Input Devices

Abstract

To provide an input device capable of improving detection speed of touch operation and accurately detecting a touch position.SOLUTION: An input device 1 is equipped with a plurality of first sensor electrodes 10, and a plurality of second sensor electrodes 20. The plurality of first sensor electrodes 10 and the plurality of second sensor electrodes 20 are not electrically connected. The plurality of first sensor electrodes 10 are radially disposed around a reference point. The plurality of second sensor electrodes 20 are concentrically disposed around the reference point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a touch sensor that includes a substrate, a first sensor provided on the substrate that detects the position and pressure of a touch, and a plurality of capacitive second sensors provided on the substrate, where the first sensor is located in a central region on one surface of the substrate and the plurality of second sensors are arranged to surround the first sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-224266 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The first sensor of a conventional touch sensor is a pressure sensor, so it can detect bending vibrations caused by contact with a finger, etc. However, because the first sensor is configured to generate bending vibrations when contacted, it has the problem of being unable to detect pressure in real time and unable to detect delicate sliding operations.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides an input device that can improve the speed at which a touch operation is detected and can detect a touch position with high accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a capacitive input device, comprising: a plurality of first sensor electrodes; a plurality of second sensor electrodes; A plate-shaped insulator;The plurality of first sensor electrodes and the plurality of second sensor electrodes are not electrically connected, the plurality of first sensor electrodes are arranged radially around a reference point, and the plurality of second sensor electrodes are arranged concentrically around the reference point. Each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes has, in a plan view, a plurality of electrode pieces divided by portions where the second sensor electrodes overlap, and a connection portion that electrically connects two of the plurality of electrode pieces that are adjacent along the radial direction, each of the plurality of second sensor electrodes is disposed on the other surface of the insulator, and the connection portion is formed in a layer below the other surface so as to bypass the plurality of second sensor electrodes. do. An input device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a capacitive input device comprising a plurality of first sensor electrodes and a plurality of second sensor electrodes, the plurality of first sensor electrodes and the plurality of second sensor electrodes being electrically unconnected, the plurality of first sensor electrodes being arranged radially around a reference point, each of the plurality of second sensor electrodes being arranged concentrically around the reference point, and an operation panel being arranged to cover each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes, the operation panel becoming thicker or thinner as it approaches the reference point, the surface of the operation panel being an inclined or curved surface, and each of the plurality of second sensor electrodes being arranged concentrically such that, in a cross section of the input device cut along a plane that includes the reference point and is perpendicular to the radial direction, the greater the distance between the surface of the operation panel and the second sensor electrodes, the narrower the spacing between two adjacent second sensor electrodes among the plurality of second sensor electrodes.

[0007] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized by a system, an apparatus, a method, a recording medium, or a computer program, or may be realized by any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, a recording medium, and a computer program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The input device of the present disclosure can improve the speed at which a touch operation is detected and can detect the touch position with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an input device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the input device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3A] 3A is a cross-sectional view showing the input device taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a plan view showing another input device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view showing another input device taken along line A1-A1 in FIG. 3B. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an input device according to the first modification of the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the input device taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an input device according to the second modification of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the input device taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing another input device according to the second modification of the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the input device taken along line DD in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an input device according to the third modification of the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an input device according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claims are described as optional components.

[0012] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0013] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, expressions such as "approximately orthogonal" or "plate-like" are used. For example, "approximately orthogonal" or "plate-like" does not only mean that the shape is completely orthogonal or plate-like, but also means that the shape is substantially orthogonal or plate-like, i.e., includes an error of a few percent. Furthermore, "approximately orthogonal" or "plate-like" means that the shape is orthogonal or plate-like within the range in which the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "approximately" or "like."

