Switching device and manufacturing method for switching device

Abstract

To reduce the wrong detection of a sensor electrode.SOLUTION: A switching device 1 includes an operation panel 2, a sensor electrode 41 provided on a rear surface 22 side of the operation panel 2, and a dielectric layer provided between the operation panel 2 and the sensor electrode 41. The dielectric layer includes a first dielectric layer (for example, resin layer RL) provided in a region overlapping with the sensor electrode 41 when viewed from a Y direction orthogonal to an X direction and a Z direction where the operation panel 2 extends, and a second dielectric layer (for example, air layer AL) having a lower dielectric constant than the first dielectric layer when viewed from the Y direction. In the operation panel 2, an operation area OA set as a region to accept the operation by user's touch overlaps with the first dielectric layer when viewed from the Y direction. A part of the operation panel 2 outside the operation area OA overlaps with the second dielectric layer when viewed from the Y direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch device and a method for manufacturing a switch device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a switch device that includes an operation panel with an operation area for accepting user operations and a sensor electrode arranged on the rear side of the operation panel. The sensor electrode detects a change in capacitance that occurs when a user touches an icon with a finger or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-14484 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If a user accidentally touches a part outside the operation area of ​​the operation panel, the sensor electrode may detect a change in capacitance, which may cause the switch device to malfunction. There is a demand for reducing erroneous detection of a sensor electrode in a switch device. In addition to such requirements, another objective of the present invention is to achieve actions and effects derived from the configurations disclosed in the "Form for implementing the invention" described below, which actions and effects cannot be obtained with conventional technologies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to An operation panel; A sensor electrode provided on a rear side of the operation panel; a dielectric layer provided between the operation panel and the sensor electrode; the dielectric layer includes a first dielectric layer provided in a region overlapping at least a portion of the sensor electrode when viewed from a first direction perpendicular to a direction in which the operation panel extends, and a second dielectric layer having a dielectric constant lower than that of the first dielectric layer when viewed from the first direction; an operation area of ​​the operation panel that is set as an area that accepts an operation by a user's touch overlaps with the first dielectric layer when viewed from the first direction; The switch device is configured such that a portion of the operation panel outside the operation area overlaps the second dielectric layer when viewed from the first direction. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce erroneous detection of a sensor electrode in a switch device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the switch device as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of a switch device with an operation panel removed, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1A is a diagram for explaining erroneous detection of a sensor electrode in a comparative example, and FIG. 1B is a diagram for explaining a configuration for reducing erroneous detection of a sensor electrode according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating examples of configurations of icons, convex portions, and electrode portions according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating other configuration examples of the icons, the convex portion, and the electrode portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a switch device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking as an example a case where the switch device 1 is applied to a vehicle. The switch device 1 can be disposed, for example, on an instrument panel of the vehicle. The switch device 1 can be provided to allow a vehicle occupant to operate various in-vehicle devices such as an air conditioner, an audio device, a car navigation device, etc. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a switch device 1 as viewed from the rear side of a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the switch device 1 with the operation panel removed, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a cross section taken along line AA of FIG. It should be noted that Figs. 1 to 3 are merely schematic diagrams, and some parts are exaggerated for ease of understanding, so the dimensions of the various parts do not match one another. In the following description, the XYZ directions (see FIG. 1, etc.) are used as a reference when explaining the positional relationship of the components of the switch device 1. The X direction is generally along the vehicle width direction, the Y direction is along the vehicle front-rear direction, and the Z direction is along the up-down direction, but they do not need to be completely parallel. Furthermore, as necessary, the terms "vehicle front side" and "vehicle rear side" may be used with the Y direction as a reference. Furthermore, the terms "upper side" or "upper" and "lower side" or "lower" may be used with the Z direction as a reference.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, the switch device 1 includes an operation panel 2 and a case member 3. The operation panel 2 and the case member 3 are arranged, for example, overlapping in the Y direction (first direction). The case member 3 is arranged on the vehicle front side with respect to the operation panel 2. The case member 3 can be attached to the instrument panel by a fastener (not shown) or the like. The operation panel 2 is overlapped with the case member 3 via a gap CL having a length D1 in the Y direction, and is fixed to the case member 3 by a fastener (not shown) or the like.

[0010] The operation panel 2 can be configured, for example, from a plate-like member extending along the X direction and the Z direction. The operation panel 2 can be formed, for example, by molding a transparent or semi-transparent resin material. In the example of FIG. 1, the operation panel 2 and the case member 3 are rectangular when viewed from the Y direction, but the operation panel 2 and the case member 3 are not limited to a specific shape.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, a surface 21 of the operation panel 2 is disposed facing the rear side of the vehicle and can be touched by a finger or the like of a user who is an occupant of the vehicle. On the surface 21 of the operation panel 2, an icon IC is provided which indicates the function of an in-vehicle device that can be operated by the user. For example, a plurality of icon ICs can be provided on the operation panel 2. When distinguishing between the icon ICs, they are described by adding an alphabetical letter to the end, such as ICa, ICb, ICc, etc., as shown in FIG. 1. When referring to each icon without distinguishing between them, they are simply described as "icon IC." FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the icon ICe portion of the switch device 1, but since the other icons have the same configuration, they are described as "icon IC" in FIG. 3.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of icon ICs are arranged on the operation panel 2 at intervals. The icon IC can be formed, for example, by printing on the surface 21 of the operation panel 2 that is colored opaquely. This allows light to pass through the portion of the operation panel 2 where the icon IC is formed. By irradiating the icon IC with light from an LED 51 (described later), the visibility and design of the icon IC are improved.

[0013] When multiple icon ICs are provided on the operation panel 2, the functions of the in-vehicle device are assigned to each icon IC. Each icon IC can be configured, for example, of characters, symbols, figures, pictures (pictograms), or a combination of these so that the assigned functions can be identified. FIG. 1 shows, as examples, character icons (ICb, ICc, ICf, ICg), figure icons (ICh, ICi), and icons combining characters and figures (ICa, ICd, ICe). Note that, in FIG. 1, characters are simplified as "AAA, BBB, CCC...", but the characters are not limited to these and can be changed as appropriate. Also, in FIG. 1, as examples of figures, a circle (ICa), a sector (ICd), a rectangle (ICe), and a triangle (ICh, ICi) are shown, but the figures are not limited to these and can be changed as appropriate. The switch device 1 detects a change in capacitance caused by the transfer of charge when a user touches the icon IC with a finger or the like, using a sensor electrode 41 described later. A detection signal from the sensor electrode 41 is transmitted to an in-vehicle device, and the in-vehicle device executes a function of the in-vehicle device assigned to the icon IC based on the detection signal.

