Input device

Abstract

Provided is an input device capable of detecting an operation of an operation body using a simple configuration. An input device (100) is provided with: a detection electrode (110); a drive electrode (120) disposed so as to face the detection electrode (110); a power source (130) that applies an AC drive voltage to the drive electrode (120); a detection unit (150) that detects the output of the detection electrode (110); and a capacitor (140) provided in series between the drive electrode (120) and the power supply (130).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to input devices. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is an electrostatic capacitance input device, which includes: a plate-shaped substrate; a surface plate, which is arranged opposite to the substrate and has conductivity and flexibility; a non-conductive spacer, which is arranged between the substrate and the surface plate; and one or more detection electrodes, which are provided on the substrate. There is a first detection state in which the surface plate is not grounded and a second detection state in which the surface plate is grounded. In the first detection state, the proximity of the operating body to the surface plate is detected, and in the second detection state, whether the surface plate is pressed by the operating body is detected. There is a control unit that switches the first detection state and the second detection state, and the control unit switches to the second detection state when the proximity between the operating body and the surface plate becomes less than a first threshold in the first detection state (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-049094 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, conventional capacitive input devices require switching between the first detection state and the second detection state of the surface plate.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an input device capable of detecting an operation of an operating body with a simple structure.

[0009] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0010] An input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a detection electrode; a driving electrode arranged opposite to the detection electrode; a power supply that applies an AC driving voltage to the driving electrode; a detection unit that detects an output of the detection electrode; and a capacitor that is arranged in series between the driving electrode and the power supply.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] An input device capable of detecting an operation of an operating body with a simple structure can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1A It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the input device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 1B : is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the input device 100 .

[0015] Figure 2 1 is a development view showing a state where the cover 104 of the input device 100 is expanded.

[0016] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a pressing operation is performed on the input device 100 .

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an example of determination of a proximity operation, a touch operation, or a press operation.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional structure of an input device 100M1 according to a first modified example of the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional structure of an input device 100M2 according to a second modification example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of an input device to which the present invention is applied will be described.

[0021] Below, the XYZ coordinate system is defined for explanation. The direction parallel to the X-axis (X direction), the direction parallel to the Y-axis (Y direction), and the direction parallel to the Z-axis (Z direction) are orthogonal to each other. In addition, in the following, for the convenience of explanation, the -Z direction side is sometimes referred to as the lower side or lower, and the +Z direction side is sometimes referred to as the upper side or upper, but this does not represent a general up-down relationship. In addition, the top view is referred to as the XY plane observation.

[0022] In addition, in the following, the length, thickness, and thickness of each part may be exaggerated for easy understanding of the structure. In addition, the terms such as parallel and vertical are used to allow for deviations to a certain extent without impairing the effects of the embodiments.

[0023] <Implementation Method>

[0024] Figure 1A It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the input device 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 1 is a development view showing a state where the cover 104 of the input device 100 is expanded.

[0025] <Structure of Input Device 100 >

[0026] The input device 100 includes a substrate 101, a foam layer 102, a support plate 103, a skin 104, a detection electrode 110, a drive electrode 120, a power supply 130, a capacitor 140, a detection unit 150, and an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 160. The foam layer 102 is an example of an elastic member that can be deformed under the action of a pressing operation by an operator. The capacitor 140 has a first electrode 141 and a second electrode 142. The upper surface of the skin 104 is an operation surface 104A of the input device 100.

[0027] The input device 100 is a device that determines whether a fingertip FT, which is an example of an operating body, has performed any operation of approaching, touching or pressing on the operating surface 104A of the input device 100. The input device 100 determines the presence or absence of an operation by mutual capacitance based on the electrostatic capacitance between the detection electrode 110 and the drive electrode 120. Hereinafter, the operation based on approach, touch or pressing is sometimes referred to as approach operation, touch operation or pressing operation, respectively. In addition, the operating body is not limited to the fingertip FT.

[0028] It should be noted that the pressing operation is an operation of pressing the operating surface 104A downward with the fingertip FT. The touching operation is an operation in which the fingertip FT is in contact with the operating surface 104A but is not pressed downward. The approaching operation is an operation in which the fingertip FT is brought closer to the operating surface 104A, although the fingertip FT is not in contact with the operating surface 104A, the electrostatic capacitance between the detection electrode 110 and the drive electrode 120 decreases to a certain extent.