[0014] (Embodiment) <Configuration> First, the configuration of the input device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3A.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an input device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the input device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view showing the input device 1 taken along line AA in Fig. 2. Fig. 3B is a plan view showing another input device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view showing another input device 1 taken along line A1-A1 in Fig. 3B.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, the input device 1 is a capacitive touch sensor. The input device 1 is used as an operating device for devices in moving objects such as vehicles and aircraft, facilities, etc. The input device 1 of this embodiment is used as a steering switch mounted on the steering wheel of a vehicle. The input device 1 may also be used as an operating device mounted on a center cluster of a vehicle.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3A, input device 1 includes insulator 30, a plurality of first sensor electrodes 10, a plurality of second sensor electrodes 20, and control unit 40. In the example shown in FIG.

[0018] The insulator 30 is a plate-shaped substrate. A plurality of first sensor electrodes 10 and a plurality of second sensor electrodes 20 can be arranged on the insulator 30. Specifically, the insulator 30 has one surface 31 and another surface 32 opposite to the one surface 31. The plurality of first sensor electrodes 10 are arranged on the one surface 31 of the insulator 30. The plurality of second sensor electrodes 20 are arranged on the other surface 32 of the insulator 30.

[0019] In this embodiment, the insulator 30 is a disk-shaped substrate or an electrostatic sheet such as a PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) film. The shape of the insulator 30 is not limited to a circular shape in a plan view. For example, it may be a polygonal shape, or a shape that combines a circular shape and a polygonal shape.

[0020] Each of the multiple first sensor electrodes 10 forms a planar electrode and is arranged on one surface 31 of the insulator 30 while being spaced apart so as not to be electrically connected to one another. Each of the multiple first sensor electrodes 10 is fan-shaped, and in plan view, the multiple first sensor electrodes 10 as a whole form a circle. In other words, each of the multiple first sensor electrodes 10 is arranged to extend radially from a reference point as a center, and the width of each of the multiple first sensor electrodes 10 increases with increasing distance from the reference point.

[0021] In this embodiment, eight first sensor electrodes 10 are arranged on one side 31 of the insulator 30, but seven or fewer first sensor electrodes 10 may be arranged on one side 31 of the insulator 30, or nine or more first sensor electrodes 10 may be arranged on one side 31 of the insulator 30.

[0022] Each of the second sensor electrodes 20 is a linear electrode and is arranged on the other surface 32 while being spaced apart so as not to be electrically connected to one another. Each of the second sensor electrodes 20 is circular, and when viewed in a plan view, each of the second sensor electrodes 20 is arranged concentrically around a reference point.

[0023] In this embodiment, four second sensor electrodes 20 are arranged on the other side 32 of the insulator 30, but three or fewer second sensor electrodes 20 may be arranged on the other side 32 of the insulator 30, or five or more second sensor electrodes 20 may be arranged on the other side 32 of the insulator 30.

[0024] The first sensor electrodes 10 are arranged on one surface 31 of the insulator 30, and the second sensor electrodes 20 are arranged on the other surface 32 of the insulator 30 so that the plurality of first sensor electrodes 10 and the plurality of second sensor electrodes 20 are not electrically connected to each other. In other words, the other surface 32 is arranged closer to the operation surface than the one surface 31. More preferably, the other surface 32 is arranged closer to the operation object than the one surface 31. In this way, by arranging the second sensor electrodes 20, which are linear electrodes, on the other surface 32 and the first sensor electrodes 10, which are planar electrodes, on the one surface 31, the input device 1 can accurately detect the approach of the operation object. The operation surface is, for example, a virtual surface of the input device 1 operated by the operation object, or the surface of an operation panel covering the other surface 32 if such an operation panel is arranged.

[0025] 3B , the second sensor electrodes 20 may be partially cut out. The cut-out ends of the second sensor electrodes 20 may be electrically connected to the control unit 40. The cut-out portions of the second sensor electrodes 20 may correspond to gaps between two adjacent first sensor electrodes 10 arranged along the circumferential direction. In other words, when the input device 1 is viewed in a plan view, the cut-out portions of the second sensor electrodes 20 may overlap with the gaps between two adjacent first sensor electrodes 10. Therefore, by cutting out portions of the second sensor electrodes 20 corresponding to the gaps, wiring may be arranged to electrically connect the second sensor electrodes 20 to the control unit 40 individually.

