Input Devices

Abstract

To provide an input device which can accurately detect a depressing operation of an operator.SOLUTION: An input device 10 includes: an input member 20 having a first surface 21 to be operated by an operator and a second surface 22 which is a back surface of the first surface 21; a first electrode 61 arranged on the second surface 22; a second electrode 62 facing the first electrode 61 and spaced from the first electrode 61; and a control unit 70 which detects depressing the input member 20 operated by the operator, on the basis of capacitance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62, and calculates a pressure sensitivity value, which is a detected value. The first electrode 61 is electrically connected to the ground.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a touchpad that receives input from an external object. The trackpad includes a touchpad member having a capacitive touchpad sensor array that determines the location touched by the external object, a plurality of force sensors that generate force output signals indicative of the strength of the force with which the external object presses the touchpad member, and a memory processing circuit that detects gesture movements by a user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2013-513865 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in an input device such as the touchpad disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, it is desirable to detect the depression of the touchpad member with high accuracy.

[0005] In view of this, the present disclosure provides an input device capable of accurately detecting a pressing operation by an operating object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an input member having a first surface for performing an operation with an operating object and a second surface that is a reverse surface of the first surface, a first electrode disposed on the second surface, a second electrode opposed to the first electrode and disposed at a distance from the first electrode, and a control unit that detects a pressure applied to the input member by operating the operating object based on a capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode, and calculates a pressure sensitive value that is a detected value, and the first electrode is electrically connected to ground. The input member further includes a ground electrode electrically connected to the ground and disposed at a position corresponding to the first electrode, a conductive member sandwiched between the first electrode and the ground electrode, a first substrate on which the second electrode is provided, and a second substrate on which the ground electrode is provided, the first substrate being disposed between the second substrate and the input member. is.

[0007] It should be noted that this comprehensive or specific aspect may be realized as any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, or the like. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The input device of the present disclosure can accurately detect a pressing operation by an operating object. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle interior in which an input device according to a first embodiment is arranged. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of the input device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the input device taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the input device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an input device according to a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an input device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a block diagram showing an example of an input device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8B]FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first region and the second electrode of the input device in embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the center of gravity calculation in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of an input device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of areas and correction values ​​of the input device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of an input device according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an input member having a first surface for operation with an operating object and a second surface that is the reverse side of the first surface, a first electrode arranged on the second surface, a second electrode facing the first electrode and arranged at a distance from the first electrode, and a control unit that detects pressure on the input member due to operation of the operating object based on electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode and calculates a pressure sensing value that is the detected value, and the first electrode is electrically connected to ground.

[0011] According to this, when the first surface is pressed by the operating object, the first electrode on the second surface approaches the second electrode. At this time, the capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode changes, so that the control unit can accurately detect the pressure on the input member caused by the operation of the operating object. In other words, the input device can accurately calculate the pressure sensitive value caused by the operation of the operating object.

[0012] For example, even if the input member is made of a flexible material, the first electrode on the second surface approaches the second electrode due to bending, so it is possible to detect a pressure on the input member.

[0013] In addition, since the first electrode on the second surface is connected to the ground, the capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode does not change even if the operating object approaches the first electrode. Therefore, even if the user brings the operating object close to the first electrode without intending to press it, it is possible to prevent it from being detected as a press on the input member.

[0014] Therefore, the input device can accurately detect a pressing operation by the operating object.

[0015] Moreover, an input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a ground electrode electrically connected to the ground and arranged at a position corresponding to the first electrode, and a conductive member sandwiched between the first electrode and the ground electrode.

[0016] According to this, even if the operating object contacts the first surface unintentionally as a press, the first electrode is connected to the ground via a conductive member or the like, and the capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode does not change. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress unintentional contact by the operating object from being detected as a press operation.

[0017] Moreover, the input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first substrate on which the second electrode and the ground electrode are provided.

[0018] According to this, the second electrode and the ground electrode can be arranged on one substrate, and it is not necessary to prepare a separate substrate for the second electrode or the ground electrode, so that an increase in the number of assembly steps in the input device can be suppressed, and therefore, an increase in the product cost of the input device can be suppressed.

[0019] Furthermore, an input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first substrate on which the second electrode is provided and a second substrate on which the ground electrode is provided, the first substrate being disposed between the second substrate and the input member.

[0020] According to this, for example, if a space is provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, structures such as a vibration generating unit and a control unit for force feedback can be disposed in the space. In this way, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the second electrode and the ground electrode can be increased, and therefore the degree of freedom in the design of the input device can be improved.

[0021] In the input device according to the aspect of the present disclosure, the conductive members are provided at four corners of the input member.

[0022] According to this, since the conductive member can support the four corners of the input member, when the input member is pressed, the input member is more likely to bend at portions other than the four corners. In other words, since the amount of bending of the input member can be secured, the first electrode on the second surface approaches the second electrode due to the bending, making it possible to detect the pressing of the input member.

[0023] In the input device according to the aspect of the present disclosure, the first electrode is disposed along an edge of the second surface.

[0024] This makes it possible to ensure an area in the center of the second surface for arranging another electrode, such as a third electrode, for example.

[0025] In addition, in an input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a third electrode is arranged at a position opposite the second surface of the input member, and the third electrode is arranged closer to the center of the input member than the first electrode when viewed along a direction opposite the second surface of the input member.

[0026] According to this, the third electrode that detects a user's operation can be disposed on the central side of the input member so as not to interfere with the first electrode.

[0027] In the input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the third electrode is a touch electrode for detecting a position at which the operating object comes into contact with the input member.

[0028] According to this, the touch electrode can be disposed on the central side of the input member, making it easier for the user to operate the input device.

[0029] In the input device according to the aspect of the present disclosure, the second electrodes have a width smaller than a width of the first electrodes.

[0030] For example, if the width of the second electrode is larger than the width of the first electrode, the first electrode may not be able to sufficiently transfer the charge generated in the second electrode to the ground electrode. However, according to the present disclosure, the first electrode can transfer the charge generated in the second electrode to the ground electrode. Therefore, the pressure on the input member can be detected more accurately.

[0031] In the input device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode does not overlap the third electrode when viewed along a direction in which the third electrode faces the second surface of the input member.

[0032] This makes it possible to ensure both the detection accuracy by the first electrode and the detection accuracy by the third electrode.

[0033] In addition, in an input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first electrode is arranged in a continuously connected state along an edge of the second surface, and at least one conductive member is provided between the first electrode and the ground electrode.

[0034] According to this, by simply disposing one first electrode on the second surface, it is possible to electrically connect it to the ground electrode via one conductive member, which means that at least one conductive member is sufficient, and this increases the options for the members to be disposed on the second surface.

[0035] In addition, in an input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the input member is bendable by pressing the input member through operation of the operating body, and the second electrode is positioned farther from the conductive member than the ground electrode.

