Sensor unit and mounting structure for sensor unit and mounting object

Abstract

To provide a sensor unit capable of facilitating fitting on an installation object.SOLUTION: A sensor unit U1 can be fitted on an installation object T to be partially stored in a hole H opened at least in a Z' direction of the installation object T from a Z' direction side. The unit U1 includes a detection sensor 100 which can detect an approach of a detection object from the Z direction side and at least one cushion part 200 which covers at least a part of the detection sensor 100 from the Z direction and can be stored at least partially in a hole H. At least one cushion part 200 is stored at least partially in the hole H of the installation object T with the sensor unit U1 fitted on the installation object T from the Z' direction side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor unit and a mounting structure for mounting the sensor unit to an object. [Background technology]

[0002] The following patent document describes a mounting structure for a vehicle interior part and a capacitive touch switch. The vehicle interior part includes a housing, a cushion layer covering the surface of the housing, and an outer surface layer covering the cushion layer. The touch switch is sandwiched between the housing and the cushion layer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-188919 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This touch switch is attached to a vehicle interior part as follows: First, the touch switch is fixed onto a housing. Then, the cushion layer is attached to the housing so that it covers the touch switch. This positions the touch switch between the housing and the cushion layer. Attaching the cushion layer to the housing in this manner is a difficult task, as it requires careful attention to prevent air from getting trapped between the touch switch and the cushion layer.

[0005] The present invention provides a sensor unit that can be easily attached to an attachment object, and an attachment structure for attaching the sensor unit to the attachment object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A sensor unit according to one aspect of the present invention is a sensor unit that can be attached to an object from one side in a first direction so as to be partially housed in a hole that is provided on the object and that opens at least in one side in the first direction, the hole also being open in the other side in the first direction.

[0007] The sensor unit may be configured to include a detection sensor and at least one cushion, or a detection sensor, at least one cushion, and a cover. The detection sensor may be a touch sensor or a pressure sensor and may be configured to detect the approach of a detection target from the other side of the first direction. The at least one cushion may be configured to cover at least a portion of the detection sensor from the other side of the first direction. In this case, the first direction may be the direction in which the at least one cushion and the detection sensor are aligned.

[0008] When a cover part is not provided, it is preferable that the at least one cushion part is at least partially accommodated in the hole of the attachment target when the sensor unit is attached to the attachment target from one side in the first direction. When a cover part is provided, it is possible that the cover part covers the at least one cushion part and the detection sensor from the other side in the first direction. In this case, it is preferable that at least one of the cover part and the at least one cushion part is at least partially accommodated in the hole of the attachment target when the sensor unit is attached to the attachment target from one side in the first direction.

[0009] In the case of the sensor unit of any of the above aspects, the detection sensor is covered with at least one cushion portion in advance, so that the sensor unit can be easily attached to the attachment object.

[0010] The sensor unit of any of the above aspects may further include a body. The body may have a holding portion. The holding portion may be located on one side of the detection sensor in the first direction and may hold the detection sensor. For example, the holding portion may be a box that opens on the other side of the first direction. In this case, the holding portion may house the detection sensor and at least a portion of at least one cushion portion, and may be at least partially housed in a hole in the attachment target when the sensor unit is attached to the attachment target from one side in the first direction. The holding portion may also be a plate that holds the sensor.

[0011] The body may further include at least one fixed portion, which may be located outward from the detection sensor in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and may be fixed to an attachment object from one side in the first direction.

[0012] At least one fixed portion may be provided on the detection sensor rather than on the body. The sensor main body may be a touch sensor or a pressure sensor and may be configured to be able to detect approach of a detection target from the other side of the first direction. At least one fixed portion may be located outside the sensor main body in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first direction and may be configured to be able to be fixed to an attachment target from one side of the first direction.

[0013] In addition, at least one of the fixed portions in any of the above-mentioned aspects can be configured to be fixed to the attachment object from one side in the first direction, with an elastic body interposed between the at least one fixed portion and the attachment object.

[0014] At least one fixed portion can be omitted. In this case, the sensor unit of any of the above aspects can be configured to further include an attachment member. The attachment member can be fixed to the body or the detection sensor and can be fixed to the attachment target from one side in the first direction. An elastic body can be interposed between the attachment member and the body or the detection sensor. Alternatively, the sensor unit can be fixed by fitting a portion housed in a hole of the attachment target into the hole (FIT IN) or by being adhered to the attachment target within the hole. In this case, the attachment member can be omitted.

[0015] The detection sensor may have a first surface on the other side in the first direction.

[0016] At least one cushion portion may have a first surface on the other side in the first direction and a second surface on one side in the first direction, and the second surface of the at least one cushion portion may be in surface contact with the first surface of the detection sensor or in contact with the first surface of the detection sensor via an interlayer member.

[0017] The at least one cushion portion may further comprise at least one intermediate portion disposed between the detection sensor and the at least one cushion portion.

[0018] At least one cushion section and / or at least one intermediate section may be waterproof.

[0019] At least one intermediate portion may have a first surface on the other side in the first direction and a second surface on one side in the first direction, and the second surface of the at least one intermediate portion may be in surface contact with the first surface of the detection sensor or in contact with the first surface of the detection sensor via an interlayer member.

[0020] The sensor unit according to any of the above aspects may further include at least one exhaust path.

[0021] When the second surface of the at least one cushion portion is in surface contact with the first surface of the detection sensor or is in surface contact with the first surface of the detection sensor via an interlayer member, the at least one exhaust path may be provided in at least one of the second surface of the at least one cushion portion and the first surface of the detection sensor, and may be open to the at least one surface and to a side surface abutting the at least one surface. Alternatively, the at least one exhaust path may be provided in the interlayer member, and may be open to the at least one of the second surface of the at least one cushion portion and the first surface of the detection sensor, and may be open to a side surface of the interlayer member.

[0022] When the second surface of the at least one intermediate portion is in surface contact with the first surface of the detection sensor or is in surface contact with the first surface of the detection sensor via an interlayer member, the at least one exhaust path may be provided in at least one of the second surface of the at least one intermediate portion and the first surface of the detection sensor, and may be open to the at least one surface and to a side surface abutting the at least one surface. Alternatively, the at least one exhaust path may be provided in the interlayer member, and may be open to the at least one of the second surface of the at least one intermediate portion and the first surface of the detection sensor, and to a side surface of the interlayer member.

[0023] The at least one cushion portion may be a plurality of cushion portions stacked in the first direction.

[0024] The at least one intermediate portion may be a plurality of intermediate portions stacked in the first direction.

[0025] A mounting structure according to one aspect of the present invention includes the sensor unit according to any one of the aspects described above, and a mounting target having a hole that opens in at least one direction in a first direction.

[0026] When a cover part is not provided, the sensor unit can be attached to the attachment target from one side in the first direction, and at least one cushion part of the sensor unit can be at least partially contained in the hole of the attachment target from one side in the first direction.When a cover part is provided, the sensor unit can be attached to the attachment target from one side in the first direction, and at least one of the cover part and the at least one cushion part of the sensor unit can be at least partially contained in the hole of the attachment target from one side in the first direction.

[0027] In any of the mounting structures described above, when at least one fixed portion or mounting member is provided on the body of the sensor unit or the detection sensor, it is possible to configure the at least one fixed portion or mounting member to be fixed to the mounting object from one side in the first direction.

[0028] The attachment target may be configured to include a housing.

[0029] The attachment target may further include a cushion layer that at least partially covers the housing from the other side in the first direction.

[0030] The attachment target may further include an outer surface layer that at least partially covers the housing and the cushion layer from the other side in the first direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connection structure between a sensor unit according to Example 1 of the present invention and an attachment target. [Figure 1B] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the sensor unit and the attachment object of the connection structure of Example 1 are separated. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a mounting structure according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first design modification of the mounting target of the mounting structure of the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second design modification of the mounting target of the mounting structure of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4A] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first design modification of the sensor unit of the mounting structure of the first embodiment. [Figure 4B] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second design modification of the sensor unit of the mounting structure of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4C] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a third design modification of the sensor unit of the mounting structure of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connection structure between a sensor unit and an attachment object according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the sensor unit and the attachment object of the connection structure of Example 2 are separated. FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first design modification of the sensor unit of the mounting structure of the second embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second design modification of the sensor unit of the mounting structure of the second embodiment. [Figure 6C] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a third design modification of the sensor unit of the mounting structure of the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connection structure between a sensor unit and an attachment object according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the sensor unit and the attachment object of the connection structure of Example 3 are separated. FIG. [Figure 8A] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first design modification of the sensor unit of the mounting structure of the third embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second design modification of the sensor unit of the mounting structure of the third embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connection structure between a sensor unit and an attachment object according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the sensor unit and the attachment object of the connection structure of Example 4 are separated. FIG. [Figure 10A]FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first design modification of the sensor unit of the mounting structure of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second design modification of the sensor unit of the mounting structure of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described, including Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4 and their design variations. Note that the components of the examples and design variations described below can be combined with each other as long as they are not inconsistent. Also, note that the materials, shapes, dimensions, numbers, and arrangements of the components in each aspect of the examples and design variations described below are merely examples, and that any design variation is possible as long as the same functions can be achieved. [Example]

[0033] Hereinafter, a mounting structure for a sensor unit U1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "unit U1") and a mounting target T according to multiple embodiments of the present invention, including a first embodiment and its design variations, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 4C. FIGS. 1A to 2 show the mounting structure of the first embodiment. FIG. 3A shows a first design variation of the mounting target T of the mounting structure of the first embodiment, and FIG. 3B shows a second design variation of the mounting target T of the mounting structure of the first embodiment. FIG. 4A shows a first design variation of the unit U1 of the mounting structure of the first embodiment, FIG. 4B shows a second design variation of the unit U1 of the mounting structure of the first embodiment, and FIG. 4C shows a third design variation of the unit U1 of the mounting structure of the first embodiment. FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3A to 4C show the Z-Z' direction (first direction). The Z-Z' direction includes the Z' direction (one side of the first direction) and the Z direction (the other side of the first direction).

[0034] The attachment target T may be, for example, an interior part of an automobile (for example, a console (see Figures 1A to 2), armrest, seat, dashboard, steering wheel, inner door panel or headliner (interior part)), furniture (for example, a sofa, stool, chair, desk or table, etc.), a portable information terminal such as a smartphone, a fixed information terminal operated by a user (for example, an automated teller machine (ATM), a ticket vending machine, a reception terminal for entering into a loan contract such as a card loan, a multimedia terminal for making ticket reservations or product purchase applications, a vending machine, a POS (Point of Sales) terminal, a ticket issuing machine for issuing tickets (including boarding passes) installed at an airport, a Shinkansen station, etc., or an amusement machine (for example, a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, a slot machine or a game machine, etc.)).

[0035] The attachment target T includes a housing 10 (see FIGS. 1A to 3B). The housing 10 is the housing of the interior of the above-mentioned automobile, furniture, a portable information terminal, a fixed information terminal, or the like.

[0036] The attachment target T may further include a cushion layer 20 (see FIGS. 1A to 3A). The cushion layer 20 may be made of an expandable foam material such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), urethane, or silicone; a gel material such as silicone or urethane; a fiber material in which synthetic fibers such as polyester are woven three-dimensionally; or a soft resin material such as various elastomers. The cushion layer 20 at least partially covers the housing 10 from the Z direction. That is, the cushion layer 20 may be configured to completely or partially cover the housing 10 from the Z direction. The cushion layer 20 may be fixed to the housing 10 with an adhesive, multiple screws, and / or multiple pins, but is not limited to this. The cushion layer 20 may be omitted (see FIG. 3B).

[0037] The attachment target T may further include an outer surface layer 30 (see FIGS. 1A to 3B). The outer surface layer 30 may be made of natural leather, artificial leather, synthetic leather, fabric made of a fiber material such as woven or knitted fabric, or a resin film.

[0038] When the cushion layer 20 is provided (see FIGS. 1A to 3A), the outer surface layer 30 covers the cushion layer 20 and the housing 10 from the Z direction side. When the cushion layer 20 covers the entire housing 10, the outer surface layer 30 can be configured to completely cover the cushion layer 20 and the housing 10 from the Z direction side, or partially cover the cushion layer 20 and the housing 10 from the Z direction side. When the cushion layer 20 partially covers the housing 10, the outer surface layer 30 can be configured to completely cover the cushion layer 20 and the housing 10 from the Z direction side, partially cover the cushion layer 20 and the housing 10 from the Z direction side, or completely cover the cushion layer 20 and partially cover the housing 10 from the Z direction side.

