Touch input device

Abstract

To position a first movable part of a touch input device at a first height position.SOLUTION: A touch input device includes a housing 100, a first movable part 200, a first stopper ST1, a first abutment part AB1, an elastic part 500, a support part SP, and an elevation drive part that is a motor having a head 710. The first movable part is movable in a Z-Z' direction relative to a first fixed part 110 of the housing between a first height position and a second height position within an opening 101 of the housing. The first abutment part is provided on the first movable part and abuts against the first stopper of the first fixed part from a Z' direction side to position the first movable part at the first height position. The elastic part is disposed between the first abutment part and the support part on the Z' direction side thereof, and biases the first abutment part from the Z' direction side. The elevation drive part moves the first movable part from the first height position to the second height position against a biasing force of the elastic part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a touch input device.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a conventional touch input device. This touch input device includes a frame body having an opening, a touch sensor (movable part), a lifting mechanism, and a control unit. The touch sensor has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of the opening of the frame body in a plan view and is disposed so as to be movable up and down between a first height position and a lowered position within the opening of the frame body. At the first height position, the surface of the touch sensor (including the touch area) is flush with the surface of the frame body and is seamless. At the lowered position, the surface of the touch sensor is located below the surface of the frame body. The lifting mechanism is configured to move the touch sensor up and down between the first height position and the lowered position. The control unit is configured to drive the lifting mechanism and move the touch sensor from the first height position to the lowered position when the touch sensor is subjected to a predetermined operation (for example, a swipe operation or the like).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the touch sensor is configured to be movable up and down within the opening of the frame body and is only supported at the first height position by the lifting mechanism, it is difficult to position the surface of the touch sensor to be flush with the surface of the frame body at the first height position.

[0005] The present invention provides a touch input device capable of positioning a first movable part in a state of being located at a predetermined first height position.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The touch input device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing, a first movable part, at least one first stopper, at least one first contact part, at least one support part, at least one elastic part, a touch sensor, and a lifting drive part. The housing has an opening and a first fixing part that is the edge of the opening. The first movable part is movable in a first direction with respect to the first fixing part within the opening at least between a first height position and a second height position. The first direction is the moving direction of the first movable part. The first height position is a position where the first surface on one side of the first movable part in the first direction is located at a predetermined height position with respect to the first surface on one side of the first fixing part in the first direction. The second height position is a position on the other side of the first direction from the first height position. At least one first stopper is provided on or fixed to the first fixing part. At least one first contact part is provided on the first movable part and is located on the other side of the first direction with respect to at least one first stopper. When at least one first contact part contacts at least one first stopper from the other side in the first direction, the first movable part is positioned at the first height position. At least one support part is arranged at an interval on the other side of the first direction with respect to at least one first contact part. At least one elastic part is arranged between at least one first contact part and at least one support part, and by urging at least one first contact part from the other side in the first direction, at least one first contact part maintains a state of contacting at least one first stopper. The touch sensor is provided on the first movable part or is arranged at an interval on the other side of the first direction with respect to the first movable part. The lifting drive part is configured to move the first movable part from the first height position to the second height position against the biasing force of at least one elastic part.

[0007] In the case of such a touch input device, at least one first abutting portion is biased against at least one elastic portion from the other side in the first direction, so that at least one first abutting portion abuts against at least one first stopper. Thereby, the first movable portion is positioned in a state where it is located at the first height position.

[0008] The first movable portion may be movable in the first direction with respect to the first fixed portion between the first height position and the third height position. The third height position may be a position on the other side in the first direction than the second height position.

[0009] The touch input device may further include at least one second stopper and at least one second abutting portion.

[0010] At least one second abutting portion may be provided on the first movable portion and may be located on one side in the first direction with respect to at least one second stopper. By at least one second abutting portion abutting against at least one second stopper from one side in the first direction, the first movable portion may be positioned at the second height position or the third height position.

[0011] The touch input device may further include a housing portion that is fixed to the first fixed portion and is disposed on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first fixed portion. At least one first abutting portion and at least one elastic portion may be housed in the housing portion. The housing portion may have at least one support portion. The first movable portion may be partially housed in the housing portion.

[0012] The housing portion may further have at least one first stopper.

[0013] When at least one second stopper is provided, the housing portion may further have at least one second stopper. In this case, at least one second abutting portion may be housed in the housing portion.

[0014] The lifting drive unit may have a motor whose head is rotatable. In this case, the touch input device may further include a motion conversion unit that converts the rotational motion of the motor head into the lifting motion of the first movable part in the first direction.

[0015] The motion conversion unit may have an eccentric cam. The eccentric cam has the head of the motor fixed at a position displaced from its center, is rotatably in contact with the first movable part from one side in the first direction, and may have a first part and a second part. The first part and the second part of the eccentric cam may be different parts of the eccentric cam. The linear distance from the rotation axis of the head of the second part to the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric cam can be made larger than the linear distance from the rotation axis of the head of the first part to the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric cam. In a state where the first part is in contact with the first movable part from one side in the first direction, the first movable part is located at the first height position, and in a state where the second part is in contact with the first movable part from one side in the first direction, the first movable part may be located at the second height position.

[0016] The lifting drive unit may have a solenoid whose plunger is linearly movable. In this case, the touch input device may further include a motion conversion unit that converts the linear motion of the solenoid plunger into the lifting motion of the first movable part in the first direction.

[0017] The touch input device may further include an outer surface portion that covers at least the first fixed portion and the first movable portion of the housing from one side in the first direction. The outer surface portion may have a second fixed portion and a second movable portion. The second fixed portion may be directly or indirectly fixed to the first fixed portion from one side in the first direction via a first separate member. The second movable portion is directly or indirectly fixed to the first movable portion from one side in the first direction via a second separate member and may be movable in the first direction between at least a fourth height position and a fifth height position with respect to the second fixed portion. The fourth height position may be the height position at which the second movable portion is located with respect to the second fixed portion in the first direction in a state where the first movable portion is located at the first height position. The fifth height position may be the height position at which the second movable portion is located with respect to the second fixed portion in the first direction in a state where the first movable portion is located at the second height position.

[0018] The second movable portion may be movable in the first direction between a fourth height position and a sixth height position with respect to the second fixed portion. In this case, a fifth height position is provided between the fourth height position and the sixth height position. The sixth height position may be the height position at which the second movable portion is located with respect to the second fixed portion in the first direction in a state where the first movable portion is located at the third height position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

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Figure 4A

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Figure 5

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Figure 7A

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Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments including Embodiment 1 and 2 of the present invention and their design variations will be described. It should be noted that the components of the embodiments and design changes described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other. Also, note that the materials, shapes, dimensions, numbers, arrangements, etc. of the components constituting each aspect of the embodiments and design variations described below are merely examples, and it is possible to arbitrarily change the design as long as the same functions can be realized.

Embodiment

[0021] Hereinafter, a touch input device D1 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the input device D1) according to a plurality of embodiments including Embodiment 1 of the present invention and its design variations will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 4. FIGS. 1A to 4 show the input device D1 of Embodiment 1. In FIGS. 1A to 2B, FIGS. 3A to 4, the Z-Z' direction (first direction) is shown. In FIGS. 1A to 4, the X-X' direction (second direction) is shown. In FIGS. 1A to 1B and FIGS. 2C to 3B, the Y-Y' direction (third direction) is shown. The Y-Y' direction is substantially orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction, and the X-X' direction is substantially orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction and the Y-Y' direction. The Z-Z' direction includes the Z direction (one of the first directions) and the Z' direction (the other of the first directions). The X-X' direction includes the X direction (one of the second directions) and the X' direction (the other of the second directions). The Y-Y' direction includes the Y direction (one of the third directions) and the Y' direction (the other of the third directions).

[0022] The input device D1 is, for example, an interior part of an automobile (e.g., a console, an armrest, a seat, a dashboard, a steering wheel, an inner panel of a door, or a headliner (lining part)), furniture (e.g., a sofa, a stool, a chair, a desk, or a table, etc.), a portable information terminal such as a smartphone, a fixed information terminal operated by a user (e.g., a household appliance, an automated teller machine (ATM), a ticket vending machine, a reception terminal for entering into a loan contract such as a car loan, a multimedia terminal for making a ticket reservation or a product purchase application, a vending machine, a POS (Point of Sales) terminal, a ticket issuing machine for issuing a boarding ticket (including a boarding pass) arranged at an airport or a bullet train station, etc., or an amusement device (e.g., a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, a slot machine, or a game machine, etc.) and the like.

[0023] The input device D1 includes a housing 100. The housing 100 is a housing of the aforementioned interior part of an automobile, furniture, a portable information terminal, or a fixed information terminal, etc., and is made of a material having insulation properties (e.g., a synthetic resin, etc.). The housing 100 has an opening 101. The opening 101 opens at least in the Z direction. For example, the opening 101 may be a bottomed hole that opens in the Z direction and has a bottom on the Z' direction side, or may be a through hole that penetrates the housing 100 in the Z - Z' direction. The shape of the opening 101 as viewed from the Z direction is arbitrary, but for example, it can be a substantially circular shape or a substantially polygonal shape (in FIGS. 3A to 3B, a rectangular shape). Note that the Z - Z' direction is the axial direction of the opening 101.

[0024] The housing 100 further has a first fixing portion 110 which is the edge of the opening 101. The first fixing portion 110 may be configured as a substantially annular portion around the opening 101 of the housing 100, or may be configured as at least one of a first side portion located on the Y-direction side with respect to the opening 101, a second side portion located on the Y'-direction side, a third side portion located on the X-direction side, and a fourth side portion located on the X'-direction side. This first fixing portion 110 may be a part of the housing 100 or may be separate from the housing 100. In the latter case, the first fixing portion 110 may be fixed to the housing 100 or may be fixed to a holding portion (not shown) inside the housing 100. The first fixing portion 110 has a first surface 111 on the Z-direction side and a second surface 112 on the Z'-direction side.

[0025] The input device D1 further includes a first movable portion 200. The first movable portion 200 has a main body portion 210. The main body portion 210 may be configured as a plate or a block made of a material having insulation properties (for example, synthetic resin, etc.), or may have a plurality of pieces made of a material having insulation properties and the main body portion 210 may be configured by combining the plurality of pieces (refer to FIG. 5). The main body portion 210 has a first surface 211 on the Z-direction side and a second surface 212 on the Z'-direction side. The main body portion 210 may have a storage chamber R provided therein, but may not have the storage chamber R.

