Input device and rotation detection device thereof

Abstract

To provide an input device capable of improving measurement accuracy and measurement stability, simplifying a structure, achieving miniaturization, simplifying a manufacturing and assembling process, and achieving cost reduction.SOLUTION: FIELD Embodiments described herein relate generally to an input device and a method for manufacturing an input device. An input device according to an embodiment includes a main body housing including a metal side plate, an interlocking portion provided on the main body housing in a swingable manner, and a rotation detection device that detects a rotation angle of the interlocking portion, wherein the rotation detection device includes a housing, a sensor electrode provided on the housing, a reference electrode facing the sensor electrode, a movable plate rotatably provided on the housing so as to be disposed between the sensor electrode and the reference electrode, and a shield plate provided on an outer wall of the housing, and the shield plate is connected to the metal side plate in the main body housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to an input device and a rotation detection device thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, multi-directional input devices that operate multiple electrical components using a single operating axis that can move in multiple directions are publicly known. In such multi-directional input devices, sensors that detect the movement of the operating axis include electrical resistance sensors, magnetic sensors, and electrostatic sensors. Compared to electrical resistance sensors, electrostatic sensors eliminate the problem of resistance drift, and compared to magnetic sensors, they do not require magnets and Hall elements, allowing for contactless motion detection with a simpler structure and lower cost. Furthermore, electrostatic sensors can also realize additional functions based on electrostatics, such as touch detection, pressure detection, encoders, and touch panels. Therefore, electrostatic motion sensors are widely used in various devices that detect minute movements, such as multi-directional input devices.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device including a first stationary conductive source surface connected to a source of oscillating electrical energy, a second stationary surface spaced apart from the first stationary conductive source surface and including a plurality of conductive detection areas arranged to cooperate with the first stationary conductive source surface, a third movable conductive surface connected to a movable member and arranged between the first stationary conductive source surface and the plurality of detection areas, and configured to limit the amount of electrical energy transferred from the first stationary conductive source surface to the plurality of detection areas in direct response to the relative position of the third movable conductive surface with respect to the second stationary surface, and a third movable conductive surface connected to the movable member and arranged between the detection areas and the third movable conductive surface. a first, stationary conductive source surface for holding the sensing regions and a third, movable conductive surface at substantially the same potential; an electrical measurement circuit connected to each of the sensing regions for measuring the relative position of the third, movable conductive surface based on the amount of energy received by the respective sensing region; and an electrical control circuit connected to the electrical measurement circuit and to the source in a feedback configuration for controlling the amount of energy the source provides to the first, stationary conductive source surface based on the amount of energy received by the sensing regions.

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, the variable capacitive transducer (sensor) is not provided with a shielding member, making it susceptible to noise. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the third movable conductive surface, the first stationary conductive source surface, and the second stationary surface all need to be connected to an electrical circuit, resulting in a complex circuit structure. Furthermore, the variable capacitive transducer (sensor) detects a full angle, i.e., 360°, and one side of the third movable conductive surface needs to be positioned at approximately 90°, which tends to result in a large, heavy structure and high cost. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the variable capacitive transducer (sensor) needs to be fixed with screws 103, which requires a large number of parts, a complex manufacturing and assembly process, and the screws are prone to loosening, resulting in noise generation, unstable positioning, low measurement accuracy, and poor stability. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-055500 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, and aims to provide an input device and a rotation detection device thereof that can improve measurement accuracy and stability, simplify the structure, achieve miniaturization, simplify the manufacturing and assembly processes, and reduce costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The input device of the present invention comprises a main body housing including a metal side plate, a linkage part swingably mounted on the main body housing, and a rotation detection device that detects the rotation angle of the linkage part, wherein the rotation detection device has a housing, a sensor electrode mounted on the housing, a reference electrode facing the sensor electrode, a movable plate rotatably mounted on the housing so as to be positioned between the sensor electrode and the reference electrode, and a shield plate mounted on the outer wall of the housing, and the shield plate is connected to the metal side plate of the main body housing.

[0008] According to the input device of the present invention, the shield plate can be easily grounded by connecting it to the metal side plate of the main body of the input device. In addition, there is no need to provide a dedicated through-hole for grounding the rotation detection device in the wiring board on which the input device is mounted. This simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process of the input device and reduces costs.

[0009] Furthermore, the input device according to the present invention is characterized in that the shield plate is provided with mounting legs, and the mounting legs are configured so that their tips are bent and engage with the metal side plates of the main body housing when the shield plate is connected to the metal side plates of the main body housing.

[0010] According to the input device of the present invention, the shield plate can be easily attached, and the assembly process of the input device can be simplified.

[0011] The input device according to the present invention is also characterized in that a protrusion is provided on the surface of the outer wall on which the shield plate of the housing is provided, and a hole is provided in the shield plate at a position corresponding to the protrusion.

[0012] According to the input device of the present invention, the projections on the outer wall of the housing and the holes on the shield plate corresponding to the projections make it easy to position the shield plate relative to the housing, allowing for easy installation of the shield plate and simplifying the assembly process of the input device.

[0013] The input device according to the present invention is characterized in that the shield plate is provided with a positioning portion, and the housing is provided with a positioning hole at a position corresponding to the positioning portion.

[0014] According to the input device of the present invention, the positioning portion provided on the shield plate and the positioning hole provided on the housing corresponding to the positioning portion can easily position the shield plate and the housing, allowing for easy installation of the shield plate and simplifying the assembly process of the input device.

[0015] The input device according to the present invention further comprises a measurement IC having an AC signal source and an operational amplifier, wherein the reference electrode is electrically connected to one terminal of the operational amplifier and the AC signal source, the sensor electrode is electrically connected to the other terminal of the operational amplifier, and the movable plate is attached to the housing via a resin rotating shaft and is not electrically connected to other members.

[0016] In addition, the input device of the present invention further includes a measurement IC having an operational amplifier and an AC signal source electrically connected to one terminal of the operational amplifier, wherein the reference electrode is grounded, the sensor electrode is electrically connected to the other terminal of the operational amplifier, and the movable plate is attached to the housing via a resin rotating shaft and is not electrically connected to other members.