[0039] When the cushion layer 20 is not provided (see FIG. 3B), the outer surface layer 30 covers the housing 10 from the Z direction side. The outer surface layer 30 can be configured to entirely cover the housing 10 from the Z direction side, or to partially cover the housing 10 from the Z direction side.

[0040] Regardless of the above-described form of the outer surface layer 30, the outer surface layer 30 may be fixed to the cushion layer 20 and / or the housing 10 with an adhesive, a plurality of screws and / or a plurality of pins, etc., but is not limited thereto. The outer surface layer 30 may be omitted.

[0041] The attachment target T has a hole H. The hole H is provided in the attachment target T and is open at least in the Z' direction. The hole H is open in the Z' direction, but can be a bottomed hole with the Z direction side closed. The hole H of the attachment target T further has, for example, any one of the following configurations (1) to (3).

[0042] (1) When the attachment target T includes a housing 10, a cushion layer 20, and an outer surface layer 30 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B), the hole H includes a first hole 11 in the housing 10 and a second hole 21 in the cushion layer 20. The first hole 11 is a through-hole penetrating the housing 10 in the Z-Z' direction. The second hole 21 is a through-hole penetrating the cushion layer 20 in the Z-Z' direction, located on the Z-direction side of the first hole 11, and communicating with the first hole 11. Preferably, the shape of the first hole 11 viewed from the Z' direction is substantially the same as the shape of the second hole 21 viewed from the Z' direction, and the dimensions (projected area) of the first hole 11 viewed from the Z' direction are the same as the dimensions (projected area) of the second hole 21 viewed from the Z' direction, but this is not limited thereto. The outer surface layer 30 may be configured to block the second hole 21 in the cushion layer 20 from the Z direction. The portion of the outer surface layer 30 located on the Z-direction side of the hole H forms the bottom of the hole H, and the surface on the Z-direction side has a touch area that can be contacted from the Z-direction side by a detection object such as a finger or a touch pen.

[0043] (2) The hole 31 of the configuration (2) has the same configuration as the hole 31 of the configuration (1) above, except that the second hole 21 is a bottomed hole that opens in the Z' direction and is closed on the Z direction side, and the cushion layer 20 has a bottom 21a on the Z direction side of the second hole 21 (see FIG. 3A). The bottom 21a may be a cushion layer separate from the cushion layer 20 (see FIG. 3A), or may be formed integrally with the cushion layer 20. The bottom of the hole H is formed by the bottom 21a and a portion of the outer surface layer 30 located on the Z direction side of the hole H. The Z direction side surface of the portion of the outer surface layer 30 located on the Z direction side of the hole H forms the touch area.

[0044] (3) When the attachment object T does not include the cushion layer 20 but includes the housing 10 and the outer surface layer 30 (see FIG. 3), the hole H has the first hole 11 of the housing 10. The first hole 11 is a through-hole that penetrates the housing 10 in the Z-Z' direction. The outer surface layer 30 blocks the first hole 11 of the housing 10 from the Z direction side. The portion of the outer surface layer 30 located on the Z direction side of the first hole 11 forms the bottom of the hole H, and the surface on the Z direction side thereof forms the touch area.

[0045] The unit U1 is attached to the attachment target T so that it is partially housed in the hole H of the attachment target T from the Z' direction side. Hereinafter, the state in which the unit U1 is attached to the attachment target T in this manner will also be simply referred to as "attachment state 1."

[0046] The unit U1 includes a detection sensor 100. The detection sensor 100 has a first surface on the Z direction side and a second surface on the Z' direction side. The detection sensor 100 is a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like, and is configured to be able to detect the approach of a detection target from the Z direction side.

[0047] When the detection sensor 100 is a capacitive touch sensor, the detection sensor 100 has at least one sensor layer 110. The at least one sensor layer 110 may be one or more. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the at least one sensor layer 110 will also be referred to as "one or each sensor layer 110." One sensor layer 110 of the "one or each sensor layer 110" corresponds to one sensor layer 110 when there is one sensor layer 110, and each sensor layer 110 corresponds to each sensor layer 110 when there are multiple sensor layers 110. The one or each sensor layer 110 is a plate or film made of resin (e.g., polycarbonate (PC) resin, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin, ABS resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, cycloolefin polymer (COP) resin, DURABIO (registered trademark) resin, etc.).

[0048] When there is only one at least one sensor layer 110, a first surface of the sensor layer 110 on the Z-direction side is the first surface of the detection sensor 100, and a second surface of the sensor layer 110 on the Z'-direction side is the second surface of the detection sensor 100. When there is more than one at least one sensor layer 110, the multiple sensor layers 110 are stacked in the Z-Z' direction. The multiple sensor layers 110 include a top sensor layer located closest to the Z-direction side and a bottom sensor layer located closest to the Z'-direction side. The top sensor layer has a first surface on the Z-direction side and a second surface on the Z'-direction side, and the first surface of the top sensor layer is the first surface of the detection sensor 100. The bottom sensor layer has a first surface on the Z-direction side and a second surface on the Z'-direction side, and the second surface of the top sensor layer is the second surface of the detection sensor 100.

[0049] The detection sensor 100 further includes at least one first electrode 120. The at least one first electrode 120 may be one or more. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the at least one first electrode 120, like the at least one sensor layer 110, will also be referred to as "one or each first electrode 120." The one or each first electrode 120 is made of a transparent conductive film or a conductor. In the above-described attachment state 1, the one or each first electrode 120 is located on the Z' direction side with respect to the touch area of ​​the attachment target T.

[0050] When there is one at least one sensor layer 110, one or each first electrode 120 is provided on the first surface or the second surface of the one sensor layer 110. When there is a plurality of at least one sensor layer 110, one or each first electrode 120 is provided on the first surface or the second surface of any one of the plurality of sensor layers 110.

[0051] One or each of the first electrodes 120 is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown). This control unit may be provided in the unit U1, or may not be provided in the unit U1 and may be built into the aforementioned automobile, furniture, portable information terminal, fixed information terminal, etc. For the sake of convenience, the following description will be made simply as the "control unit" without distinguishing between the control unit of the unit U1 and a control unit outside the unit U1.

[0052] The detection sensor 100 may further include at least one second electrode 120. The at least one second electrode 120 may be one or more. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the at least one second electrode 120, like the at least one sensor layer 110, will also be referred to as "one or each second electrode 120." The one or each second electrode 120 is made of a transparent conductive film or a conductor. In the above-described attachment state 1, the one or each second electrode 120 is located on the Z' direction side with respect to the touch area of ​​the attachment target T.

[0053] When there is one at least one sensor layer 110, one or each second electrode 120 is provided on a first surface or a second surface of the one sensor layer 110. When there is a plurality of at least one sensor layers 110, one or each second electrode 120 is provided on a first surface or a second surface of any one of the plurality of sensor layers 110. One or each second electrode 120 is also electrically connected to the controller.

[0054] When the detection sensor 100 is a self-capacitance capacitive touch sensor, the detection sensor 100 has at least one first electrode 120 but does not have at least one second electrode 120. In this case, the control unit charges or discharges one or more first electrodes 120. At this time, when the detection target touches the touch area from the Z direction (i.e., approaches one or at least one of the first electrodes 120 from the Z direction), the capacitance between the detection target and one or at least one of the first electrodes 120 changes. In response to this change in capacitance, a signal (e.g., voltage or current) of at least one of the one or at least one first electrodes 120 changes. The control unit monitors the signal of one or at least one first electrode 120 and compares the signal of one or at least one first electrode 120 with a first threshold value stored in the memory of the control unit. When the comparison shows that the signal of one first electrode 120 or at least one of the multiple first electrodes 120 exceeds the first threshold, the control unit determines that the touch to be detected has occurred in the Z-direction side of the first electrode 120 in the touch area where the signal has exceeded the first threshold.

[0055] When the detection sensor 100 is a mutual capacitance touch sensor, the detection sensor 100 has at least one first electrode 120 and at least one second electrode 120. One or more second electrodes 120 are drive electrodes, and one or more first electrodes 120 are detection electrodes. A control unit supplies a drive pulse to one or more second electrodes 120. At this time, when a detection target approaches one or at least one of the first electrodes 120 and one or at least one of the second electrodes 120 from the Z direction, a change in capacitance between one or at least one of the first electrodes 120 and one or at least one of the second electrodes 120 changes the signal of one or at least one of the first electrodes 120. The control unit monitors the signal (voltage or current) of one or more first electrodes 120 and compares the signal of one or more first electrodes 120 with a second threshold value stored in the memory of the control unit. When the comparison shows that one first electrode 120 or at least one signal of the multiple first electrodes 120 exceeds the second threshold value, the control unit determines that a touch to be detected has occurred in a portion of the touch area on the Z-direction side of the first electrode 120 whose signal exceeds the second threshold value.

[0056] The detection sensor 100 may be configured as both a self-capacitance type and a mutual capacitance type. In this case, when the control unit charges or discharges one or more first electrodes 120, the capacitance between a detection target approaching from the Z direction and the one or at least one of the first electrodes 120 changes, causing a change in a signal from the one or at least one of the first electrodes 120. When the control unit supplies a drive pulse to the one or at least one second electrode 120, the detection target approaches the one or at least one of the first electrodes 120 from the Z direction and the one or at least one of the second electrodes 120 or at least one of the second electrodes 120 from the Z direction, causing a change in a capacitance between the one or at least one of the first electrodes 120 and the one or at least one of the second electrodes 120, causing a change in a signal from the one or at least one of the first electrodes 120. The control unit monitors the signal (voltage or current) of one or more first electrodes 120 and compares the signal of one or more first electrodes 120 with a third threshold value stored in the memory of the control unit. When the comparison shows that the signal of one first electrode 120 or at least one of the signals of the multiple first electrodes 120 exceeds the third threshold value, the control unit determines that a touch to be detected has occurred in a portion of the touch area on the Z-direction side of the first electrode 120 whose signal exceeds the third threshold value.

[0057] When the detection sensor 100 is a resistive touch sensor (not shown), the detection sensor 100 has at least one sensor layer 110, at least one first electrode 120, at least one second electrode 120, and at least one insulating spacer. The at least one sensor layer 110 may be configured to have a first sensor layer 110 and a second sensor layer 110. The first sensor layer 110 has a first surface on the Z-direction side and a second surface on the Z'-direction side. The second sensor layer 110 has a first surface on the Z-direction side and a second surface on the Z'-direction side. The first surface of the first sensor layer 110 is the first surface of the detection sensor 100, and the second surface of the second sensor layer 110 is the second surface of the detection sensor 100. At least one first electrode 120 is provided on the second surface of the first sensor layer 110, and at least one second electrode 120 is provided on the first surface of the second sensor layer 110 and is spaced apart from the at least one first electrode 120 in the Z-Z' direction. At least one spacer is interposed between the first sensor layer 110 and the second sensor layer 110 or between the at least one first electrode 120 and the at least one second electrode 120 to separate the two electrodes. When a detection target approaches from the Z direction, a load is applied to a portion of the at least one first electrode 120, causing at least a portion of the at least one first electrode 120 to bend and come into contact with the at least one second electrode 120, thereby establishing electrical continuity between the two electrodes. By detecting this continuity, the control unit determines that a detection target has touched the portion of the first electrode 120 on the Z direction side.

[0058] If the detection sensor 100 is a pressure sensor (not shown), when the detection target comes into contact with the touch area of ​​the attachment target T (i.e., when the detection target approaches from the Z direction), pressure is applied to the pressure sensor, causing a change in the signal (voltage, etc.) of the pressure sensor. The control unit monitors the signal (voltage, etc.) of the pressure sensor and compares the signal of the pressure sensor with a fourth threshold value stored in the memory of the control unit. When the comparison shows that the signal of the pressure sensor exceeds the fourth threshold value, the control unit determines that the detection target has touched the touch area.

[0059] The detection sensor 100 is not limited to a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, or a pressure sensor, but can also be an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an optical touch sensor, or an electromagnetic induction touch sensor.

