Abstract:
An input device includes: magnets that are arranged in a flat state; coils that are arranged so as to face the magnets, and are moved in relation to the magnets; a mobile member that is connected to the coils; a first guide member that slidably guides the mobile member; a second guide member that slidably guides the first guide member in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the mobile member; and a switch that is operated by an operator to carry out an input operation. In this input device, the switch is formed on the mobile member.
Abstract:
A sensor unit includes a support body having a concave surface, a spherical body formed of a magnetic material and placed on the concave surface of the support body so as to roll freely thereon, a permanent magnet producing a magnetic field affecting the magnetic spherical body, and a magnetic sensor detecting a change in the magnetic field caused by the movement of said magnetic spherical body. The magnetic spherical body and the permanent magnet are provided to oppose each other with a given distance therebetween in a vertical direction. The magnetic sensor is provided between the magnetic spherical body and the permanent magnet. An output is produced in accordance with the detection by the magnetic sensor.
Abstract:
A touch panel includes: a first layer and a second layer that are arranged to face each other, with a predetermined gap being formed between the first layer and the second layer; a first resistance film that is formed on a surface of the first layer, the surface facing the second layer; a second resistance film that is formed on a surface of the second layer, the surface facing the first layer; and a power supply unit that is provided on the first resistance film. In this touch panel, the first resistance film and the second resistance film form an antenna.
Abstract:
An input device and a driving device able to be made thin and secure sufficiently large vibration amplitude are provided. The input device comprises an input panel, a current conducting element for conducting a driving current, and a magnetic field application unit for applying a magnetic field on the current conducting element. Both of the current conducting element and the magnetic field application unit are arranged in the peripheral region of the input panel. The magnetic field applied by the magnetic field application unit is parallel to the input panel and intersects the current conducting element. When the input panel is touched, a driving current is fed into the current conducting element, and a force is imposed on the current conducting element and the magnetic field application unit, making them move. This movement further drives the input panel to vibrate. Consequently, input operations can be recognized by feeling the vibration of the input panel.
Abstract:
In an inputting apparatus which is manipulated with a finger placed on a manipulating section included in the inputting apparatus, the manipulating section is configured to stimulate the tactile sense of the finger used in the manipulating, enabling to confirm the inputting.
Abstract:
A fuel cell device is disclosed that is capable of being made compact when being transported and in storage. The fuel cell device includes a fuel cell unit including a number of fuel cells arranged sequentially in a case. The case includes a holder frame for holding the fuel cells, a first hemi-case, and a second hemi-case. The width of the case is adjustable in the direction in which the fuel cells are arranged in a line. When the fuel cell device is being transported or in storage, the first hemi-case and the second hemi-case are pushed to approach each other, making the size of the case small. When the fuel cell device is used to generate electrical power, the first hemi-case and the second hemi-case are pulled apart from each other and, accordingly, the fuel cells are separated from each other by a springy plate.
Abstract:
A fuel cell includes: a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) including a polyelectrolyte membrane having first and second sides to which a fuel electrode and an air electrode are joined, respectively; a fuel electrode housing having an internal face on which a fuel channel and a fuel-side electrode film are formed; and an air electrode housing having an air passage formed therein, the air electrode housing having an internal face on which an air-side electrode film is formed. The fuel electrode housing is joined to the MEA with the internal face thereof facing the fuel electrode of the MEA so that the fuel-side electrode film is electrically connected to the fuel electrode. The air electrode housing is joined to the MEA with the internal face thereof facing the air electrode of the MEA so that the air-side electrode film is electrically connected to the air electrode.