Input device

An input device includes a rotary part having an opening, a pressing member configured to transmit light through a first region, a rotary electrode part including a first electrode element, a holding electrode part including a second electrode element that is configured to be brought into contact with and separated from the first electrode element by rotation of the rotary electrode part, a first detection electrode part disposed so as to face the holding electrode part, and a substrate in which the first detection electrode part is disposed. The substrate and the pressing member transmit light through the first region.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. national stage application of the PCT International Application No. PCT/JP2018/040792 filed on Nov. 2, 2018, which claims the benefit of foreign priority of Japanese patent application No. 2017-222382 filed on Nov. 20, 2017, the contents all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an input device used to make an input into an electronic device of every kind.

BACKGROUND ART

A conventional input device includes an input unit and a detection unit.

The input unit includes an input part, a rotary electrode part, and a holding electrode part. The input part includes a rotary part configured to rotate. The rotary electrode part rotates in response to rotation of the rotary part. The holding electrode part is disposed to face the rotary electrode part. An electric state between the holding electrode part and the rotary electrode part changes by rotation of the rotary electrode part.

The detection unit includes a first detection electrode part and a substrate. The substrate has an electronic circuit, and an electronic component is disposed on the substrate. The first detection electrode part is formed on a surface of the substrate opposed to a surface where the electronic circuit is formed. The first detection electrode part is disposed to face the holding electrode part. Electrostatic capacitance of the first detection electrode part changes by rotation of the rotary part.

As such a conventional input device, an input device disclosed in PTL 1 is known, for example.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a rotary part having an opening, a pressing member disposed so as to overlap the opening of the rotary part in a plan view, a rotary electrode part including a first electrode element, and a holding electrode part including a second electrode element. The pressing member transmits light through a first region overlapping the opening of the rotary part in the plan view. The rotary electrode part rotates in response to rotation of the rotary part. At least part of the second electrode element is disposed so as to face the rotary electrode part. The second electrode element is configured to be brought into contact with and separated from the first electrode element by rotation of the rotary electrode part. The input device further includes a first detection electrode part disposed so as to face the holding electrode part and a substrate in which the first detection electrode part is disposed. The first detection electrode part includes a first reception electrode disposed so as to overlap the second electrode element in the plan view and a first transmission electrode disposed so as to overlap the first reception electrode in the plan view. Electrostatic capacitance between the first reception electrode and the first transmission electrode changes by the rotation of the rotary electrode part. The substrate and the pressing member transmit light through the first region.

This configuration enables the input device of the present disclosure to transmit light incident from a first direction through the first region to a point in a second direction opposite the first direction.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Recently, there has been demand for a display apparatus that includes a display disposed at a place farther in a first direction (downward) than an input device and that enables viewing of a content or other information shown in the display through the input device when the input device is viewed from a point in a second direction (upward) opposite the first direction.

In the conventional input device described above, the electronic component and the first detection electrode part are disposed on the same substrate and thus the substrate includes an opaque board such as a printed circuit board. As a result, light that is incident on the input device from a point farther in a first direction (downward) than the input device is less likely to be transmitted to a point farther in a second direction (upward) than the input device.

In the present disclosure, an exemplary embodiment will be described with the first direction defined as “down” and the second direction defined as “up” to facilitate understanding.

In other words, there has been demand for an input device that enables viewing of information shown in a display positioned downward of the input device when a user views the input device from a point located upward. To put it another way, there has been demand for an input device that allows light incident on the input device from a point located downward to be transmitted upward of the input device.

In the description given hereinafter, the first direction is “down” and the second direction is “up”. However, the “first direction” and the “second direction” may be any directions opposite to each other.

In the present disclosure, the description is given by using terms indicating directions of “up”, “down”, “right”, “left”, “upward”, “downward” and the like. However, these terms merely show the relative positional relationship of constitutional elements, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[Outline of Display Apparatus2000]

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, a configuration of display apparatus2000will be described.FIG. 1is a perspective view of display apparatus2000.FIG. 2is an exploded perspective view of display apparatus2000. Examples of display apparatus2000include touch screens. Display apparatus2000includes cover51, electrode substrate52, and display400. Controller500(seeFIG. 2) is disposed below display400. Display apparatus2000has input device1000. Input device1000includes input unit100fastened to cover51with fastening member300and detection unit200formed in electrode substrate52. Input device1000is configured to allow light that is emitted upward from display400disposed below detection unit200(described in detail later) to pass through input unit100and detection unit200.

