present. On the other hand, when detecting a touch position (see Fig.21 ), preferably without hindering the electrostatic capacitance C ND The formation method reduces the electrostatic capacitance C between the tactile electrodes 102 E , that is, the capacitance between electrodes.

[0174] In the case where the size of the tactile prompt touch panel 400 is larger than the tactile prompt button 3 and the section where the tactile prompt button 3 is not placed is used as a touch panel without tactile prompt, when the pointer 2 is not in contact with the tactile prompt button 3, the operation timing when the pointer 2 is not in contact with the tactile prompt button 3 is repeated for the entire surface of the tactile prompt touch panel 400 (refer to Fig.18 ). When a touch is detected in a section of the touch panel that does not provide tactile prompts, the touch position is calculated and output. When the indicator 2 contacts the tactile prompt button 3, the touch detection of the section where the tactile prompt button 3 is not placed is stopped, and the touch detection is performed only when the indicator 2 contacts the tactile prompt button 3 as described above in the section where the tactile prompt button 3 is placed (refer to Fig. 20 ) actions are performed at a fixed time.

[0175] When the section where the tactile prompt button 3 is not placed is used as a touch panel for tactile prompt, when the pointer 2 is not in contact with the tactile prompt button 3, the operation timing when the pointer 2 is not in contact with the tactile prompt button 3 is repeated for the entire surface of the tactile prompt touch panel 400 (see Fig.18 When a touch is detected in the section of the touch panel used for tactile prompting, when the pointer 2 contacts the tactile prompting button 3 as described above (refer to Fig. 20 When the indicator 2 contacts the tactile prompt button 3, the touch detection of the section where the tactile prompt button 3 is not placed is stopped, and the touch detection is performed only when the indicator 2 contacts the tactile prompt button 3 as described above in the section where the tactile prompt button 3 is placed (refer to Fig. 20 ) actions are performed at a fixed time.

[0176] As suitable conditions for the excitation electrodes 202 and the detection electrodes 203, first, a matrix structure capable of accurately identifying the touch position is required in order to ensure the sensitivity and linearity of the touch position detection. Second, the electrostatic capacitance C formed by the indicator 2 and the detection electrode 203 via the tactile feedback screen 150 is required. ND In order to detect the touch position, a predetermined distance (more than several hundred μm and less than several mm) needs to be provided between the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203 so that the electric field spreads in the lateral direction.

[0177] As described above, the suitable conditions for the tactile electrode 102 are different from the suitable conditions for the excitation electrode 202 and the detection electrode 203. In order to optimize both conditions, it is not desirable to apply the same configuration to them.

[0178] <Details of the lead wiring layer>

[0179] The lead-out wiring layer 105 ( Fig.12 ) Specifically, it has lead wiring layers Ld(1) to Ld(j) and lead wiring layers Lu(1) to Lu(j). Let k be any integer from 1 to j, and the lead wiring layers Ld(k) and Lu(k) are each connected to the kth tactile electrode 102. The lead wiring layers Ld(k) and Lu(k) are each connected to one end and the other end of a tactile electrode 102 in the extension direction.

[0180] The wiring resistance of each tactile electrode 102 provided on the tactile prompting screen 150 is preferably high in terms of not hindering touch detection based on the touch screen 250, for example, preferably set to 104Ω or more. In this way, when the wiring resistance is high, the propagation delay of the voltage signal in the wiring layer is likely to occur. By connecting the lead wiring layer 105 to one end and the other end of the tactile electrode 102, respectively, as described above, the propagation delay can be suppressed.

[0181] The lead wiring layers Ld(1) to Ld(j) are arranged outside the tactile prompting section, and extend from the tactile prompting panel terminal portion 107 to the corresponding electrode in a manner that obtains approximately the shortest distance, starting from the lead wiring layer close to the center of the arrangement of the tactile prompting panel terminal portion 107. The tactile prompting panel terminal portion 107 is arranged along the long side of the transparent insulating substrate 101 near the center of the long side. The lead wiring layers Ld(1) to Ld(j) ensure mutual insulation and are arranged as densely as possible. The lead wiring layers Lu(1) to Lu(j) are similarly arranged outside the area occupied by the lead wiring layers Ld(1) to Ld(j). By setting it to such a configuration, the area of ​​the part outside the tactile prompting section in the transparent insulating substrate 101 can be suppressed.

[0182] The lead wiring layer 105, specifically the lead wiring layers Ld(1) to Ld(j) and the lead wiring layers Lu(1) to Lu(j), are preferably composed of a metal single layer film, or a laminated film of a metal single layer and a non-metal single layer. In the case where the laminated film has a lower layer and an upper layer covering the lower layer, the upper layer can have a function as a protective layer for the lower layer. For example, the upper layer as a protective layer can also protect the lower layer from the etchant in the etching process for manufacturing the tactile prompt screen 150. Alternatively, the upper layer can also function as a covering layer to prevent corrosion of the lower layer when manufacturing the tactile prompt screen 150 or when using the tactile prompt screen 150. If the material of the lower layer is set to a material that has better adhesion to the transparent insulating substrate 101 than the material of the upper layer, it is possible to suppress the lead wiring layer 105 from peeling off.

[0183] <Haptic prompt touch panel including display panel>

[0184] Fig.25 2 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the display panel, the touch panel and the tactile feedback panel. Fig.17 , Fig.25 ) Based on the coordinates of the button on the touch panel 200 obtained by the touch detection circuit 210, the information of the movement amount (rotation angle) of the button is output to the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120 and the display screen processing circuit 321.

[0185] The display screen processing circuit 321 selects a display processing condition corresponding to the amount of button movement in the mode stored in advance in the display processing condition storage device 322 (display condition storage device), edits the image information 330 according to the selected display processing condition, and transfers the image data to the image signal supply circuit 320.

[0186] The tactile sensation forming condition conversion circuit 120 selects a tactile sensation forming condition corresponding to the amount of movement of the button in the mode, such as the tactile sensation intensity, which is pre-stored in the tactile sensation forming condition storage device 121 (tactile sensation condition storage device). Then, according to the selected tactile sensation forming condition, the voltage supply circuit 110 supplies a voltage signal to the tactile sensation prompting panel 100. Therefore, the display change of the display panel corresponding to the amount of rotation of the tactile sensation prompting button 3 and the tactile sensation obtained from the button are tuned.

