Input device

Abstract

Provided is an input device that can be reduced in thickness. An input device (1) comprises a sensor electrode (133), a movable electrode (16), an elastic body (18), and a metal dome (14). The movable electrode (16) is capacitively coupled so as to face the sensor electrode (133). The interval between the movable electrode (16) and the sensor electrode (133) is changed through a pressing operation. The elastic body (18) is disposed between the movable electrode (16) and the sensor electrode (133). The metal dome (14) is inverted when subjected to a pressure equal to or greater than a prescribed pressure through the pressing operation. In plan view from a first direction (W3) in which the pressing operation is performed, the elastic body (18) is disposed so as not to overlap the metal dome (14).

Description

Input Devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to input devices, and more particularly to input devices including an elastic body and a metal dome.

[0002] The input device described in Patent Document 1 includes a click unit (metal dome) and a pressure-sensitive unit. The pressure-sensitive unit is located below the click unit. The pressure-sensitive unit includes a movable electrode, an elastic body, and a fixed electrode (sensor electrode). The movable electrode has a lower surface facing the upper surface of the fixed electrode, is capacitively coupled to the fixed electrode, and is displaced so as to approach the fixed electrode in response to pressure from an operating object. The elastic body is located between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode.

[0003] The input device described in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which the click portion and the elastic body are aligned in the vertical direction, which increases the thickness of the input device.

[0004] International Publication No. 2021 / 010037

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an input device that can be made thinner.

[0006] An input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a sensor electrode, a movable electrode, an elastic body, and a metal dome. The movable electrode faces the sensor electrode and is capacitively coupled to the sensor electrode, and a pressing operation changes the distance between the movable electrode and the sensor electrode. The elastic body is disposed between the movable electrode and the sensor electrode. When the metal dome receives a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure due to the pressing operation, the metal dome reverses from a convex state to a concave state. When viewed from a first direction in which the pressing operation is performed, the elastic body is disposed so as not to overlap with the metal dome.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an input device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the input device as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the input device as viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a body of the input device accommodating a fixed electrode. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the X1-X1 line in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the X2-X2 line in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the relative positions of an elastic body and a contact body in the input device. FIG. 8 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the input device. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a half-pressed state of the input device. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a half-pressed state of the input device. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a full-pressed state of the input device. FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a half-pressed state of the input device. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the pressure characteristics and capacitance characteristics of the input device. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an input device of Modification 1. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the back side of a movable electrode provided in an input device of Modification 4. FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the first contact piece and the second contact piece included in the input device.

[0008] An input device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (1) Overview As shown in FIG. 2 , the input device 1 according to this embodiment includes a first sensor electrode 133 (sensor electrode), a movable electrode 16, a first elastic body 18 (elastic body), and a metal dome 14. The movable electrode 16 faces the first sensor electrode 133 and is capacitively coupled thereto, and the distance between the movable electrode 16 and the first sensor electrode 133 is changed by a pressing operation. The first elastic body 18 is disposed between the movable electrode 16 and the first sensor electrode 133. When the metal dome 14 receives a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure due to a pressing operation, it reverses from a convex state to a concave state. In a plan view from a first direction (thickness direction W3) in which a pressing operation is performed, the first elastic body 18 is disposed so as not to overlap with the metal dome 14.

[0010] According to this configuration, the first elastic body 18 is positioned so as not to overlap with the metal dome 14 when viewed in a plane from the first direction (thickness direction W3), and therefore the input device 1 can be made thinner compared to a configuration in which the first elastic body 18 is positioned so as to overlap with the metal dome 14 when viewed in a plane from the first direction (i.e., a configuration in which the first elastic body 18 and the metal dome 14 are lined up in the first direction).

[0011] (2) Detailed Description As shown in FIG. 1 , the input device 1 is a device that can accept an input of an operation by an operating object U1, detect the operation state of the input operation, and output the detection signal to an external processing unit. Here, the operation by the operating object U1 is, for example, a pressing operation by the operating object U1 on the detection surface S0 of the input device 1. When a pressing operation is performed on the detection surface S0, the input device 1 detects the magnitude of the pressure caused by the pressing operation and whether the pressure caused by the pressing operation is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure. The input device 1 is applied to various electronic devices. The pressing operation is performed, for example, in a thickness direction W3 of the case 11 described below. That is, in this embodiment, as an example, the thickness direction W3 of the case 11 is the direction in which the pressing operation is performed.

[0012] As an example, the operating object U1 is assumed to be a human fingertip (a part of a living body), but the operating object U1 is not limited to being a human fingertip. The operating object U1 may include a part of a living body and an object covering that part (e.g., a glove). The operating object U1 may also include an object held by the living body (e.g., a pen-shaped operating member). The input device 1 is not limited to receiving a pressing operation directly from the operating object U1, and may receive a pressing operation via an operating plate disposed in front of the detection surface S0, for example.

[0013] The input device 1 can receive an operation (e.g., a pressing operation) by the operating object U1 and output an electrical signal corresponding to the operation to an external processing unit. The external processing unit can determine the operating state of the operation input to the input device 1 (i.e., the operating state of the operating object U1) based on the electrical signal output from the input device 1 and output the determination result to the outside.

[0014] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the input device 1 includes a housing 10, a plurality of (five in the example of Figures 2 and 3) fixed electrodes 13, a metal dome 14, a cover film 15, a movable electrode 16, a push plate 17, a first elastic body 18 and a second elastic body 19, a first contact body 20 and a second contact body 21.

[0015] (2-1) Housing 10 As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the housing 10 houses multiple components (multiple fixed electrodes 13, metal domes 14, cover film 15, movable electrode 16, push plate 17, first elastic body 18, second elastic body 19, first contact body 20, and second contact body 21). The housing 10 protects the multiple components housed therein from water and dust. The housing 10 includes a case 11 and a cover film 12.

[0016] In the following description, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the longitudinal direction of the case 11 will be referred to as the longitudinal direction W1, the short side direction of the case 11 will be referred to as the short side direction W2, and the thickness direction of the case 11 will be referred to as the thickness direction W3.

[0017] The case 11 is a component to which the multiple fixed electrodes 13 are attached. The case 11 is also a component capable of housing components other than the multiple fixed electrodes 13 among the multiple components. The case 11 is, for example, a flat rectangular box. The case 11 is formed from an electrically insulating resin material. The case 11 has a first main surface 11a and a second main surface 11b on both sides of the thickness direction W3 of the case 11. The first main surface 11a and the second main surface 11b are, for example, rectangular. A first accommodating recess 11c is provided in the first main surface 11a, for example, over the entire first main surface 11a. The first accommodating recess 11c accommodates, for example, the movable electrode 16 and the push plate 17. The bottom surface of the first accommodating recess 11c is, for example, rectangular. A second accommodating recess 11d, a third accommodating recess 11e, and a fourth accommodating recess 11f are provided in the bottom surface of the first accommodating recess 11c.

[0018] The second to fourth accommodating recesses 11d to 11f are arranged in the order of the third accommodating recess 11e, the second accommodating recess 11d, and the fourth accommodating recess 11f, from one end of the bottom surface of the first accommodating recess 11c toward the other end in the longitudinal direction. The bottom surface of the second accommodating recess 11d has a shape (e.g., an oval shape) that is the same shape and size as the metal dome 14 in a plan view. The third accommodating recess 11e and the fourth accommodating recess 11f are arranged on both sides of the second accommodating recess 11d. The second accommodating recess 11d accommodates the fixed electrode 13 (more specifically, the electrode body 131a of the first switch electrode 131 described below and the second switch electrode 132 described below) and the metal dome 14. The third accommodating recess 11e accommodates the fixed electrode 13 (more specifically, the first sensor electrode 133 and the lead electrode 131b of the first switch electrode 131 described below), the first elastic body 18, and the first contact body 20. The fourth accommodating recess 11f accommodates the fixed electrode 13 (more specifically, a second sensor electrode 134 and a ground electrode 135, which will be described later), the second elastic body 19, and the second contact body 21.

[0019] The cover film 12 is a member for covering the opening of the first accommodating recess 11c of the case 11. The cover film 12 is joined to the peripheral edge of the first main surface 11a of the case 11 so as to cover the opening of the first accommodating recess 11c of the case 11. The cover film 12 also has a detection surface S0 for receiving operations performed by the operating object U1.

[0020] The cover film 12 is made of, for example, a flexible film. The cover film 12 has the same shape (e.g., rectangular shape) as the first main surface 11a of the case 11. The flexibility of the cover film 12 allows the operating body U1 to press the push plate 17 inside the case 11 via the cover film 12.

[0021] The cover film 12 has a first main surface 12 a and a second main surface 12 b. The first main surface 12 a is the main surface on the outer side (opposite the case 11). The second main surface 12 b is the main surface on the inner side (on the case 11 side).

[0022] The detection surface S0 is formed by the first main surface 12a of the cover film 12. The detection surface S0 has a protrusion S3. The protrusion S3 is provided in the center of the detection surface S0. The protrusion S3 is, for example, a circular, flat region that protrudes toward the opposite side of the case 11 relative to the region other than the protrusion S3. The second main surface 12b of the cover film 12 has a recess S5 in an area overlapping the protrusion S3. The recess S5 is a portion into which a mating portion (first base portion 172) of the push plate 17 (described below) is mated, and has a concave shape of the same shape and size as the mating portion of the push plate 17. The recess S5 is, for example, a circular, flat region that is recessed toward the detection surface S0 relative to the region of the second main surface 12b other than the recess S5. By providing the recess S5 in the second main surface 12b of the cover film 12, the protrusion S3 is formed on the first main surface 12a of the cover film 12.

[0023] 4, the plurality of fixed electrodes 13 include a first switch electrode 131, a second switch electrode 132, a first sensor electrode 133, a second sensor electrode 134, and a ground electrode 135. The plurality of fixed electrodes 13 are formed, for example, by insert molding in the case 11.

[0024] The first switch electrode 131 and the second switch electrode 132 are electrodes for detecting the inversion of the metal dome 14, which will be described later. The first switch electrode 131 and the second switch electrode 132 are disposed in the second accommodating recess 11d.