[0026] The main body portion 210 may be disposed within the opening 101 of the housing 100 with a gap G between it and the first fixing portion 110. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the main body portion 210 along the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction is arbitrary, but the cross-sectional shape of the main body portion 210 along the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction may correspond to the shape of the cross-section of the opening 101 along the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction. For example, when the opening 101 is circular, the cross-sectional shape of the main body portion 210 along the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction is disk-shaped (not shown), and when the opening 101 is polygonal, the cross-sectional shape of the main body portion 210 along the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction can be polygonal (in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the cross-sectional shape of the main body portion 210 along the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction is substantially rectangular). Or, the main body portion 210 may be disposed within the opening 101 of the housing 100 without a gap G between it and the first fixing portion 110. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the main body portion 210 along the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction corresponds to the shape of the cross-section of the opening 101 along the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction, and the outer dimensions (area) of the cross-section of the main body portion 210 along the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction are preferably substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the dimensions (area) of the cross-section of the opening 101 along the Y-Y' direction and the X-X' direction.

[0027] The main body portion 210 is disposed movably in the Z-Z' direction with respect to the first fixing portion 110 at least between the first height position and the second height position within the opening 101. The main body portion 210 may be disposed movably in the Z-Z' direction with respect to the first fixing portion 110 between the first height position and the third height position. Note that the main body portion 210 may be configured not to move to the third height position. The Z-Z' direction is also the moving direction of the first movable portion 200.

[0028] The first height position may be any position where the first movable part 200 is located at a predetermined height with respect to the first fixed part 110 in the Z-Z' direction. For example, (a) the first height position may be a position where the first surface 211 of the main body 210 of the first movable part 200 is located at the same height as the first surface 111 of the first fixed part 110 of the housing 100 in the Z-Z' direction (see FIGS. 1A to 2B). In this case, the first surface 211 of the main body 210 of the first movable part 200 and the first surface 111 of the first fixed part 110 of the housing 100 may form a single surface, and this single surface may be a flat surface that is substantially orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction.

[0029] Or, (b) the first height position may be a position where the first surface 211 of the main body 210 of the first movable part 200 is located on the Z-direction side of the first surface 111 of the first fixed part 110 of the housing 100 (not shown). In this case, the first surface 211 of the main body 210 of the first movable part 200 and the first surface 111 of the first fixed part 110 of the housing 100 may form a single surface, and this single surface may be a convex spherical surface or an arc surface that is convex on the Z-direction side (not shown), but this single surface may not be formed, and a step may be formed between the two by the first surface 211 of the main body 210 of the first movable part 200 being located on the Z-direction side of the first surface 111 of the first fixed part 110 of the housing 100 (not shown).

[0030] Or, (c) the first height position may be a position where the first surface 211 of the main body 210 of the first movable part 200 is located on the Z'-direction side of the first surface 111 of the first fixed part 110 of the housing 100 (not shown). In this case, the first surface 211 of the main body 210 of the first movable part 200 and the first surface 111 of the first fixed part 110 of the housing 100 may form a single surface, and this single surface may be a concave spherical surface or an arc surface that is concave on the Z'-direction side (not shown), but this single surface may not be formed, and a step may be formed between the two by the first surface 211 of the main body 210 of the first movable part 200 being located on the Z'-direction side of the first surface 111 of the first fixed part 110 of the housing 100 (not shown).

[0031] The second height position is a height position on the Z'-direction side from the first height position (see FIG. 4A). The third height position is a height position on the Z'-direction side from the second height position (see FIG. 4B).

[0032] The input device D1 may further include an outer surface portion 300. The outer surface portion 300 covers at least the first fixing portion 110 and the first movable portion 200 of the housing 100 from the Z-direction side and extends along at least the first surface 211 of the main body portion 210 and the first surface 111 of the first fixing portion 110 of the housing 100. The outer surface portion 300 may further cover a portion other than the first fixing portion 110 and the first movable portion 200 of the housing 100 (however, not the entire housing 100), or may cover the entire housing 100.

[0033] The outer surface portion 300 has at least one layer. When there is one layer, the single layer has the outermost layer or a flexible layer. When there are multiple layers, the multiple layers are laminated in the Z-Z' direction and have at least two layers among the outermost layer, the flexible layer, and at least one intermediate layer. The outermost layer is the layer located on the most Z-direction side among one or more layers, and is composed of a fabric such as natural leather, artificial leather, synthetic leather, a fabric made of a fiber material such as a woven or knitted fabric, or a resin film, etc., having flexibility and stretchability. The flexible layer is composed of a material having flexibility and stretchability (for example, an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer, a styrene-based material, a polyurethane-based material, a polyester-based material, an olefin-based material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicon, a fabric made of a fiber material such as a woven or knitted fabric, etc.). When the outermost layer is not provided, the flexible layer can be the layer located on the most Z-direction side among one or more layers. When the outermost layer is provided, the flexible layer can be a layer other than the layer located on the most Z-direction side among the multiple layers. The at least one intermediate layer is a double-sided tape, an adhesive layer, a cushion layer, etc. When there is one intermediate layer, the single intermediate layer is interposed between the outermost layer or the flexible layer and the first fixing portion 110 and the first movable portion 200 of the housing 100. When there are multiple intermediate layers, the multiple intermediate layers are respectively interposed between the outermost layer or the flexible layer and the first fixing portion 110 and the first movable portion 200 of the housing 100, and between two adjacent layers in the Z-Z' direction among the multiple layers.

[0034] The outer surface portion 300 has a second fixed portion 310 and a second movable portion 320. The second fixed portion 310 is directly or indirectly fixed to the first surface 111 of the first fixed portion 110 of the housing 100 via a first separate member (e.g., an adhesive, etc.). The second fixed portion 310 has a first surface on the Z-direction side and a second surface on the Z'-direction side. The second movable portion 320 is directly or indirectly fixed to the first surface 211 of the main body portion 210 of the first movable portion 200 via a second separate member (e.g., an adhesive, etc.). The second movable portion 320 has a first surface on the Z-direction side and a second surface on the Z'-direction side. The first surface of the second movable portion 320 has a detection region 321 that can be contacted or approached from the Z-direction side by a detection target such as a finger or a touch pen.

[0035] The second movable portion 320 is movable in the Z-Z' direction with respect to the second fixed portion 310 at least between a fourth height position and a fifth height position. The second movable portion 320 may be movable in the Z-Z' direction with respect to the second fixed portion 310 between a fourth height position and a sixth height position, but is not limited thereto. The second movable portion 320 is movable with respect to the second fixed portion 310 together with the first movable portion 200.

[0036] In a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at any one of the first height positions (a) to (c) above, the second movable portion 320 is located at the fourth height position with respect to the second fixed portion 310. In a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the second height position, the second movable portion 320 is located at the fifth height position with respect to the second fixed portion 310. In a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the third height position, the second movable portion 320 is located at the sixth height position with respect to the second fixed portion 310.

[0037] When the first movable part 200 is located at the first height position in the above (a), and the first surface 211 of the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200 and the first surface 111 of the first fixing part 110 of the housing 100 form a flat surface that is substantially orthogonal in the Z-Z' direction (see FIGS. 1A to 2B), the fourth height position is such that the first surface of the second movable part 320 is located at the same height as the first surface of the second fixing part 310 in the Z-Z' direction, and the first surfaces of the second fixing part 310 and the second movable part 320 form a flat surface that is substantially orthogonal in the Z-Z' direction along the one surface. When the first movable part 200 is located at the second height position from the first height position (see FIG. 4A), the fifth height position is such that the first surface of the second movable part 320 is located on the Z'-direction side with respect to the first surface of the second fixing part 310, and a recess is formed in the portion of the second movable part 320 of the outer surface part 300. When the first movable part 200 is located at the third height position from the first height position via the second height position (see FIG. 4B), the sixth height position is such that the first surface of the second movable part 320 is located on the Z'-direction side with respect to the fifth height position with respect to the first surface of the second fixing part 310, and the dimension (depth) in the Z-Z' direction of the recess formed in the outer surface part 300 in the state where the second movable part 320 is located at the sixth height position is larger than the dimension (depth) in the Z-Z' direction of the recess formed in the outer surface part 300 in the state where the second movable part 320 is located at the fifth height position. When the second movable part 320 is located at the fifth height position, the outer surface part 300 is flexible at the boundary between the second fixing part 310 and the second movable part 320. When the second movable part 320 is located at the sixth height position, the outer surface part 300 is more flexible at the boundary between the second fixing part 310 and the second movable part 320. When the second movable part 320 moves from the fifth height position or the sixth height position to the fourth height position, the boundary between the second fixing part 310 and the second movable part 320 of the outer surface part 300 is restored.

[0038] When the first movable part 200 is located at the first height position in the above (a), and the first surface 211 of the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200 and the first surface 111 of the first fixed part 110 of the housing 100 form a single convex spherical surface or arc surface that is convex in the Z direction (not shown), the fourth height position is the position where the first surfaces of the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320 form a convex spherical surface or arc surface that is convex in the Z direction along the single surface. When the first movable part 200 is located at the second height position from the first height position (not shown), the fifth height position is the position where at least the outer part of the first surface of the second movable part 320 is located on the Z' direction side with respect to the Z direction side end of the second fixed part 310, and a recess is formed in the portion of the second movable part 320 of the outer surface part 300. When the first movable part 200 is located at the third height position from the first height position through the second height position (not shown), the sixth height position is the position where at least the outer part of the first surface of the second movable part 320 is located on the Z' direction side with respect to the Z direction side end of the second fixed part 310 more than the fifth height position, and the dimension (depth) in the Z-Z' direction of the recess formed in the outer surface part 300 in the state where the second movable part 320 is located at the sixth height position is larger than the dimension (depth) in the Z-Z' direction of the recess formed in the outer surface part 300 in the state where the second movable part 320 is located at the fifth height position. When the second movable part 320 is located at the fifth height position, the outer surface part 300 is flexible at the boundary between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320. When the second movable part 320 is located at the sixth height position, the outer surface part 300 is more flexible at the boundary between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320. By moving the second movable part 320 from the fifth height position or the sixth height position to the fourth height position, the boundary between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320 of the outer surface part 300 is restored.

