Input system and input device

Abstract

To prevent a planar size of a capacitor for detecting a pressing force of a pressing operation from being limited by a planar size of a capacitor for detecting whether or not the pressing force of the pressing operation is a predetermined value or more.SOLUTION: The input system 100 includes an input device 1 and a control device 2. The control device 2 includes a second switch SW2, a switching controller 21a, and a detector 21b. The switching control unit 21a switches on and off the second switch SW2. The detection part 21b switches and executes the first detection processing and the second detection processing according to ON / OFF of the second switch SW2. The first detection process is a process of detecting a pressing force of a pressing operation input to the input apparatus 1 based on a voltage outputted from the second or fourth terminals SW2 or T2 in the ON state of the second switch T4. The second detection process is a process of detecting whether the first switch SW2 is ON based on the voltage outputted from the second or fourth terminals T2 or T4 when the second switch SW1 is OFF.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to input systems and input devices, and more particularly to an input system that detects a pressing operation input to an input device, and an input device used in the input system. [Background technology]

[0002] The input device described in Patent Document 1 includes a first fixed electrode, a main body of a second fixed electrode, a tongue of the second fixed electrode, a first insulating sheet, a second insulating sheet, an elastic body, a movable electrode, and a dome body.

[0003] The first fixed electrode, the main body of the second fixed electrode, and the tongue of the second fixed electrode are arranged on the bottom of a predetermined case. The first insulating sheet is arranged to cover the main body of the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode. The second insulating sheet is arranged to cover the tongue of the second fixed electrode. The elastic body is arranged to cover the first insulating sheet but not the second insulating sheet. The movable electrode is arranged above the elastic body. The dome body is arranged above the movable electrode.

[0004] The first fixed electrode, the main body of the second fixed electrode, the first insulating sheet, the elastic body, and the movable electrode constitute a capacitor (pressure detection capacitor) for detecting the pressing force of a pressing operation, while the tongue portion of the second fixed electrode, the second insulating sheet, and the dome body constitute a capacitor (click detection capacitor) for detecting a click operation (i.e., whether the pressing force is equal to or greater than a predetermined value).

[0005] In this input device, when the dome body is pressed, the elastic body is compressed and deformed, causing a change in the capacitance of the pressure detection capacitor. The pressure of the press operation is then detected based on the capacitance of the pressure detection capacitor. Furthermore, when the dome body is pressed with a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the dome body flips over, causing a change in the capacitance of the click detection capacitor. The click operation (whether the pressure is equal to or greater than the predetermined value) is then detected based on the capacitance of the click detection capacitor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 010037 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the input device described in Patent Document 1, the click detection capacitor needs to be provided as a dedicated capacitor used only for click detection, which poses a problem in that the planar size of the pressure detection capacitor is limited by the planar size of the click detection capacitor (dedicated capacitor).

[0008] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an input system and an input device that can prevent the planar size of a capacitor for detecting the pressure of a push operation from being limited by the planar size of a capacitor for detecting whether the pressure of the push operation is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An input system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an input device and a control device. A pressing operation is input to the input device. The control device detects the pressing operation input to the input device. The input device includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal, a first variable capacitor, a second variable capacitor, and a first switch. The first variable capacitor is connected between the first terminal and the second terminal and changes its capacitance in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device. The second variable capacitor is connected between the third terminal and the fourth terminal and changes its capacitance in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device. The first switch is provided in a first electrical path between the first terminal and the third terminal. When the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device is less than a predetermined value, the first switch is turned off to interrupt the first electrical path, and when the pressing force is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the first switch is turned on to conduct the first electrical path. The second terminal and the fourth terminal are connected to each other. The control device includes a second switch, a switching control unit, and a detection unit. The second switch is provided in a second electrical path between the third terminal and ground, and switches between conduction and interruption of the second electrical path by switching on or off. The switching control unit switches the second switch on and off. The detection unit switches between a first detection process and a second detection process depending on whether the second switch is on or off. The first detection process is a process for detecting the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device based on an output voltage of the second terminal or the fourth terminal when the second switch is in an on state. The second detection process is a process for detecting whether the first switch is on or off based on an output voltage of the second terminal or the fourth terminal when the second switch is in an off state.

[0010] An input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure accepts input of a pressing operation. The input device includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal, a first variable capacitor, a second variable capacitor, and a first switch. The first variable capacitor is connected between the first terminal and the second terminal and changes its capacitance in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device. The second variable capacitor is connected between the third terminal and the fourth terminal and changes its capacitance in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device. The first switch is provided in a first electrical circuit between the first terminal and the third terminal and is turned off to interrupt the first electrical circuit when the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device is less than a predetermined value, and is turned on to conduct the first electrical circuit when the pressing force is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] An advantage of the present disclosure is that it prevents the planar size of the capacitor for detecting the pressure of the push operation from being limited by the planar size of the capacitor for detecting whether the pressure of the push operation is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an input system in a first detection processing state according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an input device provided in the input system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the input device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second case, the outer fixed contact body, the central fixed contact body, the first terminal board, and the second terminal board of the input device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first movable electrode, a second movable electrode, a first elastic body, and a second elastic body of the input device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first case, a first fixed electrode, a second fixed electrode, a first connection electrode, a second connection electrode, and first to fourth terminals of the input device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the first elastic body and the second elastic body as viewed from the first fixed electrode side and the second fixed electrode side of the input device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the input device in an assembled state in which the second case, the outer fixed contact body, the central fixed contact body, the first terminal board, and the second terminal board are assembled. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the input device in an assembled state in which the first case, the first fixed electrode, the second fixed electrode, the first connecting electrode, the second connecting electrode, the first to fourth terminals, and the insulating sheets. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1 of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the input device in a state where it is being pressed. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of change in capacitance and the pressing force in the input device in the first detection processing state of the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of the input system in the second detection processing state of the above embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of change in capacitance and the pressing force in the input device in the second detection processing state of the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating the first elastic body and the second elastic body of the first modification. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view of an assembled state of the first case, fixed electrode, first connection electrode, second connection electrode, and first to fourth terminals of an input device according to Modification 2. As shown in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of an input system according to the third modification. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram of an input system according to the fourth modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An input system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (1) Overview of input system 100 As shown in FIG. 1, an input system 100 according to this embodiment includes an input device 1 and a control device 2. A pressing operation is input to the input device 1. The control device 2 detects the pressing operation input to the input device 1. The input device 1 includes a first terminal T1, a second terminal T2, a third terminal T3, and a fourth terminal T4, a first variable capacitor C1, a second variable capacitor C2, and a first switch SW1. The first variable capacitor C1 is connected between the first terminal T11 and the second terminal T2, and changes its capacitance in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1. The second variable capacitor C2 is connected between the third terminal T3 and the fourth terminal T4, and changes its capacitance in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1. The first switch SW1 is provided on the first electrical path D1 between the first terminal T1 and the third terminal T3. When the pressing force of a pressing operation input to the input device 1 is less than a predetermined value, the first switch SW1 is turned off to interrupt the first electrical path D1. When the pressing force exceeds the predetermined value, the first switch SW1 is turned on to conduct the first electrical path D1. The second terminal T2 and the fourth terminal T4 are connected to each other. The control device 2 includes a second switch SW2, a switching control unit 21a, and a detection unit 21b. The second switch SW2 is provided on the second electrical path D2 between the third terminal T3 and ground. When the second switch SW2 is turned on or off, the second electrical path D2 is turned on or off. The switching control unit 21a switches the second switch SW2 on and off. The detection unit 21b switches between a first detection process and a second detection process depending on the on or off state of the second switch SW2. The first detection process is a process for detecting the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1 based on the output voltage of the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 when the second switch SW2 is in the on state. The second detection process is a process for detecting whether the first switch SW1 is on or not based on the output voltage of the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 when the second switch SW2 is in the off state.

[0015] According to this configuration, the capacitors (first variable capacitor C1 and second variable capacitor C2) used in the second detection process that detects whether the first switch SW1 is on (i.e., whether the pressure of the push operation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value) can also be used in the first detection process that detects the pressure of the push operation. Therefore, the planar size of the capacitors used in the first detection process can be prevented from being limited by the planar size of the capacitors used in the second detection process. As a result, the detection accuracy of the first detection process can be improved.

[0016] (2) Input system configuration 1, an input system 100 according to this embodiment is a system that detects a pressing operation input to an input device 1. The input system 100 includes the input device 1 and a control device 2.

[0017] (2-1) Input device 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the input device 1 includes a first terminal T1, a second terminal T2, a third terminal T3, and a fourth terminal T4, a first variable capacitor C1, a second variable capacitor C2, and a first switch SW1.

[0018] The first variable capacitor C1 and the second variable capacitor C2 are variable capacitors that change their capacitance in response to the pressing force of a pressing operation input to the input device 1. More specifically, the first variable capacitor C1 has a first fixed electrode 31 and a first movable electrode 32. The first fixed electrode 31 and the first movable electrode 32 are arranged facing each other with a gap between them. The first movable electrode 32 moves toward and away from the first fixed electrode 31 in response to the pressing operation. As the first movable electrode 32 moves toward and away from the first fixed electrode 31 in response to the pressing operation, the first variable capacitor C1 changes its capacitance in response to the pressing operation. The first variable capacitor C1 is connected between a first terminal T1 and a second terminal T2. More specifically, the first fixed electrode 31 is electrically connected to the second terminal T2. The first movable electrode 32 is electrically connected to the first terminal T1.

[0019] The second variable capacitor C2 is configured similarly to the first variable capacitor C1. More specifically, the second variable capacitor C2 has a second fixed electrode 41 and a second movable electrode 42. The second fixed electrode 41 and the second movable electrode 42 are disposed facing each other with a gap therebetween. The second movable electrode 42 moves toward and away from the second fixed electrode 41 in response to the pressing operation. As the second movable electrode 42 moves toward and away from the second fixed electrode 41 in response to the pressing operation, the capacitance of the second variable capacitor C2 changes in response to the pressing operation. The second variable capacitor C2 is connected between the third terminal T3 and the fourth terminal T4. More specifically, the second fixed electrode 41 is electrically connected to the fourth terminal T4. The second movable electrode 42 is electrically connected to the third terminal T3.

[0020] The first terminal T1 is a terminal for connecting the first movable electrode 32 of the first variable capacitor C1 to ground. In the example of Fig. 1, the first terminal T1 is connected to a third input part N3 (described later) of the control device 2, and is thereby connected to the ground connected to the third input part N3.

[0021] The second terminal T2 is a terminal for outputting the potential of the first fixed electrode 31 of the first variable capacitor C1 (i.e., the output voltage of the first variable capacitor C1) to a first input unit N1 (described later) of the control device 2. The second terminal T2 is connected to the first input unit N1 of the control device 2. The second terminal T2 is also electrically connected to the fourth terminal T4.

[0022] The third terminal T3 is a terminal for connecting the second movable electrode 42 of the second variable capacitor C2 to ground via the second switch SW2. In the example of Fig. 1, the third terminal T3 is connected to a second input section N2 (described later) of the control device 2, and is thereby connected to ground via the second switch SW2 connected between the second input section N2 and ground.

[0023] The fourth terminal T4 is a terminal for outputting the potential of the second fixed electrode 41 of the second variable capacitor C2 (i.e., the output voltage of the second variable capacitor C2) to a first input unit N1 (described later) of the control device 2. As described above, the fourth terminal T4 is electrically connected to the second terminal T2.

[0024] The first switch SW1 is a switch for detecting whether the pressing force of a pressing operation input to the input device 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The first switch SW1 is provided on the first electrical circuit D1 between the first terminal T1 and the third terminal T3. The first switch SW1 switches on and off to make the first electrical circuit D1 conductive or cut off. More specifically, when the pressing force of a pressing operation input to the input device 1 is less than the predetermined value, the first switch SW1 turns off to cut off the first electrical circuit D1, and when the pressing force is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the first switch SW1 turns on to make the first electrical circuit D1 conductive.

[0025] (2-2) Control device 1, the control device 2 uses the second switch SW2 to switch between conduction and interruption of the second electrical path D2 between the third terminal T3 of the input device 1 and ground, and performs a first detection process and a second detection process depending on whether the second switch SW2 is on or off. The first detection process is a process for detecting the pressing force of a pressing operation input to the input device 1 based on the output voltage of the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 of the input device 1 when the second switch SW2 is on. The second detection process is a process for detecting whether the first switch SW1 is on (i.e., whether the pressing force of the pressing operation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value) based on the output voltage of the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 of the input device 1 when the second switch SW2 is off.

[0026] The control device 2 includes a first input unit N1, a second input unit N2, a third input unit N3, a second switch SW2, and a processing unit .

[0027] The first input unit N1 is connected to the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 of the input device 1, and inputs the output voltage of the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 to the control device 2. As described above, the second terminal T2 and the fourth terminal T4 of the input device 1 are connected to each other. Therefore, regardless of whether the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 is connected to the first input unit N1, the same voltage (the output voltage obtained by combining the output voltage of the second terminal T2 and the output voltage of the fourth terminal T4) is input.

[0028] The second input unit N2 is connected to a third terminal T3 of the input device 1. The second input unit N2 is connected to ground via a second switch SW2, for example, inside the control device 2. By being connected to the third terminal T3, the second input unit N2 connects the third terminal T3 to ground via the second switch SW2.

[0029] The third input part N3 is connected to the first terminal T1 of the input device 1. The third input part N3 is connected to ground, for example, inside the control device 2. The third input part N3 is connected to ground, for example, inside the control device 2. The third input part N3 is connected to the first terminal T1, thereby connecting the first terminal T1 to ground.

[0030] The second switch SW2 is connected to an electric path D22 between the second input part N2 and ground and turns on and off the electric path D22. The second input part N2 is connected to the third terminal T3 of the input device 1 via an electric path D21. The electric paths D12 and D22 constitute a second electric path D2 connecting the third terminal T3 and ground. Therefore, the second switch SW2 is connected to the second electric path D2 between the third terminal T3 and ground and turns on and off the second electric path D2.