[0060] The unit U1 further includes at least one cushion portion 200. The at least one cushion portion 200 may be one or more. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the at least one cushion portion 200 will also be referred to as "one or each cushion portion 200" as well as the at least one sensor layer 110. The one or each cushion portion 200 is made of an elastic body (for example, the same material as the cushion layer 20 of the attachment target T or another elastic body). The one or each cushion portion 200 is made of insulating material or a material with a high resistance value (for example, a surface resistance value of 10 to the power of 9 Ω / □ It is preferable that the surface resistance be of the order of 100 Ω or more, but this is not limited thereto. The surface resistance value can be a value measured using a measurement method conforming to standards such as JIS K 6911 or JIS C 2170. Other elastic materials include, for example, closed-cell foams (e.g., general-purpose polyethylene foam or rubber sponge), open-cell foams (e.g., urethane foam), polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, and silicone. A closed-cell foam has multiple cells that are independent of each other. An open-cell foam has multiple cells that are connected together. Adjacent cells among the multiple cells are connected to each other. One or each of the cushion portions 200 may be waterproof, but this is not limited thereto. The waterproofness of one or each of the cushion portions 200 may be IPX1 or higher according to the International Electrotechnical Commission standard (JIS C 0920). In this case, one or each of the cushion portions 200 can be made of, for example, the aforementioned closed-cell foam having waterproof properties.

[0061] At least one cushion portion 200 covers at least a portion of the detection sensor 100 (i.e., a portion or the entire detection sensor 100) from the Z direction side. When there is only one at least one cushion portion 200 (see FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4B), the cushion portion 200 has a first surface on the Z direction side and a second surface on the Z′ direction side. The second surface of the cushion portion 200 may be in surface contact with the first surface of the detection sensor 100. Alternatively, the second surface of the cushion portion 200 and the first surface of the detection sensor 100 may be in contact with each other via an interlayer member 600 (e.g., an adhesive layer or double-sided tape). When the interlayer member 600 is an adhesive layer or double-sided tape, the second surface of the cushion portion 200 and the first surface of the detection sensor 100 are bonded together by the interlayer member 600.

[0062] When there are multiple cushion sections 200 (see FIGS. 4A and 4C), the multiple cushion sections 200 are stacked in the Z-Z' direction. The multiple cushion sections 200 include an uppermost cushion section 200 closest to the Z direction and a lowermost cushion section 200 closest to the Z' direction. The uppermost cushion section 200 has a first surface on the Z direction side. The lowermost cushion section 200 has a second surface on the Z' direction side. The second surface of the lowermost cushion section 200, like one cushion section 200, is in surface contact with or is bonded to the first surface of the detection sensor 100 via an interlayer member 600. The Z-Z' direction is the direction in which the at least one cushion section 200 and the detection sensor 100 are arranged.

[0063] The plurality of cushion portions 200 includes at least one pair of adjacent cushion portions 200 in the Z-Z' direction. Hereinafter, the cushion portion 200 on the Z-direction side of the adjacent cushion portions 200 will be referred to as the first cushion portion 200a, and the cushion portion 200 on the Z'-direction side will be referred to as the second cushion portion 200b. The first cushion portion 200a and the second cushion portion 200b may be in surface contact with each other or may be in contact with each other via an interlayer member 600. When the interlayer member 600 is an adhesive layer or double-sided tape, the first cushion portion 200a and the second cushion portion 200b are bonded together by the interlayer member 600. When there are two cushion portions 200, the first cushion portion 200a is the uppermost cushion portion 200, and the second cushion portion 200b is the lowermost cushion portion 200. When there are three or more cushion portions 200, the first cushion portion 200a is the uppermost cushion portion 200 and the second cushion portion 200b is the cushion portion 200 located on the Z'-direction side of the uppermost cushion portion 200, or the second cushion portion 200b is the lowermost cushion portion 200 and the first cushion portion 200a is the cushion portion 200 located on the Z-direction side of the lowermost cushion portion 200, or the first cushion portion 200a and the second cushion portion 200b are cushion portions 200 between the uppermost and lowermost cushion portions 200.

[0064] When one or more cushion parts 200 cover a portion of the detection sensor 100, the outer shape of the one or more cushion parts 200 as viewed from the Z-direction side is arbitrary, and the outer dimensions (projected area) of the one or more cushion parts 200 as viewed from the Z-direction side are smaller than the outer dimensions (projected area) of the detection sensor 100 as viewed from the Z-direction side. When one or more cushion parts 200 cover the entire detection sensor 100, the outer shape of the one or more cushion parts 200 as viewed from the Z direction side may be approximately the same as the outer shape of the detection sensor 100 as viewed from the Z direction side, and the outer dimensions (projected area) of the one or more cushion parts 200 as viewed from the Z direction side may also be approximately the same as the outer dimensions (projected area) of the detection sensor 100 as viewed from the Z direction side, or the outer shape of the one or more cushion parts 200 as viewed from the Z direction side may be arbitrary, and the outer dimensions (projected area) of the one or more cushion parts 200 as viewed from the Z direction side may be larger than the outer dimensions (projected area) of the detection sensor 100 as viewed from the Z direction side.

[0065] The unit U1 may further include at least one exhaust path P. The at least one exhaust path P may be provided in at least one of the second surface of one cushion part 200 or the lowest cushion part 200 and the first surface of the detection sensor 100, and may be open to the at least one surface and a side surface abutting the at least one surface. For example, the at least one exhaust path P may be a through-hole (not shown) or a groove (see FIG. 4B ) extending along the at least one surface and opening to the at least one surface (at least one of the Z direction and the Z′ direction) and a side surface abutting the at least one surface. If the detection sensor 100 is surface-treated, such as by an overcoat (this is referred to as a surface-treated portion), the surface-treated portion of the detection sensor 100 may include the first surface of the detection sensor 100. In this case, the at least one exhaust path P may be a through-hole or a groove provided in the first surface of the surface-treated portion of the detection sensor 100.

[0066] Alternatively, when one cushion section 200 (not shown) or the lowest cushion section 200 (see FIGS. 4A and 4C) is made of the above-described open-cell foam, at least one exhaust path P may be made of a plurality of cells in the one cushion section 200 or the lowest cushion section 200. The at least one exhaust path P includes at least one first cell, at least one second cell, and at least one third cell. The at least one first cell is provided on the second surface of the one cushion section 200 or the lowest cushion section 200 and is open to the second surface. The at least one second cell is provided on a side surface of the one cushion section 200 or the lowest cushion section 200 and is open to the side surface. When there is one at least one first cell and one at least one second cell and there is one or more third cells, one first cell and one second cell are connected (communicated) by one or more third cells. In this case, there is one at least exhaust path P, and it is constituted by one first bubble, one second bubble, and one or more third bubbles. When there are multiple at least one first bubble, at least one second bubble, and at least one third bubble, each first bubble and each second bubble are connected (communicated) by some third bubbles (one or more third bubbles) of the multiple third bubbles (total third bubbles). In this case, there are multiple exhaust paths P, and each exhaust path P is constituted by one of the multiple first bubbles, one of the multiple second bubbles, and some third bubbles (one or more third bubbles) of the multiple third bubbles (total third bubbles).

[0067] When an interlayer member 600 is interposed between the second surface of one cushion portion 200 or the lowest cushion portion 200 and the first surface of the detection sensor 100, the at least one exhaust path P can be a through-hole or groove provided in the interlayer member 600, and can be configured to be open to at least one of the second surface of one cushion portion 200 or the lowest cushion portion 200 and the first surface of the detection sensor 100, and also open to a side surface of the interlayer member 600. Note that even when the interlayer member 600 is provided, the at least one exhaust path P can be provided outside the interlayer member 600, as described above.

[0068] The at least one exhaust path P may be provided in plural. Note that the at least one exhaust path P can be omitted. Regardless of whether or not at least one exhaust path P is provided (except when at least one exhaust path P has multiple bubbles), the cushion part 200 located on the Z-direction side of the lowest cushion part 200 can be configured to have the above-mentioned waterproof property. For example, the first cushion part 200a may be made of a closed-cell foam having waterproof property.

[0069] The unit U1 can be configured to further include a cover portion 500 (see FIGS. 4B and 4C). The cover portion 500 is made of the same material as the outer surface layer 30. The cover portion 500 and the outer surface layer 30 may be made of the same material or different materials. The outer shape of the cover portion 500 as viewed from the Z direction is substantially the same as the outer shape of at least one cushion portion 200 as viewed from the Z direction, and the outer dimensions (projected area) of the cover portion 500 as viewed from the Z direction are also substantially the same as the outer dimensions (projected area) of at least one cushion portion 200 as viewed from the Z direction. The cover portion 500 covers at least one cushion portion 200 and the detection sensor 100 from the Z direction.

[0070] The cover member 500 has a first surface on the Z-direction side and a second surface on the Z'-direction side. When there is only one cushion member 200, the second surface of the cover member 500 may be in surface contact with the first surface of the cushion member 200. Alternatively, the second surface of the cover member 500 and the second surface of the cushion member 200 may be in contact with each other via an interlayer member 600 (not shown). When the interlayer member 600 is an adhesive layer or double-sided tape, the second surface of the cover member 500 and the second surface of the cushion member 200 are bonded together by the interlayer member 600. When there is a plurality of cushion members 200, the second surface of the cover member 500 may be in surface contact with the first surface of the uppermost cushion member 200 of the plurality of cushion members 200. Alternatively, the second surface of the cover member 500 and the second surface of the uppermost cushion member 200 may be in contact with each other via an interlayer member 600 (not shown). When the interlayer member 600 is an adhesive layer or double-sided tape, the second surface of the cover part 500 and the second surface of the uppermost cushion part 200 are bonded together by the interlayer member 600. The cover part 500 can be omitted.

[0071] The unit U1 further includes a body 300. The body 300 is made of an insulating material (e.g., insulating resin). The body 300 has a holding portion 310. The holding portion 310 is located on the Z'-direction side of the detection sensor 100 and supports the detection sensor 100. For example, the holding portion 310 may be made of a plate or the central portion of a plate extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the Z-Z' direction (hereinafter, this direction will be referred to as the "perpendicular direction"). In this case, the second surface of the detection sensor 100 may be in surface contact with the Z-direction surface of the holding portion 310, or may be attached to the Z-direction surface with an adhesive layer, double-sided tape, or the like (not shown). Alternatively, the holding portion 310 may be made of a box that is open in the Z direction and has a bottom and sidewalls extending from the periphery of the bottom in the Z direction, or the bottom of such a box. In this case, the second surface of the detection sensor 100 may be in surface contact with the surface of the bottom of the holding portion 310 on the Z direction side, or may be attached with the adhesive layer, double-sided tape, or the like.

[0072] The body 300 may further include at least one fixed portion 320. The at least one fixed portion 320 may be one or more. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the at least one fixed portion 320, like the at least one sensor layer 110, will also be referred to as "one or each fixed portion 320." The one or each fixed portion 320 is located outwardly relative to the detection sensor 100 supported by the holding portion 310 in the perpendicular direction. For example, if the holding portion 310 is configured as a plate or a box, the one or each fixed portion 320 may be configured as an arm or flange extending perpendicularly from the holding portion 310. If the holding portion 310 is configured as the center of a plate, the one or each fixed portion 320 may be configured as an edge portion around the center of the plate. If the holding portion 310 is configured as the bottom of a box, the one or each fixed portion 320 may be configured as a sidewall of the box. In any of these configurations, one or each fixed portion 320 is located on the Z' direction side of the peripheral portion of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 of the mounting object T in the above mounting state 1 and is fixed to the peripheral portion of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 by screwing, adhesive bonding, welding, etc.

[0073] The one or each fixed part 320 has an attachment surface on the Z direction side that directly or indirectly contacts the periphery of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 of the attachment target T. Hereinafter, when the cover part 500 is not provided, the height position of the attachment surface of the one or each fixed part 320 in the Z-Z' direction relative to the detection sensor 100 and at least one cushion part 200 is referred to as a "first height position." When the cover part 500 is provided, the height position of the attachment surface of the one or each fixed part 320 in the Z-Z' direction relative to the detection sensor 100, at least one cushion part 200, and cover part 500 is referred to as a "second height position." The first or second height position of the attachment surface of the one or each fixed part 320 can be set arbitrarily by increasing the thickness dimension of the one or each fixed part 320 in the Z-Z' direction or by configuring the one or each fixed part 320 to extend in the Z-Z' direction. For example, the first or second height position of the mounting surface of one or each fixed portion 320 can be (a) approximately the same as the height position in the Z-Z' direction of the second surface of the detection sensor 100 (see Figures 1A to 2 and Figures 4A to 4C), (b) approximately the same as the height position in the Z-Z' direction of the first surface of the detection sensor 100, the second surface of one cushion portion 200, or the second surface of the lowest cushion portion 200 (not shown), or (c) approximately the same as the height position between the first and second surfaces of one cushion portion 200 in the Z-Z' direction or the height position between the first surface of the top cushion portion 200 and the first surface of the bottom cushion portion 200 in the Z-Z' direction (not shown). Furthermore, the second height position of the mounting surface of one or each fixed portion 320 can be made approximately the same as the height position in the Z-Z' direction of (d) the first surface of one cushion portion 200, the first surface of the top cushion portion 200, or the second surface of the cover portion 500 (not shown).