[0029] In the following, the electrostatic capacitance of the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142 of the capacitor 140 is set to C1, the electrostatic capacitance between the fingertip FT and the driving electrode 120 is set to C2, and the electrostatic capacitance between the detection electrode 110 and the driving electrode 120 is set to C3. In addition, for the convenience of explanation, the capacitor of the electrostatic capacitance C2 is referred to as the capacitor composed of the fingertip FT and the driving electrode 120, and the capacitor of the electrostatic capacitance C3 is referred to as the capacitor composed of the detection electrode 110 and the driving electrode 120. The capacitor composed of the fingertip FT and the driving electrode 120 is a capacitor in which the fingertip FT and the driving electrode 120 are set as two electrodes. The capacitor composed of the detection electrode 110 and the driving electrode 120 is a capacitor in which the detection electrode 110 and the driving electrode 120 are set as two electrodes.

[0030] <Substrate 101>

[0031] The substrate 101 is provided at the bottom of the input device 100 . The substrate 101 is, for example, a wiring substrate. The detection electrodes 110 and the first electrodes 141 are provided on the upper surface of the substrate 101 .

[0032] <Foaming layer 102>

[0033] The foam layer 102 has a depth (width) in the Y direction, and is rectangular in a top view, for example. The foam layer 102 is fixed to the upper surface of the support plate 103. The foam layer 102 has, for example, a shape in which the upper surface and four side surfaces are continuously curved. The foam layer 102 can be made of a foam material such as foamed polyurethane, foamed sponge, or foamed rubber, and has a cushioning property. The foam layer 102 is disposed on the support plate 103, and the entire upper surface and four side surfaces are covered by the skin 104.

[0034] <Support plate 103>

[0035] The support plate 103 is a plate-like member that supports the foam layer 102 and is rectangular in a plan view. The support plate 103 is made of synthetic resin, for example. The support plate 103 is fixed to the upper surface of the substrate 101 in a state where the foam layer 102 is provided on the upper surface and the portion along the four sides of the lower surface is covered by the skin 104. In addition, the support plate 103 may be fixed to a member not shown in the figure in a state where a gap is provided between the support plate 103 and the substrate 101. Moreover, the support plate 103 may be omitted.

[0036] <Epidermis 104>

[0037] The skin 104 is a cloth-like cover made of cloth, synthetic leather or leather made of synthetic fiber, cotton or the like, and covers the entire outer surface of the foam layer 102, and easily changes shape along the shape of the outer surface of the foam layer 102. The skin 104 has an operation surface 104A. The operation surface 104A is the upper surface of the skin 104 and is a decorative layer exposed to the interior of the vehicle. The operation surface 104A is at least a portion of the outer surface of the skin 104 that overlaps with the drive electrode 120.

[0038] In addition, on the back side of the skin 104 opposite to the operation surface 104A (such as Figure 2 The driving electrode 120, the extension portion 120A, and the second electrode 142 are formed on the surface of the foam layer 102 (the lower surface when the operation surface 104A is set as the upper surface in the expanded state). As an example, the skin 104 covers the upper surface and the side surface of the foam layer 102, and is arranged along the Figure 2 The convex fold lines 104X and 104Y are folded back toward the lower surface of the support plate 103 supporting the foam layer 102 and bonded to the lower surface of the support plate 103. In this state, the driving electrode 120, the extension 120A, and the second electrode 142 are in contact with the outer surface of the foam layer 102.

[0039] It should be noted that, although the skin 104 is a cloth-like cover and covers the entire outer surface of the foam layer 102, the skin 104 may be a bag-like cover that encloses the entire foam layer 102. In addition, the skin 104 may be a structure that covers at least the upper surface of the foam layer 102, for example, it may be a structure that covers only the upper surface of the foam layer 102, or a structure that covers the upper surface and side surfaces of the foam layer 102.