[0187] Fig.26 is a flowchart of the above-mentioned tuning processing. Fig. 20 ) Touch the tactile prompt button 3 (refer to Fig. 20)(knob touch), or the tactile prompt touch panel 400 is powered on (power on), thereby starting the tuning process, and the position coordinates of the tactile prompt button 3 on the touch panel 200 at the time point when the tuning process starts, or the time point when the tactile prompt touch panel 400 is provided with an initial state signal of the tactile prompt button 3 are stored as the initial position (step S0).

[0188] The contact state between the tactile prompt button 3 and the indicator 2 is determined according to the determined cycle (step S1). If it is determined that there is no contact (the case of "No"), it is determined that a hand-raising action (contact release) has been performed, and the process is transferred to the hand-raising action processing (step S14). On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a contact state (the case of "Yes"), the position of the tactile prompt button 3 on the touch panel 200 is detected and the current coordinates are obtained (step S2). Then, the movement amount (rotation angle) of the tactile prompt button 3 is calculated based on the obtained current coordinates and initial coordinates (step S3), and whether there is movement is determined based on the movement amount (step S4).

[0189] If it is determined that the tactile prompt button 3 has not moved ("No"), it is determined whether the action in the previous cycle is rotation or translation (step S11), and in the case of translation, the process is transferred to translation action processing (step S15). On the other hand, in the case of rotation, the angle-tactile conversion table is referred to with the rotation angle in the previous cycle (step S12), and a signal is applied to the tactile electrode under the condition of forming the same tactile feeling as in the previous cycle (step S8).

[0190] In addition, when the action in the previous cycle is rotation, display processing matching the rotation angle of the previous cycle is performed (step S13).

[0191] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the tactile prompt button 3 has moved (in the case of "yes"), it is determined whether it is a rotational action (step S5). If it is determined to be a rotational action (in the case of "yes"), it is determined whether the rotation direction is the same as in the previous cycle (step S6). In addition, in the case of a rotational action, a display process matching the rotation angle calculated in step S3 is performed (step S9).

[0192] When it is determined in step S6 that the rotation direction is the same (in the case of YES), the same angle-tactile sensation conversion table as in the previous cycle is referred to (step S7 ), and a signal is applied to the tactile electrode 102 (step S8 ).

[0193] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S6 that the rotation direction is different from that in the previous cycle (the case of "No"), it is regarded as a rotation in the opposite direction, and the conversion table from the rotation angle for the opposite direction to the tactile sensation is changed (step S10), and a signal is applied to the tactile electrode 102 with reference to the changed angle-tactile sensation conversion table (step S7) (step S8).

[0194] After the voltage is applied to the tactile electrode 102 , the process shifts to confirmation of the contact state between the tactile feedback button 3 and the indicator 2 in the next cycle.

[0195] Here, return to Fig.25 The functions of the pressure detection circuit 217 and the pressure amount calculation circuit 218 are described below. Figure 1 As shown, a pressure-sensitive sensor 216 is arranged on the back of the display panel 300, and the pressure-sensitive sensor 216 is used to detect the deformation of the components constituting the tactile prompt touch display 1 for the pressing force when operating the tactile prompt button 3. The output of the pressure-sensitive sensor 216 is input to the pressing detection circuit 217, and the pressing amount calculation circuit 218 calculates the pressing amount based on the detection value of the pressing detection circuit 217.

[0196] The pressure sensitive sensor 216 may also be a capacitive method or a piezoelectric method. In the capacitive method, a capacitance change caused by a change in the gap between the pressure sensitive sensor electrodes due to a pressing force is detected. In the piezoelectric method, a structure to which the pressure sensitive sensor 216 is bonded, for example, is Figure 1 In the case of the deformation, the amount of deformation, that is, the deformation of the back side of the display panel 300 extending or contracting in proportion to the pressing force, is detected as an electrical signal. In addition, any method can be used as long as it is a pressure-sensitive sensor that detects the pressing force. Regarding the configuration position of the pressure-sensitive sensor 216, a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 216 are configured in such a way that the pressing force can be detected with equal sensitivity regardless of the position of the tactile prompt button 3 in the display segment 301. It can be configured in the following position, wherein the position is a position where the reproducibility of the relationship between the shape change and the pressing force is good, the shape change caused by the pressing force is large, and the sensitivity of the pressure-sensitive sensor 216 is optimal. For example, in the case of using four pressure-sensitive sensors 216, such as Figure 1 Portions close to the four corners in the display area 301 are arranged so as to be point-symmetrical or line-symmetrical.

[0197] Regarding the pressing force, the change in capacitance or deformation of the four pressure-sensitive sensors 216 is detected by the pressing detection circuit 217, and the pressing amount calculation circuit 218 calculates the pressing amount by taking a weighted average based on the detection value output by the pressing detection circuit 217, and outputs the pressing amount to the tactile formation condition conversion circuit 120. Based on the tactile formation condition determined by the operation position and operation amount corresponding to the displayed user interface (UI), the waveform of the voltage signal output from the tactile formation condition storage device 121 is corrected to the waveform of the voltage signal corresponding to the pressing amount, and output to the voltage supply circuit 110.

[0198] Regarding the method, structure, detection position, etc. of the pressure-sensitive sensor 216, the amount of deformation of the structure constituting the tactile prompt touch display 1 is large, depending on the method of fixing the tactile prompt touch display 1 to the frame and the type of the display panel 300 (liquid crystal display, organic EL panel, μLED, etc.), and it can be selected based on the conditions that can achieve high-sensitivity press detection. In addition, when the pressure-sensitive sensor 216 is configured in a manner that the press position can be calculated based on the balance of the detection value of the pressure-sensitive sensor 216, the pressure-sensitive sensor 216 can detect not only the press but also the touch position, and can also be shared as the touch panel 200.

[0199] <Planar and Cross-sectional Structures of Conductive Elastic Part>

[0200] Fig. 27 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the tactile prompt button 3 according to a modified example of the first embodiment. Fig. 27 As shown, the conductive elastic part 6 of the tactile prompt button 3 has a surface layer 61 in contact with the tactile prompt panel 100, and an inner layer 62 fixed to the operation part 4. The surface layer 61 has a concave-convex shape in which convex parts CP and concave parts RP are repeated alternately on the surface in contact with the surface of the dielectric layer 106 of the tactile prompt panel 100.

[0201] Fig.28 A partially enlarged top view and a cross-sectional view showing the back side of the tactile prompt button 3, that is, the side in contact with the surface of the dielectric layer 106, of the conductive elastic portion 6. Basic structure and use of the back side of the tactile prompt button 3 Fig.14 The tactile prompt button 3 described above has a fixing portion 5 and a position detection portion 7. Fig.28 As shown, the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 is formed with a convex portion CP having a width 63 a and a concave portion RP having a width 63 b .