[0017] According to the input device of the present invention, the movable plate is attached to the housing via the rotation axis and is not electrically connected to other components. This eliminates the need for a structure to electrically connect the movable plate, simplifies the mounting structure of the movable plate, simplifies the manufacturing and assembly processes, and easily realizes miniaturization of the rotation detection device and input device, thereby reducing costs.

[0018] In addition, the input device of the present invention is characterized in that the sensor electrode includes four annular fan-shaped sub-electrodes divided from a ring, the four sub-electrodes are configured to be arranged along the circumference with a gap between adjacent sub-electrodes, and of the four sub-electrodes, sub-electrodes that are not adjacent on the circumference are electrically connected to each other, the movable plate has a shape formed by connecting two fan-shaped plates with arc portions facing in opposite directions, and the central angle of the movable plate is greater than 55° and less than 85°.

[0019] In addition, the input device according to the present invention is characterized in that the gap between adjacent sub-electrodes includes a gap that does not overlap with the movable plate and a gap that overlaps with the movable plate, and the gap that does not overlap with the movable plate is larger than the gap that overlaps with the movable plate.

[0020] According to the input device of the present invention, the size of the movable plate can be made appropriate, the measurement accuracy can be improved, the cost can be reduced, and the size of the device can be easily reduced.

[0021] In addition, the input device of the present invention is characterized in that the sensor electrode is insert-molded into the housing so that the surface opposite to the side facing the movable plate and the annular inner and outer edge portions on the surface facing the movable plate are covered by the housing.

[0022] In addition, the input device of the present invention is characterized in that the reference electrode is a metal plate having a circular ring shape, and the reference electrode is insert-molded into the housing so that the surface opposite to the side facing the movable plate and the inner and outer edges of the ring on the surface facing the movable plate are covered by the housing.

[0023] According to the input device of the present invention, the sensor electrode and / or reference electrode are insert-molded into a resin housing so that they are partially exposed, and thus can be stably fixed to the housing without the need for fixing materials such as screws. This reduces the number of parts and reduces costs, simplifies the manufacturing and assembly processes, reduces noise generation, stabilizes the position of the sensor electrode and / or reference electrode, and provides high measurement accuracy and excellent stability.

[0024] The input device according to the present invention is characterized in that half or more of the area of ​​the surface of the sensor electrode facing the movable plate is not covered by the housing.

[0025] The input device according to the present invention is characterized in that half or more of the area of ​​the surface of the reference electrode facing the movable plate is not covered by the housing.

[0026] According to the input device of the present invention, more than half of the area of ​​the sensor electrode and / or reference electrode is fixed to the mold during insert molding, so the position of the sensor electrode and / or reference electrode is stable, noise is less likely to occur, and measurement accuracy is high and stability is excellent.

[0027] In addition, the input device of the present invention is characterized in that the thickness of the housing covering the inner edge of the ring on the surface of the sensor electrode facing the movable plate in the direction along the rotation axis is greater than the thickness of the housing covering the outer edge of the ring on the surface of the sensor electrode facing the movable plate.

[0028] In addition, the input device of the present invention is characterized in that the thickness of the housing covering the inner edge of the ring on the surface of the reference electrode facing the movable plate in the direction along the rotation axis is greater than the thickness of the housing covering the outer edge of the ring on the surface of the reference electrode facing the movable plate.

[0029] According to the input device of the present invention described above, by making the thickness of the housing covering the inner edge of the ring greater than the thickness of the housing covering the outer edge of the ring, the movable plate can be securely held, movement of the axis of the movable plate can be prevented, and contact between the movable plate and other resin parts can be prevented.

[0030] In the input device according to the present invention, the metal side plate of the main body housing is grounded, and the sensor electrode is disposed closer to the main body housing than the reference electrode.

[0031] According to the input device of the present invention, the main body housing is securely grounded and the sensor electrode is positioned closer to the securely grounded main body housing, thereby further improving the accuracy of measurement.

[0032] Furthermore, the input device of the present invention is characterized in that the interlocking portion includes a first interlocking portion swingably mounted on the main body housing and a second interlocking portion swingably mounted on the main body side housing in a direction perpendicular to the first interlocking portion, and the rotation detection device includes a first rotation detection device that detects the rotation angle of the first interlocking portion and a second rotation detection device that detects the rotation angle of the second interlocking portion.

[0033] According to the input device of the present invention, movements in multiple directions can be detected with high accuracy.

[0034] Furthermore, the rotation detection device according to the present invention comprises a housing, a sensor electrode provided in the housing, a movable plate rotatably provided on the housing, and a circular reference electrode, wherein the sensor electrode includes four circular fan-shaped sub-electrodes divided from the ring, the four sub-electrodes are arranged along the circumference with a gap between adjacent sub-electrodes, and of the four sub-electrodes, sub-electrodes that are not adjacent on the circumference are electrically connected, the movable plate has a shape formed by connecting two fan-shaped plates whose arc portions face in opposite directions, the central angle of the movable plate is greater than 55° and less than 85°, the gap between adjacent sub-electrodes includes a gap that does not overlap with the movable plate and a gap that overlaps with the movable plate, and the gap that does not overlap with the movable plate is larger than the gap that overlaps with the movable plate.

[0035] According to the rotation detection device of the present invention, the size of the movable plate can be made appropriate, the measurement accuracy can be improved, costs can be reduced, and the device can be easily made smaller.

[0036] Furthermore, a rotation detection device according to the present invention comprises a housing, a sensor electrode provided in the housing, a movable plate rotatably provided on the housing, and a circular reference electrode, wherein the sensor electrode includes four annular fan-shaped sub-electrodes separated from the ring, the four sub-electrodes being arranged along the circumference with a gap between adjacent sub-electrodes, and of the four sub-electrodes, sub-electrodes that are not adjacent on the circumference are electrically connected, the movable plate has a shape formed by connecting two fan-shaped plates with arc portions facing in opposite directions, the reference electrode is insert-molded into the housing so that the surface opposite the side facing the movable plate and the inner and outer edges of the ring on the surface facing the movable plate are covered by the housing, and the sensor electrode is insert-molded into the housing so that the surface opposite the side facing the movable plate and the inner and outer edges of the ring on the surface facing the movable plate are covered by the housing.

