Abstract: This document described pressure-sensitive human machine interface (HMI) devices. In some aspects, a pressure-sensitive human-machine interface (HMI) device may include a surface element comprising an outer surface for receiving pressure inputs. The HMI device may also include multiple pressure-sensitive input regions that each include one or more positive electrodes and one or more return electrodes. The HMI device may also include a pressure-sensitive conductive sheet disposed adjacent to or between the one or more positive electrodes and one or more return electrodes of the multiple pressure-sensitive input regions.

Abstract: A blender includes a jar including a blade module to cut an object, a main body to receive the jar and including a motor to rotate the blade module, and a controller disposed inside the main body and configured to operate the motor. The main body further includes an outer case and forming an outer structure of the main body. The outer case includes a touch input portion on an outer surface of the outer case. A touch sensor is disposed on an inner surface of the outer case at a position corresponding to the touch input portion to detect a touch input on the touch input portion. The controller is configured to determine an operation time period of the motor based on the touch input detected by the touch sensor.

Abstract: A stacked structure is composed of a plurality of layers, and includes: a substrate; a plurality of conductive patterns printed on the substrate; and at least one layer of elastic nodules formed between two layers of the plurality of layers, the layer of elastic nodules including a sensing area being used for at least one of actuation or sensing. The stacked structure is formed by folding the substrate multiple times. The stacked structure further includes: an adhesive layer printed on but not completely covering the conductive patterns and substrate, and forming at least one air reservoir for holding air displaced when the sensing area is compressed. The stacked structure does not include electrically conducting through holes or electrically connecting structures.

Abstract: A membrane circuit board includes a first membrane substrate, a spacer substrate, a second membrane substrate and a third membrane substrate. The first membrane substrate includes a first gas channel and a first conductive contact. The spacer substrate includes a first gas hole and a second gas hole. The second membrane substrate includes a second gas channel, a second conductive contact, a third gas hole and a fourth gas hole. The second gas channel is in communication with the third gas hole and the fourth gas hole. The second gas channel is in communication with the first gas channel through the first gas hole and the second gas hole. The third membrane substrate includes a third gas channel. The third gas channel is in communication with the second gas channel through the third gas hole and the fourth gas hole.

Abstract: A display system has a flexible display screen which has a front side and a back side, and a plurality of haptic elements arranged in an array on the back side of the screen. The display system also has a controller board connected to the plurality of haptic elements and the flexible display screen. The controller board is configured to display a plurality of interactive buttons on the front side of the flexible display screen in locations corresponding to the plurality of haptic elements. The plurality of haptic elements are configured to provide haptic feedback based on touch input provided to the front side of the screen. The haptic feedback includes actuating a haptic element which corresponds to the location of an interactive button selected by the touch input.

Abstract: A push switch includes a case, a fixed contact member, a moving contact member, and a protective sheet. The case has a first surface with a recess and a second surface opposite from the first surface. The fixed contact member includes a fixed contact in the recess and a terminal on an outer surface of the case. The moving contact member is in the recess and includes a moving contact to contact with the fixed contact when the switch is subjected to a press operation. The protective sheet covers the recess. The case has a light-transmitting property and has a light incident surface and a light emergent surface. Light is incident on the light incident surface. At least part of the light that has entered through the light incident surface emerges through the light emergent surface.

Abstract: A display panel, a display device and a control method are provided. The display panel includes a display area and a non-display area, a base substrate, and touch electrodes on a side of the base substrate facing a light-exiting surface of the display panel. The display area includes a first display area and a second display area that at least partially surrounds the first display area, the touch electrodes are at least distributed in the display area, the touch electrodes at least include a first touch electrode located in the first display area, the first touch electrode includes at least one first touch electrode unit, and the first touch electrode unit includes at least one hollowed part, along a direction perpendicular to the base substrate, the hollowed part runs through the first touch electrode unit, and the first touch electrode is a self-capacitive touch electrode.