[0031] The processing unit 21 includes a switching control unit 21a and a detection unit 21b.

[0032] The switching control unit 21a switches the second switch SW2 on and off. More specifically, the switching control unit 21a periodically switches the second switch SW2 on and off at a constant cycle. The constant cycle is a period including one on period and one subsequent off period in the second switch SW2. The on period of the second switch SW2 is a period during which the second switch SW2 is in an on state. The off period of the second switch SW2 is a period during which the second switch SW2 is in an off state.

[0033] The detection unit 21b switches between the first detection process and the second detection process depending on whether the second switch SW2 is on or off.

[0034] As described above, the first detection process is a process for detecting the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1 based on the output voltage of the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 of the input device 1 when the second switch SW2 is in the on state. As described above, the second detection process is a process for detecting whether or not the first switch SW1 is on (i.e., whether or not the pressing force is equal to or greater than a predetermined value) based on the output voltage of the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 of the input device 1 when the second switch SW2 is in the off state.

[0035] (3) An example of the structure of the input device 1 As shown in Fig. 2, the input device 1 receives a push operation input by an operating object U1, detects the state of the input push operation, and outputs the detection result as an output voltage to a first input unit N1 of the control device 2 (see Fig. 1). Here, the operation by the operating object U1 is, for example, a push operation by the operating object U1 on a detection surface S0 (more specifically, for example, a protrusion S3) of the input device 1. When a push operation is performed on the detection surface S0, the input device 1 detects the magnitude of the pushing force by the push operation and whether or not the pushing force is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0036] As an example, the operating object U1 is assumed to be a human fingertip (a part of a living body), but the operating object U1 is not limited to being a human fingertip. The operating object U1 may include a part of a living body and an object covering that part (e.g., a glove). The operating object U1 may also include an object held by the living body (e.g., a pen-shaped operating member). The input device 1 is not limited to receiving a pressing operation directly from the operating object U1, and may receive a pressing operation via an operating plate disposed in front of the detection surface S0, for example.

[0037] The input device 1 receives a push operation by the operating body U1 and outputs an output voltage corresponding to the push operation to the first input unit N1 of the control device 2. As described above, the control device 2 detects the pushing force of the push operation input to the input device 1 and whether the pushing force is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, based on the output voltage of the input device 1 input to the first input unit N1.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the input device 1 includes a first case 10, a first fixed electrode 31 and a second fixed electrode 41, a first connection electrode 5 and a second connection electrode 6, first to fourth terminals T1 to T4, an insulating sheet 7, a first elastic body 8 and a second elastic body 9, a first movable electrode 32 and a second movable electrode 42, a second case 11, an outer fixed contact body 12, a central fixed contact body 13, a first terminal board 14, a second terminal board 15, a metal dome 16, a pressing body 17, and a cover film 18.

[0039] (3-1) Case 10 3 and 6, the first case 10 houses a plurality of components (first fixed electrode 31, second fixed electrode 41, first connection electrode 5, second connection electrode 6, first to fourth terminals T1 to T4, insulating sheet 7, first elastic body 8, second elastic body 9, first movable electrode 32, second movable electrode 42, first terminal board 14, second terminal board 15, second case 11, metal dome 16, and pressing body 17). The first case 10 protects the plurality of components housed therein from water, dust, and the like.

[0040] The first case 10 is a rectangular box with one open side. The first case 10 is made of an electrically insulating resin material. The first case 10 has a bottom 10a and a peripheral wall 10b. The bottom 10a is a rectangular plate in plan view. The peripheral wall 10b is provided on the periphery of one main surface of the bottom 10a. The first case 10 has a storage recess 10c. The storage recess 10c is formed by the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 10b and the main surface of the bottom 10a. The bottom 10a of the first case 10 forms the bottom of the storage recess 10c. Hereinafter, the bottom 10a of the first case 10 may be referred to as the bottom 10a of the storage recess 10c.

[0041] (3-2) First Fixed Electrode 31, Second Fixed Electrode 41, First Connection Electrode 5, Second Connection Electrode 6, and First to Fourth Terminals T1 to T4 In the following description, in a plan view, the longitudinal direction of the bottom 10a of the first case 10 will be referred to as the longitudinal direction W1, and the lateral direction of the bottom 10a will be referred to as the lateral direction W2. The depth direction of the accommodating recess 10c of the first case 10 will be referred to as the depth direction W3. The depth direction W3 of the accommodating recess 10c coincides with the thickness direction of the first case 10.

[0042] The first fixed electrode 31, together with the first movable electrode 32 described below, constitutes an electrode of the first variable capacitor C1 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 6, the first fixed electrode 31 is, for example, a rectangular plate shape (e.g., flat plate shape) in a plan view. The first fixed electrode 31 has a first cutout 31a. The first cutout 31a is a portion where the first connection electrode 5 is disposed, and is formed in a shape that is the same as or similar to the planar shape (e.g., rectangular) of the first connection electrode 5, and is slightly larger than the first connection electrode 5. The first cutout 31a is provided in a first corner of the first fixed electrode 31. The first cutout 31a is formed along the direction in which the first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41 are aligned (longitudinal direction W1).

[0043] The second terminal T2 is connected to a portion of the outer periphery of the first fixed electrode 31. That is, the second terminal T2 is electrically connected to the first fixed electrode 31. The first fixed electrode 31 and the second terminal T2 are integrally formed of a metal member. The second terminal T2 has, for example, a rectangular plate shape in a plan view. The second terminal T2 is connected to a portion of the outer periphery of the first fixed electrode 31 (for example, a corner adjacent to the first corner in the short-side direction W2). The second terminal T2 protrudes toward the outer periphery of the first fixed electrode 31 (for example, a direction along the longitudinal direction of the first cutout portion 31a (i.e., the longitudinal direction W1)).

[0044] The second fixed electrode 41, together with the second movable electrode 42 described below, constitutes an electrode of the second variable capacitor C2 (see FIG. 1). It constitutes one of the electrodes of the second variable capacitor C2 (see FIG. 1). The second fixed electrode 41 has, for example, a shape obtained by rotating the first fixed electrode 31 by 180 degrees in a plan view. More specifically, the second fixed electrode 41 has, for example, a rectangular plate shape (e.g., a flat plate shape) in a plan view. The second fixed electrode 41 has a second notch 41a. The second notch 41a is a portion where the second connection electrode 6 is disposed, and has a shape that is the same as or similar to the planar shape (e.g., rectangular) of the second connection electrode 6, and is formed to be slightly larger than the second connection electrode 6. The second notch 41a is provided at a second corner of the second fixed electrode 41. The second notch 41a is formed along the direction in which the first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41 are aligned (longitudinal direction W1). The second corner is located on the opposite side of the second fixed electrode 41 from the first corner in the short-side direction W2. The second corner is located on the opposite side of the second fixed electrode 41 from the first corner in the long-side direction W1.

[0045] The fourth terminal T4 is connected to a portion of the outer periphery of the second fixed electrode 41. That is, the fourth terminal T4 is electrically connected to the second fixed electrode 41. The second fixed electrode 41 and the fourth terminal T4 are integrally formed of a metal member. The fourth terminal T4 has, for example, a rectangular plate shape in a plan view. The fourth terminal T4 is connected to a portion of the outer periphery of the second fixed electrode 41 (for example, a corner adjacent to the second corner in the short-side direction W2). The fourth terminal T4 protrudes toward the outer periphery of the second fixed electrode 41 (for example, a direction along the longitudinal direction of the second cutout portion 41a (i.e., the longitudinal direction W1)).

[0046] The first connection electrode 5 is a portion that electrically contacts the first elastic body 8 described below. The first connection electrode 5 is, for example, a rectangular plate (flat plate) in a plan view. The first terminal T1 is connected to a part of the outer periphery of the first connection electrode 5. That is, the first terminal T1 is electrically connected to the first connection electrode 5. The first connection electrode 5 and the first terminal T1 are integrally formed by a metal member. The first terminal T1 is, for example, a rectangular plate in a plan view. The first terminal T1 is connected to a part of the outer periphery of the first connection electrode 5 (for example, one end of the first connection electrode 5 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction W1)). The first terminal T1 protrudes to the outer periphery of the first connection electrode 5 (for example, in the same direction as the protruding direction of the second terminal T2).

[0047] The second connection electrode 6 is a portion that electrically contacts the second elastic body 9 described below. The second connection electrode 6 is, for example, a rectangular plate (flat plate) in plan view. The third terminal T3 is connected to a part of the outer periphery of the second connection electrode 6. That is, the third terminal T3 is electrically connected to the second connection electrode 6. The second connection electrode 6 and the third terminal T3 are integrally formed by a metal member. The third terminal T3 is, for example, a rectangular plate in plan view. The third terminal T3 is connected to a part of the outer periphery of the second connection electrode 6 (for example, one end of the second connection electrode 6 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction W1)). The third terminal T3 protrudes to the outer periphery of the second connection electrode 6 (for example, in the same direction as the protruding direction of the third terminal T3).

[0048] As shown in FIG. 9, the first fixed electrode 31, the second fixed electrode 41, the first connection electrode 5, and the second connection electrode 6 are disposed on the bottom 10a of the receiving recess 10c of the first case 10.

[0049] More specifically, the first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41 are arranged side by side on the bottom 10a of the accommodating recess 10c along the longitudinal direction W1 of the bottom 10a. In this arrangement, the first notch 31a of the first fixed electrode 31 is arranged at a first corner 10d of the bottom 10a, and the second notch 41a of the second fixed electrode 41 is arranged at a second corner 10e of the bottom 10a. That is, the bottom 10a has a first corner 10d and a second corner 10e. The first corner 10d and the second corner 10e are two of the four corners of the bottom 10a in a plan view that are diagonally opposite each other on the bottom 10a. By arranging the first notch 31a at the first corner 10d, the first corner 10d is exposed to the interior of the accommodating recess 10c by the first notch 31a. The second cutout 41a is disposed at the second corner 10e, so that the second corner 10e is exposed to the inside of the accommodating recess 10c by the second cutout 41a.

[0050] In the above arrangement, the opposing sides 31b, 41b of the first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41 extend along the short-side direction W2 of the bottom 10a. The opposing side 31b is one side of the first fixed electrode 31 facing the second fixed electrode 41. The opposing side 41b is one side of the second fixed electrode 41 facing the first fixed electrode 31.

[0051] A gap E1 is formed between the first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41. The gap E1 is an area for preventing contact between the first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41, and is an area sandwiched between the opposing side 31b of the first fixed electrode 31 and the opposing side 41b of the second fixed electrode 41. The gap E1 extends along the short-side direction W2 of the bottom portion 10a.

[0052] The first connection electrode 5 is disposed at a first corner 10d of the bottom 10a of the accommodating recess 10c of the first case 10. That is, the first connection electrode 5 is disposed in the first notch 31a of the first fixed electrode 31.

[0053] The second connection electrode 6 is disposed at a second corner 10e of the bottom 10a of the accommodating recess 10c of the first case 10. That is, the second connection electrode 6 is disposed in the second cutout 41a of the second fixed electrode 41.

[0054] The first fixed electrode 31 is arranged in an area other than the first connection electrode 5 (for example, almost the entire area other than the first connection electrode 5) of one half of the bottom portion 10a (the left half in the example of FIG. 9) in the longitudinal direction W1 of the bottom portion 10a. The second fixed electrode 41 is arranged in an area other than the second connection electrode 6 (for example, almost the entire area other than the second connection electrode 6) of the other half of the bottom portion 10a (the right half in the example of FIG. 9) in the longitudinal direction W1 of the bottom portion 10a. In other words, the first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41 are arranged in an area other than the first connection electrode 5 and the second connection electrode 6 of the bottom portion 10a.

[0055] The first terminal T1 coupled to the first connection electrode 5 penetrates the peripheral wall 10b of the first case 10 and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 10b to the outer peripheral side of the peripheral wall 10b (i.e., the outer peripheral side of the first case 10). In the example of Fig. 9, the first terminal T1 protrudes along the longitudinal direction W1 of the bottom 10a from a side surface 10f of the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 10b that is on a first side in the longitudinal direction W1 of the bottom 10a.

[0056] The second terminal T2 connected to the first fixed electrode 31 penetrates the peripheral wall 10b of the first case 10 and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 10b toward the outer peripheral side of the peripheral wall 10b (i.e., toward the outer peripheral side of the first case 10). In the example of Fig. 9, the second terminal T2 protrudes along the longitudinal direction W1 of the bottom 10a from a side surface 10f of the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 10b that is on a first side in the longitudinal direction W1 of the bottom 10a. That is, the second terminal T2 protrudes in the same direction as the protruding direction of the first terminal T1 from the same side surface 10f as the side surface 10f from which the first terminal T1 protrudes.

[0057] The third terminal T3 connected to the second connection electrode 6 penetrates the peripheral wall 10b of the first case 10 and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 10b toward the outer peripheral side of the peripheral wall 10b (i.e., toward the outer peripheral side of the first case 10). In the example of Fig. 9, the third terminal T3 protrudes along the longitudinal direction W1 of the bottom 10a from a side surface 10g of the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 10b that is on the second side in the longitudinal direction W1 of the bottom 10a. That is, the third terminal T3 protrudes in the opposite direction to the protruding direction of the first terminal T1 from the side surface 10g opposite to the side surface 10f from which the first terminal T1 protrudes.

[0058] The fourth terminal T4 connected to the second fixed electrode 41 penetrates the peripheral wall 10b of the first case 10 and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 10b toward the outer peripheral side of the peripheral wall 10b (i.e., toward the outer peripheral side of the first case 10). In the example of Fig. 9, the fourth terminal T4 protrudes along the longitudinal direction W1 of the bottom 10a from a side surface 10g of the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 10b that is on the second side in the longitudinal direction W1 of the bottom 10a. In other words, the fourth terminal T4 protrudes in the opposite direction to the protruding direction of the first terminal T1 from the side surface 10g opposite to the side surface 10f from which the first terminal T1 protrudes.

