Operating element, tactile sensation control device, and tactile sensation control method

Abstract

The present invention is characterized by being provided with: a plurality of electrodes for rotation, which are provided on a first fixed surface that faces an operation unit (3) and is present in the axial direction of a fixed unit (1), are covered by a dielectric layer (23), and are capable of applying a voltage when the operation unit (3) rotates; and a rotating conductor that is provided on a first operation surface, which is a surface facing the first fixed surface of the operation unit (3), and that faces the plurality of rotating electrodes when the relative position of the operation unit (3) and the fixed unit (1) is at a preset relative position, the voltage being capable of being applied to two adjacent electrodes among the plurality of rotating electrodes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operating element, a haptic control device for the operating element, and a haptic control method for the operating element. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for an operating element in which a user performs certain operations by rotating or pressing an operation portion, the following technique is known: a frictional force generated by a force of mutual traction by electrostatic force (hereinafter referred to as "electrostatic frictional force") is used to generate a haptic effect, thereby giving feedback to the user during operation. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following technique: a haptic output device including an electrode array disposed on a substrate and a dielectric material layer disposed on the electrode array is provided directly below a rotary knob on the upper surface of a housing, and an electrostatic adhesion force is generated between the upper surface and the rotary knob, thereby giving a haptic effect to the user.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-168104 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is the following technical problem: depending on the state of the surface of the surface that generates the electrostatic frictional force, such as the surface being wet or having foreign matter attached thereto, the obtained electrostatic frictional force changes, and a haptic effect cannot be stably given to the user.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above technical problem, and an object thereof is to provide an operating element capable of stably giving a haptic effect to a user.

[0009] Technical Solution for Solving the Technical Problem

[0010] The operating element of the present disclosure is an operating element having a fixing portion and an operating portion, the fixing portion having a shaft portion that functions as a shaft, the operating portion being mounted on the shaft portion and being rotatable about the shaft portion, and the operating element being characterized in that it includes: a plurality of rotating electrodes, which are a plurality of electrodes provided on a first fixing surface that faces the operating portion and exists in the axial direction of the fixing portion and are covered with a dielectric layer, and are capable of applying a voltage when the operating portion rotates; and a rotating conductor, which is provided on a first operating surface that is the surface of the operating portion facing the first fixing surface, and faces the plurality of rotating electrodes when the relative position between the operating portion and the fixing portion is in a preset relative position, wherein a voltage can be applied to two adjacent electrodes among the plurality of rotating electrodes.

[0011] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, a tactile effect can be stably given to a user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 Figure 1 FIG. is a diagram for explaining a structural example of the operating member of Embodiment 1. Figure 1 A is a top view of the operating member. Figure 1 B is Figure 1 a sectional view taken along line A-A of A.

[0014] Figure 2 Figure 2 A, Figure 2 B, Figure 2 C, Figure 2 D, Figure 2 E, and Figure 2 F are diagrams for explaining a detailed structural example of the electrode portion included in the operating member of Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a structural example of the tactile control device of Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the tactile control device of Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 5 is for Figure 4 an example of a detailed operation of step ST2 and step ST3 of.

[0018] Figure 6 Figure 6 FIG. is a diagram for explaining another structural example of the operating member of Embodiment 1. Figure 6 A is a top view of the operating member. Figure 6 B is Figure 6 a sectional view taken along line A-A of A.

[0019] Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining a detailed structural example of the rotary electrode portion when the operating member has a rotary electrode portion around the shaft portion of the fixing portion in Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 8 Figure 8 A, Figure 8 B, and Figure 8 C are diagrams for explaining the result that when the operating portion is in the rotational position where a tactile sensation is to be presented in Embodiment 1, the tactile control portion outputs a selection command for selecting a rotational tactile presentation waveform for presenting a tactile sensation at the rotational position, and the image of the tactile sensation presented by the operating member.​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0021] Figure 9 Figure 9 A and Figure 9 B are diagrams showing an example of the hardware structure of the touch control device of the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the structure of the operating member of Embodiment 2. Figure 10 A is a top view of the operating member. Figure 10 B is Figure 10 a sectional view taken along line A-A of A.

[0023] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the touch control device of Embodiment 2.

[0024] Figure 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the touch control device of Embodiment 2.