[0014] For each icon IC, an operation area OA is set, which is an area that accepts operations by touching the icon IC by the user. The operation area OA is set, for example, to a range that includes the icon IC as a center. In FIG. 1, an example of the operation area OA of each icon IC is shown by a dashed frame.

[0015] 2 illustrates a surface 31 of the case member 3 facing the rear surface 22 of the operation panel 2. As illustrated in Fig. 2, a film 4 having a plurality of sensor electrodes 41 arranged thereon is attached to the facing surface 31 of the case member 3. In other words, a plurality of sensor electrodes 41 held on the facing surface 31 of the case member 3 are provided on the rear surface 22 side of the operation panel 2.

[0016] Each sensor electrode 41 has an electrode portion 42 that detects a change in capacitance, and a wiring portion 47 that is connected to the electrode portion 42 . The electrode section 42 has a transparent electrode 43 and an outer frame electrode 44 that surrounds the outer periphery of the transparent electrode 43. In Fig. 2, the transparent electrode 43 is hatched for ease of understanding. The wiring portion 47 may include a power line and a signal line. The power line connects the electrode portion 42 to a power source (not shown), and the signal line connects the electrode portion 42 to an in-vehicle device (not shown). A detection signal output from the electrode portion 42 is output to the in-vehicle device via the signal line. As shown in FIG. 2, the wiring portions 47 of the multiple sensor electrodes 41 are gathered at one end side of the film 4 in the X direction (the right side in the figure). That is, the film 4 has an area B where the wiring portions 47 are densely packed. Although not shown, the entire surface of the film 4, including the electrode portion 42 and the wiring portion 47, can be covered with an insulating protective film such as a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) cover.

[0017] The transparent electrode 43 can be made of a conductive polymer such as PEDOT (polyethylenedioxythiophene). By surrounding the outer periphery of the transparent electrode 43 with the outer frame electrode 44, it is possible to maintain the formability of the transparent electrode 43. The outer frame electrode 44 can be made of a metal such as Ag (silver). As shown in Fig. 2, the outer frame electrode 44 has a ring shape when viewed from the Y direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the outer frame electrode 44 has an end face 45 and a peripheral wall portion 46. The end face 45 extends along the Z direction and the X direction, and faces the rear surface 22 of the operation panel 2 in the Y direction. The peripheral wall portion 46 surrounds the outer periphery of the end face 45, extends along the Y direction and the X direction, and positions the end face 45 at a position spaced from the case member 3 towards the operation panel 2. 3, when viewed from the Y direction, an end face 45 of the outer frame electrode 44 overlaps with the outer periphery of the transparent electrode 43. When viewed from the Y direction, a central portion of the transparent electrode 43 does not overlap with the end face of the outer frame electrode 44 and is exposed.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, an LED 51 (light source) is attached to a printed circuit board 5 on the vehicle front side of the case member 3. The LED 51 is disposed at a position overlapping with the transparent electrode 43 when viewed from the Y direction. The housing portion 32 is provided in a region of the case member 3 that overlaps with the electrode portion 42 when viewed from the Y direction. The housing portion 32 can be provided, for example, as a through hole that penetrates the case member 3 in the Y direction. An opening of the housing portion 32 on the vehicle front side is covered by the printed circuit board 5, and an opening on the vehicle rear side is covered by the film 4. The housing section 32 houses the lens 7 together with the LED 51 provided on the printed circuit board 5. The LED 51 is inserted into the housing section 32 from an opening on the front side of the vehicle. The lens 7 is attached to the film 4 that covers the opening on the rear side of the vehicle inside the housing section 32. The lens 7 is disposed in a position facing the transparent electrode 43 in the Y direction with the film 4 sandwiched therebetween.

[0019] In Fig. 2, the positions of the icon ICs provided on the operation panel 2 (see Fig. 1) when viewed from the Y direction are indicated by thin lines, and the positions of the operation areas OA of the icon ICs are indicated by dashed lines. In Fig. 3, the range in which the icon ICs of the operation panel 2 are formed is indicated by cross-hatching, and the operation areas OA of the icon ICs are indicated by dashed lines. Note that in Fig. 3, for ease of understanding, the icon ICs and operation areas OA are shown protruding from the surface 21 of the operation panel 2.

[0020] 2 and 3, when viewed from the Y direction, the icon IC and the operation area OA of the icon IC are provided at a position overlapping the electrode unit 42. As a result, when a user touches the operation area OA of the icon IC with a finger or the like, an electric charge moves from the electrode unit 42 to the finger, and a change in the electrostatic capacitance is detected in the electrode unit 42. Moreover, the icon IC is provided at a position where it entirely overlaps the transparent electrode 43 of the electrode unit 42 when viewed from the Y direction. Specifically, the icon IC is provided at a position where it overlaps the central portion of the transparent electrode 43 exposed from the outer frame electrode 44 when viewed from the Y direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the icon IC is provided at a position overlapping with the transparent electrode 43, the lens 7, and the LED 51. In other words, in the Y direction, the LED 51, the lens 7, the transparent electrode 43, and the icon IC are arranged in this order from the vehicle front side. With this positional relationship, the light emitted by the LED 51 is diffused by the lens 7 and passes through the transparent electrode 43, so that the light can be irradiated onto the icon IC on the operation panel 2.

[0021] The operation area OA of the icon IC may be provided so as to overlap the electrode portion 42 when viewed from the Y direction, and does not necessarily have to entirely overlap the center portion of the transparent electrode 43. As with icons ICa-ICc and icons ICf-ICi in Fig. 2, the entire operation area OA may overlap the transparent electrode 43 when viewed from the Y direction. Alternatively, as with icons ICd and ICe, a part of the operation area OA may protrude from the transparent electrode 43 and overlap the outer frame electrode 44 when viewed from the Y direction.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 3, the rear surface 22 of the operation panel 2 is provided with a protrusion 23 that protrudes toward the case member 3. The protrusion 23 is provided corresponding to the operation area OA set for each icon IC. Specifically, the protrusion 23 is provided with a shape and size corresponding to the operation area OA when viewed from the Y direction, and has an area corresponding to the operation area OA. That is, the dashed frame line shown as the position of the operation area OA in Fig. 2 also indicates the position of the protrusion 23 when viewed from the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the protrusion 23 is provided so as to overlap the icons IC and operation area OA of the operation panel 2 and also overlap the electrode portion 42 when viewed from the Y direction.