[0025] The first switch electrode 131 has an electrode body 131a and an extraction electrode 131b. The electrode body 131a is the portion that contacts the apex P5 (see FIG. 8 ) of the back surface of the inverted metal dome 14. The electrode body 131a is, for example, approximately disk-shaped. The electrode body 131a is disposed in the center of the bottom surface of the second accommodating recess 11d. The extraction electrode 131b is an electrode for outputting the voltage of the electrode body 131a to the outside (e.g., an external processing unit). The extraction electrode 131b is, for example, strip-shaped (elongated rectangular) plate-shaped. A first end of the extraction electrode 131b is connected to the outer periphery of the electrode body 131a. A second end T1 of the extraction electrode 131b protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the case 11 to the outside. The second end T1 of the extraction electrode 131b functions as an external terminal for connection to an external processing unit. Hereinafter, the second end T1 of the extraction electrode 131b may be referred to as an external terminal T1.

[0026] More specifically, the extraction electrode 131b extends from the electrode body 131a, passes through the bottom of the second accommodating recess 11d, penetrates the partition wall 11g, passes through the bottom of the third accommodating recess 11e, penetrates the side wall 11h of the third accommodating recess 11e, and protrudes to the outside from the side surface 11i of the case 11. The extraction electrode 131b is disposed at the bottom of the third accommodating recess 11e along one edge in the short-side direction W2. The partition wall 11g is a wall that separates the second accommodating recess 11d and the third accommodating recess 11e (i.e., a common portion of the peripheral wall of the second accommodating recess 11d and the peripheral wall of the third accommodating recess 11e). The side wall 11h of the third accommodating recess 11e is the peripheral wall of the third accommodating recess 11e on the opposite side from the partition wall 11g in the longitudinal direction W1. The side surface 11i of the case 11 is a side surface of the outer periphery of the case 11 that includes the outer main surface of the side wall 11h.

[0027] The second switch electrode 132 has an electrode body 132a and an extraction electrode 132b. The electrode body 132a is in contact with the peripheral edge portion 14b of the metal dome 14. The electrode body 132a is formed, for example, in an arc shape or a C shape when viewed from above in the thickness direction W3. The electrode body 132a is disposed along the peripheral edge portion of the bottom of the second accommodating recess 11d. The outer peripheral edge portion of the electrode body 132a is embedded in the peripheral wall of the second accommodating recess 11d. The extraction electrode 132b is an electrode for outputting the potential of the electrode body 132a to the outside (for example, an external processing unit). The extraction electrode 132b is shaped like, for example, a rectangular plate. A first end of the extraction electrode 132b is connected to the outer periphery of the electrode body 132a. The second end T2 of the extraction electrode 132b penetrates the side wall 11j of the second accommodating recess 11d and protrudes to the outside from the side surface 11k of the case 11. The side wall 11j of the second accommodating recess 11d is a peripheral wall of the second accommodating recess 11d on one side in the short direction W2 (e.g., the same side as the extraction electrode 131b). The side surface 11k of the case 11 is a side of the outer peripheral surface of the case 11 that includes the outer main surface of the side wall 11j. The second end T2 of the extraction electrode 132b functions as an external terminal for connection to an external processing unit. Hereinafter, the second end T2 of the extraction electrode 132b may be referred to as the external terminal T2.

[0028] The first sensor electrode 133 has an electrode body 133a and an extraction electrode 133b. The electrode body 133a constitutes a first capacitor C1 between itself and a first movable electrode 161 (described later) of the movable electrode 16. The electrode body 133a has, for example, a substantially rectangular plate shape. The electrode body 133a is disposed on the bottom surface of the third accommodating recess 11e. The electrode body 133a is disposed in an area of ​​the bottom surface of the second accommodating recess 11d other than the edge portion on one side in the short direction W2 (the edge portion where the extraction electrode 131b is disposed). A portion of the outer peripheral edge portion of the electrode body 133a is embedded in the peripheral wall of the third accommodating recess 11e. The extraction electrode 133b is an electrode for outputting the potential of the electrode body 133a to an external device (e.g., an external processing unit). The extraction electrode 133b has, for example, a rectangular plate shape. A first end of the extraction electrode 133b is connected to the outer periphery of the electrode body 133a. A second end T3 of the extraction electrode 133b penetrates the side wall 11h of the third accommodating recess 11e and protrudes to the outside from the side surface 11i of the case 11. The second end T3 of the extraction electrode 133b functions as an external terminal for connection to an external processing unit. Hereinafter, the second end T3 of the extraction electrode 133b may be referred to as the external terminal T3.

[0029] The second sensor electrode 134 includes an electrode body 134a and an extraction electrode 134b. The electrode body 134a constitutes a second capacitor C2 between itself and a second movable electrode 162 (described later) of the movable electrode 16. The electrode body 134a is, for example, a substantially rectangular plate. The electrode body 134a is disposed on the bottom surface of the fourth accommodating recess 11f. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the electrode body 134a is disposed in an area of ​​the bottom surface of the fourth accommodating recess 11f other than the edge on one side in the short direction W2 (the edge where the ground electrode 135 (described later) is disposed). A portion of the outer peripheral edge of the electrode body 134a is embedded in the peripheral wall of the fourth accommodating recess 11f. The extraction electrode 134b is an electrode for outputting the potential of the electrode body 134a to an external device (e.g., an external processing unit). The extraction electrode 134b is, for example, a strip-shaped (elongated rectangular) plate. A first end of the extraction electrode 134b is connected to the outer periphery of the electrode body 134a. A second end T4 of the extraction electrode 134b penetrates the side wall 11m of the fourth accommodating recess 11f and protrudes from the case 11n to the outside. The side wall 11m of the fourth accommodating recess 11f is the peripheral wall of the fourth accommodating recess 11f opposite the second accommodating recess 11d in the longitudinal direction W1. The side surface 11n of the case 11 is the outer peripheral surface of the case 11 that includes the outer main surface of the side wall 11m. The second end T4 of the extraction electrode 134b functions as an external terminal for connecting to an external processing unit. Hereinafter, the second end T4 of the extraction electrode 134b may be referred to as the external terminal T4.

[0030] The ground electrode 135 is an electrode for maintaining the potential of the movable electrode at ground potential. The ground electrode 135 is, for example, a strip-shaped (elongated rectangular) plate. The ground electrode 135 is disposed on one edge of the bottom surface of the fourth accommodating recess 11f in the short-side direction W2 (i.e., the edge opposite the edge on which the lead electrode 131b is disposed). A first end T5 of the ground electrode 135 penetrates the side wall 11m of the fourth accommodating recess 11f and protrudes from the side surface 11n of the case 11 to the outside. The first end T5 of the ground electrode 135 functions as an external terminal for connection to an external processing unit. Hereinafter, the first end T5 of the ground electrode 135 may be referred to as the external terminal T5.

[0031] (2-3) Metal Dome 14 The metal dome 14 generates a clicking sensation in response to a pressing operation by the operating body U1 (for example, a pressing operation with a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure). The metal dome 14 is made of an elastically deformable metal plate.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the metal dome 14 includes one or more (three in the example of FIGS. 2 and 3 ) metal dome plates 140. The metal dome plate 140 has a dome portion 140a and a peripheral portion 140b. The dome portion 140a is a portion that reverses from a convex state to a concave state in response to a pressing operation by the operating body U1. The dome portion 140a has, for example, a circular dome shape (e.g., a flattened hemisphere) in a plan view. The dome portion 140a has a first main surface 140c and a second main surface 140d on both sides in the thickness direction. The first main surface 140c is the main surface facing the cover film 12 and is convex when not pressed. The second main surface 140d is the main surface facing the case 11 and is concave when not pressed. When the apex P1 of the convex surface (first main surface 140c) of the dome portion 140a is pressed with a pressure equal to or greater than a certain pressure, the dome portion 140a elastically deforms, with the first main surface 140c becoming concave and the second main surface 140d becoming convex, thereby inverting. When the pressing operation is released, the dome portion 140a autonomously returns to its original shape, with the first main surface 140c returning to its convex shape and the second main surface 140d returning to its concave shape. The peripheral edge portion 140b is disposed on the electrode body 132a of the second switch electrode 132 and is constantly electrically connected to the electrode body 132a. The peripheral edge portion 140b is, for example, an annular plate-like shape (e.g., an oval ring-shaped flat plate that is long in the longitudinal direction W1).

[0033] The metal dome plates 140 overlap each other in the thickness direction. In this overlapping state, the dome portions 140a of the metal dome plates 140 overlap each other in the thickness direction of the metal dome plates 140. The peripheral portions 140b of the metal dome plates 140 overlap each other in the thickness direction of the metal dome plates 140.

[0034] As described above, the metal dome 14 is composed of multiple metal dome plates 140 that overlap each other. The metal dome 14 has a dome portion 14a and a peripheral portion 14b. The dome portion 14a is composed of the dome portions 140a of the metal dome plates 140 that overlap each other. The peripheral portion 14b is composed of the peripheral portions 140b of the metal dome plates 140 that overlap each other.

[0035] When the apex P1 on the front side of the dome portion 14a (i.e., the apex of the first main surface 140c of the dome portion 140a of the top metal dome plate 140) is pressed with a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure, the dome portion 14a (i.e., the dome portion 140a of each metal dome plate 140) elastically inverts from a convex shape to a concave shape. Then, when the pressing operation on the dome portion 14a is released, the dome portion 14a autonomously returns to its original shape. By adjusting the number of metal dome plates 140, it is possible to adjust the magnitude of the predetermined pressure that inverts the dome portion 14a.

[0036] The metal dome 14 is accommodated and disposed in the second accommodating recess 11d. In this arrangement, the outer shape of the metal dome 14 fits inside the peripheral wall of the second accommodating recess 11d. This positions the metal dome 14 on the bottom surface of the second accommodating recess 11d so that it cannot move in a direction parallel to the bottom surface. The peripheral edge 14b of the metal dome 14 (e.g., the peripheral edge 140b of the lowest metal dome plate 140) is always in contact with the electrode body 132a of the second switch electrode 132 and is always electrically connected. The peripheral edge 14b of the metal dome 14 (e.g., the peripheral edge 140b of the lowest metal dome plate 140) is always out of contact with the extraction electrode 131b of the first switch electrode 131 and is always electrically disconnected. The portion of the extraction electrode 131b that intersects with the peripheral edge 14b is embedded inside the bottom of the second accommodating recess 11d so as not to come into contact with the peripheral edge 14b. Furthermore, the dome portion 14a of the metal dome 14 (for example, the dome portion 140a of the bottom metal dome plate 140) is disposed above the electrode body 131a of the first switch electrode 131 with a gap therebetween.