[0037] According to the rotation detection device of the present invention, the reference electrode and the sensor electrode are insert-molded into a resin housing so that they are partially exposed, and thus can be stably fixed to the housing without the need for fixing materials such as screws. This reduces the number of parts and reduces costs, simplifies the manufacturing and assembly processes, reduces noise generation, stabilizes the position of the sensor electrode and / or reference electrode, and provides high measurement accuracy and excellent stability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1A] 1 is a three-dimensional view of a partial structure of an input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a partial structure of an input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1C] 1 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a rotation detection device of an input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1D] 4 is a three-dimensional view of another partial structure of the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2A] FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view of a partial structure of an input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] FIG. 10 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a partial structure of an input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2C] FIG. 10 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a rotation detection device of an input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2D] FIG. 10 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a rotation detection device of an input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2E] FIG. 10 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a rotation detection device of an input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2F] FIG. 10 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a rotation detection device of an input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] 3 is a schematic diagram of a fixing structure of a shield plate of the rotation detection device of the input device according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3B] 3 is a schematic diagram of a fixing structure of a shield plate of the rotation detection device of the input device according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4A]10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a positioning structure for a shield plate of a rotation detection device of an input device according to the present invention. [Figure 4B] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a positioning structure for a shield plate of a rotation detection device of an input device according to the present invention. [Figure 4C] 10 is a schematic diagram of another example of a shield plate of the rotation detection device of the input device according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5A] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a circuit connection structure of a rotation detection device of an input device according to the present invention. [Figure 5B] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a circuit connection structure of a rotation detection device of an input device according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6A] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the shapes of a sensor electrode and a movable plate of a rotation detection device of an input device according to the present invention. [Figure 6B] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating another example of the shapes of the sensor electrodes and the movable plate of the rotation detection device of the input device according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating another example of the shapes of the sensor electrodes and the movable plate of the rotation detection device of the input device according to the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a method for forming a reference electrode and a sensor electrode of a rotation detection device for an input device according to the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a three-dimensional view of a partial structure of an input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a three-dimensional view of an example of a partial structure of an input device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Hereinafter, an input device and a rotation detection device thereof according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0040] In addition, the drawings only show elements related to the technical idea of ​​the invention, and other elements are omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are illustrative or conceptual, and the dimensions of each part and the dimensional ratios between parts are not necessarily the same as in reality. Even when the same part is shown, the dimensions and ratios between parts may be different depending on the drawing.

[0041] Furthermore, in the specification and drawings of this application, the same reference numerals are used to designate components that perform the same or similar functions. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those previously described in the drawings, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0042] (First embodiment) An input device according to a first embodiment will be described below mainly with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1D. FIG. 1A is a three-dimensional view of a partial structure of the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is an exploded three-dimensional view of a partial structure of the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1C is an exploded three-dimensional view of a rotation detection device of the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1D is a three-dimensional view of another partial structure of the input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the input device 1 according to this embodiment includes a main body housing 10 including a metal frame 11. The main body housing 10 is formed by bending an iron plate (metal plate) or the like using a press or the like. The metal frame 11 included in the main body housing 10 has a top plate 10e and four metal side plates 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, and is hollow inside and has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open bottom. A circular operation hole 10f is formed in the center of the top plate 1e. The metal side plates 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d of the main body housing 10 are grounded.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 1B, holes are formed in each of the metal side plates 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. These holes are intended to accommodate and attach other members such as the rotation detection member 30. The hollow interior of the main body housing 10 and the operation hole 10f are intended to accommodate and attach members such as the interlocking unit 20 and the operation shaft JK shown in Fig. 1D.

[0045] The input device 1 according to this embodiment includes a linking part 20 provided on the main body housing 1 so as to be able to swing.

[0046] The input device 1 according to this embodiment includes a rotation detection device 30. This rotation detection device 30 is attached directly to, for example, one metal side plate of the main body housing 10, or is attached by a mounting member, and is connected to the interlocking part to detect the rotation angle of the interlocking part. While the example shows a situation where one rotation detection device 30 is provided, typically two rotation detection devices 30 are arranged on one metal side plate of the main body housing 1 to detect tilt in all directions.

[0047] 1C, the rotation detection device 30 includes a housing 31, a sensor electrode 32 provided on the housing 31, a reference electrode 33 facing the sensor electrode 32, a movable plate 34 rotatably provided on the housing 31 so as to be positioned between the sensor electrode 32 and the reference electrode 33, and a shield plate 35 provided on the outer wall of the housing 31. Here, as shown in FIG. 1A, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, the shield plate 35 is connected to the metal frame 11 of the main body housing 10. Here, the shield plate 35 is made of, for example, a metal material.

[0048] Here, the housing 31 is made of resin and is formed in a generally box-like shape with an opening, and one side of the housing 31 is formed with a space SS in which the sensor electrode 32, the reference electrode 33, the movable plate 34, and the shield plate 35 are housed and attached. The sensor electrode 32, the movable plate 34, the reference electrode 33, and the shield plate 35 are housed and attached in the space SS in this order, for example, but are not limited to this order.

[0049] The sensor electrode 32 is provided in the space SS so as to be fitted into the housing 31. The sensor electrode 32 has legs 321 for attaching the sensor electrode 32 to a substrate SP (see FIG. 10 below). The legs 321 may be formed as a part of the sensor electrode 32, or may be formed separately from the sensor electrode 32.

[0050] The reference electrode 33 faces the sensor electrode 32 with a movable plate 34 interposed between them. The reference electrode 33 is attached to the housing 31 by, for example, an attachment member LL on the housing 31. This attachment member may be, for example, a screw. Alternatively, it may be a resin protrusion that engages with an attachment hole formed in the reference electrode 33. The reference electrode 33 has a leg 331 for attaching the reference electrode 33 to the substrate SP (see FIG. 10 below). The leg 331 may be formed as a part of the reference electrode 33, or may be formed separately from the reference electrode 33. Although FIGS. 1A to 1C show a situation in which one leg 331 is provided, the present invention is not limited to this and other numbers may be used.