[0036] According to this, by disposing the second electrode at a position away from the portion where the conductive member is sandwiched between the first electrode and the ground electrode, the second electrode can be disposed at a position where the input member is likely to bend, and therefore the control unit can more accurately detect the pressure on the input member caused by the operation of the operating object.

[0037] In addition, the second electrode is disposed at a position farther away from the conductive member than the ground electrode. That is, the ground electrode is disposed near the conductive member where the input member is less likely to bend, and the second electrode can be disposed at a position where the input member is more likely to bend. This allows the control unit to more accurately detect the pressure on the input member caused by the operation of the operating object.

[0038] Moreover, in an input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first surface has a plurality of detection areas partitioned to detect a position where the input member is pressed by operation of the operating body, a plurality of the second electrodes are arranged on the first substrate to correspond to each of the plurality of detection areas, and the control unit detects the position where the operation is performed by the operating body based on the electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0039] According to this, the position of the pressure can be detected without providing a touch sensor for detecting the position of the pressure on the input member by the operation of the operating object, which makes it possible to suppress an increase in the production costs of the input device.

[0040] In addition, in an input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second electrodes are divided into multiple groups each consisting of two or more of the second electrodes, and the control unit detects the position operated by the operating object by adding up the capacitance values ​​between the second electrodes and the first electrodes for each group and performing a center of gravity calculation based on the summed value.

[0041] According to this, it is possible to detect the position where the operation is performed. Therefore, for example, even without using a touch pad or the like, it is possible to detect the position where the center part is pressed with a simple configuration. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the configuration of the input device.

[0042] Furthermore, in an input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction are defined on the surface of the first substrate, the second electrodes are arranged in multiple rows along the X-axis direction so as to sandwich a central portion of the surface of the first substrate, and are arranged in multiple rows along the Y-axis direction so as to sandwich a central portion of the surface of the first substrate, and the second electrodes form multiple groups each consisting of two or more of the second electrodes facing each other across the central portion, and the control unit detects a position operated by the operating object by adding up each capacitance value between the second electrode and the first electrode for each group and performing a center of gravity calculation based on the added value.

[0043] This allows the operated position to be detected with greater accuracy.

[0044] In addition, in an input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first surface is provided with a memory unit that stores a plurality of correction values ​​assigned to each of a plurality of regions that are divided in advance, and the control unit detects from the plurality of regions an area corresponding to a position where pressure on the input member is detected by operation of the operating body, acquires the correction value assigned to the detected area, and corrects the pressure sensitivity value, which is a value indicating the detection of pressure on the input member, based on the acquired correction value.

[0045] According to this, regardless of the position where the input member is pressed by the operation of the operating object, the pressure sensitive value can be corrected based on the amount of deflection that depends on the position of the input member, and therefore the pressure on the input member can be detected with high accuracy.

[0046] In addition, in an input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the correction value is a value calculated based on an amount of deflection of the input member when the first surface is pressed by the operating body with a certain load.

[0047] This makes it possible to calculate a correction value taking into consideration the properties of the input member, the members related to the attitude of the input member, etc. Therefore, the pressure on the input member can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0048] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0049] In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated precisely. In addition, in each figure, the same components are given the same reference numerals. In addition, in the following embodiments, expressions such as "approximately parallel" or "rectangular" are used. For example, "approximately parallel" or "rectangular" does not only mean completely parallel or rectangular, but also means substantially parallel or rectangular, that is, including an error of, for example, about several percent. In addition, "approximately parallel" or "rectangular" means parallel or rectangular within the range in which the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "approximately" or "rectangular".

[0050] In the following description, the direction toward the input member side of the first substrate is referred to as the Z-axis positive direction, the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis positive direction is referred to as the X-axis positive direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis positive direction and the Z-axis positive direction is referred to as the Y-axis positive direction.

[0051] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0052] (Embodiment 1) <Configuration: Input device 10> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle interior of a vehicle 1 in which an input device 10 according to the first embodiment is arranged.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, an in-vehicle device (not shown) and an input device 10 are mounted in the cabin of the vehicle 1. The input device 10 is provided in the cabin of the vehicle 1 within reach of a user who is riding in the vehicle 1 while sitting in a seat of the vehicle 1. The input device 10 is disposed, for example, in a center console or the like in the cabin of the vehicle 1 or in its vicinity. The input device 10 is disposed, for example, behind a shift lever of the vehicle 1. The position of the input device 10 is not limited to this embodiment, and the input device 10 may be disposed in another location in the cabin.

[0054] A user can operate the in-vehicle devices mounted on the vehicle 1 by performing an operation (specifically, a pressing operation) on the input device 10. When an operation by the user is input, the input device 10 outputs an instruction corresponding to the operation to each in-vehicle device in order to control the in-vehicle device. As a result, each in-vehicle device operates in accordance with the operation. Here, a pressing operation is an operation in which the user intentionally presses an input member 20, which will be described later, with the user's operating body.

[0055] Examples of the in-vehicle device include a car navigation system equipped with a display device, audio equipment for playing optical discs, a vehicle air conditioner, in-vehicle lighting, or video playback equipment.

[0056] In this case, the input device 10 can operate a UI (User Interface) displayed on a display device of the in-vehicle device. The input device 10 may also be able to operate an audio device, a vehicle air conditioner, an in-vehicle light, a video playback device, or the like by operating the UI.

[0057] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the input device 10 in embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the input device 10 taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the input device 10 in embodiment 1.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the input device 10 includes an input member 20, a touch pad 30, a first electrode 61, a conductive member 40, a first substrate 50, a ground electrode 63, a second electrode 62, and a control unit 70.

[0059] [Input member 20] The input member 20 is disposed so as to be directly operated by contact with a user's operating object, and is exposed to the outside from the input device 10. The input member 20 is a substantially parallel flat plate, and is disposed in a posture substantially parallel to the XY plane. In this embodiment, the input member 20 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. Note that the shape of the input member 20 in a plan view is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be a circular shape, a polygonal shape, or a shape that is a combination of these. The input member 20 is formed, for example, from glass, an acrylic plate, or the like. The input member 20 may also be composed of a member with a small thickness. Here, the operating object is a user's finger for operation, a pen-type operating pen, or the like.

[0060] The input member 20 has a first surface 21 and a second surface 22 .

[0061] The first surface 21 is a surface for performing an operation by an operating object, and is a surface of the input member 20 exposed to the outside from the input device 10. The first surface 21 is also a surface on the Z-axis positive side that is substantially parallel to the XY plane. In this embodiment, the first surface 21 has a rectangular shape in plan view according to the shape of the input member 20.

[0062] The second surface 22 is a back surface of the input member 20 opposite to the first surface 21. The second surface 22 is also a surface on the negative Z-axis side that is substantially parallel to the XY plane. In this embodiment, the second surface 22 also has a rectangular shape in plan view in accordance with the shape of the input member 20.