[0023] The protrusion 23 has an end surface 24 and a peripheral wall portion 25. The end surface 24 extends along the X direction and the Z direction and faces the electrode portion 42 in the Y direction. The peripheral wall portion 25 surrounds the outer periphery of the end surface 24 and places the end surface 24 at a position spaced apart from the back surface 22 of the operation panel 2 to the electrode portion 42. The end surface 24 can be provided so as to contact the electrode portion 42 over the entire surface. In the drawing, there is a gap between the end surface 24 of the protrusion 23 and the central portion of the transparent electrode 43 of the electrode portion 42, but as described above, the entire film 4 is covered with an insulating protective film such as a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) cover. Therefore, the insulating protective film also fills the gap in the drawing, and the end surface of the protrusion 23 can contact the electrode portion 42 over the entire surface. The protrusion 23 may be formed, for example, integrally with the operation panel 2 by molding a resin material, or may be formed separately and attached to the back surface 22 of the operation panel 2 .

[0024] As described above, in the switch device 1, a change in capacitance caused when the user touches the icon IC of the operation panel 2 is detected by the sensor electrode 41 provided in the case member 3. In this embodiment, a gap CL having a length D1 in the Y direction is provided between the operation panel 2 and the case member 3, so that it can be considered that a dielectric layer is interposed between the operation electrode and the sensor electrode 41. In addition, a convex portion 23 that protrudes from the back surface 22 of the operation panel 2 toward the case member 3 is provided, so that the dielectric layer has two dielectric layers with different dielectric constants.

[0025] Specifically, the dielectric layer has a layer (first dielectric layer) formed of the material constituting the protrusion 23, and an air layer AL (second dielectric layer) formed in the gap CL between the operation panel 2 and the case member 3. As described above, the protrusion 23 can be made of, for example, a resin material. In the following description, the layer formed of the material constituting the protrusion 23 is referred to as a "resin layer RL" as an example. The resin layer RL generally has a higher dielectric constant than the air layer AL (second dielectric layer). The convex portion 23 is interposed in the Y direction between the operation area OA of the icon IC and the electrode portion 42. That is, a resin layer RL having a high dielectric constant is interposed between the operation area OA, which is an area that accepts user operations, and the sensor electrode 41, and an air layer AL having a low dielectric constant is interposed between the outside of the operation area OA and the sensor electrode 41.

[0026] Specifically, the resin layer RL and the air layer AL can be disposed in the following positional relationship with respect to other elements of the switch device 1. The resin layer RL is provided in a region overlapping at least a part of the electrode portion 42 of the sensor electrode 41 when viewed from the Y direction (first direction) perpendicular to the X direction and Z direction in which the operation panel 2 extends. The operation area OA of the icon IC on the operation panel 2 overlaps with the resin layer RL when viewed from the Y direction. The part of the operation panel 2 outside the operation area OA overlaps with the air layer AL when viewed from the Y direction. The air layer AL is disposed so as to surround the resin layer RL when viewed from the Y direction.

[0027] In this embodiment, by interposing a layer having a different dielectric constant between the operation panel 2 and the sensor electrode 41, erroneous detection of the sensor electrode 41 can be reduced. Fig. 4A is a diagram for explaining erroneous detection of the sensor electrode 41 in a comparative example. Fig. 4B is a diagram for explaining a configuration for reducing erroneous detection of the sensor electrode 41 in this embodiment. Note that in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, for ease of understanding, the film 4 is omitted and the configuration of the electrode section 42 is shown in a simplified manner. Also, the operation area OA (broken line) of the icon IC is shown protruding from the operation panel 2. Also, in Fig. 4B, the thickness of the protrusion 23 is shown exaggerated.

[0028] 4A, in the comparative example, a film 4 (not shown) on which a sensor electrode 41 is arranged is attached to the back surface 22 of the operation panel 2. Therefore, a gap CL is not formed between the operation panel 2 and the sensor electrode 41. That is, in the comparative example, a resin layer RL and an air layer AL having different dielectric constants are not formed between the operation panel 2 and the sensor electrode 41, and there is no difference in dielectric constant for the sensor electrode 41 between the operation area OA of the icon IC and outside the operation area OA. In such a case, the charge transfer is the same when the user touches the operation area OA of the operation panel 2 and when the user touches outside the operation area OA. Therefore, when the user mistakenly touches outside the operation area OA, erroneous detection is likely to occur in the electrode unit 42. In particular, when the area B where the wiring parts 47 of the sensor electrode 41 are densely packed is located near the electrode unit 42, the dielectric constant tends to be even higher, and erroneous detection in the electrode unit 42 is also likely to occur.

[0029] As a measure to reduce such erroneous detection, for example, it is conceivable to match the shape and size of the electrode unit 42 to the operation area OA of the icon IC so that the electrode unit 42 does not protrude outside the operation area OA of the icon IC when viewed from the Y direction. However, as shown in Fig. 1, since icon ICs come in various shapes and sizes, preparing an electrode unit 42 that matches the operation area OA of the icon IC may lead to an increase in manufacturing costs. It is also possible to arrange the icon IC and the electrode portion 42 away from the area B where the wiring portions 47, which are prone to false detection, are densely packed. However, in this case, the layout of the icon IC is restricted, which may lead to an increase in the size of the switch device 1. Moreover, in either case, it is not possible to use a general-purpose film 4 on which the sensor electrodes 41 are arranged in a predetermined pattern, which may lead to an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0030] 4B, in this embodiment, the film 4 is attached to the opposing surface 31 of the case member 3, not to the back surface 22 of the operation panel 2, and a gap CL is provided between the operation panel 2 and the case member 3. Furthermore, a protrusion 23 is provided in an area of ​​the back surface 22 of the operation panel 2 that overlaps with the operation area OA of the icon IC when viewed from the Y direction. As a result, a resin layer RL with a high dielectric constant is interposed between the operation area OA of the icon IC and the sensor electrode 41. Therefore, even if a gap CL is present between the operation panel 2 and the case member 3, charge moves from the sensor electrode 41 toward the user's finger or the like via the resin layer RL, making it easier for the sensor electrode 41 to detect a change in capacitance.