[0059] The integrally formed first fixed electrode 31 and second terminal T2, the integrally formed second fixed electrode 41 and fourth terminal T4, the integrally formed first connecting electrode 5 and first terminal T1, and the integrally formed second connecting electrode 6 and third terminal T3 are each insert molded into the first case 10, for example.

[0060] (3-3) Insulation sheet 7 As shown in FIG. 3, the insulating sheet 7 is a member for insulating between the fixed electrodes (first fixed electrode 31 and second fixed electrode 41) and the elastic bodies (first elastic body 8 and second elastic body 9) described below. The insulating sheet 7 is formed into a sheet shape from an insulating member (e.g., resin). The insulating sheet 7 has, for example, a rectangular shape. More specifically, the insulating sheet 7 has two cutouts (first cutout 7a and second cutout 7b).

[0061] The first cutout 7a and the second cutout 7b are arranged at two diagonal corners of the insulating sheet 7. The first cutout 7a is a cutout for exposing the first connection electrode 5, and has the same or similar shape as the first connection electrode 5 (e.g., rectangular), but is slightly larger than the shape of the first connection electrode 5. The second cutout 7b is a cutout for exposing the second connection electrode 6, and has the same or similar shape as the second connection electrode 6 (e.g., rectangular), but is slightly larger than the shape of the second connection electrode 6.

[0062] 9, the insulating sheet 7 is arranged on the bottom 10a of the accommodating recess 10c of the first case 10 so as to entirely cover each of the first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41. In this arrangement, the first cutout 7a of the insulating sheet 7 exposes the first connection electrode 5 arranged on the bottom 10a. Furthermore, the second cutout 7b of the insulating sheet 7 exposes the second connection electrode 6 arranged on the bottom 10a.

[0063] (3-4) First Movable Electrode 32, Second Movable Electrode 42, First Elastic Body 8, and Second Elastic Body 9 The first movable electrode 32, together with the first fixed electrode 31, constitutes an electrode of the first variable capacitor C1 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first movable electrode 32 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate (flat plate) in a plan view. More specifically, the first movable electrode 32 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate in a plan view, large enough to cover the first fixed electrode 31 and the first connection electrode 5.

[0064] A first elastic body 8 is provided on a main surface 32a (see FIG. 5) of the first movable electrode 32 on the first fixed electrode 31 side.

[0065] The first elastic body 8 is a member for adjusting various characteristics (such as capacitance change, load range, and linearity) of the first variable capacitor C1. The capacitance change is the amount of change in capacitance of the first variable capacitor C1 relative to the pressing force. The load range is the range of pressing force that the first variable capacitor C1 can tolerate. The linearity is the characteristic of the capacitance of the first variable capacitor C1 changing linearly relative to the pressing force.

[0066] The first elastic body 8 is made of a conductive elastic material (for example, a material having rubber elasticity) and is formed into, for example, a rectangular sheet shape in a plan view. The first elastic body 8 has a shape in a plan view that is the same as or similar to the shape of the first movable electrode 32. The area of ​​the first elastic body 8 in a plan view is the same as or slightly smaller than the area of ​​the first movable electrode 32.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 7 , the first elastic body 8 has a first sheet portion 81, a plurality of first protrusions 82, and a first conductive block 83. The first sheet portion 81, the plurality of first protrusions 82, and the first conductive block 83 are integrally formed. The first sheet portion 81 is sheet-like and has the same shape and size as the first elastic body 8 in a planar view. Each of the plurality of first protrusions 82 is pyramidal (e.g., conical). The plurality of first protrusions 82 are, for example, the same shape and size as one another. The plurality of first protrusions 82 are arranged vertically and horizontally on a main surface 81 a (see FIG. 5 ) of the first sheet portion 81 facing the first fixed electrode 31. The tips of the first protrusions 82 face the first fixed electrode 31. The first conductive block 83 is a portion that contacts and conducts electricity with the first connection electrode 5. The first conductive block 83 is, for example, rectangular parallelepiped. The first conductive block 83 is disposed in a predetermined region (region facing the first connection electrode 5) on the main surface 81a of the first sheet portion 81. The first elastic body 8 is disposed on the main surface 32a (see FIG. 5) of the first movable electrode 32 with the multiple first protrusions 82 and the first conductive block 83 facing the first fixed electrode 31. The multiple first protrusions 82 and the first conductive block 83 are elastically compressible and deformable in the thickness direction (i.e., depth direction) W3 (see FIG. 6) of the first sheet portion 81.

[0068] The number and arrangement of the multiple first protrusions 82 can be set arbitrarily. The size of the first conductive block 83 in a plan view can be set arbitrarily. By adjusting the number and arrangement of the multiple first protrusions 82 and the size of the first conductive block 83 in a plan view, it is possible to adjust various characteristics of the first variable capacitor C1 (such as the amount of capacitance change, load range, and linearity).

[0069] The first elastic body 8 is electrically connected to the first terminal T1 via the first connection electrode 5.

[0070] The first movable electrode 32 is disposed inside the accommodating recess 10c of the first case 10 so as to face the first fixed electrode 31 via the first elastic body 8 and the insulating sheet 7. In this state, the multiple first protrusions 82 of the first elastic body 8 are in contact with the insulating sheet 7 and are not in electrical contact with the first fixed electrode 31. In addition, the first conduction block 83 of the first elastic body 8 is in electrical contact with the first connection electrode 5 via the first cutout portion 7a of the insulating sheet 7.

[0071] As will be described later, the first movable electrode 32 is displaceable in a depth direction (i.e., thickness direction) W3 of the accommodating recess 10c in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1. That is, the first movable electrode 32 is capable of moving toward or away from the first fixed electrode 31 in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation.

[0072] The second movable electrode 42, together with the second elastic body 9 described below, constitutes an electrode of the second variable capacitor C2 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the second movable electrode 42 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate (flat plate) in a plan view. More specifically, the second movable electrode 42 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate in a plan view, large enough to cover the second fixed electrode 41 and the second connection electrode 6.

[0073] A second elastic body 9 is provided on a main surface 42a (see FIG. 5) of the second movable electrode 42 on the second fixed electrode 41 side.

[0074] The second elastic body 9 is a member for adjusting various characteristics (such as capacitance change, load range, linearity, etc.) of the second variable capacitor C2. The meanings of capacitance change, load range, and linearity are the same as those of the first elastic body 8.

[0075] The second elastic body 9 is made of a conductive elastic material (e.g., a material having rubber elasticity) and is formed into, for example, a rectangular sheet shape in a plan view. The second elastic body 9 has a shape in a plan view that is the same as or similar to the shape of the second movable electrode 42. The area of ​​the second elastic body 9 in a plan view is the same as or slightly smaller than the area of ​​the second movable electrode 42.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7 , the second elastic body 9 includes a second sheet portion 91, a plurality of second protrusions 92, and a second conductive block 93. The second sheet portion 91, the plurality of second protrusions 92, and the second conductive block 93 are integrally formed. The second sheet portion 91 is sheet-like and has the same shape and size as the second elastic body 9 in a planar view. Each of the plurality of second protrusions 92 is pyramidal (e.g., conical). The plurality of second protrusions 92 are, for example, the same shape and size as one another. The plurality of second protrusions 92 are arranged vertically and horizontally on a main surface 91a (see FIG. 5 ) of the second sheet portion 91 facing the second fixed electrode 41. The tips of the second protrusions 92 face the second fixed electrode 41. The second conductive block 93 is in contact with the second connection electrode 6 for electrical conduction. The second conductive block 93 is, for example, rectangular parallelepiped. The second conductive block 93 is arranged in a predetermined region (region facing the second connection electrode 6) on the main surface 91a of the second sheet portion 91. The second elastic body 9 is arranged on the main surface 42a of the second movable electrode 42 with the multiple second protrusions 92 and the second conductive block 93 facing the fixed electrode. The multiple second protrusions 92 and the second conductive block 93 are elastically compressible and deformable in the thickness direction of the second sheet portion 91 (i.e., the depth direction W3).

[0077] The number and arrangement of the multiple second protrusions 92 can be set arbitrarily. The size of the second conductive block 93 in a plan view can be set arbitrarily. By adjusting the number and arrangement of the multiple second protrusions 92 and the size of the second conductive block 93 in a plan view, it is possible to adjust various characteristics of the second variable capacitor C2 (such as the amount of capacitance change, load range, and linearity).

[0078] The second elastic body 9 is electrically connected to the third terminal T3 via the second connection electrode 6.

[0079] The second movable electrode 42 is disposed inside the accommodating recess 10c of the first case 10 so as to face the second fixed electrode 41 via the second elastic body 9 and the insulating sheet 7. In this state, the multiple second protrusions 92 of the second elastic body 9 are in contact with the insulating sheet 7 and are not in electrical contact with the second fixed electrode 41. In addition, the conduction block 93 of the second elastic body 9 is in electrical contact with the second connection electrode 6 via the second cutout portion 7b of the insulating sheet 7.

[0080] As will be described later, the second movable electrode 42 is displaceable in the depth direction W3 in accordance with the pressing force of a pressing operation input to the input device 1. That is, the second movable electrode 42 is capable of moving toward or away from the second fixed electrode 41 in accordance with the pressing force of the pressing operation.

[0081] (3-5) Second case 11, outer fixed contact body 12, central fixed contact body 13, first terminal board 14, and second terminal board 15 As shown in FIG. 3, second case 11 is a member in which outer fixed contact body 12, central fixed contact body 13, first terminal board 14, second terminal board 15, metal dome 16 and pressing body 17 are arranged.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the second case 11 is plate-shaped and has an accommodating recess 11c. More specifically, the second case 11 is plate-shaped and rectangular in plan view. In the example of FIG. 3, the second case 11 has four corners cut out in plan view, but is generally rectangular in plan view. The second case 11 has a first main surface 11a and a second main surface 11b. The first main surface 11a and the second main surface 11b face each other in the thickness direction of the second case 11. The first main surface 11a is the main surface facing a cover film 18 (see FIG. 3) described below. The second main surface 11b is the main surface facing fixed electrodes (first fixed electrode 31 and second fixed electrode 41). The first main surface 11a is formed with an accommodating recess 11c. A bottom 11d of the accommodating recess 11c has the same shape and size as the shape (e.g., oval) of a metal dome 16 (see FIG. 3) described below in plan view.

[0083] In second case 11, outer fixed contact body 12, central fixed contact body 13, first terminal board 14 and second terminal board 15 are partially embedded by, for example, insert molding.

[0084] The outer fixed contact body 12 is a part that is always in electrical contact with a peripheral edge portion 16b (see FIG. 3) of a metal dome 16 described below. The outer fixed contact body 12 is, for example, in the shape of a plate (for example, a flat plate) that is arc-shaped (for example, C-shaped) in a plan view. The outer fixed contact body 12 is arranged along the peripheral edge of the bottom portion 11d of the accommodating recess 11c of the second case 11. The outer peripheral edge portion 12b of the outer fixed contact body 12 is, for example, embedded in the peripheral wall portion of the accommodating recess 11c.

[0085] The central fixed contact body 13 is a part that electrically contacts the center of the inverted metal dome 16. The central fixed contact body 13 is, for example, in the shape of a substantially circular (or polygonal) plate (e.g., flat plate) in a plan view. The central fixed contact body 13 is disposed in the center of the bottom 11d of the accommodation recess 11c of the second case 11.

[0086] The first terminal plate 14 is a portion that electrically contacts the first movable electrode 32. The first terminal plate 14 is, for example, in the shape of a plate (e.g., a flat plate) that is generally rectangular (or polygonal) in plan view. The first terminal plate 14 is disposed on the outer periphery of the outer fixed contact body 12 and is connected to a part of the outer peripheral edge of the outer fixed contact body 12. That is, the first terminal plate 14 is electrically connected to the outer fixed contact body 12. The first terminal plate 14 is disposed in a region of the second main surface 11b of the second case 11 that faces the first movable electrode 32 (e.g., an edge portion on the first side in the longitudinal direction of the second main surface 11b). The outer fixed contact body 12 and the first terminal plate 14 are integrally formed of a metal member. The integrally formed outer fixed contact body 12 and first terminal plate 14 are partially embedded in the second case 11 by insert molding.

[0087] Second terminal plate 15 is a portion that electrically contacts second movable electrode 42. Second terminal plate 15 is, for example, a plate-like (e.g., flat) shape that is generally rectangular (or polygonal) in plan view. Second terminal plate 15 is disposed on the outer periphery of outer fixed contact body 12, opposite first terminal plate 14, and is connected to a part of the outer periphery of central fixed contact body 13 through the C-shaped opening of outer fixed contact body 12. In other words, second terminal plate 15 is electrically connected to central fixed contact body 13. Second terminal plate 15 is disposed in a region of second main surface 11b of second case 11 that faces second movable electrode 42 (an edge portion on the second longitudinal side of second main surface 11b). Central fixed contact body 13 and second terminal plate 15 are integrally formed of a metal member. The integrally formed central fixed contact body 13 and second terminal plate 15 are partially embedded in second case 11 by insert molding.

[0088] The outer fixed contact body 12 is electrically connected to the first terminal T1 via the first terminal plate 14, the first movable electrode 32, the first elastic body 8, and the first connecting electrode 5. The central fixed contact body 13 is electrically connected to the third terminal T3 via the second terminal plate 15, the second movable electrode 42, the second elastic body 9, and the second connecting electrode 6.