[0039] When, in a state where the first movable part 200 is located at the first height position in the above (c), the first surface 211 of the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200 and the first surface 111 of the first fixed part 110 of the housing 100 constitute one surface that is a concave spherical surface or an arc surface that is concave on the Z'-direction side (not shown), the fourth height position is a position where the first surfaces of the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320 constitute a concave spherical surface or an arc surface that is concave on the Z'-direction side along the one surface. When the first movable part 200 is located at the second height position from the first height position (not shown), the fifth height position is a position where the first surface of the second movable part 320 is located on the Z'-direction side of the fourth height position with respect to the first surface of the second fixed part 310, and a recess is formed in the portion of the second movable part 320 of the outer surface part 300. When the first movable part 200 is located at the third height position from the first height position through the second height position (not shown), the sixth height position is a position where the first surface of the second movable part 320 is located on the Z'-direction side of the fifth height position with respect to the first surface of the second fixed part 310, and the dimension (depth) in the Z-Z' direction of the recess formed in the outer surface part 300 in a state where the second movable part 320 is located at the sixth height position is larger than the dimension (depth) in the Z-Z' direction of the recess formed in the outer surface part 300 in a state where the second movable part 320 is located at the fifth height position. When the second movable part 320 is located at the fifth height position, the outer surface part 300 is flexible at the boundary portion between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320. When the second movable part 320 is located at the sixth height position, the outer surface part 300 is more flexible at the boundary portion between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320. When the second movable part 320 moves from the fifth height position or the sixth height position to the fourth height position, the boundary portion between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320 of the outer surface part 300 is restored.

[0040] When the first movable part 200 is located at the first height position in the above (a), and the first surface 211 of the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200 is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the first surface 111 of the first fixed part 110 of the housing 100, resulting in a step between the two (not shown), the fourth height position is the position where a convex part occurs in the portion of the second movable part 320 of the outer surface part 300 because the first surface of the second movable part 320 is located on the Z-direction side with respect to the first surface of the second fixed part 310. When the second movable part 320 is located at the fourth height position, the outer surface part 300 has a flexible boundary part between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320. When the first movable part 200 moves from the first height position to the second height position (not shown), the fifth height position is such that the first surface of the second movable part 320 is located on the Z'-direction side with respect to the first surface of the second fixed part 310 compared to the fourth height position, and the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the convex part generated in the portion of the second movable part 320 of the outer surface part 300 becomes smaller. When the second movable part 320 is located at the fifth height position, the outer surface part 300 has a non-complete but restored flexible boundary part between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320. When the first movable part 200 moves from the first height position through the second height position to the third height position (not shown), the sixth height position is such that the first surface of the second movable part 320 is located on the Z'-direction side with respect to the first surface of the second fixed part 310 compared to the fifth height position, and the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the convex part generated in the portion of the second movable part 320 of the outer surface part 300 becomes smaller, or the first surface of the second fixed part 310 is located at the same height as the first surface of the second movable part 320 in the Z-Z' direction, and the first surfaces of the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320 form a flat single surface that is substantially orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction. In the former case, when the second movable part 320 is located at the sixth height position, the outer surface part 300 has a non-complete but further restored flexible boundary part between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320 compared to the boundary part when the second movable part 320 is located at the fifth height position. In the latter case, when the second movable part 320 is located at the sixth height position, the outer surface part 300 has a completely restored flexible boundary part between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320.Note that when the first movable part 200 is movable in the Z-Z' direction between the first height position and the second height position (without moving to the third height position) and is located at the second height position (not shown), the fifth height position may be a position where the first surface of the second fixed part 310 is located at the same height as the first surface of the second movable part 320 in the Z-Z' direction, and the first surfaces of the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320 form a flat surface that is substantially orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction. In this case, with the second movable part 320 located at the fifth height position, the outer surface part 300 has the flexible boundary portion between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320 completely restored. When the second movable part 320 moves from the fifth height position or the sixth height position to the fourth height position, the boundary portion between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320 of the outer surface part 300 flexes.

[0041] When the first movable part 200 is located at the first height position of the above (c), and the first surface 211 of the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200 is located on the Z'-direction side with respect to the first surface 111 of the first fixed part 110 of the housing 100, resulting in a step between the two (not shown), the first surface of the second movable part 320 is located on the Z'-direction side with respect to the first surface of the second fixed part 310, which is the position where a recess is formed in the portion of the second movable part 320 of the outer surface part 300. When the second movable part 320 is located at the fourth height position, the boundary portion between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320 of the outer surface part 300 is flexible. When the first movable part 200 moves from the first height position to the second height position (not shown), at the fifth height position, the first surface of the second movable part 320 is located on the Z'-direction side with respect to the first surface of the second fixed part 310 more than at the fourth height position, and in the state where the second movable part 320 is located at the fifth height position, the dimension (depth) in the Z-Z' direction of the recess formed in the outer surface part 300 is larger than the dimension (depth) in the Z-Z' direction of the recess formed in the outer surface part 300 when the second movable part 320 is located at the fourth height position. In this case, when the second movable part 320 is located at the fifth height position, the boundary portion between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320 of the outer surface part 300 bends further. When the first movable part 200 moves from the first height position through the second height position to the third height position (not shown), at the sixth height position, the first surface of the second movable part 320 is located on the Z'-direction side with respect to the first surface of the second fixed part 310 more than at the fifth height position, and in the state where the second movable part 320 is located at the sixth height position, the dimension (depth) in the Z-Z' direction of the recess formed in the outer surface part 300 is larger than the dimension (depth) in the Z-Z' direction of the recess formed in the outer surface part 300 when the second movable part 320 is located at the fifth height position. In this case, when the second movable part 320 is located at the sixth height position, the boundary portion between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320 of the outer surface part 300 bends more than the boundary portion in the state where the second movable part 320 is located at the fifth height position. When the second movable part 320 moves from the fifth height position or the sixth height position to the fourth height position, the degree of flexibility of the boundary portion between the second fixed part 310 and the second movable part 320 of the outer surface part 300 decreases.

[0042] Note that at least one decorative convex portion and / or at least one decorative concave portion (not shown) or the like may be provided on the first surface of the second fixing portion 310 and / or the first surface of the second movable portion 320. The at least one decorative convex portion and / or the at least one decorative concave portion may be of any type as long as it is for decoration. The at least one decorative convex portion and / or the at least one decorative concave portion can be omitted. Note that the outer surface portion 300 can be omitted. In this case, it is preferable that the first surface 211 of the first movable portion 200 has the detection region 321.

[0043] The input device D1 further includes at least one first stopper ST1. The at least one first stopper ST1 is one or more and is provided on the first fixing portion 110. That is, the one or more first stoppers ST1 form a part of the first fixing portion 110 (the edge of the opening 101).

[0044] The input device D1 further includes at least one first contact portion AB1. The at least one first contact portion AB1 is one or more and is provided on the first movable portion 200.

[0045] One first contact portion AB1 is, for example, an annular (circular or polygonal) flange portion extending in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 210 of the first movable portion 200 (see FIGS. 2C to 3B), and is located on the Z' direction side with respect to the one or more first stoppers ST1. When one first contact portion AB1 contacts the one or more first stoppers ST1 from the Z' direction side, the first movable portion 200 is located at any one of the first height positions (a) to (c) above. In FIGS. 2A to 2B and FIGS. 4A to 4B, when one square-ring-shaped first contact portion AB1 contacts the square-ring-shaped one first stopper ST1 of the first fixing portion 110 (the edge of the opening 101) from the Z' direction side, the first movable portion 200 is located at the first height position (a) above.

[0046] The plurality of first abutting portions AB1 are, for example, flange portions each extending in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 210 of the first movable portion 200 (not shown). The plurality of first abutting portions AB1 may be located on the Z'-direction side with respect to one first stopper ST1 (not shown), or may be located on the Z'-direction side with respect to the plurality of first stoppers ST1, respectively (not shown). When the plurality of first abutting portions AB1 abut against one or a plurality of first stoppers ST1 from the Z'-direction side, the first movable portion 200 is located at any one of the first height positions (a) to (c) above (not shown).

[0047] When the first movable portion 200 is composed of a plurality of pieces (refer to FIG. 5), the one or a plurality of first abutting portions AB1 have the above-described configuration except that they extend from the outer peripheral surface of at least one piece of the plurality of pieces. When the plurality of pieces include the first and second pieces, the plurality of first abutting portions AB1 include one or a plurality of first first abutting portions AB1 extending in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction from the outer peripheral surface of the first piece and one or a plurality of second first abutting portions AB1 extending in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction from the outer peripheral surface of the second piece, and the one or a plurality of first first abutting portions AB1 and the one or a plurality of second first abutting portions AB1 can be configured to overlap in the Z-Z' direction.

[0048] The input device D1 further includes at least one support portion SP. The at least one support portion SP is one or more and is arranged at an interval on the Z'-direction side with respect to at least one first abutting portion AB1.

[0049] One support portion SP is an annular (circular or polygonal) plate, a circular or polygonal plate, or a block, and is arranged at an interval on the Z'-direction side with respect to one or a plurality of first abutting portions AB1.

[0050] The plurality of support portions SP may be plates or blocks, and may be arranged at an interval on the Z'-direction side with respect to one first abutting portion AB1, or may be arranged at an interval on the Z'-direction side with respect to the plurality of first abutting portions AB1, respectively.

[0051] The linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from one or more first contact portions AB1 to one or more support portions SP in a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the first height position is referred to as the first distance (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). When the first movable portion 200 moves from the first height position to the second height position, one or more first contact portions AB1 move together with the first movable portion 200 to the Z' direction side. The linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from one or more first contact portions AB1 to one or more support portions SP in a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the second height position becomes a second distance closer than the first distance (see FIG. 4A). When the first movable portion 200 moves from the first height position or the second height position to the third height position, one or more first contact portions AB1 move together with the first movable portion 200 to the Z' direction side. The linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from one or more first contact portions AB1 to one or more support portions SP becomes a third distance closer than the second distance (see FIG. 4B).

[0052] The input device D1 further includes at least one elastic portion 500. The at least one elastic portion 500 can be one or more.

[0053] One elastic portion 500 is an elastic body such as a cylindrical coil spring or a cylindrical rubber, and is disposed in a compressed state between one first contact portion AB1 and one support portion SP arranged at the first distance, between a plurality of first contact portions AB1 and one support portion SP arranged at the first distance, between one first contact portion AB1 and a plurality of support portions SP arranged at the first distance, or between a plurality of first contact portions AB1 and a plurality of support portions SP arranged at the first distance. One elastic portion 500 biases one or more first contact portions AB1 toward the Z direction side. Thereby, a state where one or more first contact portions AB1 are in contact with one or more first stoppers ST1 is maintained, and the first movable portion 200 is positioned in a state where it is located at the first height position.