Abstract: A plurality of pressure-sensitive switches of a sitting sensor (1) has a first pressure-sensitive switch group including a first pressure-sensitive switch (SW11) including a first specific pressure-sensitive switch and a second pressure-sensitive switch (SW21), and a second pressure-sensitive switch group including first pressure-sensitive switches (SW11, SW12) including the first specific pressure-sensitive switch, and a second pressure-sensitive switch (SW22), in which in the first pressure-sensitive switch group, the first pressure-sensitive switch (SW11) and the second pressure-sensitive switch (SW21) are disposed adjacent to each other along a left-right direction of a seat (SE), in the second pressure-sensitive switch group, the first pressure-sensitive switches (SW11, SW12) and the second pressure-sensitive switch (SW22) are disposed adjacent to each other along a front-rear direction of the seat (SE), and turning on the first pressure-sensitive switch and the second pressure-sensitive switch causes a

Abstract: An actuator is configured to include a first substrate that has a first conductive surface, which may be or include a first conductive electrode layer. The actuator also includes a second substrate that has a second conductive surface, which may be or include a second conductive electrode layer. The first and second conductive surfaces face toward each other across a compression space between the first and second substrates. A group of elastic support nodules span the compression space and separate the first and second conductive surfaces. The compression space is less than fully filled with solid elastic material and is configured to be compressed by relative movement of the first and second conductive surfaces toward each other in response to a voltage difference between the first and second conductive surfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming a magnetostatic MEMS switch include forming a movable beam on a first substrate, forming the electrical contacts on a second substrate, and coupling the two substrates using a hermetic seal. A shunt bar on the movable plate may close the switch when lowered onto the contacts. The switch may generally be closed, with the shunt bar resting on the contacts. However, a magnetically permeable material may also be inlaid into the movable plate. The switch may then be opened by placing either a permanent magnet or an electromagnet in proximity to the switch.

Abstract: A portable electronic device may include a battery assembly and a battery swell detection unit in proximity to the battery assembly. The battery swell detection unit may include an electrode, a dome made of an electrically conductive material positioned between the battery assembly and the electrode, a processor, and memory having programmed instructions that cause the processor, when executed, to detect battery swelling based on a depression of the dome.

Abstract: An illuminated keyswitch structure with an illuminating module includes a base plate, a drive circuit board under the base plate, a spacer between the drive circuit board and the base plate, and a light-emitting part on the circuit board. The spacer has a through hole communicating with an opening of the base plate in a vertical direction. The light-emitting part is located in the through hole, and falls within a projection of the opening in the vertical direction. The light-emitting part has a top surface that is lower than or equal to a bottom surface of the base plate in the vertical direction. The structure of the illuminated keyswitch structure around the light-emitting part can keep flat by the spacer. The spacer can prevent the light-emitting part from structurally entering the opening, avoiding structural interference between the light-emitting part and other components above the base plate.

Abstract: A signal generator, in particular opening switch, for a vehicle door or flap, including an actuator, in particular an actuator which can be manually actuated and/or gripped by an operating person, furthermore including a plug housing (14) with a switch (22) which is received therein or arranged thereon and which has electrical contacts (20) which form part of a plug connection, and including an actuator housing (12) with the actuator (30), the actuator being mounted movably on the actuator housing (12) and acting on the switch (22), the actuator housing (12) and the plug housing (14) being positionally fixed relative to one another, wherein the electrical contacts (20) are electrically connected to the switch (22) by plugged-in conductors.

Abstract: A dome switch button is installed on a circuit board. The dome switch button includes an elastic piece, a conductive piece and a buffering element. The elastic piece is located over the conductive piece. The buffering element is located under the conductive piece and electrically connected with the circuit board. When the elastic piece is subjected to elastic deformation to trigger the conductive piece, an electric signal is generated. The buffering element is electrically connected with the circuit board. Moreover, a first electric pad and a second electric pad of the circuit board are covered by the buffering element. The electricity from the first electric pad and the second electric pad of the circuit board can be transferred to the conductive piece through the buffering element. Consequently, the conductive piece can be electrically connected with the circuit board without the need of using additional conductor lines.

Abstract: A membrane circuit board includes a first film substrate, a second film substrate, an insulating spacer substrate and a waterproof structure. The first circuit layer is installed on the first film substrate. A second circuit layer is installed on the second film substrate. The insulating spacer substrate arranged between the first film substrate and the second film substrate. The first circuit layer is arranged between the first film substrate and the insulating spacer substrate. The second circuit layer is arranged between the second film substrate and the insulating spacer substrate. The waterproof structure includes a first welding layer and a second welding layer. The first welding layer is arranged between the first film substrate and the insulating spacer substrate. The second welding layer is arranged between the second film substrate and the insulating spacer substrate.