[0074] When the first height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 is the above (a) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the part of the unit U1 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 (i.e., the detection sensor 100 and one or more cushion parts 200) becomes the first accommodated part (see FIGS. 1A to 2 and 4A). When the first height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 is the above (a) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the first accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the detection sensor 100 and one or more cushion parts 200. When the second height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 is the above (a) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the part of the unit U1 located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 (i.e., the detection sensor 100, one or more cushion parts 200, and the cover part 500) becomes the second accommodated part (see FIGS. 4B and 4C). When the second height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 is the above (a) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the second accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the detection sensor 100, one or more cushion parts 200, and the cover part 500.

[0075] When the first height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 is the above (b) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the part of the unit U1 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 (i.e., one or more cushion parts 200) becomes the third accommodated part. When the first height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 is the above (b) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the third accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the one or more cushion parts 200. When the second height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 is the above (b) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the part of unit U1 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 (i.e., one or more cushion parts 200 and cover part 500) becomes the fourth accommodated part. When the second height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 is the above (b) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the fourth accommodated part includes the one or more cushion parts 200 and cover part 500 as well as the one or more interlayer members 600.

[0076] When the first height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 is the above (c) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the portion of unit U1 located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 (i.e., the portion located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or more cushion portions 200) becomes the fifth accommodated portion. When the first height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 is the above (c) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the fifth accommodated portion includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the portion located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or more cushion portions 200. When the second height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 is the above (c) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the portion of the unit U1 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 (i.e., the portion of one or more cushion portions 200 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface and the cover portion 500) becomes the sixth accommodated portion. When the second height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 is the above (c) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or more cushion portions 200, the sixth accommodated portion includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the portion of the cushion portions 200 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface and the cover portion 500.

[0077] When the second height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 is the above (d) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the part of unit U1 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 (i.e., cover part 500) becomes the seventh accommodated part. When the second height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 is the above (d) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the seventh accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the cover part 500.

[0078] When the mounting surface of one or each fixed portion 320 directly contacts the periphery of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 of the mounting target T, the dimension of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated portion of the unit U1 in the Z-Z' direction is approximately the same as the dimension of the hole H of the mounting target T in the Z-Z' direction. When the mounting surface of one or each fixed portion 320 indirectly contacts the periphery of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 of the mounting target T via another member such as an elastic body, the sum of the dimension of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated portion in the Z-Z' direction and the dimension of the other member in the Z-Z' direction is approximately the same as the dimension of the hole H of the mounting target T in the Z-Z' direction. Furthermore, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated portion of the unit U1 further has the following configuration (A) or (B).

[0079] (A) The outer shape of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction is substantially the same as the shape of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction, and the outer dimensions (projected area) of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction are also substantially the same as the dimensions (projected area) of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction. In the above-described mounting state 1, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion is fitted (FIT IN) into the hole H of the mounting target T (see FIG. 1A ). In this fitted state, the surface of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion of the unit U1 closest to the Z direction (the first surface of one cushion portion 200, the first surface of the uppermost cushion portion 200, or the first surface of the cover portion 500) abuts against the surface of the bottom of the hole H on the Z′ direction side.

[0080] (A) The outer shape of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction side is substantially the same as or different from the shape of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction side, and the outer dimension (projected area) of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction side is smaller than the dimension (projected area) of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction side. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion is accommodated in the hole H of the attachment target T in the above-mentioned attachment state 1. In this accommodation state, the surface of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion of the unit U1 closest to the Z direction (the first surface of one cushion portion 200, the first surface of the uppermost cushion portion 200, or the first surface of the cover portion 500) abuts against the surface of the bottom of the hole H on the Z' direction side.

[0081] Furthermore, since the outer surface layer 30 that forms the bottom of the hole H, or the bottom 21a and the outer surface layer 30, are flexible, when the touch area at the bottom of the hole H is touched by the detection object, the bottom bends, elastically deforming at least one cushion portion 200 of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh contained portion.

[0082] When the third or fourth accommodated portion is fitted into or housed in the through hole H, the entire detection sensor 100 is located on the Z' side of the hole H. When the fifth or sixth accommodated portion is fitted into or housed in the through hole H, the entire detection sensor 100 and the portions of the one or more cushion portions 200 that are located on the Z' side of the mounting surface are located on the Z' side of the hole H. When the seventh accommodated portion is fitted into or housed in the through hole H, the entire detection sensor 100 and the entire one or more cushion portions 200 are located on the Z' side of the hole H.

[0083] When the holding portion 310 is configured as a box having a bottom and side walls, the detection sensor 100 located on the Z'-direction side of the third or fourth accommodated portion, the detection sensor 100 located on the Z'-direction side of the fifth or sixth accommodated portion and one or more cushion portions 200 located on the Z'-direction side of the mounting surface, or the detection sensor 100 and one or more cushion portions 200 located on the Z'-direction side of the seventh accommodated portion, can be configured to be accommodated in an accommodating hole (hereinafter also referred to as the accommodating hole of the box) defined by the bottom and side walls of the holding portion 310.

[0084] Alternatively, when the holding portion 310 is configured as a box and the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated portion has the configuration (A) above, it is possible to configure the first or second accommodated portion so that at least a portion on the Z' direction side (a portion on the Z' direction side or the entirety) is accommodated in the accommodation hole of the box of the holding portion 310. It is also possible to configure the third or fourth accommodated portion so that at least a portion on the Z' direction side (a portion on the Z' direction side or the entirety) is accommodated in the accommodation hole of the box of the holding portion 310, and the detection sensor 100 located on the Z' direction side of the third or fourth accommodated portion is accommodated in the accommodation hole of the box of the holding portion 310. It is possible to configure the fifth or sixth accommodated portion such that at least a portion on the Z' direction side (a portion on the Z' direction side or the entirety) is accommodated in the accommodation hole of the box of the holding portion 310, and portions of the detection sensor 100 located on the Z' direction side of the fifth or sixth accommodated portion and the one or more cushion portions 200 located on the Z' direction side of the mounting surface are accommodated in the accommodation hole of the box of the holding portion 310. It is also possible to configure the seventh accommodated portion such that at least a portion on the Z' direction side (a portion on the Z' direction side or the entirety) is accommodated in the accommodation hole of the box of the holding portion 310, and the detection sensor 100 and one or more cushion portions 200 located on the Z' direction side of the seventh accommodated portion are accommodated in the accommodation hole of the box of the holding portion 310. In this case, the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the side wall of the holding portion 310 is approximately the same as or smaller than the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the hole H of the attachment target T, the outer shape of the holding portion 310 as viewed from the Z direction is approximately the same as the shape of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction, and the outer dimension (projected area) of the holding portion 310 as viewed from the Z direction can be approximately the same as the dimension (projected area) of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction. In this case, the holding portion 310 may be fitted (FIT IN) into the hole H of the attachment target T in the above-mentioned attachment state 1, but is not limited to this.

[0085] Note that at least one fixed portion 230 can be omitted. In this case, for example, the unit U1 can be configured to further include an attachment member (not shown). The attachment member has a substantially upside-down Ω shape (substantially L-shaped) when viewed in a cross section along the Z-Z' direction, and includes a first portion and at least one second portion. The first portion forms the bottom of the substantially upside-down Ω shape and is fixed to the body 300 from the Z' direction side directly or indirectly via an elastic body or the like. When there is only one second portion, the second portion has a cylindrical portion extending in the Z direction from the periphery of the first portion and a flange extending outward from the Z-direction edge of the cylindrical portion, and the flange is fixed to the periphery of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 of the attachment target T from the Z' direction side. When there are multiple second parts, the multiple second parts are generally L-shaped beams that extend in the Z direction from the periphery of the first part and are upside down in cross section in the Z-Z' direction, and are configured to be fixed to the periphery of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 of the attachment target T, similar to the fixed part 230. Alternatively, when the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated part has the configuration (a) above, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated part may be bonded to the bottom surface on the Z' direction side of the bottom of the hole H of the attachment target T and / or the wall surface of the side wall around the hole H and / or fitted (FIT) into the hole H of the attachment target T, thereby attaching the unit U1 to the attachment target T. When the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion has the configuration (A) above, the unit U1 may be attached to the attachment target T by adhering the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion to a bottom surface on the Z' direction side of the bottom of the hole H of the attachment target T. When the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion has the configuration (A) above and the holding portion 310 fits (fits in) into the hole H of the attachment target T, the unit U1 may be attached to the attachment target T by adhering the holding portion 310 to a wall surface of a side wall around the hole H of the attachment target T.

[0086] When the cover portion 500 is not provided, the design of any of the above-described aspects of the accommodated portion of the unit U1 can be modified as desired, as long as at least one cushion portion 200 of the accommodated portion is at least partially accommodated in the hole H of the attachment object T. When the cover portion 500 is provided, the design of any of the above-described aspects of the accommodated portion of the unit U1 can be modified as desired, as long as at least one of the cover portion 500 and the at least one cushion portion 200 of the accommodated portion is at least partially accommodated in the hole H of the attachment object T.

[0087] The unit U1 may further include an external connection part 400. The external connection part 400 may be integral with the detection sensor 100 or may be separate. In the former case, the external connection part 400 includes a lead part connected to at least one sensor layer 110 of the detection sensor 100 and extending from the sensor layer 110, and a conductive line provided on the lead part and connected to at least one first electrode 120 or at least one first and second electrode 120 of the detection sensor 100. In the latter case, the external connection part 400 is formed of a flexible substrate or the like connected to the detection sensor 100. In either case, the external connection part 400 may be configured such that, in the above-described mounting state 1, the external connection part 400 extends from the detection sensor 100 in the Z′ direction, passing between the body 300 and the wall of the hole H of the mounting target T, or the external connection part 400 extends from the detection sensor 100 in the Z′ direction by penetrating the body 300. When the control unit is provided outside the unit U1, the external connection unit 400 is electrically connected to a control unit or the like outside the unit U1. Note that the external connection unit 400 can be omitted. In this case, an opening that exposes a part of the detection sensor 100 may be provided in the body 300, and the detection sensor 100 may be connectable to a control unit or the like outside the unit U1 through the opening. Alternatively, when a control unit is provided in the unit U1, the detection sensor 100 and the control unit may be electrically connected by the external connection unit 400, or the external connection unit 400 may be omitted and an electrical connection may be made using another connection means.

[0088] The above-described mounting structure and unit U1 have the following technical features and effects.

[0089] (Technical features and effects 1) This makes it easy to attach the unit U1 to the attachment object T. This is because at least one cushion part 200 is provided on the first surface of the detection sensor 100 of the unit U1, and therefore, when attaching the unit U1 to the attachment object T, there is no need to attach a cushion part to the unit U1.

[0090] (Technical Features and Effects 2) When the touch area of ​​the attachment target T is touched by a detection target, at least one cushion portion 200 on the first surface of the detection sensor 100 of the unit U1 is elastically deformed, improving the operational feel when operating the unit U1.

[0091] (Technical Features and Effects 3) When the detection sensor 100 is a capacitive touch sensor, variations in sensitivity of the detection sensor 100 are suppressed when the unit U1 is attached to the attachment target T. The reason for this is as follows. When a capacitive detection sensor is disposed between a housing and a cushion layer, as in the conventional example, the material and / or Z-Z' dimension of the cushion layer are unknown when the detection sensor is manufactured. Therefore, when the detection sensor is disposed between the housing and the cushion layer, the dielectric constant around the detection sensor changes depending on the material and / or Z-Z' dimension of the cushion layer. This causes variations in sensitivity of the detection sensor. However, because at least one cushion portion 200 is provided on the first surface of the detection sensor 100 of the unit U1, the dielectric constant around the detection sensor 100 can be roughly estimated in advance based on the material and / or Z-Z' dimension of the at least one cushion portion 200, and the sensitivity of the detection sensor 100 can be set accordingly. Furthermore, the material and / or Z-Z' dimension of the at least one cushion portion 200 can be selected according to the sensitivity of the detection sensor 100.