[0025] Figure 13 is for Figure 12 an example of the detailed operation of step ST31 and step ST41.

[0026] Figure 14 Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining another example of the structure of the operating member of Embodiment 2. Figure 14 A is a top view of the operating member. Figure 14 B is Figure 14 a sectional view taken along line A-A of A.

[0027] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the operating member that does not have a mechanism for generating electrostatic friction force with respect to the pressing of the operating portion but has a pressing detection switch in Embodiment 2.

[0028] Figure 16 is a diagram showing another example of the structure of the operating member that does not have a mechanism for generating electrostatic friction force with respect to the pressing of the operating portion but has a pressing detection switch in Embodiment 2.

[0029] Figure 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of the structure of the operating member of Embodiment 3.

[0030] Figure 18 is a diagram for explaining another example of the structure of the operating member of Embodiment 3. Figure 18 A is a top view of the operating member. Figure 18 B is Figure 18 a sectional view taken along line A-A of A. Figure 18 C is from Figure 18 ​​​​​​​​​​​​Top view of the operating member observed in the B-B direction of B.

[0031] Figure 19 is a diagram for explaining another structural example of the operating member in Embodiment 3. Figure 19 A is the top view of the operating member. Figure 19 B is Figure 19 a sectional view taken along the A-A line of A. Figure 19 C is from Figure 19 the top view of the operating member observed in the B-B direction of B.

[0032] Figure 20 is a diagram for explaining another structural example of the operating member in Embodiment 3. Figure 20 A is the top view of the operating member. Figure 20 B is Figure 20 a sectional view taken along the A-A line of A. Figure 20 C is from Figure 20 the top view of the operating member observed in the B-B direction of B.

[0033] Figure 21 is a diagram showing a structural example of the tactile control device in Embodiment 3.

[0034] Figure 22 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the tactile control device in Embodiment 3.

[0035] Figure 23 is for Figure 22 explaining an example of the detailed operation of Step ST2a and Step ST3a.

[0036] Figure 24 Figure 24 A and Figure 24 B are diagrams for explaining an example of the voltage applied to each rotational electrode portion and the resulting electrostatic force in the tactile control device in Embodiment 3 in order to generate different tactile sensations given to a user's finger or the like.

[0037] Figure 25 Figure 25 A, Figure 25 B, Figure 25 C are diagrams for explaining an example of the voltage applied to each rotational electrode portion and the resulting electrostatic force in the tactile control device in Embodiment 3 in order to present a tactile sensation corresponding to the rotational position of the operation unit in association with the HMI.

[0038] Figure 26 Figure 26 A, Figure 26 B, Figure 26 ​​​​​​​​​​​FIG. C is another example of a case where, in Embodiment 3, the haptic control device applies a voltage to each rotational electrode unit and the resulting electrostatic force in order to present a haptic sensation that is linked to the HMI and corresponds to the rotational position of the operation unit.

[0039] Figure 27 is a diagram showing a structural example of an operating member having a power supply unit inside the fixed unit in Embodiment 1. Figure 27 FIG. A is a top view of the operating member. Figure 27 FIG. B is Figure 27 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. A.

[0040] Figure 28 is a diagram showing a structural example of an operating member having a power supply unit inside the fixed unit in Embodiment 2. Figure 28 FIG. A is a top view of the operating member. Figure 28 FIG. B is Figure 28 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. A.

[0041] Figure 29 is a diagram showing another structural example of an operating member having a power supply unit inside the fixed unit in Embodiment 2. Figure 29 FIG. A is a top view of the operating member. Figure 29 FIG. B is Figure 29 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. A.

[0042] Reference numerals

[0043] 100, 100a, 100b: operating member; 1: fixed unit; 1a: shaft unit; 2: rotational electrode unit; 21: first rotational electrode; 22: second rotational electrode; 210: first pressing electrode; 220: second pressing electrode; 23, 230: dielectric layer; 3: operation unit; 4: rotational conductive elastomer; 40: pressing conductive elastomer; 5: spring; 6: pressing detection circuit; 101, 101a, 101b: haptic control device; 11: rotational detection unit; 61: pressing detection unit; 8, 8a, 8b: haptic control unit; 72, 72a, 72b: haptic waveform selection unit; 71: voltage generation circuit; 9: HMI control unit; 21a, 22a: lead wiring; 90: power supply unit; 102, 102a, 102b: haptic control system; 1001: processing circuit; 1002: input interface device; 1003: output interface device; 1004: processor; 1005: memory. Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0045] Embodiment 1. ​​​

[0046] The operating member of Embodiment 1 is provided, for example, in an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle.