Abstract: Pre-initiated tips for handheld laser surgical devices and methods related to the same are disclosed herein. Some embodiments include a handpiece device including a tubular body; and an insert that fits within the tubular body, the insert having a terminal end that comprises a receiver. A disposable tip couples with the terminal end of the receiver, and the disposable tip has a fiber optic conduit extending from a sheath tip. In some instances the fiber tip is pre-initiated with a pigment.

Abstract: An electronic device includes: a display module; a first adhesive member having a multi-layered structure and having a first adhesive surface attached on a back surface of the display module; and a sensing module including a sensing area, the sensing area being attached on a second adhesive surface facing the first adhesive surface of the first adhesive member.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a sensing membrane that is coupled with electrical terminals of a key switch and a light source. This may allow the membrane to be both configured to transmit a signal in response to actuation of keyboard key cap and illuminate an illuminable symbol of key cap. In one aspect, the membrane includes a set of deformable layers separated by a spacer layer. Terminals of the key switch are connected to distinct ones of the set of deformable layers and positioned within a cavity defined by the spacer layer. A light assembly may be positioned along and configured to move with one of the set of deformable layers. Depression of a key cap toward the set of deformable layers causes the set of terminals to move and initiate a switch event.

Abstract: A cover for an electronic device includes a glass cover defining a substantially planar first surface, a substantially planar second surface opposite the first surface, an opening extending through the glass cover, and a raised wall surrounding the opening and defining a portion of an interior surface of the opening.

Abstract: A control circuit controls a two-wire resistive touch panel. The two-wire resistive touch panel includes a first region and a second region which are adjacent to each other in a coordinate axis direction (X direction), and the first region has resistance per unit length lower than resistance per unit length of the second region. A measurement unit measures an electric signal having a correlation with impedance between two wires which are lead out from the resistive touch panel. A processing unit (i) determines that the first region is touched when the electric signal or the impedance obtained from the electric signal is included in a predetermined first range, (ii) determines that the second region is touched when the electric signal or the impedance obtained from the electric signal is included in a predetermined second range, and generates a touched coordinate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a touch control device. The touch control device includes a touch panel having a curved surface shape of multiple curvatures. The touch control device includes a base including a metal complex, an electrode groove formed in a touch area of the base, a plurality of sensor electrodes formed on the electrode groove, each including a conductive material, a via hole penetrating the base, a connection electrode connecting the plurality of sensor electrodes through the via hole and an integrated circuit coupled to the base and connected to the sensor electrodes to sense a change in capacitance of the sensor electrodes.

Abstract: An input device including a plurality of press buttons and a touch control area is provided. The press buttons provide a key input function, and the touch control area provides a touch input function. Each of the press buttons pushes against an elastic pad which is used as a sensing electrode of the touch input function and as an elastic recovery element of the key input function.

Abstract: A compliant material, such as a conductive foam, is positioned in the dielectric or capacitive gap between drive and sense electrodes and/or other conductive elements of a capacitive and/or other force sensor, such as a TFT or other display element and a sensor assembly. The compliant material prevents damage by preventing and/or cushioning contact. The compliant material may be conductive. By being conductive and being positioned between the electrodes while still being separated from one or more of the electrodes, the compliant material also shortens the effective electrical distance between the electrodes. As a result, the force sensor may be more sensitive than would otherwise be possible while being less vulnerable to damage.

Abstract: A display device includes a display portion, a light source, a reflecting member, and a piezoelectric element. The display portion displays an image. The light source outputs light to the display portion. The reflecting member is provided on one side of a principal surface of the display portion and reflects the light of the light source. The piezoelectric element is provided on one side of the principal surface of the reflecting member.

Abstract: The switch body includes: a wiring substrate where first to fourth fixed contact members are formed; and a movable contact member including a pressure receiving part opposite from the second fixed contact member, a first outer edge facing the first fixed contact member, and a second outer edge facing the third fixed contact member. The fourth fixed contact member is formed in a region outside a projection region being a projection of the movable contact member on the wiring substrate and is in a position facing the first outer edge when the second outer edge is moved to a region where the second fixed contact member is formed.