[0089] The accommodating recess 11c of the first case 10 accommodates the first fixed electrode 31, the second fixed electrode 41, the first connecting electrode 5, the second connecting electrode 6, the insulating sheet 7, the first movable electrode 32, and the second movable electrode 42. The second case 11 is accommodated in the accommodating recess 11c of the first case 10 above the first movable electrode 32 and the second movable electrode 42. That is, the first fixed electrode 31, the second fixed electrode 41, the first connecting electrode 5, the second connecting electrode 6, the insulating sheet 7, the first movable electrode 32, and the second movable electrode 42 are arranged between the bottom 10a of the accommodating recess 11c of the first case 10 and the second case 11. The second case 11 is accommodated in the accommodating recess 10c of the first case 10 so as to be displaceable in the depth direction W3 of the accommodating recess 10c. The second case 11 is displaced in the depth direction (thickness direction W3) of the first case 10 within the first case 10 in response to a pressing operation input to the input device 1. Due to this displacement, the first movable electrode 32 moves toward and away from the first fixed electrode 31, and the second movable electrode 42 moves toward and away from the second fixed electrode 41.

[0090] (3-6) Metal Dome 16 3, the metal dome 16 is reversed from a convex state to a concave state by a pressing operation (for example, a pressing operation with a pressing force equal to or greater than a predetermined value) using the operating body U1 (FIG. 1), thereby generating a clicking sensation in response to the pressing operation. The metal dome 16 is formed from an elastically deformable metal plate.

[0091] The metal dome 16 includes one or more (three in the example of FIG. 3) metal dome plates 160. The metal dome plate 160 has a dome portion 160a and a peripheral portion 160b.

[0092] The dome portion 160a is a portion that reverses from a convex state to a concave state in response to a pressing operation by the operating body U1. The "convex state" refers to a state in which the dome portion protrudes in a dome shape toward the cover film 18, and the "concave state" refers to a state in which the dome portion is concave on the side opposite the cover film 18. The dome portion 160a has, for example, a circular dome shape in a plan view (e.g., a flattened hemispherical shape). The dome portion 160a has a first main surface 160c and a second main surface 160d on both sides in the thickness direction. The dome portion 160a is in a convex state when the first main surface 160c is not pressed, and elastically reverses from the convex state to the concave state when the first main surface 160c is pressed with a pressing force equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Then, when the pressing operation is released, the dome portion 160a autonomously returns from the concave state to the convex state. The peripheral edge portion 160b is a portion formed around the dome portion 160a, and is, for example, in the shape of a ring-shaped plate (for example, an oval ring-shaped flat plate).

[0093] The multiple metal dome plates 160 overlap each other in the thickness direction. In this overlapping state, the dome portions 160a of the multiple metal dome plates 160 (i.e., the multiple dome portions 160a) overlap each other in the thickness direction of the metal dome plate 160. The peripheral portions 160b of the multiple metal dome plates 160 (i.e., the multiple peripheral portions 160b) overlap each other in the thickness direction of the metal dome plate 160.

[0094] As described above, the metal dome 16 is composed of multiple metal dome plates 160 that overlap each other. The metal dome 16 has a dome portion 16a and a peripheral portion 16b. The dome portion 16a is composed of multiple dome portions 160a that overlap each other. The peripheral portion 16b is composed of multiple peripheral portions 160b that overlap each other.

[0095] The metal domes 16 are disposed in the accommodating recess 11c of the second case 11. In this state, the peripheral edge 16b of the metal dome 16 (for example, the peripheral edge 160b of the lowest metal dome plate 160) is always in electrical contact with the outer fixed contact body 12 disposed on the peripheral edge of the bottom 11d of the accommodating recess 11c. Furthermore, when the dome portion 16a of the metal dome 16 (for example, the dome portion 160a of the lowest metal dome plate 160) is in a convex state, it is disposed above the central fixed contact body 13 disposed in the center of the bottom 11d of the accommodating recess 11c, and is not in electrical contact with the central fixed contact body 13.

[0096] When the apex P1 of the dome portion 16a in the convex state (i.e., the apex P1 of the dome portion 160a of the top metal dome plate 160) is pressed with a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the dome portion 16a elastically reverses from the convex state to the concave state. Then, the center P2 (see FIG. 11) of the bottom of the concave dome portion 16a electrically contacts the central fixed contact member 13 located at the center of the bottom 11d of the accommodating recess 11c. When the pressing operation on the dome portion 16a is released, the dome portion 16a autonomously returns from the concave state to the convex state. The magnitude of the pressing force that reverses the dome portion 16a can be adjusted by adjusting the number of metal dome plates 160.

[0097] The convex state of the dome portions 16a refers to a state in which all of the plurality of dome portions 160a are convex, and the concave state of the dome portions 16a refers to a state in which all of the plurality of dome portions 160a are concave.

[0098] (3-7) Pressing body 17 3, the pressing body 17 is a component that presses down the apex P1 of the metal dome 16 in response to a pressing operation by the operating body U1. The pressing body 17 is disposed between the apex P1 of the metal dome 16 and a cover film 18, which will be described later. The pressing body 17 is formed into a columnar shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) using an insulating material (e.g., a resin material such as plastic).

[0099] (3-8) Cover film 18 3, the cover film 18 is a member for covering the opening of the accommodating recess 10c of the first case 10. The cover film 18 is joined to the upper end surface of the peripheral wall portion 10b of the first case 10 so as to cover the opening of the accommodating recess 10c of the first case 10.

[0100] The cover film 18 is formed of, for example, a flexible film. The cover film 18 has a shape (for example, a rectangular shape) that is the same shape and size as a surface that defines the outer periphery of the upper end surface of the accommodation recess 10c of the first case 10. Because the cover film 18 is flexible, the operating body U1 can press the pressing body 17 inside the first case 10 via the cover film 18.

[0101] The cover film 18 has a detection surface S0 for receiving an operation by the operating body U1. The detection surface S0 is the outer main surface of the cover film 18. The detection surface S0 has a protrusion S3. The protrusion S3 is provided in the center of the detection surface S0. The protrusion S3 is, for example, a circular, flat area that protrudes outward in the thickness direction of the cover film 18 relative to the area other than the protrusion S3. A recess is provided on the back surface of the cover film 18 in an area that overlaps with the protrusion S3. The recess is the portion where the upper end of the pressing body 17 (the end on the cover film 18 side) is positioned, and is a concave shape that is the same shape and size as the upper end of the pressing body 17 or slightly larger.

[0102] (3-9) Structure of the first switch SW1 3, the metal dome 16, the outer fixed contact body 12, and the central fixed contact body 13 constitute the first switch SW1 shown in Fig. 1. That is, the first switch SW1 includes the metal dome 16, the outer fixed contact body 12, and the central fixed contact body 13.

[0103] As described above, the metal dome 16 reverses from the convex state to the concave state when the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. The outer fixed contact body 12 is electrically connected to the first terminal T1 and is in electrical contact with the peripheral edge portion 16b of the metal dome 16. The central fixed contact body 13 is electrically connected to the third terminal T3 and is in electrical contact with the central portion P2 of the metal dome 16 in the concave state (i.e., the reversed state).

[0104] The first switch SW1 is turned off when the metal dome 16 is in a convex state and the dome portion 16a of the metal dome 16 is out of contact with the central fixed contact body 13. The first switch SW1 is turned on when the metal dome 16 is in a concave state and the dome portion 16a of the metal dome 16 is in electrical contact with the central fixed contact body 13.

[0105] (3-10) Structure of the first variable capacitor C1 and the second variable capacitor C2 3, the first fixed electrode 31, the insulating sheet 7, the first elastic body 8, and the first movable electrode 32 constitute the first variable capacitor C1 shown in Fig. 1. That is, the first variable capacitor C1 includes the first fixed electrode 31, the insulating sheet 7, the first elastic body 8, and the first movable electrode 32.

[0106] As described above, the first fixed electrode 31 is electrically connected to the second terminal T2. The insulating sheet 7 is disposed on the first fixed electrode 31 to cover it. The first elastic body 8 is disposed on the insulating sheet 7. The first elastic body 8 is conductive and electrically connected to the first terminal T1. The first movable electrode 32 is electrically connected to the first elastic body 8. The first movable electrode 32 faces the first fixed electrode 31 via the insulating sheet 7 and the first elastic body 8. The first movable electrode 32 moves toward and away from the first fixed electrode 31 in response to a pressing operation input to the input device 1. This movement toward and away from the first variable capacitor C1 changes the capacitance of the first variable capacitor C1.

[0107] The second fixed electrode 41, the insulating sheet 7, the second elastic body 9, and the second movable electrode 42 constitute the second variable capacitor C2 shown in Fig. 1. That is, the second variable capacitor C2 includes the second fixed electrode 41, the insulating sheet 7, the second elastic body 9, and the second movable electrode 42.

[0108] As described above, the second fixed electrode 41 is electrically connected to the fourth terminal T4. The insulating sheet 7 is disposed on the second fixed electrode 41 to cover it. The second elastic body 9 is disposed on the insulating sheet 7. The second elastic body 9 is conductive and electrically connected to the third terminal T3. The second movable electrode 42 is electrically connected to the second elastic body 9. The second movable electrode 42 faces the second fixed electrode 41 via the insulating sheet 7 and the second elastic body 9. The second movable electrode 42 moves toward and away from the second fixed electrode 41 in response to a pressing operation input to the input device 1. This movement toward and away from the second fixed electrode 41 changes the capacitance of the second variable capacitor C2.

[0109] (3-11) Shielding effect of Metal Dome 16 The metal dome 16 is always connected to ground (see FIG. 3) via the outer fixed contact body 12, the first terminal board 14, the first movable electrode 32, the first elastic body 8, the first connection electrode 5, and the first terminal T1 (see FIG. 6). That is, the metal dome 16 is always connected to ground. The metal dome 16 covers the circuit components (the first switch SW1, the first variable capacitor C1, and the second variable capacitor C2) arranged in the first case 10 of the input device 1. Therefore, the metal dome 16 shields or suppresses the electromagnetic influence that the operating object U1 has on the input device 1 when the operating object U1 presses the input device 1 or moves close to the input device 1.

[0110] (3-12) Operation of input device 1 As shown in FIG. 10 , when the detection surface S0 of the input device 1 is not pressed by the operating body U1 (see FIG. 1 ), the pressing body 17 does not press the apex P1 of the metal dome 16. Therefore, the metal dome 16 remains convex and is not in electrical contact with the central fixed contact body 13. That is, the first switch SW1 is in the OFF state. Furthermore, when the detection surface S0 of the input device 1 is not pressed by the operating body U1, the second case 11 is disposed in a predetermined position (initial position) in the depth direction (thickness direction W3) within the housing recess 10c of the first case 10. In this state, the first movable electrode 32 and the second movable electrode 42 are located in the predetermined position (initial position) in the depth direction (thickness direction W3). Therefore, the first movable electrode 32 does not approach the first fixed electrode 31, and the first elastic body 8 is hardly compressed by the first movable electrode 32 and the first fixed electrode 31. Similarly, since the second movable electrode 42 is not close to the second fixed electrode 41 , the second elastic body 9 is hardly compressed by the second movable electrode 42 and the second fixed electrode 41 .

[0111] When the detection surface S0 of the input device 1 is pressed by the operating body U1, a pressing force F1 (see FIG. 11) due to the pressing operation is transmitted to the pressing body 17 via the detection surface S0. Then, the pressing body 17 presses down the apex P1 of the metal dome 16. If the pressing force due to the pressing operation is less than a predetermined value, the pressing force of the pressing body 17 causes the metal dome 16 to maintain its convex state. In other words, the first switch SW1 is maintained in the OFF state.

[0112] Furthermore, when the pressing force F1 due to the pressing operation is less than a predetermined value, the second case 11 is displaced toward the bottom 10a of the first case 10 by a distance proportional to the magnitude of the pressing force by the pressing body 17. Due to this displacement, the first movable electrode 32 approaches the first fixed electrode 31, and the first elastic body 8 is compressed by the first fixed electrode 31 and the first movable electrode 32. The capacitance of the first variable capacitor C1 increases by the amount that the first movable electrode 32 approaches the first fixed electrode 31. Similarly, due to the displacement of the second case 11 toward the bottom 10a of the first case 10, the second movable electrode 42 approaches the second fixed electrode 41, and the second elastic body 9 is compressed by the second fixed electrode 41 and the second movable electrode 42. The capacitance of the second variable capacitor C2 increases by the amount that the second movable electrode 42 approaches the second fixed electrode 41.

[0113] 11, when the pressing force F1 due to the pressing operation reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, the metal dome 16 is inverted from a convex state to a concave state, and the center portion P2 of the bottom of the metal dome 16 in the concave state (i.e., the inverted state) comes into electrical contact with the central fixed contact body 13 arranged in the center of the bottom portion 11d of the accommodation recess 11c of the second case 11. In other words, the first switch SW1 is switched from off to on.

[0114] Furthermore, as described above, when the pressing force F1 due to the pressing operation exceeds a predetermined value, as shown in FIG. 11 , the second case 11 is further displaced toward the bottom 10a of the first case 10 in accordance with the magnitude of the pressing force F1 due to the pressing body 17. Due to this displacement, the first movable electrode 32 approaches the first fixed electrode 31 further, and the first elastic body 8 is further compressed by the first fixed electrode 31 and the first movable electrode 32. In this way, when the pressing force F1 due to the pressing operation exceeds a predetermined value, the first movable electrode 32 approaches the first fixed electrode 31 further, and the capacitance of the first variable capacitor C1 increases accordingly. Similarly, when the pressing force F1 due to the pressing operation exceeds a predetermined value, the second movable electrode 42 approaches the second fixed electrode 41 further, and the capacitance of the second variable capacitor C2 increases accordingly.

[0115] (4) Details of the operation of the control device 2 (4-1) Periodic operation As described above, the switching control unit 21a of the control device 2 periodically switches the second switch SW2 on and off at a constant cycle. Then, during the on-period of the second switch SW2, the detection unit 21b of the control device 2 waits until a certain time has elapsed since the start of the on-period, and then performs the first detection process. Note that, as described above, the detection unit 21b waits until a certain time has elapsed since the start of the on-period in order to wait until the second switch SW2 has electrically switched from off to on without fail.

[0116] Furthermore, during the OFF period, the detector 21b waits until a certain time has elapsed since the start of the OFF period, and then performs the second detection process. As described above, the detector 21b waits until a certain time has elapsed since the start of the OFF period in order to ensure that the second switch SW2 is electrically switched from ON to OFF.