[0063] [Touchpad 30] The touch pad 30 is a sensor for detecting an operation position for detecting a user's operation. A user's operation is input to the input member 20, and the touch pad 30 detects the operation position, and controls an in-vehicle device. The touch pad 30 is composed of, for example, a capacitive touch electrode 31, an electrostatic IC (Integrated Circuit) electrically connected to the touch electrode 31, and the like. The touch electrode 31 is disposed on the surface (the surface on the Z-axis positive side) of the first substrate 50 so as to face the second surface 22 of the input member 20. Specifically, the touch electrode 31 corresponds to the center of the first surface 21, and is disposed so as to be covered by the input member 20 when viewed along the Z-axis direction. The electrostatic IC detects a position in an area where the touch electrode 31 can be detected, which is touched by the user's operating object.

[0064] The touchpad 30 may be a sensor that accepts multiple touches by the user, that is, multi-touch. For example, the touchpad 30 may be configured to accept two touch positions by two fingers or three touch positions by three fingers at the same time, in addition to a touch position by one finger.

[0065] [First electrode 61] The first electrode 61 is disposed on the second surface 22. Specifically, the first electrode 61 is fixed to the input member 20 in a state where it is attached to the second surface 22. The first electrode 61 may be formed of a metal thin film formed by deposition or the like. In this embodiment, the first electrode 61 is in the form of a strip disposed along the edge of the rectangular second surface 22. The first electrode 61 is disposed on the edge side of the four sides of the second surface 22 and so as to surround the center of the second surface 22 when viewed along the Z-axis direction. That is, the first electrode 61 is disposed on the second surface 22 so as to avoid the touch electrode 31 and so as to surround the touch electrode 31 when viewed along the Z-axis direction.

[0066] The first electrodes 61 may be electrically connected to each other, or may be electrically independent from each other.

[0067] The arrangement of the first electrodes 61 is merely an example. For example, the first electrodes 61 may be arranged on only some of the four sides of the second surface 22, or may be arranged in the center. The arrangement of the first electrodes 61 can be appropriately changed depending on the arrangement of the touch electrodes 31.

[0068] The first electrode 61 is electrically connected to the ground. Specifically, the first electrode 61 is electrically connected to the ground electrode 63 via the conductive member 40.

[0069] [Conductive member 40] The conductive member 40 is disposed between the input member 20 and the first substrate 50, and is sandwiched between the first electrode 61 and the ground electrode 63. In other words, the conductive member 40 also functions as a spacer that forms a gap between the input member 20 and the first substrate 50. The conductive member 40 holds the input member 20 with respect to the first substrate 50 so that the input member 20 and the first substrate 50 are in a substantially parallel position.

[0070] Moreover, the conductive member 40 is in close contact with the first electrode 61, and is thus electrically connected to the first electrode 61. The conductive member 40 is also in close contact with the ground electrode 63, and is thus also electrically connected to the ground electrode 63. Therefore, the conductive member 40 is grounded together with the first electrode 61 (electrically connected to the ground), and when a charge transfer occurs around the first electrode 61, the charge can be passed to the ground electrode 63. Such a conductive member 40 is formed of, for example, conductive silicon, conductive rubber, or the like.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the conductive members 40 are disposed at the four corners, which are the corner sides (corner portions) of the second surface 22. Note that, although the conductive members 40 are disposed at the four corners, the positions and shapes of the conductive members 40 may be appropriately changed depending on the shape of the input member 20 and the arrangement of the first electrodes 61.

[0072] [First substrate 50] The first substrate 50 is a substantially parallel plate and is disposed in a position substantially parallel to the XY plane. The first substrate 50 is supported via the conductive member 40 so as to be in a position substantially parallel to the input member 20.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the first substrate 50 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. Note that the shape of the first substrate 50 in a plan view is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be a circular shape, a polygonal shape, or a combination of these shapes.

[0074] The first substrate 50 may be, for example, a printed wiring board, a rigid board, a flexible board, a metal-based board, a ceramic board, or a resin board based on a resin material.

[0075] In the present embodiment, a plurality of second electrodes 62, a plurality of ground electrodes 63, and a touch electrode 31 are provided on the surface of the first substrate 50. The touch electrode 31 is disposed in the center of the surface of the first substrate 50, and the plurality of second electrodes 62 and the plurality of ground electrodes 63 are disposed so as to surround the touch electrode 31.

[0076] [Ground electrode 63] The ground electrode 63 is electrically connected to the ground, and when a charge transfer occurs around the first electrode 61, the charge flows through the conductive member 40. The ground electrode 63 is provided at a position corresponding to the first electrode 61. That is, the ground electrodes 63 are disposed at the four corners (in other words, the four corners of the second surface 22), which are the corner sides (corner portions) of the first substrate 50. Note that, although the ground electrodes 63 are disposed at the four corners of the first substrate 50, the positions and shapes of the ground electrodes 63 may be changed as appropriate depending on the shape of the first substrate 50 and the arrangement of the conductive member 40.

[0077] [Second electrode 62] The second electrode 62 is a sensor electrode that faces the first electrode 61 and is disposed at a distance from the first electrode 61. That is, the second electrode 62 overlaps with the first electrode 61 when viewed along the Z-axis direction. In addition, the second electrode 62 is disposed at a distance from the first electrode 61 by a gap formed between the input member 20 and the first substrate 50, which is formed by the conductive member 40.

[0078] The second electrode 62 is formed on the same plane as the ground electrode 63, and is arranged on the surface of the first substrate 50 electrically independent of the ground electrode 63. The second electrode 62 is arranged between the ground electrodes 63 arranged at the four corners of the first substrate 50. In this embodiment, a plurality of the second electrodes 62 are arranged along the four edges on the surface of the first substrate 50. Note that, although a plurality of the second electrodes 62 are arranged on each of the four sides on the surface of the first substrate 50, the arrangement positions and shapes may be appropriately changed depending on the shape of the first substrate 50 and the arrangement of the first electrodes 61.

[0079] [Control unit 70] The control unit 70 detects a pressure applied to the input member 20 by the operation of the operating object based on the capacitance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62. Specifically, the control unit 70 is electrically connected to the ground electrode 63 and the second electrode 62, and can acquire a signal indicating a capacitance according to a distance between the displaced first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 by the pressing of the input member 20 by the operating object. Thus, the control unit 70 detects a pressure applied to the input member 20 by the operation of the operating object based on the acquired signal, and calculates a pressure sensitive value indicating the force of the pressure from the detected value.

[0080] There are various methods for calculating the pressure sensitive value. For example, the control unit 70 may use the maximum capacitance value of the capacitance values ​​detected by all of the second electrodes 62 as the pressure sensitive value. For example, the control unit 70 may sum up the capacitance values ​​detected by the second electrodes 62 and use the sum as the pressure sensitive value. For example, the control unit 70 may use the average value of the capacitance values ​​detected by all of the second electrodes 62 as the pressure sensitive value.