Abstract: A touch display device is provided. The touch display device comprises: two substrates disposed opposite to each other, a display medium disposed between the substrates, and at least one photo spacer region, and a plurality of layout units are distributed on the photo spacer region, and the layout units are disposed between the substrates, the layout units comprise a plurality of layout subunits disposed in rows and columns, and in one of the layout units, a portion of the layout subunits is provided with at least one photo spacer, and the other portion of the layout subunits is provided without the photo spacer; and a touch matrix comprising a plurality of touch units covering different amounts of photo spacers; and a touch compensation module performing the touch compensations on the touch units.

Abstract: A touch display module, a display device and a transparent optical adhesive layer structure, the touch display module comprising: a substrate; a touch film, the touch film provided with an electrical connection portion; a polarizer comprising a concave edge and a first edge, wherein extension lines of the concave edge and the first edge enclose to form a slotted area, a projection of the slotted area at least partially overlapping a projection of the electrical connection portion; a flexible circuit board, a connector of the flexible circuit board overlapping at a side of the polarizer; an adhesive layer comprising a first protrusion portion beyond an edge of the polarizer, and the first projection portion covering at least a partial region of the connector.

Abstract: Method(s) and apparatus(es) relating generally to an electronic device having a display and a touch-sensitive input device are disclosed. In such a method, a first keypad is displayed on the display. Obtained is sensed information from the touch-sensitive input device responsive to user input in association with the first keypad. The user input is determined to be for a second keypad different from the first keypad. A corresponding input to the user input is determined using the sensed information in association with the second keypad. The corresponding input is displayed on the display.

Abstract: One general aspect includes a device control switch for a panel assembly, including: a switch base mounted to the panel assembly; a switch button tiltably mounted to the switch base, the switch button configured to tilt away from a default position relative to a horizontal axis, the switch button including a nib; a flexibend sensor fixed to a portion of the switch base, the flexibend sensor in substantial contact with the nib via spring force; and where slight tilting of the switch button away from the default position will cause the flexibend sensor to deflect and remain in substantial contact with the nib as the nib moves with the switch button relative to the horizontal axis.

Abstract: A switch device includes an operation switch including a switch knob formed integrally with a recess configured to allow a finger to be inserted. The operation switch includes a detector configured to detect a change in a physical amount caused by operation of the switch knob.

Abstract: A system and method that provides a proximity sensor disposed within a door handle of a vehicle to enable one or more commands to be transmitted to the vehicle by a user's hand, wherein the door handle is in a harsh outdoor environment such that the door handle may be wet when the proximity sensor is used to detect the touch or presence of a user's hand, and wherein the proximity sensor is able to compensate for the presence of the water and enable reliable operation of the proximity sensor and thereby enable commands to be sent to the vehicle.

Abstract: A sensor includes a base layer and a pressing unit protruding with respect to the base layer. The pressing unit includes a first structure unit and a hollow second structure unit disposed on the first structure unit and having a bottom side opened. The second structure unit has a shape portion on a surface facing the base layer.

Abstract: When a temperature inside a secondary battery becomes high and a gas pressure inside a battery case increases, an inversion plate is pressed due to the gas pressure so as to project and curve in a projecting manner toward an external terminal board. Due to such a deformation, a load is transmitted to a current interruption piece via a load transmission portion. At this time, due to a pushing-up force of the load transmission portion, a vulnerable breaking portion forming part of a peripheral edge of the current interruption piece breaks, so that the current interruption piece is displaced to bend in a V-shape via a folding portion. As a result, the secondary battery is brought into an unusable state. Such a configuration can attain simplification of a structure to interrupt a current.

Abstract: Micro-electromagnetically actuated latched miniature relay switches formed from laminate layers comprising a spring and magnet, electromagnetic coils, magnetic latching material, and transmission line with contacts. Preferably the miniature relay switches transmit up to about 50 W of DC or AC line power, and carry up to about 10 A of load current, with an overall volume of less than about 100 mm3. In addition to switching large power, the device preferably requires less than 3 V to actuate, and has a latching feature that retains the switch state after actuation without the need for external applied voltage or current.

Abstract: A key structure comprises a baseplate, a film circuit board, an elastic body and a keycap. The film circuit board includes a deformation region and a support region. The support region is disposed on the baseplate, and a deformation space is formed between the deformation region and the baseplate. The elastic body is disposed on the film circuit board. The keycap is disposed on the elastic body.

