JP2009199479A - Irregularity forming device and information input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an irregularity forming device for giving a sense of click to an operator without complicating control, and to provide an information input device. <P>SOLUTION: An irregularity forming part 11 (irregularity forming device) comprises: a deformation part 50 including an upper electrode 11a (first electrode), a lower electrode 11c (second electrode) provided opposite the upper electrode 11a, and an elastomer layer 11b held between the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c; and a sidewall 11d which regulates a side part of the deformation part 50. The elastomer layer 11b is deformed, by applying a voltage to the elastomer layer 11b by the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c, to include a first part having a first thickness and a second part having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness, thereby forming an irregular shape on the deformation part 50. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a concavo-convex forming apparatus and an information input device, and more particularly, to a concavo-convex forming apparatus and an information input device including a deformable layer and a pair of electrodes.

  Conventionally, a concavo-convex forming device and an information input device including a deformable layer and a pair of electrodes are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  In Patent Document 1, a circular first drive unit (deformed layer) made of a conductive polymer, a ring-shaped second drive unit (deformed layer) made of a conductive polymer, a first drive unit, and a first drive unit A plurality of driving devices each including a pair of electrodes (first electrode and second electrode) disposed so as to be in contact with each other, and the first driving unit being provided inside the ring shape of the second driving unit. A touch-type input device is disclosed that includes a driving layer (concave / convex forming panel), a thin film switch, and a control unit for controlling the first driving unit and the second driving unit. In this touch input device, when the thin film switch detects pressing, the first drive unit is first expanded to form a convex shape, and then the second drive unit is also expanded to form a convex shape. . Then, when the pressing state of the thin film switch by the operator continues for a certain time, the first driving unit contracts to form a concave shape, and then the second driving unit also contracts to form a concave shape. Yes. Thereby, it is possible to give the operator a feeling (click feeling) that removes the load applied to the convex shape.

  In Patent Document 2, the conductive polymer layer (deformable layer), the electrolyte layer disposed adjacent to the lower surface of the conductive polymer layer, and the conductive polymer layer and the electrolyte layer are energized. A deformable portion including a pair of electrodes (first electrode and second electrode) provided on the electrode and a control portion, and when a voltage is applied, the conductive polymer layer absorbs or discharges ions present in the electrolyte layer. Thus, there is disclosed a touch-type input device configured such that the volume of the conductive polymer layer does not change while the volume of the conductive polymer layer changes while there is no movement of ions when no voltage is applied. ing. In this touch type input device, the volume of the conductive polymer layer is increased by applying a voltage to control it to form a convex shape, and the reverse voltage is applied when the operator presses for a certain period of time. By doing so, the volume of the conductive polymer layer is reduced to control the formation of the concave shape, thereby giving a click feeling to the operator.

  In Patent Document 3, a portion having a small thickness is provided, and a pair of electrodes (a first layer) provided so as to sandwich a polymer layer (deformable layer) having piezoelectricity and a portion having a small thickness of the polymer layer. An electro-mechanical conversion element including an electrode, a second electrode) is disclosed. In this electro-mechanical conversion element, the portion having a small thickness is used as a portion that converts the pressure applied by the operator into an electric signal, and the other portion is used as a support portion, whereby the pressure applied by the operator can be converted into an electric signal. .

JP 2005-284482 A JP 2005-135876 A JP-A-57-132617

  However, in the touch input device described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to continue to detect the pressing state of the device in order to give the operator a click feeling, and the first drive is performed by applying an electrical signal. It is necessary to change the shape of the part and the second drive part while the operator is pressing. As a result, there is a disadvantage that it is necessary to control the first drive unit and the second drive unit by the control unit while the operator is pressing. For this reason, there is a problem that the control becomes complicated.

  In addition, in the touch input device described in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to continuously detect the pressing state of the device in order to give the operator a click feeling, and by adding an electrical signal, the high conductivity can be obtained. It is necessary to change the volume of the molecular layer while the operator is pressing. As a result, there is a disadvantage that the conductive polymer layer needs to be controlled by the control unit while the operator is pressing. For this reason, there is a problem that the control becomes complicated.

  In addition, the electromechanical conversion element described in Patent Document 3 has a disadvantage that it cannot form an uneven shape. For this reason, it is considered that there is a problem that a click feeling cannot be given to the operator.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an unevenness forming apparatus capable of giving a click feeling to an operator without complicating the control, and An information input device is provided.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  An unevenness forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first electrode, a second electrode provided so as to face the first electrode, and a deformation layer sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode. A first portion having a first thickness by applying a voltage to the deformable layer with the first electrode and the second electrode. And a second portion having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness, so that a concavo-convex shape is formed in the deformed portion.

  In the concavo-convex forming apparatus according to the first aspect, as described above, by applying a voltage to the deformation layer by the first electrode and the second electrode, the first portion having the first thickness of the deformation layer, By deforming to include a second portion having a second thickness that is smaller than the thickness of 1, the concave-convex shape is formed in the deformed portion. By configuring in this way, the thickness of the second portion of the deformable layer is smaller than the thickness of the first portion, so that the buckling limit stress of the second portion is smaller than the buckling limit stress of the first portion. As a result, the second portion is buckled and deformed before the first portion by the operator's pressing, so that the operator can feel a click. In addition, while the operator is pressing, it is not necessary to continuously detect the pressed state of the deformed portion, and buckling deformation is performed while the operator is pressing the deformed portion without controlling the shape of the deformed layer. Therefore, a click feeling can be given to the operator without complicating the control.