[Outline of Input Unit100]

With reference toFIGS. 3 to 5, input unit100will be described.FIG. 3is a perspective view of input unit100.FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view of input unit100viewed from up above.FIG. 5is an exploded perspective view of input unit100viewed from down below. As described above, input device1000includes input unit100and detection unit200that is disposed below input unit100. Detection unit200will be described later with reference toFIG. 6and the like.

As shown inFIG. 3, input unit100includes rotary part11, pressing member12, and guide13. Rotary part11rotates in response to force applied by a physical object such as a user, a robot, and a mechanism. Pressing member12is disposed inside an outer edge of rotary part11. As shown inFIG. 4, pressing member12includes main body12a, holder12b, and pressing part12c. Light is allowed to pass through at least main body12a.

Rotary electrode part20is disposed below rotary part11. Rotary electrode element26(seeFIG. 5) is formed in a lower surface of rotary electrode part20so as to be exposed to an outside. Rotary electrode element26(seeFIG. 5) rotates by rotation of rotary part11.

A method for forming rotary electrode element26will now be described briefly. A metal is inserted in the lower surface of rotary electrode part20, which is made entirely of a resin, such that the metal is exposed out of the resin. As a result, as shown inFIG. 5, of the lower surface of rotary electrode part20, a part where the metal is exposed corresponds to rotary electrode element26and the remaining part represents resin25b.

Rotary electrode part20is disposed above holding member31. Holding electrode part30, reference electrode part60, and pressing electrode part80are disposed below holding member31. In other words, holding electrode element32(holding electrode part30) and rotary electrode element26are disposed so as to face each other through holding member31. An electric state between holding electrode element32and rotary electrode element26changes by rotation of rotary electrode part20.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7, an outline of detection unit200will be described.FIG. 6is a schematic view of detection unit200according to the present disclosure.FIG. 7is a partial cross-sectional view of detection unit200taken along line Y-Y inFIG. 6.

As described later with reference toFIG. 8and the like, detection unit200is formed in electrode substrate52. Cover51is layered on the electrode substrate where detection unit200is formed. InFIG. 6, electrode substrate52and cover51are not shown.

As shown inFIG. 6, detection unit200includes first detection electrode part40positioned at a periphery and second detection electrode part90positioned at a middle.

First detection electrode part40includes detection electrode element41made up of a pair of reception electrode41aand transmission electrode41b, detection electrode element42made up of a pair of reception electrode42aand transmission electrode42b, and detection electrode element43made up of a pair of reception electrode43aand transmission electrode43b. Second detection electrode part90includes four pairs of reception electrodes90aand transmission electrodes90b.

As shown inFIG. 7, reception electrode42ais disposed in an upper surface of electrode substrate52, and transmission electrode42bis disposed in a lower surface of electrode substrate52. Reception electrode42aand transmission electrode42bare opposed to each other in an up-down direction. In this way, a positional relationship between reception electrode42aand transmission electrode42bis described. The same applies to a positional relationship between reception electrode41aand transmission electrode41band to a positional relationship between reception electrode43aand transmission electrode43b.

[Configuration of Input Device1000]

Next, with reference toFIGS. 3 to 8, a configuration of input device1000will be described.

FIG. 8is a schematic view illustrating a cross section of the display apparatus show inFIG. 1. In input device1000according to the present disclosure, as shown inFIG. 8, detection unit200is disposed below input unit100. InFIG. 8, the input device especially detection unit200is shown only schematically. For example, components such as transmission electrodes42b,43bare not shown.

Positional relationships between the electrodes in input unit100and the electrodes in detection unit200will now be described.

Detection electrode element42(seeFIG. 6) is positioned below pressing electrode part80(seeFIG. 4), and detection electrode elements41,42(seeFIG. 6) are positioned below two holding electrode elements32(seeFIG. 4). Reception electrode part44(seeFIG. 6) is positioned below reference electrode part60(seeFIG. 4).