[0202] Fig.28 The cross-sectional shape of the recessed portion RP shown is a rectangle, but the present invention is not limited to this. Fig.29 , Fig.30 as well as Fig.31This is another example of the cross-sectional shape of the conductive elastic portion 6 .

[0203] exist Fig.29 FIG. 4 shows a case where the cross-sectional shape of the recess RP is a trapezoid. Fig.30 The cross-sectional shape of the recessed portion RP is shown in FIG. Fig.31 , a case where the cross-sectional shape of the recessed portion RP is an arch shape is shown.

[0204] In either case, the contact surface 63 with the tactile feedback panel 100 is preferably a flat surface in order to prevent the area from changing due to the pressing pressure.

[0205] <Concave-convex pitch of conductive elastic portion>

[0206] Next, use Fig.32 as well as Fig.33 , describing the concavo-convex pitch of the conductive elastic portion 6. Fig.32 is a graph showing the pitch P of the tactile electrodes 102 E When the width 63a of the protrusion CP of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 is larger than that of the protrusion CP of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 (P E 63a), schematically showing the electrostatic capacitance C formed between the tactile electrode 102 and the convex portion CP of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 NE . Fig.33 is a graph showing the pitch P of the tactile electrodes 102 E When the width 63a of the protrusion CP of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 is smaller than that of the protrusion CP of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 (P E 63a), schematically showing the electrostatic capacitance C formed between the tactile electrode 102 and the convex portion CP of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 NE In addition, Fig.32 as well as Fig.33 , a partial cross-sectional view of the conductive elastic portion 6 and the tactile feedback panel 100 is shown on the upper side, and a partial top view showing the positional relationship between the tactile electrode 102 and the conductive elastic portion 6 when the conductive elastic portion 6 is mounted on the tactile feedback panel 100 is shown on the lower side.

[0207] In the first embodiment, as described above, by applying voltage signals V having different frequencies to the adjacent first electrodes 102a and second electrodes 102b, the voltage signals V a (Refer to Figure 5 ) and the voltage signal V b (Refer to Figure 6 ), generates an amplitude modulated signal V N (Refer to Figure 7 ) corresponds to the electrostatic force.

[0208] In this modification, the friction force between the dielectric layer 106 and the protrusion CP of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 corresponds to the amplitude modulation signal V N The beat frequency of the touch screen changes, and the user perceives the vibration caused by the change as a tactile sensation.

[0209] like Fig.32 That way in P E In the state of >63a, an electrostatic capacitance C is formed only between one protrusion CP of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 and the first electrode 102a. NE That is, only the voltage signal V applied to the first electrode 102a a The voltage signal V applied to the second electrode 102b works. b Does not play a role, so no amplitude modulation signal V is generated N No sense of touch is generated.

[0210] On the other hand, when one protrusion CP of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 is located above the boundary between the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b, a tactile sensation is generated. Fig.32 In the structure of FIG. 5 , a position where a tactile sense is generated and a position where a tactile sense is not generated are generated depending on the position of the protrusion CP of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 .

[0211] In contrast, Fig.33 That way in P E In the state of <63a, regardless of the position of the protrusion CP of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6, the voltage signal V a And the voltage signal V b These two effects act on all the convex parts CP, thereby generating an amplitude modulation signal V N Therefore, in Fig.33 In the structure, the tactile sense can be perceived independently of the position of the protrusion CP of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6, and the position of the tactile feedback button 3 can be arbitrarily set.

[0212] That is, in order to facilitate the provision of the convex portion CP of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 so as to straddle the first electrode 102a and the second electrode 102b, it is preferable to make the convex portion width 63a of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 larger than the pitch P of the tactile electrodes 102. E In addition, when the distance 63b between the convex parts of the surface layer 61 is narrow, the exclusive area of ​​the conductive elastic part 6 becomes larger, the electrostatic capacitance formed with the tactile electrode 102 becomes larger, and the tactile intensity obtained also becomes larger, so it is preferred. For example, the concave-convex shape of the surface layer 61 can be set to simulate the convex width 63a and the distance between the convex parts, that is, the concave width 63b of the fingerprint.

[0213] <Thickness of air layer>

[0214] When the tactile prompt button 3 placed on the tactile prompt button 100 is rotated (rotated in the plane), due to the unevenness of the surface of the tactile prompt panel 100 and the surface of the conductive elastic part 6 provided on the lower surface of the tactile prompt button 3, or the eccentric load during the rotational operation, the thickness of the air layer between the tactile prompt panel 100 and the conductive elastic part 6 changes, thereby changing the electrostatic capacitance formed between the tactile electrode 102 provided on the tactile prompt panel 100 and the conductive elastic part 6.

[0215] exist Fig.34 , a state in which an air layer 21 is formed between the tactile feedback button 3 mounted on the tactile feedback panel 100 and the tactile feedback panel 100 is schematically shown when the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 of the tactile feedback button 3 is not provided with a concavo-convex shape.

[0216] Fig.35 It is shown that Fig.34 The graph shows the results of calculating the electrostatic force generated between the tactile electrode 102 and the conductive elastic part 6 by using the state of as a model and changing the thickness of the air layer 21. Fig.35 In the figure, the horizontal axis shows the air layer thickness (μm), and the vertical axis shows the electrostatic force (F / cm 2 ).

[0217] like Fig.35 As shown, the thinner the air layer thickness, the greater the electrostatic force, and it increases sharply when the air layer thickness becomes less than 1 μm. The greater the electrostatic force generated between the tactile electrode 102 and the conductive elastic part 6, the greater the tactile intensity obtained, so the thinner the air layer thickness, the greater the tactile intensity.

[0218] exist Fig.36 , a state in which an air layer 21 is formed between the tactile feedback button 3 mounted on the tactile feedback panel 100 and the tactile feedback panel 100 in the present modification example in which the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 of the tactile feedback button 3 is provided with a concavo-convex shape is schematically shown.

[0219] like Fig.36 As shown, when a concave-convex shape is formed on the surface of the conductive elastic part 6, the dedicated area of ​​the convex part CP, the depth of the concave part RP, and the thickness of the air layer 21 between the convex part CP and the tactile prompt panel 100 will affect the electrostatic capacitance formed between the tactile electrode 102 and the conductive elastic part 6.

[0220] Fig.36 The air layer 21 in the convex portion CP includes the thickness of the air layer 21 and the depth of the concave portion RP, and the sum of the electrostatic forces generated between the tactile electrode 102 and each portion acts as the tactile intensity.

