Input Devices

Abstract

To provide a configuration that can efficiently transmit vibrations to a touch screen when vibrating the touch screen with an actuator to provide tactile feedback.SOLUTION: An input device 1 includes an LCD panel 13, a touch sensor arranged over the surface of the LCD panel 13, and a vibration generating unit 5 having an actuator 61 and a strain detector. The vibration generating unit 5 is arranged on the back side of the LCD panel 13 and connected to a securing portion 13b provided on the back surface of the LCD panel 13 via a rigid connecting member 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a configuration is known in which tactile feedback in response to a touch operation is realized by vibrating a touch screen.

[0003] US Patent Publication No. 2009 / 0133993 discloses a compliant suspension member for use in mounting an electronic touchscreen or touch surface. At least one compliant suspension member couples a touchscreen component and a housing component together such that the touchscreen component is movable relative to the housing component. Piezoelectric material segments are coupled to opposing sides of the at least one suspension member to generate a force that moves the touchscreen component relative to the housing component and thereby provide a haptic effect to a user of the touchscreen component. In response to the force generated by the piezoelectric material segments, the at least one suspension member is configured to allow movement of the touchscreen component relative to the housing component in a first direction and inhibit movement between the touchscreen component and the housing component in at least a second direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2015-522897 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the conventional configuration, when the touch screen is vibrated by the actuator, there is a problem in that the transmission loss in the path along which the vibration is transmitted from the actuator cannot be ignored.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a configuration in which an actuator is used to vibrate a touch screen to achieve tactile feedback, and the vibrations can be efficiently transmitted to the touch screen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an input device according to the present disclosure includes a display panel, a touch sensor disposed on a surface of the display panel, an actuator, a diaphragm that vibrates due to vibrations generated by the actuator, and a vibration generating unit having a strain detection unit that detects deformation of the diaphragm, the vibration generating unit being disposed on the rear side of the display panel and connected to a fixing part provided on the rear side of the display panel via a connecting member having rigidity, the connecting member being configured to include a columnar shaft portion and a male screw extending from one end of the shaft portion. the fixing portion is provided on a cover covering the rear surface of the display panel and has a second screw hole into which the male screw of the tip of the connecting member can be screwed, the male screw and the first screw hole of the connecting member are spaced apart so that the vibration generating unit is disposed above the cover, and the other end abuts against the diaphragm and is fixed to the vibration generating unit by a screw screwed into the first screw hole from the rear surface side of the diaphragm. The display panel is rectangular, and four columnar fixing portions are provided on the rear surface of the display panel corresponding to the four corners of the display panel, and the connecting members are connected to the four fixing portions, respectively. The vibration generating unit includes four strain detectors arranged corresponding to the four connecting members. It is an input device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, vibrations generated by the actuator can be efficiently transmitted to the touch sensor via the connecting member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a rear surface of the input device. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the case of the input device is removed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the vibration generating unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view of the vibration generating unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view of the vibration generating unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side view of the vibration generating unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration generating unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the input device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the input device 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear surface of the input device 1.

[0011] The input device 1 functions as a display device by displaying an image on the display unit 10. Furthermore, the input device 1 functions as an input device that receives an input by detecting a touch operation on the display surface. In FIG. 1 and each figure to be referred to later, the horizontal direction in the installed state of the input device 1 is the X direction, and in this embodiment, for convenience, the direction from the left end of the display screen of the input device 1 to the right is the X+ direction. Furthermore, the vertical direction in the installed state of the input device 1 is the Y direction. The Y+ direction corresponds to the upper side of the input device 1, and the Y- direction corresponds to the lower side of the input device 1. Furthermore, the depth direction of the input device 1 is the Z direction. The Z+ direction corresponds to the rear of the input device 1, the Z- direction corresponds to the front of the input device 1, and the display surface of the display unit 10 corresponds to the front of the input device 1.

[0012] 1, the input device 1 includes a case 2, a shield plate 3, a circuit board 4, a vibration generating unit 5, and a display unit 10. The case 2 is a metal housing that covers the rear surface of the input device 1, and the display unit 10 and the case 2 form the exterior of the input device 1.