  In the unevenness forming apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the deformation layer includes a third portion having a third thickness when no voltage is applied, and a fourth portion having a fourth thickness smaller than the third thickness. And applying a voltage to the deformation layer by the first electrode and the second electrode compresses the third portion of the deformation layer into the first portion and compresses the fourth portion of the deformation layer. By being deformed into the second portion, the concave and convex shapes are formed in the deformed portion. If comprised in this way, since an electrostatic force will act more largely in the 4th part where the space | interval of a 1st electrode and a 2nd electrode is narrow, the 4th part of a deformation | transformation layer is compressed by the compression amount larger than a 3rd part. . Thereby, since the thickness of the 4th part of a deformation | transformation layer can be made smaller than the thickness of a 3rd part, a click feeling can be given to an operator with less pressing force.

  In this case, preferably, the same voltage is applied to the deformation layer by the first electrode and the second electrode. If comprised in this way, since it can comprise so that a 1st electrode and a 2nd electrode may each consist of one electrode, it is not necessary to comprise a 1st electrode or a 2nd electrode so that it may consist of several electrodes. . Thereby, the increase in a number of parts can be suppressed.

  In the unevenness forming apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the second electrode includes a third electrode to which a first voltage is applied, and a fourth electrode to which a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied. A first voltage is applied to a portion sandwiched between the first electrode and the third electrode of the deformable layer, and a second portion is sandwiched between the first electrode and the fourth electrode of the deformable layer. By applying this voltage, the deformable layer is deformed so as to include the first portion and the second portion, whereby an uneven shape is formed in the deformed portion. If comprised in this way, the uneven | corrugated shape which can give a click feeling to an operator can be formed in a deformation | transformation part, without varying the thickness of the deformation | transformation layer before a deformation | transformation.

  In the concavo-convex forming apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the first portion and the second portion of the deformable layer are respectively provided on one and the other of the substantially central portion and the side wall portion of the deformable layer. If comprised in this way, since the thickness is large, the 1st part with a large buckling limit stress is provided in the approximate center part of a deformation | transformation layer, and since the thickness is small, the 2nd part with a small buckling limit stress is a side wall part side. If the second portion on the side wall portion is buckled and deformed before the first portion at the substantially central portion of the deformation layer, the side wall portion is buckled and deformed. Thereby, even if it is a small pressing force, the click feeling that a deformation layer and the whole deformation | transformation part deform | transform can be given to an operator. In addition, when the first portion having a large buckling limit stress due to the large thickness is provided on the side wall portion, and when the second portion having a small buckling limit stress due to the small thickness is provided at the substantially central portion of the deformation layer The buckling deformation of the substantially central portion of the deformation layer is caused by the buckling deformation of the second portion at the substantially central portion of the deformation layer prior to the first portion on the side wall portion side. Thereafter, when the pressing force is further increased, the first portion on the side wall portion is buckled and deformed. Thereby, a two-step click feeling can be given to the operator.

  In the concavo-convex forming apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the deformable layer is made of an elastomer that has an insulating property and expands by a predetermined amount by a predetermined compression force. If comprised in this way, even if a voltage is applied between the 1st electrode and the 2nd electrode, since a deformation | transformation layer can be expanded without energizing, consumption by generation | occurrence | production of the heat | fever by energization, etc. An increase in power can be suppressed. In addition, since the elastomer has insulating properties, the capacitance of the deformed portion changes when the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode changes due to the operator's pressing. Thereby, the presence or absence of the input by a press is detectable by measuring the change of the electrostatic capacitance of a deformation | transformation part.

  In the concavo-convex forming apparatus according to the first aspect, preferably, the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to be extendable. If comprised in this way, since a 1st electrode and a 2nd electrode expand and contract with a deformation | transformation of a deformation | transformation layer, it can suppress that a 1st electrode and a 2nd electrode inhibit a deformation | transformation of a deformation | transformation layer.

  An information input device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a first electrode, a second electrode provided so as to face the first electrode, and a deformation layer sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode. A first portion having a first thickness of the deformable layer by applying a voltage to the deformable layer with the first electrode and the second electrode. And a plurality of concavo-convex forming portions configured to form a concavo-convex shape in the deformed portion by being deformed to include a second portion having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness. The concavo-convex forming panel includes an arrangement of the concavo-convex forming panel and a display device arranged so as to overlap the concavo-convex forming panel. It is configured to form.

  In the information input device according to the second aspect, as described above, the deformation layer has the first thickness by applying a voltage to the deformation layer by the first electrode and the second electrode. By deforming so as to include one portion and a second portion having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness, an uneven shape is formed in the deformed portion. By configuring in this way, the thickness of the second part after deformation is smaller than the thickness of the first part, so that the buckling limit stress of the second part becomes smaller than the buckling limit stress of the second part. As a result, the second portion is buckled and deformed before the first portion by the operator's pressing, so that the operator can feel a click. In addition, while the operator is pressing, it is not necessary to continuously detect the pressed state of the deformed portion, and buckling deformation is performed while the operator is pressing the deformed portion without controlling the shape of the deformed layer. Therefore, a click feeling can be given to the operator without complicating the control.

  Further, in this information input device, a concavo-convex forming panel in which a plurality of concavo-convex forming portions are arranged, and a display device arranged to overlap the concavo-convex forming panel are provided, and the concavo-convex forming panel is displayed on the display device by the concavo-convex forming portion. An input image (such as a numeric keypad image, a playback or stop button image, a channel selection button image, etc.) displayed by the display device by forming an input convex portion according to the input image to be displayed The convex part for input according to can be formed.