[0026] 3C , the second sensor electrodes 20 may be electrically connected to the control unit 40 by providing a wiring layer 39 separately in the input device 1. In this case, the insulator 30 may have a two-layer structure in which a first layer and a second layer are stacked, and the wiring layer 39 may be disposed between the first layer and the second layer, and the wiring layer may be electrically connected to the second sensor electrodes 20, thereby electrically connecting each of the second sensor electrodes 20 to the control unit 40. Also, as shown in FIG. 3C , the second sensor electrodes 20 may be electrically connected to the control unit 40 by providing a wiring layer 39 separately below the first sensor electrodes 10. In this case, an insulating layer 30b may be stacked below the first sensor electrodes 10, and a wiring layer 39 may be further provided below the insulating layer 30b. In either case, by forming through holes 33 in the insulators 30a, 30b corresponding to the gaps between two adjacent first sensor electrodes 10 arranged circumferentially in the multiple second sensor electrodes 20, the multiple second sensor electrodes 20 can be electrically connected to the wiring layer 39.

[0027] The control unit 40 identifies an input position by the operating object based on changes in capacitance in each of the multiple first sensor electrodes 10 and each of the multiple second sensor electrodes 20. Specifically, when the operating object approaches or comes into contact with the input device 1, the capacitance between the first sensor electrode 10 and the operating object and between the second sensor electrode 20 and the operating object changes. The control unit 40 identifies the input position by the operating object in polar coordinates based on the changes in capacitance in the first sensor electrode 10 and the second sensor electrode 20. Specifically, the control unit 40 identifies the input position by the operating object in polar coordinates by acquiring a distance (radius) r from a reference point based on changes in capacitance in the multiple second sensor electrodes 20 and acquiring an angle θ based on changes in capacitance in the multiple first sensor electrodes 10. By acquiring the distance (radius) r from the reference point and using the multiple second sensor electrodes 20, it is possible to detect an operation even when the operating object is kept close and a tracing operation is performed.

[0028] The control unit 40 outputs the position coordinates of the operating object on the input device 1 and the change in position due to the gesture as a result of the identification. The position coordinates are planar coordinates or polar coordinates. In the planar coordinates, when the x-axis and y-axis are defined with a reference point of 0, the intersection of a first sensor electrode 10 among the multiple first sensor electrodes 10 and a second sensor electrode 20 among the multiple second sensor electrodes 20 is represented by the x- and y-coordinates. In the polar coordinates, when the x-axis and y-axis are defined with a reference point of 0, the angle θ of the first sensor electrode 10 detected with respect to the x-axis and the distance (radius) r from the reference point to the detected second sensor electrode 20 are represented by the angle θ. The change in position due to the gesture is the change in coordinates due to a slide operation or the like. The operating object is a human finger, a touch pen, or the like. The control unit 40 is configured with a dedicated control circuit, a general-purpose processor, or the like.

[0029] <Action and effect> Next, the effects of the input device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0030] As described above, the input device 1 according to this embodiment is a capacitive input device 1 and includes a plurality of first sensor electrodes 10 and a plurality of second sensor electrodes 20. The plurality of first sensor electrodes 10 and the plurality of second sensor electrodes 20 are not electrically connected to each other. The plurality of first sensor electrodes 10 are arranged radially around a reference point. The plurality of second sensor electrodes 20 are arranged concentrically around the reference point.

[0031] According to this, since the input device 1 is of the capacitance type, it is superior in real-time detection of touch operations compared to when a pressure sensor is used.

[0032] Furthermore, for example, when a person touches the input device 1 with a finger, the first sensor electrode 10 among the plurality of first sensor electrodes 10 and the second sensor electrode 20 among the plurality of second sensor electrodes 20 can each independently detect the touch operation. That is, since the plurality of first sensor electrodes 10 are arranged radially around a reference point, the touch position in the circumferential direction can be detected. Furthermore, since the plurality of second sensor electrodes 20 are arranged concentrically around the reference point, the touch position in the radial direction with respect to the reference point can be detected.