[0013] The vibration generating unit 5 includes an actuator 61 (FIG. 4) that generates vibrations, and a strain gauge 66 (FIG. 6) that detects the pressure applied to the display unit 10. The detailed configuration of the vibration generating unit 5 will be described later.

[0014] The vibration generating unit 5 is disposed on the rear side of the display unit 10. The shield plate 3 and the circuit board 4 are disposed between the display unit 10 and the vibration generating unit 5. A circuit for controlling the touch sensor 12 and a control circuit 100 (described later) are mounted on the circuit board 4. The shield plate 3 is a metal plate or thin film that provides electromagnetic shielding between the circuit board 4 and the display unit 10.

[0015] A plurality of protrusions 22 are formed on the front surface of the case 2. The protrusions 22 come into contact with the rear surface of the circuit board 4 when the input device 1 is assembled. Each protrusion 22 has a hole through which a screw 24 can pass, and the screw 24 passes through the protrusion 22 from the rear surface side of the case 2. The shield plate 3 and the circuit board 4 are fastened to the protrusions 22 by the screw 24, and are fixed by being sandwiched between the case 2 and the display unit 10.

[0016] The vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit 5 are transmitted to the display unit 10, causing the display unit 10 to vibrate. In order to absorb the vibrations, an elastic member made of synthetic resin or rubber may be disposed between the display unit 10 and the case 2.

[0017] A plurality of protrusions 23 are formed on the front surface of the case 2. The protrusions 23 come into contact with the rear surface of the vibration generating unit 5 when the input device 1 is assembled. The protrusions 23 have holes through which screws 25 can pass. The screws 25 are screwed into the protrusions 23 from the rear surface of the case 2, penetrating the protrusions 23, thereby fixing the case 2 and the vibration generating unit 5 together.

[0018] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the display unit 10. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the case 2 of the input device 1 is removed.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 10 includes a cover lens 11, a touch sensor 12, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel 13, and a cover 14.

[0020] The cover lens 11 is a light-transmitting cover that protects the surface of the touch sensor 12, and is fixed to a synthetic resin frame. The touch sensor 12 is a sensor that detects a touch operation on the surface of the cover lens 11, and is disposed so as to overlap the front surface of the LCD panel 13. The detection method of the touch sensor 12 is not limited, and examples thereof include a capacitance sensor and a pressure-sensitive sensor. The LCD panel 13 is a display panel that displays an image, and includes a cover 13a (FIG. 4) that covers the side and rear surfaces. The display unit 10 may be configured to include an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel or other display panel instead of the LCD panel 13. In this case, it is preferable that the display panel has a metal cover 13a. The cover 14 is bonded to the cover lens 11, and houses the touch sensor 12 and the LCD panel 13. The cover 14 corresponds to an example of a cover member.

[0021] The vibration generating unit 5 is connected to the LCD panel 13 by a connecting member 8. As shown enlarged in the circle in Fig. 1, the connecting member 8 has a columnar shaft 81. A tip 82 of the connecting member 8 is tapered and has a male screw. A rear end 83 on the opposite side to the tip 82 has a hole into which the screw 26 can be screwed.

[0022] The connecting member 8 is made of a material that has a predetermined rigidity and is not easily stretched or elastically deformed. For example, the connecting member 8 is made of a metal such as aluminum, iron, stainless steel, or brass. The connecting member 8 may be made of an engineering plastic such as polyacetal, polyamide, polycarbonate, modified polyphenylene ether, or polybutylene terephthalate. In a preferred example, the connecting member 8 is made of a metal. The shaft portion 81 may be cylindrical or prismatic. The connecting member 8 connects the rear surface of the LCD panel 13 to the vibration generating unit 5.

[0023] Fig. 4 shows the vibration generating unit 5 fixed to the LCD panel 13 by the connecting member 8. The cover 14, shield plate 3, and circuit board 4 are not shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, a board cover 16 is disposed below the display unit 10. A circuit board (not shown) is housed inside the board cover 16.