  In the information input device according to the second aspect, preferably, the unevenness forming panel is formed of a member having a light transmittance capable of visually recognizing an input image displayed on the display device when disposed on the display device. It is configured. If comprised in this way, since the image for input can be visually recognized in the state which piled up the unevenness | corrugation formation panel above the display apparatus, an unevenness formation panel can be arrange | positioned on the side which an operator visually recognizes. Thereby, the operator can visually recognize the uneven shape of the convex portion for input formed by the uneven portion forming section more clearly, and as a result, a reliable input operation can be performed.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a remote controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2 to 5 are diagrams showing the detailed structure of the remote controller according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. With reference to FIGS. 1-5, the structure of the remote controller 100 by 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a remote controller 100 which is an example of an information input device will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the remote controller 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention houses the concavo-convex forming panel 10, the surface protective film 20, the display device 30 that displays an input image, and these. And a housing 40. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote controller 100 is formed with an input convex portion 101 so as to protrude upward from the surface of the surface protective film 20.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the unevenness forming panel 10 of the remote controller 100 has the same rectangular shape as that of the display device 30 in plan view, and is disposed above the display device 30. Further, the unevenness forming panel 10 is configured to be changed into an uneven shape according to an input image displayed on the display device 30.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the surface protective film 20 of the remote controller 100 has the same rectangular shape as the concavo-convex forming panel 10 in a plan view, and is disposed above the concavo-convex forming panel 10. .

  Here, in the first embodiment, the surface protective film 20 is made of a material having a light transmittance capable of visually recognizing the input image displayed on the display device 30 and the unevenness of the unevenness forming panel 10 described later. It is made of a material that can be elastically deformed as the forming portion 11 is deformed into a convex shape.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the display device 30 of the remote controller 100 has the same rectangular shape as the unevenness forming panel 10 and the surface protective film 20 in plan view. The display device 30 is configured to display an input image corresponding to required input information such as a numeric keypad image, an image such as a playback or stop button, an image of a channel selection button, and the like.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the unevenness forming panel 10 of the remote controller 100 includes a plurality of unevenness forming portions 11 and a substrate 12 to which a later-described side wall 11 d of the unevenness forming portion 11 is fixed. The unevenness forming part 11 is an example of the “unevenness forming apparatus” of the present invention.

  Here, in 1st Embodiment, the uneven | corrugated formation part 11 of the uneven | corrugated formation panel 10 has the upper electrode 11a, the elastomer layer 11b, the lower electrode 11c, and the side wall 11d, as shown in FIG. The upper electrode 11a, the elastomer layer 11b, and the lower electrode 11c constitute a deformed portion 50. The upper electrode 11a and the elastomer layer 11b are examples of the “first electrode” and the “deformed layer” in the present invention, respectively. The lower electrode 11c and the side wall 11d are examples of the “second electrode” and the “side wall part” of the present invention, respectively.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the elastomer layer 11b is provided so as to be surrounded on all sides by the side wall side portion 11e located on the side wall 11d side and the side wall side portion 11e in plan view. And a central portion 11f located at the center of the elastomer layer 11b. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5, the thickness t1 of the side wall part 11e is smaller than the thickness t2 of the center part 11f. Further, since the upper surface (the surface on the Z1 direction side) of the elastomer layer 11b is provided to be a flat surface, the lower surface (the surface on the Z2 direction side) of the side wall side portion 11e is more than the lower surface of the central portion 11f. It is located above (Z1 direction). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 5, the lower surface of the elastomer layer 11b is configured to have a convex shape downward (Z2 direction). The upper part (the part on the Z1 direction side) of the side part of the elastomer layer 11b is bonded to the side wall 11d.

  In the first embodiment, the elastomer layer 11b is a layer made of an elastomer having an insulating property and extending by a predetermined amount by a predetermined compressive force. The elastomer layer 11b is made of a material having a light transmittance capable of visually recognizing the input image displayed by the display device 30, and is made of, for example, an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, or a silicon resin. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the elastomer layer 11b is sandwiched between the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the upper electrode 11a is in contact with the surface protective film 20 on the upper surface (the surface on the Z1 direction side), and is in contact with the elastomer layer 11b on the lower surface (the surface on the Z2 direction side). And so as to be parallel to the substrate 12. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the lower electrode 11c is provided in contact with the elastomer layer 11b on the upper surface. As a result, the same voltage is applied to the entire surface of the elastomer layer 11b.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c are made of a material that has conductivity and can expand and contract as the elastomer layer 11b deforms into a convex shape, and is displayed by the display device 30. In addition, it is made of a material having a light transmittance capable of visually recognizing an input image, and is made of, for example, a transparent conductive film such as ITO (indium tin oxide) or ZnO (zinc oxide).

  Further, in the first embodiment, the side wall 11d has a substantially square frame shape when seen in a plan view, and has an insulating property with a light transmittance capable of visually recognizing the input image displayed by the display device 30. It consists of material, for example, consists of an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, or a silicon resin.