Abstract: Method(s) and apparatus(es) relating generally to an electronic device having a display and a touch-sensitive input device are disclosed. In such a method, a first keypad is displayed on the display. Obtained is sensed information from the touch-sensitive input device responsive to user input in association with the first keypad. The user input is determined to be for a second keypad different from the first keypad. A corresponding input to the user input is determined using the sensed information in association with the second keypad. The corresponding input is displayed on the display.

Abstract: A surface mount device switch includes a pedestal, a metal dome, a buffering sheet and a movable conducting part. A pedestal contact part of the pedestal is electrically connected with a circuit board. The buffering sheet is located over an opening of the pedestal. The metal dome is located under the opening. The movable conducting part is located under the buffering sheet. A portion of the movable conducting part is inserted into the opening. Due to the buffering sheet, the collision between the metal dome and the movable conducting part is alleviated and the click sound is reduced. Consequently, the comfort of operating the touchpad module is enhanced. The present invention further provides a touchpad module and a computing device with the surface mount device switch.

Abstract: Method(s) and apparatus(es) relating generally to an electronic device having a display and a touch-sensitive input device are disclosed. In such a method, a first keypad is displayed on the display. Obtained is sensed information from the touch-sensitive input device responsive to user input in association with the first keypad. The user input is determined to be for a second keypad different from the first keypad. A corresponding input to the user input is determined using the sensed information in association with the second keypad. The corresponding input is displayed on the display.

Abstract: A push switch includes a movable contact including a dome part that is shaped like a dome and configured to be inverted in shape when pressed, and a fixed contact including a first fixed contact, the movable contact being configured to be brought into contact with and away from the first fixed contact. The push switch is configured such that an operating load necessary to press the movable contact gradually increases after the movable contact starts to be pressed, decreases thereafter when the dome part is inverted, and increases again when the movable contact is further pressed, and the dome part contacts the first fixed contact after an inflection point at which the decreased operating load starts to increase again.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for adjusting at least a first movable seat element of a vehicle seat, in which a graphic element of the vehicle seat to be adjusted is displayed with at least one graphic element of the first seat element on a display surface, in order to adjust the first seat element a first switching element and a second switching element are displayed on the display surface, wherein the first switching element comprises a first graphic arrow element and the second switching element comprises a second graphic arrow element, which graphic arrow elements distinguish opposite directions for moving the first seat element, and on actuating the first switching element a control signal is generated, by means of which the first seat element is moved in a first direction and, at the same time, the graphic element of the first seat element is moved.

Abstract: An implantable plug connector is provided, an inner portion of which has a number of contact surfaces which are embedded in a surface of a first substrate. An outer portion of the implantable plug connector has a number of contact surfaces embedded in at least one surface of a second substrate. The outer portion defines a space, in which the inner portion can be received in a mounting state, where, in a pre-mounting state, the contact surfaces are set back with respect to the surface of the respective substrate, and where, in a mounting state, the inner portion is pressed against the outer portion such that mutually corresponding contact surfaces come into contact with each other.

Abstract: A body-mountable device includes a flexible substrate configured for mounting to a skin surface. The device includes an input component configured to receive inputs from a user, e.g., finger presses, swipes, motions of the sensing platform, or gestures. Received inputs could include calibration data, for example, known values of a sensed property to compare with corresponding values obtained by a sensor of the device. The device can additionally include an output component configured to provide outputs to a user. Outputs could include indications of sensor readings, medical alerts, or operational states of the device. The flexible substrate of the device is configured to be adhered or otherwise mounted to the skin in a manner that minimally impacts activities of the body.

Abstract: A magnetic device may include a magnetic structure, a device structure, and an associated circuit. The magnetic structure may include a patterned layer of material having a predetermined magnetic property. The patterned layer may be configured to, e.g., provide a magnetic field, sense a magnetic field, channel or concentrate magnetic flux, shield a component from a magnetic field, or provide magnetically actuated motion, etc. The device structure may be another structure of the device that is physically connected to or arranged relative to the magnetic structure to, e.g., structurally support, enable operation of, or otherwise incorporate the magnetic structure into the magnetic device, etc. The associated circuit may be electrically connected to the magnetic structure to receive, provide, condition or process of signals of the magnetic device.