[0221] Fig.37 It is shown that Fig.36 The figure shows the result of calculating the electrostatic force generated between the tactile electrode 102 and the conductive elastic part 6 by changing the depth of the recessed part RP of the conductive elastic part 6 using the state of as a model. Fig.37 In the figure, the horizontal axis shows the depth of the concave portion (μm), and the vertical axis shows the electrostatic force (F / cm 2 ). In addition, Fig.37 2 shows the characteristics when the thickness of the air layer 21 in the convex portion CP is 1 μm and 0.5 μm.

[0222] exist Fig.37 In the figure, when comparing the characteristics of the case where the thickness of the air layer 21 of the convex portion CP drawn with the ● mark is 0.5 μm and the characteristics of the case where the thickness of the air layer 21 of the convex portion CP drawn with the 0 mark is 1 μm, when the thickness of the air layer 21 is 1 μm, the electrostatic force does not increase even if the depth of the concave portion RP becomes shallower, but when the thickness of the air layer 21 of the convex portion CP is 0.5 μm, the electrostatic force increases when the depth of the concave portion RP becomes less than 0.5 μm. Therefore, when the conductive elastic portion 6 is provided with a concavo-convex shape as in this modification, it is preferable to set the depth of the concave portion RP so that the sum of the depths of the air layer 21 of the convex portion CP and the concave portion RP becomes less than 1 μm.

[0223] Thus, it is possible to suppress the reduction of the electrostatic capacitance formed between the conductive elastic part 6 and the tactile electrode 102 due to the air layer 21 between the conductive elastic part 6 and the tactile feedback panel 100, and all the convex parts CP of the conductive elastic part 6 within the range where the tactile feedback button 3 is placed generate the amplitude modulation signal V N of electrostatic force.

[0224] In addition, when the concave portion RP is not provided, the thickness of the air layer 21 of the convex portion CP is preferably 0.5 μm or less. In addition, when the air layer 21 is not provided for the convex portion CP, the concave portion RP is provided and the depth of the concave portion RP is set to 0.5 μm or less. In this case, it can be said that the concave portion RP is equivalent to the air layer.

[0225] <Tactile Strength>

[0226] Hereinafter, the tactile sensation generated by the change in frictional force caused by the generation of electrostatic force will be described in more detail.

[0227] In the first embodiment, as described above, by applying voltage signals V having different frequencies to the adjacent first electrodes 102a and second electrodes 102b, the voltage signals V a (Refer to Figure 5 ) and the voltage signal V b (Refer to Figure 6 ), thereby generating an amplitude modulated signal V N (Refer to Figure 7 ) corresponding to the electrostatic force. Thus, the friction force between the dielectric layer 106 and the conductive elastic portion 6 corresponds to the amplitude modulation signal V N The beat frequency varies.

[0228] When the user moves the tactile feedback button 3 in the horizontal direction, the conductive elastic portion 6 is deformed in the horizontal direction due to the frictional force between the conductive elastic portion 6 and the dielectric layer 106. Hereinafter, this deformation is referred to as shear deformation.

[0229] Fig.38 Schematically shows shear deformation when the conductive elastic portion 6 and the tactile electrode 102 do not form an electrostatic capacitance. Fig.39 It is a diagram schematically showing shear deformation when the conductive elastic portion 6 and the tactile electrode 102 form an electrostatic capacitance.

[0230] When electrostatic capacitance is formed, electrostatic force is generated, so the Fig.38 The vertical force F is shown ⊥1 In contrast, the case of forming electrostatic capacitance Fig.39 The vertical force F is shown ⊥2 In addition, the size of the arrow is used to indicate the strength of the force.

[0231] Therefore, compared with the case where no electrostatic capacitance is formed Fig.38 The horizontal force F is shown / / 1 In contrast, the case of forming electrostatic capacitance Fig.39 The horizontal force F is shown / / 2 That is, the friction in the horizontal direction is greater.

[0232] Therefore, the shear deformation amount X2 in the case of forming electrostatic capacitance is larger than the shear deformation amount X1 in the case of not forming electrostatic capacitance. When the user operates the tactile prompt button 3, when the magnitude of the friction force changes due to the voltage signal, the shear deformation amount of the conductive elastic part 6 changes between X1 and X2, and the conductive elastic part 6 vibrates. The generated vibration is transmitted to the indicator such as the finger through the operating part 4 and is given to the user as a tactile prompt. The greater the change in the shear deformation amount of the conductive elastic part 6 caused by the change in friction force, the greater the vibration, and the tactile intensity perceived by the user increases.

[0233] As one method of increasing the shear deformation amount, a material with a small elastic modulus, which is an index of the softness of the conductive elastic portion 6, is considered. On the other hand, generally, a material with a small elastic modulus has a small vibration transmission rate, which is an index of the ease of vibration transmission, that is, large vibration attenuation. Therefore, the vibration intensity transmitted to the indicator through the operation unit 4 becomes small.

[0234] In contrast, in this modification, by providing the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 with an uneven shape, a large shear deformation amount and a vibration transmission rate can be achieved simultaneously. Fig.40 FIG. is a diagram schematically showing the shear deformation of the conductive elastic portion 6 in the case where the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 is not provided with an uneven shape. Fig.41 FIG. is a diagram schematically showing the shear deformation of the conductive elastic portion 6 in the case where the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 is provided with an uneven shape.

[0235] In the case where the uneven shape is provided, the contact area with the tactile display panel 100 is reduced compared to the case where the uneven shape is not provided. However, when the same vertical force F ⊥ is applied, compared with the horizontal force F' Fig.40 shown in the case where the uneven shape is not provided, the horizontal force F' / / 1 shown in the case where the uneven shape is provided is larger, that is, the frictional force in the horizontal direction is larger (F' Fig.41 <F' / / 2 / / 1 / / 2 / / 2 / / 2 ).

[0236] This means that the frictional force per unit area increases. Even for the same conductive elastic material, the shear deformation amount is increased compared to the conductive elastic portion 6 without the uneven shape (X1 < X2). In addition, if it is the same conductive elastic material, the inner layer 62 has the same vibration transmission rate as in the case where the uneven shape is not provided. Therefore, by providing the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 with an uneven shape, the shear deformation amount can be increased without impairing the vibration transmission rate, and the vibration intensity transmitted to the indicator becomes large.