[0037] (2-4) Cover Film 15 The cover film 15 is a member for preventing the metal dome 14 from jumping out from the inside of the second accommodating recess 11d to the outside. The cover film 15 is also a member for ensuring electrical insulation between the first sensor electrode 133 and the first elastic body 18, and between the second sensor electrode 134 and the second elastic body 19.

[0038] 2 to 4, the cover film 15 is formed of an insulating material (e.g., an insulating resin) into, for example, a rectangular sheet shape. The outer shape of the cover film 15 is, for example, the same shape and size as the shape (e.g., rectangular) of the bottom surface of the first accommodating recess 11c.

[0039] The cover film 15 has a first portion 151 , a second portion 152 , and a third portion 153 .

[0040] The first portion 151 prevents the metal dome 14 from protruding from the inside of the second accommodating recess 11d to the outside (i.e., the metal dome 14 from protruding toward the movable electrode 16). The first portion 151 is disposed between the movable electrode 16 and the metal dome 14 and covers at least a portion of the metal dome 14. The first portion 151 is formed in a shape (e.g., a rectangular shape) that is slightly larger than the opening of the second accommodating recess 11d. The first portion 151 is joined to the upper end surfaces of the partition walls 11g and 11p. The partition wall 11g is a wall that separates the second accommodating recess 11d from the third accommodating recess 11e. The partition wall 11p is a wall that separates the second accommodating recess 11d from the fourth accommodating recess 11f.

[0041] The second portion 152 is disposed on the bottom of the third accommodating recess 11e so as to cover the electrodes (first sensor electrode 133 and extraction electrode 131b) disposed on the bottom of the third accommodating recess 11e. By being disposed on the bottom of the third accommodating recess 11e in this manner, the second portion 152 ensures electrical insulation between the electrodes (first sensor electrode 133 and extraction electrode 131b) disposed on the bottom of the third accommodating recess 11e and the first elastic body 18 and second contact body 21 (described below) housed in the third accommodating recess 11e. More specifically, the second portion 152 is disposed between the first sensor electrode 133 and the first elastic body 18 to ensure electrical insulation between the first sensor electrode 133 and the first elastic body 18. The second portion 152 is also disposed between the extraction electrode 131b and the first contact body 20 to ensure electrical insulation between the extraction electrode 131b and the first contact body 20. The second portion 152 is formed, for example, in a shape (for example, a rectangular shape) that is the same shape and size as the bottom of the third accommodating recess 11e.

[0042] The third portion 153 is disposed on the bottom of the fourth accommodating recess 11f so as to cover the second sensor electrode 134 and expose the ground electrode 135, of the second sensor electrode 134 and the ground electrode 135, which are disposed on the bottom of the fourth accommodating recess 11f. That is, the third portion 153 exposes the edge of the bottom of the fourth accommodating recess 11f where the ground electrode 135 is disposed (i.e., the edge on one side in the short direction W2 (i.e., the opposite side from the lead electrode 131b)) and covers the remaining portion other than the edge (the portion where the second sensor electrode 134 is disposed). By disposing the third portion 153 on the bottom of the fourth accommodating recess 11f in this manner, electrical insulation is ensured between the second sensor electrode 134 disposed on the bottom of the fourth accommodating recess 11f and a second elastic body 19 (described later) accommodated in the fourth accommodating recess 11f. That is, the third portion 153 is disposed between the second sensor electrode 134 and the first elastic body 18, and ensures electrical insulation between the second sensor electrode 134 and the first elastic body 18. The third portion 153 also ensures electrical contact between the ground electrode 135 disposed on the bottom of the fourth accommodating recess 11f and the second elastic body 19 (described below) housed in the fourth accommodating recess 11f. That is, the third portion 153 is not disposed between the ground electrode 135 and the second elastic body 19, and ensures electrical contact between the ground electrode 135 and the second elastic body 19. The third portion 153 is formed, for example, in a shape (e.g., a rectangular shape) that is the same shape and size as the remaining portion of the bottom of the fourth accommodating recess 11f.

[0043] The cover film 15 has a window 15s. The window 15s is a window for exposing the apex P1 on the front side of the metal dome 14. The window 15s penetrates the cover film 15 in the thickness direction. The window 15s is provided in a portion of the cover film 15 facing the apex P1 (the center of the first portion 151). The window 15s is, for example, circular.

[0044] (2-5) Movable Electrode 16 The movable electrode 16 is an electrode that faces the first sensor electrode 133 and is capacitively coupled thereto, and changes the distance between the first sensor electrode 133 and the movable electrode 16 in response to a pressing operation. The movable electrode 16 is also an electrode that faces the second sensor electrode 134 and is capacitively coupled thereto, and changes the distance between the second sensor electrode 134 and the movable electrode 16 in response to a pressing operation.

[0045] 2, 3, and 5, the movable electrode 16 has, for example, a rectangular flat plate shape. The planar shape of the movable electrode 16 (planar shape as seen in the thickness direction W3) is, for example, a shape (e.g., rectangular) that is the same shape and size as the bottom of the first accommodating recess 11c of the case 11. The movable electrode 16 is formed of a conductive material (e.g., metal).

[0046] The movable electrode 16 has a first main surface 16s and a second main surface 16t. The first main surface 16s is the main surface on the cover film 12 side. The second main surface 16t is the main surface on the case 11 side. The second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16 is an opposing surface facing the first sensor electrode 133 and the second sensor electrode 134. The longitudinal direction and lateral direction of the movable electrode 16 coincide with the longitudinal direction W1 and lateral direction of the first main surface 11a of the case 11, respectively.

[0047] The movable electrode 16 has a first movable electrode 161, a second movable electrode 162, and a connecting portion 163. The first movable electrode 161 is a portion facing the first sensor electrode 133 and is a portion of the movable electrode 16 on a first side in the longitudinal direction. The first movable electrode 161 is formed, for example, in a shape having the same shape and size as the bottom surface of the third accommodating recess 11 e of the case 11. The second movable electrode 162 is a portion facing the second sensor electrode 134 and is a portion of the movable electrode 16 on a second side in the longitudinal direction. The first movable electrode 161 is formed, for example, in a shape having the same shape and size as the bottom surface of the fourth accommodating recess 11 f of the case 11. The connecting portion 163 is disposed between the first movable electrode 161 and the second movable electrode 162 and is a portion that connects the first movable electrode 161 and the second movable electrode 162. The connecting portion 163 is a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the movable electrode 16, and is a portion that overlaps with the second accommodating recess 11d of the case 11 in the thickness direction W3.

[0048] The movable electrode 16 has a through-hole 16a (see FIG. 5), a first hole 16b, and a second hole 16c (see FIGS. 2 and 5).

[0049] The through hole 16a is a hole through which the push plate 17 is disposed. The through hole 16a is provided at the center of gravity of the movable electrode 16 in a plan view from the thickness direction of the movable electrode 16. The through hole 16a is, for example, an oval through hole.

[0050] The first hole 16b is a hole for positioning the first elastic body 18. The first hole 16b also functions as an escape route for the first elastic body 18 when the first elastic body 18 is elastically compressed and deformed. The first hole 16b is provided within the region of the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16 where the first elastic body 18 is disposed (i.e., the region occupied by the first elastic body 18). The first hole 16b is disposed at one end (first end) of the movable electrode 16 in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction W1). The first hole 16b is also disposed offset to one side (first side) from the center in the lateral direction (lateral direction W2) of the movable electrode 16. The first hole 16b is, for example, a circular hole.

[0051] The second hole 16c is a hole for positioning the second elastic body 19. The second hole 16c also functions as an escape route for the second elastic body 19 when the second elastic body 19 is elastically compressed and deformed. The second hole 16c is provided within the region of the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16 where the second elastic body 19 is disposed (i.e., within the second elastic body 19). The second hole 16c is disposed at a second end (the end opposite the first end in the longitudinal direction W1) of the movable electrode 16 in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction W1). The second hole 16c is also disposed offset from the center toward the second side (the opposite side from the first side in the lateral direction W2) in the lateral direction (lateral direction W2) of the movable electrode 16. That is, the first hole 16b and the second hole 16c are disposed offset from each other in opposite directions from the center in the lateral direction of the movable electrode 16. The second hole 16c is, for example, a circular hole.

[0052] (2-6) Push Plate 17 The push plate 17 is a component that presses down the apex P1 of the metal dome 14 in response to a pressing operation by the operating body U1. As shown in Fig. 5, the push plate 17 is disposed on the movable electrode 16 so as to pass through the through-hole 16a of the movable electrode 16. The push plate 17 is formed of a resin material such as plastic, for example.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the push plate 17 has a through portion 171 (see FIG. 5), a first base portion 172, a second base portion 173, and a push-down portion 174.

[0054] The through portion 171 is a portion that is fitted into the through hole 16a of the movable electrode 16. The through portion 171 is a columnar or cylindrical shape that is the same shape and size as the internal space of the through hole 16a.

[0055] The first base portion 172 is a portion that receives pressure from a pressing operation and is disposed on the first main surface 16s of the movable electrode 16. The first base portion 172 is also a portion that is disposed in the recess S5 of the second main surface 12b of the cover film 12. The first base portion 172 is joined (e.g., glued) to the recess S5 of the cover film 12. The first base portion 172 is a plate-like (e.g., flat) shape (e.g., circular) that is larger than the opening of the through-hole 16a of the movable electrode 16. The first base portion 172 is connected to one end surface of the through portion 171 (the end surface on the cover film 12 side), for example, concentrically with the through portion 171.

[0056] The second base portion 173 is disposed on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16. The second base portion 173 is plate-shaped (e.g., flat) and has a shape (e.g., circular) larger than the opening of the through-hole 16a of the movable electrode 16. The second base portion 173 is, for example, a flat plate having the same shape and size as the first base portion 172. The second base portion 173 is connected to the other end surface of the through-hole 171 (the end surface on the case 11 side), for example, concentrically with the through-hole 171. The first base portion 172 and the second base portion 173 sandwich the movable electrode 16 from both sides in the thickness direction of the movable electrode 16. This fixes the push plate 17 so that it does not come off the movable electrode 16.

[0057] The depressing portion 174 is a portion that depresses the apex P1 on the front side of the metal dome 14. The depressing portion 174 is plate-shaped (e.g., flat) with an outer shape (e.g., circular) that is smaller than the outer shape of the second base portion 173. The depressing portion 174 is provided, for example, concentrically with the second base portion 173 on the main surface 173a of the second base portion 173 facing the case 11. The depressing portion 174 protrudes from the second base portion 173 toward the case 11.