Abstract: A system includes a medicament delivery device and a container configured to receive at least a portion of the medicament delivery device. The medicament delivery device includes an actuator and a first electronic circuit system. The actuator is configured to initiate delivery of a medicament into a body when the actuator is moved from a first position to a second position. The first electronic circuit system is configured to output a first electronic signal when the actuator is moved from the first position to the second position. The container includes a second electronic circuit system configured to receive the first electronic signal. The second electronic circuit system is configured to output a second electronic signal associated with the first electronic signal.

Abstract: A touch display device includes a display panel (101), a touch panel (103), a bonding member (104), and a bonding layer (102) bonding the touch panel (101) and the display panel (102) together. The touch panel (101) includes a first functional layer (1031), the first functional layer (1031) is positioned on a surface of the display panel (103) adjacent to the bonding layer (102), the first functional layer (1031) has a first side surface (103a). The bonding member (104) is positioned on a periphery of the bonding layer (102), wherein the bonding member (104) is at least bonded to a portion of the first side surface (103a).

Abstract: First and second bridging portions (63a and 63b) is disposed so as to form a shock absorbing space (63c) between the sensor accommodating portion (61) and the fixing portion (62), and elastically deformed by external force, and the paired bridging portions (the shock absorbing space (63c)) is caused to function as a shock absorbing portion (63). Furthermore, the sensor accommodating portion (61) is thinner than each of the bridging portions (63a and 63b), after the sensor accommodating portion (61) is elastically deformed and a contact of a blockage is detected, the first and second bridging portions (63a and 63b) can be elastically deformed to absorb a shock. Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce a load on the blockage in comparison with the conventional technique. Since the drive unit is reversely driven after shock absorption, it is possible to reduce the load on the drive unit and so forth, and to inhibit the occurrence of inconvenience such as burning.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transparent electroconductive laminate suitable for use in combination with a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and a transparent touch panel having the transparent electroconductive laminate. The transparent electroconductive laminate comprises a transparent organic polymer substrate 33 having, on at least one surface thereof, a hardcoat (HC) layer 33h, an optical interference layer 32, and a transparent electroconductive layer 31 in this order. The transparent electroconductive laminate satisfies the following conditions: the refractive indexes n3 and n3h of the transparent organic polymer substrate and the HC layer satisfy the following formula: |n3?n3h|?0.02, the thickness of the HC layer is from 1 to 10 ?m, the thickness of the optical interference layer is from 5 to 500 nm, the thickness of the transparent electroconductive layer is from 5 to 200 nm, the total light transmittance is 85% or more, and the b* value is from ?1.0 to less than 1.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a touch device including: a touch panel including: first and second substrates; and a pressure sensor including: a first electrode disposed on the first substrate; a second electrode disposed on the second substrate; an insulating layer disposed between the first and second electrodes; and a spacer, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to transmit a touch signal corresponding to an intensity of pressure applied to the second substrate through the pressure sensor in response to a touch; and a touch controller configured to: acquire touch data at respective nodes from the touch signal; acquire a touch data variation at the respective nodes based on previous touch data and the touch data at the respective nodes; correct the touch data at the respective nodes based on the touch data variation; and acquire a coordinate of the touch location based on the corrected touch data.

Abstract: A multi-mode portable illumination device includes a switch structure featuring a substantially planar member and a mechanical switch which requires a relatively small amount of force and a short stroke distance to actuate. The mechanical switch is attached to a member which contains circuit(s) adding additional functionality to the multi-mode portable illumination device. The member has conductive springs attached to either end that are used to complete the electrical circuit with the battery and the lamp, while their compressive force is absorbed by a housing protecting the switch structure. A conductive strip is used to improve the conductivity of the circuit in a metal multi-mode portable illumination device which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.

Abstract: A touch sensor includes a hollow tubular member that is elastic and insulative; and a first electrode wire and a second electrode wire held in the tubular member while being separated from each other. The first electrode wire and the second electrode wire contact with each other by elastic deformation when receiving an external pressure to the tubular member. The first electrode wire and the second electrode wire extend parallel to a central axis of the tubular member. A shape of a gap between the first electrode wire and the second electrode wire in a cross section orthogonal to the central axis of the tubular member is non-linear.