  In the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the deformable portion 50 is provided so that the side portion of the deformable portion 50 is in contact with the side wall 11 d.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the deformed portion 50 and the concavo-convex forming portion 11 are provided on the upper surface (surface on the Z1 direction side) of the substrate 12 of the concavo-convex forming panel 10 via the side wall 11 d. Is disposed between the concavo-convex forming portion 11 and the display device 30 because the display device 30 is disposed on the lower surface (the surface on the Z2 direction side) of the substrate 12 of the concavo-convex forming panel 10. . Further, the substrate 12 is made of a material having an insulating property such as a glass substrate and having a light transmittance capable of visually recognizing an input image displayed by the display device 30.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of unevenness forming portions 11 of the unevenness forming panel 10 are provided in a matrix form over the entire surface of the unevenness forming panel 10 on the substrate 12. Here, the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c of the concavo-convex forming portion 11 are provided by a generally known so-called active matrix method. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the substrate 12 includes a plurality of TFTs (thin film transistors) 12a, and the upper electrode 11a includes a gate line 12b extending in the X direction and a data line 12c extending in the Y direction. And are connected through the TFT 12a. When an address signal is applied to the gate line 12b, the TFTs 12a connected to all the upper electrodes 11a in the X direction connected to the gate line 12b are turned on. At this time, the voltage applied to each data line 12c is applied to each of the upper electrodes 11a connected to the gate line 12b to which the address signal is applied via the on-state TFT 12a. On the other hand, since the TFT 12a connected to the gate line 12b to which no address signal is applied is in an OFF state, the upper electrode 11a connected to the TFT 12a in the OFF state is supplied from the data line 12c to which a voltage is applied. No voltage is applied. Therefore, by applying an address signal to an arbitrary gate line 12b and applying a predetermined voltage to an arbitrary data line 12c, a voltage is applied to an arbitrary upper electrode 11a among the upper electrodes 11a arranged in a matrix. It is comprised so that can be applied. Similarly to the upper electrode 11a, the lower electrode 11c is connected to the gate line 12e extending in the X direction and the data line 12f extending in the Y direction via the TFT 12d, so that a voltage can be applied to an arbitrary lower electrode 11c. It is configured to be able to.

  5 and 6 are cross-sectional views taken along the line 200-200 in FIG. 4 for explaining a state of deformation of the unevenness forming portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Next, with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the formation operation of the uneven | corrugated shape of the uneven | corrugated formation part 11 in 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the upper surface (surface on the Z1 direction side) of the unevenness forming portion 11 has a flat plate shape when no voltage is applied. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, when the same voltage is applied to the entire surface of the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c, the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c are attracted by electrostatic attraction across the elastomer layer 11b. The As a result, the elastomer layer 11b can be expanded by a predetermined amount by a predetermined compressive force, so that the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c are attracted by the electrostatic force in the surface direction of the unevenness forming portion 11. Try to stretch in some X and Y directions (see FIG. 4). However, the side portion of the deformable portion 50 is provided so as to be in contact with the side wall 11d, and the upper portion (Z1 direction side) of the side portion of the elastomer layer 11b is bonded to the side wall 11d. 11 is restricted from extending in the surface direction. As a result, the elastomer layer 11b is deformed upward (in the Z1 direction) to change to a convex shape. Accordingly, since the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c are in contact with the elastomer layer 11b on the entire upper and lower surfaces, respectively, the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c are deformed similarly to the elastomer layer 11b. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, a convex shape is formed in the concave and convex portion 11.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the thickness t1 of the sidewall side portion 11e of the elastomer layer 11b is smaller than the thickness t2 of the central portion 11f of the elastomer layer 11b when no voltage is applied. In this case, when the same voltage is applied to the entire surface of the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c, the distance between the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c between the side walls 11e is such that the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode between the central portions 11f Since the distance is smaller than the distance to 11c, the electrostatic force acting between the side wall side portions 11e is larger than the electrostatic force acting between the central portions 11f. Thereby, the side wall side part 11e is compressed more than the center part 11f. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the thickness t3 of the side wall side portion 11g of the deformed elastomer layer 11b is smaller than the thickness t4 of the central portion 11h of the deformed elastomer layer 11b.

  6 and 7 are cross-sectional views taken along the line 200-200 in FIG. 4 for explaining a state in which the unevenness forming portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention is deformed by an operator's pressing. Next, with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the deformation | transformation operation | movement by the press of the uneven | corrugated formation part 11 in 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the thickness t3 of the side wall side portion 11g of the deformed elastomer layer 11b is smaller than the thickness t4 of the center portion 11h of the deformed elastomer layer 11b. The buckling limit stress is smaller than the buckling limit stress of the deformed central portion 11h. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, when the operator presses the concavo-convex forming portion 11 after voltage application, the deformed side wall side portion 11g is buckled and deformed before the deformed central portion 11h. Further, since the deformed side wall portion 11g is buckled and deformed before the deformed central portion 11h, the deformed central portion 11h is not buckled and deformed.