[0058] The through portion 171 of the push plate 17 is disposed in the through hole 16a of the movable electrode 16. As a result, the push plate 17 is disposed on the movable electrode 16 so as to penetrate through the through hole 16a of the movable electrode 16.

[0059] The through portion 171, the first base portion 172, the second base portion 173, and the push portion 174 are integrally formed. The push plate 17 is, for example, insert-molded into the movable electrode 16.

[0060] (2-7) First Elastic Body 18 and Second Elastic Body 19 As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first elastic body 18 is disposed between the first movable electrode 161 of the movable electrode 16 and the first sensor electrode 133, and is a member for adjusting the characteristics of change in capacitance of the first capacitor C1 including the first movable electrode 161 and the first sensor electrode 133. The characteristics of change in capacitance of the first capacitor C1 are the characteristics of change in capacitance of the first capacitor C1 when a pressing operation is performed by the operating object U1. The above characteristics can be adjusted by adjusting the shape of the first elastic body 18.

[0061] The first elastic body 18 is formed of an elastic material having electrical conductivity (more specifically, a material capable of elastic compressive deformation). The first elastic body 18 has a first main body portion 182 and a first cylindrical portion 183. The first main body portion 182 and the first cylindrical portion 183 are integrally formed.

[0062] The first body portion 182 is a portion sandwiched between the movable electrode 16 and the first sensor electrode 133 and elastically compresses and deforms. The first body portion 182 is disposed on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16 (see FIG. 3 ) and protrudes from the second main surface 16t toward the case 11. The first body portion 182 has, for example, a pyramidal shape (e.g., a conical shape) that becomes thinner as it moves away from the movable electrode 16. The first body portion 182 is disposed on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16 so as to face the first hole 16b. The first body portion 182 is disposed, for example, concentrically with the first hole 16b of the movable electrode 16 in a planar view from the thickness direction W3.

[0063] The first tubular portion 183 is a portion that is fitted into the first hole 16b of the movable electrode 16 and has a tubular (e.g., cylindrical) shape. The first tubular portion 183 is provided on a surface 182a of the first main body portion 182 that faces the movable electrode 16.

[0064] The first elastic body 18 further has a first recess 184. The first recess 184 functions as an escape route for the first elastic body 18 when the first elastic body 18 is elastically compressed and deformed. The first recess 184 is provided in a concave shape in an inner region of the first cylindrical portion 183 on the opposing surface 182 a of the first main body portion 182.

[0065] The second elastic body 19 is disposed between the second movable electrode 162 of the movable electrode 16 and the second sensor electrode 134 and serves to adjust the capacitance change characteristics of the second capacitor C2, which includes the second movable electrode 162 and the second sensor electrode 134. The capacitance change characteristics of the second capacitor C2 are the capacitance change characteristics of the second capacitor C2 when the operating body U1 performs a pressing operation. The second elastic body 19 is configured similarly to the first elastic body 18. More specifically, the second elastic body 19 is formed of a conductive elastic member (more specifically, a member capable of elastic compressive deformation). The second elastic body 19 includes a second main body portion 192 and a second cylindrical portion 193. The second main body portion 192 and the second cylindrical portion 193 are integrally formed.

[0066] The second body portion 192 is a portion that is sandwiched between the movable electrode 16 and the first sensor electrode 133 and is elastically compressed and deformed. The second body portion 192 is disposed on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16 and protrudes from the second main surface 16t toward the case 11. The second body portion 192 has, for example, a pyramidal shape (e.g., a conical shape) that becomes thinner as it moves away from the movable electrode 16. The second body portion 192 is disposed on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16 so as to face the second hole 16c. The second body portion 192 is disposed, for example, concentrically with the second hole 16c of the movable electrode 16 in a planar view from the thickness direction W3.

[0067] The second tubular portion 193 is a portion that is fitted into the second hole 16c of the movable electrode 16 and has a tubular (e.g., cylindrical) shape. The second tubular portion 193 is provided on a surface 192a of the second main body portion 192 that faces the movable electrode 16.

[0068] The second elastic body 19 further has a second recess 194. The second recess 194 functions as an escape route for the second elastic body 19 when the second elastic body 19 is elastically compressed and deformed. The second recess 194 is provided in a concave shape in an inner region of the second cylindrical portion 193 on the opposing surface 192 a of the second main body portion 192.

[0069] As will be described later, the first elastic body 18 and the second elastic body 19 are arranged at point-symmetric positions on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16.

[0070] (2-8) First Contact Body 20 and Second Contact Body 21 The second contact body 21 is a part that is constantly in contact with both the movable electrode 16 and the ground electrode 135 to maintain the potential of the movable electrode 16 at the ground potential. The second contact body 21 is formed of a conductive elastic member (more specifically, a member that can be elastically compressed and deformed). As shown in FIG. 3 , the second contact body 21 is, for example, columnar (e.g., cylindrical) and is disposed on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16, protruding from the second main surface 16t toward the case 11. The second contact body 21 and the second elastic member 19 are disposed side by side in the short-side direction (short-side direction W2) of the movable electrode 16.

[0071] The second contact body 21 and the second elastic body 19 are connected to each other by a second connecting portion 23. The second connecting portion 23 is, for example, flat. The second connecting portion 23 connects the base end portion (the end portion on the movable electrode 16 side) of the second elastic body 19 to the base end portion (the end portion on the movable electrode 16 side) of the second contact body 21. The second elastic body 19 and the second contact body 21 protrude from the second connecting portion 23 toward the case 11. The second contact body 21, the second elastic body 19, and the second connecting portion 23 are integrally formed from the same material as the second elastic body 19.

[0072] The first contact body 20 is disposed between the movable electrode 16 and the bottom of the third accommodating recess 11e of the case 11, and is a member for receiving pressure due to a pressing operation in a balanced manner between the first contact body 20 and the second contact body 21. The first contact body 20 is formed, for example, of a conductive elastic member (more specifically, a member capable of elastic compressive deformation). The first contact body 20 is, for example, columnar (e.g., cylindrical), and is disposed on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16, protruding from the second main surface 16t toward the case 11. The first contact body 20 and the first elastic body 18 are disposed side by side in the short-side direction (short-side direction W2) of the movable electrode 16.

[0073] The first contact body 20 and the first elastic body 18 are connected to each other by a first connecting portion 22. The first connecting portion 22 is, for example, flat plate-shaped. The first connecting portion 22 connects the base end portion (the end portion on the movable electrode 16 side) of the first elastic body 18 to the base end portion (the end portion on the movable electrode 16 side) of the first contact body 20. The first elastic body 18 and the first contact body 20 protrude from the first connecting portion 22 toward the case 11. The first contact body 20, the first elastic body 18, and the first connecting portion 22 are integrally formed from the same material as the first elastic body 18.

[0074] As will be described later, the first contact body 20 and the second contact body 21 are arranged at point-symmetric positions on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16.

[0075] (3) Arrangement of Components of Input Device The arrangement of components of the input device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5 , the metal dome 14 is disposed in the second accommodating recess 11d. In this arrangement, the peripheral edge 14b of the metal dome 14 (i.e., the peripheral edge 140b of the lowest metal dome plate 140) is constantly in contact with the electrode body 132a of the second switch electrode 132, providing constant electrical continuity. The peripheral edge 14b of the metal dome 14 (i.e., the peripheral edge 140b of the lowest metal dome plate 140) is constantly out of contact with the lead electrode 131b of the first switch electrode 131, providing constant electrical continuity. The portion of the lead electrode 131b of the first switch electrode 131 that overlaps with the peripheral edge 14b of the metal dome 14 is stepped downward in a direction away from the peripheral edge 14b. As a result, the peripheral edge 14b of the metal dome 14 is constantly out of contact with the lead electrode 131b of the first switch electrode 131 (see FIG. 4 ), providing constant electrical continuity. Furthermore, the dome portion 14 a of the metal dome 14 is disposed with a gap between it and the electrode body 131 a of the first switch electrode 131 .

[0077] The first portion 151 of the cover film 15 is bonded to the bottom of the first accommodating recess 11c (the upper end surfaces of the partition walls 11g and 11p) so as to cover the opening of the second accommodating recess 11d. This prevents the metal dome 14 from protruding from the inside to the outside of the second accommodating recess 11d. The apex P1 of the metal dome 14 is exposed through the window 15s of the cover film 15. The second portion 152 of the cover film 15 is disposed on the bottom of the third accommodating recess 11e so as to cover the first sensor electrode 133 and the extraction electrode 131b of the first switch electrode 131 (see FIG. 4) in the third accommodating recess 11e. The third portion 153 of the cover film 15 is disposed on the bottom surface of the fourth accommodating recess 11f so as to cover the second sensor electrode 134 in the fourth accommodating recess 11f and expose the ground electrode 135 (see FIG. 4).

[0078] The movable electrode 16, together with the push plate 17, first elastic body 18, second elastic body 19, first contact body 20, and second contact body 21, is disposed within the first accommodating recess 11c. In this state, the outer shape of the movable electrode 16 is fitted into the inner peripheral wall of the first accommodating recess 11c. This positions the movable electrode 16 so that it can move in the depth direction W3 of the first accommodating recess 11c but cannot move in a direction parallel to the bottom of the first accommodating recess 11c. The depressing portion 174 of the push plate 17 provided on the movable electrode 16 passes through the window 15s of the cover film 15 and contacts or faces the apex P1 of the dome portion 14a of the metal dome 14. The first elastic body 18 provided on the movable electrode 16 is disposed within the third accommodating recess 11e. In this arrangement, the first elastic body 18 is disposed opposite the first sensor electrode 133 disposed on the bottom of the third accommodating recess 11e, via the second portion 152 of the cover film 15. The first contact body 20 (see FIG. 3) provided on the movable electrode 16 is disposed within the third accommodating recess 11e. In this arrangement, the first contact body 20 is disposed opposite the extraction electrode 131b (see FIG. 4) of the first sensor electrode 133 disposed on the bottom of the third accommodating recess 11e, via the second portion 152 of the cover film 15.