[0051] Furthermore, the movable plate 34 is made of metal, for example, and is attached to the space SS in the housing 31 via a resin rotating shaft 36, and is disposed between the sensor electrode 32 and the reference electrode 33. When the rotating shaft 36 rotates in conjunction with the interlocking part, the movable plate 34 rotates along with the rotation of the rotating shaft 36, changing the area of ​​overlap between the sensor electrode 32 and the reference electrode 33 and changing the electrical capacitance formed between them. In this way, the rotation angle of the interlocking part is detected by detecting the change in electrical capacitance, and the movement of the operating shaft that prompts the movement of the interlocking part is detected.

[0052] The shield plate 35 closes the opening of the housing 31 so as to cover the sensor electrode 32, the movable plate 34, and the reference electrode 33 housed and attached in the space SS of the housing 31. The shield plate 35 is provided with mounting legs 351, which connect the shield plate 35 to the metal frame 11 of the main body housing 10. Holes HH are formed in the mounting legs 351 of the shield plate 35. The holes HH engage with mounting sections 311 formed in the housing 31, thereby fixing and holding the shield plate 35 to the housing 31. The mounting legs 351 of the shield plate 35 are formed so that, after the shield plate 35 is fixed and held to the housing 31, the mounting legs 351 come into contact with the side plate of the main body housing 10, i.e., the metal frame 11, when the rotation detection device 30 is attached to the side plate of the main body housing 10.

[0053] As described above, according to the input device 1 of this embodiment, the shield plate 35 can be easily grounded by providing the shield plate 35 and connecting the shield plate 35 to the metal frame 11 of the main body housing 10 of the input device 1. Furthermore, there is no need to provide a dedicated through-hole for grounding the rotation detection device in the wiring board on which the input device 1 is mounted, which simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process of the input device 1 and enables cost reduction to be achieved.

[0054] (Second embodiment) Hereinafter, an input device 1A according to the second embodiment will be described mainly with reference to Figs. 2A to 4C. Fig. 2A is a three-dimensional view of a partial structure of the input device 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2B is an exploded three-dimensional view of a partial structure of the input device 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 2C to 2F are exploded three-dimensional views of a rotation detection device of the input device 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 3A to 3B are schematic diagrams of a fixing structure of a shield plate of a rotation detection device of an input device according to the present invention. Figs. 4A to 4B are schematic diagrams of an example of a positioning structure of a shield plate of a rotation detection device of an input device according to the present invention. Fig. 4C is another example of a shield plate of a rotation detection device of an input device according to the present invention.

[0055] As shown in Figures 2A to 2F, the structure of the input device 1A according to the second embodiment differs from that of the input device 1 according to the first embodiment in that the shield plate 35 of the input device 1A according to the second embodiment is provided with mounting legs 351, and these mounting legs 351 are configured so that their tips are bent and engaged with the metal frame 11 of the main body housing 10 when the shield plate 35 is connected to the metal frame 11 of the main body housing 10.

[0056] Specifically, in the input device 1A according to the second embodiment, mounting holes 111 are formed in the metal frame 11 of the main body housing 10 so as to engage with the mounting legs 351 provided on the shield plate 35. Here, the situation is shown in which two mounting holes 111 are formed in the metal frame 11 of the main body housing 10 corresponding to the mounting legs 351 of the shield plate 35, but this is not limitative and other numbers may be set according to the product specifications.

[0057] Furthermore, in the input device 1A according to the second embodiment, the shield plate 35 is made of, for example, an elastically deformable metal material. As shown in FIGS. 2B to 2F, the tips of the mounting legs 351 of the shield plate 35 are bent, for example, so that the cross section is substantially V-shaped. Here, it is assumed that two opposing mounting legs 351 are provided, but this is not limitative and other numbers may be set according to the product specifications. It is only necessary that the number of mounting legs 351 is the same as the number of mounting holes 111.

[0058] In addition, in the input device 1A according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2C, a recess 312 is provided in the housing 31 corresponding to the mounting leg 351 of the shield plate 35, so that the mounting leg 351 of the shield plate 35 can be accommodated.

[0059] Mounting legs 351 of shield plate 35 are housed in recess 312 in housing 31 and are attached to the metal side plate of main body housing 10 as one of the components of rotation detection member 30 together with the other components of rotation detection member 30. Specifically, the tips of mounting legs 351 of shield plate 35 are inserted into mounting holes 111 formed in metal frame 11 of main body housing 10, and elastically deform in mounting holes 111 to engage with metal frame 11 of main body housing 10. In this way, mounting legs 351 are configured so that, with shield plate 35 connected to metal frame 11 of main body housing 10, the tips are bent and engage with metal frame 11 of main body housing 10. In this way, mounting legs 351 of shield plate 35 function as members that attach rotation detection member 30 to main body housing 10 and also function as members that ground shield plate 35.

[0060] Although not shown, the mounting legs 351 of the shield plate 35 may also have another structure that has both a mounting function and a grounding function. For example, the mounting legs 351 may also be formed in the shape of a long sheet, with, for example, a U-shaped slit formed at the tip. Correspondingly, a slit into which the mounting legs 351 are inserted is formed in the metal frame 11 of the main body housing 10. When the rotation detector 10 is attached to the main body housing 10, the mounting legs 351 are inserted into the slits of the metal frame 11 of the main body housing 10, and a portion surrounded by the U-shaped slit is bent and engaged with the metal frame 11 of the main body housing 10.

[0061] As described above, according to the input device 1A of this embodiment, the shield plate 35 is provided with the mounting legs 351, and the mounting legs 351 are configured so that the tips are bent and engaged with the metal frame 11 of the main body housing 10 when the shield plate 35 is connected to the metal frame 11 of the main body housing 10. This achieves the effects of the first embodiment. In addition, the above-described mounting legs 351 allow the shield plate 35 to be easily attached, and further, the shield plate 35 can be easily grounded while attaching the rotation detection device 30 to the input device 1A, thereby simplifying the assembly process of the input device 1A.

[0062] 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2E, the input device 1A according to the second embodiment may have projections 312a on the surface of the outer wall of the housing 31 on which the shield plate 35 is provided, and may have holes 352 at positions corresponding to the projections 312a on the shield plate 35. While the example shown here has two projections 312a and two holes 352, the present invention is not limited to this and other numbers may be set according to the product specifications. The holes 352 and projections 312a are formed in the same number and size as each other.