[0040] <Detection electrode 110>

[0041] The detection electrode 110 is provided at the center of the upper surface of the substrate 101. The detection electrode 110 is made of copper foil as an example. The detection electrode 110 is circular as an example when viewed from above, and is provided opposite to the drive electrode 120. The detection electrode 110 is connected to the detection unit 150 via the wiring of the substrate 101, the wiring provided outside the substrate 101, etc.

[0042] <Driving electrode 120>

[0043] The driving electrode 120 is disposed on the back side of the epidermis 104 opposite to the operation surface 104A (eg, Figure 2 The driving electrode 120 has an extension portion 120A extending in the -X direction. The extension portion 120A connects the driving electrode 120 to the second electrode 142 and straddles the convex fold line 104X on the -X direction side. The driving electrode 120 and the extension portion 120A are formed by printing silver paste or the like on the lower surface of the epidermis 104 as an example.

[0044] <Power supply 130>

[0045] The power source 130 is connected to the first electrode 141 of the capacitor 140, and when driven by the control unit 161 of the MCU 160, outputs an AC driving voltage to the first electrode 141. The power source 130 may be an AC power source capable of outputting an AC driving voltage.

[0046] <Capacitor 140>

[0047] The capacitor 140 has a first electrode 141 and a second electrode 142 .

[0048] The first electrode 141 is provided at the end portion on the -X direction side of the upper surface of the substrate 101 and is opposite to the second electrode 142. The first electrode 141 is made of copper foil as an example. The first electrode 141 is connected to the power supply 130. When the determination unit 162 of the MCU 160 determines whether there is an operation of the fingertip FT, an AC driving voltage is applied from the power supply 130 to the first electrode 141.

[0049] The second electrode 142 is disposed on the back side of the epidermis 104 opposite to the operation surface 104A (eg, Figure 2 The second electrode 142 is formed at the end of the -X direction side of the operation surface 104A (the lower surface when the operation surface 104A is set as the upper surface) in the expanded state, and the second electrode 142 is formed at the end of the -X direction side of the operation surface 104A (the lower surface when the operation surface 104A is set as the upper surface) in the state where the skin 104 is installed on the support plate 103. Figure 1A As shown, the second electrode 142 is located on the lower surface of the -X direction side of the foam layer 102. The second electrode 142 is connected to the drive electrode 120 through the extension portion 120A. The second electrode 142 is formed by printing a silver paste or the like on the lower surface of the epidermis 104 as an example. It should be noted that the second electrode 142, the drive electrode 120 and the extension portion 120A can also be formed on the outer surface of the foam layer 102. In addition, the second electrode 142, the drive electrode 120 and the extension portion 120A are formed on the epidermis 104, but can also be formed by a thin metal plate or formed on a film substrate different from the foam layer 102 and the epidermis 104 and set in a state of being sandwiched between the foam layer 102 and the epidermis 104.

[0050] Figure 1B is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the input device 100. The capacitor 140 is connected in series between the drive electrode 120 and the power supply 130. In addition, the drive electrode 120 is connected to the ground via the fingertip FT (human body). Here, the power supply 130 is a nearly ideal AC power supply with an output impedance of approximately zero, and can output a substantially constant voltage regardless of the load. Therefore, when it is assumed that the capacitor 140 is not provided and the drive electrode 120 is directly connected to the power supply 130, even if the fingertip FT approaches the drive electrode 120 and the electrostatic capacitance C2 changes, the current value (charge) supplied from the power supply 130 and detected by the detection unit 150 does not change, and the proximity operation or touch operation cannot be detected.

[0051] However, the input device 100 of the embodiment includes a capacitor 140 connected in series between the driving electrode 120 and the power supply 130. Therefore, a characteristic equivalent to that of a power supply having a predetermined output impedance is obtained, and a predetermined current flows through the capacitor 140. Furthermore, when the fingertip FT approaches the driving electrode 120, the current supplied from the power supply 130 and flowing from the capacitor 140 is shunted to the capacitor formed by the fingertip FT and the driving electrode 120, so that the current value (charge) detected by the detection unit 150 decreases with the increase of the electrostatic capacitance C2 of the capacitor formed by the fingertip FT and the driving electrode 120, thereby being able to detect a proximity operation, a touch operation, or a press operation.