[0047] The operating member of Embodiment 1 has: a fixing portion having a shaft portion that functions as a shaft; and an operating portion mounted on the shaft portion and capable of rotating about the shaft portion.

[0048] In Embodiment 1, it is set that the operating member is linked to an HMI (Human Machine Interface) that is an operation object of the operating member. For example, when a screen representing volume is displayed on a display device, a user who is a vehicle occupant can increase or decrease the volume by rotating the operating portion of the operating member. When the user rotates the operating portion to increase or decrease the volume, the display device changes the screen display so that the volume becomes larger or smaller in accordance with the rotation operation.

[0049] In Embodiment 1, when the operating portion is rotated, the operating member presents a tactile sensation during rotation based on the control of a tactile sensation control device.

[0050] First, a structural example of the operating member 100 of Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0051] Figure 1 FIG. is for explaining a structural example of the operating member 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0052] Figure 1 A is a top view of the operating member 100, Figure 1 B is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of A. In addition, for ease of explanation, Figure 1 In A, a shaft portion 1a and a conductive elastomer (hereinafter referred to as "rotary conductive elastomer") 4 provided inside the operating portion 3 of the operating member 100 are also illustrated.

[0053] The operating member 100 includes a fixing portion 1 having a shaft portion 1a and an operating portion 3. The operating portion 3 is mounted on the shaft portion 1a and can rotate about the shaft portion 1a.

[0054] One end of the shaft portion 1a is mounted on the fixing portion 1, and the operating portion 3 is mounted on the other end of the shaft portion 1a. The fixing portion 1 and the shaft portion 1a may be integrated.

[0055] In addition, in Figure 1 the operating portion 3 is mounted on one end of the shaft portion 1a on the side opposite to the fixing portion 1, but this is only an example. For example, the operating portion 3 may be mounted on the side surface of the shaft portion 1a. The operating portion 3 only needs to be mounted in a manner that does not disengage from the shaft portion 1a.

[0056] In Embodiment 1, the shaft portion 1a is disposed along the outer periphery of the fixing portion 1 on a surface (hereinafter referred to as the "first fixing surface") that faces the operating portion 3 and exists axially in the fixing portion 1. In Figure 1 B, it is shown as 1b) and has a hollow cylindrical shape. In addition, the shape of the shaft portion 1a is only an example. For example, the shaft portion 1a may also be disposed in the middle of the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 and have a columnar shape. Alternatively, for example, the fixing portion 1 having a columnar shape may also serve as the shaft portion 1a.

[0057] In addition, the operating member 100 includes a plurality of electrodes. In Embodiment 1, the plurality of electrodes are electrodes (hereinafter referred to as "rotation electrodes") used to present the tactile sensation when the operating portion 3 rotates. The plurality of rotation electrodes include a plurality of electrodes (hereinafter referred to as "first rotation electrodes") 21 and a plurality of electrodes (hereinafter referred to as "second rotation electrodes") 22.

[0058] In the following Embodiment 1, the plurality of first rotation electrodes 21 and the plurality of second rotation electrodes 22 are also collectively referred to as "the plurality of rotation electrodes".

[0059] The plurality of rotation electrodes are disposed on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 and are covered by a dielectric layer 23 (refer to the following Figure 2 ).

[0060] In Embodiment 1, the plurality of rotation electrodes and the dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotation electrodes are also collectively referred to as "the rotation electrode portion 2".

[0061] Here, Figure 2 A, Figure 2 B, and Figure 2 C are diagrams for explaining a detailed structural example of the rotation electrode portion 2 included in the operating member 100 of Embodiment 1.

[0062] In addition, Figure 2 A, Figure 2 B, and Figure 2 C are top views of the rotation electrode portion 2.

[0063] In the rotation electrode portion 2, the comb-shaped plurality of first rotation electrodes 21 and the comb-shaped plurality of second rotation electrodes 22 are arranged in such a manner that the first rotation electrodes 21 and the second rotation electrodes 22 are alternately arranged.