[0117] (4-2) Details of the first detection process The first detection process is a process for detecting the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 1, in the first detection process, the switching control unit 21a of the control device 2 switches on the second switch SW2 to connect the third terminal T3 to ground. The second terminal T2 and the fourth terminal T4 are previously connected to each other, and the first terminal T1 is connected to ground. Therefore, as described above, when the second switch SW2 is turned on and the first terminal T1 is connected to ground, the first variable capacitor C1 and the second variable capacitor C2 are connected in parallel to each other regardless of whether the first switch SW1 is on or off (i.e., regardless of whether the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value). Therefore, the output voltage of the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 becomes the output voltage of the parallel circuit of the first variable capacitor C1 and the second variable capacitor C2. This output voltage is then input to the first input unit N1 of the control device 2. That is, the input voltage Vin to the first input unit N1 becomes the output voltage of the parallel circuit of the first variable capacitor C1 and the second variable capacitor C2.

[0119] The detection unit 21b of the control device 2 detects the pressure of the push operation input to the input device 1 based on the input voltage Vin input to the first input unit N1. More specifically, the detection unit 21b determines a first capacitance Q12 (=Q1+Q2), which is the capacitance of the parallel circuit under load (i.e., when a push operation is input to the input device 1), from the input voltage Vin input to the first input unit N1. Q1 is the capacitance of the first variable capacitor C1 under load, and Q2 is the capacitance of the second variable capacitor C2 under load. The detection unit 21b then subtracts a second capacitance Q12a (=Q1a+Q2a), which is the capacitance of the parallel circuit under no load, from the determined first capacitance Q12, to determine a capacitance change amount Δ1 (=Q12-Q12a=ΔQ1+ΔQ2).

[0120] Here, Q1a is the capacitance of the first variable capacitor C1 under no load, and Q2a is the capacitance of the second variable capacitor C2 under no load. ΔQ1 is the value (=Q1-Q1a) obtained by subtracting the capacitance Q1a of the first variable capacitor C1 under no load from the capacitance Q1 of the first variable capacitor C1 under load. ΔQ2 is the value (=Q2-Q2a) obtained by subtracting the capacitance Q2a of the second variable capacitor C2 under no load from the capacitance Q2 of the second variable capacitor C2 under load.

[0121] Then, the detection unit 21b calculates the pressure based on the calculated capacitance change amount Δ1. More specifically, the detection unit 21b calculates the pressure from the calculated capacitance change amount Δ1 based on the correspondence relationship between the capacitance change amount Δ1 and the pressure F1 (see FIG. 12). It is not always necessary to calculate the pressure, and the capacitance change amount Δ1 can be used as is, for example, if there is sufficient linearity.

[0122] The correspondence relationship is a relational expression or a correspondence table that defines the correspondence relationship between the capacitance change amount Δ1 and the pressing force F1. The correspondence relationship is stored in advance in a predetermined storage unit within the control device 2. The "capacitance of the parallel circuit under no load" refers to the capacitance of the parallel circuit when the second switch SW2 is in an on state and no pressing operation is input to the input device 1. Information on the "capacitance of the parallel circuit under no load" may be stored in advance in the predetermined storage unit, or the capacitance (i.e., the capacitance of the parallel circuit) calculated from the input voltage Vin input to the first input unit N1 at the start of the first detection process may be used as the "capacitance of the parallel circuit under no load."

[0123] (4-3) Details of the second detection process The second detection process is a process for detecting whether or not the first switch SW1 of the input device 1 is turned on (that is, whether or not the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value).

[0124] 13, in the second detection process, the switching control unit 21a of the control device 2 switches the second switch SW2 off to disconnect the third terminal T3 from ground. The second terminal T2 and the fourth terminal T4 are previously connected to each other, and the first terminal T1 is connected to ground. Therefore, as described above, in a state in which the second switch SW2 is switched off and the first terminal T1 is disconnected from ground, when the first switch SW1 is turned off, the second variable capacitor C2 is disabled as part of the circuit configuration and does not contribute to the circuit configuration of the input device 1. On the other hand, when the first switch SW1 is turned on, the second variable capacitor C2 is enabled as part of the circuit configuration and contributes to the circuit configuration of the input device 1.

[0125] Therefore, when the second switch SW2 is in the off state and the first switch SW1 is in the off state, the second variable capacitor C2 is disabled as part of the circuit configuration, as described above, and therefore the output voltage at the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 becomes the output voltage V1 of the first variable capacitor C1, and this output voltage V1 is input to the first input section N1 of the control device 2. That is, the input voltage Vin to the first input section N1 becomes the output voltage V1 of the first variable capacitor C1. On the other hand, when the second switch SW2 is in the off state and the first switch SW1 is in the on state, the second variable capacitor C2 is enabled as part of the circuit configuration, as described above, and therefore the output voltage at the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 becomes the output voltage V12 of the parallel circuit of the first variable capacitor C1 and the second variable capacitor C2, and this output voltage V12 is input to the first input section N1 of the control device 2. That is, the input voltage Vin to the first input section N1 becomes the output voltage V12 of the parallel circuit.

[0126] The detection unit 21b of the control device 2 detects (i.e., determines) whether the first switch SW1 of the input device 1 is on or not, based on the input voltage Vin input to the first input unit N1. More specifically, the detection unit 21b obtains a first capacitance Q12, which is the capacitance of the parallel circuit under load, from the input voltage Vin input to the first input unit N1. Note that under load refers to when a push operation is input to the input device 1.

[0127] Then, the detection unit 21b subtracts the second capacitance Q12a (=Q1a), which is the capacitance of the parallel circuit (i.e., the circuit including only the first variable capacitor C1) when there is no load, from the first capacitance Q12 thus obtained to obtain the capacitance change amount Δ1 (=Q12-Q12a=Q12-Q1a). Note that when there is no load, this refers to when no pressing operation is being input to the input device 1, i.e., when the first switch SW1 is off.

[0128] The detection unit 21b then detects (i.e., determines) whether the first switch SW1 is turned on based on the calculated capacitance change amount Δ1. More specifically, the detection unit 21b compares the capacitance change amount Δ1 with a threshold value Δs (see FIG. 14). The threshold value Δs is a value that is greater than a first value (=Q1-Q1a=ΔQ1) and less than a second value (=Q1+Q2-Q1a=ΔQ1+Q2). If the comparison shows that the capacitance change amount Δ1 is less than the threshold value Δs, the detection unit 21b determines that the first switch SW1 is off. On the other hand, if the capacitance change amount Δ1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Δs, the detection unit 21b determines that the first switch SW1 is on (i.e., the pressing force is equal to or greater than a predetermined value).

[0129] Specifically, in the second detection process, when the second switch SW2 is in the off state and the first switch SW1 is in the off state, the second variable capacitor C2 is disabled as a circuit configuration, as described above. Therefore, the first capacitance Q12 of the parallel circuit under load becomes the capacitance Q1 of the first variable capacitor C1 (i.e., Q12 = Q1). In this case, the capacitance change Δ1 calculated by the detection unit 21b is Δ1 = Q12 - Q1a = Q1 - Q1a = ΔQ1, which is smaller than the threshold value Δs, so the detection unit 21b determines that the first switch SW1 is off.

[0130] On the other hand, when the second switch SW2 is in the OFF state and the first switch SW1 is in the ON state, the second variable capacitor C2 is enabled as part of the circuit configuration, as described above. Therefore, the first capacitance Q12 of the parallel circuit under load is the sum of the capacitance Q1 of the first variable capacitor C1 and the capacitance Q2 of the second variable capacitor C2 (i.e., Q12 = Q1 + Q2). In this case, the capacitance change Δ1 calculated by the detection unit 21b is Δ1 = Q12 - Q1a = Q1 + Q2 - Q1a = ΔQ1 + Q2, which is greater than the threshold value Δs, so the detection unit 21b determines that the first switch SW1 is ON.

[0131] (5) Effects An input system 100 according to this embodiment includes an input device 1 and a control device 2. A pressing operation is input to the input device 1. The control device 2 detects the pressing operation input to the input device 1. The input device 1 includes a first terminal T1, a second terminal T2, a third terminal T3, and a fourth terminal T4, a first variable capacitor C1, a second variable capacitor C2, and a first switch SW1. The first variable capacitor C1 is connected between the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2, and changes a capacitance Q1 in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1. The second variable capacitor C2 is connected between the third terminal T3 and the fourth terminal T4, and changes a capacitance Q2 in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1. The first switch SW1 is provided on the first electrical path D1 between the first terminal T1 and the third terminal T3. When the pressing force of a pressing operation input to the input device 1 is less than a predetermined value, the first switch SW1 is turned off to interrupt the first electrical path D1. When the pressing force exceeds the predetermined value, the first switch SW1 is turned on to conduct the first electrical path D1. The second terminal T2 and the fourth terminal T4 are connected to each other. The control device 2 includes a second switch SW2, a switching control unit 21a, and a detection unit 21b. The second switch SW2 is provided on the second electrical path D2 between the third terminal T3 and ground. When the second switch SW2 is turned on or off, the second switch SW2 switches between conduction and interruption of the second electrical path D2. The switching control unit 21a switches the second switch SW2 on and off. The detection unit 21b switches between performing a first detection process and a second detection process depending on whether the second switch SW2 is on or off. The first detection process is a process for detecting the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1 based on the output voltage of the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 when the second switch SW2 is in the on state. The second detection process is a process for detecting whether the first switch SW1 is on or not based on the output voltage of the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 when the second switch SW2 is in the off state.

[0132] According to this configuration, the capacitors (first variable capacitor C1 and second variable capacitor C2) used in the second detection process that detects whether the first switch SW1 is on (i.e., whether the pressure of the push operation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value) can also be used in the first detection process that detects the pressure of the push operation. Therefore, the planar size of the capacitors used in the first detection process can be prevented from being limited by the planar size of the capacitors used in the second detection process. As a result, the detection accuracy of the first detection process can be improved.

[0133] Furthermore, the capacitors (first variable capacitor C1 and second variable capacitor C2) used in the first detection process can also be used in the second detection process. This prevents the planar size of the capacitors used in the second detection process from being limited by the planar size of the capacitors used in the first detection process. As a result, the detection accuracy of the second detection process can be improved.

[0134] Furthermore, in the input system 100 according to this embodiment, the first switch SW1 includes a metal dome 16, an outer fixed contact body 12, and a central fixed contact body 13. The metal dome 16 reverses when the pressing force of a push operation input to the input device 1 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. The outer fixed contact body 12 is electrically connected to the first terminal T1 and is in contact with the peripheral edge portion 16b of the metal dome 16. The central fixed contact body 13 is electrically connected to the third terminal T3 and is in contact with the metal dome 16 in the reversed state. With this configuration, the use of the metal dome 16 makes it possible to simply configure the first switch SW1, i.e., a switch that switches from off to on when the pressing force of a push operation reaches or exceeds a predetermined value.

[0135] Furthermore, in the input system 100 according to this embodiment, the outer fixed contact body 12 is electrically connected to the first terminal T1, and thereby electrically connected to the ground. The metal dome 16 is electrically connected to the ground by contacting the outer fixed contact body 12. With this configuration, the metal dome 16 is always connected to the ground, and therefore can be used as a shield that blocks the influence (electrical influence) of an operating object (e.g., a finger) that presses the input device 1.

[0136] Furthermore, in the input system 100 according to this embodiment, the first variable capacitor C1 includes a first fixed electrode 31, a first insulating sheet 7, a first elastic body 8, and a first movable electrode 32. The first fixed electrode 31 is electrically connected to the second terminal T2. The first insulating sheet 7 covers the first fixed electrode 31. The first elastic body 8 is disposed on the first insulating sheet 7, is conductive, and is electrically connected to the first terminal T1. The first movable electrode 32 is electrically connected to the first elastic body 8 and faces the first fixed electrode 31 via the first insulating sheet 7 and the first elastic body 8. The first movable electrode 32 moves toward and away from the first fixed electrode 31 in response to a pressing operation input to the input device 1. The second variable capacitor C2 includes a second fixed electrode 41, a second insulating sheet 7, a second elastic body 9, and a second movable electrode 42. The second fixed electrode 41 is electrically connected to the fourth terminal T4. The second insulating sheet 7 covers the second fixed electrode 41. The second elastic body 9 is disposed on the second insulating sheet 7, is conductive, and is electrically connected to the third terminal T3. The second movable electrode 42 is electrically connected to the second elastic body 9 and faces the second fixed electrode 41 via the second insulating sheet 7 and the second elastic body 9. The second movable electrode 42 moves toward and away from the second fixed electrode 41 in response to a pressing operation input to the input device 1. This configuration allows the first variable capacitor C1 and the second variable capacitor C2 to be configured simply.

[0137] Furthermore, in the input system 100 according to this embodiment, the first elastic body 8 has a first sheet portion 81 and a plurality of first protrusions 82. The plurality of first protrusions 82 are provided on a main surface 81a of the first sheet portion 81 facing the first insulating sheet 7. The second elastic body 9 has a second sheet portion 91 and a plurality of second protrusions 92. The plurality of second protrusions 92 are provided on a main surface 91a of the second sheet portion 91 facing the second insulating sheet 7. With this configuration, by adjusting the number and arrangement of the first protrusions 82, the characteristic capacitance change, load range, linearity, and the like of the first variable capacitor C1 can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, by adjusting the number and arrangement of the second protrusions 92, the characteristic capacitance change, load range, linearity, and the like of the second variable capacitor C2 can be easily adjusted.

[0138] The input system 100 according to this embodiment further includes a first case 10 and a second case 11. The first case 10 has a storage recess 10c. The second case 11 is housed in the storage recess 10c of the first case 10 so as to be displaceable in a depth direction W3 of the storage recess 10c. The first variable capacitor C1 and the second variable capacitor C2 are disposed inside the storage recess 10c of the first case 10, between a bottom 10a of the storage recess 10c and the second case 11. A first switch SW1 is disposed in the second case 11. The second case 11 is displaceable in the depth direction W3 in response to a pressing operation input to the input device 1. The capacitances of the first variable capacitor C1 and the second variable capacitor C2 change in response to the displacement of the second case 11 in the depth direction W3.