[0033] Therefore, the input device 1 can improve the speed at which a touch operation is detected and can detect the touch position with high accuracy.

[0034] In particular, in the touch sensor of Patent Document 1, the first sensor is configured to bend when touched in order to detect the position and pressure of the touch, but in this embodiment, since the input device 1 is a capacitive type, it is not necessary to configure the first sensor electrode 10 and the second sensor electrode 20 to bend when a person touches the input device 1 with their finger.

[0035] The input device 1 according to this embodiment also includes a plate-shaped insulator 30. Each of the first sensor electrodes 10 is disposed on one surface 31 of the insulator 30. Each of the second sensor electrodes 20 is disposed on the other surface 32 of the insulator 30. The other surface 32 is disposed closer to the operation surface than the one surface 31.

[0036] According to this, each of the multiple second sensor electrodes 20 is arranged on the other side 32, and each of the multiple first sensor electrodes 10 is arranged on one side 31, so by arranging the multiple second sensor electrodes 20 on the operating body side, the multiple first sensor electrodes 10 and the multiple second sensor electrodes 20 can detect the operating body.

[0037] Furthermore, since each of the multiple first sensor electrodes 10 is arranged on one surface 31 of the insulator 30 and each of the multiple second sensor electrodes 20 is arranged on the other surface 32 of the insulator 30, the patterns of the first sensor electrodes 10 and the second sensor electrodes 20 can be easily and simply formed on the insulator 30.

[0038] In the input device 1 according to this embodiment, each of the first sensor electrodes 10 is a planar electrode, and each of the second sensor electrodes 20 is a linear electrode.

[0039] According to this, a plurality of first sensor electrodes 10 are arranged on one surface 31 of the insulator 30, and a plurality of second sensor electrodes 20 are arranged on the other surface 32 of the insulator 30, so that the plurality of first sensor electrodes 10 and the plurality of second sensor electrodes 20 can accurately detect the operating object.

[0040] In the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the width of each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes 10 is formed to increase as it moves away from the reference point.

[0041] This allows the configuration to be suitable for a circular area where an operation is performed, so that the touch position can be detected with high accuracy even when the area where an operation is performed is circular.

[0042] The input device 1 according to this embodiment also includes a control unit 40 that identifies an input position by an operating object based on changes in the electrostatic capacitance of each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes 10 and the plurality of second sensor electrodes 20.

[0043] This allows the input position of the operating object to be identified with high accuracy. Therefore, when the user operates the input device 1 according to the design displayed on the input device 1, the control unit 40 can output an instruction according to the design corresponding to the input position to the external device.

[0044] (First Modification of the Embodiment) The input device 1a of this modified example differs from the input device of the embodiment in that the first sensor electrode 10 of the input device 1a has an electrode piece 11 and a connection portion 12. In this modified example, the same components and functions as those of the input device of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of these components and functions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0045] An input device 1a of this modified example will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0046] Fig. 4 is a plan view showing an input device 1a according to Modification 1 of the embodiment, Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the input device 1a taken along line BB in Fig. 4.

[0047] 4 and 5, each of the multiple first sensor electrodes 10 is disposed on one surface 31 and the other surface 32 of the insulator 30. Each of the multiple second sensor electrodes 20 is disposed on the other surface 32 of the insulator 30. Each of the multiple first sensor electrodes 10 is divided at a portion where it overlaps with the second sensor electrode 20 on the other surface 32 of the insulator 30.

[0048] Specifically, each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes 10 has a plurality of electrode pieces 11 and a connection portion 12.

[0049] When the first sensor electrode 10 is viewed from above, the electrode piece 11 is a part of the first sensor electrode 10 divided at a portion where the first sensor electrode 10 overlaps with the second sensor electrode 20. Therefore, each of the multiple electrode pieces 11 is discretely arranged on the other surface 32 of the insulator 30.