[0054] The plurality of elastic parts 500 are a cylindrical coil spring, an elastic body such as a cylindrical or columnar rubber, a leaf spring, a magnetic spring, or the like. The plurality of elastic parts 500 may be arranged in a compressed state at intervals in the circumferential direction of one first contact part AB1 and one support part SP arranged at a first distance. When the plurality of elastic parts 500 are the same number as the plurality of first contact parts AB1, they may be respectively arranged in a compressed state between the plurality of first contact parts AB1 arranged at the first distance and one support part SP. When the plurality of elastic parts 500 are the same number as the plurality of support parts SP, they may be arranged in a compressed state between one first contact part AB1 arranged at the first distance and the plurality of support parts SP. When the plurality of elastic parts 500, the plurality of first contact parts AB1, and the plurality of support parts SP are the same number, the plurality of elastic parts 500 may be respectively arranged in a compressed state between the plurality of first contact parts AB1 arranged at the first distance and the plurality of support parts SP. The plurality of elastic parts 500 bias one or a plurality of first contact parts AB1 toward the Z-direction side. Thereby, the state where one or a plurality of first contact parts AB1 are in contact with one or a plurality of first stoppers ST1 is maintained, and the first movable part 200 is positioned in the state of being at the first height position.

[0055] The load value applied to the first movable part 200 through one or a plurality of first contact parts AB1 by the biasing of one elastic part 500 or the plurality of elastic parts 500 (hereinafter referred to as "first load value") is larger than the load value assumed to be applied from the Z-direction side to the detection area 321 when the detection area 321 is operated by the detection target, but smaller than the overload (for example, about 500 N) assumed to be applied from the Z-direction side to the detection area 321 by the detection target. For example, the spring load of one elastic part 500 or the sum of the spring loads of the plurality of elastic parts 500 can be set to be a value obtained by adding 5 to 15 N to the first load value, but is not limited thereto.

[0056] By arranging one or more first abutting portions AB1 and one or more supporting portions SP at a second distance, one or more elastic portions 500 are further compressed between the one or more first abutting portions AB1 and the one or more supporting portions SP. By arranging the one or more first abutting portions AB1 and the one or more supporting portions SP at a third distance, the one or more elastic portions 500 are further compressed between the one or more first abutting portions AB1 and the one or more supporting portions SP.

[0057] The input device D1 may further include at least one guide portion 600. The at least one guide portion 600 can be one or more.

[0058] One guide portion 600 has an outer cylinder extending in the Z-Z' direction and an inner cylinder extending in the Z-Z' direction and disposed inside the outer cylinder (not shown). The outer cylinder and the inner cylinder are interposed between one or more first stoppers ST1 and one or more supporting portions SP. One or more elastic portions 500 are guided to be stretchable between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. A hole portion is provided in the inner cylinder. One or more first abutting portions AB1 are inserted between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder through this hole portion and are biased toward the Z direction side by the one or more elastic portions 500 as described above. Note that the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder may not be interposed between the one or more first stoppers ST1 and the one or more supporting portions SP, and may be erected on either one of the one or more first stoppers ST1 and the one or more supporting portions SP.

[0059] The plurality of guide portions 600 are columns extending in the Z-Z' direction (see FIGS. 2A to 4B). The plurality of guide portions 600 may be made of a metal such as SUS, but are not limited thereto. In this case, the plurality of elastic portions 500 are cylindrical coil springs or cylindrical elastic bodies. The one or more first contact portions AB1 are provided with a plurality of insertion holes AB11. The plurality of guide portions 600 are respectively inserted into the plurality of elastic portions 500 and the plurality of insertion holes AB11 and are interposed between the one or more first stoppers ST1 and the one or more support portions SP. The plurality of elastic portions 500 are telescopically guided by the plurality of guide portions 600 and bias the one or more first contact portions AB1 toward the Z direction side as described above. Note that the plurality of guide portions 600 may not be interposed between the one or more first stoppers ST1 and the one or more support portions SP and may be erected on either the one or more first stoppers ST1 or the one or more support portions SP.

[0060] Note that at least one guide portion 600 can be omitted.

[0061] The input device D1 may further include at least one second stopper ST2. The at least one second stopper ST2 is one or more and is disposed on the Z' direction side with respect to the first movable portion 200.

[0062] The input device D1 may further include at least one second contact portion AB2. The at least one second contact portion AB2 is one or more and is provided on the first movable portion 200.

[0063] One second contact portion AB2 is, for example, an annular (circular or polygonal annular) stepped portion provided on the second surface 212 of the main body portion 210 of the first movable portion 200 (see FIGS. 2A to 2B and FIGS. 3A to 4B), the second surface 212 itself of the main body portion 210 of the first movable portion 200 (not shown), an annular (circular or polygonal annular) flange portion extending in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 210 of the first movable portion 200 (not shown), etc., and is located on the Z-direction side with respect to one or more second stoppers ST2 and on the Z'-direction side with respect to one or more first contact portions AB1. When one second contact portion AB2 is the flange portion, the length dimension of one second contact portion AB2 is preferably a length dimension that does not interfere with one or more elastic portions 500. In other words, one second contact portion AB2 is located inside one or more elastic portions 500.

[0064] When the first movable portion 200 is movable in the Z-Z' direction between the first height position and the second height position (when the first movable portion 200 does not move to the third height position), in a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the first height position, one second contact portion AB2 is arranged with a first interval on the Z-direction side with respect to one or more second stoppers ST2 (not shown). In a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the second height position, one second contact portion AB2 abuts against one or more second stoppers ST2 from the Z-direction side (not shown).

[0065] When the first movable portion 200 is movable in the Z-Z' direction between the first height position and the third height position, in a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the first height position, one second contact portion AB2 is arranged with a first interval on the Z-direction side with respect to one or more second stoppers ST2 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). In a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the second height position, one second contact portion AB2 is arranged with a second interval shorter than the first interval on the Z-direction side with respect to one or more second stoppers ST2 (see FIG. 4A). In a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the third height position, one second contact portion AB2 abuts against one or more second stoppers ST2 from the Z-direction side (see FIG. 4B).

[0066] The plurality of second abutting portions AB2 are, for example, flange portions each extending in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction from the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 210 of the first movable portion 200 (not shown). The plurality of second abutting portions AB2 may be located on the Z-direction side with respect to one second stopper ST2 (not shown), or may be located on the Z-direction side with respect to the plurality of second stoppers ST2, respectively (not shown). The plurality of second abutting portions AB2 are located on the Z'-direction side with respect to one or more first abutting portions AB1. The length dimension of the plurality of second abutting portions AB2 is preferably a length dimension that does not interfere with one or more elastic portions 500. In other words, the plurality of second abutting portions AB2 are located inside one or more elastic portions 500.

[0067] When the first movable portion 200 is movable in the Z-Z' direction between the first height position and the second height position (when the first movable portion 200 does not move to the third height position), in a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the first height position, the plurality of second abutting portions AB2 are arranged with a first interval on the Z-direction side with respect to one or more second stoppers ST2 (not shown). In a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the second height position, the plurality of second abutting portions AB2 abut against one or more second stoppers ST2 from the Z-direction side (not shown).

[0068] When the first movable portion 200 is movable in the Z-Z' direction between the first height position and the third height position, in a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the first height position, the plurality of second abutting portions AB2 are arranged with a first interval on the Z-direction side with respect to one or more second stoppers ST2 (not shown). In a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the second height position, the plurality of second abutting portions AB2 are arranged with a second interval shorter than the first interval on the Z-direction side with respect to one or more second stoppers ST2 (not shown). In a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the third height position, the plurality of second abutting portions AB2 abut against one or more second stoppers ST2 from the Z-direction side (not shown).

[0069] As described above, one or more second abutting portions AB2 abut against one or more second stoppers ST2 from the Z-direction side, and thus are received by the one or more second stoppers ST2.

[0070] Note that at least one second stopper ST2 and at least one second abutting portion AB2 can be omitted.

[0071] The input device D1 may further include a housing portion 400. The housing portion 400 is fixed to the first fixing portion 110 and is located on the Z'-direction side with respect to the first fixing portion 110.

[0072] The housing portion 400 may have, for example, a cylinder 410 extending in the Z-Z' direction and an annular (circular or polygonal) bottom plate 420 (see FIGS. 2A to 2B and FIGS. 3A to 4B) or a plurality of bottom plates (not shown) extending from the cylinder 410 to the inside of the cylinder 410. A through hole is formed in the bottom plate 420.

[0073] The cylinder 410 is fixed to the first fixing portion 110 (the edge of the opening 101). One or more flange portions protruding outward or inward are provided on the cylinder 410, and the one or more flange portions may be fixed to the first fixing portion 110 (the edge of the opening 101) with screws, pins, adhesives, etc. (see with reference to FIG. 5).

[0074] The bottom plate 420 may have one support portion SP (see FIGS. 2A to 2B and FIGS. 3A to 4B). In this case, the one support portion SP forms an annular part of the bottom plate 420. When one second stopper ST2 is provided, the bottom plate 420 may have one second stopper ST2. In this case, the one second stopper ST2 forms an annular part different from the one support portion SP of the bottom plate 420.

[0075] A plurality of bottom plates may each have a plurality of support portions SP (not shown). In this case, the plurality of support portions SP each lack a part of the plurality of bottom plates. When a plurality of second stoppers ST2 are provided, the bottom plate 420 may have the plurality of second stoppers ST2. In this case, the plurality of second stoppers ST2 form a part different from the plurality of support portions SP of the bottom plate 420.

[0076] Inside the accommodating portion 400, one or more first abutting portions AB1 and one or more elastic portions 500 are accommodated. Inside the accommodating portion 400, the main body portion 210 of the first movable portion 200 is partially accommodated. When one or more guide portions 600 are provided, one or more guide portions 600 are also accommodated inside the accommodating portion 400. When one or more second abutting portions AB2 are provided, one or more second abutting portions AB2 are also accommodated inside the accommodating portion 400.

[0077] Note that the accommodating portion 400 may be composed of a plurality of pieces and the accommodating portion 400 may be configured by combining the plurality of pieces (refer with reference to FIG. 5). The accommodating portion 400 can be omitted. In this case, the one or more support portions SP may be fixed inside the housing 100 and arranged at an interval on the Z'-direction side with respect to the one or more first abutting portions AB1. Even when a plurality of second stoppers ST2 are provided and the accommodating portion 400 is omitted, the plurality of second stoppers ST2 may be fixed inside the housing 100 and arranged at an interval on the Z'-direction side with respect to the one or more second abutting portions AB2.

[0078] The input device D1 further includes a touch sensor TS. The touch sensor TS may be fixed on the first surface 211 of the main body 210 of the first movable part 200 (see FIGS. 2A-2B and FIGS. 4A-4B) or on the second surface 212 (not shown). Or, when the main body 210 is provided with an accommodation chamber R, the touch sensor TS may be accommodated in the accommodation chamber R of the main body 210. Or, the touch sensor TS may not be provided on the first movable part 200 and may be arranged on the Z'-direction side with respect to the first movable part 200. For example, when the bottom plate 420 of the accommodating part 400 is provided, the touch sensor TS may be fixed on the bottom plate 420. In any case, the touch sensor TS is arranged on the Z'-direction side with respect to the detection area 321 of the outer surface part 300. Note that when the outer surface part 300 is omitted and the first surface 211 of the first movable part 200 has the detection area 321, the touch sensor TS may be provided on any one other than the first surface 211 of the first movable part 200 described above.

