Position detector

• US 8,344,738 B2
• Filed: 04/22/2010
• Issued: 01/01/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/24/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Kouno, Haruhiko
• Primary Examiner(s): Assouad, Patrick
• Assistant Examiner(s): BROWN, LAMARR A
• Application Number:
  US12/765,029
• Publication Number:
  US 20100271048A1
• Time in Patent Office: 985 Days
• Field of Search: 324/658, 324/661, 324/663, 324/662, 345/174, 345/173, 178/18.06, 178/19.03
• US Class Current: 324/658
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0443 using a single layer of sensing electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0445 using two or more layers of sensing electrodes, e.g. using two layers of electrodes separated by a dielectric layer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0446 using a grid-like structure of electrodes in at least two directions, e.g. using row and column electrodes

Abstract

A multilayer made up of a support member with first electrodes including a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel to each other and the second electrodes including a plurality of electrodes that are arranged parallel to each other so as to cross the first electrodes. The multilayer also includes a protective layer (a front member) that is provided opposite one side of the support member and with which a predetermined position pointing member is brought into contact, and a reinforcing material (a rear member) provided opposite the other side of the support member. A gas layer (space) is provided between the first electrodes or the second electrodes and at least one of the support member, the protective layer (the front member), and the reinforcing material (the rear member), thereby blocking electrical coupling paths that increase electrostatic capacitance.

Claims

1. A position detector, comprising in a laminated manner:

a support member on which first electrodes including a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel to each other and second electrodes including a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel to each other so as to cross the first electrodes are formed;

a front member that is opposed to one side of the support member and brought into contact with a predetermined position pointing member; and

a rear member that is opposed to another side of the support member;

wherein a gas layer is provided between the support member and the rear member.

2. The position detector according to claim 1,

wherein protrusions are provided on a surface of the front member or the rear member opposing the support member;

and

the gas layer is created as a result of the protrusions contacting the support member.

3. The positions detector according to claim 2,

wherein the protrusions provided on the front member or the rear member are placed at locations on the support member overlapping locations of the first electrodes or the second electrodes.

4. The position detector according to claim 2,

wherein the protrusions provided on the front member or the rear member are placed at locations on the support member overlapping locations where the first electrodes and the second electrodes cross each other.

5. The position detector accordingly to claim 2,

wherein the protrusions provided on the front member or the rear member are placed at locations on the support member overlapping locations where neither the first electrodes nor the second electrodes are provided.

6. The position detector according to claim 1,

wherein an area of the support member except areas where the first electrodes and the second electrodes are provided is eliminated.

7. The position detector according to claim 1,

wherein the gas layer is formed from a sheet material encapsulating air bubbles.

8. A position detector, comprising in a laminated manner:

a support member on which first electrodes including a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel to each other and second electrodes including a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel to each other so as to cross the first electrodes are formed;

a front member that is opposed to one side of the support member and brought into contact with a predetermined position pointing member; and

a rear member that is opposed to another side of the support member;

wherein a high dielectric section is provided in the front member so as to run along the first electrodes and the second electrodes provided on the support member, and a gas layer is provided between the support member and the front layer.