[0237] <Stability of tactile intensity>

[0238] Next, the stability of the tactile intensity will be described in more detail. As described previously, due to a decrease in the flatness of the tactile cue panel 100 caused by the assembly accuracy of the tactile cue screen 150, minute irregularities on the surface of the tactile cue panel 100, etc., the close contact between the conductive elastic part 6 and the surface of the tactile cue panel 100 decreases. In addition, when the tactile cue button 3 is tilted due to the machining accuracy of the operation part 4 and the fixing part 5 (rotating shaft part 5a) and the imbalance of the pressing force caused by the twisting of the user's wrist, similarly, the close contact between the conductive elastic part 6 and the surface of the tactile cue panel 100 decreases.

[0239] When the close contact between the conductive elastic part 6 and the surface of the tactile cue panel 100 decreases, the capacitive electrode 102 and the conductive elastic part 6 form an electrostatic capacitance not only via the dielectric layer 106 but also via air with a small dielectric constant. As a result, the electrostatic capacitance formed between the capacitive electrode 102 and the conductive elastic part 6 decreases, leading to a decrease in the tactile intensity and impairing the stability of the tactile intensity. On the other hand, the larger the allowable range for the flatness, irregularities of the tactile cue panel 100, and the tilt of the tactile cue button 3, the looser the requirements for their assembly accuracy and machining accuracy, and the lower the necessity of increasing the thickness of the dielectric layer 106 in order to mitigate the irregularities caused by the capacitive electrode 102. That is, the thickness of the dielectric layer 106 can be reduced. As a result, the electrostatic capacitance formed between the conductive elastic part 6 and the capacitive electrode 102 can be increased, and a stronger tactile sensation can be generated.

[0240] The conductive elastic part 6 has elasticity and can fill the gap between the dielectric layer 106 and the conductive elastic part 6 caused by the irregularities, preventing a decrease in the tactile intensity due to a decrease in the close contact. When the user presses the tactile cue button 3, the conductive elastic part 6 deforms in the vertical direction. Hereinafter, this deformation will be referred to as compressive deformation.

[0241] Fig.42 It is a diagram schematically showing the contact state between the conductive elastic part 6 and the tactile cue panel 100 when the flatness of the tactile cue panel 100 is small. In Fig.42 it shows a case where there are valley parts 191 as convex parts and peak parts 192 as concave parts of the tactile cue panel 100, and the deformation amounts of the conductive elastic part 6 caused by contact with the valley part 191 and the peak part 192 are represented by Y1 and Y2, respectively. As can be seen from Fig.42 the conductive elastic part 6 is more greatly compressed and deformed (Y1 < Y2) in the contact surface with the peak part 192 of the tactile cue panel 100 than in the contact surface with the valley part 191. Thus, the close contact of the conductive elastic part 6 can be ensured even by the irregularities of the tactile cue panel 100.

[0242] Fig.43This is a diagram schematically showing the contact state between the conductive elastic part 6 and the haptic cue panel 100 when the haptic cue button 3 is tilted. In Fig.43 Y2 and Y1 respectively represent the deformation amounts of the conductive elastic part 6 when a large pressing force F1 and a small pressing force F2 are applied to the haptic cue button 3.

[0243] In the contact surface of the conductive elastic part 6 with the haptic cue panel 100 at the position where the pressing force F1 is large, the compression deformation is larger compared to the contact surface of the conductive elastic part 6 with the haptic cue panel 100 at the position where the pressing force F2 is small (Y1 < Y2). Thus, even when the haptic cue button 3 is tilted, the close contact of the conductive elastic part 6 can be ensured. The larger the compression deformation amount of the conductive elastic part 6 when the haptic cue button 3 is pressed, the greater the close contact with the haptic cue panel 100, and the stability of the haptic intensity perceived by the user increases.

[0244] <Increase in compression deformation amount>

[0245] As one method of increasing the compression deformation amount, it is considered to use a material with a small elastic modulus, which is an index of the softness of the conductive elastic part 6. On the other hand, generally, a material with a small elastic modulus has a small vibration transmissibility, which is an index of the ease of vibration transmission (large vibration attenuation), so the vibration intensity transmitted to the indicator through the operation part 4 becomes smaller.

[0246] In contrast, in this modification example, by providing an uneven shape on the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6, a large compression deformation amount and vibration transmissibility are achieved simultaneously. Fig.44 This is a diagram schematically showing the deformation state of the conductive elastic part 6 in a state where undulations are generated on the surface of the haptic cue panel 100 when the uneven shape is not provided on the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6, Fig.45 This is a diagram schematically showing the deformation state of the conductive elastic part 6 in a state where undulations are generated on the surface of the haptic cue panel 100 when the uneven shape is provided on the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6. In Fig.44 and Fig.45 the trough part 191 and the peak part 192 of the undulation are shown.

[0247] When the uneven shape is provided, compared with the case where the uneven shape is not provided, the contact area with the haptic cue panel 100 is reduced, but when the same vertical force F ⊥ is applied, compared with the pressing force per unit area F’ Fig.44 shown in the case where the uneven shape is not provided, the pressing force per unit area F’ ⊥1 shown in the case where the uneven shape is provided Fig.45 is larger (F’ ⊥2 ​⊥1 <F’ ⊥2 ).

[0248] Thus, compared with the conductive elastic part 6 which is the same conductive elastic material and is not provided with the concavo-convex shape, the amount of compression deformation increases in the case where the concavo-convex shape is provided. In addition, if the conductive elastic material is the same, the vibration transmission rate of the inner layer 62 is the same as that in the case where the concavo-convex shape is not provided. Therefore, by providing the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6 with the concavo-convex shape, the amount of compression deformation can be increased without damaging the vibration transmission rate, and the adhesion between the conductive elastic part 6 and the surface of the tactile prompting panel 100 can be improved without damaging the vibration intensity transmitted to the indicator.

[0249] Fig.46 Schematically shows the deformation state of the conductive elastic portion 6 when the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 is not provided with a concavo-convex shape. Fig.47 Schematically shows the deformation state of the conductive elastic part 6 when the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6 is provided with a concavo-convex shape. Fig.46 as well as Fig.47 , the tactile presentation button 3 is tilted, and a large pressing force F1 and a small pressing force F2 are applied.

[0250] Compared with the case where no concave-convex shape is provided Fig.46 The pressing force per unit area F' is shown ⊥1 Compared with the case with the concave and convex shape Fig.47 The pressing force per unit area F' is shown ⊥2 Larger (F' ⊥1 <F’ ⊥2 ).

[0251] Thus, compared with the conductive elastic part 6 which is the same conductive elastic material and is not provided with the concavo-convex shape, the amount of compression deformation increases in the case where the concavo-convex shape is provided. In addition, if the conductive elastic material is the same, the vibration transmission rate of the inner layer 62 is the same as that in the case where the concavo-convex shape is not provided. Therefore, by providing the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6 with the concavo-convex shape, the amount of compression deformation can be increased without damaging the vibration transmission rate, and the adhesion between the conductive elastic part 6 and the surface of the tactile prompting panel 100 can be improved without damaging the vibration intensity transmitted to the indicator.