Reception electrode41aand transmission electrode41b(or reception electrode42aand transmission electrode42b) are put into capacitive coupling. Electrostatic capacitance between reception electrode41aand transmission electrode41b(or reception electrode42aand transmission electrode42b) changes by rotation of rotary part11.

A configuration of electrode substrate52will now be described in detail.

As shown inFIG. 8, first detection electrode part40(reception electrode41a, transmission electrode41b, reception electrode42a, transmission electrode42b, reception electrode43a, transmission electrode43b, and reception electrode part44) is formed in substrate50. In substrate50, a region (first region A) facing main body12a(a transmissive part) of pressing member12transmits light (seeFIG. 8).

In this way, input device1000has pressing member12that is disposed inside the outer edge of rotary part11and that transmits light and substrate50that transmits light through first region A facing pressing member12. In the present disclosure, substrate50includes cover51and electrode substrate52. This configuration allows light that is incident on first region A from a place downward of substrate50to pass through substrate50and pressing member12and travel toward a place upward of pressing member12. Hence, input device1000allows an object positioned below substrate50to be viewed through pressing member12and substrate50.

As shown inFIG. 1, input device1000includes input unit100and detection unit200. As described above, input device1000is configured to allow light that is incident from a place downward of detection unit200to be transmitted toward a place upward of input unit100. Input device1000accepts mechanical inputs via input unit100. The mechanical inputs are, for example, rotation, pressing, pulling, and sliding. Detection unit200converts at least one of the inputs via input unit100into a change in electrostatic capacitance.

[Configuration of Input Unit100]

Next, with reference toFIGS. 2 to 5, input unit100will be described.FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view of input unit100shown inFIG. 3, viewed from up above.FIG. 5is an exploded perspective view of input unit100shown inFIG. 3, viewed from down below. Input unit100includes rotary part11, rotary electrode part20including rotary electrode element26, holding electrode part30including two holding electrode elements32, reference electrode part60, switch70, and pressing electrode part80. Input unit100includes rotary part11, pressing member12, and guide13.

Rotary part11is shaped into a ring that has a circular outer edge and a circular inner edge. Rotary part11is held by holding member31so as to be rotatable. Pressing member12and guide13are disposed inside the inner edge of rotary part11.

The ring shape of rotary part11may be a polygon. For example, the rotary part may be shaped into a ring that has a polygonal outer edge and a polygonal inner edge. The ring shape of rotary part11may be such that an inner edge shape and an outer edge shape do not match. For example, rotary part11may be shaped into a ring that has a polygonal outer edge and a circular inner edge or may be shaped into a ring that has a circular outer edge and a polygonal inner edge. The inner and the outer edges of rotary part11do not necessarily look perfectly circular or polygonal. The ring shape may be formed by combining a curved line and a straight line. For example, the inner and the outer edges of rotary part11may each have the shape of an ellipse, a rough circle, or a rough polygon having curved corners. Rotary part11may be shaped into any form that has an opening.

Pressing member12includes main body12a, holder12b, and pressing part12c. Main body12a, for example, contains a material, such as glass, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or acrylic, and is transparent and able to transmit light. Main body12ais disposed inside the inner edge of rotary part11. In other words, the opening of rotary part11and pressing part12coverlap each other in plan view. The main body is situated at a place that is visible when an area inside the ring of rotary part11is viewed from a point upward of rotary part11(when viewed downward from a place upward of rotary part11). In other words, main body12ais positioned inside the inner edge of rotary part11and is exposed out of input device1000. To put it another way, main body12ais inside an inner edge of guide13and is exposed out of input device1000.

The main body may be colored transparent or colorless transparent. Main body12amay be transparent to such an extent that visible light incident on the main body from a lower position can be viewed from an upper position. Thus, main body12amay be designed to reflect light incident from an upper position and transmit light incident from a lower position. In other words, main body12amay be, for example, a one-way mirror.

Pressing part12cmay be made of a material identical to the material that main body12ais made of. Pressing part12cmay be transparent or opaque. Pressing part12cmay be integrated with or be separable from main body12a.

Holder12bprotrudes from main body12a. Holder12bis disposed to face pressing part12cthrough main body12a. Holder12bis held between an upper surface of holding member31and a lower surface of guide13. Holder12bis held such that pressing part12cis movable upward and downward.