[0139] According to this configuration, the first switch SW1 and the first and second variable capacitors C1 and C2 can be arranged side by side in the depth direction W3 of the accommodating recess 10c of the first case 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the planar dimensions of the first case 10 from increasing in size.

[0140] Furthermore, in the input system 100 according to this embodiment, the bottom 10a of the first case 10 has a rectangular shape in a plan view in the thickness direction W3 of the first case 10. The first fixed electrode 31 of the first variable capacitor C1 and the second fixed electrode 41 of the second variable capacitor C2 are arranged on the bottom 10a of the first case 10 with a gap E1 between them in the longitudinal direction W1 of the bottom 10a. With this configuration, the gap E1 between the first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41 extends along the short-side direction W2 of the bottom 10a of the first case 10. Therefore, the area of ​​the gap E1 can be made smaller than when the gap E1 extends along the longitudinal direction W1 of the bottom 10a of the first case 10, i.e., when the first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41 are arranged in the short-side direction W2 of the bottom 10a. As a result, the planar dimensions of each of the first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41 can be prevented from being limited by the area of ​​the gap E1.

[0141] The input system 100 according to this embodiment further includes a first connection electrode 5 and a second connection electrode 6. The first connection electrode 5 is formed integrally with the first terminal T1 and is in electrical contact with the first elastic body 8. The second connection electrode 6 is formed integrally with the third terminal T3 and is in electrical contact with the second elastic body 9. The bottom 10a of the first case 10 has a first corner 10d and a second corner 10e. The first corner 10d and the second corner 10e are diagonally arranged on the bottom 10a. The first connection electrode 5 is arranged at the first corner 10d of the bottom 10a of the first case 10. The second connection electrode 6 is arranged at the second corner 10e of the bottom 10a of the first case 10. The first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41 are arranged in an area of ​​the bottom 10a of the first case 10 other than the first connection electrode 5 and the second connection electrode 6.

[0142] According to this configuration, the first connection electrode 5 and the second connection electrode 6 are disposed at two diagonal corners (first corner 10d and second corner 10e) of the bottom 10a of the first case 10, so that the planar shape of the entire fixed electrode, which is the combination of the first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41, can be made approximately symmetrical in the longitudinal direction W1 and the lateral direction W2 of the bottom 10a of the first case 10. As a result, even if the position of the push operation is shifted from the center of the input device 1, the push operation can be detected with high accuracy.

[0143] The input system 100 according to this embodiment further includes a cover film 18 and a pressing body 17. The cover film 18 is fixed to the first case 10 so as to cover the opening surface of the housing recess 10c and receives input of a pressing operation. The pressing body 17 is fixed to the back surface of the cover film 18 and transmits the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the cover film 18 to the first switch SW1. With this configuration, the cover film 18 can prevent dust and the like from entering the inside of the housing recess 10c of the first case 10. Even when the cover film 18 is provided, the pressing body can appropriately transmit the pressing force of the pressing operation to the first switch SW1.

[0144] Furthermore, in the input system 100 according to this embodiment, the detection unit 21b of the control device 2 calculates a capacitance change amount Δ1 by subtracting the second capacitance Q12a from the first capacitance Q12 in the first detection process. The first capacitance Q12 is calculated from the output voltage of the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 when a push operation is performed on the input device 1 with the second switch SW2 in the on state. The second capacitance Q12a is calculated from the output voltage of the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 when there is no load and the second switch SW2 in the on state. The detection unit 21b detects the pressure of the push operation input to the input device 1 based on the calculated capacitance change amount Δ1. This configuration allows the pressure of the push operation to be detected more accurately in the first detection process.

[0145] Furthermore, in the input system 100 according to this embodiment, the detection unit 21b of the control device 2 calculates a capacitance change amount Δ1 by subtracting the second capacitance Q12a from the first capacitance Q12 in the second detection process. The first capacitance Q12 is calculated from the output voltage of the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 when the input device 1 is pressed with the second switch SW2 in the off state. The second capacitance Q12a is calculated from the output voltage of the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 with no load and the second switch SW2 in the off state. If the calculated capacitance change amount Δ1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Δs, the detection unit 21b determines that the first switch SW1 is on. This configuration enables more accurate detection of whether the first switch SW1 is on in the second detection process.

[0146] Furthermore, in the input system 100 according to this embodiment, the switching control unit 21a of the control device 2 periodically switches the second switch SW2 on and off at a constant cycle. The detection unit 21b of the control device 2 performs a first detection process for each on-period of the on-off switching of the second switch SW2, and performs a second detection process for each off-period of the on-off switching of the second switch SW2. This configuration allows the first and second detection processes to be performed periodically at a constant cycle. This allows the occurrence of either the input of a pressing operation or the turning on of the first switch SW1 to be promptly detected.

[0147] The input device 1 according to this embodiment accepts input of a pressing operation. The input device 1 includes a first terminal T1, a second terminal T2, a third terminal T3, and a fourth terminal T4, a first variable capacitor C1, a second variable capacitor C2, and a first switch SW1. The first variable capacitor C1 is connected between the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 and changes a capacitance Q1 in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1. The second variable capacitor C2 is connected between the third terminal T3 and the fourth terminal T4 and changes a capacitance Q2 in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1. The first switch SW1 is provided on a first electrical circuit D1 between the first terminal T1 and the third terminal T3. When the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1 is less than a predetermined value, the first switch SW1 is turned off to interrupt the first electrical circuit D1. When the pressing force is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the first switch SW1 is turned on to conduct the first electrical circuit D1.

[0148] According to this configuration, the first terminal T1 is connected to ground, the third terminal T3 is connected to ground via the second switch SW2, and the second terminal T2 and the fourth terminal T4 are connected to each other. The second switch SW2 is then switched on and off. When the second switch SW2 is in the on state, the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1 is detected based on the output voltage of the second terminal T2 or the fourth terminal T4 (first detection process). When the second switch SW2 is in the off state, the second detection process detects whether the first switch SW1 is on based on the output voltage of the first terminal T1 or the fourth terminal T4 (second detection process). This allows the capacitors (first variable capacitor C1 and second variable capacitor C2) used in the second detection process (SW detection) to also be used in the first detection process (pressure detection). Therefore, the planar size of the capacitors used in the first detection process can be prevented from being limited by the planar size of the capacitors used in the second detection process. As a result, the detection accuracy of the first detection process can be improved.

[0149] Furthermore, the capacitors (first variable capacitor C1 and second variable capacitor C2) used in the first detection process can also be used in the second detection process. This prevents the planar size of the capacitors used in the second detection process from being limited by the planar size of the capacitors used in the first detection process. As a result, the detection accuracy of the second detection process can be improved.

[0150] (6) Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0151] (6-1) Variation 1 As shown in FIG. 15, in Modification 1, a specific example of a modification of the first elastic body 8 and the second elastic body 9 will be described.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 15, the planar shape of the first conductive block 83 of the first elastic body 8 in Modification 1 is different from the planar shape (rectangle) of the first conductive block 83 in the above embodiment. In the example of FIG. 15, the planar shape of the first conductive block 83 in Modification 1 is, for example, square, and has a larger area than the planar shape (rectangle) of the first conductive block 83 in the above embodiment. Therefore, in Modification 1, the first elastic body 8 is less likely to be compressed in the thickness direction of the first elastic body 8 than in the above embodiment. As a result, in Modification 1, the various characteristics of the first variable capacitor C1 include a smaller capacitance change and a wider load range than in the above embodiment.

[0153] Similarly, the second conductive block 93 of the second elastic body 9 in Modification 1 also has a square shape in plan view, for example, which has a larger area than the rectangular shape in plan view of the second conductive block 93 in the above embodiment. Therefore, in Modification 1, the second elastic body 9 is less likely to be compressed in the thickness direction of the second elastic body 9 than in the above embodiment. As a result, in Modification 1, the various characteristics of the second variable capacitor C2 include a smaller capacitance change amount and a wider load range than in the above embodiment.

[0154] The planar shapes of the conductive blocks 83, 93 of the first elastic body 8 and the second elastic body 9 of Modification 1 may be smaller than the planar shapes of the conductive blocks 83, 93 of the first elastic body 8 and the second elastic body 9 of the above embodiment. In this case, the various characteristics of the first variable capacitor C1 and the second variable capacitor C2 become larger in capacitance change amount and smaller in load range compared to the above embodiment.

[0155] (6-2) Variation 2 (6-2-1) Configuration 16, the input device 1 according to the second modification has the same configuration as the input device 1 according to the above embodiment, except that it includes a fixed electrode 51 instead of the first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41. The fixed electrode 51 is an electrode formed by connecting the opposing side 31b (see FIG. 6) of the first fixed electrode 31 and the opposing side 41b (see FIG. 6) of the second fixed electrode 41, thereby integrating the first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41.

[0156] The fixed electrode 51 has, for example, a rectangular plate shape in a plan view. The fixed electrode 51 has a first notch 51a and a second notch 51b. The first notch 51a is a portion where the first connection electrode 5 is disposed, and has a shape identical to or similar to the planar shape (e.g., rectangular) of the first connection electrode 5, and is formed to be slightly larger than the first connection electrode 5. The first notch 51a is provided at a first corner of the fixed electrode 51. The first notch 51a is formed along the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction W1) of the fixed electrode 51. The second notch 51b is a portion where the second connection electrode 6 is disposed, and has a shape identical to or similar to the planar shape (e.g., rectangular) of the second connection electrode 6, and is formed to be slightly larger than the second connection electrode 6. The second notch 51b is provided at a second corner of the fixed electrode 51. The second cutout 51b is formed along the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction W1) of the fixed electrode 51. The first corner and the second corner are two corners that are diagonally arranged when the fixed electrode 51 is seen in a plan view.

[0157] A second terminal T2 and a fourth terminal T4 are connected to the outer periphery of the fixed electrode 51. The second terminal T2 is connected to a part of the outer periphery of the fixed electrode 51 (for example, a corner adjacent to the first corner in the short-side direction W2). The second terminal T2 protrudes toward the outer periphery of the fixed electrode 51 (for example, in the direction along the longitudinal direction W1). The fourth terminal T4 is connected to another part of the outer periphery of the fixed electrode 51 (for example, a corner adjacent to the second corner in the short-side direction W2). The fourth terminal T4 protrudes toward the outer periphery of the fixed electrode 51 (for example, in the direction along the longitudinal direction W1).

[0158] (6-2-2) Effects In the input system 100 according to the second modification, the first fixed electrode 31 and the second fixed electrode 41 are integrally formed. With this configuration, the number of components of the input device 1 can be reduced.

[0159] (6-3) Variation 3 (6-3-1) Configuration As shown in FIG. 17, the input system 100 of the first modification is configured similarly to the input system 100 of the above embodiment, except that it further includes a capacitor C0.

[0160] The capacitor C0 is connected between the third terminal T3 and the fourth terminal T4. That is, the capacitor C0 is connected in parallel with the second variable capacitor C2. Therefore, in the second detection process, when the first switch SW1 is in the off state, the capacitor C0 and the second variable capacitor C2 are inactive as circuit components of the input device 1, whereas when the first switch SW1 is in the on state, the capacitor C0 and the second variable capacitor C2 are active as circuit components of the input device 1. Therefore, in the third modification, the capacitance change amount Δ1 when the first switch SW1 is in the off state is Δ1 = ΔQ1, as in the above embodiment. However, in the third modification, the capacitance change amount Δ1 when the first switch SW1 is in the off state is Δ1 = ΔQ1 + Q2 + Q0, which is larger by the capacitance Q0 of the capacitor C0 than the capacitance change amount Δ1 (= ΔQ1 + Q2) when the first switch SW1 is in the on state in the above embodiment.

[0161] The capacitor C0 may be configured by a circuit component, or may be configured by utilizing parasitic capacitance occurring in an electric path and a circuit board included in the input device 1 or the control device 2.

[0162] In this way, in Modification 3, the difference (gap) between the capacitance change Δ1 when the first switch SW1 is in the on state and the capacitance change Δ1 when the first switch SW1 is in the off state can be further widened by the capacitance of the capacitor C0. This makes it easier to set the threshold Δs. As a result, the detection accuracy of whether the first switch SW1 is on can be improved.

[0163] (6-3-2) Effects The input system 100 according to the third modification further includes a capacitor C0. The capacitor C0 is connected between the third terminal T3 and the fourth terminal T4. This configuration can further improve the detection accuracy of the first detection process.

[0164] (6-4) Variation 4 (6-4-1) Configuration As shown in FIG. 18, the input system 100 according to the fourth modification has the same configuration as the input system 100 according to the above embodiment, except that the configuration of the control device 2 is different.

[0165] The control device 2 of the fourth modification includes first to third input units N1 to N3, a processing unit 25 for the first detection process, and a processing unit 26 for the second detection process. That is, in the above embodiment, the first detection process and the second detection process are performed by one processing unit 21, but in the fourth modification, the first detection process and the second detection process are performed by separate processing units 25, 26.

[0166] The first to third input units N1 to N3 are configured in the same manner as the first to third input units N1 to N3 of the above embodiment. That is, the first input unit N1 is electrically connected to the second terminal T2 and the fourth terminal T4 of the input device 1. The second input unit N2 is electrically connected to the third terminal T3 of the input device 1. The second input unit N2 is also connected to ground via the second switch SW2. The third input unit N3 is connected to the first terminal T1 of the input device 1. The third input unit N3 is also connected to ground.