[0064] The comb-shaped plurality of first rotation electrodes 21 and the comb-shaped plurality of second rotation electrodes 22 are arranged concentrically. The comb-shaped plurality of first rotation electrodes 21 and the comb-shaped plurality of second rotation electrodes 22 may, for example, have a circular shape as shown in Figure 2 A and Figure 2 B, or may have a shape as shown in Figure 2The shape shown in C is formed by a triangular arrangement with the center direction of the fixing portion 1 as the vertex.

[0065] In addition, the boundary where the plurality of comb-shaped first rotating electrodes 21 face the plurality of comb-shaped second rotating electrodes 22 is not necessarily a straight line. For example, the boundary where the plurality of comb-shaped first rotating electrodes 21 face the plurality of comb-shaped second rotating electrodes 22 can be Figure 2 as shown in D, Figure 2 E, and Figure 2 F, which are rectangular or semi-circular.

[0066] The plurality of first rotating electrodes 21 and the plurality of second rotating electrodes 22 are covered by a dielectric layer 23, and the rotating electrode portion 2 is formed of, for example, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits).

[0067] Voltage can be applied to two adjacent rotating electrodes (the first rotating electrode 21 and the second rotating electrode 22) among the plurality of rotating electrodes. Each first rotating electrode 21 and each second rotating electrode 22 are respectively connected to a voltage generation circuit 71 that applies voltage to the plurality of rotating electrodes via lead wirings 21a and lead wirings 22a. The voltage generation circuit 71 includes a voltage generation circuit (1) 71a and a voltage generation circuit (2) 71b. The voltage generation circuit (1) 71a applies voltage to the plurality of first rotating electrodes 21 via the lead wirings 21a. The voltage generation circuit (2) 71b applies voltage to the plurality of second rotating electrodes 22 via the lead wirings 22a. In addition, as described above, the control of voltage application is performed by the touch feeling control device 101. A structural example of the touch feeling control device 101 will be described later.

[0068] Return to the description of Figure 1 the structural example of the operating member 100.

[0069] The operating member 100 includes a rotatable conductive elastic body 4. The rotatable conductive elastic body 4 is provided on the surface of the operating portion 3 that faces the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "first operating surface", shown as 3a in Figure 1 ), and faces the plurality of rotating electrodes.

[0070] In the first embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the rotating electrode portion 2 is provided over the entire surface of the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1. In addition, as Figure 1 shown, the rotatable conductive elastic body 4 is also provided to face the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 over the entire surface of the first operating surface of the operating portion 3.

[0071] When the operating portion 3 is rotated, the rotatable conductive elastic body 4 rotates together with the operating portion 3 around the shaft portion 1a.

[0072] As described above, a voltage can be applied to the rotation electrodes (the first rotation electrode 21 and the second rotation electrode 22) adjacent to each other among the plurality of rotation electrodes.

[0073] When a voltage is applied to the rotation electrodes, an electrostatic force that causes the rotation conductive elastomer 4 to adsorb to the plurality of rotation electrodes is generated between the plurality of rotation electrodes and the rotation conductive elastomer 4. When the operation unit 3 is rotated in a state where an electrostatic force is generated between the plurality of rotation electrodes and the rotation conductive elastomer 4, a frictional force distribution corresponding to the waveform of the touch sensation of the voltage to each rotation electrode is generated in the rotation conductive elastomer 4 with the electrostatic force as a vertical resistance. This frictional force is transmitted to the operation unit 3. Therefore, a finger or the like of a user operating the operation unit 3 is subjected to a shearing force on the plurality of rotation electrodes to which a voltage is applied via the operation unit 3, and a touch sensation can be obtained at this portion. In the first embodiment, the frictional force generated by using the force pulled by each other by the electrostatic force is referred to as "electrostatic frictional force". In addition, the touch sensation presentation waveform defines the waveform of the applied voltage.