Holder12bmay be made of a material identical to the material that main body12aand pressing part12care made of. Holder12bmay be transparent or opaque. Holder12bmay be integrated with or be separable from main body12a.

Guide13is disposed inside the ring of rotary part11. Guide13is disposed above pressing member12(main body12a). Guide13has a ring shape. Guide13has a slope that slants upward along with an advancement from a rotational center of rotary part11toward an outside of rotary part11.

Rotary electrode part20includes rotary part25and rotary electrode element26(a first electrode element). Rotary part25is ring-shaped and tubular. Rotary part25is made of a resin having an insulation property. An upper surface of rotary part25includes uneven area25ahaving a plurality of recesses and a plurality of protrusions. Rotary electrode element26is held in a lower surface of rotary part25. Rotary electrode element26is a ring-shaped electric conductor including outer peripheral part26a(seeFIG. 5) and inner peripheral part26b(seeFIG. 5) that is positioned nearer to an inner edge of rotary electrode part20than outer peripheral part26ais. The outer peripheral part includes cutouts formed at regular intervals. Thus, rotary part25is exposed at the cutouts of rotary electrode element26, and exposed areas of rotary part25are shown as resin25b.

Holding electrode part30includes holding member31, holding electrode elements32, and click spring33. Holding member31is ring-shaped and tubular. Holding member31has a plurality of holes that pass through from a lower surface to an upper surface of the holding member. Holding member31holds rotary part25such that the rotary part is allowed to rotate. Holding electrode elements32are held on the lower surface of holding member31.

Holding electrode elements32are disposed to face rotary electrode element26. One of holding electrode elements32has brush32aand body32c, and the other of holding electrode elements32has brush32band body32d. Brush32aand body32care electric conductors that are molded and integrated together. Brush32band body32dare electric conductors that are molded and integrated together. Brush32aand brush32bprotrude upward through the respective corresponding holes formed in holding member31and are each put into contact with outer peripheral part26aor rotary part25(resin25b) of rotary electrode element26. Body32cand body32dare held on the lower surface of holding member31.

Click spring33includes contact pressure part33a. Click spring33is a ring-shaped metal body, and contact pressure part33ahas elasticity. Click spring33is held by holding member31such that contact pressure part33ais put into contact with uneven area25a.

Reference electrode part60has brush60aand body60b. Brush60aand body60bare electric conductors that are molded and integrated together. Reference electrode part60is held on the lower surface of holding member31. Brush60ais put into contact with inner peripheral part26bof rotary electrode element26by protruding upward through a hole that is formed in holding member31separately from the holes for brushes32aand32b.

Switch70is positioned below guide13. Switch70is disposed above holding member31and below pressing part12cof pressing member12. In other words, switch70is put between holding member31and pressing part12c. Switch70has a first terminal and a second terminal. When pressing force is applied to the switch, the first terminal and the second terminal electrically connect together. The first terminal of switch70is electrically connected to reference electrode part60.

Preferably, switch70is an electronic component that decreases in resistance value in response to reception of pressing force. Examples of such an electronic component include push switches, pressure sensors, and membrane switches. For example, if a push switch is used as switch70, switch70can generate a click feel when switch70is pressed. For example, if a pressure sensor is used as switch70, switch70can output an electric signal in response to pressing force applied to switch70. For example, if a membrane switch is used as switch70, switch70can control an amount of movement of pressing member12in the up-down direction.

Pressing electrode part80is an electric conductor held on the lower surface of holding member31. Pressing electrode part80is disposed between reference electrode part60and holding electrode elements32in a rotating direction. Pressing electrode part80is electrically connected to the second terminal of switch70. Thus, pressing electrode part80electrically connects to reference electrode part60through switch70when the first terminal and the second terminal of the switch are electrically connected together.

With reference toFIGS. 4 to 8, detection unit200will be described.FIG. 6is a schematic view of detection unit200.FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y inFIG. 6.FIG. 8is a schematic view illustrating a cross section of the display apparatus including input device1000. A portion of the figure illustrating input unit100is equivalent to a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X inFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 6, detection unit200includes first detection electrode part40and second detection electrode part90. First detection electrode part40and second detection electrode part90are formed in electrode substrate52(seeFIG. 8). Electrostatic capacitance of detection unit200changes by operation of input unit100.