[0031] On the other hand, the air layer AL is arranged to surround the resin layer RL when viewed from the Y direction. That is, the air layer AL with a low dielectric constant is interposed between the outside of the operation area OA of the operation panel 2 and the sensor electrode 41. This suppresses the movement of charges even if the user accidentally touches a part outside the operation area OA. This reduces erroneous detection at the sensor electrode 41. 4B, even when the icon IC and electrode unit 42 are disposed near area B where the wiring units 47 are densely packed, an air layer AL is interposed between the icon IC and electrode unit 42 and the wiring unit 47. This suppresses the movement of charge due to the influence of the wiring unit 47, thereby reducing erroneous detection of the sensor electrode 41. This increases the degree of freedom in the layout of the icon IC and contributes to the miniaturization of the switch device 1. Furthermore, when the film 4 is attached to the back surface 22 of the operation panel 2 as in the comparative example, there is a possibility that air bubbles formed between the operation panel 2 and the film 4 may be easily visible from the front surface side of the operation panel 2. In this embodiment, by attaching the film 4 to the opposing surface 31 of the case member 3, it is possible to make the air bubbles less visible.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, false detection can be reduced by providing a convex portion 23 that corresponds to the shape and size of the operation area OA of the icon IC. Therefore, the shape and size of the electrode unit 42 do not necessarily have to match the operation area OA of the icon IC. Therefore, an electrode unit 42 of a common shape and size can be applied to icon ICs of various shapes and sizes. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation areas OA of the icons ICb to ICg include icons with different shapes and sizes, but a general-purpose electrode unit 42 having a common shape and size can be used for these icon ICs. In other words, the area of ​​the electrode portion 42 of the sensor electrode 41 can be made larger than the area of ​​the resin layer RL when viewed from the Y direction. In addition, the outer frame shape (outline) of the electrode portion 42 can be one that is not similar to the outer frame shape (outline) of the protrusions 23 that constitute the resin layer RL when viewed from the Y direction. In this case, the outer periphery of the electrode portion 42 of the sensor electrode 41 overlaps with the peripheral portion of the operation area OA when viewed from the Y direction. When no air layer AL is present as in the comparative example, erroneous detection of the sensor electrode 41 is likely to occur when the user touches the peripheral portion of the operation area OA. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the air layer AL is disposed so as to surround the resin layer RL, the outer periphery of the electrode unit 42 overlaps with the air layer AL when viewed from the Y direction, thereby reducing erroneous detection of the sensor electrode 41. That is, in this embodiment, the operation area OA of the operation panel 2 can be partitioned by the resin layer RL and the air layer AL, regardless of the size and shape of the electrode unit 42.

[0033] In this embodiment, the resin layer RL and the air layer AL are formed according to the arrangement of the convex portion 23. In other words, the position of the operation area OA can be determined by the arrangement of the convex portion 23 formed integrally with the operation panel 2. As described above, the shape and size of the electrode portion 42 can be adjusted to match the operation area OA of the icon IC, but in this case, the operation area OA of the icon IC is determined by the position of the electrode portion 42. In this case, if the electrode portion 42 is misaligned when the operation panel 2 and the case member 3 are assembled, there is a possibility that the operation area OA will be misaligned with respect to the icon IC. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the icon IC is formed on the front surface 21 of the operation panel 2, and the operation area OA is defined by providing a convex portion 23 on the back surface 22. In other words, since the icon IC and the operation area OA can be configured by the operation panel 2 alone, it is possible to easily reduce the positional deviation between the icon IC and the operation area OA.

[0034] Furthermore, the arrangement and number of icon ICs may differ for each specification of the switch device 1. In this embodiment, this can be accommodated by preparing a general-purpose film 4 having a sufficient number of sensor electrodes 41 and changing the arrangement of the resin layer RL and the air layer AL according to the specification. In other words, various specifications of the switch device 1 can be accommodated by simply changing the operation panel 2. In this case, depending on the specifications of the switch device 1, an extra sensor electrode 41 (a dummy sensor electrode 41d exemplified in FIG. 2) that does not correspond to an icon IC of the operation panel 2 may be generated. In this embodiment, an air layer AL is disposed so as to overlap the entire dummy sensor electrode 41 when viewed from the Y direction. This can reduce erroneous detection when a user touches a part of the operation panel 2 that overlaps with the dummy sensor electrode 41d when viewed from the Y direction. In this manner, in this embodiment, since it becomes easier to use a general-purpose film 4 on which the sensor electrodes 41 are arranged in a predetermined pattern, the manufacturing cost of the switch device 1 can be reduced.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the air layer AL is formed in a gap CL provided between the operation panel 2 and the case member 3, and has a length D1 in the Y direction. The dielectric constant of the air layer AL becomes lower as the length D1 in the Y direction of the gap CL becomes longer. The length D1 is not limited to a specific numerical value, but in order to reduce misdetection of the sensor electrode 41, it is preferably set to a length that can sufficiently suppress the movement of charges when the user touches. For example, when the length D3 of the operation panel 2 in the Y direction is 3 mm, the length D1 of the gap CL in the Y direction can preferably be 0.4 mm or more, more preferably 0.6 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.8 mm or more.

[0036] Also, as described above, the operation panel 2 and the convex portion 23 can be integrally molded, for example, using a resin material or the like. When performing mold molding, if the flow of the resin material poured into the mold stagnates, there is a possibility that sink marks, where the surface of the molded product is concave, may occur. Sink marks usually tend to occur on the surface (design surface) side where there are shapes such as ribs and bosses in the molded product. In order to smooth the flow of the resin material and reduce sink marks during the mold molding of the operation panel 2, it is preferable that the length D2 of the convex portion 23 in the Y direction is shorter than the length D3 of the operation panel 2 in the Y direction (D2 < D3). For example, when the length D3 of the operation panel 2 in the Y direction is 3 mm, the length D2 of the convex portion 23 in the Y direction can preferably be 1.2 mm or less, and more preferably 1.0 mm or less.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the icon IC, the convex portion 23, and the electrode portion 42 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5(A) is a view of the operation panel 2 seen from the front side. FIG. 5(B) is a perspective view of the operation panel 2 seen from the back surface 22 side. FIG. 5(C) is a view of FIG. 5(B) seen from the direction of arrow C. Fig. 5 shows an extracted portion of the operation panel 2 where the icon ICs are provided. In Fig. 5(A), the position of the electrode unit 42 when viewed from the Y direction is shown by a virtual line, and the position of the outer frame electrode 44 constituting the electrode unit 42 is shown by cross-hatching. Although reference numerals are omitted in Fig. 5(A), the area surrounded by cross-hatching indicates the position of the transparent electrode 43 (see Fig. 2, etc.) constituting the electrode unit 42.