[0079] The input device D1 may further include a circuit part IC. The circuit part IC is electrically connected to the touch sensor TS. The input device D1 may further include a substrate B. In this case, the circuit part IC is mounted on the substrate B and is electrically connected to the touch sensor TS through the substrate B. When the main body 210 is provided with an accommodation chamber R, the substrate B and the circuit part IC may be accommodated in the accommodation chamber R (see FIGS. 2A-2B and FIGS. 4A-4B). Or, regardless of whether the accommodation chamber R is provided or not, the substrate B may be fixed on the second surface 212 of the main body 210 of the first movable part 200.

[0080] Note that the substrate B can be omitted. In this case, the circuit part IC may be provided on the first movable part 200 and may be electrically connected to the touch sensor TS.

[0081] The touch sensor TS is a capacitance-type touch switch or touch panel, configured to be able to detect a detection target such as a finger or a touch pen that contacts or approaches the detection area 321 of the outer surface part 300 or the first movable part 200. The touch sensor TS has at least one first electrode (not shown). It is possible to have a plurality of at least one first electrode. One or a plurality of first electrodes are located on the Z'-direction side with respect to the detection area 321. One or a plurality of first electrodes are configured to change the electrical signal (for example, voltage or current) of the first electrode in response to a change in capacitance due to the approach of a detection target from the Z-direction side. These one or a plurality of first electrodes are electrically connected to the circuit unit IC and the electrical signal of one or a plurality of first electrodes is input to the circuit unit IC.

[0082] When the touch sensor TS is a self-capacitance type touch sensor, charge is charged and discharged from the circuit unit IC to one or a plurality of first electrodes. At this time, when the detection target contacts the detection area 321 from the Z-direction side (that is, approaches at least one of one first electrode or a plurality of first electrodes from the Z-direction side), the capacitance between the detection target and at least one of one first electrode or a plurality of first electrodes changes. In response to this change in capacitance, the electrical signal of at least one of one first electrode or a plurality of first electrodes changes. The circuit unit IC is a logic circuit such as an IC, and while monitoring the electrical signal of one or a plurality of first electrodes, it compares the electrical signal of one or a plurality of first electrodes with a first threshold value on the memory of the circuit unit IC or an external memory. The circuit unit IC is configured to determine that there is contact of the detection target with the Z-direction side portion of the first electrode of the electrical signal exceeding the first threshold value in the detection area 321 when the electrical signal of at least one of one first electrode or a plurality of first electrodes exceeds the first threshold value by the comparison. In this way, the circuit unit IC detects the position information of the contact of the detection target in the detection area 321.

[0083] When the touch sensor TS is a mutual capacitance type touch sensor, the touch sensor TS has at least one second electrode in addition to at least one first electrode. One or more second electrodes are located on the Z'-direction side with respect to the detection region 321. One or more second electrodes are drive electrodes, and it is preferable that one or more first electrodes be detection electrodes. One or more first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the circuit unit IC. When a drive pulse is supplied from the circuit unit IC to one or more second electrodes, the detection target approaches at least one of one first electrode or a plurality of first electrodes and at least one of one second electrode or a plurality of second electrodes from the Z-direction side, and the capacitance between at least one of one first electrode or a plurality of first electrodes and at least one of one second electrode or a plurality of second electrodes changes, whereby an electrical signal of at least one of one first electrode or a plurality of first electrodes changes. The circuit unit IC supplies a drive pulse to one or more second electrodes while monitoring the electrical signals (voltage or current) of one or more first electrodes, and compares the electrical signals of one or more first electrodes with a second threshold value in the memory of the circuit unit IC or an external memory. When the electrical signal of at least one of one first electrode or a plurality of first electrodes exceeds the second threshold value by the previous comparison, the circuit unit IC determines that there is a touch of the detection target on the Z-direction side portion of the first electrode of the electrical signal exceeding the second threshold value in the detection region 321. In this way, the circuit unit IC detects the position information of the contact of the detection target in the detection region 321.

[0084] The touch sensor TS can also be configured to combine self-capacitance type and mutual-capacitance type. In this case, the touch sensor TS has at least one second electrode in addition to at least one first electrode. One or more second electrodes are located on the Z'-direction side with respect to the detection region 321. One or more second electrodes are drive electrodes, and it is preferable that one or more first electrodes be detection electrodes. One or more first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the circuit unit IC. When charging and discharging of electric charges are performed on one or more first electrodes from the circuit unit IC, the capacitance between a detection target approaching from the Z-direction side and at least one of one first electrode or a plurality of first electrodes changes, whereby an electrical signal of at least one of one first electrode or a plurality of first electrodes changes, and when a drive pulse is supplied from the circuit unit IC to one or more second electrodes, the detection target approaches at least one of one first electrode or a plurality of first electrodes and at least one of one second electrode or a plurality of second electrodes from the Z-direction side, and the capacitance between at least one of one first electrode or a plurality of first electrodes and at least one of one second electrode or a plurality of second electrodes changes, whereby an electrical signal of at least one of one first electrode or a plurality of first electrodes changes. The circuit unit IC performs charging and discharging of electric charges on one or more first electrodes and supplies a drive pulse to one or more second electrodes, while monitoring the electrical signal (voltage or current) of one or more first electrodes, and compares the electrical signal of one or more first electrodes with a third threshold value in the memory of the circuit unit IC or an external memory. When the electrical signal of at least one of one first electrode or a plurality of first electrodes exceeds the third threshold value by the comparison, the circuit unit IC is configured to determine that there is a touch of the detection target on the Z-direction side portion of the first electrode of the electrical signal exceeding the third threshold value in the detection region 321. In this way, the circuit unit IC detects the position information of the contact of the detection target in the detection region 321.

[0085] When the touch sensor TS is a touch switch, the touch sensor TS can be configured in any of the above configurations. When the touch sensor TS is a self-capacitance type touch panel, the touch sensor TS preferably has a configuration having a plurality of at least one first electrode. When the touch sensor TS is a mutual-capacitance type touch panel or a touch panel having both self-capacitance type and mutual-capacitance type, the touch sensor TS preferably has a configuration having a plurality of at least one first electrode and a plurality of at least one second electrode respectively. In this case, the circuit unit IC has a configuration of detecting the position information of the contacts of a plurality of detected objects as the information of the operation input to the detection region 321. That is, the circuit unit IC has a configuration of detecting the information of the operation input to the detection region 321 in response to the change of the electrical signal of the touch sensor TS.

[0086] Note that the circuit unit IC can be omitted. In this case, the touch sensor TS can be electrically connected to an external control unit of the touch input device D1 (for example, a logic circuit such as the IC of the above-mentioned automobile, furniture, portable information terminal or fixed information terminal, or software processed by a logic circuit or the like), and the control unit may be configured to control the touch sensor TS in any of the above manners instead of the circuit unit IC.

[0087] The input device D1 further includes a lifting drive unit 700 and a motion conversion unit 800. By the lifting drive unit 700 and the motion conversion unit 800, the first movable part 200 is moved from the first height position to the second height position against the biasing force of one or a plurality of elastic parts 500. When the first movable part 200 is movable from the first height position to the third height position, in a state where the first movable part 200 is located at the first height position or the second height position, the detection region 321 of the outer surface part 300 or the first movable part 200 is pressed by a detection object from the Z direction side, so that the first movable part 200 moves from the first height position or the second height position to the third height position against the biasing force of one or a plurality of elastic parts 500.

[0088] The lifting drive unit 700 is a motor having a head 710 (see FIGS. 1A to 4B), or a solenoid having a plunger and a coil (not shown).

[0089] When the lifting drive unit 700 is a motor, the motion conversion unit 800 is configured to convert the rotational motion of the head 710 of the lifting drive unit 700 into the lifting motion of the first movable unit 200 in the Z-Z' direction.

[0090] For example, the lifting drive unit 700 and the motion conversion unit 800 can be configured as follows. The motor is fixed within the housing 100 such that the head 710 extends in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction. For example, when the accommodating unit 400 is provided, the motor may be fixed to the bottom plate 420 of the accommodating unit 400 or at least one of the plurality of bottom plates from the Z' direction side such that the head 710 extends in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction. The head 710 is disposed on the Z' direction side with respect to the space defined by the through hole of the bottom plate 420 or the free ends of the plurality of bottom plates. When the accommodating unit 400 is not provided, the motor may be fixed to the first fixing unit 110 via a separate member such that the head 710 extends in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction, or may be fixed to a fixing member (not shown) within the housing 100.

[0091] The motion conversion unit 800 can be configured to have an eccentric cam 810. The eccentric cam 810 has the head 710 of the motor fixed at a position offset from its center and is rotatably in contact with the first movable part 200 from the Z-direction side. In other words, the eccentric cam 810 can be in contact with the first movable part 200 from the Z-direction side while rotating together with the head 710 of the motor. The eccentric cam 810 has a first part 811 and a second part 812. The first part 811 and the second part 812 are different parts of the eccentric cam 810. The linear distance Lb (the linear distance in the radial direction of the eccentric cam 810) from the rotation axis of the head 710 of the second part 812 to the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric cam 810 is greater than the linear distance La (the linear distance in the radial direction of the eccentric cam 810) from the rotation axis of the head 710 of the first part 811 to the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric cam 810. In a state where the first part 811 is in contact with the first movable part 200 from the Z-direction side (hereinafter referred to as the "first contact state"), the first movable part 200 is located at the first height position, and in a state where the second part 812 is in contact with the first movable part 200 from the Z-direction side (hereinafter referred to as the "second contact state"), the first movable part 200 is located at the second height position. When the eccentric cam 810 rotates from the first contact state to the second contact state against the biasing force of one or more elastic parts 500, the first movable part 200 moves from the first height position to the second height position. When the eccentric cam 810 rotates from the second contact state to the first contact state, the first movable part 200 moves from the second height position to the first height position by the biasing force of one or more elastic parts 500.