[0024] The LCD panel 13 has a metal cover 13a that covers the sides and rear of the LCD panel 13. On the rear of the LCD panel 13, the cover 13a is provided with fixing parts 13b. In this embodiment, four fixing parts 13b are provided on the LCD panel 13. The fixing parts 13b have holes into which the shaft parts 81 can be screwed. A female screw may be formed in the hole.

[0025] The shaft 81 of the connecting member 8 is screwed into the fixing portion 13b and fixed thereto. Meanwhile, the rear end 83 abuts against a panel connecting portion 55b provided on the vibration generating unit 5. As described below, a screw hole 56 for passing a screw 26 is formed in the panel connecting portion 55b. The screw 26 is screwed into the rear end 83 through the screw hole 56 from the rear side of the vibration generating unit 5, thereby fixing the vibration generating unit 5 to the connecting member 8. Like the connecting member 8, the screw 26 is made of metal or engineering plastic and can be considered to be a rigid body.

[0026] In this manner, the vibration generating unit 5 and the LCD panel 13 are connected via the connecting member 8. Between the LCD panel 13 and the vibration generating unit 5, an external force applied to the LCD panel 13 is transmitted to the vibration generating unit 5 via the connecting member 8. In addition, vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit 5 are transmitted to the LCD panel 13 via the connecting member 8.

[0027] Fig. 5 is a rear view of the vibration generating unit 5. Figs. 6 and 7 are front views of the vibration generating unit 5, with Fig. 7 showing the vibration generating unit 5 without the flexible substrate 67. Fig. 8 is a side view of the vibration generating unit 5, as viewed in the X direction. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration generating unit 5.

[0028] The vibration generating unit 5 includes an actuator support part 51. The actuator support part 51 is a flat metal member, and as shown in Figures 5 and 9, a recess 51a that protrudes rearward is formed in approximately the center of the actuator support part 51 in the X direction. Both ends of the actuator support part 51 in the X direction form flat plate parts 51b. The recess 51a accommodates an actuator 61 having a predetermined thickness.

[0029] The actuator 61 is disposed on the front side of the actuator support part 51, and is fixed to the actuator support part 51 by a rivet 51c so as to fit in the recess 51a. The actuator support part 51 corresponds to an example of a support part.

[0030] The actuator 61 is a vibration generating device that generates vibrations by power supplied from the control circuit 100. The actuator 61 may be, for example, a piezoelectric actuator, a voice coil actuator, an eccentric rotating mass actuator, an E-core type actuator, a solenoid, a moving magnet actuator, or any other actuator.

[0031] The actuator 61 of this embodiment generates vibrations by electromagnetic action. As shown in Fig. 9, the actuator 61 has a coil winding 61a, a core 61b, and bobbins 61c, 61c. The bobbins 61c, 61c are made of, for example, synthetic resin, and are arranged so as to surround the core 61b made of a magnetic material. The coil winding 61a is a wire wound around the bobbins 61c, 61c. A through hole is formed in the core 61b, and the core 61b is fixed to the recess 51a by a rivet 51c that passes through the through hole.

[0032] An opening 51d is formed in the center of the recess 51a, and the actuator 61 is fitted into the opening 51d. Therefore, at the rear surface of the actuator support part 51, a part of the actuator 61 is exposed from the opening 51d.

[0033] The actuator 61 has a support plate 57. The support plate 57 is a plate-shaped member made of a magnetic material, and more preferably made of a highly magnetic material. The support plate 57 has an opening 57a, and the coil winding 61a fits into the opening 57a when the actuator 61 is assembled. The support plate 57 functions as a yoke when the coil winding 61a is fitted into the opening 57a.

[0034] A pair of leaf springs 52 are disposed on the front side of the support plate 57. Both ends of the support plate 57 in the X direction are fixed to the leaf springs 52 by rivets 59. The leaf springs 52 are also fixed to the flat plate portion 51b of the actuator support part 51 by rivets 53. That is, the support plate 57 is connected to the actuator support part 51 via the two leaf springs 52.