First detection electrode part40includes detection electrode element41, detection electrode element42, detection electrode element43, and reception electrode part44. Detection electrode element41has reception electrode41aand transmission electrode41b. Reception electrode41aand transmission electrode41bare electrodes having electric conductivity. Reception electrode41ais electrically insulated from transmission electrode41b. Reception electrode41ais formed into a ring and is disposed above transmission electrode41b. An insulating layer such as air, a resin, and glass is disposed between reception electrode41aand transmission electrode41b. In input device1000, electrode substrate52described later serves as the insulating layer. In other words, electrode substrate52is disposed between reception electrode41aand transmission electrode41b. The electrostatic capacitance between reception electrode41aand transmission electrode41bchanges by rotation of rotary part11in input unit100.

Detection electrode element42has reception electrode42aand transmission electrode42b. Reception electrode42aand transmission electrode42bare electrodes having electric conductivity. Reception electrode42ais electrically insulated from transmission electrode42b. Reception electrode42ais formed into a ring and is disposed above transmission electrode42b. An insulating layer such as air, a resin, and glass is disposed between reception electrode42aand transmission electrode42b. In input device1000, electrode substrate52described later serves as the insulating layer. In other words, electrode substrate52is disposed between reception electrode42aand transmission electrode42b. The electrostatic capacitance between reception electrode42aand transmission electrode42bchanges by rotation of rotary part11in input unit100.

Detection electrode element43has reception electrode43aand transmission electrode43b. Reception electrode42aand transmission electrode42bare electrodes having electric conductivity. Reception electrode43ais electrically insulated from transmission electrode43b. Reception electrode43ais formed into a ring and is disposed above transmission electrode43b. An insulating layer such as air, a resin, and glass is disposed between reception electrode43aand transmission electrode43b. In input device1000, electrode substrate52described later serves as the insulating layer. In other words, electrode substrate52is disposed between reception electrode43aand transmission electrode43b.

Reception electrode part44is a benchmark against which detection electrode element41, detection electrode element42, and detection electrode element43judge detection. Reception electrode part44is a conductive electrode disposed to face reference electrode part60(seeFIG. 4). Reception electrode part44is, for example, electrically connected to a ground and has ground potential.

In this way, first detection electrode part40is configured to detect rotation and pressing by the respective electrodes (detection electrode element41or detection electrode element42, and detection electrode element43) that are electrically isolated from each other. This reduces an error in detecting rotation or pressing. First detection electrode part40has detection electrode element41and detection electrode element42and is thus able to output t an electric signal in response to a direction of rotation of rotary part11. Hence, if an electric signal is output to indicate rotation of rotary part11, first detection electrode part40may have any one of detection electrode element41and detection electrode element42.

Reception electrodes41a,42a,43aand transmission electrodes41b,42b,43bmay be metal electrodes containing a metal such as copper, silver, aluminum, or gold, may be made of a conductive metallic oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or a conductive organic material, or may be transparent electrodes containing, for example, a carbon material such as graphene.

As shown inFIG. 8, substrate50includes cover51and electrode substrate52. Cover51has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of cover51faces holding electrode part30. The second surface is a back side of the first surface and is positioned below the second surface. Cover51has hardness higher than or substantially equal to hardness of electrode substrate52and has translucency throughout at least first region A that faces main body12aof pressing member12. Electrode substrate52is, for example, a film that has hardness substantially equal to the hardness of cover51or lower than hardness of electrode substrate52and has translucency throughout at least first region A that faces main body12aof pressing member12. In other words, substrate50is configured such that light is allowed to pass through at least first region A from a lower surface to an upper surface. In the upper surface of electrode substrate52, reception electrodes41a,42a,43aare formed. In the lower surface of electrode substrate52, transmission electrodes41b,42b,43bare formed.

Electrode substrate52may be made up of a plurality of laminated films or be one film. If the electrode substrate is a plurality of films, reception electrodes41a,42a,43amay not be formed in an uppermost surface, and transmission electrodes41b,42b,43may not be formed in a lowermost surface.