[0081] Furthermore, if the operating object simply comes into contact with the first surface 21 of the input member 20, there is no change in the distance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62, and there is no substantial change in the capacitance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62, the control unit 70 does not detect the pressure on the input member 20 due to the operation of the operating object.

[0082] The control unit 70 is also electrically connected to the touch pad 30. The control unit 70 acquires a signal indicating a position detected by the electrostatic IC of the touch pad 30. As a result, the control unit 70 transmits an instruction corresponding to the signal indicating the position to an in-vehicle device. The control unit 70 can realize such control by using a microcomputer or the like.

[0083] The control unit 70 is driven by power supplied from a power supply unit (not shown) which is a battery (not shown) or the like mounted on the vehicle.

[0084] <Operation> The operation of the input device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0085] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input device 10 in the first embodiment.

[0086] 5, when a user operates the operating object to press the first surface 21 of the input member 20, the input member 20 is bent, and the first electrode 61 approaches the second electrode 62, shortening the distance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62. This causes a change in the capacitance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62. The control unit 70 detects this change in capacitance and acquires it as a signal indicating the capacitance (S11).

[0087] The control unit 70 detects the pressure on the input member 20 based on the electrostatic capacitance indicated in the acquired signal, that is, the electrostatic capacitance value, and calculates a pressure sensitivity value indicating the force of the detected pressure (S12).

[0088] Then, the control unit 70 ends the process.

[0089] Here, since the first electrode 61 is electrically connected to ground, even if an operating object approaches the back surface (first surface 21) of the location where the first electrode 61 is located, the capacitance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 does not change, and this is not detected as a pressure.

[0090] That is, even if the operating object is brought close to the first electrode without intending to press it, it is possible to prevent it from being detected as a press on the input member.

[0091] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the input device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0092] As described above, the input device 10 in this embodiment includes an input member 20 having a first surface 21 for performing an operation with an operating object and a second surface 22 that is the reverse surface of the first surface 21, a first electrode 61 disposed on the second surface 22, a second electrode 62 opposed to the first electrode 61 and disposed at a distance from the first electrode 61, and a control unit 70 that detects a pressure applied to the input member 20 by an operation of the operating object based on the electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62, and calculates a pressure sensitive value that is a detected value. The first electrode 61 is electrically connected to ground.

[0093] According to this, when the first surface 21 is pressed by the operating object, the first electrode 61 of the second surface 22 approaches the second electrode 62. At this time, the capacitance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 changes, so that the control unit 70 can accurately detect the pressure on the input member 20 caused by the operation of the operating object. In other words, the input device 10 can accurately calculate the pressure sensitive value caused by the operation of the operating object.

[0094] Furthermore, when the first surface 21 is pressed by an operating object, even if the input member 20 is configured to bend easily at the pressed position before the entire input member 20 sinks, the bending brings the first electrode 61 of the second surface 22 closer to the second electrode 62, making it possible to detect the pressure on the input member 20.

[0095] In addition, since the first electrode 61 of the second surface 22 is connected to the ground, even if the operating object approaches the first electrode 61, the electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 does not change. Therefore, even if the user brings the operating object close to the first electrode 61 without intending to press it, it is possible to suppress detection of the pressing of the input member 20.

[0096] Therefore, the input device 10 can accurately detect a pressing operation by the operating object.

[0097] In addition, the input device 10 in this embodiment is equipped with a ground electrode 63 that is electrically connected to ground and is arranged at a position corresponding to the first electrode 61, and a conductive member 40 sandwiched between the first electrode 61 and the ground electrode 63.

[0098] According to this, even if the operating object unintentionally contacts the first surface 21 as a pressing operation, the first electrode 61 is connected to the ground via the conductive member 40 or the like, and the electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 does not change. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress unintentional contact by the operating object from being detected as a pressing operation.

[0099] Moreover, the input device 10 in this embodiment includes a first substrate 50 on which a second electrode 62 and a ground electrode 63 are provided.

[0100] According to this, since the second electrode 62 and the ground electrode 63 can be arranged on one board, it is not necessary to separately prepare a board for the second electrode 62 or a board for the ground electrode 63, and therefore it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of assembly steps in the input device 10. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the product cost of the input device 10.

[0101] (Modification of the first embodiment) This modification is different from the input device of the first embodiment in that the input device 10a has a second substrate, etc. The other configurations of this modification are the same as those of the first embodiment unless otherwise specified, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations is omitted.

[0102] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an input device 10a according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0103] 6, a second electrode 62 and a touch electrode are disposed on the surface of the first substrate 50. A ground electrode 63 is disposed on the surface of a second substrate 80 different from the first substrate 50. In other words, the second electrode 62 and the ground electrode 63 are disposed on separate substrates.

[0104] In this modification, a plurality of second electrodes 62 are arranged on the surface of the first substrate 50. In this modification, a plurality of ground electrodes 63 are arranged on the surface of the second substrate 80. The first substrate 50 and the second substrate 80 share a common ground.

[0105] In this modification, the conductive member 40 is not disposed between the first substrate 50 and the input member 20, and the first substrate 50 is not supported by the input member 20 via the conductive member 40. The first substrate 50 is fixed to the structure 75 or the second substrate 80.

[0106] The first substrate 50 is disposed between the second substrate 80 and the input member 20. In addition, a structure 75 is disposed between the first substrate 50 and the second substrate 80. The structure 75 is composed of, for example, a control unit 70, an actuator, a switch element, and the like. The structure 75 may be mounted on the second substrate 80. The first substrate 50 is fixed to the structure 75 or the second substrate 80, so that the first substrate 50 is disposed in a position substantially parallel to the input member 20.

[0107] The second substrate 80 is a substantially parallel plate and is disposed in a position substantially parallel to the XY plane. The second substrate 80 is supported via the conductive member 40 so as to be in a position substantially parallel to the input member 20.

[0108] In this modification, the second substrate 80 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The shape of the second substrate 80 in a plan view is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be a circular shape, a polygonal shape, or a combination of these shapes. For example, a printed wiring board, a rigid board, a flexible board, a metal-based board, a ceramic board, or a resin board based on a resin material is used as the second substrate 80.

[0109] As described above, the input device 10a in this modified example includes the first substrate 50 on which the second electrode 62 is provided, and the second substrate 80 on which the ground electrode 63 is provided. The first substrate 50 is disposed between the second substrate 80 and the input member 20.

[0110] According to this, for example, by providing a space between the first substrate 50 and the second substrate 80, a structure 75 such as a vibration generating unit and a control unit 70 for force feedback can be disposed in the space. In this way, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the second electrode 62 and the ground electrode 63 can be increased, and therefore the degree of freedom in the design of the input device 10a can be improved.

[0111] This modification also provides the same advantageous effects as those of the above-mentioned first embodiment.