  Next, the forming operation of the input convex portion 101 of the remote controller 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  At the same time as the input image of the display device 30 is displayed, signals are transmitted to the gate lines 12b and gate lines 12e, the data lines 12c and the data lines 12f on the substrate 12 of the concavo-convex panel 10 shown in FIGS. Is done. As a result, a voltage is applied to the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c of the concavo-convex forming portion 11 corresponding to the position where the input image is displayed, so that the concavo-convex formation corresponding to the position where the input image is displayed. A convex shape is formed at the position of the portion 11. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1, the input convex portion 101 having a predetermined shape is formed at the position where the input image on the remote controller 100 is displayed.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the elastomer layer 11b includes the central portion 11f and the side wall side portion 11e having a thickness t1 smaller than the thickness t2 of the central portion 11f when no voltage is applied, and the upper electrode 11a By applying a voltage to the elastomer layer 11b by the lower electrode 11c, the central portion 11f is compressed and deformed into the deformed central portion 11h, and the side wall side portion 11e is compressed and deformed to form the side wall side portion 11g after deformation. Since the deformed portion 50 is formed to have an uneven shape, the thickness t3 of the side wall portion 11g after deformation is smaller than the thickness t4 of the center portion 11h after deformation. The buckling limit stress of the rear side wall portion 11g is smaller than the buckling limit stress of the center portion 11h after deformation. Thus, the deformed side wall side portion 11g is buckled and deformed earlier than the deformed central portion 11h by the operator's pressing, so that the operator can feel a click. In addition, while the operator is pressing, it is not necessary to continue to detect the pressing state of the deformable portion 50, and while the operator is pressing the deformable portion 50 without controlling the shape of the elastomer layer 11b. Since buckling deformation can be performed, a click feeling can be given to the operator without complicating the control. Further, since the electrostatic force acts more greatly on the side wall side portion 11e where the distance between the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c is narrow, the side wall side portion 11e is compressed by a compression amount larger than that of the central portion 11f. Thereby, the thickness t3 of the side wall side portion 11g after deformation can be made smaller than the thickness t4 of the center portion 11h after deformation, so that a click feeling can be given to the operator with less pressing force. it can. Further, the side wall side portion 11g after the deformation is buckled and deformed before the deformed central portion 11h, so that even when the pressing force is small, the elastomer layer 11b and the entire deformation portion 50 are deformed. Can be given to the operator.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c are configured so as to apply the same voltage to the elastomer layer 11b, so that each of the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c has one each. Since it can comprise so that it may consist of electrodes, it is not necessary to comprise the upper electrode 11a or the lower electrode 11c so that it may consist of a plurality of electrodes. As a result, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the elastomer layer 11b is made of an elastomer that has an insulating property and expands by a predetermined amount by a predetermined compressive force. Even if a voltage is applied in a state of being sandwiched between 11c, the elastomer layer 11b can be expanded without being energized, so that an increase in power consumption due to generation of heat due to energization can be suppressed. Further, since the elastomer has an insulating property, the capacitance of the deformable portion 50 changes when the distance between the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c changes due to the operator's pressing. Thereby, the presence or absence of the input by a press is detectable by measuring the change of the electrostatic capacitance of the deformation | transformation part 50. FIG.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c are configured to be extendable, so that the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c expand and contract with the deformation of the elastomer layer 11b. Thus, it is possible to suppress the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c from inhibiting the deformation of the elastomer layer 11b.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as described above, the unevenness forming panel 10 is provided so as to change into an uneven shape according to the input image displayed on the display device 30, whereby the input displayed by the display device 30. The input convex portion 101 can be formed according to the image for use.

  In the first embodiment, as described above, the upper electrode 11 a, the elastomer layer 11 b, the lower electrode 11 c and the side wall 11 d of the concavo-convex formation part 11, the substrate 12, and the surface protection film 20 are displayed by the display device 30. The input image can be visually recognized in a state where the concavo-convex forming panel 10 is overlaid on the display device 30 by being made of a material having a light transmittance capable of visually recognizing the input image. Therefore, the unevenness forming panel 10 can be disposed on the side touched by the operator. Thus, the operator can more clearly feel the convex shape of the input convex portion 101 formed by the concave / convex forming portion 11 of the concave / convex forming panel 10, and a reliable input operation can be performed.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 200-200 in FIG. 4, showing the structure of the unevenness forming portion and the surface protective film provided on the substrate according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 9 to 11 are cross-sectional views taken along the line 200-200 in FIG. 4 showing the operations of the unevenness forming portion and the surface protective film shown in FIG. With reference to FIGS. 8-11, in this 2nd Embodiment, unlike the said 1st Embodiment, the thickness t5 of the side wall side part 211e of the elastomer layer 211b is larger than the thickness t6 of the center part 211f of the elastomer layer 211b. An example of a large case will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the unevenness forming part 211 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an upper electrode 11a, an elastomer layer 211b, a lower electrode 11c, and a side wall 11d. Further, the upper electrode 11a, the elastomer layer 211b, and the lower electrode 11c constitute a deformed portion 250.

  Here, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the elastomer layer 211b is provided so as to be surrounded on all sides by the side wall side portion 211e located on the side wall 11d side and the side wall side portion 211e in plan view. The side wall portion 211e has a thickness t5 larger than the thickness t6 of the central portion 211f. Furthermore, since the upper surface (surface on the Z1 direction side) of the elastomer layer 211b is provided to be a flat surface, the lower surface (surface on the Z2 direction side) of the side wall side portion 211e is more than the lower surface of the central portion 211f. It is located below (Z2 direction). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8, the lower surface of the elastomer layer 211b is configured to have a concave shape downward (Z2 direction).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the formation operation of the uneven | corrugated shape of the uneven | corrugated formation part 211 in 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the thickness t5 of the sidewall side portion 211e of the elastomer layer 211b is larger than the thickness t6 of the central portion 211f of the elastomer layer 211b when no voltage is applied. Here, when the same voltage is applied to the entire surface of the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c, the distance between the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 11c between the center portions 211f is the same as the distance between the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode between the sidewall side portions 211e. Since the distance is smaller than the distance to 11c, the electrostatic force acting between the central portions 211f is larger than the electrostatic force acting between the side wall side portions 211e. Thereby, the center part 211f is compressed more than the side wall side part 211e. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the thickness t8 of the central portion 211h of the deformed elastomer layer 211b is smaller than the thickness t7 of the side wall side portion 211g of the deformed elastomer layer 211b.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 9-11, the deformation | transformation operation | movement by the press of the uneven | corrugated formation part 211 in 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the thickness t8 of the central portion 211h of the deformed elastomer layer 211b is smaller than the thickness t7 of the side wall side portion 211g of the deformed elastomer layer 211b. The buckling limit stress is smaller than the buckling limit stress of the side wall side portion 211g after deformation. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, when the operator presses the unevenness forming portion 211 after voltage application, the deformed central portion 211h is buckled and deformed before the deformed side wall portion 211g. Thereafter, when the pressing force of the operator further increases, as shown in FIG. 11, the deformed side wall portion 211g restricted by the side wall 11d is buckled and deformed. As a result, a two-stage buckling change is performed in the elastomer layer 211b.