[0052] <Detection Unit 150>

[0053] The detection unit 150 is connected to the detection electrode 110, and the detection unit 150 detects the current value (charge) flowing in the detection electrode 110. The detection unit 150 converts the detected current (charge) into a digital value and outputs it. The detection unit 150 has a function as an AD (Analog to Digital) converter. The detection unit 150 outputs the digitally converted current value (charge) to the MCU 160.

[0054] <MCU160>

[0055] MCU 160 includes a control unit 161, a determination unit 162, and a memory 163. MCU 160 is implemented by a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an input / output interface, an internal bus, and the like.

[0056] The control unit 161 and the determination unit 162 are portions that represent the functions of the program executed by the MCU 160 as functional blocks. The memory 163 is a portion that functionally represents the memory of the MCU 160 .

[0057] The control unit 161 is a processing unit that coordinates the operation of the MCU 160 , and performs, for example, driving of the power source 130 and other processing.

[0058] Determination unit 162 determines whether or not an operation has been performed based on the output (current value) of detection unit 150. As an example, determination unit 162 can determine whether or not any of approach, touch, or press operations has been performed.

[0059] The memory 163 stores programs, data, and the like necessary for the control unit 161 and the determination unit 162 to execute processes.

[0060] <Operation of Input Device 100 >

[0061] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a pressing operation is performed on the input device 100. When the central portion of the epidermis 104 is pressed downward by the fingertip FT, the epidermis 104, the driving electrode 120, and the foam layer 102 are moved as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The detection electrode 110 is bent as shown, and the distance between the detection electrode 110 and the drive electrode 120 is shortened. In this state, the determination unit 162 determines that a pressing operation is being performed. In addition, the determination unit 162 determines that a touch operation is being performed when the fingertip FT is in contact with the operation surface 104A but not pressing downward. In addition, when the fingertip FT is not in contact with the operation surface 104A but is close to it, the determination unit 162 determines that a proximity operation is being performed in which the current value of the detection electrode is reduced to a certain extent and meets the specified conditions.

[0062] <Judgment of proximity operation, touch operation, or press operation>

[0063] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an example of determining whether a proximity operation, a touch operation, or a press operation is performed. Figure 4 In the example, the horizontal axis is the time axis. Figure 4 The upper half of FIG. 1 shows an example of a temporal change in the position of the fingertip FT and the operating surface 104A in the height direction. Figure 4 The lower half of exemplifies a situation in which the current detected by the detection unit 150 changes with time.

[0064] When no operation is performed on the input device 100, Figure 1A The electrostatic capacitance C2 in the detection unit 150 is substantially zero, but when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 141 from the power supply 130, a certain amount of current flows to the detection unit 150 via the capacitor 140 (the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142), the extension 120A, and the capacitor composed of the detection electrode 110 and the drive electrode 120. The current flowing to the detection unit 150 in this state is called a baseline current.

[0065] In addition, when Figure 1A As shown in the figure, when the fingertip FT approaches the input device 100 and performs a proximity operation, an electrostatic capacitance C2 is generated between the fingertip FT and the drive electrode 120. In this state, when a voltage is applied from the power supply 130 to the first electrode 141, a current flows from the capacitor 140 (the first electrode 141 and the second electrode 142) via the extension 120A to the capacitor composed of the fingertip FT and the drive electrode 120 and the capacitor composed of the detection electrode 110 and the drive electrode 120, so the current flowing to the detection unit 150 is reduced. In addition, this is also the same in the case of a touch operation.

[0066] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, when a pressing operation is performed, the distance between the detection electrode 110 and the driving electrode 120 becomes shorter. Therefore, the electrostatic capacitance C3 of the capacitor formed by the detection electrode 110 and the driving electrode 120 increases significantly. In this state, when a voltage is applied from the power supply 130 to the first electrode 141, a current flows from the capacitor 140 to the capacitor formed by the fingertip FT and the driving electrode 120 and the capacitor formed by the detection electrode 110 and the driving electrode 120 via the extension portion 120A, but the current flowing to the capacitor formed by the detection electrode 110 and the driving electrode 120 increases significantly, so the current detected by the detection unit 150 increases significantly and is larger than the baseline current.