[0112] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, the input device 10b is different from the input device of the first embodiment in that it has a holding member 90. Unless otherwise specified, other configurations in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations is omitted.

[0113] <Configuration> FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an input device 10b according to the second embodiment.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 7, the input device 10b includes a holding member 90 in addition to the input member 20, a touch pad, a first electrode 61, a conductive member 40, a first substrate 50, a ground electrode 63, a second electrode 62, and a control unit.

[0115] The holding member 90 holds at least the input member 20. In the present embodiment, the holding member 90 integrally holds the laminate of the input member 20, the conductive member 40, and the first substrate 50 so as to sandwich the laminate from the positive direction of the Z axis and the negative direction of the Z axis. The holding member 90 also serves as a container that contains the laminate.

[0116] The holding member 90 has a frame 91 and a housing 92 .

[0117] The frame body 91 supports an edge of the input member 20 so as to expose a part of the first surface 21 of the input member 20. The frame body 91 is, for example, a long, band-like support member. The frame body 91 may be configured according to the shape of the input member 20, and may be, for example, a substantially rectangular ring shape. The shape of the frame body 91 is not limited to a substantially rectangular shape, and may be a circle, a polygon, or a combination of these.

[0118] The frame body 91 holds an edge of the input member 20. Specifically, the frame body 91 abuts against the edge of the first surface 21 of the input member 20, thereby pressing the input member 20 against the first substrate 50 side (the negative Z-axis direction side).

[0119] The housing 92 is a box with a bottom that extends in the XY directions and is flat in the Z direction. The housing 92 is open on the frame body 91 side (the Z axis positive direction side). The frame body 91 is attached to the opening of the housing 92. The first substrate 50 of the laminate is disposed on the bottom of the housing 92, and the bottom of the housing 92 presses the first substrate 50 against the input member 20 side (the Z axis positive direction side).

[0120] In this way, the laminate is sandwiched between the frame body 91 and the housing 92 from both sides, and is fixed integrally as a laminate by the frame body 91 and the housing 92. For this reason, when the input member 20 and the second electrode 62 are viewed in plan along the arrangement direction (Z-axis direction) of the input member 20 and the second electrode 62, the holding member 90 holds the input member 20 such that the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 overlap with each other, with a gap formed between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 by the conductive member 40.

[0121] When the holding member 90 holds only the input member 20, the input member 20 may be simply attached to the holding member 90 with an adhesive or the like, so that the holding member 90 holds the input member 20.

[0122] The input member 20 can be bent by pressing the input member 20 by operating an operating body. In other words, when the operating body presses the input member 20, the pressed portion of the input member 20 is bent, and the distance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 can be easily reduced. As a result, the electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 changes.

[0123] The second electrode 62 is disposed at a position farther away from the conductive member 40 than the ground electrode 63. The second electrode 62 is disposed at a position farther away from the portion where the input member 20 is held by the holding member 90 and from the ground electrode 63. Specifically, since the edge of the input member 20 is sandwiched between the frame body 91 and the housing 92, the input member 20 in contact with the frame body 91 is unlikely to bend near the edge of the first surface 21 even if pressed by the operation of the operating body. For this reason, the second electrode 62 is disposed at a position as far away as possible from the frame body 91 disposed at the edge of the first surface 21. As shown in FIG. 7, the second electrodes 62 are disposed between two adjacent ground electrodes 63, and thus disposed at a position far away from the frame body 91.

[0124] This enables the second electrode 62 to easily detect the bending of the input member 20 caused by the operation of the operating body.

[0125] Furthermore, the input member 20 is more likely to bend at locations of the input member 20 where there is a gap between the input member 20 and the first substrate 50 than at locations of the input member 20 where the conductive member 40 is disposed between the input member 20 and the first substrate 50 (the four corners in the example of Figure 2).

[0126] Therefore, the second electrodes 62 are disposed at positions farther away from the conductive member 40 than the ground electrodes 63. Specifically, in the example of Fig. 2, the conductive members 40 are disposed at the four corners of the second surface 22, and the ground electrodes 63 are disposed at the four corners of the first substrate 50. A plurality of second electrodes 62 are disposed along the four edges on the surface of the first substrate 50.

[0127] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the input device 10b according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0128] As described above, in the input device 10b of the present embodiment, the input member 20 can be bent by pressing the input member 20 by operating the operating object. The second electrode 62 is disposed at a position farther from the conductive member 40 than the ground electrode 63.

[0129] According to this, by disposing the second electrode 62 at a position away from the location where the conductive member 40 is sandwiched between the first electrode 61 and the ground electrode 63, the second electrode 62 can be disposed at a position where the input member 20 is likely to bend. Therefore, the control unit can more accurately detect the pressure on the input member 20 caused by the operation of the operating object.

[0130] Moreover, the second electrode 62 is disposed at a position farther from the conductive member 40 than the ground electrode 63. That is, the ground electrode 63 is disposed near the conductive member 40 where the input member 20 is less likely to bend, and the second electrode 62 can be disposed at a position where the input member 20 is more likely to bend. This allows the control unit to more accurately detect the pressure on the input member 20 caused by the operation of the operating object.

[0131] In this embodiment as well, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned first embodiment and the like are achieved.

[0132] (Embodiment 3) In this embodiment, the input device 10c does not have a touchpad, and is different from the input devices of the first embodiment, etc. in that it does not use a touchpad but detects the position of an operation by an operating object using a plurality of second electrodes 62. Unless otherwise specified, other configurations in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, etc., and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations is omitted.

[0133] Fig. 8A is a block diagram showing an example of an input device 10c according to embodiment 3. Fig. 8B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a first region R1 and a second electrode 62 of the input device 10c according to embodiment 3.

[0134] <Configuration> In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 8A to 8C, a plurality of second electrodes 62 are arranged on the surface of first substrate 50. Note that a ground electrode 63 is also arranged, but is omitted in Figure 8B.

[0135] The multiple second electrodes 62 are arranged along the edge of the first substrate 50 .

[0136] The first surface 21 of the input member 20 has a plurality of first regions R1 that are partitioned (divided) to detect a position operated by the operating object. Specifically, the first surface 21 of the input member 20 has the first region R1 that detects an operation by the operating object. The first region R1 includes a second region. When the input member 20 is viewed in a plan view along the direction in which the input member 20 and the first electrode 61 overlap, the second region is a region where at least the first surface 21 and the first electrode 61 overlap. The second region has excellent sensitivity to pressing the first surface 21. Therefore, the second region may be a region different from the first region R1 and detect a position operated by the operating object separately. The operated position is a position pressed on the input member 20 by the operation of the operating object. The first region R1 is an example of a detection region.

[0137] In the present embodiment, the first surface 21 is divided into nine first regions R1. However, the first surface 21 is not limited to being divided into nine first regions R1. The first region R1 may be divided into eight or less first regions R1, or may be divided into ten or more first regions R1. The number of first regions R1 into which the first surface 21 is divided can be changed depending on the number of second electrodes 62.