[0252] <Effect>

[0253] According to the tactile prompt button 3 of the modified example of the first embodiment described above, when the conductive elastic material with the same vibration transmission rate is used, the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6 is provided with a concavo-convex shape, and the shear deformation amount is increased due to the increase of the friction force per unit area compared with the case where the concavo-convex shape is not used. As a result, the shear deformation amount caused by the change of the friction force is increased compared with the case where the concavo-convex shape is not provided, and the tactile intensity perceived by the user is increased.

[0254] In addition, when using a conductive elastic material with the same vibration transmission rate, by providing a concavo-convex shape on the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6, the amount of compression deformation increases due to an increase in the pressing force per unit area compared to the case where the concavo-convex shape is not provided. As a result, when the flatness of the tactile prompting panel 100 is small, when there are surface concavo-convex shapes, and when the pressing force of the tactile prompting button 3 is uneven, the adhesion between the tactile prompting panel 100 and the conductive elastic part 6 is improved, and the tactile strength is stabilized compared to the case where the concavo-convex shape is not provided.

[0255] By setting the convex portion width 63a of the convex portion CP of the conductive elastic portion to be larger than the pitch P of the tactile electrodes 102, E , so that the convex width 63a of the convex portion CP is smaller than the pitch width of the tactile electrode 102 E Compared with the case of N Therefore, the tactile sense can be sensed independently of the position of the convex portion of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6, and the position of the tactile feedback button 3 can be set arbitrarily.

[0256] <Implementation Method 2>

[0257] Fig.48 The diagram shows an example of the concavo-convex shape provided to the conductive elastic portion 6 of the tactile feedback button according to the second embodiment, with a top view shown in the center, a cross-sectional view along line AA shown on the upper side, and a cross-sectional view along line BB shown on the right side.

[0258] Fig.48 The conductive elastic part 6 shown is applied to a tactile prompt button that assumes a sliding operation, and the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6 is provided with recessed parts RP in a grid pattern and with protruding parts CP surrounded by the recessed parts RP. Fig.48 In the example, the width 63a of the convex portion CP and the width 63b of the concave portion RP are constant, and the convex portion CP is formed into a prism shape, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0259] Fig.49 The top view showing the case where the convex portion CP is cylindrical is shown, and a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA is shown thereon. Fig.49The concave portion RP becomes the entire area of ​​the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 except the convex portion CP.

[0260] Fig.50 The top view showing the case where the convex portion CP is truncated cone-shaped is shown, and a cross-sectional view taken along line AA is shown thereon. Fig.50 The concave portion RP becomes the entire area of ​​the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 except the convex portion CP.

[0261] Fig.51 The plan view showing the case where the convex portion CP is in a pyramidal shape is shown, and a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA is shown thereon. Fig.51 The concave portion RP becomes the entire area of ​​the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 except the convex portion CP.

[0262] As described above, the convex portion CP can adopt various shapes, but the contact surface 63 with the tactile feedback panel 100 is preferably a flat surface in order to prevent the area from changing due to the pressing pressure.

[0263] In addition, as in the modification of the first embodiment, Figure 29 to Figure 31 As described above, the cross-section of the recessed portion RP can also be set to be trapezoidal, triangular, or arched.

[0264] Furthermore, when the sliding operation of the tactile feedback button 3 is only in one direction, the concavo-convex shape does not necessarily need to be formed in a grid shape, and may be formed in a slit shape in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction.

[0265] In addition, if Figures 48 to 51 As shown, the end face of the conductive elastic part 6 is preferably shaped so as not to damage the convex portion CP of the concavo-convex shape. For example, in terms of mechanical strength, it is preferable to prevent unevenness such as the area of ​​the convex portion CP as the end face of the conductive elastic part 6 becoming smaller than the area of ​​other convex portions CP.

[0266] <Effect>

[0267] According to the conductive elastic portion 6 of the second embodiment described above, the lattice-shaped concavo-convex shape makes the shear deformation amount constant regardless of the sliding direction, so there is an advantage that the tactile intensity with respect to the operation direction of the tactile feedback button 3 does not have directivity.

[0268] In addition, when the sliding direction is determined to be one direction, by configuring the concave and convex shape in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction and setting it in a slit shape, the recessed portion RP that does not contribute to the shear deformation is reduced, thereby increasing the contact area with the tactile prompting panel 100 compared to the case where it is formed in a grid shape, thereby increasing the electrostatic capacitance and the tactile intensity.

[0269] <Implementation Method 3>

[0270] Fig.52 The diagram shows an example of the concavo-convex shape provided to the conductive elastic portion 6 of the tactile feedback button according to the third embodiment, with a top view shown in the center and side views seen from the top and the right shown on the top and the right.

[0271] Fig.52 The conductive elastic part 6 shown is applied to a tactile prompt button that assumes rotational operation and sliding operation, and is fan-shaped when viewed from above, and the concave-convex concave part RP is formed in a shape where radial grooves and annular grooves intersect when viewed from above. Fig.52 In the example of FIG. 1 , the width 63a of the convex portion CP and the width 63b of the concave portion RP are constant, but the present invention is not limited to this. Figures 49 to 51 As described above, the shape of the convex portion CP may be a cylindrical shape, a prism shape, or a truncated cone shape. However, the contact surface 63 with the tactile feedback panel 100 is preferably a flat surface in order to prevent the area from changing due to the pressing pressure.

[0272] In addition, as in the modification of the first embodiment, Figure 29 to Figure 31 As described above, the cross-section of the recessed portion RP may be a trapezoid, a triangle, or an arch, and the bottom surface of the recessed portion RP does not necessarily need to be a flat surface.

[0273] In addition, when the operation of the tactile feedback knob is only a rotation operation, the concavo-convex shape does not necessarily need to be a shape in which radial grooves and annular grooves intersect, and the recessed portion RP may be simply provided radially.

[0274] In addition, if Fig.52 As shown, the end face of the conductive elastic part 6 is preferably shaped so as not to damage the convex portion CP of the concavo-convex shape. For example, in terms of mechanical strength, it is preferable to prevent unevenness such as the area of ​​the convex portion CP as the end face of the conductive elastic part 6 becoming smaller than the area of ​​other convex portions CP.