[0038] 5A shows an example in which the icon IC is configured with a shape (triangle shape). The operation area OA of the icon IC can be set to a triangular shape surrounding the icon IC, as shown by the dashed line in the figure. As shown in FIG. 5B, the convex portion 23 provided in correspondence with the operation area OA of the icon IC has a triangular shape when viewed from the Y direction. 5A, the electrode unit 42 does not need to be aligned with the operation area OA of the triangular icon IC, and may have a margin for the operation area OA. In this case, when viewed from the Y direction, the operation area OA of the icon IC has an area smaller than the transparent electrode 43 (area surrounded by cross-hatching) of the electrode unit 42, and is positioned so as not to overlap with the outer frame electrode 44 that surrounds the outer periphery of the transparent electrode 43.

[0039] 3 shows an example in which the peripheral wall portion of the protrusion 23 rises vertically from the rear surface 22 of the operation panel 2, but as shown in FIG. 5C, the peripheral wall portion 25 of the protrusion 23 may be R-shaped. The peripheral wall portion 25 has a curved shape recessed inward in a cross-sectional view along the Y direction. In other words, the peripheral wall portion 25 has an arc-shaped cross section with an apex facing inward. When peripheral wall portion 25 of protrusion 23 is formed in an R-shape in this manner, the shadow of peripheral wall portion 25 cast on the front surface of operation panel 2 can be reduced.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the icon IC, the convex portion 23, and the electrode portion 42 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 6(A) and Fig. 6(C) are views of the operation panel 2 as viewed from the front side. Fig. 6(B) is a perspective view of the operation panel 2 as viewed from the rear surface 22 side. FIG. 6A shows an example in which a margin is provided for the electrode portion 42 relative to the operation area OA of the icon IC, similarly to FIG. 5A. FIG. 6C shows an example in which the electrode portion 42 is provided to match the operation area OA of the icon IC, and a positional deviation occurs when the operation panel 2 and the case member 3 are assembled.

[0041] 6A shows an example in which an icon IC is composed of a combination of text (ON / OFF) and a shape (circle). The operation area OA of the icon IC can be set to a rectangular shape that surrounds the text and shape that compose the icon IC, as shown by the dashed line in the figure. As shown in FIG. 6B, the convex portion 23 provided in correspondence with the operation area OA of the icon IC has a rectangular shape when viewed from the Y direction. In this way, the operation area OA of the icon IC in Fig. 6 has a different shape and size from the operation area OA of the icon IC in Fig. 5, but as shown by the imaginary line in Fig. 6(A), the electrode unit 42 can be the same as that in Fig. 5(A). By using the same electrode unit 42 for the operation areas OA of the icon ICs of different sizes and shapes, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0042] Furthermore, the electrode section 42 may be provided with a margin with respect to the operation area OA of the icon IC. In this case, when viewed from the Y direction, the operation area OA of the icon IC has an area smaller than the transparent electrode 43 (area surrounded by cross-hatching) of the electrode section 42, and is positioned so as not to overlap with the outer frame electrode 44 surrounding the outer periphery of the transparent electrode 43. In this way, when the electrode section 42 with a margin is commonly used, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the shadow of the outer frame electrode 44 will be reflected on the icon IC. Here, Fig. 6C shows an example in which electrode portion 42 is aligned with operation area OA of the icon IC with no margin provided. Fig. 6C also shows an example in which misalignment occurs when operation panel 2 and case member 3 are assembled. When misalignment occurs, as shown in Fig. 6C, part of the icon IC may protrude from transparent electrode 43 and overlap with outer frame electrode 44. In this case, when LED 51 (see Fig. 3) is irradiated onto the icon IC, the shadow of outer frame electrode 44 may be cast onto the icon IC.

[0043] 6(A), by using electrode section 42 with a margin provided with respect to operation area OA of the icon IC, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the icon IC will overlap outer frame electrode 44 even if there is misalignment when assembling operation panel 2 and case member 3. This makes it possible to reduce the precision required for assembling operation panel 2 and case member 3, and to improve visibility of the icon IC.

[0044] As described above, the switch device 1 according to this embodiment has, for example, the following configuration. (1) The switch device 1 is Operation panel 2, A sensor electrode 41 provided on the rear surface 22 side of the operation panel 2; and a dielectric layer provided between the operation panel and the sensor electrode. The dielectric layer has a first dielectric layer (e.g., a resin layer RL) provided in an area overlapping at least a portion of the sensor electrode 41 when viewed from the Y direction (first direction) perpendicular to the X direction and Z direction in which the operation panel 2 extends, and a second dielectric layer (e.g., an air layer AL) having a lower dielectric constant than the first dielectric layer. In the operation panel 2, an operation area OA, which is set as an area for accepting an operation by a user's touch, overlaps the first dielectric layer when viewed from the Y direction. A portion of operation panel 2 outside operation area OA overlaps the second dielectric layer when viewed from the Y direction.

[0045] With this configuration, erroneous detection of the sensor electrode 41 can be reduced. In other words, when a user touches the operation area OA of the operation panel 2, a first dielectric layer (e.g., a resin layer RL) having a high dielectric constant is interposed between the operation area OA and the sensor electrode 41, so that an electric charge moves from the sensor electrode 41 toward the user's finger, etc., and the sensor electrode 41 can detect a change in capacitance. On the other hand, if a user accidentally touches a part of the operation panel 2 outside the operation area OA, a second dielectric layer (e.g., an air layer AL) with a low dielectric constant is interposed between the part outside the operation area OA and the sensor electrode 41, thereby suppressing the movement of charges and reducing false detection of the sensor electrode 41. In addition, in this embodiment, since erroneous detection of the sensor electrode 41 is reduced by interposing a dielectric layer between the operation panel 2 and the sensor electrode 41, it is not necessary to use a sensor electrode 41 that matches the size and shape of the operation area OA of the operation panel 2. Therefore, for example, a common general-purpose sensor electrode 41 can be used for operation areas OA of various sizes and shapes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. In this embodiment, the air layer AL is described as an example of the second dielectric layer, but the second dielectric layer is not limited to an air layer as long as it has a lower dielectric constant than the first dielectric layer. For example, the gap CL between the operation panel 2 and the case member 3 may be filled with a material such as gel having a lower dielectric constant than the resin layer RL.