[0074] The electrostatic frictional force is generated by using the electrostatic capacitance formed between the rotation electrodes adjacent to each other and the rotation conductive elastomer 4 facing each other across the dielectric layer 23 corresponding to the voltage difference applied to the adjacent rotation electrodes (the first rotation electrode 21 and the second rotation electrode 22). The magnitude of the electrostatic frictional force varies depending on the magnitude of the voltage applied to the adjacent rotation electrodes. The touch control device 101 can control the magnitude of the electrostatic frictional force and the associated touch sensation by controlling the voltage applied to the plurality of rotation electrodes. In addition, by providing the dielectric layer 23, the operating member 100 can achieve insulation and protection of the rotation electrodes, and a strong electrostatic frictional force can be generated even when the voltage applied to the adjacent rotation electrodes is a low voltage. Generally, the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 23 is higher than that of air, so the electrostatic capacitance formed between the adjacent rotation electrodes and the rotation conductive elastomer 4 becomes larger.

[0075] By controlling the voltage applied to each rotation electrode by the touch control device 101, the operating member 100 can present a touch sensation corresponding to the touch sensation presentation waveform.

[0076] In addition, in Embodiment 1, the operating member 100 includes the rotary conductive elastomer 4. However, the conductor included in the operating member 100 does not necessarily have to be an elastic conductor, and it may also be a non-elastic conductor. The operating member 100 only needs to include a conductor. However, as described above, in the operating member 100, an electrostatic force is generated between the plurality of rotary electrodes and the conductor. If air enters between the plurality of rotary electrodes and the conductor, the electrostatic force between the plurality of rotary electrodes and the conductor may change. As a result, the electrostatic frictional force may change. Therefore, the conductor is preferably the rotary conductive elastomer 4 having elasticity. In addition, since the rotary conductive elastomer 4 has elasticity, the tactile sensation finally transmitted to the fingers of the user operating the operation unit 3 or the like can be controlled by adjusting its elastic force. Therefore, the conductor is also preferably the rotary conductive elastomer 4 having elasticity. In addition, the rotary conductive elastomer 4 is in contact with the dielectric layer 23.

[0077] In addition, the operating member 100 includes a rotation detection circuit.

[0078] The rotation detection circuit detects the rotation of the operation unit 3. Specifically, the rotation detection circuit detects the rotation position of the operation unit 3. In Embodiment 1, the rotation detection circuit is, for example, a rotary encoder that outputs a certain number of electrical pulses according to the rotation position of the operation unit 3, and the fixing portion 1 also serves as the rotation detection circuit.

[0079] As described using Figure 1 and Figure 2 above, the operating member 100 includes: a plurality of rotary electrodes provided on a first fixing surface that faces the operation unit 3 and exists along the axial direction of the fixing portion 1 and is covered by the dielectric layer 23, and the fixing portion 1 has a shaft portion 1a that functions as a shaft; and a rotary conductive elastomer 4 provided on a first operation surface that faces the first fixing surface of the operation unit 3 and faces the plurality of rotary electrodes, and a voltage can be applied to the rotary electrodes adjacent to each other among the plurality of rotary electrodes. That is, the operating member 100 has a structure in which an electrostatic frictional force is generated inside the operation unit 3 through the plurality of rotary electrodes and the rotary conductive elastomer 4.

[0080] In recent years, as an operation panel including a switch or the like, a touch panel has gradually replaced a mechanical switch such as a rotary knob that can only provide a fixed tactile sensation and is used in many devices around us. For example, a touch panel can switch operations while being linked with an HMI, so it is used as various operation units. However, a touch panel does not have a click feeling like a mechanical switch. Therefore, the user must visually confirm whether the operation is correct. For example, as an operation during driving a car, it is not advisable for the user to be in a state where such confirmation must be made visually. Given such a background, the demand for mechanical switches remains deeply rooted.

[0081] On the other hand, in conventional mechanical switches, there are switches that can obtain a non-uniform tactile sensation, such as the mechanical switch represented by the rotary knob described in Patent Document 1 above. However, regarding the conventional mechanical switch described in Patent Document 1, for example, due to the state of the surface of the surface that generates electrostatic friction force, such as the surface being wet, the change in the distance between the electrode and the mechanical switch caused by the deformation of the mechanical switch during rotation, or foreign matter attached to the surface of the surface that generates electrostatic friction force, the obtained electrostatic friction force will change. As a result, there is a problem that the conventional mechanical switch cannot stably give a tactile effect to the user.