[0275] <Effect>

[0276] According to the conductive elastic portion 6 of the third embodiment described above, the concave-convex concave portion RP is formed radially and annularly, so that the shear deformation amount becomes constant regardless of the rotation and sliding direction of the tactile prompt button 3, so there is an advantage that the tactile intensity with respect to the operation direction of the tactile prompt button 3 does not produce directionality.

[0277] In addition, when the operation of the tactile prompt button 3 is the only rotation operation, by radially forming a concave-convex shaped recess RP in a direction at right angles to the rotation direction, the annular recess RP that does not contribute to the shear deformation is reduced, so that the contact area with the tactile prompt panel 100 will increase compared to the case of radial and annular formation, so the electrostatic capacitance will increase and the tactile intensity will increase.

[0278] <Implementation Method 4>

[0279] Fig.53 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the tactile prompt button 3 of the fourth embodiment, showing the vertical force F ⊥ In the case of horizontal force F' / / 2 The state of shear deformation occurs. Fig.53 As shown, the conductive elastic part 6 of the tactile feedback button 3 uses a conductive elastic material different from that of the inner layer 62 in the surface layer 61 in contact with the tactile feedback panel 100 or a different conductive elastic material.

[0280] As the material used for the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6, it is preferable to use a material having greater shear deformation and compression deformation than the inner layer 62, and as the material used for the inner layer 62, it is preferable to use a material having higher vibration transmission coefficient than the surface layer 61. More specifically, among the thermosetting elastomer and the thermoplastic elastomer shown in Embodiment 1, materials suitable for the surface layer 61 and the inner layer 62 are selected. In addition, even if the same material is used, a conductive elastic material designed in such a way that the shear deformation, compression deformation and vibration transmission coefficient are respectively suitable by various formulations of a cross-linking agent and a filler material can be used.

[0281] When the user operates the tactile prompt button 3, if the friction force changes due to the voltage signal, the shear deformation of the surface layer changes, generating vibration. The vibration of the surface layer 61 propagates in the inner layer 62 and is transmitted to the user's finger through the operating part 4, and is perceived as tactile sensation.

[0282] The surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6 is compressed and deformed due to the pressing pressure when the user operates the tactile prompt button 3. The surface layer 61 is compressed and deformed more in the undulating mountainous parts than in the valleys of the tactile prompt panel 100. Therefore, even in the undulating valleys of the tactile prompt panel 100, the conductive elastic part 6 does not float but continues to contact, and the contact area is kept constant.

[0283] In addition, the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6 is compressed and deformed due to the pressing pressure when the user operates the tactile prompt button 3. When the user operates the tactile prompt button 3 horizontally, in the case where the pressing pressure is uneven due to the twisting method of the wrist and the pressing method of the tactile prompt button 3, the surface layer 61 at the position where the pressing pressure is large is compressed and deformed more than the surface layer 61 at the position where the pressing pressure is small. As a result, the conductive elastic part 6 at the position where the pressing pressure is small does not float but continues to contact, and the contact area is kept constant.

[0284] <Effect>

[0285] According to the tactile reminder button 3 of the fourth embodiment, by providing the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6 with a material that is easier to be shear-deformed than the inner layer 62, the surface layer 61 is more likely to be shear-deformed in the horizontal direction, and the shear deformation amount is increased, compared with the case where the conductive elastic part 6 is composed of only the inner layer 62. In addition, since the vibration of the surface layer 61 caused by the friction force fluctuation caused by the voltage signal is transmitted in the inner layer 62 of the conductive elastic part 6 without attenuation, the tactile intensity felt by the user is increased compared with the case where the conductive elastic part 6 is composed of only the inner layer 62.

[0286] In addition, by providing a material that is more easily compressible and deformable than the inner layer 62 in the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6, the amount of compressive deformation increases compared to the case where the conductive elastic part 6 is composed of only the inner layer 62. As a result, when the flatness of the tactile prompting panel 100 is small, the surface roughness is large, and the pressing pressure of the tactile prompting button 3 is uneven, the floating is suppressed by changing the amount of compressive deformation of the surface layer 61, the change of the contact area becomes small, and the tactile strength is stabilized compared to the case where the conductive elastic part 6 is composed of only the inner layer 62.

[0287] Furthermore, when a material that is difficult to be processed into grooves and projections is used for the conductive elastic portion 6 , the cost can be reduced compared to the case of processing into grooves and projections.

[0288] <Implementation method 5>

[0289] Fig.54 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the tactile prompt button 3 according to the fifth embodiment, showing the vertical force F ⊥ In the case of horizontal force F' / / 2 The state of shear deformation occurs. Fig.54As shown, the conductive elastic part 6 of the tactile prompt button 3 is provided with a concave-convex shape formed by a concave part RP and a convex part CP on the surface layer 61 in contact with the tactile prompt panel 100. As in the modified example of the first embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the convex part CP does not necessarily need to be a rectangle, but may also be a trapezoid, etc. However, in order to prevent the area change caused by the pressing pressure, the contact surface with the tactile prompt panel 100 is preferably a plane. In addition, Fig.54 The cross-sectional shape of the recessed portion RP shown in the figure is set to a rectangular shape, but it is not limited to this. Figure 29 to Figure 31 As described above, it can also be set to a trapezoidal shape, a triangle, or an arch shape.

[0290] In addition, the width of the convex portion CP of the concavo-convex shape is preferably set to a size that overlaps at least the adjacent first electrode 102 a and second electrode 102 b of the tactile feedback panel 100 .

[0291] In addition, the concavo-convex concave portion RP is filled with a material different from that of the inner layer 62 and the convex portion CP or a conductive elastic material prepared. The material filled in the concave portion RP of the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 is preferably a material with greater shear deformation and compression deformation than the inner layer 62 and the convex portion CP of the surface layer 61.

[0292] As the material used for the convex part of the inner layer 62 and the surface layer 61, it is preferable to use a material having a higher vibration transmission rate than the material filled in the concave part RP of the surface layer 61. More specifically, the materials suitable for the concave part RP of the surface layer 61, the inner layer 62, and the convex part CP of the surface layer 61 are selected from the thermosetting elastomer and the thermoplastic elastomer shown in Embodiment 1. In addition, even if it is the same material, a conductive elastic material designed in a manner that the shear deformation, compression deformation, and vibration transmission rate are respectively suitable through various formulations of a cross-linking agent and a filling material can be used.

[0293] When a voltage is applied to the tactile electrode 102, the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 forms an electrostatic capacitance C with the tactile electrode 102 together with the convex portion CP and the concave portion RP. NE When the user operates the tactile prompt button 3, if the friction force changes due to the voltage signal, the shear deformation of the surface layer 61 changes, generating vibration. The vibration of the surface layer 61 propagates in the inner layer 62 and is transmitted to the user's finger through the operating part 4, and is perceived as tactile sensation.