[0067] The input device 100 operates in this way, so Figure 4 The following is shown. Figure 4 At time t0, the fingertip FT is sufficiently separated from the operation surface 104A, and the current value is the value of the baseline BL. The baseline BL represents the current value of the baseline current. In addition, the first threshold TH1 is a threshold used in the detection of the touch operation, and the second threshold TH2 is a threshold used in the detection of the approach operation. The second threshold TH2 is greater than the first threshold TH1.

[0068] When the fingertip FT approaches the operation surface 104A as time passes, and the current value becomes less than the second threshold value TH2 at time t1, the determination unit 162 determines that a proximity operation has been performed. That is, the determination unit 162 determines that a proximity operation has been performed, taking the condition that the current value becomes less than the second threshold value TH2 without changing for a predetermined time value in the past. In addition, when the current value becomes less than the first threshold value TH1 at time t2, the determination unit 162 determines that a touch operation has been performed. That is, when the current value becomes less than the first threshold value TH1 within a predetermined time after it is determined that a proximity operation has been performed, the determination unit 162 determines that a touch operation has been performed.

[0069] In addition, after time t2, the fingertip FT starts a pressing operation. When the current value increases after reaching a minimum value, and increases to a value greater than the third threshold TH3 greater than the baseline BL at time t3, the determination unit 162 determines that a pressing operation has been performed. That is, when the current value increases to the third threshold TH3 within a predetermined time after it is determined that a touch operation has been performed, the determination unit 162 determines that a pressing operation has been performed.

[0070] It should be noted that, when the value does not increase to the third threshold value TH3 within a predetermined time and increases only to the baseline BL, it is determined that the pressing operation is not performed and the proximity operation and the touch operation are no longer performed.

[0071] Afterwards, since the fingertip FT further presses the operating surface 104A, the current increases until time t4. When the fingertip FT starts to return at time t4, the current decreases, and when the current value increases after reaching a minimum value and becomes larger than the first threshold value TH1 at time t5, the determination unit 162 determines that the fingertip FT has been separated from the operating surface 104A. That is, when the current value is less than the first threshold value TH1 within a specified time after it is determined that a finger pressure operation has been performed and then becomes larger, the determination unit 162 determines that the fingertip FT has been separated from the operating surface 104A. When the fingertip FT further separates from the operating surface 104A, the current value increases and becomes larger than the second threshold value TH2 at time t6, the determination unit 162 determines that the approach operation is no longer being performed. That is, when the current value becomes larger than the second threshold value TH2 within a specified time after it is determined that the fingertip FT has been separated from the operating surface 104A, the determination unit 162 determines that the approach operation is no longer being performed.

[0072] As described above, the input device 100 of the embodiment includes the capacitor 140 connected in series between the drive electrode 120 and the power source 130 , and thus can detect an approach operation, a touch operation, or a press operation of the fingertip FT.

[0073] <Effect>

[0074] The input device 100 includes: a detection electrode 110; a driving electrode 120 disposed opposite to the detection electrode 110; a power supply 130 that applies an AC driving voltage to the driving electrode 120; a detection unit 150 that detects the output of the detection electrode 110; and a capacitor 140 that is provided in series between the driving electrode 120 and the power supply 130. Therefore, when the fingertip FT approaches the driving electrode 120, the electrostatic capacitance C1 of the capacitor 140 provided between the driving electrode 120 and the power supply 130 changes, and the current value detected by the detection unit 150 changes, so that the proximity operation, the touch operation, or the pressing operation can be detected.

[0075] Therefore, it is possible to provide the input device 100 that can detect an operation of an operating body with a simple structure.

[0076] In addition, the device further includes a foam layer 102 that can be deformed by a pressing operation of the operation surface 104A by the operator, the drive electrode 120 is provided on the operation surface 104A side relative to the foam layer 102, and the detection electrode 110 is provided on the side opposite to the operation surface 104A relative to the foam layer 102. Therefore, the input device 100 can be provided in which the foam layer 102 is deformed in association with the pressing operation, and the electrostatic capacitance C3 between the drive electrode 120 and the detection electrode 110 changes, thereby being able to detect the operation of the operating body.