[0046] (2) In the switch device 1 of (1), At least a portion of the sensor electrode 41 overlaps with the air layer AL when viewed from the Y direction.

[0047] The operation area OA needs to be set in various shapes and sizes according to the icon IC, but in this embodiment, the operation area OA can be partitioned by the arrangement of the air layer AL and the resin layer RL. This makes it difficult to restrict the shape and size of the sensor electrode 41, so a general-purpose sensor electrode 41 can be used. When a general-purpose sensor electrode 41 is used, for example, at least a part of the sensor electrode 41 may be outside the range of the operation area OA when viewed from the Y direction. In this embodiment, the air layer AL is arranged so as to overlap the part outside the range of the operation area OA when viewed from the Y direction. This makes it possible to reduce erroneous detection of the sensor electrode 41 when the user touches the outside the range of the operation area OA.

[0048] (3) In the switch device 1 according to (1) or (2), The air layer AL is disposed so as to surround the resin layer RL when viewed from the Y direction.

[0049] When viewed from the Y direction, a resin layer RL with a high dielectric constant is formed so as to overlap the operation area OA, and therefore the periphery of the operation area OA is particularly prone to false detection of the sensor electrode 41. In this embodiment, an air layer AL with a low dielectric constant is disposed so as to surround the resin layer RL when viewed from the Y direction, which tends to reduce false detection when a user touches the periphery of the operation area OA of the operation panel 2.

[0050] (4) In any one of the switch devices 1 according to (1) to (3), When viewed from the Y direction, the area of ​​the electrode portion 42 of the sensor electrode 41 can be made larger than the area of ​​the resin layer RL.

[0051] As described above, in this embodiment, the operation area OA can be partitioned by the arrangement of the air layer AL and the resin layer RL. This makes it difficult to restrict the shape and size of the sensor electrode 41, so a general-purpose sensor electrode 41 can be used. For example, the sensor electrode 41 can have an area larger than that of the resin layer RL when viewed from the Y direction. In this case, a portion of the sensor electrode 41 protrudes from the resin layer RL when viewed from the Y direction, but the air layer AL is provided so as to overlap this portion, thereby reducing erroneous detection.

[0052] (5) In any one of the switch devices 1 according to (1) to (4), When viewed from the Y direction, the outer frame shape of the electrode portion 42 of the sensor electrode 41 does not need to be similar to the outer frame shape of the resin layer RL.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, the operation area OA can be partitioned by the arrangement of the air layer AL and the resin layer RL. This makes it difficult to restrict the shape and size of the sensor electrode 41, so a general-purpose sensor electrode 41 can be used. For example, the sensor electrode 41 can be one that is not similar to the outer frame shape of the resin layer RL when viewed from the Y direction. In this case, a portion of the sensor electrode 41 protrudes from the resin layer RL when viewed from the Y direction, but the air layer AL is provided so as to overlap this portion, so that erroneous detection can be reduced.

[0054] (6) The switch device 1 of (1) to (5) is The sensor electrode 41 is provided protruding from the rear surface 22 of the operation panel 2 toward the sensor electrode 41, and has a protrusion 23 that overlaps with the operation area OA of the operation panel 2 when viewed from the Y direction. The second dielectric layer is an air layer AL formed in a gap CL provided between the rear surface 22 of the operation panel 2 and the sensor electrode 41 in the Y direction. The first dielectric layer is formed by protrusions 23 .

[0055] In this embodiment, the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer can be formed with a simple configuration in which a gap CL is provided between the operation panel 2 and the case member 3, and the convex portion 23 is provided so as to overlap the operation area OA of the operation panel 2 and the sensor electrode 41 when viewed from the Y direction. This makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs compared to the case in which sensor electrodes 41 are provided to match the operation areas OA of multiple icon ICs. It should be noted that "the first dielectric layer is formed by the protrusion 23" can include various embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when end face 24 of protrusion 23 contacts electrode portion 42 over the entire surface, the first dielectric layer is made of a layer of the material that constitutes protrusion 23 (eg, a resin layer RL). Also, for example, in the Y direction, a gap CL may be formed between the end face 24 of the protrusion 23 and the electrode portion 42. In this case, the first dielectric layer is composed of an air layer formed between the protrusion 23 and the sensor electrode 41. The air layer between the protrusion 23 protruding from the operation panel 2 and the electrode portion 42 has a shorter length in the Y direction than the air layer AL forming the second dielectric layer. Therefore, the air layer between the protrusion 23 and the electrode portion 42 has a higher dielectric constant than the second dielectric layer. Furthermore, for example, end face 24 of protrusion 23 may have a portion in contact with electrode portion 42 and a portion that provides gap CL with electrode portion 42. In this case, the first dielectric layer is composed of a layer of the material that constitutes protrusion 23 and an air layer formed between protrusion 23 and electrode portion 42.

[0056] (7) In any one of the switch devices 1 according to (1) to (6), The protrusion 23 has a portion that contacts the sensor electrode 41 . The first dielectric layer may include a layer formed from the material that constitutes the protrusion 23 (for example, a resin layer RL).

[0057] Materials such as resin used in the operation panel 2 generally have a higher dielectric constant than air. For example, by forming the convex portion 23 integrally with the operation panel 2 and bringing the convex portion 23 into contact with the sensor electrode 41, the resin material forming the convex portion 23 can function as a first dielectric layer. Since the convex portion 23 can be molded integrally with the operation panel 2 by, for example, molding, two dielectric layers with different dielectric constants can be formed between the operation panel 2 and the sensor electrode 41 by a simple manufacturing method.

[0058] (9) In any one of the switch devices 1 according to (1) to (8), The convex portion 23 has an end face 24 facing the sensor electrode 41 in the Y direction, and a peripheral wall portion 25 that surrounds the outer periphery of the end face 24 and positions the end face 24 at a position spaced away from the rear surface 22 of the operation panel 2 toward the sensor electrode 41. In a cross-sectional view along the Y direction, the peripheral wall portion 25 has an inwardly recessed curved shape.