[0138] A plurality of second electrodes 62 are arranged on the first substrate 50 so as to correspond to each of the plurality of first regions R1. Specifically, on the surface of the first substrate 50, one or more (preferably two or more) second electrodes 62 are arranged for each first region R1 so as to be able to detect a change in capacitance.

[0139] When the user presses the first surface 21 of the input member 20 with the operating object, the control unit 70 acquires a signal indicating capacitance from one or more of the second electrodes 62 that have detected a change in capacitance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 among the multiple second electrodes 62. The control unit 70 extracts (detects) the position operated by the operating object as one of the multiple first regions R1 based on the capacitance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62 indicated in the acquired signal.

[0140] <Operation> An operation of extracting a first region R1a corresponding to a position pressed by an operating object from among a plurality of first regions R1a... will be described with reference to Figs. 8B, 8C, and 9. The first region R1a... is included in the first region R1. Note that the position of the first region R1a is merely an example and is not limited to the position shown in Fig. 8B.

[0141] Fig. 8C is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the center of gravity calculation in the embodiment 3. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input device 10c in the embodiment 3.

[0142] As shown in Figures 8B and 9, when an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction that is perpendicular to the X-axis direction are defined on the surface of the first substrate 50, the multiple second electrodes 62 are arranged in multiple rows along the X-axis direction so as to sandwich the central portion of the surface of the first substrate 50, and are also arranged in multiple rows along the Y-axis direction so as to sandwich the central portion of the surface of the first substrate 50.

[0143] Specifically, on the four edges of the surface of the first substrate 50, second electrodes a1, a2, a3 (an example of the second electrodes 62) are arranged in order from a corner on the X-axis negative side and the Y-axis positive side along the X-axis positive direction, second electrodes b1, b2, b3 (an example of the second electrodes 62) are arranged in order from the corner along the Y-axis negative direction, second electrodes A3, A2, A1 (an example of the second electrodes 62) are arranged in order from a corner on the X-axis positive side and the Y-axis negative side along the X-axis negative direction, and second electrodes B3, B2, B1 (an example of the second electrodes 62) are arranged in order from the corner along the Y-axis positive direction. The second electrodes 62 include second electrodes a1, a2, a3, b1, b2, b3, A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3.

[0144] When the user presses the first surface 21 in the first region R1a... in Fig. 8B with the operating object, the second electrodes a1, b1, a2, and b2 close to the pressed position particularly react. That is, the capacitance between the first electrode 61 and each of the second electrodes a1, b1, a2, and b2 changes, and the second electrodes a1, b1, a2, and b2 output signals indicating the changed capacitance to the control unit 70. The control unit 70 also acquires signals indicating the capacitance not only from the second electrodes a1, b1, a2, and b2 but also from all of the second electrodes 62 (S11).

[0145] Next, the control unit 70 calculates a pressure sensitive value based on the capacitance value indicated by the signal detected by each of the second electrodes 62 (S12).

[0146] Next, the control unit 70 performs a center of gravity calculation using the capacitance values ​​acquired from all of the second electrodes 62. In the center of gravity calculation, for example, the following formulas (1) to (4) are used.

[0147]

number

number

number

number

[0148] RES x、 RES y are the arbitrarily set resolutions in the X and Y directions.

[0149] d k indicates the percentage [%] of the sensor position in the Kth column, with the left end being 0% and the right end being 100%.

[0150] Xk is the total of the capacitance values ​​(for example, Xak, XAk in the above formula) of the sensors (for example, ak, Ak in the above formula) in the Kth column group.

[0151] Yk is the sensor in the Kth group (for example, bk, Bk in the above formula). It is the sum of the capacitance values ​​of these (for example, Ybk, YBk in the above formula).

[0152] N is the number of columns of the second electrodes 62.

[0153] X and Y are the resolution RES x、 RES x are the position coordinates at

[0154] Specifically, the control unit 70 uses a formula for calculating the center of gravity to calculate the operation position using a sum of the capacitance values ​​of the corresponding second electrodes 62 along the X-axis direction.

[0155] Here, the second electrodes 62 are divided into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of two or more second electrodes 62 that face each other across a central portion. The control unit 70 adds up the capacitance values ​​between the second electrodes 62 and the first electrodes 61 for each group. For example, the control unit 70 adds up the capacitance values ​​between two or more second electrodes 62 and the first electrodes 61 that correspond to each other across a central portion.

[0156] Specifically, the control unit 70 calculates a first sum X1 by summing up the respective capacitance values ​​in the group of second electrodes a1 and A1 in FIG. 8B, a second sum X2 by summing up the respective capacitance values ​​in the group of second electrodes a2 and A2, and a third sum X3 by summing up the respective capacitance values ​​in the group of second electrodes a3 and A3.

[0157] The control unit 70 performs a center of gravity calculation based on the three sum values ​​X1, X2, and X3 corresponding to the X-axis direction and the position information of the corresponding second electrode 62, and obtains the center of gravity point (S21). x The position coordinate is calculated as the X coordinate at

[0158] Next, the control unit 70 performs a center of gravity calculation using the capacitance values ​​acquired from all of the second electrodes 62. The center of gravity calculation uses the above-mentioned formulas (1) to (4).

[0159] The control unit 70 uses an equation for calculating the center of gravity to calculate a sum of the capacitance values ​​of corresponding second electrodes 62 along the Y-axis direction. For example, the control unit 70 calculates a first sum Y1 by summing the capacitance values ​​in the group of second electrodes b1 and B1, a second sum Y2 by summing the capacitance values ​​in the group of second electrodes b2 and B2, and a third sum Y3 by summing the capacitance values ​​in the group of second electrodes b3 and B3.

[0160] The control unit 70 performs a center of gravity calculation based on the three sum values ​​Y1, Y2, and Y3 corresponding to the Y-axis direction and the position information of the corresponding second electrode 62, and obtains the center of gravity point (S22). The center of gravity point Y is a position coordinate calculated as the Y coordinate in the Y-direction resolution.

[0161] As a result, the control unit 70 determines X, Y as the pressed position coordinates (X, Y). That is, the control unit 70 detects the position where the pressing operation was performed by the operating object by performing a center of gravity calculation based on the summed value (S23).

[0162] The arrangement of the second electrodes 62 shown in Fig. 8B is merely an example and is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, in Fig. 8B, a plurality of second electrodes 62 may simply be arranged along the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. In addition, as for the groups, arbitrary second electrodes 62 may be selected from the plurality of second electrodes 62 and grouped.

[0163] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the input device 10c according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0164] As described above, in the input device 10c of the present embodiment, the first surface 21 has a plurality of first regions R1 partitioned to detect a position where the input member 20 is pressed by the operation of the operating object. A plurality of second electrodes 62 are arranged on the first substrate 50 so as to correspond to each of the plurality of first regions R1. Then, the control unit 70 detects the position where the operation is performed by the operating object based on the electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode 61 and the second electrode 62.