[0167] The processing unit 25 is, for example, an electrostatic integrated circuit (IC). The electrostatic IC is an IC that has a function of detecting electrostatic capacitance. The processing unit 25 performs a first detection process. More specifically, the processing unit 25 includes a first detection unit 251 that performs the first detection process. The first detection unit 251 performs the first detection process based on the output voltage of a selection terminal 261b of a first changeover switch 261 (described later) (i.e., the input voltage Vin of a first input unit N1) at a processing timing defined by a trigger signal from a trigger output unit 264 (described later). The first detection process is the same as the first detection process in the above embodiment. Then, the first detection unit 251 outputs the processing result (i.e., the detection value of the pressing force) to a control unit 265 (described later).

[0168] The processing unit 26 is, for example, a microcomputer (microcontroller). The processing unit 26 performs a second detection process. More specifically, the processing unit 26 includes a second switch SW2, a first changeover switch 261, a second changeover switch 262, a second detection unit 263, a trigger output unit 264, and a control unit 265.

[0169] The second switch SW2 has the same configuration as the second switch SW2 in the above-described embodiment 1. The second switch SW2 is connected between the second input section N2 and the ground.

[0170] The first changeover switch 261 selects the connection destination of the first input unit N1 from among a second detection unit 263 (described later) and a first detection unit 251 of the processing unit 25, under the control of the control unit 265. More specifically, the first changeover switch 261 has a common terminal 261a and two selection terminals 261b and 261c. The common terminal 261a is connected to the first input unit N1. The selection terminal 261b is connected to the input unit of the first detection unit 251. The selection terminal 261c is connected to the input unit of the second detection unit 263.

[0171] The second changeover switch 262 selectively connects the ground terminal of the first detection unit 251 and the ground terminal of the second detection unit 263 to ground in accordance with the control of the control unit 265. More specifically, the second changeover switch 262 has a common terminal 262a and two selection terminals 262b and 262c. The common terminal 262a is connected to ground. The selection terminal 262b is connected to the ground terminal of the first detection unit 251. The selection terminal 262c is connected to the ground terminal of the second detection unit 263.

[0172] The second detection unit 263 performs a second detection process based on the output voltage of the selection terminal 261c of the first changeover switch 261 (i.e., the input voltage Vin to the first input unit N1). The second detection process is the same as the second detection process in the above embodiment. The second detection unit 263 outputs the detection result (i.e., the detection result as to whether the first switch SW1 is on or not) to the control unit 265.

[0173] The trigger output unit 264 outputs a trigger signal to the first detection unit 251 of the processing unit 25 in accordance with the control of the control unit 265. The trigger signal is a signal for notifying the first detection unit 251 of the timing to start the first detection process. The first output process is the same process as the first output process in the above embodiment.

[0174] The control unit 265 controls the second switch SW2, the first changeover switch 261, the second changeover switch 262, the second detection unit 263, and the trigger output unit 264.

[0175] The control unit 265 periodically switches the second switch SW2 on and off at a constant cycle.

[0176] Furthermore, the control unit 265 controls the switching of each of the first changeover switch 261 and the second changeover switch 262 in synchronization with the on / off switching cycle of the second switch SW2. Furthermore, the control unit 265 controls the output of the trigger output unit 264 in synchronization with the on / off switching cycle of the second switch SW2.

[0177] More specifically, when the control unit 265 switches the second switch SW2 on, the control unit 265 switches the common terminal 262a of the second changeover switch 262 to the selection terminal 262b in synchronization with the switching. As a result, when the second switch SW2 is in the on state, the ground terminal of the first detection unit 251 is connected to ground, and the first detection unit 251 is enabled as a circuit configuration. Furthermore, when the control unit 265 switches the second switch SW2 on, the control unit 265 switches the common terminal 261a of the first changeover switch 261 to the selection terminal 261b in synchronization with the switching. As a result, the input voltage Vin input to the first input unit N1 of the control device 2 is output to the first detection unit 251 by the first changeover switch 261. Furthermore, when the control unit 265 switches the second switch SW2 on, the control unit 265 controls the trigger output unit 264 to output a trigger signal from the trigger output unit 264 to the first detection unit 251 in synchronization with the switching. When the second switch SW2 is switched on by these controls, the first detection unit 251 performs a first detection process based on the output voltage (i.e., Vin) of the selection terminal 261b of the first changeover switch 261 at a timing designated by a trigger signal from the trigger output unit 264. Then, the first detection unit 251 outputs the detection result (i.e., the detection value of the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device 1) to the control unit 265.

[0178] Furthermore, when the control unit 265 switches the second switch SW2 off, it switches the common terminal 262a of the second changeover switch 262 to the selection terminal 262c in synchronization with the switching. As a result, when the second switch SW2 is in the off state, the ground terminal of the second detection unit 263 is connected to ground, and the second detection unit 263 becomes active as a circuit configuration. Furthermore, when the control unit 265 switches the second switch SW2 off, it switches the common terminal 261a of the first changeover switch 261 to the selection terminal 261c in synchronization with the switching. As a result, the input voltage Vin input to the first input unit N1 of the control device 2 is output to the second detection unit 263 by the first changeover switch 261. When the second switch SW2 is switched on by these controls, the second detection unit 263 performs second detection processing based on the output voltage (i.e., Vin) of the selection terminal 261c of the first changeover switch 261. Then, the second detection unit 263 outputs the detection result (that is, the detection result as to whether the first switch SW1 of the input device 1 is on or not) to the control unit 265.

[0179] (6-4-2) Effects In the fourth modification, the first detection process and the second detection process of the control device 2 are performed by separate processing units 25, 26. Therefore, it is possible to use, as each of the processing units 25, 26, a processing unit having the optimal processing capacity for the detection accuracy required for the detection process (first detection process and second detection process) performed by each of the processing units 25, 26. This makes it possible to prevent the processing capacity of the processing units 25, 26 from becoming excessive for the processing content to be executed.

[0180] (6-5) Variation 5 In the above embodiment, the first terminal T1 is connected to ground via the third input section N3. However, the first terminal T1 may be connected to the first input section N1 instead of the third input section N3, and the second terminal T2 and the fourth terminal T4 may be connected to ground by being connected to the third input section N3 instead of the first input section N1. In other words, it is sufficient that one of the first terminal T1, the second terminal T2, and the fourth terminal T4 is connected to ground.

[0181] (6-6) Variation 6 In the above embodiment, the second terminal T2 and the fourth terminal T4 are configured as separate terminals, but the second terminal T2 and the fourth terminal T4 may be combined into one terminal.

[0182] (7) Mode The present disclosure includes the following aspects.

[0183] An input system (100) of a first aspect includes an input device (1) and a control device (2). A push operation is input to the input device (1). The control device (2) detects the push operation input to the input device (1). The input device (1) includes a first terminal (T1), a second terminal (T2), a third terminal (T3), and a fourth terminal (T4), a first variable capacitor (C1), a second variable capacitor (C2), and a first switch (SW1). The first variable capacitor (C1) is connected between the first terminal (T1) and the second terminal (T2) and changes a capacitance (Q1) in response to the pressure of the push operation input to the input device (1). The second variable capacitor (C2) is connected between the third terminal (T3) and the fourth terminal (T4) and changes a capacitance (Q2) in response to the pressure of the push operation input to the input device (1). The first switch (SW1) is provided in the first electrical path (D1) between the first terminal (T1) and the third terminal (T3). When the pressing force of a pressing operation input to the input device (1) is less than a predetermined value, the first switch (SW1) is turned off, thereby interrupting the first electrical path (D1). When the pressing force reaches or exceeds the predetermined value, the first switch (SW1) is turned on, thereby conducting the first electrical path (D1). The second terminal (T2) and the fourth terminal (T4) are connected to each other. The control device (2) includes a second switch (SW2), a switching control unit (21a), and a detection unit (21b). The second switch (SW2) is provided in the second electrical path (D2) between the third terminal (T3) and ground, and is turned on or off, thereby switching between conduction and interruption of the second electrical path (D2). The switching control unit (21a) switches the second switch (SW2) on and off. The detection unit (21b) switches between and executes a first detection process and a second detection process depending on whether the second switch (SW2) is on or off. The first detection process is a process for detecting the pressing force of a pressing operation input to the input device (1) based on the output voltage of the second terminal (T2) or the fourth terminal (T4) when the second switch (SW2) is in an on state. The second detection process is a process for detecting whether the first switch (SW1) is on or not based on the output voltage of the second terminal (T2) or the fourth terminal (T4) when the second switch (SW2) is in an off state.

[0184] According to this configuration, the capacitors (first variable capacitor (C1) and second variable capacitor (C2)) used in the second detection process that detects whether the first switch (SW1) is on or not (i.e., whether the pressure of the push operation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value) can also be used in the first detection process that detects the pressure of the push operation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the planar size of the capacitors used in the first detection process from being limited by the planar size of the capacitors used in the second detection process. As a result, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of the first detection process.

[0185] The input system (100) of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and further includes a capacitor (C0). The capacitor (C0) is connected between the third terminal (T3) and the fourth terminal (T4).

[0186] According to this configuration, the detection accuracy of the second detection process can be further improved.

[0187] In the input system (100) of the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the first switch (SW1) includes a metal dome (16), an outer fixed contact element (12), and a central fixed contact element (13). The metal dome (16) reverses when the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device (1) reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. The outer fixed contact element (12) is electrically connected to the first terminal (T1) and contacts the peripheral edge portion (16b) of the metal dome (16). The central fixed contact element (13) is electrically connected to the third terminal (T3) and contacts the metal dome (16) in the reversed state.

[0188] According to this configuration, the use of the metal dome (16) allows the first switch (SW1) (that is, a switch that switches from OFF to ON when the pressing force of the pressing operation reaches or exceeds a predetermined value) to be configured simply.

[0189] In the input system (100) of the fourth aspect, the outer fixed contact body (12) of the third aspect is electrically connected to the first terminal (T1) and thereby electrically connected to the ground. The metal dome (16) is electrically connected to the ground by contacting the outer fixed contact body (12).

[0190] According to this configuration, the metal dome (16) is always connected to ground, and therefore the metal dome (16) can be used as a shield to block the influence (electrical influence) of an operating object (e.g., a finger) that presses the input device (1).

[0191] In an input system (100) of a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first variable capacitor (C1) includes a first fixed electrode (31), a first insulating sheet (7), a first elastic body (8), and a first movable electrode (32). The first fixed electrode (31) is electrically connected to the second terminal (T2). The first insulating sheet (7) covers the first fixed electrode (31). The first elastic body (8) is disposed on the first insulating sheet (7), is conductive, and is electrically connected to the first terminal (T1). The first movable electrode (32) is electrically connected to the first elastic body (8) and faces the first fixed electrode (31) via the first insulating sheet (7) and the first elastic body (8). The first movable electrode (32) moves toward and away from the first fixed electrode (31) in response to a pressing operation input to the input device (1). The second variable capacitor (C2) includes a second fixed electrode (41), a second insulating sheet (7), a second elastic body (9), and a second movable electrode (42). The second fixed electrode (41) is electrically connected to the fourth terminal (T4). The second insulating sheet (7) covers the second fixed electrode (41). The second elastic body (9) is disposed on the second insulating sheet (7), is conductive, and is electrically connected to the third terminal (T3). The second movable electrode (42) is electrically connected to the second elastic body (9) and faces the second fixed electrode (41) via the second insulating sheet (7) and the second elastic body (9). The second movable electrode (42) moves toward and away from the second fixed electrode (41) in response to a pressing operation input to the input device (1).

[0192] According to this configuration, the first variable capacitor (C1) and the second variable capacitor (C2) can be configured with a simple structure.

[0193] In the input system (100) of the sixth aspect, the first fixed electrode (31) and the second fixed electrode (41) of the fifth aspect are integrally formed.

[0194] This configuration allows the number of components in the input device (1) to be reduced.

[0195] In the input system (100) of the seventh aspect, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the first elastic body (8) has a first seat portion (81) and a plurality of first protrusions (82). The plurality of first protrusions (82) are provided on a main surface (81a) of the first seat portion (81) facing the first insulating sheet (7). The second elastic body (9) has a second seat portion (91) and a plurality of second protrusions (92). The plurality of second protrusions (92) are provided on a main surface (91a) of the second seat portion (91) facing the second insulating sheet (7).

[0196] According to this configuration, the characteristics (capacitance change amount, load range, linearity, etc.) of the first variable capacitor (C1) can be easily adjusted by adjusting the number and arrangement of the first protrusions (82). Also, the characteristics (capacitance change amount, load range, linearity, etc.) of the second variable capacitor (C2) can be easily adjusted by adjusting the number and arrangement of the second protrusions (92).

[0197] An input system (100) of an eighth aspect is any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, further comprising a first case (10) and a second case (11). The first case (10) has a storage recess (10c). The second case (11) is stored in the storage recess (10c) of the first case (10) so as to be displaceable in a depth direction (W3) of the storage recess (10c). The first variable capacitor (C1) and the second variable capacitor (C2) are disposed inside the storage recess (10c) of the first case (10) between a bottom (10a) of the storage recess (10c) and the second case (11). A first switch (SW1) is disposed in the second case (11). The second case (11) is displaceable in the depth direction (W3) in response to a pressing operation input to the input device (1). The capacitance of each of the first variable capacitor (C1) and the second variable capacitor (C2) changes in response to the displacement of the second case (11) in the depth direction (W3).

[0198] According to this configuration, the first switch (SW1), the first variable capacitor (C1), and the second variable capacitor (C2) can be arranged side by side in the depth direction (W3) of the accommodating recess (10c) of the first case (10), thereby preventing the planar dimensions of the first case (10) from increasing in size.

[0199] In the input system (100) of the ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the bottom (10a) of the first case (10) is rectangular in plan view in the thickness direction (W3) of the first case (10). The first fixed electrode (31) of the first variable capacitor (C1) and the second fixed electrode (41) of the second variable capacitor (C2) are arranged on the bottom (10a) of the first case (10) with a gap (E1) between them in the longitudinal direction (W1) of the bottom (10a).