[0035] The leaf spring 52 is a plate-shaped member made of a spring material having elasticity. Since the leaf spring 52 is also a component of the magnetic circuit of the actuator 61, it is preferably made of a magnetic material, and more preferably made of a highly magnetic material. Due to the elasticity of the leaf spring 52, the support plate 57 is supported by the actuator support part 51 in a vibrable state, as described below.

[0036] When, for example, an AC pulse current is applied to the coil winding 61a, the support plate 57 moves back and forth relative to the coil winding 61a. Since the core 61b is fixed to the actuator support part 51 by the rivet 51c, the support plate 57 moves back and forth relative to the actuator support part 51, generating vibration.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 8, a support pillar 54 is erected on the back surface of the flat plate portion 51b of the actuator support portion 51. A hole into which the screw 25 can be screwed is formed in the support pillar 54. When the input device 1 is in an assembled state, the support pillar 54 abuts against the protruding portion 23 of the case 2 shown in Fig. 1. The screw 25 penetrates the protruding portion 22 from the back surface of the case 2 and is screwed into the support pillar 54, thereby fixing the actuator support portion 51 to the case 2. As a result, the actuator 61 is fixed to the case 2.

[0038] A terminal 62 for connecting a lead wire 63 to the actuator 61 is provided on the back surface of the actuator support part 51. The lead wire 63 has a connector 64 connected to the control circuit 100, and is fixed to the back surface of the actuator support part 51 with tape 65.

[0039] Diaphragm 55 is fixed to the front surface of support plate 57 by rivets 58. Diaphragm 55 is a plate-like member made of metal or synthetic resin, and is preferably a non-magnetic material. Diaphragm 55 may be shaped to protrude forward as shown in FIG. 8 to avoid interference with leaf spring 52 and the like.

[0040] The diaphragm 55 has protruding portions 55a that protrude above and below the actuator support portion 51. Flat plate portions 55c having constrictions are formed at both ends of the protruding portion 55a in the X direction, and the portion on the tip side of the flat plate portion 55c serves as a panel connecting portion 55b.

[0041] A rib 55d is formed by bending the end of the protruding portion 55a in the Y direction, increasing the rigidity of the protruding portion 55a and the panel connecting portion 55b in the front-rear direction. In contrast, the flat portion 55c does not have the rib 55d. Therefore, when a force is applied to the panel connecting portion 55b in the front-rear direction, the force acts intensively on the flat portion 55c, causing the flat portion 55c to elastically deform.

[0042] The panel connecting portion 55b abuts against the rear end 83 of the connecting member 8 when the input device 1 is assembled. As described above, the panel connecting portion 55b is provided with the screw hole 56 through which the screw 26 can pass. The screw 26 passes through the screw hole 56 and is screwed into the rear end 83, whereby the diaphragm 55 and the connecting member 8 are connected to each other.

[0043] A strain gauge 66 is disposed on the flat plate portion 55c on the front surface of the vibration generating unit 5. The strain gauge 66 is a sensor that detects deformation of the flat plate portion 55c. In the vibration generating unit 5 of this embodiment, two flat plate portions 55c are formed on the protruding portion 55a located at the upper portion, and two flat plate portions 55c are formed on the protruding portion 55a located at the lower portion. A strain gauge 66 is disposed on each of these four flat plate portions 55c. The strain gauge 66 corresponds to an example of a strain detection portion.

[0044] A flexible board 67 that is attached to the front surface of the vibration generating unit 5 is connected to the strain gauge 66. The strain gauge 66 is connected to the control circuit 100 by wiring formed on the flexible board 67.

[0045] In this manner, in the input device 1, the panel connecting portion 55b of the vibration generating unit 5 is connected via the connecting member 8 to the fixing portion 13b formed on the back surface of the cover 13a of the LCD panel 13.

[0046] When a pressing force is applied to the LCD panel 13, the pressing force acts on the panel connecting portion 55b via the connecting member 8. Since the protruding portion 55a and the panel connecting portion 55b have the rib 55d and are therefore less likely to deform in the Z direction, when a force in the Z direction is applied to the panel connecting portion 55b, the force causes the flat portion 55c to deform. The input device 1 can detect an operation on the LCD panel 13 by detecting the deformation of the flat portion 55c with the strain gauge 66.