[0050] In one first sensor electrode 10, the connection portion 12 electrically connects two adjacent electrode pieces 11 in the radial direction among the plurality of electrode pieces 11. The connection portion 12 is disposed below the other surface 32 of the insulator 30 so as to bypass the plurality of second sensor electrodes 20.

[0051] Specifically, the connection portion 12 extends from one of two adjacent electrode pieces 11 through a through hole 33 formed in the insulator 30 toward one surface 31 of the insulator 30, reaches the one surface 31 of the insulator 30, extends to the one surface 31 of the insulator 30 where the other of the two adjacent electrode pieces 11 is arranged, and extends through another through hole 33 formed in the insulator 30 until it is electrically connected to the adjacent electrode piece 11. In this embodiment, the connection portion 12 is arranged inside the insulator 30, which is a layer below the other surface 32 of the insulator 30, and on the one surface 31 of the insulator 30.

[0052] As described above, the input device 1a according to this modification includes a plate-shaped insulator 30. Each of the first sensor electrodes 10 includes, in a plan view, a plurality of electrode pieces 11 divided by portions where the second sensor electrodes 20 overlap, and a connection portion 12 that electrically connects two adjacent electrode pieces 11 in the radial direction among the plurality of electrode pieces 11. Each of the second sensor electrodes 20 is disposed on the other surface 32 of the insulator 30. The connection portion 12 is formed below the other surface 32 so as to bypass the second sensor electrodes 20.

[0053] This allows the electrode piece 11 of the first sensor electrode 10 and the second sensor electrode 20 to be disposed on the other surface 32 of the insulator 30. Therefore, the distance between the first sensor electrode 10 and the operating object and the distance between the second sensor electrode 20 and the operating object can be made equal, and therefore the sensitivity of the first sensor electrode 10 and the sensitivity of the second sensor electrode 20 can be made equal.

[0054] (Modification 2 of the embodiment) Input devices 1b and 1c of this modification differ from the input device of the embodiment in that they have an operation panel 50 and that two adjacent second sensor electrodes 20 are concentrically arranged so that the distance between them is narrow. In this modification, the same components and functions as those of the input device of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of these components and functions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0055] The input devices 1b and 1c of this modified example will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an input device 1b in Modification 2 of the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing input device 1b taken along line CC in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing another input device 1c in Modification 2 of the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing input device 1c taken along line DD in FIG. 8. Operation panel 50 is omitted in FIGS. 6 and 8. Operation panel 50 is a general term for operation panel 50a in FIG. 7 and operation panel 50b in FIG. 9.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, input devices 1b and 1c of this modification include an operation panel 50 in addition to an insulator 30, a plurality of first sensor electrodes 10, a plurality of second sensor electrodes 20, and a control unit 40.

[0058] The operation panel 50 is arranged to cover each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes 10. Since an operating object can directly contact the surface 51 of the operation panel 50, capacitance is formed between the operating object and each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes 10, and between the operating object and each of the plurality of second sensor electrodes 20. A design may be formed on the surface 51 of the operation panel 50.

[0059] The operation panel 50 has a shape corresponding to the input devices 1b and 1c. In this modification, the operation panel 50 has a disk shape.

[0060] The operation panel 50 has an inclined or curved surface that becomes thicker or thinner as it approaches the reference point.

[0061] 6 and 7, the surface 51 of the operation panel 50a may be hemispherical or parabolic convex. In other words, the operation panel 50a may have an inclined or curved surface that increases in thickness toward the reference point.

[0062] 8 and 9, the surface 51 of the operation panel 50b may have a hemispherical or parabolic concave shape. In other words, the operation panel 50b may have an inclined or curved surface that becomes thinner as it approaches the reference point.

[0063] 6 to 9, the plurality of second sensor electrodes 20 are arranged concentrically in a cross section of the input devices 1b, 1c taken along a plane including a reference point and substantially perpendicular to the radial direction, such that the distance between two adjacent second sensor electrodes 20 decreases as the distance between the surface 51 of the operation panel 50 and the second sensor electrodes 20 increases. Note that the distance between the surface 51 of the operation panel 50 and the second sensor electrodes 20 is, for example, the distance from the second sensor electrode 20 to the surface 51 directly above the second sensor electrode 20.