[0063] In this way, in the input device 1A according to the second embodiment, by providing a protrusion 312a on the outer wall of the housing 31 and providing a hole 352 in the shield plate 35 corresponding to the protrusion, when attaching the shield plate 35, the protrusion 312a is fitted into the hole 352, which makes it easy to position the shield plate 35 relative to the housing 31, realizes easy attachment of the shield plate 35, and simplifies the assembly process of this input device.

[0064] 2A to 2F show the holes 352 as closed holes, but the present invention is not limited to this and other structures may be used. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the holes 352 are open holes, i.e., formed as notches. Here, the holes 352 and the protrusions 312a are formed to have the same number and size as each other.

[0065] 4A, the input device 1A according to the second embodiment may be configured such that positioning portions 353 are provided on the shield plate 35, and positioning holes 313 are provided at positions corresponding to the positioning portions 353 on the housing 31, as shown in FIG. 4B. Here, the positioning holes 313 and the positioning portions 353 are formed to have the same number and size as each other.

[0066] In this way, in the input device 1A according to the second embodiment, by using the positioning portion 353 provided on the shield plate 35 and the positioning hole 313 provided in the housing 31 corresponding to the positioning portion 353, when attaching the shield plate 35, the positioning of the shield plate 35 and the housing 31 can be easily achieved by inserting the positioning portion 353 into the positioning hole 313, thereby realizing easy attachment of the shield plate 35 and simplifying the assembly process of this input device 1A.

[0067] Furthermore, the structure of the shield plate 35 is not limited to the above structure. For example, as a modified example, as shown in FIG. 4C, the shield plate 35 may be simultaneously formed with mounting legs 351, holes 352, and positioning portions 353.

[0068] 2C to 2F, for example, a metal movable plate 34 may be insert-molded into a resin rotating shaft 36. A convex edge portion is formed on an end portion of the rotating shaft 36 that is closer to the reference electrode 33 in the axial direction. The end portion of the rotating shaft 36 that is closer to the reference electrode 33 in the axial direction contacts an inner circumferential surface P that covers the reference electrode 33 of the housing 31 on the reference electrode 33 side, on the inner side in the circumferential direction. A plurality of claws 361 that protrude outward in the circumferential direction are formed on an end portion of the rotating shaft 36 that is closer to the sensor electrode 32 in the axial direction. The end portion of the rotating shaft 36 that is closer to the sensor electrode 32 in the axial direction contacts an inner circumferential surface Q that covers the sensor electrode 33 of the housing 31 on the sensor electrode 32 side, on the inner side in the circumferential direction.

[0069] (Circuit connection structure) In the first and second embodiments described above, the mechanical structure of the input device has been described. Hereinafter, the circuit connection structure of the input device according to the present invention will be described mainly with reference to Figs. 5A, 5B, etc. Fig. 5A is a schematic diagram of an example of the circuit connection structure of the rotation detection device 30 of the input device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5B is a schematic diagram of an example of the circuit connection structure of the rotation detection device 30 of the input device 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C and 5A, the input device 1 according to the first embodiment further includes a measurement IC having an operational amplifier A and an AC signal source S electrically connected to one terminal of the operational amplifier.

[0071] The reference electrode 33 is also grounded in the same manner as the shield plate 35. For example, the reference electrode 33 may be grounded by the leg 331.

[0072] The sensor electrode 32 is electrically connected to the other terminal of the operational amplifier A. The movable plate 34 is attached to the housing 31 via a resin rotating shaft 36 (see FIGS. 1A to 1C), and is not electrically connected to other components in the circuit. In other words, the movable plate 34 is in an electrically floating state.

[0073] Here, the movable plate 34 may be made of, for example, an insulating material with a high dielectric constant, or may be made of synthetic resin, ceramics, or the like with a high dielectric constant.

[0074] Alternatively, metal may be used for the movable plate 34. This is because metal has high conductivity and can accurately detect changes in electrostatic capacitance even when formed thinly. Furthermore, because metal is easy to process thinly, using metal for the movable plate 34 makes it easier to achieve miniaturization and weight reduction.

[0075] According to the input device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the movable plate 34 is attached to the housing 31 via the rotation axis 36 and is not electrically connected to other components. As a result, no structure is required to electrically connect the movable plate 34, the attachment structure of the movable plate 34 is simplified, the manufacturing and assembly processes are simplified, and the rotation detection device 30 and the input device 1 can be easily miniaturized, resulting in cost reduction.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 2A to 4C and 5B, the input device 1A according to the second embodiment further includes a measurement IC having an operational amplifier A and an AC signal source SG electrically connected to one terminal of the operational amplifier.

[0077] Furthermore, the reference electrode 33 is electrically connected to one terminal of the operational amplifier A and to an AC signal source SG.

[0078] Furthermore, the sensor electrode 32 is electrically connected to the other terminal of the operational amplifier A.

[0079] Furthermore, the movable plate 34 is attached to the housing 31 via a resin rotating shaft 36, and is not electrically connected to other members. That is, similar to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the movable plate 34 is in an electrically floating state.

[0080] Here, similarly to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the movable plate 34 may be made of, for example, an insulating material with a high dielectric constant, or may be made of a synthetic resin, ceramics, etc. Also, the movable plate 34 may be made of a metal.

[0081] As a result, according to the input device 1A of the second embodiment of the present invention, the movable plate 34 is attached to the housing 31 via the rotation axis 36 and is not electrically connected to other components, which means that no structure is required to electrically connect the movable plate 34, simplifying the attachment structure of the movable plate 34 and the manufacturing and assembly processes, making it easy to miniaturize the rotation detection device 30 and the input device 1, and reducing costs.

[0082] (Shapes and dimensions of the sensor electrode 32 and the movable plate 34) The mechanical structure of the input device according to the present invention has been described in the first and second embodiments. Here, the shapes and sizes of the sensor electrodes 32 and the movable plate 34 in the input device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7. FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams showing an example of the shape of the sensor electrodes of the rotation detection device of the input device according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the shape of the sensor electrodes of the rotation detection device of the input device according to the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 6A shows the positional relationship, structure, shape and size of the sensor electrode 32 and the movable plate 34 in an input device 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] 6A, the sensor electrode 32 includes four annular sector-shaped sub-electrodes 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d separated from a circular ring. The four sub-electrodes 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d are arranged along the circumference with a gap S between adjacent sub-electrodes. The gap S between adjacent sub-electrodes includes a gap S1 that does not overlap with the movable plate 34 and a gap S2 that overlaps with the movable plate 34.