[0047] On the other hand, when the actuator 61 generates vibrations, the diaphragm 55 connected to the support plate 57 vibrates together with the support plate 57 relative to the case 2. The vibrations of the diaphragm 55 are transmitted from the panel connecting portion 55b to the cover 13a via the connecting member 8, causing the display unit 10 to vibrate. In other words, the diaphragm 55 outputs vibrations in response to the operation of the actuator 61, and the diaphragm 55 corresponds to an example of a vibrating member. With this configuration, the vibrations of the diaphragm 55 are transmitted by the connecting member 8 having rigidity, so that the transmission loss of the vibrations can be suppressed and the vibrations can be efficiently transmitted from the diaphragm 55 to the display unit 10.

[0048] In the input device 1, the connecting member 8 penetrates the cover 14, the shield plate 3, and the circuit board 4. The cover 14 has a through hole 14a through which the connecting member 8 penetrates. The inner diameter of the through hole 14a is equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the connecting member 8. It is preferable that the through hole 14a is large enough that the cover 14 does not restrict the vibration of the connecting member 8 when the connecting member 8 vibrates, and it is more preferable that the connecting member 8 does not come into contact with the inner surface of the through hole 14a when the connecting member 8 vibrates. The through hole 14a corresponds to an example of a second through hole.

[0049] The shield plate 3 is formed with a through hole 3a through which the connecting member 8 passes. The circuit board 4 is formed with a through hole 4a through which the connecting member 8 passes. The inner diameters of the through hole 3a and the through hole 4a are both equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the connecting member 8. It is preferable that the through hole 3a is large enough that the shield plate 3 does not restrict the vibration of the connecting member 8 when the connecting member 8 vibrates, and it is more preferable that the connecting member 8 does not come into contact with the inner surface of the through hole 3a when the connecting member 8 vibrates. The same is true for the through hole 4a. The through hole 3a corresponds to an example of a first through hole.

[0050] Because through holes 3a, 4a, and 14a are formed in the shield plate 3, circuit board 4, and cover 14, through which the connecting member 8 penetrates, these members do not interfere with the vibration of the connecting member 8. Therefore, the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit 5 can be transmitted to the display unit 10 without transmission loss.

[0051] The through hole 3a is not limited to a hole having a circular cross section, and may be, for example, a hole formed by cutting out the outer periphery of the shield plate 3 in correspondence with the position of the connecting member 8. The same applies to the through holes 4a and 14a.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the input device 1. As shown in FIG. The input device 1 includes a control circuit 100. The control circuit 100 includes a control unit 110, a detection circuit 112, and a vibration generation circuit 114.

[0053] The detection circuit 112 is connected to the strain gauge 66, and detects elastic deformation of the flat plate portion 55c by the strain gauge 66. The vibration generating circuit 114 generates vibrations by the actuator 61 under the control of the control unit 110. The vibration generating circuit 114 vibrates the support plate 57 by, for example, outputting an AC pulse current to the coil winding 61a of the actuator 61.

[0054] The control unit 110 obtains the detection results of the strain gauges 66 from the detection circuit 112. The control unit 110 compares the detection values ​​of the strain gauges 66 with a preset threshold value. For example, the control unit 110 calculates the average or median of the detection values ​​of the four strain gauges 66, and compares the calculated value with the threshold value. When the detection values ​​of the strain gauges 66 are equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 110 causes the vibration generating circuit 114 to vibrate the actuator 61.

[0055] In this way, when a pressure in the Z direction is applied to the surface of the display unit 10, i.e., the display surface, the control circuit 100 vibrates the display unit 10 in response to the pressure. As a result, the input device 1 provides tactile feedback in response to a touch operation on the display unit 10 by vibrating the display unit 10, thereby achieving a haptic effect.