Electrostatic capacitance of second detection electrode part90changes when an object comes into contact with or approaches pressing member12. Examples of the object include fingers of human beings and robot arms. Second detection electrode part90is formed in a part of electrode substrate52that is within first region A facing main body12aof pressing member12. Second detection electrode part90has optical transparency. Second detection electrode part90and first detection electrode part40are formed on the same plane, but may be formed on different planes. Second detection electrode part90has four electrodes that are electrically isolated from one another and that are disposed in the shape of a cross. The four electrodes of the second detection electrode part each include reception electrode90aand transmission electrode90band are disposed in electrode substrate52. Reception electrode90ais formed into a ring and is disposed above transmission electrode90b. In other words, electrode substrate52is disposed as an insulating layer between reception electrode90aand transmission electrode90b. Electrostatic capacitance between reception electrode90aand transmission electrode90bchanges when an object comes into contact with or approaches pressing member12.

A degree of the optical transparency of second detection electrode part90is satisfactory if second detection electrode part90formed in electrode substrate52allows light incident from a place downward of electrode substrate52to be incident on pressing member12. With proviso that the optical transparency described above is satisfied, second detection electrode part90may be metal electrodes containing a metal such as copper, silver, aluminum, or gold, may be made of a conductive metallic oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or a conductive organic material, or may be transparent electrodes containing, for example, a carbon material such as graphene, for example. If the second detection electrode part is made up of metal electrodes, the metal electrodes are preferably formed by using any one of directions of forming a metal into fine lines, forming a metal into fine mesh lines, and blackening fine lines made of a metal.

[Operation of Input Device1000]

Input device1000is configured such that the electrostatic capacitances between the reception electrodes and the respective transmission electrodes change in response to corresponding actions, i.e., rotation of rotary part11, pressing of pressing member12, and coming into contact with or approaching pressing member12. First, change in electrostatic capacitance in response to the rotation of rotary part11will be described.

Rotary part25rotates by rotation of rotary part11. Rotary electrode element26is held in the lower surface of rotary part25(seeFIG. 5). Thus, rotary electrode element26rotates together with rotary part11. Inner peripheral part26bof rotary electrode element26is put into contact with brush60aof reference electrode part60(FIG. 4). Outer peripheral part26aof rotary electrode element26is put into contact with brush32aand brush32bof holding electrode elements32.

Since outer peripheral part26aof rotary electrode element26has cutouts formed at regular intervals, the rotation of rotary electrode element26puts body60band body32cinto alternate states of electrical conduction and electrical isolation. The rotation of the rotary electrode element also puts body60band body32dinto alternate states of electrical conduction and electrical isolation.

The change in electrical state between body60band body32cand the change in electrical state between body60band body32ddiffer from each other when rotary part11rotates in a first rotating direction as well as when rotary part11rotates in a second rotating direction. The first rotating direction and the second rotating direction are directions opposite to each other.

Reception electrode41afaces body32d. Thus, the electrostatic capacitance between reception electrode41aand transmission electrode41bchanges in response to a change in the electrical state of body32d. Reception electrode42afaces body32c. Thus, the electrostatic capacitance between reception electrode42aand transmission electrode42bchanges in response to a change in the electrical state of body32c. The change in electrical state between body60band body32cdiffers from the change in electrical state between body60band body32d. As a result, the change in electrostatic capacitance between reception electrode42aand transmission electrode42bdiffers from the change in electrostatic capacitance between reception electrode41aand transmission electrode41b.

Next, change in electrostatic capacitance in response to the pressing of pressing member12will be described. When pressing member12is pressed downward, pressing part12cpresses switch70. As a result, reference electrode part60electrically connects to pressing electrode part80. In other words, reference electrode part60and pressing electrode part80are put into a state of electrical conduction when pressing member12is pressed and are put into a state of electrical isolation when pressing member12is not pressed. Reception electrode43afaces pressing electrode part80. Thus, the electrostatic capacitance between reception electrode43aand transmission electrode43bchanges in response to a change in the electrical state of pressing electrode part80.