  In the second embodiment, as described above, the elastomer layer 211b includes the central portion 211f and the side wall side portion 211e having a thickness t5 larger than the thickness t6 of the central portion 211f when no voltage is applied, and the upper electrode 11a By applying a voltage to the elastomer layer 211b with the lower electrode 11c, the central portion 211f is compressed and deformed into a deformed central portion 211h, and the side wall side portion 211e is compressed and deformed to form a side wall side portion 211g after deformation. Since the deformed portion 250 is formed to have a concavo-convex shape, the thickness t8 of the deformed central portion 211h is smaller than the thickness t7 of the deformed sidewall side portion 211g. The buckling limit stress of the center portion 211h after deformation is smaller than the buckling limit stress of the side wall side portion 211g after deformation. Thus, the deformed central portion 211h is buckled and deformed earlier than the deformed side wall side portion 211g by the operator's pressing. Thereafter, when the pressing force is further increased, the deformed side wall portion 211g is buckled and deformed. Thereby, a two-step click feeling can be given to the operator.

  The other configurations, operations, and effects of the second embodiment are basically the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the configuration of the concavo-convex forming portion provided on the substrate according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 13-20 is a figure for demonstrating the state of a deformation | transformation of an uneven | corrugated formation part. 12 to 20, in the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the thickness t9 of the elastomer layer 311b when no voltage is applied is the same in the side wall portion 311e and the central portion 311f. In addition, an example in which the lower electrode includes a lower electrode 311i on the side wall 11d side and a lower electrode 311j in the center will be described.

  The unevenness forming panel 310 of the remote controller 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of unevenness forming portions 311 and a substrate 312 on which the side wall 11d of the unevenness forming portion 311 is fixed.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the unevenness forming portion 311 includes an upper electrode 11a, an elastomer layer 311b, a lower electrode 311i, a lower electrode 311j, and a side wall 11d. Further, the upper electrode 11a, the elastomer layer 311b, the lower electrode 311i, and the lower electrode 311j constitute a deformed portion 350.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the elastomer layer 311b is provided such that the thickness of the side wall side portion 311e and the thickness of the central portion 311f are equal to the thickness t9, and is parallel to the substrate 312. Is provided.

  Here, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the lower electrode 311 i is provided so as to be in contact with the side wall side portion 311 e of the elastomer layer 311 b on the upper surface (surface on the Z1 direction side). Further, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the lower electrode 311j is provided at a constant interval from the lower electrode 311i so as to be surrounded on all sides by the lower electrode 311i on the side wall 11d side, and a central portion 311f of the elastomer layer 311b. And in contact with the top surface.

  In the third embodiment, the lower electrode 311i on the side wall 11d side and the lower electrode 311j on the central portion are each provided by a generally known so-called active matrix method. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the substrate 312 has a plurality of TFTs 312g and 312j (see FIG. 13), and the lower electrode 311i extends in the X direction to the gate line 312h and in the Y direction. The lower electrode 311j is connected to the data line 312i and the TFT 312g, and the lower electrode 311j is connected to the gate line 312k extending in the X direction and the data line 312l extending in the Y direction via the TFT 312j. As a result, a voltage can be applied to any lower electrode 311i and lower electrode 311j.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 14-16, the uneven | corrugated shape formation operation | movement of the uneven | corrugated formation part 311 in 3rd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the elastomer layer 311b has a flat plate shape when no voltage is applied. Here, as shown in FIG. 15, the voltage V1 applied to the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311i on the side wall 11d side is made larger than the voltage V2 applied to the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311j in the center. Therefore, the electrostatic attractive force acting on the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311i on the side wall 11d side is larger than the electrostatic attractive force acting on the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311j on the central portion, and therefore the side wall side portion 311e of the elastomer layer 311b. Is more compressed than the central portion 311f of the elastomer layer 311b. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, the thickness t10 of the side wall 311g of the deformed elastomer layer 311b is smaller than the thickness t11 of the central portion 311h of the deformed elastomer layer 311b.

  Further, the voltage V1 applied to the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311i on the side of the side wall 11d is made smaller than the voltage V2 applied to the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311j in the center, thereby allowing the upper electrode 11a and the side wall 11d. Since the electrostatic attractive force acting on the lower electrode 311i on the side is smaller than the electrostatic attractive force acting on the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311j on the central portion, the central portion 311f of the elastomer layer 311b is on the side wall side portion of the elastomer layer 311b. It is compressed more than 311e. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the thickness t13 of the central portion 311h of the deformed elastomer layer 311b is smaller than the thickness t12 of the side wall side portion 311g of the deformed elastomer layer 311b.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 18-20, the deformation | transformation operation | movement by the press of the uneven | corrugated formation part 311 in 3rd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  When the thickness t10 of the side wall side portion 311g of the deformed elastomer layer 311b is deformed to be smaller than the thickness t11 of the center portion 311h of the deformed elastomer layer 311b, the operator presses the unevenness forming portion 311. Then, the buckling limit stress of the deformed side wall side portion 311g is smaller than the buckling limit stress of the deformed central portion 311h. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 18, the deformed side wall side portion 311g is buckled and deformed before the deformed central portion 311h. Further, since the deformed side wall side portion 311g is buckled and deformed before the deformed center portion 311h, the deformed center portion 311h is not buckled and deformed.