[0092] (Technical Features and Effects 4) When the cover part 500 is not provided, the height position of the detection sensor 100 in the Z-Z' direction can be set arbitrarily by changing the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of one or more cushion parts 200 of the unit U1. When the cover part 500 is provided, the height position of the detection sensor 100 in the Z-Z' direction can be set arbitrarily by changing the sum of the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of one or more cushion parts 200 of the unit U1 and the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the cover part 500.

[0093] (Technical Features and Effects 5) If at least one cushion part 200 is waterproof, the waterproofness of the unit U1 is improved because at least one cushion part 200 covers the detection sensor 100 from the Z direction side, and therefore liquids such as water and sweat from the Z direction side are blocked by the at least one cushion part 200, reducing the possibility of them adhering to the detection sensor 100.

[0094] (Technical Features and Effects 6) When at least one exhaust path P is provided, when the second surface of one cushion portion 200 or the lowest cushion portion 200 among the plurality of cushion portions 200 is brought into surface contact with the first surface of the detection sensor 100, air trapped between the second surface of one cushion portion 200 or the lowest cushion portion 200 and the first surface of the detection sensor 100 is discharged to the outside through at least one exhaust path P, thereby reducing the possibility that air will remain trapped between the second surface of one cushion portion 200 or the lowest cushion portion 200 and the first surface of the detection sensor 100.

[0095] (Technical Features and Effects 7) When an external connection part 400 is provided, in the above-mentioned mounting state 1, the external connection part 400 is led out in the Z' direction from the detection sensor 100 through the space between the body 300 and the wall of the hole H of the mounting object T, or the external connection part 400 is led out in the Z' direction from the detection sensor 100 through the body 300, making it easy to connect the detection sensor 100 to the outside. [Example]

[0096] Hereinafter, a mounting structure for a sensor unit U2 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "unit U2") and a mounting target T according to a second embodiment of the present invention and its design variations will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 6C. FIGS. 5A and 5B show the mounting structure of the second embodiment. FIG. 6A shows a first design variation of the unit U2 of the mounting structure of the second embodiment, FIG. 6B shows a second design variation of the unit U2 of the mounting structure of the second embodiment, and FIG. 6C shows a third design variation of the unit U2 of the mounting structure of the second embodiment. In FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6A to 6C, the Z-Z' direction is shown, as in the mounting structures of the first embodiment and its design variations.

[0097] The attachment object T is as described in the first embodiment and its design modifications (see FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 3A to 3B).

[0098] The unit U2 is attached to the attachment target T so as to be partially housed in the hole H of the attachment target T from the Z' direction side. Hereinafter, the state in which the unit U2 is attached to the attachment target T in this manner will also be simply referred to as "attachment state 2."

[0099] Unit U2 has the same configuration as unit U1, except that it does not have a body 300 and the configuration of the detection sensor 100' of unit U2 is different from the configuration of the detection sensor 100 of unit U1. Only these differences will be described in detail below, and any explanation of unit U2 that overlaps with the explanation of unit U1 will be omitted.

[0100] The detection sensor 100' of unit U2 has a sensor body 101. The sensor body 101 has a configuration similar to any of the configurations of the detection sensor 100 of unit U1. The sensor body 101 has a first surface on the Z-direction side and a second surface on the Z'-direction side. The first surface of the sensor body 101 may be the same as any of the first surfaces of the detection sensor 100 of unit U1. The first surface of the sensor body 101 is in surface contact with or attached to a second surface of one cushion section 200 or the lowest cushion section 200 of the multiple cushion sections 200 via an interlayer member 600. The second surface of the sensor body 101 may be the same as any of the second surfaces of the detection sensor 100 of unit U1.

[0101] At least a portion of the sensor body 101 of the detection sensor 100′ (i.e., a part or the whole of the sensor body 101) is covered by at least one cushion part 200. When one or more cushion parts 200 cover a part of the sensor body 101, the outer shape of the one or more cushion parts 200 as viewed from the Z direction is arbitrary, and the outer dimensions (projected area) of the one or more cushion parts 200 as viewed from the Z direction are smaller than the outer dimensions (projected area) of the sensor body 101 as viewed from the Z direction. When one or more cushion parts 200 cover the whole of the sensor body 101, the outer shape of the one or more cushion parts 200 as viewed from the Z direction is substantially the same as the outer shape of the sensor body 101 as viewed from the Z direction, and the outer dimensions (projected area) of the one or more cushion parts 200 as viewed from the Z direction are also substantially the same as the outer dimensions (projected area) of the sensor body 101 as viewed from the Z direction. The ZZ' direction is the direction in which at least one cushion part 200 and the detection sensor 100' are arranged.

[0102] The detection sensor 100′ may further include at least one fixed portion 102. The at least one fixed portion 102 may be one or more. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the at least one fixed portion 102, like the at least one sensor layer 110, will also be referred to as “one or each fixed portion 102.” The one or each fixed portion 102 is located outward from the sensor main body 101 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the Z-Z′ direction (hereinafter, this direction will be referred to as the “perpendicular direction”). The one or each fixed portion 102 may be formed by an arm or flange portion (not shown) extending from the sensor main body 101 in the perpendicular direction, or the one fixed portion 102 may be formed by the peripheral portion of the sensor main body 101 (see FIGS. 5A to 6C). In any of these configurations, one or each fixed portion 102 is located on the Z' direction side of the peripheral portion of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 of the mounting object T in the above-mentioned mounting state 2, and is fixed to the peripheral portion of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 by screwing, adhesive bonding, welding, etc.

[0103] The one or each fixed portion 102 has an attachment surface on the Z direction side that directly or indirectly contacts the periphery of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 of the attachment target T. Hereinafter, when the cover portion 500 is not provided, the height position of the attachment surface of the one or each fixed portion 102 in the Z-Z' direction relative to at least one cushion portion 200 is referred to as the "third height position." When the cover portion 500 is provided, the height position of the attachment surface of the one or each fixed portion 102 in the Z-Z' direction relative to at least one cushion portion 200 and the cover portion 500 is referred to as the "fourth height position." The third or fourth height position of the attachment surface of the one or each fixed portion 102 can be set arbitrarily by increasing the thickness dimension of the one or each fixed portion 102 in the Z-Z' direction or by configuring the one or each fixed portion 102 to extend in the Z-Z' direction. For example, the third or fourth height position of the mounting surface of one or each fixed portion 102 can be (e) substantially the same as the height position in the Z-Z' direction of the first surface of sensor main body 101, the second surface of one cushion portion 200, or the second surface of the lowest cushion portion 200 (see FIGS. 5A to 6C), or (f) a height position between the first and second surfaces of one cushion portion 200 in the Z-Z' direction or a height position between the first surface of the highest cushion portion 200 and the first surface of the lowest cushion portion 200 in the Z-Z' direction (not shown). Furthermore, the fourth height position of the mounting surface of one or each fixed portion 102 can be (g) substantially the same as the height position in the Z-Z' direction of the first surface of one cushion portion 200, the first surface of the highest cushion portion 200, or the second surface of the cover portion 500 (not shown).

[0104] When the third height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (e) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the portion of unit U2 located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 (i.e., one or more cushion parts 200) becomes the first accommodated part. When the third height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (e) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the first accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the one or more cushion parts 200. When the fourth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (e) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the part of unit U2 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 (i.e., one or more cushion parts 200 and cover part 500) becomes the second accommodated part. When the fourth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (e) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the second accommodated part includes the one or more cushion parts 200 and cover part 500 as well as the one or more interlayer members 600.

[0105] When the third height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (f) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the portion of unit U2 located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 (i.e., the portion located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or more cushion parts 200) becomes the third accommodated part. When the third height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (f) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the third accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the portion located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or more cushion parts 200. When the fourth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (f) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the portion of unit U2 located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 (i.e., the portion of one or more cushion parts 200 located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface and the cover part 500) becomes the fourth accommodated part. When the fourth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (f) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the fourth accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the portion of one or more cushion parts 200 located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface and the cover part 500.

[0106] When the fourth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (g) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the part of unit U2 located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 (i.e., cover part 500) becomes the fifth accommodated part. When the fourth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (g) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the fifth accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the cover part 500.

[0107] When the mounting surface of one or each fixed portion 102 directly contacts the peripheral portion of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 of the mounting target T, the dimension of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion in the Z-Z' direction is approximately the same as the dimension of the hole H of the mounting target T in the Z-Z' direction. When the mounting surface of one or each fixed portion 102 indirectly contacts the peripheral portion of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 of the mounting target T via another member such as an elastic body, the sum of the dimension of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion in the Z-Z' direction and the dimension of the other member in the Z-Z' direction is approximately the same as the dimension of the hole H of the mounting target T in the Z-Z' direction. Furthermore, the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion of the unit U2 further has the following configuration (c) or (d).

[0108] (c) The outer shape of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction is substantially the same as the shape of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction, and the dimensions (projected area) of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction are also substantially the same as the dimensions (projected area) of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction. In the above-described mounting state 2, the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth accommodated portion is fitted (FIT IN) into the hole H of the mounting target T (see FIG. 5A ). In this fitted state, the surface of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth accommodated portion of the unit U2 closest to the Z direction (the first surface of one cushion portion 200, the first surface of the uppermost cushion portion 200, or the first surface of the cover portion 500) abuts against the surface of the bottom of the hole H on the Z′ direction side.

[0109] (D) The outer shape of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction side is substantially the same as or different from the shape of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction side, and the dimension (projected area) of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction side is smaller than the dimension (projected area) of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction side. The first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion is accommodated in the hole H of the attachment target T in the above-mentioned attachment state 2. In this accommodation state, the surface of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion of the unit U2 closest to the Z direction (the first surface of one cushion portion 200, the first surface of the uppermost cushion portion 200, or the first surface of the cover portion 500) abuts against the surface of the bottom of the hole H on the Z' direction side.

[0110] Furthermore, since the outer surface layer 30 that forms the bottom on the Z-direction side of the hole H, or the bottom 21a and the outer surface layer 30, are flexible, when the touch area at the bottom of the hole H is touched by the detection object, the bottom bends, elastically deforming at least one cushion portion 200 of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion.

[0111] When the third or fourth accommodated portion is fitted into or accommodated in the hole H as described above, the portion of the one or more cushion portions 200 that is located on the Z' direction side relative to the mounting surface is located on the Z' direction side relative to the hole H. When the fifth accommodated portion is fitted into or accommodated in the hole H as described above, the entire one or more cushion portions 200 is located on the Z' direction side relative to the hole H.

[0112] Note that at least one fixed portion 102 can be omitted. In this case, for example, the unit U2 can be configured to further include an attachment member (not shown). The attachment member of the unit U2 has the same configuration as the attachment member of the unit U1, except that its first portion is fixed not to the body 300 but to the sensor main body 101 of the detection sensor 100′ from the Z′ direction side directly or indirectly via an elastic body or the like. Alternatively, when the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth accommodated portion has the configuration (c) above, the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth accommodated portion may be attached to the attachment target T by adhering to the bottom surface of the Z′ direction side of the bottom of the hole H of the attachment target T and / or the wall surface of the side wall around the hole H and / or fitting (FIT) into the hole H of the attachment target T. When the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion has the configuration (e) above, the unit U2 may be attached to the attachment object T by adhering the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion to the bottom surface on the Z' direction side of the bottom of the hole H of the attachment object T.

[0113] When the cover portion 500 is not provided, the design of any of the above-described aspects of the accommodated portion of the unit U2 can be modified as desired, as long as at least one cushion portion 200 of the accommodated portion is at least partially accommodated in the hole H of the attachment object T. When the cover portion 500 is provided, the design of any of the above-described aspects of the accommodated portion of the unit U2 can be modified as desired, as long as at least one of the cover portion 500 and the at least one cushion portion 200 of the accommodated portion is at least partially accommodated in the hole H of the attachment object T.

[0114] The above-described mounting structure and unit U2 have the above-described (Technical Features and Effects 1) to (Technical Features and Effects 3) and (Technical Features and Effects 5) to (Technical Features and Effects 6) of unit U1.

[0115] Furthermore, when the cover part 500 is not provided, the height position in the Z-Z' direction of the sensor main body 101 of the detection sensor 100' can be set arbitrarily by changing the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of one or more cushion parts 200 of the unit U2. When the cover part 500 is provided, the height position in the Z-Z' direction of the sensor main body 101 of the detection sensor 100' can be set arbitrarily by changing the sum of the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of one or more cushion parts 200 of the unit U2 and the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the cover part 500.