[0085] Furthermore, among the four sub-electrodes 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d, sub-electrodes that are not adjacent to each other on the circumference are electrically connected. That is, sub-electrode 32a is electrically connected to sub-electrode 32c, and sub-electrode 32b is electrically connected to sub-electrode 32d. FIG. 6A shows a situation in which each of the four sub-electrodes has a leg 321. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, among the four sub-electrodes 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d, sub-electrodes that are not adjacent to each other on the circumference must be electrically connected to each other using a lead wire or the like on the substrate, and then connected to one terminal of the operational amplifier A. However, this is not limited to this. As in the input device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, among the four sub-electrodes 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d, sub-electrodes that are not adjacent to each other on the circumference may be electrically connected to each other by sharing a single leg 321.

[0086] As shown in Figures 1C, 2C to 2F, 3A to 3B, 5A to 5B, 6A to 6B, etc., the movable plate 34 has a shape in which two fan-shaped plates with arc portions facing in opposite directions are connected.

[0087] In addition, the central angle of the movable plate, i.e., the size of the movable plate, is greater than 55° and less than 85°. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6A, the size of the movable plate must be determined taking into consideration the range of movement of the operating shaft, the gap S between adjacent sub-electrodes (particularly the gap S2 where they overlap with the movable plate 34), and an angle margin to eliminate the effects of manufacturing errors. For example, Expression 1: Size of movable plate = possible range of movement + gap S2 + margin angle

[0088] Here, as a multi-directional input device, the movable range of the operation axis is limited, and generally, this movable range should be greater than 45° and less than 60°.

[0089] Furthermore, the gap S between adjacent sub-electrodes should be set to a width that does not cause electrostatic capacitive coupling. In particular, the gap S2 where the sub-electrodes overlap with the movable plate 34 significantly affects the size of the movable plate. Here, it is preferable that the gap be 5° or more and 15° or less.

[0090] The margin angle is preferably 5° or more and 10° or less.

[0091] Thus, according to the above formula 1, the lower limit of the size of the movable plate is set to the lower limit of the range of movement, the gap, and the margin angle, i.e., the lower limit of the size of the movable plate = 45° + 5° + 5°, which should be 55°.

[0092] On the other hand, the upper limit of the size of the movable plate is set to the upper limit of the range of movement, the gap, and the margin angle, i.e., the upper limit of the size of the movable plate = 60° + 15° + 10°, which should be 85°.

[0093] 6A, the movable range is 45°, the gap is 10°, and the margin angle is 5°. Therefore, the central angle of the movable plate 34 is 45°+10°+5°=60°.

[0094] 6B, the movable range is set to ±24°, i.e., 24*2°, the gap S is set to, for example, 10°, and the margin angle is set to 2°. Therefore, the central angle of the secondary electrode is set to 80°.

[0095] Also, the size of the movable plate 34 should be 24*2+10+2, that is, 60°.

[0096] In this way, the size of the movable plate 34 can be made appropriate, the measurement accuracy can be improved, the cost can be reduced, and the size of the device can be easily reduced.

[0097] Furthermore, the closer the minimum overlap angle between the movable plate 34 and the sensor electrode 32 is to 0, the more accurate the measurement becomes.

[0098] Furthermore, in the input device according to the present invention, for example, the gap S between adjacent sub-electrodes may include a gap S1 that does not overlap with the movable plate 34 and a gap S2 that overlaps with the movable plate 34. Furthermore, it is preferable that the gap S1 that does not overlap with the movable plate 34 is larger than the gap S2 that overlaps with the movable plate.

[0099] Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the maximum value of the gap S1 where there is no overlap with the movable plate 34 may be as shown in Equation 2. That is, Equation 2: Maximum value of the gap S1 where the movable plate 34 does not overlap = 180° - lower limit of the size of the movable plate - lower limit of the range of possible movement - lower limit of the allowance angle

[0100] If the lower limit of the size of the movable plate 34 is set to 55°, the lower limit of the movable range is set to 45°, and the lower limit of the margin angle is set to 5°, the maximum value of the gap S1 where there is no overlap with the movable plate 34 = 180° - 55° - 45° - 5° = 75°. The larger this gap S1 is, the higher the measurement accuracy will be.

[0101] Furthermore, if the requirement for measurement accuracy is not high, the central angle of the movable plate 34 may be set to 90°.

[0102] In this way, according to the input device of the present invention, by adjusting the movable plate 34 to an appropriate size or adjusting the size of the gap S depending on the accuracy requirements, it is possible to improve the measurement accuracy, reduce costs, and easily achieve miniaturization of the device.

[0103] (Configuration of sensor electrode 32 and reference electrode 33) As shown in Figures 1B and 1C, in the input device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, for example, the sensor electrode 32 may be insert-molded into the housing 31 so that the surface opposite to the side facing the movable plate 34 and the annular inner and outer edges on the surface facing the movable plate 34 are covered by the housing 31.

[0104] 2C, 2D, and 8, in the input device 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, for example, the sensor electrode 32 may be insert-molded into the housing 31 so that the surface opposite to the side facing the movable plate 34 and the annular inner edge (indicated by a frame in FIG. 8) and outer edge (indicated by a circle in FIG. 8) on the surface facing the movable plate 34 are covered by the housing 31. The reference electrode 33 is an annular metal plate, and is insert-molded into the housing 31 so that the surface opposite to the side facing the movable plate 34 and the annular inner edge (indicated by a frame in FIG. 8) and outer edge (indicated by a circle in FIG. 8) on the surface facing the movable plate 34 are covered by the housing 31.

[0105] As described above, according to the input devices of the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the sensor electrode 32 and / or the reference electrode 33 are insert-molded into the resin housing 31 so as to be partially exposed, and thus can be stably fixed to the housing 31 without the need for fixing materials such as screws. This reduces the number of parts and reduces costs, simplifies the manufacturing and assembly processes, reduces noise generation, stabilizes the position of the sensor electrode 32 and / or the reference electrode 33, and provides high measurement accuracy and excellent stability.