[0059] By making peripheral wall portion 25 of protrusion 23 curved in an R-shape, the shadow of peripheral wall portion 25 can be made less visible from the front surface side of operation panel 2.

[0060] (10) Any one of the switch devices 1 according to (1) to (9) is An icon IC provided on the operation panel 2 and indicating a function to be executed by a user's touch operation; The sensor electrode 41 is provided on the opposite side to the operation panel 2 in the first direction, and includes an LED 51 (light source) capable of irradiating the icon IC. The operation area OA is provided as an area surrounding the icon IC. The sensor electrode 41 has an electrode portion 42 composed of a transparent electrode 43 that is transmissible to light emitted from a light source, and an outer frame electrode 44 that surrounds the outer periphery of the transparent electrode 43 when viewed from a first direction. In the operation panel 2, the operation area OA has an area smaller than the area of ​​the transparent electrode 43 when viewed from the Y direction, and is provided in a positional relationship so as not to overlap with the outer frame electrode .

[0061] In order to transmit light from the LED 51 that illuminates the icon IC, the electrode portion 42 of the sensor electrode 41 has a transparent electrode 43. Furthermore, in order to maintain the formability of the transparent electrode 43, an outer frame electrode 44 is provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the transparent electrode 43. When matching the electrode portion 42 to the shape and size of the operation area OA of the icon IC, a slight misalignment when assembling the operation panel 2 and the case member 3 may cause part of the icon IC to overlap the outer frame electrode 44 when viewed from the Y direction. In this case, when the icon IC is illuminated by the LED 51, the shadow of the outer frame electrode 44 may be cast on the icon IC. In this embodiment, since the protrusion 23 corresponding to the operation area OA of the icon IC is provided, the electrode section 42 can be designed with a margin for the operation area OA of the icon IC. Therefore, even if there is a slight misalignment when assembling the operation panel 2 and the case member 3, it is possible to reduce the overlap of the icon IC with the outer frame electrode 44 when viewed from the Y direction. This makes it possible to reduce the precision required for the assembly work and improve the visibility of the icon IC.

[0062] (11) In any one of the switch devices 1 according to (1) to (10), The sensor electrode 41 has a wiring portion 47 that is connected to the electrode portion 42 . When viewed from the Y direction, the second dielectric layer is provided in a region overlapping the wiring portion 47.

[0063] With this configuration, an air layer AL is interposed between the operation panel 2 and electrode portion 42, and the wiring portion 47. The dielectric constant tends to be particularly high in region B (see Figs. 2 and 4) where the wiring portion 47 of the film 4 is densely packed, but the provision of the air layer AL makes it possible to suppress the movement of electric charges. This makes it possible to arrange the icon IC and electrode portion 42 near the wiring portion 47, increasing the degree of freedom in layout and contributing to the miniaturization of the switch device 1.

[0064] (12) Any one of the switch devices 1 according to (1) to (11) is A case member 3 arranged on the rear surface 22 side of the operation panel 2; The touch panel further includes a film 4 attached to a surface 31 of the case member 3 facing the operation panel 2, the film 4 having a plurality of sensor electrodes 41 arranged in a predetermined pattern.

[0065] As described above, in the switch device 1 of this embodiment, since it is not necessary to align the electrode portion 42 with the operation area OA of the icon IC, the switch device 1 can be configured using a general-purpose film 4 on which the sensor electrodes 41 are arranged in a predetermined pattern. This allows the manufacturing cost of the switch device 1 to be reduced.

[0066] (13) In any one of the switch devices 1 according to (1) to (12), The film 4 has a dummy sensor electrode 41d that does not overlap with the operation area OA when viewed from the Y direction. The air layer AL is provided in an area that overlaps with the dummy sensor electrode 41d when viewed from the Y direction.

[0067] Although the arrangement and number of icon ICs in the switch device 1 may differ depending on the specifications, in this embodiment, a general-purpose film 4 having a sufficient number of sensor electrodes 41 can be commonly used for various specifications. In other words, various specifications of the switch device 1 can be accommodated simply by changing the operation panel 2. In this case, depending on the specifications of the switch device 1, dummy sensor electrodes 41 that do not correspond to the icon ICs may be generated in the film 4. In this case, an air layer AL is interposed between the dummy sensor electrodes 41d and the operation panel 2, thereby reducing erroneous detection.

[0068] The switch device 1 according to this embodiment can be manufactured by the following manufacturing method. (14) A method for manufacturing the switch device 1 includes the steps of: A case member 3 is disposed on the rear surface 22 side of the operation panel 2 via a gap CL. A film 4 on which a plurality of sensor electrodes 41 are arranged in a predetermined pattern is attached to a surface 31 of a case member 3 facing an operation panel 2, An operation area OA is provided on the surface of the operation panel 2, which is an area that accepts operations by touching the surface of the operation panel 2, and a protrusion 23 that protrudes toward the case member 3 is provided on the rear surface 22 of the operation panel 2. The operation area OA and the convex portion 23 are provided in an area overlapping at least a part of the sensor electrode 41 when viewed from a first direction perpendicular to the direction in which the operation panel 2 extends.

[0069] By configuring the switch device 1 using a general-purpose film 4 on which the sensor electrodes 41 are arranged in a predetermined pattern, the manufacturing cost of the switch device 1 can be reduced. The order in the manufacturing method of the switch device 1 is not limited to the order described above.

[0070] (Modification) FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a switch device 1A according to a modified example. Fig. 7 shows an example in which the protrusion 23 is modified, and other parts of the switch device 1A have the same configuration as the switch device 1 of the embodiment, so detailed description will be omitted. Also, in Fig. 7, the protrusion 23 is illustrated in an exaggerated manner. The modified example shows one of the aspects included in the above expression "the first dielectric layer is formed by the protrusion 23." 7, in the modified example, a recess 26 recessed toward the operation panel side is provided on end face 24 of protrusion 23. As a result, end face 24 of protrusion 23, except for recess 26, contacts electrode portion 42, and recess 26 faces electrode portion 42 with a gap CLb in the Y direction. A length D4 of the gap CLb in the Y direction is set to be shorter than a length D1 of the gap CL between the operation panel 2 and the case member 3 in the Y direction. In the case of the modified example, the first dielectric layer is composed of a layer of the material that constitutes the protrusion 23 and an air layer ALb formed in the gap CLb between the protrusion 23 and the electrode portion 42. The length D4 in the Y direction of the air layer ALb is shorter than the length D1 in the Y direction of the air layer AL that forms the second dielectric layer, so that the air layer ALb has a higher dielectric constant than the air layer AL. As a result, in the modified example as well, the first dielectric layer has a higher dielectric constant than the second dielectric layer, so that erroneous detection of the sensor electrode 41 can be reduced, similarly to the embodiment. The gap CLb between the protrusion 23 and the electrode portion 42 may be filled with a material such as gel.