[0116] Furthermore, when an external connection part 400 is provided, in the above-mentioned mounting state 2, the external connection part 400 is led out in the Z' direction from the detection sensor 100' through between the detection sensor 100' and the wall of the hole H of the mounting object T, thereby facilitating external connection of the detection sensor 100'. [Example]

[0117] Hereinafter, a mounting structure for a sensor unit U3 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "unit U3") and a mounting target T according to a third embodiment of the present invention and its design variations will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 8B. FIGS. 7A and 7B show the mounting structure of the third embodiment. FIG. 8A shows a first design variation of the unit U3 of the mounting structure of the third embodiment, and FIG. 8B shows a second design variation of the unit U3 of the mounting structure of the third embodiment. In FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B, the Z-Z' direction is shown, as in the mounting structures of the first embodiment and its design variations.

[0118] The attachment object T is as described in the first embodiment and its design modifications (see FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 3A to 3B).

[0119] The unit U3 is attached to the attachment target T so as to be partially housed in the hole H of the attachment target T from the Z' direction side. Hereinafter, the state in which the unit U3 is attached to the attachment target T in this manner will also be simply referred to as "attachment state 3."

[0120] Unit U3 has the same configuration as unit U1, except that unit U3 further includes at least one intermediate section 700. Only the differences will be described in detail below, and any explanation of unit U3 that overlaps with the explanation of unit U1 will be omitted.

[0121] The at least one intermediate portion 700 may be one or more. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the at least one intermediate portion 700 will also be referred to as "one or each intermediate portion 700," similar to the at least one sensor layer 110. The one or each intermediate portion 700 may be, but is not limited to, a support layer, a hard coat layer, or an optical adjustment layer (such as a polarizing plate, a retardation plate, a light-collecting material, or a light-diffusing material). The support layer may be, but is not limited to, a flat glass plate, a resin film or resin sheet, or a shaped resin molded product. The hard coat layer or support layer may or may not be decorated.

[0122] At least one intermediate portion 700 is disposed between the detection sensor 100 and at least one cushion portion 200. When there is only one at least one intermediate portion 700 (see FIGS. 7A to 8B), the intermediate portion 700 has a first surface on the Z-direction side and a second surface on the Z'-direction side. The first surface of the intermediate portion 700 may be in surface contact with the second surface of one cushion portion 200 or the lowest cushion portion 200 of the plurality of cushion portions 200. Alternatively, the first surface of the intermediate portion 700 and the second surface of the one cushion portion 200 or the lowest cushion portion 200 may be in contact via the interlayer member 600. When the interlayer member 600 is an adhesive layer or double-sided tape, the first surface of the one intermediate portion 700, the first surface of the one intermediate portion 700, and the second surface of the one cushion portion 200 or the lowest cushion portion 200 are bonded together by the interlayer member 600. The second surface of one intermediate portion 700 may be in surface contact with the first surface of the detection sensor 100. Alternatively, the second surface of one intermediate portion 700 and the first surface of the detection sensor 100 may be in contact via the interlayer member 600. When the interlayer member 600 is an adhesive layer or double-sided tape, the second surface of one intermediate portion 700 and the first surface of the detection sensor 100 are bonded together by the interlayer member 600.

[0123] When there are multiple intermediate portions 700 (not shown), the multiple intermediate portions 700 are stacked in the Z-Z' direction. The multiple intermediate portions 700 include an uppermost intermediate portion 700 closest to the Z direction and a lowermost intermediate portion 700 closest to the Z' direction. The uppermost intermediate portion 700 has a first surface facing the Z direction. The lowermost intermediate portion 700 has a second surface facing the Z' direction. The first surface of the uppermost intermediate portion 700, like one intermediate portion 700, is in contact with or bonded to the second surface of one cushion portion 200 or the lowermost cushion portion 200 of the multiple cushion portions 200, by surface contact or via an interlayer member 600. The second surface of the lowermost intermediate portion 700, like one intermediate portion 700, is in contact with or bonded to the first surface of the detection sensor 100 by surface contact or via an interlayer member 600.

[0124] The plurality of intermediate portions 700 includes at least one pair of two intermediate portions 700 adjacent to each other in the Z-Z' direction. Hereinafter, of the two adjacent intermediate portions 700, the intermediate portion 700 located on the Z-direction side will be referred to as the first intermediate portion 700, and the intermediate portion 700 located on the Z'-direction side will be referred to as the second intermediate portion 700. The first intermediate portion 700 and the second intermediate portion 700 may be in surface contact with each other or may be in contact with each other via the interlayer member 600. When the interlayer member 600 is an adhesive layer or double-sided tape, the first intermediate portion 700 and the second intermediate portion 700 are bonded together by the interlayer member 600. When there are two intermediate portions 700, the first intermediate portion 700 is the uppermost intermediate portion 700, and the second intermediate portion 700 is the lowermost intermediate portion 700. When the number of intermediate portions 700 is three or more, the first intermediate portion 700 is the highest intermediate portion 700, the second intermediate portion 700 is the intermediate portion 700 located on the Z'-direction side of the highest intermediate portion 700, the second intermediate portion 700 is the lowest intermediate portion 700, and the first intermediate portion 700 is the intermediate portion 700 located on the Z'-direction side of the lowest intermediate portion 700, or the first and second intermediate portions 700 are intermediate portions 700 between the lowest intermediate portion 700 and the lowest intermediate portion 700.

[0125] The outer shape of one or more intermediate parts 700 as viewed from the Z direction side can be approximately the same as the outer shape of the detection sensor 100 as viewed from the Z direction side, and the outer dimensions (projected area) of one or more intermediate parts 700 as viewed from the Z direction side can also be approximately the same as the outer dimensions (projected area) of the detection sensor 100 as viewed from the Z direction side, and / or the outer shape of one or more intermediate parts 700 as viewed from the Z direction side can be approximately the same as the outer shape of at least one cushion part 200 as viewed from the Z direction side, and the outer dimensions (projected area) of one or more intermediate parts 700 as viewed from the Z direction side can also be approximately the same as the outer dimensions (projected area) of at least one cushion part 200 as viewed from the Z direction side.

[0126] When the unit U3 includes at least one exhaust passage P, the at least one exhaust passage P may be provided on at least one of the second surface of one intermediate portion 700 or the lowest intermediate portion 700 and the first surface of the detection sensor 100, and may be configured to be open to the at least one surface and to a side surface abutting the at least one surface. For example, the at least one exhaust passage P may be a through-hole (not shown) or a groove (see FIG. 4B ) extending along the at least one surface and opening to the at least one surface (at least one of the Z direction and the Z′ direction) and opening to a side surface abutting the at least one surface. When the detection sensor 100 includes the surface treatment portion, the at least one exhaust passage P may be a through-hole or a groove provided on the first surface of the surface treatment portion of the detection sensor 100.

[0127] When an interlayer member 600 is interposed between the second surface of one intermediate portion 700 or the lowest intermediate portion 700 and the first surface of the detection sensor 100, the at least one exhaust path P can be a through-hole or groove provided in the interlayer member 600, and can be configured to be open to at least one of the second surface of one intermediate portion 700 or the lowest intermediate portion 700 and the first surface of the detection sensor 100, and also open to a side surface of the interlayer member 600. Note that even when the interlayer member 600 is provided, the at least one exhaust path P can be provided outside the interlayer member 600, as described above.

[0128] There may be provided a plurality of the above-described at least one exhaust passage P. Note that at least one exhaust passage P can be omitted.

[0129] Hereinafter, when the body 300 of the unit U3 is provided with at least one fixed portion 320 but not with a cover portion 500, the height position in the Z-Z' direction of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 of the body 300 relative to at least one intermediate portion 700 and at least one cushion portion 200 will be referred to as the "fifth height position." When the body 300 of the unit U3 is provided with at least one fixed portion 320 and a cover portion 500, the height position in the Z-Z' direction of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 of the body 300 of the unit U3 relative to at least one intermediate portion 700, at least one cushion portion 200, and cover portion 500 will be referred to as the "sixth height position." The fifth or sixth height position of the mounting surface of one or each of the fixed portions 320 can be set arbitrarily by increasing the thickness dimension of one or each of the fixed portions 320 in the Z-Z' direction or by configuring one or each of the fixed portions 320 to extend in the Z-Z' direction. For example, the fifth or sixth height position of the mounting surface of one or each of the fixed portions 320 can be the height position (a), (b), or (c) above. Furthermore, the sixth height position of the mounting surface of one or each of the fixed portions 320 can also be the height position (d) above.

[0130] When the fifth height position of the attachment surface of one or each of the fixed parts 320 is the above-mentioned (a) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the portion of the unit U3 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each of the fixed parts 320 (i.e., the detection sensor 100, one or more intermediate parts 700, and one or more cushion parts 200) becomes the first accommodated part (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). When the fifth height position of the attachment surface of one or each of the fixed parts 320 is the above-mentioned (a) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the first accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the detection sensor 100, one or more intermediate parts 700, and one or more cushion parts 200. When the sixth height position of the attachment surface of one or each of the fixed parts 320 is the above-mentioned (a) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the portions of the unit U3 that are located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each of the fixed parts 320 (i.e., the detection sensor 100, one or more intermediate parts 700, one or more cushion parts 200, and the cover part 500) become the second accommodated parts (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). When the sixth height position of the attachment surface of one or each of the fixed parts 320 is the above-mentioned (a) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the second accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the detection sensor 100, one or more intermediate parts 700, one or more cushion parts 200, and the cover part 500.

[0131] When the fifth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 is the above (b) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the portion of unit U3 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 (i.e., one or more intermediate parts 700 and one or more cushion parts 200) becomes the third accommodated part. When the fifth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 is the above (b) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the third accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the one or more intermediate parts 700 and one or more cushion parts 200. When the sixth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 is the above (b) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the portion of unit U3 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 (i.e., one or more intermediate portions 700, one or more cushion portions 200, and cover portion 500) becomes the fourth accommodated portion. When the sixth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 is the above (b) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the fourth accommodated portion includes the one or more intermediate portions 700, one or more cushion portions 200, and cover portion 500, as well as the one or more interlayer members 600.

[0132] When the fifth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 is the above (c) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the portion of unit U3 located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 (i.e., the portion located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or more cushion portions 200) becomes the fifth accommodated portion. When the fifth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 is the above (c) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the fifth accommodated portion includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the portion located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or more cushion portions 200. When the sixth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 is the above (c) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the portion of the unit U3 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 (i.e., the portion of one or more cushion portions 200 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface and the cover portion 500) becomes the sixth accommodated portion. When the sixth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 320 is the above (c) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the sixth accommodated portion includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the portion of one or more cushion portions 200 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface and the cover portion 500.

[0133] When the sixth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 is the above (d) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the part of unit U3 located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 (i.e., cover part 500) becomes the seventh accommodated part. When the sixth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 320 is the above (d) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the seventh accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the cover part 500.

[0134] When the mounting surface of one or each fixed portion 320 directly contacts the periphery of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 of the mounting target T, the dimension of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated portion of the unit U3 in the Z-Z' direction is approximately the same as the dimension of the hole H of the mounting target T in the Z-Z' direction. When the mounting surface of one or each fixed portion 320 indirectly contacts the periphery of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 of the mounting target T via another member such as an elastic body, the sum of the dimension of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated portion in the Z-Z' direction and the dimension of the other member in the Z-Z' direction is approximately the same as the dimension of the hole H of the mounting target T in the Z-Z' direction. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated portion of the unit U3 further has the following configuration (e) or (f).

[0135] (E) The outer shape of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction is substantially the same as the shape of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction, and the outer dimensions (projected area) of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction are also substantially the same as the dimensions (projected area) of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction. In the above-described mounting state 3, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion is fitted (FIT IN) into the hole H of the mounting target T (see FIG. 7A ). In this fitted state, the surface of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion of the unit U3 closest to the Z direction (the first surface of one cushion portion 200, the first surface of the uppermost cushion portion 200, or the first surface of the cover portion 500) abuts against the surface of the bottom of the hole H on the Z′ direction side.

[0136] (F) The outer shape of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction side is substantially the same as or different from the shape of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction side, and the outer dimension (projected area) of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction side is smaller than the dimension (projected area) of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction side. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion is accommodated in the hole H of the attachment target T in the above-mentioned attachment state 3. In this accommodation state, the surface of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion of the unit U3 closest to the Z direction (the first surface of one cushion portion 200, the first surface of the uppermost cushion portion 200, or the first surface of the cover portion 500) abuts against the surface of the bottom of the hole H on the Z' direction side.