Next, change in electrostatic capacitance when an object comes into contact with or approaches pressing member12will be described. When the object comes into contact with or approaches main body12aof pressing member12, the electrostatic capacitance between reception electrode90aand transmission electrode90bin second detection electrode part90, which is disposed to face main body12a, changes. In other words, the change in electrostatic capacitance when an object comes into contact with or approaches pressing member12is detected based on a principle similar to the principle of touch sensor.

In this way, input device1000allows the occurrence of a change in the electrostatic capacitances between the reception electrodes and the respective transmission electrodes in response to corresponding actions, i.e., rotation of rotary part11, pressing of pressing member12, and an object's coming into contact with or approaching pressing member12. Thus, input device1000is able to output an electric signal in response to a change in any of these electrostatic capacitances.

In input device1000, substrate50transmits light through at least first region A (seeFIG. 8) that faces main body12aof pressing member12. Hence, when pressing member12is viewed from a point upward of pressing member12, an object below substrate50can be viewed.

Input device1000includes second detection electrode part90disposed to face pressing member12. Second detection electrode part90is designed to transmit light. Thus, input device1000allows a touch input or a hover input with pressing member12while enabling viewing of an object below substrate50.

Input device1000is configured to let reference electrode part60and pressing electrode part80electrically connect to each other when pressing member12is pressed downward and thereby provides a change in the electrostatic capacitance of first detection electrode part40. Thus, input device1000allows a pressing input as well as a rotational input while enabling viewing of an object below substrate50. In input device1000, detection electrode element41or detection electrode element42is formed on a plane where detection electrode element43is formed. This configuration eliminates the need for the disposition of another circuit board used to detect pressing and hence contributes to reductions in size and thickness.

In input device1000, switch70used to electrically connect reference electrode part60and pressing electrode part80together by pressing is disposed adjacent to an outer edge of pressing member12. In particular, switch70is disposed at a place that is nearer to rotary part11than main body12a, which is visible from a point upward of input device1000, is. As a result, input device1000prevents switch70from obstructing viewing of an object below substrate50when pressing member12is viewed from a point upward of pressing member12and thus provides improved visibility.

[Configuration of Display Apparatus2000]

With reference toFIG. 2andFIGS. 8 to 11, display apparatus2000including input device1000will be described.FIG. 8is a schematic view illustrating a cross section of display apparatus2000.FIG. 9is a view illustrating an operation of display apparatus2000.FIGS. 10 and 11are views illustrating an operation of the display apparatus. As shown inFIG. 2, display apparatus2000includes input device1000, display400, and controller500.

Input device1000includes input units100, detection units200, and fastening members300. Substrate50for detection units200is made up of a transparent touch screen having cover51. Substrate50is formed larger than input units100. In other words, input device1000allows light to pass through each pressing member12and second region B positioned outside each input unit100. Fastening members300are disposed between input units100and respective detection units200to hold input units100and detection units200. Detection units200are electrically connected to controller500.

Display400is, for example, made up of a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or a transparent display. Display400is disposed below input device1000. Thus, a content shown in display400is visible from a point upward of display apparatus2000through each first region A and second region B. Portions of display400at places corresponding to first regions A and second region B may be portions of an identical display or may be portions of different displays. Display400is electrically connected to controller500.

Controller500is electrically connected to detection units200and display400. Controller500detects a change in the electrostatic capacitance of each detection unit200to determine an action (rotation, pressing, or contact or approach) input to input unit100. Controller500controls the content shown in display400in response to the input action.

[Example Operation of Display Apparatus2000]

With reference toFIGS. 9 and 11, an example operation of display apparatus2000will be described.FIGS. 10 and 11are views illustrating an operation of display apparatus2000.

When finger C of an operator, as shown inFIG. 9, comes into contact with or approaches ‘Temp’ displayed in first region A, controller500, as shown inFIG. 10, displays ‘Temp’, which is in first region A and selected by the operator, in second region B. This configuration prevents a display content (‘Temp’ in this example) corresponding to an area selected by finger C of the operator from being hidden behind finger C of the operator. In other words, the content shown in the area selected by finger C of the operator is displayed at a visible place (second region B in this example) in display400, and display apparatus2000of the present disclosure thereby averts an input error.