[0056] As described above, the input device 1 of this embodiment includes the LCD panel 13, the touch sensor 12 arranged over the surface of the LCD panel 13, and the vibration generating unit 5 having the actuator 61 and the strain gauge 66. The vibration generating unit 5 is arranged on the rear side of the LCD panel 13, and is connected to a fixing part 13b provided on the rear side of the LCD panel 13 via a connecting member 8 having rigidity.

[0057] With this configuration, by using the connecting member 8 having rigidity, it is possible to reduce the transmission loss of vibration and pressing force between the vibration generating unit 5 and the LCD panel 13, and the vibration generated by the vibration generating unit 5 can be efficiently transmitted to the LCD panel 13. Furthermore, an external force applied to the LCD panel 13 is efficiently transmitted to the vibration generating unit 5, and the strain gauge 66 included in the vibration generating unit 5 can more reliably detect the external force on the LCD panel 13. Therefore, it is possible to more efficiently realize tactile feedback that vibrates the LCD panel 13 in response to an operation of pressing the LCD panel 13.

[0058] Specifically, since the transmission loss of vibration is small, sufficient haptic feedback can be achieved even with a small, low-output actuator 61. Also, since the transmission loss of vibration is small, for example, the LCD panel 13 can be strongly vibrated, and stronger haptic feedback can be provided. Also, since the transmission loss in the path that transmits the pressure on the LCD panel 13 to the strain gauge 66 is small, the sensitivity of the strain gauge 66 can be suppressed, and the effect of suppressing the power consumption of the control circuit 100 can be expected.

[0059] The connecting member 8 in the above embodiment is a rod-shaped member having a male screw formed at the tip portion 82, and the fixing portion 13b is shaped to have a hole into which the male screw of the connecting member 8 can be screwed. This allows the connecting member 8 to be firmly and easily joined to the LCD panel 13. With this configuration, the transmission loss of vibration and external force between the connecting member 8 and the LCD panel 13 can be further reduced.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the vibration generating unit 5 includes an actuator 61 that generates vibrations, an actuator support part 51 that supports the actuator 61, and a vibration plate 55 that is connected to the actuator 61 and vibrates. The connecting member 8 connects the vibration plate 55 to the fixed part 13b. With this configuration, it is possible to both transmit the vibration generated by the actuator 61 to the connecting member 8 with little transmission loss, and reliably support the actuator 61 by the actuator support part 51.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the input device 1 has a case 2 that is disposed on the rear side of the LCD panel 13 and that houses the LCD panel 13 and the vibration generating unit 5, and the actuator support part 51 is fixed to the case 2. According to this configuration, the actuator 61 can be fixed to the case 2 so as not to attenuate the vibration generated by the actuator 61.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the metallic shield plate 3 is disposed between the case 2 and the LCD panel 13, and the shield plate 3 has a shape having a through hole 3a through which the connecting member 8 passes. With this configuration, the shield plate 3 can be disposed without impeding the transmission of vibrations and external forces by the connecting member 8. This has the advantage of increasing the degree of freedom in the position at which the vibration generating unit 5 is installed.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the input device 1 is provided with a cover 14 located between the LCD panel 13 and the vibration generating unit 5, covering the back surface of the LCD panel 13, and the cover 14 has a shape having a through hole 14a through which the connecting member 8 passes. With this configuration, the vibration generating unit 5 can be disposed on the back surface side of the cover 14 without impeding the transmission of vibrations and external forces by the connecting member 8. This has the advantage of increasing the degree of freedom in the position at which the vibration generating unit 5 is installed.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the LCD panel 13 is rectangular, four columnar fixing portions 13b are provided on the rear surface of the LCD panel 13 corresponding to the four corners of the LCD panel 13, a connecting member 8 is connected to each of the four fixing portions 13b, and the vibration generating unit 5 has four strain gauges 66 arranged corresponding to the four connecting members 8. With this configuration, by connecting the vibration generating unit 5 and the LCD panel 13 with the four connecting members 8, the pressing force against the LCD panel 13 can be transmitted to the vibration generating unit 5 more reliably.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the actuator 61 and the control unit 110 are connected to the strain gauge 66 and cause the actuator 61 to generate vibrations in response to the detection result of the strain gauge 66. With this configuration, it is possible to realize tactile feedback that causes the LCD panel 13 to vibrate in response to an operating force applied to the LCD panel 13.