[0137] Furthermore, since the outer surface layer 30 that forms the bottom on the Z-direction side of the hole H, or the bottom 21a and the outer surface layer 30, are flexible, when the touch area at the bottom of the hole H is touched by the detection object, the bottom bends, elastically deforming at least one cushion portion 200 of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated portion.

[0138] When the third or fourth accommodated portion is fitted into or housed in the through hole H, the entire detection sensor 100 is located on the Z' side of the hole H. When the fifth or sixth accommodated portion is fitted into or housed in the through hole H, the entire detection sensor 100, the entire one or more intermediate portions 700, and the portions of the one or more cushion portions 200 that are located on the Z' side of the mounting surface are located on the Z' side of the hole H. When the seventh accommodated portion is fitted into or housed in the through hole H, the entire detection sensor 100, the entire one or more intermediate portions 700, and the entire one or more cushion portions 200 are located on the Z' side of the hole H.

[0139] When the holding portion 310 is configured as a box, the detection sensor 100 located on the Z' side of the third or fourth accommodated portion, the detection sensor 100 located on the Z' side of the fifth or sixth accommodated portion, one or more intermediate portions 700 and one or more cushion portions 200 located on the Z' side of the mounting surface, or the detection sensor 100 located on the Z' side of the seventh accommodated portion, one or more intermediate portions 700 and one or more cushion portions 200 can be configured to be accommodated within the accommodating hole of the box of the holding portion 310.

[0140] Alternatively, when the holding portion 310 is configured as a box and the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated portion has the configuration (f) above, it is possible to configure the first or second accommodated portion so that at least a portion on the Z' direction side (a portion on the Z' direction side or the entirety) is accommodated in the accommodation hole of the box of the holding portion 310. It is also possible to configure the third or fourth accommodated portion so that at least a portion on the Z' direction side (a portion on the Z' direction side or the entirety) is accommodated in the accommodation hole of the box of the holding portion 310, and the detection sensor 100 located on the Z' direction side of the third or fourth accommodated portion is accommodated in the accommodation hole of the box of the holding portion 310. A configuration is possible in which at least a portion on the Z' direction side of the fifth or sixth accommodated portion (a portion on the Z' direction side or the entirety) is accommodated in the accommodation hole of the box of the holding portion 310, and portions of the detection sensor 100, one or more intermediate portions 700, and one or more cushion portions 200 located on the Z' direction side of the mounting surface, which are located on the Z' direction side of the fifth or sixth accommodated portion, are accommodated in the accommodation hole of the box of the holding portion 310. A configuration is possible in which at least a portion on the Z' direction side of the seventh accommodated portion (a portion on the Z' direction side or the entirety) is accommodated in the accommodation hole of the box of the holding portion 310, and the detection sensor 100, one or more intermediate portions 700, and one or more cushion portions 200 located on the Z' direction side of the seventh accommodated portion are accommodated in the accommodation hole of the box of the holding portion 310. In this case, the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the side wall of the holding portion 310 is approximately the same as or smaller than the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the hole H of the attachment target T, the outer shape of the holding portion 310 as viewed from the Z direction is approximately the same as the shape of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction, and the outer dimension (projected area) of the holding portion 310 as viewed from the Z direction can be approximately the same as the dimension (projected area) of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction. In this case, the holding portion 310 may be fitted (FIT IN) into the hole H of the attachment target T in the above-mentioned attachment state 3, but is not limited to this.

[0141] At least one fixed portion 230 may be provided on at least one intermediate portion 700 rather than on the body 300. In this case, the at least one fixed portion 230 may have any of the above configurations, except that it is provided on at least one intermediate portion 700.

[0142] In addition, when at least one fixed portion 230 is omitted, for example, unit U3 can be configured to further include an attachment member (not shown). The attachment member of unit U3 may have the same configuration as the attachment member of unit U1. When the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion has the configuration (e) above, unit U3 may be attached to attachment target T by bonding the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion to the bottom surface on the Z' direction side of the bottom of hole H of attachment target T and / or the wall surface of the side wall around hole H and / or fitting (FIT) into hole H of attachment target T. When the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion has the configuration (f) above, the unit U3 may be attached to the attachment target T by adhering the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion to a bottom surface on the Z' direction side of a bottom of a hole H of the attachment target T. When the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion has the configuration (f) above and the holding portion 310 fits (fits) in the hole H of the attachment target T, the unit U3 may be attached to the attachment target T by adhering the holding portion 310 to a wall surface of a side wall around the hole H of the attachment target T.

[0143] When the cover portion 500 is not provided, the design of any of the above-described aspects of the accommodated portion of the unit U3 can be modified as desired, as long as at least one cushion portion 200 of the accommodated portion is at least partially accommodated in the hole H of the attachment object T. When the cover portion 500 is provided, the design of any of the above-described aspects of the accommodated portion of the unit U3 can be modified as desired, as long as at least one of the cover portion 500 and the at least one cushion portion 200 of the accommodated portion is at least partially accommodated in the hole H of the attachment object T.

[0144] The above-described mounting structure and unit U3 achieve the above-described (Technical Features and Effects 1) to (Technical Features and Effects 3) and (Technical Features and Effects 5) to (Technical Features and Effects 7) of unit U1.

[0145] Furthermore, when the cover portion 500 is not provided, the height position of the detection sensor 100 in the Z-Z' direction can be set arbitrarily by changing the sum of the Z-Z' direction dimension of one or more intermediate portions 700 of the unit U3 and the Z-Z' direction dimension of one or more cushion portions 200. When the cover portion 500 is provided, the height position of the detection sensor 100 in the Z-Z' direction can be set arbitrarily by changing the Z-Z' direction dimension of one or more intermediate portions 700 of the unit U3 and the sum of the Z-Z' direction dimension of one or more cushion portions 200 and the Z-Z' direction dimension of the cover portion 500. [Example]

[0146] Hereinafter, a mounting structure for a sensor unit U4 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "unit U4") and a mounting target T according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and its design variations will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 10B. FIGS. 9A and 9B show the mounting structure of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10A shows a first design variation of unit U4 of the mounting structure of the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 10B shows a second design variation of unit U4 of the mounting structure of the fourth embodiment. As with the mounting structures of the second embodiment and its design variations, FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B also show the Z-Z' direction.

[0147] The attachment object T is as described in the first embodiment and its design modifications (see FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 3A to 3B).

[0148] The unit U4 is attached to the attachment target T so as to be partially housed in the hole H of the attachment target T from the Z' direction side. Hereinafter, the state in which the unit U4 is attached to the attachment target T in this manner will also be simply referred to as "attachment state 4."

[0149] Unit U4 has the same configuration as unit U2, except that unit U4 further includes at least one intermediate section 700. Only the differences will be described in detail below, and any explanation of unit U4 that overlaps with the explanation of unit U2 will be omitted.

[0150] At least one intermediate section 700 of unit U4 may have a configuration similar to at least one intermediate section 700 of unit U3. When unit U4 has at least one exhaust passage P, at least one exhaust passage P of unit U4 may have a configuration similar to at least one exhaust passage P of unit U3. At least one exhaust passage P of unit U4 may also be omitted.

[0151] Hereinafter, when at least one fixed portion 102 of the detection sensor 100' of the unit U4 is provided but no cover portion 500 is provided, the height position in the Z-Z' direction of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 102 of the detection sensor 100' of the unit U4 relative to at least one intermediate portion 700 and at least one cushion portion 200 will be referred to as the "seventh height position." When at least one fixed portion 102 and a cover portion 500 of the detection sensor 100' of the unit U4 are provided, the height position in the Z-Z' direction of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 102 of the detection sensor 100' of the unit U4 relative to at least one intermediate portion 700, at least one cushion portion 200, and cover portion 500 will be referred to as the "eighth height position." The seventh or eighth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 102 can be set arbitrarily by increasing the thickness dimension of one or each fixed portion 102 in the Z-Z' direction or by configuring one or each fixed portion 102 to extend in the Z-Z' direction. For example, the seventh or eighth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 102 can be the height position (e) or (f) above. Furthermore, the eighth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed portion 102 can also be the height position (g) above.

[0152] When the seventh height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (e) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the portion of unit U4 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 (i.e., one or more intermediate parts 700 and one or more cushion parts 200) becomes the first accommodated part. When the seventh height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (e) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the first accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the one or more intermediate parts 700 and one or more cushion parts 200. When the eighth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (e) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the portion of unit U4 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 (i.e., one or more intermediate parts 700, one or more cushion parts 200, and cover part 500) becomes the second accommodated part. When the eighth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (e) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the second accommodated part includes the one or more intermediate parts 700, one or more cushion parts 200, and cover part 500, as well as the one or more interlayer members 600.

[0153] When the seventh height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (f) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the portion of unit U4 located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 (i.e., the portion located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or more cushion parts 200) becomes the third accommodated part. When the seventh height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (f) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the third accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the portion located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or more cushion parts 200. When the eighth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (f) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the portion of unit U4 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 (i.e., the portion of one or more cushion parts 200 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface and the cover part 500) becomes the fourth accommodated part. When the eighth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (f) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the fourth accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the portion of one or more cushion parts 200 that is located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface and the cover part 500.

[0154] When the eighth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (g) and no interlayer member 600 is provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the part of unit U4 located on the Z direction side of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 (i.e., cover part 500) becomes the fifth accommodated part. When the eighth height position of the attachment surface of one or each fixed part 102 is the above (g) and one or more interlayer members 600 are provided on the Z direction side of the attachment surface, the fifth accommodated part includes the one or more interlayer members 600 in addition to the cover part 500.

[0155] When the mounting surface of one or each fixed portion 102 directly contacts the peripheral portion of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 of the mounting target T, the dimension of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion in the Z-Z' direction is approximately the same as the dimension of the hole H of the mounting target T in the Z-Z' direction. When the mounting surface of one or each fixed portion 102 indirectly contacts the peripheral portion of the first hole 11 of the housing 10 of the mounting target T via another member such as an elastic body, the sum of the dimension of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion in the Z-Z' direction and the dimension of the other member in the Z-Z' direction is approximately the same as the dimension of the hole H of the mounting target T in the Z-Z' direction. Furthermore, the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion of the unit U4 has the following configuration (g) or (h).

[0156] (G) The outer shape of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction is substantially the same as the shape of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction, and the outer dimensions (projected area) of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction are also substantially the same as the dimensions (projected area) of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction. In the above-described mounting state 4, the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion is fitted (FIT IN) into the hole H of the mounting target T (see FIG. 9A ). In this fitted state, the surface of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion of the unit U4 closest to the Z direction (the first surface of one cushion portion 200, the first surface of the uppermost cushion portion 200, or the first surface of the cover portion 500) abuts against the surface of the bottom of the hole H on the Z′ direction side.

[0157] (h) The outer shape of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction side is substantially the same as or different from the shape of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction side, and the outer dimension (projected area) of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion as viewed from the Z direction side is smaller than the dimension (projected area) of the hole H as viewed from the Z direction side. The first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion is accommodated in the hole H of the attachment target T in the above-mentioned attachment state 4. In this accommodation state, the surface of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion of the unit U4 closest to the Z direction (the first surface of one cushion portion 200, the first surface of the uppermost cushion portion 200, or the first surface of the cover portion 500) abuts against the surface of the bottom of the hole H on the Z' direction side.

[0158] Furthermore, since the outer surface layer 30 that forms the bottom on the Z-direction side of the hole H, or the bottom 21a and the outer surface layer 30, are flexible, when the touch area at the bottom of the hole H is touched by the detection object, the bottom bends, elastically deforming at least one cushion portion 200 of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth accommodated portion.

[0159] When the third or fourth accommodated portion is fitted into or accommodated in the hole H as described above, the entire one or more intermediate portions 700 and the portion of the one or more cushion portions 200 that is located on the Z' direction side relative to the mounting surface are located on the Z' direction side relative to the hole H. When the fifth accommodated portion is fitted into or accommodated in the hole H as described above, the entire one or more intermediate portions 700 and the entire one or more cushion portions 200 are located on the Z' direction side relative to the hole H.

[0160] At least one fixed portion 102 may be provided not in the detection sensor 100′ but in at least one intermediate portion 700. In this case, the at least one fixed portion 102 may have any of the above configurations except that it is provided in at least one intermediate portion 700.