If the operator performs a pressing action in this condition, controller500determines, for example, that the content selected by the operator has been fixed and changes content displayed in first region A and second region B (seeFIG. 11). In an example shown inFIG. 11, controller500changes content shown on display400to a temperature setting screen. On the temperature setting screen, a relationship between rotating directions of rotary part11and rise and fall in temperature is displayed in first region A, and a current set temperature is displayed in second region B. The operator can change the set temperature by turning rotary part11.

In this way, a display area of display apparatus2000is divided into first regions A for input device1000and second region B. Controller500controls content displayed in each first region A and second region B. This enables the operator to operate display apparatus2000with improved facility.

Controller500does not necessarily display a content identical to a content selected in first region A in second region B. A content based on a content selected in first region A may be displayed in second region B. For example, folders may be displayed in first region A, and details of a selected folder may be displayed in second region B. For example, icons may be displayed in first region A, and a description of a selected icon may be displayed in second region B.

Input device1000according to the present disclosure includes rotary part11having an opening, pressing member12overlapping the opening of rotary part11in a plan view, rotary electrode part20including a first electrode element (rotary electrode element26), and holding electrode part30including a second electrode element (holding electrode elements32). The pressing member transmits light through first region A overlapping the opening of the rotary part in the plan view. The rotary electrode part rotates in response to rotation of rotary part11. At least part (brush32a/brush32bin the present disclosure) of the second electrode element (holding electrode elements32) facing rotary electrode part20. The second electrode element (holding electrode elements32) is configured to be brought into contact with and separated from the first electrode element (rotary electrode element26) by rotation of rotary electrode part20. The input device further includes first detection electrode part40facing holding electrode part30and substrate50in which first detection electrode part40is disposed. First detection electrode part40includes a first reception electrode (reception electrode41a/reception electrode42a) overlapping the second electrode element (holding electrode elements32) in the plan view and a first transmission electrode (transmission electrode41b/transmission electrode42b) overlapping the first reception electrode (reception electrode41a/reception electrode42a) in the plan view.

Electrostatic capacitance between the first reception electrode (reception electrode41a/reception electrode42a) and the first transmission electrode (transmission electrode41b/transmission electrode42b) changes by the rotation of rotary electrode part20.

Substrate50and pressing member12transmit light through first region A.

Input device1000according the present disclosure also includes reference electrode part60configured to electrically connect to holding electrode part30through rotary electrode part20and pressing electrode part80configured to be electrically connected to reference electrode part60when pressing member12is pressed in a first direction that runs from a first surface of substrate50facing holding electrode part30to a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface (a direction from up to down). First detection electrode part40further includes a second reception electrode (reception electrode43a) overlapping pressing electrode part80in the plan view and a second transmission electrode (transmission electrode43b) overlapping the second reception electrode (reception electrode43a) in the plan view. Electrostatic capacitance between the second reception electrode (reception electrode43a) and the second transmission electrode (transmission electrode43b) changes when pressing member12is pressed downward.

Input device1000according to the present disclosure further includes switch70configured to electrically connect reference electrode part60to pressing electrode part80when pressing member12is pressed downward.

Pressing member12includes main body12athat transmits light and pressing part12cprotruding from main body12a. Switch70is disposed below pressing part12cof pressing member12.

Input device1000according to the present disclosure further includes second detection electrode part90that is disposed in substrate50so as to overlap pressing member12in the plan view. Second detection electrode part90detects whether or not an object (e.g., finger C) has come into contact with or approached pressing member12.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

An input device according to the present disclosure has an effect of enabling light incident from a point farther in a first direction than the input device to be transmitted to a point farther in a second direction than the input device. Thus, the input device can be usefully applied to various electronic apparatuses and other equipment.

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

11: rotary part

12: pressing member

12a: main body

12c: pressing part

20: rotary electrode part

25: rotary part

25a: uneven area

26a: outer peripheral part

26b: inner peripheral part

30: holding electrode part

31: holding member

33: click spring

33a: contact pressure part

40: first detection electrode part

41: detection electrode element

42: detection electrode element

43: detection electrode element

44: reception electrode part

60: reference electrode part

80: pressing electrode part

90: second detection electrode part

100: input unit

200: detection unit

1000: input device

2000: display apparatus

A: first region

B: second region