[0200] According to this configuration, the gap (E1) between the first fixed electrode (31) and the second fixed electrode (41) extends along the short-side direction (W2) of the bottom portion (10a) of the first case (10). Therefore, the area of ​​the gap (E1) can be made smaller than when the gap (E1) extends along the long-side direction (W1) of the bottom portion (10a) of the first case (10) (i.e., when the first fixed electrode (31) and the second fixed electrode (41) are aligned in the short-side direction (W2) of the bottom portion (10a)). As a result, the area of ​​the gap (E1) can be prevented from limiting the planar dimensions of each of the first fixed electrode (31) and the second fixed electrode (41).

[0201] The input system (100) of the tenth aspect is the eighth or ninth aspect, further comprising a first connection electrode (5) and a second connection electrode (6). The first connection electrode (5) is formed integrally with the first terminal (T1) and is in electrical contact with the first elastic body (8). The second connection electrode (6) is formed integrally with the third terminal (T3) and is in electrical contact with the second elastic body (9). The bottom (10a) of the first case (10) has a first corner (10d) and a second corner (10e). The first corner (10d) and the second corner (10e) are arranged diagonally from each other on the bottom (10a). The first connection electrode (5) is arranged at the first corner (10d) of the bottom (10a) of the first case (10). The second connection electrode (6) is disposed at a second corner (10e) of the bottom (10a) of the first case (10). The first fixed electrode (31) and the second fixed electrode (41) are disposed in an area of ​​the bottom (10a) of the first case (10) other than the first connection electrode (5) and the second connection electrode (6).

[0202] According to this configuration, the first connection electrode (5) and the second connection electrode (6) are arranged at two diagonal corners (first corner (10d) and second corner (10e)) of the bottom (10a) of the first case (10), so that the planar shape of the entire fixed electrode, which is the combination of the first fixed electrode (31) and the second fixed electrode (41), can be made approximately symmetrical in the longitudinal direction (W1) and the lateral direction (W2) of the bottom (10a) of the first case (10). As a result, even if the position of the push operation is shifted from the center of the input device (1), the push operation can be detected with high accuracy.

[0203] The input system (100) of an eleventh aspect is any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, and further includes a cover film (18) and a pressing body (17). The cover film (18) is fixed to the first case (10) so as to cover the opening surface of the accommodation recess (10c) and receives input of a pressing operation. The pressing body (17) is fixed to the back surface of the cover film (18) and transmits the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the cover film (18) to the first switch (SW1).

[0204] According to this configuration, the cover film (18) can prevent dust and the like from entering the inside of the accommodation recess (10c) of the first case (10). Furthermore, even when the cover film (18) is provided, the pressing force of the pressing operation can be appropriately transmitted to the first switch (SW1) by the pressing body.

[0205] In an input system (100) of a twelfth aspect, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the detection unit (21b) of the control device (2) calculates a capacitance change amount (Δ1) by subtracting the second capacitance (Q12a) from the first capacitance (Q12) in the first detection process. The first capacitance (Q12) is determined from the output voltage of the second terminal (T2) or the fourth terminal (T4) when a push operation is performed on the input device (1) with the second switch (SW2) in the on state. The second capacitance (Q12a) is determined from the output voltage of the second terminal (T2) or the fourth terminal (T4) with no load and the second switch (SW2) in the on state. The detection unit (21b) detects the pressing force of the push operation input to the input device (1) based on the calculated capacitance change amount (Δ1).

[0206] According to this configuration, the pressing force of the pressing operation can be detected with higher accuracy in the first detection process.

[0207] In an input system (100) of a thirteenth aspect, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, in the second detection process, the detection unit (21b) of the control device (2) calculates a capacitance change amount (Δ1) by subtracting the second capacitance (Q12a) from the first capacitance (Q12). The first capacitance (Q12) is calculated from the output voltage of the second terminal (T2) or the fourth terminal (T4) when the input device (1) is pressed with the second switch (SW2) in the off state. The second capacitance (Q12a) is calculated from the output voltage of the second terminal (T2) or the fourth terminal (T4) with no load and the second switch (SW2) in the off state. The detection unit (21b) determines that the first switch (SW1) is on when the calculated capacitance change amount (Δ1) is equal to or greater than a threshold value (Δs).

[0208] According to this configuration, in the second detection process, it is possible to more accurately detect whether the first switch (SW1) is on or not.

[0209] In the input system (100) of the 14th aspect, in any one of the first to 13th aspects, the switching control section (21a) of the control device (2) periodically switches the second switch (SW2) on and off at a constant cycle. The detection section (21b) of the control device (2) performs a first detection process for each on-period of the on-off switching of the second switch (SW2) and a second detection process for each off-period of the on-off switching of the second switch (SW2).

[0210] According to this configuration, the first detection process and the second detection process can be performed periodically at a constant cycle, so that regardless of which event occurs first, the input of the push operation or the turning on of the first switch (SW1), the event that has occurred can be detected quickly.

[0211] An input device (1) of a fifteenth aspect accepts input of a push operation. The input device (1) includes a first terminal (T1), a second terminal (T2), a third terminal (T3), and a fourth terminal (T4), a first variable capacitor (C1), a second variable capacitor (C2), and a first switch (SW1). The first variable capacitor (C1) is connected between the first terminal (T1) and the second terminal (T2) and changes a capacitance (Q1) in response to the pressure of the push operation input to the input device (1). The second variable capacitor (C2) is connected between the third terminal (T3) and the fourth terminal (T4) and changes a capacitance (Q2) in response to the pressure of the push operation input to the input device (1). The first switch (SW1) is provided in the first electrical circuit (D1) between the first terminal (T1) and the third terminal (T3), and when the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device (1) is less than a predetermined value, the first switch (SW1) turns off to interrupt the first electrical circuit (D1), and when the pressing force becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the first switch (SW1) turns on to conduct the first electrical circuit (D1).

[0212] According to this configuration, the first terminal (T1) is connected to ground, the third terminal (T3) is connected to ground via the second switch (SW2), and the second terminal (T2) and the fourth terminal (T4) are connected to each other. Then, the second switch (SW2) is switched on and off. When the second switch (SW2) is in the on state, the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device (1) is detected (first detection process) based on the output voltage of the second terminal (T2) or the fourth terminal (T4). When the second switch (SW2) is in the off state, the first switch (SW1) is detected to be on or not (second detection process) based on the output voltage of the first terminal (T1) or the fourth terminal (T4). This allows the capacitors (first variable capacitor (C1) and second variable capacitor (C2)) used in the second detection process (SW detection) to also be used in the first detection process (pressure detection). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the planar size of the capacitor used in the first detection process from being limited by the planar size of the capacitor used in the second detection process. As a result, the detection accuracy of the first detection process can be improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0213] 1. Input Device 2. Control device 5 First connection electrode 6 Second connection electrode 7 Insulation sheets (first insulation sheet, second insulation sheet) 8 First Elastic Body 9 Second Elastic Body 10 Case 1 10d First corner 10e Second corner 10a bottom 10c Recessed portion 11 Case 2 12 Outside fixed contact body 13 Central fixed contact body 16 Metal Dome 16b Periphery 17 Pressing body 18 Cover film 21 Processing section 21a Switching control unit 21b Detector 31 1st fixed electrode 32 1st movable electrode 41 Second fixed electrode 42 Second movable electrode 81 First seat section 81a Main surface 82 1st protrusion 91 Second seat section 91a Main surface 92 Second protrusion 100 Input Systems C0 capacitor C1 First variable capacitor C2 Second variable capacitor D1 1st electrical circuit D2 2nd electrical circuit E1 Gap SW1 First switch SW2 Second switch T1 Terminal 1 T2 Terminal 2 T3 Third terminal T4 4th terminal Q1 Capacitance of the first variable capacitor during operation Q1a Capacitance of the first variable capacitor when no load is applied Q2 Capacitance of the second variable capacitor during operation Q2a Capacitance of the second variable capacitor when no load is applied Q12 First capacitance under load Q12a Primary capacitance under no load W1 Longitudinal direction W3 depth direction Δ1 capacitance change amount Δs threshold

Claims

1. an input device into which a pressing operation is input; a control device that detects the pressing operation input to the input device, The input device is a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal; a first variable capacitor connected between the first terminal and the second terminal, the first variable capacitor changing its capacitance in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device; a second variable capacitor connected between the third terminal and the fourth terminal and configured to change capacitance in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device; a first switch that is provided in a first electric circuit between the first terminal and the third terminal, and that is turned off to interrupt the first electric circuit when the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device is less than a predetermined value, and that is turned on to conduct the first electric circuit when the pressing force is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the second terminal and the fourth terminal are connected to each other, The control device a second switch that is provided in a second electrical path between the third terminal and ground and that switches between conduction and interruption of the second electrical path by being switched on or off; a switching control unit that switches the second switch between on and off; a detection unit that switches between and executes a first detection process and a second detection process in response to the second switch being turned on or off, the first detection process is a process of detecting the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device based on an output voltage of the second terminal or the fourth terminal when the second switch is in an on state; the second detection process is a process of detecting whether the first switch is on or not based on an output voltage of the second terminal or the fourth terminal while the second switch is in an off state. Input system.

2. further comprising a capacitor connected between the third terminal and the fourth terminal; The input system according to claim 1 .

3. The first switch is a metal dome that reverses when the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value; an outer fixed contact body electrically connected to the first terminal and in contact with a peripheral edge of the metal dome; a central fixed contact body electrically connected to the third terminal and in contact with the metal dome in an inverted state; 3. The input system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the outer fixed contact body is electrically connected to the first terminal and thereby electrically connected to ground; The metal dome is electrically connected to the ground by contacting the outer fixed contact body. The input system according to claim 3 .

5. The first variable capacitor is a first fixed electrode electrically connected to the second terminal; a first insulating sheet covering the first fixed electrode; a first elastic body that is disposed on the first insulating sheet, has conductivity, and is electrically connected to the first terminal; a first movable electrode electrically connected to the first elastic body and facing the first fixed electrode via the first insulating sheet and the first elastic body; the first movable electrode moves toward and away from the first fixed electrode in response to the pressing operation input to the input device; The second variable capacitor is a second fixed electrode electrically connected to the fourth terminal; a second insulating sheet covering the second fixed electrode; a second elastic body that is disposed on the second insulating sheet, has conductivity, and is electrically connected to the third terminal; a second movable electrode electrically connected to the second elastic body and facing the second fixed electrode via the second insulating sheet and the second elastic body; the second movable electrode moves toward and away from the second fixed electrode in response to the pressing operation input to the input device; 3. The input system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode are integrally formed, The input system according to claim 5 .

7. The first elastic body is A first seat portion; a plurality of first protrusions provided on a main surface of the first sheet portion facing the first insulating sheet, The second elastic body is A second seat portion; a plurality of second protrusions provided on a main surface of the second sheet portion facing the second insulating sheet; The input system according to claim 5 .

8. a first case having an accommodating recess; a second case accommodated in the accommodation recess of the first case so as to be displaceable in a depth direction of the accommodation recess, the first variable capacitor and the second variable capacitor are disposed inside the accommodating recess of the first case, between a bottom of the accommodating recess and the second case, The first switch is disposed in the second case, the second case is displaced in the depth direction in response to the pressing operation input to the input device, the capacitance of each of the first variable capacitor and the second variable capacitor changes in response to the displacement of the second case in the depth direction; The input system according to claim 5 .

9. the bottom of the first case has a rectangular shape when viewed from above in a thickness direction of the first case, the first fixed electrode of the first variable capacitor and the second fixed electrode of the second variable capacitor are arranged at the bottom of the first case with a gap between them in the longitudinal direction of the bottom.

9. The input system according to claim 8.

10. a first connection electrode formed integrally with the first terminal and electrically contacting the first elastic body; a second connection electrode formed integrally with the third terminal and electrically contacting the second elastic body; the bottom of the first case has a first corner and a second corner that are diagonally arranged on the bottom, the first connection electrode is disposed at the first corner of the bottom of the first case, the second connection electrode is disposed at the second corner of the bottom of the first case, the first fixed electrode and the second fixed electrode are disposed in an area of ​​the bottom of the first case other than the first connection electrode and the second connection electrode; 9. The input system according to claim 8.

11. a cover film fixed to the first case so as to cover an opening surface of the accommodation recess and configured to receive the pressing operation; a pressing body fixed to a rear surface of the cover film and transmitting the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the cover film to the first switch, 9. The input system according to claim 8.

12. The detection unit of the control device In the first detection process, a capacitance change amount is calculated by subtracting a second capacitance calculated from the output voltage of the second terminal or the fourth terminal when the second switch is in an on state and no load is applied from a first capacitance calculated from the output voltage of the second terminal or the fourth terminal when a pressing operation is applied to the input device when the second switch is in an on state, and the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device is detected based on the calculated capacitance change amount.

3. The input system according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The detection unit of the control device In the second detection process, a capacitance change amount is calculated by subtracting a second capacitance calculated from the output voltage of the second terminal or the fourth terminal when the second switch is in an off state and there is no load from a first capacitance calculated from the output voltage of the second terminal or the fourth terminal when the input device is pressed with the second switch in an off state, and if the calculated capacitance change amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value, it is determined that the first switch is on.

3. The input system according to claim 1 or 2.

14. the switching control unit of the control device periodically switches on and off the second switch at a constant cycle, the detection unit of the control device performs the first detection process for each ON period of ON / OFF switching of the second switch, and performs the second detection process for each OFF period of ON / OFF switching of the second switch.

3. The input system according to claim 1 or 2.

15. An input device that accepts a push operation input, a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal; a first variable capacitor connected between the first terminal and the second terminal, the first variable capacitor changing its capacitance in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device; a second variable capacitor connected between the third terminal and the fourth terminal and configured to change capacitance in response to the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device; a first switch provided in a first electrical path between the first terminal and the third terminal, the first switch being turned off to interrupt the first electrical path when the pressing force of the pressing operation input to the input device is less than a predetermined value, and being turned on to conduct the first electrical path when the pressing force is equal to or greater than the predetermined value; Input device.

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