  When the thickness t13 of the central portion 311h of the deformed elastomer layer 311b is deformed to be smaller than the thickness t12 of the side wall side portion 311g of the deformed elastomer layer 311b, the operator presses the unevenness forming portion 311. Then, the buckling limit stress of the center part 311h after deformation is smaller than the buckling limit stress of the side wall side part 311g after deformation. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 19, the deformed central portion 311h is buckled and deformed before the deformed side wall side portion 311g. Thereafter, when the pressing force of the operator further increases, as shown in FIG. 20, the deformed side wall portion 311g regulated by the side wall 11d is buckled and deformed. As a result, a two-stage buckling change is performed in the elastomer layer 311b.

  In the third embodiment, as described above, the lower electrode includes the lower electrode 311i on the side wall 11d side and the lower electrode 311j on the center portion, and is applied to the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311i on the side wall 11d side. By differentiating the voltage V1 from the voltage V2 applied to the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311j in the center, the deformed portion 350 is formed to have a concavo-convex shape, whereby the elastomer layer 311b before deformation is formed. An uneven shape capable of giving a feeling of clicking to the operator can be formed in the deformable portion 350 without changing the thickness t9.

  In the third embodiment, as described above, the voltage V1 applied to the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311i on the side wall 11d side is set higher than the voltage V2 applied to the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311j at the center. By increasing the size, the electrostatic attractive force acting on the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311i on the side wall 11d side is larger than the electrostatic attractive force acting on the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311j in the center. As a result, the thickness t10 of the side wall side portion 311g of the elastomer layer 311b after deformation is smaller than the thickness t11 of the central portion 311h of the elastomer layer 311b after deformation, so that the buckling limit stress of the side wall side portion 311g after deformation is deformed. It becomes smaller than the buckling limit stress of the rear central portion 311h. As a result, the deformed side wall side portion 311g is buckled and deformed earlier than the deformed central portion 311h by the operator's pressing, so that the elastomer layer 311b and the deformed portion 350 as a whole can be deformed even with a small pressing force. An operator can be given a click feeling that is deformed.

  In the third embodiment, as described above, the voltage V1 applied to the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311i on the side wall 11d side is set higher than the voltage V2 applied to the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311j at the center. By making it smaller, the electrostatic attractive force acting on the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311i on the side wall 11d side is smaller than the electrostatic attractive force acting on the upper electrode 11a and the lower electrode 311j at the center. As a result, since the thickness t13 of the center portion 311h of the deformed elastomer layer 311b is smaller than the thickness t12 of the side wall side portion 311g of the deformed elastomer layer 311b, the buckling limit stress of the deformed center portion 311h is after the deformation. It becomes smaller than the buckling limit stress of the side wall side portion 311g. Thereby, the center part 311h after a deformation | transformation buckles and deform | transforms ahead of the side wall side part 311g after a deformation | transformation by an operator's press. Thereafter, when the pressing force is further increased, the deformed side wall portion 311g is buckled and deformed. Thereby, a two-step click feeling can be given to the operator.

  The other configurations, operations, and effects of the third embodiment are basically the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the first to third embodiments, the remote controller 100 is shown as an example of the information input device of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to an information input device other than the remote controller. .

  Moreover, in the said 1st-3rd embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, although the uneven | corrugated formation panel 10 showed the example arrange | positioned over the display apparatus 30, the present invention is not restricted to this, The unevenness forming panel may be disposed below the display device.

  In the first to third embodiments, the example in which a plurality of unevenness forming portions 11 (211 and 311) are provided in a matrix shape over the entire surface of the unevenness forming panel 10 (310) has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The unevenness forming portions may be arranged in a zigzag arrangement other than the matrix shape.

  In the first to third embodiments, the upper part (the part on the Z1 direction side) of the side portion of the elastomer layer 11b (211b, 311b) is bonded to the side wall 11d. However, the entire side portion of the elastomer layer may be bonded to the side wall.

  Moreover, although the said 1st-3rd embodiment showed the example comprised so that it might have a substantially square frame shape seeing planarly the side wall 11d of the uneven | corrugated formation part 11 (211 and 311), this invention For example, the side wall may be configured to have a substantially ring shape when seen in a plan view.

  In the third embodiment, the upper electrode 11a is composed of one electrode, and the lower electrode is composed of two electrodes, that is, the lower electrode 311i on the side wall 11d side and the lower electrode 311j in the center. The present invention is not limited to this, and the lower electrode may be composed of three or more electrodes. With such a configuration, it is possible to form a smooth convex shape in the concave-convex forming portion. Moreover, you may comprise an upper electrode so that it may consist of a plurality of electrodes.