[0066] The above-described embodiment is merely an example of one aspect of the present invention, and any modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the diaphragm 55 has four panel connecting portions 55b, and four strain gauges 66 corresponding to the respective panel connecting portions 55b are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the input device 1 may be configured to include five or more strain gauges 66, or the number of strain gauges 66 may be reduced.

[0068] Furthermore, the input device 1 may be configured to include a plurality of actuators 61. The position of the actuator 61 may be near the center of the LCD panel 13 in the XY plane, or may be closer to an edge of the LCD panel 13 than the center.

[0069] In addition, in the above embodiment, the control circuit 100 is configured to be housed inside the board cover 16 on the back surface of the LCD panel 13, but this is merely one example, and the control circuit 100 may be mounted on the circuit board 4, for example.

[0070] The strain detector that detects the displacement of the flat plate portion 55c is not limited to the strain gauge 66. For example, a sensor that magnetically, mechanically, or optically detects the amount of displacement of the panel connecting portion 55b in the Z direction may be used. An acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor may be used to detect the displacement of the panel connecting portion 55b, thereby detecting an external force applied to the LCD panel 13. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1 Input Device 2 Cases 3 Shield plate 3a Through hole (1st through hole) 4 Circuit Board 4a through hole 5. Vibration generating unit 8 Connecting members 11 Cover lens 12 Touch Sensor 13 LCD panel (display panel) 13a Cover 13b Fixed part 14 Cover (cover material) 14a Through hole (2nd through hole) 16 Circuit Board Cover 22, 23 Protrusion 51 Actuator support part (support part) 51a Recess 51b Flat plate part 51d aperture 52 Leaf spring 54 Post 55 Vibration plate (vibration member) 55a Protrusion 55b Panel connection part 55c Flat plate part 56 Screw hole 57 Support plate 57a aperture 61 Actuator 61a Coil winding 61b Core 61c Bobbin 66 Strain gauge (strain detection part) 81 Shaft 82 Tip 83 Rear end 100 Control circuit 110 Control section

Claims

1. A display panel; A touch sensor disposed on a surface of the display panel; a vibration generating unit having an actuator, a vibration plate that vibrates due to vibration generated by the actuator, and a distortion detecting unit that detects deformation of the vibration plate; the vibration generating unit is disposed on the rear side of the display panel and is connected to a fixing portion provided on the rear side of the display panel via a connecting member having rigidity; The connecting member includes a columnar shaft portion, a tip portion extending from one end of the shaft portion and having a male screw formed therein, and a first screw hole formed in an end face of the other end of the shaft portion opposite to the tip portion, the fixing portion is provided on a cover that covers a rear surface of the display panel, and has a second screw hole into which the male screw at the tip of the connecting member can be screwed; the male screw and the first screw hole are spaced apart so that the vibration generating unit is disposed above the cover, and the other end of the connecting member is in contact with the vibration plate and is fixed to the vibration generating unit by a screw that is screwed into the first screw hole from the rear side of the vibration plate, the display panel is rectangular; four columnar fixing portions are provided on a rear surface of the display panel, the four columnar fixing portions corresponding to four corners of the display panel; The connecting member is connected to each of the four fixing portions, The vibration generating unit includes four strain detectors arranged corresponding to the four connecting members. Input device.

2. a case disposed on a rear side of the display panel and accommodating the display panel and the vibration generating unit; The vibration generating unit includes a support portion that supports the actuator, The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the support portion is fixed to the case.

3. a metallic shield plate is disposed between the case and the display panel; The input device according to claim 2 , wherein the shield plate has a shape having a first through hole through which the connecting member passes.

4. a cover member located between the display panel and the vibration generating unit and covering a rear surface of the display panel; The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the cover member has a second through hole through which the connecting member passes.

5. The input device according to claim 1 , further comprising a control unit connected to the actuator and the distortion detection unit, the control unit causing the actuator to generate vibrations in response to a detection result of the distortion detection unit.

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