[0064] 6 and 7, when operation panel 50a has an inclined or curved surface that is thicker toward the reference point, multiple second sensor electrodes 20 are arranged concentrically so that the distance between two adjacent second sensor electrodes 20 decreases as the reference point approaches. Therefore, the density per unit area occupied by second sensor electrodes 20 arranged on the other surface 32 of insulator 30 increases as the reference point approaches.

[0065] 8 and 9, when operation panel 50b has an inclined or curved surface that becomes thinner toward the reference point, multiple second sensor electrodes 20 are arranged concentrically so that the distance between two adjacent second sensor electrodes 20 decreases with increasing distance from the reference point. Therefore, the density per unit area occupied by second sensor electrodes 20 arranged on the other surface 32 of insulator 30 increases with increasing distance from the reference point.

[0066] 6 to 9, two adjacent second sensor electrodes 20 that are arranged corresponding to the thick portion of operation panel 50 are arranged so that the distance between them is narrower than in other locations, which allows accurate detection of an operating object that comes into contact with the thick portion.

[0067] As described above, the input devices 1b and 1c according to this modification include an operation panel 50 arranged to cover each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes 10. The operation panel 50 becomes thicker or thinner toward the reference point. The surface 51 of the operation panel 50 is an inclined or curved surface. The plurality of second sensor electrodes 20 are arranged concentrically such that the distance between two adjacent second sensor electrodes 20 among the plurality of second sensor electrodes 20 decreases as the distance between the surface 51 of the operation panel 50 and the second sensor electrodes 20 increases in a cross section of the input devices 1b and 1c taken along a plane that includes the reference point and is perpendicular to the radial direction.

[0068] In the thick portion of the operation panel, the distance between the second sensor electrode and the operating object is longer than in the thin portion of the operation panel, resulting in a smaller capacitance between the second sensor electrode and the operating object. However, in this embodiment, two adjacent second sensor electrodes 20 can be concentrically arranged so that the distance between them is narrowed, thereby ensuring the capacitance between the second sensor electrode 20 and the operating object, thereby improving the sensitivity in the thick portion of the operation panel 50. Therefore, even if the operating object comes into contact with the thick portion of the operation panel 50, the accuracy of detecting the contact can be ensured.

[0069] (Third Modification of the Embodiment) An input device 1d of this modified example differs from the input device of the embodiment in that each of the plurality of second sensor electrodes 20 has an annular portion 21 and an extending portion 22. In this modified example, the same configurations and functions as those of the input device of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of these configurations and functions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0070] An input device 1d of this modified example will be described with reference to FIG.

[0071] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an input device 1d according to the third modification of the embodiment.

[0072] 10 , each of the first sensor electrodes 10 is disposed on one surface 31 of the insulator 30. Each of the second sensor electrodes 20 is disposed on the other surface 32 of the insulator 30.

[0073] Each of the multiple annular portions 21 is an annular electrode arranged concentrically around a reference point.

[0074] The extension portions 22 extend radially from the annular portion 21. In the present embodiment, the extension portions 22 extend toward the inner and outer peripheries of the annular portion 21 so as to be perpendicular to the annular portion 21. However, the extension portions 22 may simply extend toward the inner or outer periphery of the annular portion 21. The extension portions 22 are disposed on the other surface 32 of the insulator 30 so as to overlap with the first sensor electrode 10. Note that the position of the extension portions 22 is not limited to the present embodiment, and the extension portions 22 may be disposed on the other surface 32 of the insulator 30 so as not to overlap with the first sensor electrode 10. In this modification, a single second sensor electrode 20 is formed with a plurality of extension portions 22, and the plurality of extension portions 22 correspond one-to-one to a plurality of first sensor electrodes 10.

[0075] Thus, in the input device 1d according to this modified example, each of the multiple second sensor electrodes 20 has an annular portion 21 arranged concentrically around the reference point, and an extension portion 22 extending radially from the annular portion 21.