[0092] In this case, the first movable part 200 may further have an abutting part 220. When the accommodating part 400 is provided, the abutting part 220 is arranged on the Z'-direction side through the through-hole of the bottom plate 420 or the space partitioned by a plurality of bottom plates. The abutting part 220 has at least one hanging part 221 extending in the Z'-direction from the second surface 212 of the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200, and an abutting part main body 222 extending in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction from the at least one hanging part 221. For example, when the abutting part 220 is U-shaped, the abutting part 220 has two hanging parts 221 extending in the Z'-direction from the second surface 212 of the main body part 210, and an abutting part main body 222 connecting therebetween. When the abutting part 220 is L-shaped, the abutting part 220 has one hanging part 221 extending in the Z'-direction from the second surface 212 of the main body part 210, and an abutting part main body 222 extending in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction from this hanging part 221. The abutting part main body 222 is in contact with the eccentric cam 810 from the Z'-direction side. In other words, the eccentric cam 810 is rotatably in contact with the abutting part main body 222 from the Z-direction side. In the first contact state where the first movable part 200 is located at the first height position and the first part 811 of the eccentric cam 810 is in contact with the abutting part main body 222 from the Z-direction side, the linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200 to the eccentric cam 810 is the fourth distance L1 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B). When the eccentric cam 810 rotates on the abutting part main body 222 from the first contact state, and the first movable part 200 is located at the second height position and the second part 812 of the eccentric cam 810 is in contact with the abutting part main body 222 from the Z-direction side to reach the second contact state, the linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200 to the eccentric cam 810 is the fifth distance L2 (see FIG. 4A). In either the fourth distance L1 or the fifth distance L2, the second surface 212 of the main body part 210 and the eccentric cam 810 are separated from each other in the Z-Z' direction. Thus, even when the first movable part 200 is located at either the first height position or the second height position, since there is a separation between the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200 and the eccentric cam 810, the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200 does not contact the eccentric cam 810 from the Z-direction side.In a state where the first movable part 200 is located at the third height position, the linear distance in the Z-Z' direction from the second surface 212 of the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200 to the eccentric cam 810 becomes the sixth distance L3, which is also shorter than the fourth distance L1 and the fifth distance L2. However, the second surface 212 of the main body part 210 and the eccentric cam 810 are separated from each other in the Z-Z' direction (see FIG. 4B). Even when the first movable part 200 is located at the third height position in this way, since the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200 and the eccentric cam 810 are separated from each other, the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200 does not contact the eccentric cam 810 from the Z-direction side. In addition to this, the eccentric cam 810 is separated from the contacted part main body 222 in the Z-Z' direction (see FIG. 4B).

[0093] The motion conversion unit 800 is not limited to the above configuration, and may be configured to convert the rotational motion of the head 710 of the motor into the elevating motion of the first movable part 200 or the elevating member in the Z-Z' direction by combining a cam mechanism, a plurality of gears, a link mechanism, or at least two of them, so as to move the first movable part 200 from the first height position to the second height position against the biasing force of one or more elastic parts 500. The elevating member may be configured to contact the first movable part 200 or the main body 222 of the contacted part from the Z direction side. When the end on the Z' direction side of the elevating member contacts the first movable part 200 or the main body 222 of the contacted part from the Z direction side at the seventh height position, the first movable part 200 is located at the first height position. When the end on the Z' direction side of the elevating member moves from the seventh height position to the eighth height position on the Z' direction side and presses the first movable part 200 or the main body 222 of the contacted part, the first movable part 200 moves from the first height position to the second height position. When the first movable part 200 moves from the first height position or the second height position to the third height position, the end on the Z' direction side of the elevating member separates from the first movable part 200 or the main body 222 of the contacted part in the Z-Z' direction. Further, when the elevating member contacts the main body 222 of the contacted part from the Z direction side, the elevating member is separated from the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200 in the Z-Z' direction and does not contact, regardless of whether the first movable part 200 is located at the first height position, the second height position, or the third height position. When the end on the Z' direction side of the elevating member moves from the eighth height position to the seventh height position, the first movable part 200 moves from the second height position to the first height position by the biasing force of one or more elastic parts 500.

[0094] When the elevating drive unit 700 is a solenoid, the motion conversion unit 800 is configured to convert the linear motion of the plunger of the elevating drive unit 700 in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction into the elevating motion of the first movable part 200 in the Z-Z' direction. The motion conversion unit 800 may be configured to convert the linear motion of the plunger of the solenoid in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction into the elevating motion of the first movable part 200 or the elevating member in the Z-Z' direction by combining a cam mechanism, a plurality of gears, a link mechanism, or at least two of them. The elevating member may have the same configuration as described above.

[0095] The movement conversion unit 800 can be omitted. In this case, the lifting drive unit 700 only needs to be configured to move the first movable unit 200 in the Z-Z' direction between the first height position and the second height position by moving the first movable unit 200 in the Z-Z' direction. For example, the lifting drive unit 700 is a solenoid having a plunger and a coil. With the first movable unit 200 located at the first height position, the plunger is in contact with the contact portion main body 222 of the first movable unit 200 from the Z-direction side. The lifting drive unit 700 advances the plunger in the Z' direction and presses the contact portion main body 222 of the first movable unit 200 against the urging force of one or a plurality of elastic units 500 from the Z-direction side to move the first movable unit 200 from the first height position to the second height position. When the first movable unit 200 moves from the first height position or the second height position to the third height position, the plunger separates from the contact portion main body 222 in the Z-Z' direction. The lifting drive unit 700 is separated from the main body portion 210 of the first movable unit 200 in the Z-Z' direction and does not contact it, regardless of whether the first movable unit 200 is located at the first height position, the second height position, or the third height position. The lifting drive unit 700 preferably retreats the plunger in the Z direction and moves the first movable unit 200 from the second height position to the first height position by the urging force of one or a plurality of elastic units 500.

[0096] The lifting drive unit 700 is configured to move the first movable unit 200 from the first height position to the second height position or vice versa when the input of the deformation instruction information is input to the circuit unit IC or an external control unit and the lifting drive unit 700 is driven by the circuit unit IC or the external control unit. For example, the lifting drive unit 700 is configured to move the first movable unit 200 from the first height position to the second height position or vice versa when driven by the circuit unit IC or an external control unit according to any one of the following (α) to (δ).

[0097] (α) The circuit unit IC or the external control unit repeats the process of determining whether or not there is a change in the electrical signal of one or more first electrodes of the touch sensor TS described above that exceeds the first threshold value, the second threshold value, or the third threshold value. In addition, when there is a change in the electrical signal of one or more first electrodes of the touch sensor TS that exceeds the first threshold value, the second threshold value, or the third threshold value, the circuit unit IC or the external control unit determines this change in the electrical signal as an input of deformation instruction information, counts a predetermined period with a timer circuit inside the circuit unit IC or the external control unit or a software timer on the memory from the input of the deformation instruction information, and further has a configuration to drive the lifting drive unit 700 for a predetermined period.

[0098] (β) The input device D1 further includes a proximity detection unit (not shown) that is electrically connected to the circuit unit IC or an external control unit. In this case, the proximity detection unit is a capacitance-type proximity sensor, a photoelectric sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. The proximity sensor has the same configuration as the touch sensor TS, and the electrical signal of at least one electrode changes in response to the approach of a detection target to the detection region 321. In this case, the circuit unit IC or the external control unit monitors the electrical signal of at least one electrode, and has a configuration of comparing the electrical signal of at least one electrode with a fourth threshold value on the memory of the circuit unit IC or the external control unit or an external memory (a configuration that repeatedly performs a process of determining whether or not there is a change in the electrical signal of at least one electrode that exceeds the fourth threshold value), and when at least one electrical signal exceeds the fourth threshold value as a result of the comparison, determines the change in the at least one electrical signal as an input of deformation instruction information, counts a predetermined period with a timer circuit inside the circuit unit IC or the external control unit or a software timer on the memory, and has a configuration of driving the lifting drive unit 700 for a predetermined period. The photoelectric sensor includes a light emitting element that irradiates light toward the detection region 321 or its vicinity, and a light receiving element that receives the light irradiated from the light emitting element and reflected by a detection target approaching the detection region 321 and outputs an electrical signal to the circuit unit IC or the external control unit. In this case, the circuit unit IC or the external control unit has a configuration of repeatedly performing a process of determining whether or not there is an input of the electrical signal of the photoelectric sensor, determines the input electrical signal of the photoelectric sensor as deformation instruction information, counts a predetermined period with a timer circuit inside the circuit unit IC or the external control unit or a software timer on the memory, and has a configuration of driving the lifting drive unit 700 for a predetermined period. The ultrasonic sensor irradiates ultrasonic waves toward the detection region 321 or its vicinity, and is configured to receive the ultrasonic waves reflected by a detection target approaching the detection region 321 and output an electrical signal to the circuit unit IC or the external control unit.In this case, the circuit unit IC or the external control unit has a configuration that repeatedly processes whether there is an input of an electrical signal from the ultrasonic sensor, determines the input electrical signal of the ultrasonic sensor as deformation instruction information, counts a predetermined period with a timer circuit inside the circuit unit IC or the external control unit or a software timer on the memory, and has a configuration that drives the lifting drive unit 700 for a predetermined period.

[0099] (γ) The deformation instruction information may be output from an external device of the input device D1 (for example, a control unit built in the aforementioned automobile, furniture, portable information terminal, or fixed information terminal, etc.). In this case, the circuit unit IC has a configuration that repeatedly processes whether there is an input of deformation instruction information input from the external device, and counts a predetermined period with a timer circuit inside the circuit unit IC or the external control unit or a software timer on the memory, and has a configuration that drives the lifting drive unit 700 for a predetermined time.

[0100] (δ) When the touch sensor TS is a touch panel, the circuit unit IC or the external control unit has a configuration that detects the position information of a plurality of detection targets detected as described above as information of an operation input to the detection area 321, a configuration that determines whether the detected operation input information matches the predetermined operation input information recorded in the memory inside the circuit unit IC or the external control unit or in an external memory, and when it is determined that the detected operation input information matches the operation input information on the memory, determines the detected operation input information as an input of deformation instruction information, counts a predetermined period with a timer circuit inside the circuit unit IC or the external control unit or a software timer on the memory, and has a configuration that drives the lifting drive unit 700 for a predetermined period. Note that the predetermined operation input information is, for example, information of a swipe operation input, etc., but is not limited thereto and can be arbitrarily set. Note that the memory is not limited to having one piece of operation input information recorded thereon, and a plurality of pieces of operation input information may be recorded.

[0101] Incidentally, the circuit unit IC or the external control unit may be configured to detect, as the position information of the contact of the detection target in the detection area 321 or the information of the operation input, in any of the above (a) to (δ) after driving the lifting drive unit 700, but it is not limited thereto. Incidentally, the circuit unit IC or the external control unit counts a predetermined period with a timer circuit inside the circuit unit IC or the external control unit or a software timer on the memory from the input of the deformation instruction information, drives the lifting drive unit 700 for a predetermined time, then counts a predetermined period with a timer circuit or a software timer on the memory, and after the elapse of the predetermined time, drives the lifting drive unit 700 to rotate the eccentric cam 810 from the second contact state to the first contact state, move the lifting member from the eighth height position to the seventh height position, or retract the plunger in the Z direction.