[0079] The second elastic body 19 provided on the movable electrode 16 is disposed in the fourth accommodating recess 11f. In this arrangement, the second elastic body 19 faces the second sensor electrode 134 disposed on the bottom of the fourth accommodating recess 11f, via the third portion 153 of the cover film 15. The second contactor 21 (see FIG. 3) provided on the movable electrode 16 is constantly in contact with the ground electrode 135 disposed on the bottom of the fourth accommodating recess 11f. This maintains the potential of the movable electrode 16 at the potential of the ground electrode 135 (i.e., ground potential).

[0080] The first elastic body 18 and the second elastic body 19 are disposed on both sides of the metal dome 14 (i.e., on both sides of the push plate 17) in a plan view in the thickness direction W3.

[0081] (4) Positional Relationship of Elastic Bodies 18, 19 and Contact Bodies 20, 21 The positional relationship of the first elastic body 18, the second elastic body 19, the first contact body 20, the second contact body 21, and the metal dome 14 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows the positional relationship of the first elastic body 18, the second elastic body 19, the first contact body 20, the second contact body 21, and the metal dome 14 on the movable electrode 16 when the movable electrode 16 is viewed in a plan view from the thickness direction of the movable electrode 16 (i.e., thickness direction W3). In a plan view from the thickness direction of the movable electrode 16, the outline shape of each of the first elastic body 18, the second elastic body 19, the first contact body 20, and the second contact body 21 is, for example, circular, and the outline shape of the metal dome 14 is, for example, elliptical.

[0082] 7 is a virtual line that passes through the center of the movable electrode 16 in the short-side direction (short-side direction W2) and is parallel to the long-side direction (long-side direction W1) of the movable electrode 16 when viewed from above in the thickness direction of the movable electrode 16. When viewed from above in the thickness direction of the movable electrode 16, the apex P1 of the metal dome 14 coincides with, for example, the center of gravity of the metal dome 14. When viewed from above in the thickness direction of the movable electrode 16, the apex P1 of the metal dome 14 is located on the long-side dashed line N1. In this embodiment, the "center of gravity of A (e.g., the first elastic body 18, the second elastic body 19, the first contact body 20, the second contact body 21, or the metal dome 14)" refers to the center of gravity of the figure defined by the outline of A when viewed from above in the thickness direction of the movable electrode 16. For example, when the outline of A is a circle or an ellipse when viewed from above in the thickness direction of the movable electrode 16, the center of gravity of A is the center of the figure defined by the outline of A. The first elastic body 18 and the first contact body 20 are arranged side by side in the short-side direction (short-side direction W2) of the movable electrode 16 on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16. In a plan view from the thickness direction of the movable electrode 16, the center of gravity Q1 of the first elastic body 18 is arranged to be shifted in the short-side direction of the movable electrode 16 in a direction away from the first contact body 20 with respect to the center of the short-side direction. In addition, in a plan view from the thickness direction of the movable electrode 16, the center of gravity Q3 of the first contact body 20 is arranged to be shifted in the short-side direction of the movable electrode 16 in a direction away from the first elastic body 18 with respect to the center of the short-side direction.

[0083] The second elastic body 19 and the second contact body 21 are arranged side by side in the short-side direction of the movable electrode 16 on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16. In a plan view from the thickness direction of the movable electrode 16, the center of gravity Q2 of the second elastic body 19 is arranged to be shifted in the short-side direction of the movable electrode 16 in a direction away from the second contact body 21 from the center of the short-side direction of the movable electrode 16. In addition, in a plan view from the thickness direction of the movable electrode 16, the center of gravity Q4 of the second contact body 21 is arranged to be shifted in the short-side direction of the movable electrode 16 in a direction away from the second elastic body 19 from the center of the short-side direction of the movable electrode 16.

[0084] In a plan view from the thickness direction of the movable electrode 16, the center of gravity Q1 of the first elastic body 18 and the center of gravity Q2 of the second elastic body 19 are arranged at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the apex P1 of the metal dome 14. As a result, even if the position of a pressing operation by the operating body U1 is shifted in the short-side direction from the center of the movable electrode 16 in the short-side direction on the detection surface S0, the pressure due to the pressing operation can be received in a balanced manner in the short-side direction of the movable electrode 16. Furthermore, the center of gravity Q3 of the first contact body 20 and the center of gravity Q4 of the second contact body 21 are arranged at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the apex P1 of the metal dome 14. As a result, even if the position of a pressing operation by the operating body U1 is shifted in the short-side direction from the center of the movable electrode 16 in the short-side direction on the detection surface S0, the pressure due to the pressing operation can be received in an even more balanced manner in the short-side direction of the movable electrode 16.

[0085] (5) Equivalent Circuit of Input Device 1 As shown in FIG. 8, the equivalent circuit of the input device 1 includes a switch SW1, a first capacitor C1, and a second capacitor C2.

[0086] The switch SW1 detects whether a pressing operation performed on the detection surface S0 of the input device 1 is performed with a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure. The switch SW1 includes a metal dome 14, a first switch electrode 131, and a second switch electrode 132 (see FIG. 5 ). When the pressure (pressure) of the pressing operation performed on the detection surface S0 is less than the predetermined pressure, the metal dome 14 maintains its convex shape. Therefore, the metal dome 14 does not contact the first switch electrode 131. In other words, the switch SW1 is turned off. On the other hand, when the pressure (pressure) of the pressing operation performed on the detection surface S0 exceeds the predetermined pressure, the metal dome 14 is inverted from its convex shape to its concave shape. As a result, the vertex P4 on the back side of the concave metal dome 14 (i.e., the portion behind the vertex P1) comes into contact with the first switch electrode 131. In other words, the switch SW1 is turned on. In this way, the switch SW1 switches between on and off depending on the pressure of the pressing operation, thereby detecting whether the pressure of the pressing operation on the detection surface S0 is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure.

[0087] The switch SW1 has external terminals T1 and T2. The external terminal T1 is formed by a second end T1 (see FIG. 5) of the extraction electrode 131b of the first switch electrode 131. The external terminal T2 is formed by a second end T2 (see FIG. 5) of the extraction electrode 132b of the second switch electrode 132. The external terminals T1 and T2 are connected to input sections 100b and 100c of the external processing section 100, respectively.

[0088] The first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 are pressure detection units that detect the magnitude of pressure (pressure) due to a pressing operation performed on the detection surface S0 of the input device 1. The first capacitor C1 includes a first movable electrode 161, a first sensor electrode 133, a first elastic body 18, and a second portion 152 of the cover film 15 (see FIG. 5 ). The first capacitor C1 is a variable capacitor that changes its capacitance as the first movable electrode 161 approaches and moves away from the first sensor electrode 133. When the pressing operation causes the movable electrode 16 to displace in the thickness direction W3 of the case 11, the first movable electrode 161 displaces in the thickness direction W3, and this displacement changes the capacitance of the first capacitor C1. Similarly, the second capacitor C2 includes a second movable electrode 162, a second sensor electrode 134, a second elastic body 19, and a third portion 153 of the cover film 15 (see FIG. 5 ). The second capacitor C2 is a variable capacitor that changes its capacitance as the second movable electrode 162 moves toward and away from the second sensor electrode 134. When the movable electrode 16 is displaced in the thickness direction W3 of the case 11 by a pressing operation, the second movable electrode 162 is displaced in the thickness direction W3, and this displacement changes the capacitance of the second capacitor C2. The first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 are arranged on both sides of the metal dome 14 so as not to overlap with the metal dome 14 in a plan view from the thickness direction W3 (see FIG. 5 ).

[0089] The first capacitor C1 has external terminals T3 and T5. The external terminal T3 is formed by the second end T3 (see FIG. 5) of the extraction electrode 133b of the first sensor electrode 133. The external terminal T5 is formed by the first end T5 (see FIG. 5) of the ground electrode 135. The second capacitor C2 has external terminals T4 and T5. The external terminal T4 is formed by the second end T4 (see FIG. 5) of the extraction electrode 134b of the second sensor electrode 134.

[0090] The external terminals T3 and T4 are connected to each other and to the input section 100a of the external processing section 100. The external terminal T5 is connected to the input section 100d of the external processing section 100. As can be seen from Fig. 8, the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 are connected in parallel to each other. This increases the capacitance used to detect the pressure applied during a pressing operation, thereby improving the detection sensitivity and detection resolution.

[0091] The processing unit 100 mainly comprises, for example, a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. In the processing unit 100, the one or more processors execute a program recorded in the memory, thereby realizing the functions of each unit of the processing unit 100. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory, may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be provided by being recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0092] The processing unit 100 detects the operation state of the pressing operation input to the detection surface S0 of the input device 1 (whether the pressing operation is at or above a predetermined pressure, and the pressure of the pressing operation) based on the information input to each of the input units 100a to 100d. More specifically, the processing unit 100 detects the on / off state of the switch SW1 based on the input signals input to the input units 100b and 100c. The processing unit 100 also calculates the capacitances of the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 based on the input signals input to the input units 100a and 100d, and detects the magnitude of the pressure due to the pressing operation based on the calculated capacitances.

[0093] (6) Description of Operation The operation of the input device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 9 to 12.

[0094] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane passing through the apex P1 of the metal dome 14 when the detection surface S0 of the input device 1 is in an un-pressed state. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along a plane passing through the center of gravity Q1 of the first elastic body 18 when the detection surface S0 of the input device 1 is in an un-pressed state. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane passing through the apex P1 of the metal dome 14 when the detection surface S0 of the input device 1 is in a half-pressed state. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along a plane passing through the center of gravity Q1 of the first elastic body 18 when the detection surface S0 of the input device 1 is in a half-pressed state. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane passing through the apex P1 of the metal dome 14 when the detection surface S0 of the input device 1 is in a fully-pressed state. FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along a plane passing through the center of gravity Q1 of the first elastic body 18 when the detection surface S0 of the input device 1 is in a fully-pressed state.

[0095] 5, when the detection surface S0 of the input device 1 is not being pressed by the operating body U1 (see FIG. 1), the push plate 17 does not press the apex P1 of the metal dome 14, and the movable electrode 16 is disposed at a predetermined position (initial position) in the thickness direction W3 within the first accommodating recess 11c. In this state, the first elastic body 18 between the first movable electrode 161 and the first sensor electrode 133 is hardly compressed in the thickness direction W3 (see FIG. 6).