[0076] This increases the area of ​​the second sensor electrode 20 relative to the operating body by the amount of the extension portion 22, thereby increasing the capacitance between the operating body and the second sensor electrode 20 and thereby improving the sensitivity of the second sensor electrode 20.

[0077] (Other variations) While the input device according to the present disclosure has been described above based on the above-mentioned embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as the modifications do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art may also be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0078] For example, in the input device according to the above embodiment, the projected areas of all the first sensor electrodes and the second sensor electrodes may be equal to each other, so that the sensitivity of the first sensor electrodes and the sensitivity of the second sensor electrodes can be made equal to each other.

[0079] Another modified example of the input device 1e according to the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the input device 1e according to the other modified example. As shown in FIG. 11, the first sensor electrode 10 may be rectangular or strip-shaped. The multiple first sensor electrodes 10 may be arranged to extend radially from a reference point.

[0080] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by making various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art would think of, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0081] The input device of the present disclosure is applicable to, for example, a vehicle, particularly a steering wheel of the vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e Input devices 10 First sensor electrode 11 Electrode piece 12 Connection 20 Second sensor electrode 21 Circular section 22 Extension 30 Insulator 31 One side 32 Other side 40 Control Unit 50, 50a, 50b Operation panel 51 Operation panel surface

Claims

1. A capacitive input device, a plurality of first sensor electrodes; a plurality of second sensor electrodes; a plate-shaped insulator; the plurality of first sensor electrodes and the plurality of second sensor electrodes are not electrically connected to each other; the plurality of first sensor electrodes are arranged radially around a reference point; the plurality of second sensor electrodes are arranged concentrically around the reference point, each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes includes, in a plan view, a plurality of electrode pieces divided by portions where the second sensor electrodes overlap, and a connection portion that electrically connects two electrode pieces adjacent to each other along a radial direction among the plurality of electrode pieces; each of the plurality of second sensor electrodes is disposed on the other surface of the insulator; the connecting portion is formed below the other surface so as to bypass the plurality of second sensor electrodes. Input device.

2. Each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes is arranged on one side of the insulator, each of the plurality of second sensor electrodes is disposed on the other surface of the insulator; the other surface is disposed closer to the operation surface than the one surface; The input device according to claim 1 .

3. each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes is a planar electrode; Each of the plurality of second sensor electrodes is a linear electrode. The input device according to claim 2 .

4. The width of each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes is formed to increase as it moves away from the reference point. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. an operation panel disposed so as to cover each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes; the operation panel is thicker or thinner toward the reference point, the surface of the operation panel is an inclined surface or a curved surface, each of the plurality of second sensor electrodes is concentrically arranged such that, in a cross section of the input device taken along a plane including the reference point and perpendicular to the radial direction, the distance between the surface of the operation panel and the second sensor electrodes becomes larger, and the interval between two adjacent second sensor electrodes among the plurality of second sensor electrodes becomes smaller. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Each of the plurality of second sensor electrodes has an annular portion arranged concentrically around the reference point, and an extension portion extending from the annular portion along the radial direction. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. a control unit that identifies an input position by an operating object based on changes in capacitance of each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes and the plurality of second sensor electrodes; The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A capacitive input device, a plurality of first sensor electrodes; a plurality of second sensor electrodes; The plurality of first sensor electrodes and the plurality of second sensor electrodes are not electrically connected to each other. figure, the plurality of first sensor electrodes are arranged radially around a reference point; the plurality of second sensor electrodes are arranged concentrically around the reference point, an operation panel disposed so as to cover each of the plurality of first sensor electrodes; the operation panel is thicker or thinner toward the reference point, the surface of the operation panel is an inclined surface or a curved surface, each of the plurality of second sensor electrodes is concentrically arranged such that, in a cross section of the input device taken along a plane including the reference point and perpendicular to a radial direction, the distance between the surface of the operation panel and the second sensor electrodes becomes larger, and the interval between two adjacent second sensor electrodes among the plurality of second sensor electrodes becomes smaller. Input device.

Images