[0165] According to this, even if a touch sensor for detecting a position pressed on the input member 20 by the operation of the operating body is not provided, the position of the press can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the production cost of the input device 10c.

[0166] Furthermore, in an input device 10c according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the multiple second electrodes 62 are formed into multiple groups each consisting of two or more second electrodes 62, and the control unit 70 detects the position operated by the operating object by adding up the capacitance values ​​between the second electrodes 62 and the first electrodes 61 for each group and performing a center of gravity calculation based on the added value.

[0167] According to this, it is possible to detect the position where the operation is performed. Therefore, for example, even without using a touch pad or the like, it is possible to detect the position where the center part is pressed with a simple configuration. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the configuration of the input device 10c.

[0168] Furthermore, in the input device 10c of this embodiment, when an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction that is perpendicular to the X-axis direction are defined on the surface of the first substrate 50, the multiple second electrodes 62 are arranged in multiple rows along the X-axis direction so as to sandwich the central portion of the surface of the first substrate 50, and are arranged in multiple rows along the Y-axis direction so as to sandwich the central portion of the surface of the first substrate 50, and the multiple second electrodes 62 are formed into multiple groups each consisting of two or more second electrodes 62 facing each other across the central portion, and the control unit 70 detects the position operated by the operating object by adding up the respective capacitance values ​​between the second electrodes 62 and the first electrodes 61 for each group and performing center of gravity calculation based on the added value.

[0169] This allows the operated position to be detected with greater accuracy.

[0170] In this embodiment as well, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned first embodiment and the like are achieved.

[0171] (Embodiment 4) The present embodiment differs from the input device of embodiment 1, etc. in that the pressure sensitive value, which is a value obtained by detecting the pressure applied to the input member 20, is corrected. Unless otherwise specified, the other configurations of the present embodiment are the same as those of embodiment 1, etc., and the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description of the configurations is omitted.

[0172] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of an input device 10d according to the embodiment 4. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an area E and correction values ​​of the input device 10d according to the embodiment 4.

[0173] <Configuration> As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the input device 10d includes an input member 20, a touchpad 30, a first electrode 61, a conductive member 40, a first substrate 50, a ground electrode 63, a second electrode 62, and a control unit 70, as well as a memory unit 71.

[0174] The storage unit 71 is electrically connected to the control unit 70. The storage unit 71 stores a plurality of correction values ​​assigned to each of a plurality of regions E into which the first surface 21 is virtually divided in advance. The correction values ​​are values ​​calculated based on the amount of deflection of the input member 20 when the first surface 21 is pressed down by an operating object with a certain load, for example. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 of the modified example of the first embodiment, for example, when the edge of the input member 20 is sandwiched between the frame body 91 and the housing 92, the first surface 21 near the edge of the first surface 21 in the input member 20 in contact with the frame body 91 is unlikely to bend even if pressed by the operating object. In addition, when the edge of the input member 20 is supported by some member even if it is not sandwiched between the frame body 91 and the housing 92, the first surface 21 near the edge is unlikely to bend. For this reason, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the amount of deflection of the input member 20 is measured in advance, and a correction value corresponding to the measured amount of deflection is stored in the storage unit 71.

[0175] In this embodiment, the multiple regions E are virtually divided into nine. A correction value according to the amount of deflection is assigned to each of the nine divided regions E. The correction value and a position that specifies the region E associated with the correction value are stored in the storage unit 71 in association with each other.

[0176] The control unit 70 detects an area E corresponding to a position where a pressure on the input member 20 due to an operation of the operating object is detected from the multiple areas E. The position of the pressure can be detected by the touch electrode 31 of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 etc. The accuracy of the position where the pressure on the input member 20 is detected depends on the resolution of the touch pad 30.

[0177] Note that the position where the pressure is detected may be detected by using the configuration of the third embodiment described above without using the touch electrode 31. For this reason, this embodiment may be combined with the third embodiment.

[0178] The control unit 70 acquires the correction value assigned to the detected region E. Specifically, the control unit 70 reads out the correction value assigned to the region E corresponding to the position of the pressure on the input member 20 from the storage unit 71. The control unit 70 corrects the pressure sensitive value corresponding to the pressure on the input member 20 based on the correction value acquired by reading out.

[0179] <Operation> A case where the pressure sensitive value is corrected based on the correction value will be described with reference to FIG.

[0180] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input device 10d according to the fourth embodiment.

[0181] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the touch electrode 31 has a resolution of 1024 x 1024 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and is virtually divided into three in the X-axis direction and also virtually divided into three in the Y-axis direction, thereby virtually dividing the electrode into nine regions E based on the amount of deflection of the input member 20.

[0182] In the nine regions E, the edge side of the input member 20 is less likely to bend, so the correction value is set to 1.2, the corner side is even less likely to bend, so the correction value is set to 1.5, and the center part is most likely to bend, so the correction value is set to 1.0. Note that the correction value depends on the material of the input member 20, so it is merely an example and is not limited to this embodiment.

[0183] After the control unit 70 acquires a signal indicating the capacitance (S11), when the touch electrode 31 detects a position on the input member 20 where pressure is applied by the operation of the operating object (S31), the control unit 70 identifies an area E corresponding to the position detected by the touch electrode 31 from the multiple areas E, and reads out a correction value associated with the identified area E from the storage unit 71. The control unit 70 calculates a pressure sensitive value based on the capacitance values ​​detected by the second electrodes 62 (S12).

[0184] The control unit 70 applies the correction value read from the storage unit 71 to the pressure-sensitive value, thereby correcting the pressure-sensitive value (S32). Specifically, the control unit 70 multiplies the pressure-sensitive value by the correction value. In this way, the control unit 70 can obtain the corrected pressure-sensitive value.

[0185] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the input device 10d according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0186] As described above, in the input device 10d of this embodiment, the first surface 21 is provided with a memory unit 71 that stores a plurality of correction values ​​assigned to each of a plurality of regions E that are divided in advance, and the control unit 70 detects, from the plurality of regions E, a region E that corresponds to a position where a pressure on the input member 20 is detected by operation of the operating body, obtains the correction value assigned to the detected region E, and corrects the pressure sensitive value, which is the value at which the pressure on the input member 20 is detected, based on the obtained correction value.

[0187] According to this, regardless of the position where the input member 20 is pressed by the operation of the operating body, the pressure sensitive value can be corrected based on the amount of deflection that depends on the position of the input member 20. Therefore, the pressure on the input member 20 can be detected with high accuracy.

[0188] In the input device 10d of the present embodiment, the correction value is a value calculated based on the amount of deflection of the input member 20 when the first surface 21 is pressed down with a certain load by the operating object.