[0096] 9, when the detection surface S0 of the input device 1 is pressed with the operating body U1 (see FIG. 1), the pressure (pressing force) caused by the pressing operation is transmitted to the push plate 17 via the detection surface S0. The push portion 174 of the push plate 17 then presses the apex P1 of the metal dome 14. If the pressure caused by the pressing operation is less than a predetermined pressure (FIG. 9), the metal dome 14 does not flip over due to the pressure from the push portion 174 of the push plate 17, but simply becomes even flatter in proportion to the magnitude of the pressure from the push portion 174. In this case, the metal dome 14 does not flip over, and therefore the pressing operation is not detected by the switch SW1 formed by the metal dome 14, the first switch electrode 131, and the second switch electrode 132.

[0097] However, due to the pressure from the depressing portion 174 of the push plate 17, the metal dome 14 is deformed further flattened, and the push plate 17 is displaced toward the bottom of the first accommodating recess 11c in the thickness direction W3 by the amount of deformation. The displacement of the push plate 17 also displaces the movable electrode 16 toward the bottom of the first accommodating recess 11c. This displacement of the movable electrode 16 changes the distance between the first movable electrode 161 and the first sensor electrode 133, and the distance between the second movable electrode 162 and the second sensor electrode 134. In other words, the capacitances of the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 change. Based on this capacitance, the external processing unit 100 detects the magnitude of the pressure due to the pressing operation.

[0098] Furthermore, the above-described displacement of the movable electrode 16 causes the first elastic body 18, the second elastic body 19, the first contact body 20, and the second contact body 21 to undergo elastic compressive deformation in the thickness direction W3 (see FIG. 10 ). FIG. 10 shows, for example, a state in which the first elastic body 18 is elastically compressively deformed in the thickness direction W3. At this time, a portion of the elastically compressively deformed first elastic body 18 escapes to the first recess 184 and the first hole 16b of the movable electrode 16, and a portion of the elastically compressively deformed second elastic body 19 escapes to the second recess 194 and the second hole 16c of the movable electrode 16. This prevents the elastic compressive deformation of the first elastic body 18 and the second elastic body 19 from affecting the pressing operation.

[0099] Furthermore, when the pressure applied by the pressing operation exceeds a predetermined pressure (see FIG. 11 ), the dome portion 14a of the metal dome 14 is inverted from a convex shape to a concave shape due to the pressure applied by the depressing portion 174 of the push plate 17. Then, the apex P5 on the back side of the inverted dome portion 14a comes into contact with the first switch electrode 131. As a result, the switch SW1 formed by the metal dome 14, the first sensor electrode 133, and the second sensor electrode 134 switches from off to on. This detects the pressing operation.

[0100] When the metal dome 14 is inverted as described above, the push plate 17 is displaced further toward the bottom of the first accommodating recess 11c by the amount of the inversion. The displacement of the push plate 17 also displaces the movable electrode 16, which changes (reduces) the distance between the first movable electrode 16 and the first sensor electrode 133 and the distance between the second movable electrode 162 and the second sensor electrode 134. In other words, the capacitances of the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 change. Based on this capacitance, the external processing unit 100 detects the magnitude of the pressure (pressing force) due to the pushing operation.

[0101] Furthermore, even when the pressure due to the pressing operation exceeds a predetermined pressure, the above-described displacement of the movable electrode 16 causes the first elastic body 18, the second elastic body 19, the first contact body 20, and the second contact body 21 to undergo further elastic compressive deformation in the thickness direction W3 (see FIG. 12 ). For example, FIG. 12 shows a state in which the first elastic body 18 is further elastically compressed and deformed in the thickness direction W3. At this time, a portion of the elastically compressed and deformed first elastic body 18 escapes to the first recess 184 and the first hole 16b of the movable electrode 16, and a portion of the elastically compressed and deformed second elastic body 19 escapes to the second recess 194 and the second hole 16c of the movable electrode 16. This prevents the elastic compressive deformation of the first elastic body 18 and the second elastic body 19 from affecting the pressing operation.

[0102] (7) Pressure Characteristics G1 and Capacitance Characteristics G2 The pressure characteristics G1 and capacitance characteristics G2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0103] The pressure characteristic G1 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the pressure (pressure) applied to the detection surface S0 and the amount of depression of the detection surface S0 (the amount of displacement of the push plate 17) when the detection surface S0 of the input device 1 is pressed. The horizontal axis represents the amount of depression, and the vertical axis (the vertical axis on the left) represents the magnitude of the pressure.

[0104] The capacitance characteristic G2 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the capacitance of the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 and the amount of depression of the detection surface S0 (the amount of displacement of the push plate 17) when the detection surface S0 of the input device 1 is pressed. The horizontal axis represents the amount of depression, and the vertical axis (the vertical axis on the left) represents the capacitance of each capacitor.

[0105] First, the pressure characteristic G1 will be described. Point M1 on the horizontal axis represents the amount of depression just before the metal dome 14 reverses. Point M2 on the horizontal axis represents the amount of depression after the metal dome 14 reverses. When the amount of depression is zero, the pressure is zero. Then, as the amount of depression increases, the pressure also increases until the amount of depression reaches point M1. As the amount of depression approaches point M1, the increase in pressure slows down. Then, when the amount of depression reaches point M1, the metal dome 14 reverses, and the amount of depression increases to point M2. As the amount of depression changes from point M1 to point M2 due to the reversal of the metal dome 14, the pressure decreases during that time. When the pressure changes from increasing to decreasing at point M1, a click sensation is generated in response to the pressing operation. Then, when the amount of depression increases beyond point M2, the pressure suddenly increases.

[0106] Next, the capacitance characteristic G2 will be described. When the displacement is zero, the capacitance is a predetermined value. Then, as the displacement increases, the capacitance also increases. The capacitance increases monotonically with increasing displacement until the displacement reaches point M2. Once the displacement exceeds point M2, the capacitance increases monotonically with increasing displacement, but the increase slows down.

[0107] (8) Effects The input device 1 according to this embodiment includes a sensor electrode 133, a movable electrode 16, a first elastic body 18 (elastic body), and a metal dome 14. The movable electrode 16 faces the sensor electrode 133 and is capacitively coupled thereto, and the distance between the movable electrode 16 and the sensor electrode 133 is changed by a pressing operation. The first elastic body 18 is disposed between the movable electrode 16 and the sensor electrode 133. When the metal dome 14 receives a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure by a pressing operation, it reverses from a convex state to a concave state. In a plan view from the thickness direction W3 (first direction) in which a pressing operation is performed, the first elastic body 18 is disposed so as not to overlap with the metal dome 14.

[0108] According to this configuration, in a plan view from the thickness direction W3 (first direction), the first elastic body 18 is arranged so as not to overlap with the metal dome 14. Therefore, the input device 1 can be made thinner than a configuration in which the first elastic body 18 is arranged so as to overlap with the metal dome in a plan view from the thickness direction W3 (i.e., a configuration in which the first elastic body 18 and the metal dome 14 are aligned in the thickness direction W3).

[0109] The input device 1 according to this embodiment further includes a second sensor electrode 134 and a second elastic body 19. The second sensor electrode 134 is a sensor electrode separate from the first sensor electrode 133, which is the sensor electrode 133. The second elastic body 19 is disposed between the movable electrode 16 and the second sensor electrode 134 and is a separate elastic body from the first elastic body 18. The movable electrode 16 faces the second sensor electrode 134 and is capacitively coupled thereto, and changes the distance between the movable electrode 16 and the second sensor electrode 134 in response to a pressing operation. The movable electrode 16 includes a first movable electrode 161 and a second movable electrode 162. The first movable electrode 161 faces the first sensor electrode 133. The second movable electrode 162 faces the second sensor electrode 134. The first movable electrode 161, the first sensor electrode 133, and the first elastic body 18 form a first capacitor C1. The second movable electrode 162, the second sensor electrode 134, and the second elastic body 19 constitute a second capacitor C2. The first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 are arranged on both sides of the metal dome 14 in a plan view from the thickness direction W3 (first direction). With this configuration, the pressure caused by the pressing operation can be detected by the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 on both sides. Therefore, the pressure caused by the pressing operation can be detected with high accuracy.

[0110] Furthermore, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, in a plan view from the thickness direction W3 (first direction), the center of gravity Q1 of the first elastic body 18 and the center of gravity Q2 of the second elastic body 19 are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center of gravity (vertex P1) of the metal dome 14. With this configuration, the pressure due to the pressing operation can be detected with even greater accuracy.

[0111] The input device 1 according to this embodiment further includes a single cover film 15. The first elastic body 18 is conductive. The metal dome 14 faces the movable electrode 16 in the thickness direction W3 (first direction). The cover film 15 includes a first portion 151 and a second portion 152. The first portion 151 is disposed between the movable electrode 16 and the metal dome 14 and covers at least a portion of the metal dome 14. The second portion 152 is disposed between the first elastic body 18 and the first sensor electrode 133 and insulates the first elastic body 18 from the first sensor electrode 133. With this configuration, the first portion 151 can prevent the metal dome 14 from protruding toward the movable electrode 16. The second portion 152 can insulate the first sensor electrode 133 from the first elastic body 18. Because the first portion 151 and the second portion 152 are formed by a single cover film 15, the number of components of the input device 1 can be reduced.

[0112] The input device 1 according to this embodiment also includes a push plate 17. The push plate 17 is displaced by a pressing operation to press down on the apex P1 of the metal dome 14. The cover film 15 has a window 15s at a portion facing the apex P1 of the metal dome 14. With this configuration, the cover film 15 is not interposed between the apex P1 of the metal dome 14 and the push plate 17 due to the window 15s. This contributes to making the input device 1 thinner. The push plate 17 also directly presses down on the metal dome 14 through the window 15s. That is, the push plate 17 presses down on the metal dome 14 without going through the cover film 15. This improves the clicking sensation when performing a pressing operation.

[0113] Furthermore, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, the movable electrode 16 has a second main surface 16t (main surface) and a first hole 16b (hole). The second main surface 16t is the main surface on which the first elastic body 18 is disposed. The first hole 16b is provided in the region of the second main surface 16t where the first elastic body 18 is disposed. With this configuration, when the first elastic body 18 undergoes elastic compressive deformation during a pressing operation, a portion of the elastically compressed and deformed first elastic body 18 can escape into the first hole 16b. This reduces the repulsion of the pressing operation due to the elastic compressive deformation of the first elastic body 18. As a result, the impact of the first elastic body 18 on the operation feel can be reduced.