[0161] Note that at least one fixed portion 102 can be omitted. In this case, for example, unit U4 can be configured to further include an attachment member (not shown). The attachment member of unit U4 may have the same configuration as the attachment member of unit U2. Alternatively, when the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth accommodated portion has the configuration (g) above, unit U4 may be attached to the attachment target T by adhering the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth accommodated portion to the bottom surface on the Z'-direction side of the bottom of hole H of the attachment target T and / or the wall surface of the side wall around hole H and / or fitting (FIT) into hole H of the attachment target T. When the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth accommodated portion has the configuration (h) above, unit U4 may be attached to the attachment target T by adhering the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth accommodated portion to the bottom surface on the Z'-direction side of the bottom of hole H of the attachment target T.

[0162] When the cover portion 500 is not provided, the design of any of the above-described aspects of the accommodated portion of the unit U3 can be modified as desired, as long as at least one cushion portion 200 of the accommodated portion is at least partially accommodated in the hole H of the attachment object T. When the cover portion 500 is provided, the design of any of the above-described aspects of the accommodated portion of the unit U3 can be modified as desired, as long as at least one of the cover portion 500 and the at least one cushion portion 200 of the accommodated portion is at least partially accommodated in the hole H of the attachment object T.

[0163] The above-described mounting structure and unit U4 achieve the above-described (Technical Features and Effects 1) to (Technical Features and Effects 3) and (Technical Features and Effects 5) to (Technical Features and Effects 6) of unit U1.

[0164] Furthermore, when the cover portion 500 is not provided, the height position of the detection sensor 100' in the Z-Z' direction can be set arbitrarily by changing the sum of the Z-Z' direction dimension of one or more intermediate portions 700 of the unit U4 and the Z-Z' direction dimension of one or more cushion portions 200. When the cover portion 500 is provided, the height position of the detection sensor 100' in the Z-Z' direction can be set arbitrarily by changing the Z-Z' direction dimension of one or more intermediate portions 700 of the unit U4 and the sum of the Z-Z' direction dimension of one or more cushion portions 200 and the Z-Z' direction dimension of the cover portion 500.

[0165] Furthermore, when an external connection part 400 is provided, in the above-mentioned mounting state 4, the external connection part 400 is led out in the Z' direction from the detection sensor 100' through between the detection sensor 100' and the wall of the hole H of the mounting object T, thereby facilitating external connection of the detection sensor 100'.

[0166] The mounting structure and sensor unit described above are not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified in any manner within the scope of the claims.

[0167] When unit U1 or U3 includes a control unit, the body 300 of unit U1 or U3 may be configured to hold a control board on which the control unit is mounted, or the control unit may be mounted on the body 300. When unit U2 or U4 includes a control unit, the control unit may be mounted on at least one sensor layer of the detection sensor of unit U2 or U4, or the detection sensor may be configured to hold a control board on which the control unit is mounted.

[0168] The body 300 or the mounting member may be configured to hold an illumination unit such as an LED that emits light in the Z direction. In the above mounting state 1 or 3, light from the illumination unit is irradiated onto the touch area. The body 300 or the mounting member may also hold a polarizing plate, a retardation plate, a light collecting material, a light diffusing material, or the like, located on the Z direction side of the illumination unit. The body 300 or the mounting member may also be configured to hold a vibration unit. In this case, when the control unit determines that a detection target touch has occurred on the touch area as described above, it may drive the vibration unit to vibrate the unit in any of the above modes. Furthermore, the body 300 or the mounting member may also be configured to hold a pressing mechanism.

[0169] At least one of the at least one cushion portion 200, the cover portion 500, and the at least one intermediate portion 700 may be provided with a printed layer having one or more light-transmitting portions forming icons or the like. The one or more light-transmitting portions are located on the Z-direction side of an illumination portion provided on the body 300 or the mounting member or an illumination portion provided within the housing, and have translucency that allows light irradiated from the illumination portion to pass through. The detection sensor 100 is located between the one or more light-transmitting portions and the illumination portion in the Z-Z' direction, and has translucency that allows light irradiated from the illumination portion to pass through.

[0170] The attachment target of any of the above aspects can be arbitrarily modified in design as long as it has at least a hole opening in the Z' direction. For example, hole H can be a through-hole that penetrates attachment target T in the Z-Z' direction and opens in both the Z' and Z directions. In this case, the bottom of hole H is omitted. In this case, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion of the unit of any of the above aspects is accommodated in hole H, as described above. The dimension in the Z-Z' direction of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh accommodated portion of the unit of any of the above aspects may be approximately the same as, smaller than, or larger than the dimension in the Z-Z' direction of hole H of attachment target T. In other words, the surface closest to the Z direction of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated portion of the unit of any of the above-described aspects may be flush with the Z direction surface of the peripheral edge of the hole H, or may be located on the Z′ direction side of the Z direction surface of the peripheral edge of the hole H, or may be located on the Z direction side. In the case where the Z direction surface of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated portion of the unit of any of the above-described aspects is located on the Z direction side of the Z direction surface of the peripheral edge of the hole H and the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated portion includes a cover portion 500, the cover portion 500 may be located on the Z direction side of the hole H, and at least a portion of at least one cushion portion 200 of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated portion may be accommodated in the hole H. The attachment object T does not have a touch area, but instead the surface closest to the Z direction of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh accommodated portion of the unit of any of the above-mentioned aspects has a touch area.

[0171] The accommodated portion of the unit of any of the above aspects can be designed in any way as long as it is positioned in the Z direction relative to the fixed surface of any of the above aspects or the Z direction surface of the second part of the mounting member and is configured to be partially accommodated in the hole of the mounting target of any of the above aspects from the Z' direction side. The dimension of the accommodated portion in the Z-Z' direction can be determined by appropriately adjusting the dimension of each element constituting the accommodated portion in the Z-Z' direction.

[0172] The first direction of the present invention can be set arbitrarily as long as it is the direction in which at least one cushion part and the detection sensor of the present invention are arranged, and the orthogonal direction of the present invention can be set arbitrarily as long as it is approximately orthogonal to the first direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] T: Mounting target 10: Housing 20: Cushion layer 30: Outer surface layer H: Mounting hole 11: 1st hole 21: 2nd hole 31: 3rd hole U1 to U4: Sensor units 100, 100': Detection sensor 110: Sensor layer 120: First electrode, second electrode 101: Sensor body 102: Fixed part 200 (200a, 200b): Cushion part 300: Body 310: Holding part 320: Fixed part 400: External connection part 500: Cover 600: Interlayer member 700: Middle section P: Exhaust passage

Claims

1. A sensor unit that is provided on an attachment target and can be attached to the attachment target from one side in a first direction so as to be partially housed in a hole that opens at least in one direction in the first direction, a detection sensor that is a touch sensor or a pressure sensor and is configured to be able to detect approach of a detection target from the other side in the first direction; at least one cushion portion which is an elastic body and covers at least a part of the detection sensor from the other side in the first direction and is at least partially accommodated in the hole of the attachment target in a state in which the sensor unit is attached to the attachment target from one side in the first direction; It has a body and the first direction is an arrangement direction of the at least one cushion portion and the detection sensor, The body has a holding portion and at least one fixed portion, the holding portion is located on one side of the detection sensor in the first direction and holds the detection sensor, the at least one fixed portion is located outward from the detection sensor in an orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, A sensor unit in which the at least one cushion portion is at least partially accommodated within the hole of the mounting object, and the at least one fixed portion is fixed to the edge of the hole of the mounting object from one side in the first direction.

2. A sensor unit that is provided on an attachment target and can be attached to the attachment target from one side in a first direction so as to be partially housed in a hole that opens at least in one direction in the first direction, a detection sensor that is a touch sensor or a pressure sensor and is configured to be able to detect approach of a detection target from the other side in the first direction; at least one cushion portion that is an elastic body and covers at least a portion of the detection sensor from the other side in the first direction; a cover portion that covers the at least one cushion portion and the detection sensor from the other side in the first direction; It has a body and When the sensor unit is attached to the attachment target from one side in the first direction, at least one of the cover portion and the at least one cushion portion is at least partially housed in the hole of the attachment target, the first direction is an arrangement direction of the at least one cushion portion and the detection sensor, The body has a holding portion and at least one fixed portion, the holding portion is located on one side of the detection sensor in the first direction and holds the detection sensor, the at least one fixed portion is located outward from the detection sensor in an orthogonal direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, A sensor unit in which the at least one cushion portion is at least partially accommodated within the hole of the mounting object, and the at least one fixed portion is fixed to the edge of the hole of the mounting object from one side in the first direction.

3. 3. The sensor unit according to claim 1, The holding portion is a box that opens to the other side of the first direction, and houses the detection sensor and at least a portion of the at least one cushion portion, and the sensor unit is at least partially housed within the hole of the mounting object when the sensor unit is attached to the mounting object from one side of the first direction.

4. 3. The sensor unit according to claim 1, The at least one fixed portion extends from the holding portion in the perpendicular direction.

5. 2. The sensor unit according to claim 1, the attachment target has a bottom portion that closes the other side of the hole in the first direction, A sensor unit in which the at least one fixed portion is fixed to the edge of the hole of the mounting object from one side in the first direction, and the at least one cushion portion abuts the bottom of the hole from one side in the first direction.

6. 3. The sensor unit according to claim 1, A sensor unit in which the at least one fixed portion is fixed to the edge of the hole of the mounting object from one side in the first direction, with an elastic body interposed between the at least one fixed portion and the mounting object.

7. The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The at least one cushion portion is waterproof.

8. The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the detection sensor has a first surface on the other side in the first direction, the at least one cushion portion has a first surface on the other side in the first direction and a second surface on one side in the first direction, and the second surface of the at least one cushion portion is in surface contact with the first surface of the detection sensor or in contact with an interlayer member therebetween; The sensor unit further comprises at least one exhaust passage; The at least one exhaust path is provided on at least one of the second surface of the at least one cushion portion and the first surface of the detection sensor, and is open to the at least one surface and to a side surface abutting the at least one surface, or is provided on the interlayer member and is open to at least one of the second surface of the at least one cushion portion and the first surface of the detection sensor, and is open to a side surface of the interlayer member.

9. The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The sensor unit further comprises at least one intermediate portion disposed between the detection sensor and the at least one cushion portion.

10. 10. The sensor unit according to claim 9, The at least one intermediate portion of the sensor unit is waterproof.

11. The sensor unit according to claim 9 or 10, the detection sensor has a first surface on the other side in the first direction, the at least one intermediate portion has a first surface on the other side in the first direction and a second surface on one side in the first direction, and the second surface of the at least one intermediate portion is in surface contact with the first surface of the detection sensor or in contact with an interlayer member therebetween; The sensor unit further comprises at least one exhaust passage; The at least one exhaust path is provided on at least one of the second surface of the at least one intermediate portion and the first surface of the detection sensor, and is open to the at least one surface and to a side surface abutting the at least one surface, or is provided in the interlayer member and is open to at least one of the second surface of the at least one intermediate portion and the first surface of the detection sensor, and is open to a side surface of the interlayer member.

12. The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The sensor unit includes a plurality of cushion portions, each of which is stacked in the first direction.

13. A sensor unit according to claim 1, and an attachment object having a hole that opens in at least one of the first directions, the first direction is an arrangement direction of the at least one cushion portion of the sensor unit and the detection sensor, An attachment structure between a sensor unit and an attachment object, wherein the at least one fixed portion of the sensor unit is fixed to the edge of the hole of the attachment object from one side in the first direction, and the at least one cushion portion of the sensor unit is at least partially contained within the hole of the attachment object from one side in the first direction.

14. A sensor unit according to claim 2, and an attachment object having a hole that opens in at least one of the first directions, the first direction is an arrangement direction of the at least one cushion portion of the sensor unit and the detection sensor, An attachment structure between a sensor unit and an attachment object, wherein the at least one fixed portion of the sensor unit is fixed to the edge of the hole of the attachment object from one side in the first direction, and the at least one cushion portion of the sensor unit is at least partially contained within the hole of the attachment object from one side in the first direction.

15. In the mounting structure for the sensor unit and the mounting object according to claim 13 or 14, The mounting structure for the sensor unit and the mounting object includes a housing and a cushion layer that at least partially covers the housing from the other side in the first direction.

16. In the mounting structure for the sensor unit and the mounting object according to claim 15, The mounting structure for the sensor unit and the mounting object, wherein the mounting object further includes an outer surface layer that at least partially covers the housing and the cushion layer from the other side in the first direction.

Images