It is the perspective view which showed the whole structure of the remote controller by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the disassembled perspective view which showed the whole structure of the remote controller by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view which showed the structure of the uneven | corrugated formation part provided on the board | substrate by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the enlarged plan view which showed the structure of the upper electrode and lower electrode of the uneven | corrugated formation part provided on the board | substrate by 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 200-200 in FIG. 4 showing the structure of the unevenness forming portion and the surface protective film provided on the substrate according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing along the 200-200 line | wire of FIG. 4 which showed the state which formed the convex shape by the uneven | corrugated formation part by 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 200-200 in FIG. 4, showing a state in which an operator presses a concavo-convex forming portion having a convex shape and a surface protective film according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 200-200 in FIG. 4 showing the structure of a concavo-convex forming part and a surface protective film provided on a substrate according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing along the 200-200 line | wire of FIG. 4 which showed the state which formed the convex shape by the uneven | corrugated formation part by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing in alignment with the 200-200 line | wire of FIG. 4 which showed the state which the operator pressed the uneven | corrugated formation part and surface protective film which formed the convex shape by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing along the 200-200 line | wire of FIG. 4 which showed the state which the operator pressed the concavo-convex formation part and surface protective film which formed convex shape further according to 2nd Embodiment of this invention rather than FIG. It is. It is the top view which showed the structure of the uneven | corrugated formation part provided on the board | substrate by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the enlarged plan view which showed the structure of the lower electrode of the uneven | corrugated formation part provided on the board | substrate by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 300-300 in FIG. 13, illustrating the structure of the concavo-convex forming portion and the surface protective film provided on the substrate according to the third embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed typically the wiring to the 1st electrode and 2nd electrode of an uneven | corrugated formation part by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 300-300 in FIG. 13 showing a state in which a convex shape is formed by the concave-convex forming portion when V1 in FIG. 15 is larger than V2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. . FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 300-300 in FIG. 13, showing a state in which a convex shape is formed by the concave-convex forming portion when V1 in FIG. 15 is smaller than V2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. . 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 300-300 in FIG. 13, showing a state where the operator has pressed the convex shape formed when V1 in FIG. 15 is larger than V2, according to the third embodiment of the present invention. is there. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 300-300 in FIG. 13, showing a state in which the operator presses the convex shape formed when V1 in FIG. 15 is smaller than V2, according to the third embodiment of the present invention. is there. Line 300-300 in FIG. 13 shows a state where the operator presses the formed convex shape further than in FIG. 19 when V1 in FIG. 15 is smaller than V2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10, 310 Unevenness forming panel 11, 211, 311 Unevenness forming part (unevenness forming device)
11a Upper electrode (first electrode)
11b, 211b, 311b Elastomer layer (deformation layer)
11c, 311i, 311j Lower electrode (second electrode)
11d side wall (side wall part)
30 Display device 50, 250, 350 Deformation part 100 Remote controller 101 Input convex part

Claims (9)

A deformation portion including a first electrode, a second electrode provided to face the first electrode, and a deformation layer sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode;
A side wall portion that regulates a side portion of the deformable portion,
By applying a voltage to the deformation layer by the first electrode and the second electrode, the deformation layer has a first portion having a first thickness and a second thickness smaller than the first thickness. The uneven | corrugated formation apparatus comprised so that an uneven | corrugated shape may be formed in the said deformation | transformation part by deform | transforming so that a 2nd part may be included. The deformation layer includes a third portion having a third thickness when no voltage is applied, and a fourth portion having a fourth thickness smaller than the third thickness,
By applying a voltage to the deformable layer by the first electrode and the second electrode, the third portion of the deformable layer is compressed and deformed into the first portion, and the fourth portion of the deformable layer. The uneven | corrugated formation apparatus of Claim 1 comprised so that uneven | corrugated shape may be formed in the said deformation | transformation part by compressing and deform | transforming into the said 2nd part.   The uneven | corrugated formation apparatus of Claim 2 comprised so that the same voltage may be applied to the said deformation | transformation layer by the said 1st electrode and the said 2nd electrode. The second electrode includes a third electrode to which a first voltage is applied, and a fourth electrode to which a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied,
The first voltage is applied to a portion of the deformation layer sandwiched between the first electrode and the third electrode, and the deformation layer is sandwiched between the first electrode and the fourth electrode. By applying the second voltage to the part, the deformation layer is deformed so as to include the first part and the second part, so that an uneven shape is formed in the deformation part. The uneven | corrugated formation apparatus of Claim 1 or 2.   The unevenness according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the deformable layer are respectively provided at one and the other of the substantially central portion and the side wall portion of the deformable layer. Forming equipment.   The uneven | corrugated formation apparatus of any one of Claims 1-5 which consist of an elastomer which the said deformation | transformation layer has insulation and expand | extends only predetermined amount with predetermined compression force.   The uneven | corrugated formation apparatus of any one of Claims 1-6 comprised so that the said 1st electrode and the said 2nd electrode can be expanded-contracted. A deformable portion having a first electrode, a second electrode provided to face the first electrode, a deformable layer sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a side of the deformable portion A first portion having a first thickness of the deformable layer by applying a voltage to the deformable layer by the first electrode and the second electrode; Concavities and convexities in which a plurality of concave and convex portions are arranged so that concave and convex shapes are formed in the deformed portions by being deformed so as to include a second portion having a second thickness smaller than the thickness. A forming panel;
A display device arranged to overlap the concavo-convex panel,
The unevenness forming panel is an information input device configured to form an input convex portion according to an input image displayed on the display device by the unevenness forming portion.   The said uneven | corrugated formation panel is comprised by the member which has the light transmittance which can visually recognize the image for input displayed on the said display apparatus, when arrange | positioned above the said display apparatus. Information input device.

Images