[0102] The touch input device D1 as described above has the following technical features and effects.

[0103] (1) Technical features and effects At least one first contact portion AB1 is urged against at least one elastic portion 500 from the Z' direction side, so that at least one first contact portion AB1 contacts at least one first stopper ST1. Thereby, the first movable portion 200 is positioned in a state where it is located at the first height position. Also, as in the conventional example, when the lifting mechanism is composed of a plurality of components and the first movable portion (touch sensor) is supported at the first height position by the lifting mechanism, there is a possibility that the first movable portion is supported at a position deviated from the first height position due to the accumulation of dimensional tolerances of the plurality of components of the lifting mechanism. Moreover, when at least one of the plurality of components of the lifting mechanism is deformed due to an overload applied to the first movable portion, the first movable portion is also supported at a position deviated from the first height position. However, in the touch input device D1, since at least one first contact portion AB1 contacts at least one first stopper ST1, the first movable portion 200 is positioned in a state where it is located at the first height position, so the possibility that the first movable portion 200 is positioned deviating from the first height position is reduced.

[0104] (2) Technical features and effects Since at least one first abutting portion AB1 is biased from the Z'-direction side by at least one elastic portion 500, even if the detection region 321 of the outer surface portion 300 or the first movable portion 200 is pressed against the detection target from the Z-direction side, the load applied to the first movable portion 200 by the pressing is reduced by the elastic deformation of at least one elastic portion 500 in the Z-Z' direction. Further, when at least one second stopper ST2 and at least one second abutting portion AB2 are provided, in a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the second height position or the third height position, at least one second abutting portion AB2 abuts against at least one second stopper ST2 from the Z-direction side. For this reason, even if the detection region 321 of the outer surface portion 300 or the first movable portion 200 is pressed against the detection target from the Z-direction side and an overload is applied to the first movable portion 200, at least one second abutting portion AB2 is received by at least one second stopper ST2. Moreover, when at least one second stopper ST2 forms a part of the accommodating portion 400, the stress generated in at least one second stopper ST2 due to the overload can be dispersed to the accommodating portion 400. Further, when the motion conversion portion 800 has the eccentric cam 810, the eccentric cam 810 itself only abuts against the abutting portion main body 222 from the Z-direction side, and in a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the first height position or the second height position, the eccentric cam 810 and the main body portion 210 of the first movable portion 200 are separated from each other in the Z-Z' direction, and the eccentric cam 810 only abuts against the abutting portion main body 222 of the first movable portion 200 from the Z-direction side. Therefore, even if the detection region 321 of the outer surface portion 300 or the first movable portion 200 is pressed against the detection target from the Z-direction side and an overload is applied to the first movable portion 200, the overload is not applied to the eccentric cam 810 and the head 710 of the motor. Even when the first movable portion 200 is movable to the third height position, in a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the third height position, the eccentric cam 810 and the main body portion 210 of the first movable portion 200 are separated from each other, and the eccentric cam 810 and the abutting portion main body 222 of the first movable portion 200 are separated from each other in the Z-Z' direction. Therefore, the overload applied to the first movable portion 200 is not applied to the eccentric cam 810 and the head 710 of the motor.

[0105] (3) Technical Features and Effects When the accommodating part 400 is provided, the accommodating part 400 accommodates at least one first abutting part AB1 and at least one elastic part 500, and has at least one supporting part SP. Since the accommodating part 400 that accommodates at least one first abutting part AB1 and at least one elastic part 500 also serves as at least one supporting part SP, the number of parts can be reduced. Moreover, when the accommodating part 400 further has at least one second stopper ST2, since the accommodating part 400 serves as not only at least one supporting part SP but also at least one second stopper ST2, the number of parts can be further reduced.

[0106] (4) Technical Features and Effects When a load of a predetermined value or more is applied to the first movable part 200 by the detection target pressing the detection area 321, the first movable part 200 moves from the first height position to the second height position against the biasing force of the plurality of elastic parts 500. Such movement of the first movable part 200 gives a floating feeling to the detection target. However, when the lifting drive part 700 is driven by the circuit part IC or an external control part as described in the above (α) or (δ), immediately after the detection target touches the outer surface part 300 or the detection area 321 of the first movable part 200, before feeling the floating feeling, the lifting drive part 700 can be driven to move the first movable part 200 from the first height position to the second height position.

Embodiment

[0107] Hereinafter, a touch input device D2 according to a plurality of embodiments including Embodiment 2 of the present invention and its design modification examples (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the input device D2) will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7B. FIGS. 5 to 7B show the input device D2 of Embodiment 2. In FIGS. 5, 7A, and 7B, the Z-Z' direction and the X-X' direction are shown in the same manner as the input device D1. In FIG. 6, the Z-Z' direction and the Y-Y' direction are shown in the same manner as the input device D1.

[0108] The input device D2 has the same configuration as the input device D1, except that one or more first stoppers ST1' are not provided on the first fixing portion 110 and are fixed to the second surface 112 of the first fixing portion 110. Hereinafter, only the different configuration will be described in detail, and the descriptions overlapping with those of the input device D1 in the description of the input device D2 will be omitted.

[0109] When the accommodating portion 400 is provided, the accommodating portion 400 has, in addition to the cylinder 410 and the bottom plate 420 (see FIGS. 5 to 7B) or a plurality of bottom plates (not shown), an annular (circular or polygonal annular) upper plate 430 (see FIGS. 5 to 7B) or a plurality of upper plates (not shown). The upper plate 430 or the plurality of upper plates extend from the cylinder 410 to the inside of the cylinder 410 and are located on the Z-Z' direction side with respect to the bottom plate 420 or the plurality of bottom plates. The upper plate 430 may have one first stopper ST1' (see FIGS. 5 to 7B). In this case, one first stopper ST1' forms an annular part of the upper plate 430. Alternatively, the plurality of upper plates may each have a plurality of first stoppers ST1' (not shown). In this case, the plurality of first stoppers ST1' each form a part of the plurality of upper plates.

[0110] The accommodating portion 400 may further have one or more outwardly convex flange portions 440 provided on the cylinder 410. The one or more flange portions 440 may be fixed to the first fixing portion 110 (the edge of the opening 101) with screws, pins, adhesives, etc., so that the upper plate 430 or the plurality of upper plates are fixed to the first fixing portion 110 (see FIGS. 5 to 7B). The upper plate 430 or the plurality of upper plates may be fixed to the first fixing portion 110 with screws, pins, adhesives, etc. (not shown). In this case, the one or more flange portions 440 can be omitted.

[0111] The housing part 400 may also be composed of a plurality of pieces, and the housing part 400 may be configured by combining the plurality of pieces. The plurality of pieces of the housing part 400 include a first piece 401 and a second piece 402 (see FIGS. 5 to 7B). The first piece 401 has a portion on the Z-direction side of the cylinder 410 and an upper plate 430 or a plurality of upper plates. When one or more flange portions 440 are provided on the portion on the Z-direction side of the cylinder 410, the first piece 401 further has one or more flange portions 440 (see FIGS. 5 to 7B). The second piece 402 has a portion on the Z'-direction side of the cylinder 410 and a bottom plate 420 or a plurality of bottom plates. The housing part 400 is configured by combining the portion on the Z-direction side of the cylinder 410 and the portion on the Z'-direction side of the cylinder 410. Inside the housing part 400, the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200 is partially accommodated. When one or more guide parts 600 are provided, one or more guide parts 600 are also accommodated inside the housing part 400. When one or more second abutting parts AB2 are provided, one or more second abutting parts AB2 are also accommodated inside the housing part 400.

[0112] When the housing part 400 is not provided, one or more first stoppers ST1' are separate members from the first fixing part 110 and are fixed to the second surface 112 of the first fixing part 110 from the Z'-direction side.

[0113] When the main body part 210 of the first movable part 200 has a plurality of pieces made of a material having insulating properties and the main body part 210 is configured by combining the plurality of pieces, the plurality of pieces of the main body part 210 can be configured to include a first piece 210a, a second piece 210b, and a third piece 210c (see FIGS. 5 to 7B).

[0114] When the housing chamber R of the first movable part 200 is provided (see FIGS. 5 to 7B), the first piece 210a is a cylinder extending in the Z-Z' direction and has a first opening on the Z-direction side and a second opening on the Z'-direction side. The second piece 210b is a plate or block combined with the first piece 210a from the Z'-direction side and closing the second opening of the first piece 210a. A recess communicating with the inside of the first piece 210a may be provided on the Z-direction side surface of the second piece 210b (see FIGS. 5 to 7B), but it may not be provided (not shown). The Z'-direction side surface of the second piece 210b has the second surface 212 of the first movable part 200. The third piece 210c is a plate or block combined with the first piece 210a from the Z-direction side and closing the first opening of the first piece 210a. A recess communicating with the inside of the first piece 210a may be provided on the Z'-direction side surface of the third piece 210c (not shown), but it may not be provided (see FIGS. 5 to 7B). The Z-direction side surface of the third piece 210c has the first surface 211 of the first movable part 200. The housing chamber R may be formed inside the first piece 210a, or may be formed by the recess of the second piece 210b and / or the recess of the third piece 210c in addition to the inside of the first piece 210a.

[0115] When the housing chamber R of the first movable part 200 is not provided (not shown), the first piece 210a is a block extending in the Z-Z' direction. The second piece 210b is a plate or block combined with the first piece 210a from the Z'-direction side. The Z'-direction side surface of the second piece 210b has the second surface 212 of the first movable part 200. The third piece 210c is a plate or block combined with the first piece 210a from the Z-direction side. The Z-direction side surface of the third piece 210c has the first surface 211 of the first movable part 200.

[0116] Note that the third piece 210c can be omitted. In this case, the first piece 210a is a bottomed cylinder on the Z-direction side or a block extending in the Z-Z' direction and has the first surface 211 of the first movable part 200.

[0117] When there is only one first abutting portion AB1 of the input device D2 (not shown), one first abutting portion AB1 of the input device D2 has the same configuration as one first abutting portion AB1 of the input device D1, except that it extends in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction from the outer peripheral surface of the first piece 210a or the second piece 210b. One first abutting portion AB1 of the input device D2 is biased toward the Z direction by one or more elastic portions 500 and abuts against one or more first stoppers ST1' from the Z' direction side. Thereby, the first movable portion 200 is positioned at any one of the first height positions of the above (a) to (c).