[0106] Furthermore, in the input device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, for example, half or more of the area of ​​the surface of the sensor electrode 32 facing the movable plate 34 may not be covered by the housing 31.

[0107] Furthermore, in the input device 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, for example, half or more of the surface area of ​​the sensor electrode 32 facing the movable plate 34 may not be covered by the housing 31. And, half or more of the surface area of ​​the reference electrode 33 facing the movable plate 34 may not be covered by the housing 31.

[0108] As described above, in the input devices according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, more than half of the area of ​​the sensor electrode 32 and / or the reference electrode 33 is fixed to the mold during insert molding, so that the position of the sensor electrode 32 and / or the reference electrode 33 is stable, noise is less likely to occur, and measurement accuracy is high and stability is excellent.

[0109] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1B and 1C, in the input device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, for example, the thickness of the housing 31 covering the inner edge of the ring on the surface of the sensor electrode 32 facing the movable plate 34 in the direction along the rotation axis 36 may be greater than the thickness of the housing 31 covering the outer edge of the ring on the surface of the sensor electrode 32 facing the movable plate 34.

[0110] 2C, 2D, and 8, in the input device 1A according to the second embodiment of the present invention, for example, the thickness (indicated by a frame in FIG. 8) of the housing 31 covering the inner edge of the ring on the surface of the sensor electrode 32 facing the movable plate 34 in the direction along the rotation axis 36 may be greater than the thickness (indicated by a circle in FIG. 8) of the housing 31 covering the outer edge of the ring on the surface of the sensor electrode 32 facing the movable plate 34. The thickness (indicated by a frame in FIG. 8) of the housing 31 covering the inner edge of the ring on the surface of the reference electrode 33 facing the movable plate 34 in the direction along the rotation axis 36 is greater than the thickness (indicated by a circle in FIG. 8) of the housing 31 covering the outer edge of the ring on the surface of the reference electrode 33 facing the movable plate 34.

[0111] Thus, according to the input devices of the first and second embodiments of the present invention, by making the thickness of the housing 31 covering the inner edge of the ring greater than the thickness of the housing 31 covering the outer edge of the ring, the movable plate 35 can be securely held, movement of the axis of the movable plate can be prevented, and contact between the movable plate and other resin parts can be prevented.

[0112] Furthermore, according to the input devices according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, for example, as shown in Figures 1A to 1C and 2A to 2F, the metal frame 11 of the main body housing 10 may be grounded, and the sensor electrode 32 may be arranged closer to the main body housing 10 than the reference electrode 33. However, this is not limitative, and for example, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the reference electrode 33 may be arranged closer to the main body housing 10 than the sensor electrode 32.

[0113] As described above, according to the input devices of the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the main body housing 10 is securely grounded, and the sensor electrode 32 is positioned closer to the main body housing 10 side which is securely grounded, thereby further improving the accuracy of the measurement.

[0114] (Third embodiment) The first and second embodiments and the specific structures of the components have been described above. An input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10.

[0115] Fig. 9 is a three-dimensional diagram of a partial structure of an input device 1B according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a three-dimensional diagram of an example of a partial structure of an input device 1B according to the present invention.

[0116] 9 and 10, in an input device 1B according to a third embodiment of the present invention, the interlocking unit 20 may include, for example, a first interlocking unit 20a swingably provided on the main body housing 10 and a second interlocking unit 20b swingably provided on the main body housing 10 in a direction perpendicular to the first interlocking unit 20a. Also, the rotation detection device 30 includes a first rotation detection device 30a that detects the rotation angle of the first interlocking unit 20a and a second rotation detection device 30b that detects the rotation angle of the second interlocking unit 20b.

[0117] Furthermore, here, the first interlocking portion 20a and the second interlocking portion 20b, the first rotation detection device 30a and the second rotation detection device 30b may each use the structures according to the first and second embodiments described above, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0118] In this way, the input device 1B according to the third embodiment can detect movements in multiple directions with high accuracy.

[0119] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also within the scope of the invention described in the technical proposal and its equivalents.

[0120] For example, a rotation detection device according to the present invention may include a housing, a sensor electrode provided in the housing, a movable plate rotatably provided on the housing, and a circular reference electrode, wherein the sensor electrode includes four circular fan-shaped sub-electrodes divided from the ring, the four sub-electrodes are arranged along the circumference with a gap between adjacent sub-electrodes, and of the four sub-electrodes, sub-electrodes that are not adjacent on the circumference are electrically connected, the movable plate has a shape formed by connecting two fan-shaped plates whose arc portions face in opposite directions, the central angle of the movable plate is greater than 55° and less than 85°, the gap between adjacent sub-electrodes includes a gap that does not overlap with the movable plate and a gap that overlaps with the movable plate, and the gap that does not overlap with the movable plate may be larger than the gap that overlaps with the movable plate.

[0121] This allows the size of the movable plate to be appropriate, improves measurement accuracy, reduces costs, and makes it easy to miniaturize the device.

[0122] Furthermore, the rotation detection device according to the present invention may be formed, for example, as follows: a housing; a sensor electrode provided in the housing; a movable plate rotatably provided on the housing; and a circular reference electrode; the sensor electrode includes four circular fan-shaped sub-electrodes separated from the ring; the four sub-electrodes are arranged along the circumference with a gap between adjacent sub-electrodes; and of the four sub-electrodes, sub-electrodes that are not adjacent on the circumference are electrically connected; the movable plate has a shape formed by connecting two fan-shaped plates with arc portions facing in opposite directions; the reference electrode is insert-molded into the housing so that the surface opposite the side facing the movable plate and the inner and outer edges of the ring on the surface facing the movable plate are covered by the housing; and the sensor electrode is insert-molded into the housing so that the surface opposite the side facing the movable plate and the inner and outer edges of the ring on the surface facing the movable plate are covered by the housing.