[0114] Furthermore, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, the first elastic body 18 has a first main body portion 182 (main body portion), a first cylindrical portion 183 (cylindrical portion), and a first recess 184 (recess). The first cylindrical portion 183 is provided on a surface 182a of the first main body portion 182 facing the movable electrode 16 and is fitted into the first hole 16b. The first recess 184 is provided in an inner region of the first cylindrical portion 183 on the facing surface 182a of the first main body portion 182. With this configuration, the first cylindrical portion 183 can position and fix the first elastic body 18 in the first hole 16b. Furthermore, when the first elastic body 18 is elastically compressed and deformed during a pressing operation, the first recess 184 allows a portion of the elastically compressed and deformed first elastic body 18 to escape into the first recess 184. This further reduces the repulsion of the pressing operation due to the deformation of the first elastic body 18. As a result, the influence of the first elastic body 18 on the operational feel can be further reduced.

[0115] In the input device 1 according to this embodiment, the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 are connected in parallel to each other. This configuration increases the capacitance used to detect the pressure applied during a pressing operation. As a result, the detection sensitivity and detection resolution can be improved.

[0116] The input device 1 according to the embodiment further includes a push plate 17. The push plate 17 is displaced by a pressing operation to press down on the apex P1 of the metal dome 14. The movable electrode 16 has a through-hole 16a penetrating in the thickness direction W3 (first direction). The push plate 17 is disposed on the movable electrode 16 so as to penetrate through the through-hole 16a. With this configuration, the push plate 17 is disposed on the movable electrode 16 so as to penetrate through the through-hole 16a, thereby making it possible to reduce the thickness of the input device 1 by the thickness of the movable electrode 16. Furthermore, the push plate 17 can be stably positioned and fixed relative to the movable electrode 16, thereby stably suppressing misalignment between the push plate 17 and the movable electrode 16.

[0117] (9) Modifications The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0118] (9-1) Modification 1 As shown in FIG. 14 , in Modification 1, the first elastic body 18 in the above embodiment is provided with only the first main body 182, omitting the first cylindrical portion 183 and the first recess 184. Furthermore, in Modification 1, the second elastic body 19 in the above embodiment is provided with only the second main body 192, omitting the second cylindrical portion 193 and the second recess 194. In Modification 1, as in the above embodiment, a first hole 16b is provided in the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16 in a region where the first elastic body 18 (first main body 182) is disposed. The first hole 16b functions as an escape route for the first elastic body 18 when the first elastic body 18 is elastically compressed and deformed. Similarly, in Modification 1, a second hole 16c is provided in the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16 in a region where the second elastic body 19 (second main body 192) is disposed. The second hole 16c functions as an escape route for the second elastic body 19 when the second elastic body 19 is elastically compressed and deformed.

[0119] (9-2) Modification 2 In the above embodiment, a recess may be provided on the surface of the first contact body 20 facing the movable electrode 16, the recess functioning as an escape route for the first contact body 20 when the first contact body 20 is elastically compressed and deformed. Also, a recess may be provided on the surface of the second contact body 21 facing the movable electrode 16, the recess functioning as an escape route for the second contact body 21 when the second contact body 21 is elastically compressed and deformed. By providing the recesses in the first contact body 20 and the second contact body 21, the elastic compressive deformation characteristics of the first contact body 20 and the second contact body 21 can be adjusted to desired characteristics.

[0120] (9-3) Modification 3 In the above embodiment, the second sensor electrode 134 and the ground electrode 135 may be integrally formed. For example, in FIG. 4 , the end of the ground electrode 135 on the second switch electrode 132 side in the longitudinal direction W1 may be extended and connected to the second switch electrode 132, thereby forming the second sensor electrode 134 and the ground electrode 135 integrally. In this case, the lead electrode 132b of the second switch electrode 132 is omitted. According to Modification 3, the lead electrode 132b of the second switch electrode 132 is also used as the ground electrode 135, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying the shape of the fixed electrode 13.

[0121] (9-4) Modification 4 (9-4-1) Configuration In the above embodiment, the second contact body 21 is columnar (see FIG. 3). In contrast, Modification 4 illustrates the second contact body 21 as a cone (see FIG. 15). Modification 4 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0122] 15 and 16 , in Modification 4, the second contact body 21 has a main body portion 211 and a cylindrical portion 212 (see FIG. 16 ). The main body portion 211 and the cylindrical portion 212 are integrally formed. In Modification 4, the movable electrode 16 further has a hole 16 d.

[0123] The hole 16d is a hole for positioning the second contact body 21. The hole 16d also functions as an escape route for the second contact body 21 when the second contact body 21 is elastically compressed and deformed. The hole 16d is provided in the region on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16 where the second contact body 21 is arranged (i.e., the region occupied by the second contact body 21). The hole 16d is arranged at one end (first end) of the movable electrode 16 in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction W1). The hole 16d is also arranged shifted to one side (first side) from the center in the lateral direction (lateral direction W2) of the movable electrode 16. The hole 16d is, for example, a circular hole.

[0124] The main body 211 is a portion that is sandwiched between the movable electrode 16 and the ground electrode 135 and is elastically compressed and deformed. The main body 211 is disposed on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16 and protrudes from the second main surface 16t toward the case 11. The main body 211 has, for example, a pyramidal shape (e.g., a conical shape) that becomes thinner as it moves away from the movable electrode 16. The main body 211 is disposed on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16 so as to face the hole 16d. The main body 211 is disposed, for example, concentrically with the hole 16d of the movable electrode 16 in a planar view from the thickness direction W3.

[0125] The tubular portion 212 is a portion that fits into the hole 16d of the movable electrode 16 and has a tubular (e.g., cylindrical) shape. The tubular portion 212 is provided on a surface 211a of the main body 211 that faces the movable electrode 16. The tubular portion 212 protrudes from the facing surface 211a and is inserted into and fitted into the hole 16d.

[0126] The second contact body 21 further has a recess 213. The recess 213 functions as an escape route for the second contact body 21 when the second contact body 21 is elastically compressed and deformed. The recess 213 is provided in a concave shape in the inner region of the cylindrical portion 212 on the opposing surface 211 a of the main body 211.

[0127] The second connecting portion 23 of the fourth modification connects the base end portion (the end portion on the movable electrode 16 side) of the second elastic body 19 and the base end portion (the end portion on the movable electrode 16 side) of the main body portion 211 .

[0128] 16 , in Modification 4, the first contact body 20 is formed in the same manner as the second contact body 21. More specifically, in Modification 4, the first contact body 20 has a main body portion 201 and a tubular portion 202. The main body portion 201 and the tubular portion 202 are integrally formed. In Modification 4, the movable electrode 16 further has a hole 16 e.

[0129] The hole 16e is a hole for positioning the first contact body 20. The hole 16e also functions as an escape route for the first contact body 20 when the first contact body 20 is elastically compressed and deformed. The hole 16e is provided in the region on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16 where the first contact body 20 is arranged (i.e., the region occupied by the first contact body 20). The hole 16e is arranged in a part (second end) of the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction W1) of the movable electrode 16. The hole 16e is also arranged shifted to one side (second side) from the center in the lateral direction (lateral direction W2) of the movable electrode 16. The hole 16e is, for example, a circular hole.

[0130] The main body 201 is a portion that is sandwiched between the movable electrode 16 and the first switch electrode 131 and is elastically compressed and deformed. The main body 201 is disposed on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16 and protrudes from the second main surface 16t toward the case 11. The main body 201 has, for example, a pyramidal shape (e.g., a conical shape) that becomes thinner as it moves away from the movable electrode 16. The main body 201 is disposed on the second main surface 16t of the movable electrode 16 so as to face the hole 16e. The main body 201 is disposed, for example, concentrically with the hole 16e of the movable electrode 16 in a planar view from the thickness direction W3.

[0131] The tubular portion 202 is a portion that fits into the hole 16e of the movable electrode 16 and has a tubular (e.g., cylindrical) shape. The tubular portion 202 is provided on a surface 201a of the main body 201 that faces the movable electrode 16. The tubular portion 202 protrudes from the facing surface 201a and is inserted into and fitted into the hole 16e.

[0132] The first contact body 20 further has a recess 203. The recess 203 functions as an escape route for the first contact body 20 when the first contact body 20 is elastically compressed and deformed. The recess 203 is provided in a concave shape in the inner region of the cylindrical portion 202 on the opposing surface 201 a of the main body 201.

[0133] The second connecting portion 22 of the fourth modification connects the base end portion (the end portion on the movable electrode 16 side) of the first elastic body 18 and the base end portion (the end portion on the movable electrode 16 side) of the main body portion 201 .

[0134] (9-4-2) Effect According to the fourth modification, the second contact body 21 has a cone shape, and therefore the deformation amount (also called strain) of the second contact body 21 can be reduced when the second contact body 21 is sandwiched between the movable electrode 16 and the ground electrode 135 and elastically compresses and deforms. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the volume resistance of the second contact body 21 when it elastically compresses and deforms. As a result, it is possible to suppress variations in the responsiveness of the input device 1 due to the movement amount (stroke) of the movable electrode 16 caused by a pressing operation.

[0135] Furthermore, since the second contact body 21 has the recess 213, the amount of deformation of the second contact body 21 when the second contact body 21 is sandwiched between the movable electrode 16 and the ground electrode 135 and elastically compresses and deforms can be further reduced. Therefore, the fluctuation in volume resistance of the second contact body 21 when elastically compresses and deforms can be further suppressed. As a result, the variation in responsiveness of the input device 1 due to the movement amount (stroke) of the movable electrode 16 caused by the pressing operation can be further suppressed.

[0136] Furthermore, the movable electrode 16 has a hole 16d, and the second contact body 21 is disposed on the movable electrode 16 so as to face the hole 16d of the movable electrode 16, so that the hole 16d can function as an escape route when the second contact body 21 is elastically compressed and deformed. This further reduces the amount of deformation of the second contact body 21 when it is elastically compressed and deformed.

[0137] Furthermore, since the second contact body 21 has a cylindrical portion 212 that fits into the hole 16d, the second contact body 21 can be easily positioned relative to the movable electrode 16.

[0138] Furthermore, since the first contact body 20 is also conical in shape like the second contact body 21, the pressure generated by the pressing operation can be received in a well-balanced manner between the second contact body 21 and the first contact body 20.

[0139] Furthermore, since the first contact body 20 also has the recess 203 like the second contact body 21, the pressure caused by the pressing operation can be received in a more balanced manner between the second contact body 21 and the first contact body 20.