[0071] As described above, the switch device 1A according to the modified example has, for example, the following configuration. (8) The protrusion 23 has a portion with a gap CLb provided between it and the sensor electrode 41 in the Y direction. The first dielectric layer includes an air layer ALb formed in the gap CLb between the protrusion 23 and the sensor electrode 41, and the air layer ALb has a length in the Y direction shorter than that of the air layer AL forming the second dielectric layer (D4 <D1)。

[0072] In the modified example, as in the embodiment, the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer can be formed with a simple configuration of providing a convex portion 23 so as to overlap the operation area OA of the operation panel 2 when viewed from the Y direction, and manufacturing costs can be reduced compared to the case where sensor electrodes 41 are provided to match each of the operation areas OA of multiple icon ICs. 7, an example in which the recesses 26 are provided on the end surface 24 of the protrusion 23 has been described, but the recesses may be provided on the electrode portion 42 side. In addition, the number, positions, shapes, etc. of the recesses are not limited to the example in the drawing and can be changed as appropriate.

[0073] Although the embodiment and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1: Switch device 2: Operation panel 3: Case material 4: Film 22: Back 23: Convex 24: End face 25: Peripheral wall part 31: Opposite surface 41: Sensor electrode 41d: Dummy sensor electrode 42: Electrode part 43:Transparent electrode 44: Outer frame electrode 47:Wiring section 51:LED (light source) IC: Icon OA: Operation area CL: Gap CLb: Gap RL: Resin layer (first dielectric layer) AL: Air layer (second dielectric layer) ALb: Air layer (first dielectric layer)

Claims

1. An operation panel; A sensor electrode provided on a rear side of the operation panel; a dielectric layer provided between the operation panel and the sensor electrode; the dielectric layer includes a first dielectric layer provided in a region overlapping at least a portion of the sensor electrode when viewed in a first direction perpendicular to a direction in which the operation panel extends, and a second dielectric layer having a dielectric constant lower than that of the first dielectric layer; an operation area of ​​the operation panel that is set as an area that accepts an operation by a user's touch overlaps with the first dielectric layer when viewed from the first direction; A switch device, characterized in that a portion of the operation panel outside the operation area overlaps the second dielectric layer when viewed from the first direction.

2. In claim 1, A switch device, wherein at least a portion of the sensor electrode overlaps with the second dielectric layer when viewed from the first direction.

3. In claim 1, The switch device, wherein the second dielectric layer is disposed so as to surround the first dielectric layer when viewed from the first direction.

4. In claim 1, A switch device, characterized in that, when viewed from the first direction, an area of ​​the sensor electrode is larger than an area of ​​the first dielectric layer.

5. In claim 1, A switch device, characterized in that, when viewed from the first direction, the outer frame shape of the sensor electrode is not similar to the outer frame shape of the first dielectric layer.

6. In claim 1, a protrusion provided on a rear surface of the operation panel toward the sensor electrode and overlapping with the operation area of ​​the operation panel when viewed from the first direction; the second dielectric layer is an air layer formed in a gap provided between a rear surface of the operation panel and the sensor electrode in the first direction, The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the first dielectric layer is formed by the protrusion.

7. In claim 6, the protrusion has a portion in contact with the sensor electrode, The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the first dielectric layer includes a layer formed from a material that constitutes the protrusion.

8. In claim 6, the protrusion has a space between the protrusion and the sensor electrode in the first direction, A switch device characterized in that the first dielectric layer includes an air layer formed in the gap between the convex portion and the sensor electrode, and the air layer of the first dielectric layer has a length in the first direction shorter than that of the air layer of the second dielectric layer.

9. In claim 6, the protrusion has an end surface facing the sensor electrode in the first direction, and a peripheral wall portion surrounding an outer periphery of the end surface and disposing the end surface at a position spaced from a rear surface of the operation panel toward the sensor electrode, A switch device, wherein, in a cross-sectional view along the first direction, the peripheral wall portion has an inwardly recessed curved shape.

10. In claim 1, an icon provided on the operation panel, the icon indicating a function to be executed by a user's touch operation; a light source that is provided on an opposite side of the sensor electrode from the operation panel in the first direction and is capable of irradiating the icon; the operation area is provided as a range surrounding the icon, The sensor electrode is an electrode portion including a transparent electrode that is transmissible to light emitted from the light source and an outer frame electrode that surrounds an outer periphery of the transparent electrode when viewed from the first direction; A switch device characterized in that, in the operation panel, the operation area has an area smaller than an area of ​​the transparent electrode when viewed from the first direction, and is positioned so as not to overlap the outer frame electrode.

11. In claim 10, The sensor electrode has a wiring portion connected to the electrode portion, A switch device, characterized in that, when viewed from the first direction, the second dielectric layer is provided in a region overlapping the wiring portion.

12. In any one of claims 1 to 11, A case member disposed on a rear side of the operation panel; a film attached to a surface of the case member facing the operation panel, the film having a plurality of the sensor electrodes arranged in a predetermined pattern.

13. In claim 12, A switch device characterized in that the film has a dummy sensor electrode that does not overlap the operation area when viewed from the first direction, and the second dielectric layer is provided in an area that overlaps the dummy sensor electrode when viewed from the first direction.

14. A case member is placed on the rear side of the operation panel with a gap in between, a film having a plurality of sensor electrodes arranged in a predetermined pattern attached to a surface of the case member facing the operation panel; an operation area for receiving an operation by a user's touch on a surface of the operation panel; and a protrusion protruding toward the case member on a rear surface of the operation panel; A method for manufacturing a switch device, comprising providing the operation area and the convex portion in an area overlapping at least a portion of the sensor electrode when viewed from a first direction perpendicular to a direction in which the operation panel extends.

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