[0294] The surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6 is compressed and deformed by the pressing pressure when the user operates the tactile prompt button 3. The surface layer 61 is compressed and deformed more in the undulating mountainous parts than in the valleys of the tactile prompt panel 100. Therefore, even in the undulating valleys of the tactile prompt panel 100, the conductive elastic part 6 does not float but continues to contact, and the contact area is kept constant.

[0295] In addition, the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic part 6 is compressed and deformed due to the pressing pressure when the user operates the tactile prompt button 3. When the user operates the tactile prompt button horizontally, in the case where the pressing pressure is uneven depending on the twisting method of the wrist and the pressing method of the tactile prompt button 3, the surface layer 61 at the position where the pressing pressure is large is compressed and deformed more than the surface layer 61 at the position where the pressing pressure is small. As a result, the conductive elastic part 6 at the position where the pressing pressure is small does not float but continues to contact, and the contact area is kept constant.

[0296] <Effect>

[0297] According to the tactile prompt button 3 of the fifth embodiment, by providing the surface layer 61 of the conductive elastic portion 6 with a concavo-convex shape and filling the concave portion RP with a conductive material that is easier to shear and compress than the inner layer 62 and the convex portion CP, the shear deformation and compressibility of the convex portion CP are not lost, and even the concave portion RP forms an electrostatic capacitance with the tactile electrode 102. As a result, compared with the case where the concave portion RP is not filled with a conductive material, the electrostatic capacitance increases, and the tactile strength increases.

[0298] Furthermore, by filling the concavo-convex recessed portion RP, the mechanical strength of the surface layer 61 is increased compared to the modification of the first embodiment.

[0299] In addition, the present disclosure can freely combine the various embodiments within the scope of the disclosure, or can appropriately modify or omit the various embodiments.

[0300] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the above description is in all aspects illustrative and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It should be understood that numerous modifications not shown in the examples can be conceived without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A tactile prompting device, wherein a tactile prompting button is placed on an operation surface, and a tactile prompting button is used to provide a tactile prompting to a user, wherein: The tactile prompting device comprises: Tactile electrodes, including a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes arranged inside the operating surface of the tactile prompting device; A dielectric layer, covering the tactile electrode, wherein one side of the dielectric layer is the operating surface; as well as a voltage generating circuit for generating a first voltage signal having a first frequency to be applied to at least one of the first electrodes located in at least a portion of the operating surface of the tactile prompting device, and generating a second voltage signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency to be applied to at least one of the second electrodes located in at least a portion of the operating surface, The supply of the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal generates a friction force between the operation surface and the tactile feedback button to provide the tactile feedback, The tactile prompt button has: A conductive elastic portion having a surface layer facing the operation surface and an inner layer on a side opposite to the operation surface; as well as an operating portion, fixing the conductive elastic portion, The surface layer is configured to have greater shear deformation caused by the operation of the tactile prompt button than the inner layer, to generate vibration caused by the change in the friction force, and to have greater compression deformation when the tactile prompt button is pressed than the inner layer. The vibration transmissibility of the inner layer is set to be larger than that of the surface layer.

2. The tactile prompting device according to claim 1, wherein: The surface layer has a concavo-convex shape including concave portions and convex portions, The operation of the tactile prompt button includes horizontal movement or in-plane rotation, The concavo-convex shape is shear-deformed due to the horizontal movement or the in-plane rotation of the tactile prompt button, and is compressively deformed when the tactile prompt button is pressed to generate the vibration. The inner layer propagates the vibration generated in the surface layer to the operating portion.

3. The tactile prompting device according to claim 1, wherein: The operation of the tactile prompt button includes horizontal movement or in-plane rotation, The surface layer is shear-deformed due to the horizontal movement or the in-plane rotation of the tactile prompt button, and is compressively deformed when the tactile prompt button is pressed to generate the vibration, and the surface layer is composed of a conductive material that is more susceptible to the shear deformation and the compressive deformation than the inner layer. The inner layer propagates the vibration generated in the surface layer to the operating portion.

4. The tactile prompting device according to claim 1, wherein: The surface layer has a concavo-convex shape including concave portions and convex portions, The operation of the tactile prompt button includes horizontal movement or in-plane rotation, The concavo-convex shape is shear-deformed due to the horizontal movement or the in-plane rotation of the tactile prompt button, and is compressively deformed when the tactile prompt button is pressed to generate the vibration. The concave portion is filled with a conductive material that is more susceptible to the shear deformation and the compressive deformation than the convex portion and the inner layer. The inner layer propagates the vibration generated in the surface layer to the operating portion.

5. The tactile prompting device according to claim 2 or 4, wherein: The arrangement pitch between the first electrode and the second electrode of the tactile electrode is set smaller than the width of the protrusion of the surface layer of the conductive elastic portion.

6. The tactile prompting device according to claim 2 or 4, wherein: In a case where the horizontal movement of the tactile prompt button is in one direction, the concave portion of the concavo-convex shape of the surface layer is provided in a slit shape in a direction forming a right angle with the one direction.

7. The tactile prompting device according to claim 2 or 4, wherein: When the horizontal movement of the tactile feedback button is in a plurality of directions, the concave portions of the concavo-convex shape of the surface layer are provided in a lattice shape in a plan view.

8. The tactile prompting device according to claim 2 or 4, wherein: When the tactile prompt button performs the in-plane rotation, The conductive elastic portion is fan-shaped when viewed from above. The concave portions of the concavo-convex shape of the surface layer are provided in a shape where radial grooves and annular grooves intersect in a plan view.

9. A tactile prompting device, wherein a tactile prompting button is placed on an operation surface, and a tactile prompting button is used to provide a tactile prompting to a user, wherein: The tactile prompting device comprises: Tactile electrodes, including a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes arranged inside the operating surface of the tactile prompting device; A dielectric layer, covering the tactile electrode, wherein one side of the dielectric layer is the operating surface; as well as a voltage generating circuit for generating a first voltage signal having a first frequency to be applied to at least one of the first electrodes located in at least a portion of the operating surface of the tactile prompting device, and generating a second voltage signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency to be applied to at least one of the second electrodes located in at least a portion of the operating surface, The supply of the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal generates a friction force between the operation surface and the tactile feedback button to provide the tactile feedback, The tactile feedback button has an air layer having a thickness of 0.5 μm or less between the tactile feedback button and the operation surface when the tactile feedback button is being operated.

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