[0077] In addition, the present invention further includes a substrate 101 disposed on the side opposite to the operation surface 104A with respect to the foam layer 102, the detection electrode 110 disposed on the substrate 101, the capacitor 140 includes a first electrode 141 disposed on the substrate 101 and a second electrode 142 opposed to the first electrode 141, and the drive electrode 120 includes an extension portion 120A extending toward the second electrode 142 and connected to the second electrode 142. Therefore, the second electrode 142 of the capacitor 140 and the drive electrode 120 can be easily connected by using the extension portion 120A, and the drive voltage can be applied to the drive electrode 120 via the capacitor 140 and the extension portion 120A by applying the AC voltage of the power supply 130 to the first electrode 141 disposed on the substrate 101. In addition, by disposing the foam layer 102 on the substrate 101 on which the detection electrode 110 is disposed, the drive electrode 120 can be easily positioned relative to the detection electrode 110. In addition, since the lower surface of the foam layer 102 does not displace, the capacitance C1 of the capacitor 140 can be kept constant, thereby obtaining good detection accuracy. By including such a substrate 101, the input device 100 as a whole can be easily assembled.

[0078] It also includes a skin 104 covering the foam layer 102, and the driving electrode 120 and the extension part 120A are arranged on the skin 104. By using the skin 104 as a decorative layer to cover the outer surface of the foam layer 102, the appearance design becomes good. In addition, by arranging the driving electrode 120 and the extension part 120A on the skin 104, the installation and positioning of the driving electrode 120 and the extension part 120A become easy.

[0079] In addition, since operation surface 104A is a portion of the outer surface of cover 104 that overlaps with drive electrode 120 , it is possible to reliably detect proximity operation, touch operation, and press operation on operation surface 104A.

[0080] Furthermore, since the determination unit 162 is included for determining that a touch operation by the operating body has been performed when the output of the detection unit 150 becomes equal to or smaller than the first threshold TH1, the input device 100 can detect a touch operation by the operating body with a simple configuration.

[0081] When the output of the detection unit 150 becomes equal to or smaller than the second threshold TH2 which is larger than the first threshold TH1 , the determination unit 162 determines that a proximity operation by the operating body has been performed. Therefore, it is possible to provide the input device 100 which can detect a proximity operation of the operating body with a simple configuration.

[0082] In addition, when the output of the detection unit 150 changes from a value smaller than the first threshold TH1 to a value greater than the third threshold value greater than the baseline value of the output of the detection unit 150 after determining that a touch operation has been performed, the determination unit 162 determines that a pressing operation based on the operating body has been performed, and thus it is possible to provide an input device 100 that can detect a pressing operation of the operating body using a simple structure. When a pressing operation is performed, the electrostatic capacitance C3 of the capacitor formed by the detection electrode 110 and the drive electrode 120 increases significantly, and the current flowing to the capacitor formed by the detection electrode 110 and the drive electrode 120 increases significantly, so that the current that was in a decreasing direction when the touch operation was detected changes to an increasing direction. By detecting this change, it is possible to reliably determine that a pressing operation has been performed.

[0083] <First Modification>

[0084] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional structure of an input device 100M1 according to a first modified example of the embodiment. Figure 5 The cross section shown corresponds to Figure 1A The input device 100M1 of the first modified example is shown in FIG. Figure 1A The same components of the input device 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] The input device 100M1 includes a substrate 101, a foam layer 102, a skin 104, a detection electrode 110, a drive electrode 120, a power supply 130, a capacitor 140, a detection unit 150, and an MCU 160. The input device 100M1 does not include a support plate 103 (see Figure 1A ), the substrate 101 is arranged on Figure 1A The position of the support plate 103 in the substrate 101 and the second electrode 142 are arranged on the back side of the substrate 101. Figure 1A The input device 100 shown is different.

[0086] In this way, by providing the second electrode 142 on the back surface of the substrate 101 , the number of components can be reduced, and the input device 100M1 capable of detecting the operation of the operating body with a simpler structure can be provided.