[0140] In addition, the first contact body 20, like the second contact body 21, is also positioned on the movable electrode 16 so as to face the hole 16e of the movable electrode 16, so that the pressure caused by the pressing operation can be received in a more balanced manner between the second contact body 21 and the first contact body 20.

[0141] (9-4-3) Modification In Modification 4, the second contact body 21 does not have to have the recess 213. In this case, the first contact body 20 does not have to have the recess 203 either.

[0142] In addition, in the fourth modification, the second contact body 21 does not have to have the cylindrical portion 212. Similarly, the first contact body 20 does not have to have the cylindrical portion 202. In these cases, the movable electrode 16 does not have to have the holes 16d and 16e.

[0143] (10) Aspects The present disclosure discloses the following aspects.

[0144] The input device (1) of the first aspect includes a sensor electrode (133), a movable electrode (16), an elastic body (18), and a metal dome (14). The movable electrode (16) faces the sensor electrode (133) and is capacitively coupled thereto, and changes the distance between the movable electrode (16) and the sensor electrode (133) in response to a pressing operation. The elastic body (18) is disposed between the movable electrode (16) and the sensor electrode (133). The metal dome (14) reverses from a convex state to a concave state when subjected to a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure in response to a pressing operation. In a plan view from a first direction (W3) in which a pressing operation is performed, the elastic body (18) is disposed so as not to overlap with the metal dome (14).

[0145] According to this configuration, in a plan view from the first direction (W3), the elastic body (18) is arranged so as not to overlap with the metal dome (14). Therefore, the input device (1) can be made thinner than a configuration in which the elastic body (18) is arranged so as to overlap with the metal dome (14) in a plan view from the first direction (W3) (i.e., a configuration in which the elastic body (18) and the metal dome (14) are aligned in the first direction (W3)).

[0146] The input device (1) of the second aspect is the same as that of the first aspect, but further includes a second sensor electrode (134) and a second elastic body (19). The second sensor electrode (134) is a sensor electrode separate from the first sensor electrode (133), which is the sensor electrode (133). The second elastic body (19) is disposed between the movable electrode (16) and the second sensor electrode (134) and is an elastic body separate from the first elastic body (18), which is the elastic body (18). The movable electrode (16) faces the second sensor electrode (134) and is capacitively coupled thereto, and changes the distance between the movable electrode (16) and the second sensor electrode (134) in response to a pressing operation. The movable electrode (16) includes a first movable electrode (161) and a second movable electrode (162). The first movable electrode (161) faces the first sensor electrode (133). The second movable electrode (162) faces the second sensor electrode (134). The first movable electrode (161), the first sensor electrode (133), and the first elastic body (18) form a first capacitor (C1). The second movable electrode (162), the second sensor electrode (134), and the second elastic body (19) form a second capacitor (C2). The first capacitor (C1) and the second capacitor (C2) are arranged on both sides of the metal dome (14) in a plan view from the first direction (W3).

[0147] According to this configuration, the pressure due to the pushing operation can be detected by the first capacitor (C1) and the second capacitor (C2) on both sides, so that the pressure due to the pushing operation can be detected with high accuracy.

[0148] In the input device (1) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, when viewed in a plane from the first direction (W3), the center of gravity (Q1) of the first elastic body (18) and the center of gravity (Q2) of the second elastic body (19) are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center of gravity (P1) of the metal dome (14).

[0149] According to this configuration, the pressure due to the pressing operation can be detected with even greater accuracy.

[0150] The input device (1) of a fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a single cover film (15). The elastic body (18) is conductive. The metal dome (14) faces the movable electrode (16) in the first direction (W3). The cover film (15) has a first portion (151) and a second portion (152). The first portion (151) is disposed between the movable electrode (16) and the metal dome (14) and covers at least a portion of the metal dome (14). The second portion (152) is disposed between the elastic body (18) and the sensor electrode (133) and insulates the elastic body (18) from the sensor electrode (133).

[0151] According to this configuration, the first portion (151) can prevent the metal dome (14) from protruding toward the movable electrode (16). Furthermore, the second portion (152) can insulate the sensor electrode (133) from the elastic body (18). Furthermore, since the first portion (151) and the second portion (152) are configured by a single cover film (15), the number of parts of the input device (1) can be reduced.

[0152] The input device (1) of the fifth aspect is the fourth aspect, further comprising a push plate (17). The push plate (17) is displaced by a pressing operation to press down on the apex (P1) of the convex metal dome (14). The cover film (15) has a window (15s) in a portion facing the apex (P1) of the metal dome (14).

[0153] According to this configuration, the cover film (15) is not interposed between the apex (P1) of the metal dome (14) and the push plate (17) due to the window portion (15s). This contributes to making the input device (1) thinner. Furthermore, the push plate (17) directly presses the metal dome (14) through the window portion (15s). In other words, the push plate (17) presses the metal dome (14) without the cover film (15) interposed therebetween. This improves the clicking sensation when pressing.

[0154] In the input device (1) of the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the movable electrode (16) has a main surface (16t) and a hole (16b). The main surface (16t) is a main surface on which the elastic body (18) is arranged. The hole (16b) is provided in a region of the main surface (16t) where the elastic body (18) is arranged.

[0155] According to this configuration, when the first elastic body (18) undergoes elastic compression deformation during a pressing operation, a portion of the elastically compressed and deformed first elastic body (18) can escape into the hole (16b). This reduces the repulsion of the pressing operation due to the elastic compression deformation of the first elastic body (18). As a result, the impact of the first elastic body (18) on the operation feel can be reduced.

[0156] In the input device (1) of the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the elastic body (18) has a main body portion (182), a tubular portion (183), and a recess (184). The tubular portion (183) is provided on a surface (182a) of the main body portion (182) facing the movable electrode (16) and is fitted into the hole (16b). The recess (184) is provided in an inner region of the tubular portion (183) on the facing surface (182a) of the main body portion (182).

[0157] According to this configuration, the cylindrical portion (183) can position and fix the first elastic body (18) in the hole (16b). Furthermore, the recess (184) allows a portion of the elastically compressed and deformed elastic body (18) to escape into the recess (184) when the elastic body (18) is elastically compressed and deformed during a pressing operation. This further reduces the repulsion of the pressing operation due to the deformation of the elastic body (18). As a result, the impact of the elastic body (18) on the operating feel can be further reduced.

[0158] In the input device (1) of the eighth aspect, in the second aspect, the first capacitor (C1) and the second capacitor (C2) are connected in parallel with each other.

[0159] This configuration allows a larger capacitance to be used to detect the pressure applied during a pressing operation, thereby improving detection sensitivity and detection resolution.

[0160] The input device (1) of a ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising a push plate (17). The push plate (17) is displaced by a pressing operation to press down on the apex (P1) of the convex metal dome (14). The movable electrode (16) has a through hole (16a) that penetrates in the first direction (W3). The push plate (17) has a through portion (171) that penetrates the through hole (16a).

[0161] According to this configuration, the push plate (17) has a through portion (171) that passes through the through hole (16a), which allows the input device (1) to be made thinner by the thickness of the movable electrode (16). In addition, the push plate (17) can be stably positioned and fixed relative to the movable electrode (16), thereby stably suppressing misalignment between the push plate (17) and the movable electrode (16).

[0162] 1 Input device 14 Metal dome 15 Cover film 16 Movable electrode 16a Through hole 18 First elastic body (elastic body) 19 Second elastic body 17 Push plate 15s Window portion 16b First hole (hole) 16t Second main surface (main surface) 133 First sensor electrode (sensor electrode) 134 Second sensor electrode 151 First portion 152 Second portion 161 First movable electrode 162 Second movable electrode 171 Through portion 182 First main body portion (main body portion) 182a Opposing surface 183 First cylindrical portion (cylindrical portion) C1 First capacitor C2 Second capacitor P1 Vertex portion (center of gravity) Q1, Q2 Center of gravity W3 Thickness direction (first direction)

Claims

1. An input device comprising: a sensor electrode; a movable electrode that faces the sensor electrode and is capacitively coupled to the sensor electrode, and that changes the distance between the movable electrode and the sensor electrode when a pressing operation is performed; an elastic body that is arranged between the movable electrode and the sensor electrode; and a metal dome that reverses from a convex state to a concave state when a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure is applied by the pressing operation, wherein the elastic body is arranged so as not to overlap the metal dome when viewed in a plan view from a first direction in which the pressing operation is performed.

2. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second sensor electrode separate from the first sensor electrode that is the sensor electrode; and a second elastic body separate from the first elastic body that is the elastic body and arranged between the movable electrode and the second sensor electrode, wherein the movable electrode faces the second sensor electrode and is capacitively coupled with it, and the distance between it and the second sensor electrode is changed by the pressing operation, wherein the movable electrode has: a first movable electrode facing the first sensor electrode; and a second movable electrode facing the second sensor electrode, wherein the first movable electrode, the first sensor electrode, and the first elastic body form a first capacitor, and the second movable electrode, the second sensor electrode, and the second elastic body form a second capacitor, and the first capacitor and the second capacitor are arranged on both sides of the metal dome in a plan view from the first direction.

3. An input device according to claim 2, wherein, in a plan view from the first direction, the center of gravity of the first elastic body and the center of gravity of the second elastic body are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center of gravity of the metal dome.

4. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a single cover film, wherein the elastic body is conductive, the metal dome faces the movable electrode in the first direction, and the cover film has: a first portion disposed between the movable electrode and the metal dome and covering at least a portion of the metal dome; and a second portion disposed between the elastic body and the sensor electrode and insulating the elastic body from the sensor electrode.

5. An input device according to claim 4, further comprising a push plate that is displaced by the pressing operation to press down on the apex of the metal dome that is in a convex state, and the cover film has a window portion in a portion facing the apex of the metal dome.

6. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the movable electrode has a main surface on which the elastic body is arranged, and a hole provided in the area of ​​the main surface on which the elastic body is arranged.

7. An input device as described in claim 6, wherein the elastic body has: a main body; a tubular portion provided on the surface of the main body facing the movable electrode and fitted into the hole; and a recess provided in an inner region of the tubular portion on the facing surface of the main body.

8. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the first capacitor and the second capacitor are connected in parallel with each other.

9. An input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a push plate that is displaced by the pushing operation to press down on the apex of the metal dome that is in a convex state, wherein the movable electrode has a through hole that penetrates in the first direction, and the push plate has a through portion that penetrates the through hole.

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