[0118] When there are a plurality of first abutting portions AB1 of the input device D2, the plurality of first abutting portions AB1 of the input device D2 may have the same configuration (not shown) as the plurality of first abutting portions AB1 of the input device D1, except that they extend in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction from the outer peripheral surface of the first piece 210a or the second piece 210b. Alternatively, the plurality of first abutting portions AB1 of the input device D2 may include one or more first first abutting portions AB1a extending in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction from the outer peripheral surface of the first piece 210a and one or more second first abutting portions AB1b extending in a direction orthogonal to the Z-Z' direction from the outer peripheral surface of the second piece 210b, and may have a configuration in which the one or more first first abutting portions AB1a and the one or more second first abutting portions AB1b are overlapped in the Z-Z' direction (see FIGS. 5 to 7B). In any configuration, the plurality of first abutting portions AB1 of the input device D2 are biased toward the Z direction by one or more elastic portions 500 and abut against one or more first stoppers ST1' from the Z' direction side. Thereby, the first movable portion 200 is positioned at any one of the first height positions of the above (a) to (c).

[0119] Note that the main body portion 210 of the first movable portion 200 of the input device D2 may not be composed of a plurality of pieces and may be composed of a plate or a block made of a material having insulating properties (for example, synthetic resin, etc.).

[0120] The input device D2 exhibits the same technical features and effects as the technical features and effects of (1) to (4) of the input device D1.

[0121] Note that the touch input device described above is not limited to the above embodiments, and design changes can be made as follows.

[0122] Although the second height position is set to be a position on the Z'-direction side from the first height position, it may be a position on the Z-direction side from any of the first height positions in (a) to (c) above. In this case, the input device D1 or D2 can be designed and modified as follows. Note that the configuration other than the design modification points of the input device D1 or D2 described below can be the same as any of the above configurations. However, the first movable part 200 is movable in the Z-Z' direction between the first height position and the second height position and does not move to the third height position.

[0123] One or more first stoppers ST1, ST1' are arranged on the Z'-direction side with respect to one or more first contact portions AB1. When the accommodating portion 400 is provided, the bottom plate 420 may have a configuration having one first stopper ST1, ST1' (see FIGS. 8A to 9B) or a plurality of bottom plates may have a configuration having a plurality of first stoppers ST1, ST1' (not shown). When the accommodating portion 400 is not provided (not shown), one or more first stoppers ST1, ST1' may be fixed to the first fixing portion 110 within the housing 100, or may be fixed by a fixing member within the housing 100. One or more first contact portions AB1 come into contact with one or more first stoppers ST1, ST1' from the Z-direction side, so that the first movable portion 200 is positioned at the first height position (see FIGS. 8A and 9A). One or more support portions SP are arranged at intervals on the Z-direction side with respect to one or more first contact portions AB1. One or more support portions SP may form a part of the first fixing portion 110 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B), may be fixed to the second surface 212 of the first fixing portion 110 (see FIGS. 9A and 9B), and when the accommodating portion 400 is provided, the upper plate 430 may have a configuration having one support portion SP (see FIGS. 9A and 9B) or a plurality of upper plates may have a configuration having a plurality of support portions SP (not shown). One or more elastic portions 500 are arranged between one or more first contact portions AB1 and one or more support portions SP and bias one or more first contact portions AB1 from the Z-direction side, so that one or more first contact portions AB1 maintain a state of contacting one or more first stoppers ST1, ST1' from the Z-direction side (see FIGS. 8A and 9A).

[0124] The lifting drive portion 700 and the motion conversion portion 800 are configured to move the first movable portion 200 from the first height position to the second height position against the biasing force of one or more elastic portions 500 as described above.

[0125] For example, when the motion conversion unit 800 has a configuration including an eccentric cam 810 (see FIGS. 8A to 9B), in a state where the first part 811 of the eccentric cam 810 abuts against the first movable part 200 from the Z'-direction side (the first abutting state), the first movable part 200 is located at the first height position (see FIGS. 8A and 9A), and in a state where the second part 812 of the eccentric cam 810 abuts against the abutting part main body 222 of the abutting part 220 of the first movable part 200 from the Z'-direction side (the second abutting state), the first movable part 200 is located at the second height position (see FIGS. 8B and 9B). The configuration of the motion conversion unit 800 having an eccentric cam 810 other than this is as described above.

[0126] When the motion conversion unit 800 has a configuration including a lifting member (not shown), the end on the Z-direction side of the lifting member abuts against the first movable part 200 from the Z'-direction side at the seventh height position, whereby the first movable part 200 is located at the first height position, and the end on the Z-direction side of the lifting member abuts against the first movable part 200 from the Z'-direction side at the eighth height position, whereby the first movable part 200 is located at the second height position. The configuration of the motion conversion unit 800 having a lifting member other than this is as described above.

[0127] When the motion conversion unit 800 is omitted (not shown), the lifting drive unit 700 is a solenoid having a plunger and a coil. When the plunger abuts against the first movable part 200 from the Z'-direction side, the first movable part 200 is located at the first height position. The plunger advances in the Z direction and presses the first movable part 200 from the Z'-direction side against the biasing force of one or a plurality of elastic parts 500, so that the first movable part 200 is moved from the first height position to the second height position. The motion conversion unit 800 may be configured such that the plunger retreats in the Z'-direction and the first movable part 200 is moved from the second height position to the first height position by the biasing force of one or a plurality of elastic parts 500.

[0128] When at least one second stopper ST2 and at least one second abutting portion AB2 are provided (not shown), in a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the first height position, one second abutting portion AB2 is arranged with a first interval on the Z'-direction side with respect to one or a plurality of second stoppers ST2, and in a state where the first movable portion 200 is located at the second height position, one second abutting portion AB2 abuts on one or a plurality of second stoppers ST2 from the Z'-direction side, and has the configuration as described above in any of the above cases.

[0129] Any of the above-described input devices D1 or D2 may be configured to include a sensor such as a pressure sensor instead of the touch sensor TS.

Explanation of Signs

[0130] D1, D2: Touch input device 100: Housing 101: Opening 110: First fixing portion 111: First surface 112: Second surface 200: First movable portion 210: Main body portion 211: First surface 212: Second surface 220: Abutting portion 221: Hanging portion 222: Abutting portion main body 300: Outer surface portion 310: Second fixing portion 320: Second movable portion 321: Detection region 400: Accommodating portion 401: First piece 402: Second piece 410: Tube 420: Bottom plate 430: Upper plate 440: Flange portion 500: Elastic portion 600: Guide portion 700: Lifting drive portion 710: Head 800: Motion conversion portion 810: Eccentric cam 811: First portion 812: Second portion AB1: First abutting portion AB11: Insertion hole AB2: Second abutting portion SP: Support portion ST1, ST1’: First stopper ST2: Second stopper TS: Touch sensor

Claims

1. A touch input device comprising a housing, a first movable part, at least one first stopper, at least one first abutting part, at least one support part, at least one elastic part, a touch sensor, and a lifting drive part, wherein the housing has an opening and a first fixing part that is an edge of the opening, the first movable part is movable in a first direction relative to the first fixing part between at least a first height position and a second height position within the opening, the first direction being a moving direction of the first movable part, the first height position being a position where a first surface on one side of the first movable part in the first direction is located at a predetermined height position relative to a first surface on one side of the first fixing part in the first direction, and the second height position being a position on the other side of the first direction from the first height position, the at least one first stopper is provided on or fixed to the first fixing part, the at least one first abutting part is provided on the first movable part and is located on the other side of the first direction relative to the at least one first stopper, and when the at least one first abutting part abuts against the at least one first stopper from the other side of the first direction, the first movable part is positioned at the first height position, the at least one support part is arranged at a distance from the at least one first abutting part on the other side of the first direction, the at least one elastic part is arranged between the at least one first abutting part and the at least one support part and biases the at least one first abutting part from the other side of the first direction, so that the at least one first abutting part maintains a state of abutting against the at least one first stopper, the touch sensor is provided on the first movable part or is arranged at a distance from the first movable part on the other side of the first direction, and the lifting drive part is configured to move the first movable part from the first height position to the second height position against the biasing force of the at least one elastic part.

2. The touch input device according to Claim 1, further comprising at least one second stopper and at least one second abutting part. ​ The first movable part is movable in the first direction relative to the first fixed part between the first height position and the third height position, and the third height position is located on the other side in the first direction than the second height position. The at least one second contact part is provided on the first movable part and is located on one side in the first direction with respect to the at least one second stopper. When the at least one second contact part contacts the at least one second stopper from one side in the first direction, the first movable part is positioned at the third height position. A touch input device.

3. In the touch input device according to claim 1 or 2, It further includes a housing part fixed to the first fixed part and arranged on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first fixed part. The at least one first contact part and the at least one elastic part are accommodated in the housing part. The housing part has the at least one support part. A touch input device.

4. In the touch input device according to claim 3, The housing part further has the at least one first stopper. A touch input device.

5. In the touch input device according to claim 2, The lifting drive part has a motor whose head is rotatable. The touch input device further includes a motion conversion part that converts the rotational motion of the head of the motor into the lifting motion of the first movable part in the first direction. The motion conversion part has an eccentric cam. The eccentric cam has the head of the motor fixed to a position displaced from its center, is rotatably in contact with the first movable part from one side in the first direction, and has a first part and a second part which are different parts of the eccentric cam. The linear distance from the rotation axis of the head of the second part to the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric cam is larger than the linear distance from the rotation axis of the head of the first part to the outer peripheral surface of the eccentric cam. When the first part is in contact with the first movable part from one side in the first direction, the first movable part is positioned at the first height position. When the second part is in contact with the first movable part from one side in the first direction, the first movable part is positioned at the second height position. A touch input device.

6. In the touch input device according to claim 2, It further includes an outer surface portion that covers at least the first fixed portion and the first movable portion of the housing from one side in the first direction. The outer surface portion includes a second fixed portion directly or indirectly fixed to the first fixed portion from one side in the first direction via a first separate member. It is directly or indirectly fixed to the first movable portion from one side in the first direction via a second separate member and is movable in the first direction between a fourth height position and a sixth height position with respect to the second fixed portion, and has a second movable portion. A fifth height position is provided between the fourth height position and the sixth height position. The fourth height position is the height position where the second movable portion is located with respect to the second fixed portion in the first direction in a state where the first movable portion is located at the first height position. The fifth height position is the height position where the second movable portion is located with respect to the second fixed portion in the first direction in a state where the first movable portion is located at the second height position. The sixth height position is the height position where the second movable portion is located with respect to the second fixed portion in the first direction in a state where the first movable portion is located at the third height position. A touch input device.

Images