[0087] <Second Modification>

[0088] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional structure of an input device 100M2 according to a second modification example of the embodiment. Figure 6 The cross section shown corresponds to Figure 1A The input device 100M2 of the second modified example is shown in FIG. Figure 1AThe same components of the input device 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] The input device 100M2 includes a substrate 101, a foaming layer 102, a support plate 103, a skin 104, a detection electrode 110, a driving electrode 120, a power supply 130, a capacitor 140M2, a detection unit 150, and an MCU 160. The input device 100M2 replaces Figure 1A The capacitor 140 shown includes a capacitor 140M2. Figure 1A The input device 100 shown is different. In the input device 100M2, Figure 1A As in the input device 100 shown in the figure, the first electrode 141 is provided on the substrate 101 , and the second electrode 142 is not provided on the surface 104 .

[0090] The capacitor 140M2 includes a first electrode 141 and a second electrode 142, and is provided at a position separated from the substrate 101, the foam layer 102, the support plate 103, and the skin 104. The first electrode 141 is connected to the power source 130, and the second electrode 142 is connected to the extension portion 120A via the connector 145. As the capacitor 140M2, a chip capacitor or the like can be used.

[0091] In this way, by providing the capacitor 140M2 at a position separated from the substrate 101, the foaming layer 102, the support plate 103, and the skin 104, it is possible to provide an input device 100M2 that can detect the operation of the operating body with a simple structure. In addition, as the capacitor 140M2, an external capacitor such as a chip capacitor can be used, so the accuracy of the electrostatic capacitance is high, which can improve the determination accuracy.

[0092] It should be noted that, in the second modification, the capacitor 140M2 is arranged at a position separated from the substrate 101 , but the capacitor 140M2 may be formed using a chip capacitor and mounted on the substrate 101 .

[0093] As mentioned above, the input device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the technical scope.

[0094] It should be noted that the present international application claims priority based on Japanese patent application No. 2022-180505 filed on November 10, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0095] Description of Reference Numerals

[0096] 100 Input device

[0097] 101 substrate

[0098] 102 Foam layer (an example of elastic member)

[0099] 103 Support plate

[0100] 104 Epidermis

[0101] 110 Detection electrode

[0102] 120 driving electrodes

[0103] 130 Power Supply

[0104] 140, 140M2 capacitor

[0105] 141 First Electrode

[0106] 142 second electrode

[0107] 150 Testing Department

[0108] 160 MCU

[0109] 161 Control Department

[0110] 162 Judgment Department

[0111] 163 Memory.

Claims

1. An input device, wherein: The input device comprises: Detection electrodes; a driving electrode disposed opposite to the detection electrode; A power supply for applying an alternating current driving voltage to the driving electrode; a detection unit configured to detect an output of the detection electrode; and A capacitor is provided in series between the driving electrode and the power source.

2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein: The input device further includes an elastic member that can be deformed when an operator presses the operation surface. The driving electrode is provided on the operation surface side relative to the elastic member, The detection electrode is provided on a side of the elastic member opposite to the operation surface.

3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein: The input device further includes a substrate disposed on a side of the elastic member opposite to the operation surface. The detection electrode is arranged on the substrate. The capacitor includes a first electrode provided on the substrate and a second electrode facing the first electrode. The driving electrode has an extending portion extending toward the second electrode and connected to the second electrode.

4. The input device according to claim 3, wherein: The input device further includes a skin covering the elastic member, The driving electrode and the extending portion are disposed on the epidermis.

5. The input device according to claim 4, wherein: The operation surface is a portion of the outer surface of the skin that overlaps with the drive electrode.

6. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The input device further includes a determination unit that determines that a touch operation by an operating body has been performed when the output of the detection unit becomes equal to or smaller than a first threshold value.

7. The input device according to claim 6, wherein: The determination unit determines that the approach operation by the operating body has been performed when the output of the detection unit becomes equal to or smaller than a second threshold value that is larger than the first threshold value.

8. The input device according to claim 6, wherein: The determination unit determines that a pressing operation by the operating body has been performed when the output of the detection unit changes from a value smaller than the first threshold to a value greater than a third threshold value or greater than a baseline value of the output of the detection unit after determining that the touch operation has been performed.

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