[0123] According to the rotation detection device of the present invention, the reference electrode and the sensor electrode are insert-molded into a resin housing so that they are partially exposed, and thus can be stably fixed to the housing without the need for fixing materials such as screws. This reduces the number of parts and reduces costs, simplifies the manufacturing and assembly processes, reduces noise generation, stabilizes the position of the reference electrode and / or sensor electrode, and provides high measurement accuracy and excellent stability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1, 1A, 1B input device 10 Main unit housing 11 Metal Frame 20 Interlocking part 30 Rotation detection device 31 Case 32 Sensor electrodes 33 Reference electrode 34 Movable plate 35 Shield plate

Claims

1. a main body housing including a metal side plate; a linking portion provided on the main body housing so as to be able to swing; a rotation detection device that detects a rotation angle of the interlocking part, The rotation detection device is The housing and a sensor electrode provided on the housing; a reference electrode facing the sensor electrode; a movable plate rotatably provided on the housing so as to be disposed between the sensor electrode and the reference electrode; a shield plate provided on an outer wall of the housing, The shield plate is connected to a metal side plate of the main body housing.

2. 2. The input device according to claim 1, The shield plate is provided with mounting legs, The mounting legs are configured so that their tips are bent and engaged with the metal side plates of the main body housing when the shield plate is connected to the metal side plates of the main body housing.

3. 2. The input device according to claim 1, a projection is provided on a surface of an outer wall of the housing, the outer wall being provided by the shield plate; The shield plate was provided with holes at positions corresponding to the projections.

4. 2. The input device according to claim 1, The shield plate is provided with a positioning portion, The housing is provided with a positioning hole at a position corresponding to the positioning portion.

5. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a measurement IC having an AC signal source and an operational amplifier; the reference electrode is electrically connected to one terminal of the operational amplifier and to the AC signal source; the sensor electrode is electrically connected to the other terminal of the operational amplifier; The movable plate is attached to the housing via a resin rotating shaft and is not electrically connected to other members.

6. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a measurement IC having an operational amplifier and an AC signal source electrically connected to one terminal of the operational amplifier; The reference electrode is grounded, the sensor electrode is electrically connected to the other terminal of the operational amplifier; The movable plate is attached to the housing via a resin rotating shaft and is not electrically connected to other members.

7. 7. The input device according to claim 5, the sensor electrode includes four annular sector-shaped sub-electrodes divided from a circular ring; The four sub-electrodes are configured to be arranged along a circumference with a gap between adjacent sub-electrodes, Among the four sub-electrodes, sub-electrodes that are not adjacent to each other on the circumference are electrically connected to each other, the movable plate has a shape in which two fan-shaped plates are connected together, with arc portions facing in opposite directions; The central angle of the movable plate is greater than 55° and smaller than 85°.

8. 8. The input device according to claim 7, the gaps between the adjacent sub-electrodes include gaps that do not overlap with the movable plate and gaps that overlap with the movable plate, The gap that does not overlap with the movable plate is larger than the gap that overlaps with the movable plate.

9. 9. The input device according to claim 8, The sensor electrode is insert molded into the housing so that the surface opposite the side facing the movable plate and the annular inner and outer edges on the surface facing the movable plate are covered by the housing.

10. 10. The input device according to claim 8, the reference electrode is a ring-shaped metal plate, The reference electrode is insert-molded into the housing so that the surface opposite the side facing the movable plate and the inner and outer edges of the ring on the surface facing the movable plate are covered by the housing.

11. 10. The input device according to claim 9, At least half of the area of ​​the surface of the sensor electrode facing the movable plate is not covered by the housing.

12. 11. The input device according to claim 10, At least half of the surface area of ​​the reference electrode on the side facing the movable plate is not covered by the housing.

13. 11. The input device according to claim 10, The thickness of the housing covering the inner edge of the ring on the surface of the sensor electrode facing the movable plate in the direction along the rotation axis is greater than the thickness of the housing covering the outer edge of the ring on the surface of the sensor electrode facing the movable plate.

14. 11. The input device according to claim 10, The thickness of the housing covering the inner edge of the ring on the surface of the reference electrode facing the movable plate in the direction along the rotation axis is greater than the thickness of the housing covering the outer edge of the ring on the surface of the reference electrode facing the movable plate.

15. 2. The input device according to claim 1, The metal side plate of the main body housing is grounded. The sensor electrode was disposed closer to the main body housing than the reference electrode.

16. 2. The input device according to claim 1, the interlocking portion includes a first interlocking portion swingably provided on the main body housing and a second interlocking portion swingably provided on the main body side housing in a direction perpendicular to the first interlocking portion, The rotation detection device includes a first rotation detection device that detects a rotation angle of the first interlocking portion, and a second rotation detection device that detects a rotation angle of the second interlocking portion.

17. A rotation detection device, The housing and a sensor electrode provided on the housing; a movable plate rotatably provided on the housing; a ring-shaped reference electrode; the sensor electrode includes four annular sector-shaped sub-electrodes divided from a circular ring; The four sub-electrodes are arranged along a circumference with a gap between adjacent sub-electrodes, Among the four sub-electrodes, sub-electrodes that are not adjacent to each other on the circumference are electrically connected to each other, the movable plate has a shape in which two fan-shaped plates are connected together, with arc portions facing in opposite directions; The central angle of the movable plate is greater than 55° and smaller than 85°. the gaps between the adjacent sub-electrodes include gaps that do not overlap with the movable plate and gaps that overlap with the movable plate, The gap that does not overlap with the movable plate is larger than the gap that overlaps with the movable plate.

18. A rotation detection device, The housing and a sensor electrode provided on the housing; a movable plate rotatably provided on the housing; a ring-shaped reference electrode; the sensor electrode includes four annular sector-shaped sub-electrodes divided from a circular ring; The four sub-electrodes are arranged along a circumference with a gap between adjacent sub-electrodes, Among the four sub-electrodes, sub-electrodes that are not adjacent to each other on the circumference are electrically connected to each other, the movable plate has a shape in which two fan-shaped plates are connected together, with arc portions facing in opposite directions; the reference electrode is insert-molded into the housing so that a surface opposite to a side facing the movable plate and an inner edge portion and an outer edge portion of a ring on the surface facing the movable plate are covered by the housing, The sensor electrode is insert molded into the housing so that the surface opposite the side facing the movable plate and the annular inner and outer edges on the surface facing the movable plate are covered by the housing.

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