[0189] This makes it possible to calculate a correction value taking into consideration the properties of the input member 20, the members related to the attitude of the input member 20, etc. Therefore, the pressure on the input member 20 can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0190] In this embodiment as well, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned first embodiment and the like are achieved.

[0191] (Other variations, etc.) Although the present disclosure has been described above based on the first to fourth embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these first to fourth embodiments.

[0192] For example, in the input device according to each of the first to fourth embodiments, in the example of FIG. 2, the conductive member 40 is provided at each of the four corners of the second surface 22 of the input member 20, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the conductive member 40 may have a configuration as shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of an input device 10e according to another modified example. As shown in FIG. 13, the input device 10e may have a configuration in which the conductive member 40 is provided at at least one of the four corners of the second surface 22. That is, at least one conductive member 40 may be provided between the first electrode 61 and the ground electrode 63. In the example of FIG. 13, the first electrode 61 is arranged in a continuous connected state so as to be electrically connected to all the ground electrodes 63 via the conductive member 40. That is, the first electrode 61 may be one electrode arranged in a ring shape along the edge of the second surface 22.

[0193] 13, support bodies 41 are disposed at the four corners of the second surface 22 other than the corners of the second surface 22 where the conductive members 40 are disposed. The support bodies 41 may be formed of a member that does not have electrical conductivity, for example. In this case, it is possible to select between the conductive members 40 and the support bodies 41, thereby increasing the options for the members to be disposed at the four corners of the second surface 22.

[0194] In addition, in the input device according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 4, as shown in FIG. 13, a ground electrode 63 may be arranged at a position corresponding to one conductive member 40, and the ground electrode 63 may not be arranged at a position corresponding to the support 41.

[0195] In addition, in the input device according to each of the above embodiments 1 to 4, as shown in FIG. 13, the width B of the second electrode 62 (the length of the short side of the second electrode 62) may be configured to be smaller than the width A of the first electrode 61 (the length of the short side of the first electrode 61).

[0196] 2 and 13, the touch electrode 31 may be disposed closer to the center of the input member 20 than the first electrode 61 when viewed along the direction facing the second surface 22 of the input member 20 (Z-axis direction). Moreover, when the touch electrode 31 is viewed along the direction facing the second surface 22 of the input member 20 (Z-axis direction), the first electrode 61 is disposed so as not to overlap with the touch electrode 31.

[0197] Moreover, the control unit and the like included in the input device according to each of the first to fourth embodiments are typically realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. These may be individually implemented as single chips, or may be integrated in part or in whole as a single chip.

[0198] The integrated circuit is not limited to an LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. A field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of the circuit cells inside the LSI may also be used.

[0199] In each of the first to fourth embodiments, each component may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0200] Furthermore, all the numbers used above are merely examples for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the first to fourth embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the numbers shown as examples.

[0201] In addition, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is an example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as one functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be transferred to another functional block. Furthermore, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in a time-sharing manner by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0202] In addition, the order in which each step is performed in the flowchart is merely for illustrative purposes and may be other than the above. In addition, some of the steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0203] In addition, the present disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to embodiments 1 to 4 that would come to mind by a person skilled in the art, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of embodiments 1 to 4 within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0204] The present disclosure can be used, for example, in an input device mounted in a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0205] 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e Input devices 20 Input member 21 Page 1 22 Side 2 40 Conductive materials 50 First board 61 1st electrode 62, a1, a2, a3, b1, b2, b3, A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3 2nd electrode 63 Ground electrode 70 Control section 71 Memory section 80 Second board 90 Retaining member E area R1, Ra1 First area (detection area)

Claims

1. an input member having a first surface for performing an operation with an operating body and a second surface that is a reverse surface of the first surface; A first electrode disposed on the second surface; a second electrode disposed opposite the first electrode and spaced apart from the first electrode; a control unit that detects a pressure applied to the input member by an operation of the operating body based on a capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode, and calculates a pressure sensitive value that is a detected value; the first electrode is electrically connected to ground; a ground electrode electrically connected to the ground and disposed at a position corresponding to the first electrode; a conductive member sandwiched between the first electrode and the ground electrode; a first substrate on which the second electrode is provided; a second substrate on which the ground electrode is provided, The first substrate is disposed between the second substrate and the input member. Input device.

2. The conductive members are provided at the four corners of the input member. The input device according to claim 1 .

3. The first electrode is disposed along an edge of the second surface.

3. An input device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a third electrode disposed at a position facing the second surface of the input member; The third electrode is disposed closer to a center portion of the input member than the first electrode is when viewed along a direction facing the second surface of the input member. The input device according to claim 3 .

5. The third electrode is a touch electrode for detecting a position where the operating object comes into contact with the input member.

5. The input device according to claim 4.

6. The width of the second electrode is smaller than the width of the first electrode.

6. The input device according to claim 5.

7. The first electrode does not overlap the third electrode when viewed along a direction in which the third electrode faces the second surface of the input member.

7. The input device according to claim 6.

8. the first electrode is disposed in a continuous, connected state along an edge of the second surface; At least one conductive member is provided between the first electrode and the ground electrode. The input device according to claim 1 .

9. The input member is bendable by pressing the input member by operating the operating body, The second electrode is disposed at a position farther from the conductive member than the ground electrode. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the first surface has a plurality of detection areas partitioned to detect a position where the input member is pressed by operation of the operating object, a plurality of the second electrodes are arranged on the first substrate so as to correspond to the plurality of detection regions, The control unit detects a position operated by the operating object based on an electrostatic capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode. The input device according to claim 1 .

11. The second electrodes include a plurality of groups each including two or more of the second electrodes; The control unit detects a position operated by the operating object by adding up electrostatic capacitance values ​​between the second electrodes and the first electrodes for each group and performing a center of gravity calculation based on the added value. The input device according to claim 10.

12. When an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction are defined on the surface of the first substrate, the second electrodes are provided in a plurality of rows along the X-axis direction so as to sandwich a central portion of the surface of the first substrate, and are provided in a plurality of rows along the Y-axis direction so as to sandwich a central portion of the surface of the first substrate; The second electrodes are arranged in groups of two or more second electrodes facing each other across the central portion, The control unit detects a position operated by the operating object by adding up the capacitance values ​​between the second electrodes and the first electrodes for each group and performing a center of gravity calculation based on the added value.

12. The input device according to claim 11.

13. a storage unit that stores a plurality of correction values ​​that are assigned to a plurality of regions that are divided into the first surface according to a preset setting, The control unit is detecting, from the plurality of regions, a region corresponding to a position where a pressing force on the input member due to an operation of the operating object is detected; Obtain the correction value assigned to the detected region; The pressure sensitive value, which is a value obtained by detecting the pressure applied to the input member, is corrected based on the obtained correction value. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The correction value is a value calculated based on the amount of deflection of the input member when the first surface is pressed by the operating body with a certain load.

14. The input device of claim 13.

Images