[0082] In contrast, as described above, the operating member 100 of Embodiment 1 has a structure that generates electrostatic friction force inside the operation unit 3. Accordingly, the operating member 100 can eliminate the influence of the state of the surface of the mounting surface of the mechanical switch, the change in the distance between the electrode and the mechanical switch caused by the deformation of the mechanical switch during rotation, or foreign matter attached to the surface of the mounting surface of the mechanical switch, which have been problems when generating electrostatic friction force between the rotation surface of the mechanical switch and the mounting surface of the mechanical switch. The operating member 100 has a structure that generates electrostatic friction force inside the operation unit 3, and thus when electrostatic friction force is generated between the operation unit 3 (more specifically, the conductive elastic body 4 for rotation) and the plurality of rotation electrodes when the operation unit 3 rotates, a stable tactile sensation can be presented regardless of the external state of the operation unit 3.

[0083] Next, a tactile sensation control device 101 that controls the voltage applied to the plurality of rotation electrodes included in the operating member 100 will be described.

[0084] Figure 3 FIG. is a diagram showing a structural example of the tactile sensation control device 101 of Embodiment 1.

[0085] The tactile sensation control device 101 is connected to the operating member 100, and the operating member 100 and the tactile sensation control device 101 constitute a tactile sensation control system 102. In addition, this is only an example. For example, the tactile sensation control device 101 may also be mounted on the operating member 100. In addition, Figure 3 for simplicity of explanation, as the structural parts included in the operating member 100, only the plurality of rotation electrodes (the plurality of first rotation electrodes 21 and the plurality of second rotation electrodes 22) are illustrated.

[0086] The tactile sensation control device 101 is connected to the HMI control unit 9. The HMI control unit 9 performs control to change the state of the HMI. The HMI control unit 9 outputs information related to the current state of the HMI (hereinafter referred to as "HMI control information") to the tactile sensation control device 101.

[0087] The touch control device 101 includes a rotation detection unit 11, a voltage generation circuit 71, a touch feeling waveform selection unit 72, and a touch control unit 8.

[0088] The rotation detection unit 11 detects the rotation of the operation unit 3 of the operating member 100. Specifically, the rotation detection unit 11 detects the rotation of the operation unit 3 by obtaining information related to the rotation of the operation unit 3 detected by the rotation detection circuit from the rotation detection circuit.

[0089] The rotation detection unit 11 outputs the detected information related to the rotation of the operation unit 3 (hereinafter referred to as "rotation information") to the touch control unit 8. The rotation information includes information related to the rotation position of the operation unit 3.

[0090] In addition, the rotation detection unit 11 also outputs rotation information to the HMI control unit 9. The HMI control unit 9 changes the state of the HMI based on the rotation information. Based on the rotation information, the HMI control unit 9 causes a screen representing the volume to be displayed such that, for example, the volume increases corresponding to the rotation position of the operation unit 3 of the operating member 100.

[0091] The touch control unit 8 outputs a selection command for a touch presentation waveform of a voltage corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72.

[0092] Specifically, the touch control unit 8 determines a touch feeling corresponding to the state of the HMI or the rotation state of the operation unit 3 based on the rotation information output from the rotation detection unit 11 and the HMI control information output from the HMI control unit 9. Then, based on the determined touch feeling, the touch control unit 8 outputs a selection command for a touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72.

[0093] An example of a method for outputting a selection command to the touch control unit 8 will be described.

[0094] For example, the touch control unit 8 determines whether the state of the HMI is a state in which a rotation operation is valid, and determines the touch feeling to be presented based on the determination result of the state of the HMI and whether the operation unit 3 is rotating. Then, the touch control unit 8 outputs a selection command for a touch presentation waveform corresponding to the determined touch feeling.

[0095] In addition, the touch control unit 8 determines whether the state of the HMI is a state in which a rotation operation is valid based on the HMI control information output from the HMI control unit 9.

[0096] Here, the so-called "state where the rotation operation of the HMI is effective" means that the state of the HMI is a state where the operation unit 3 can be operated by being rotated. For example, when the volume state under volume adjustment performed by rotating the operation unit 3 is displayed on a display device (not shown), it is in the "state where the rotation operation of the HMI is effective". On the other hand, for example, if the display device is preparing to display the volume state, since the volume state has not been displayed yet, it is not in the "state where the rotation operation of the HMI is effective".

[0097] In addition, the touch control unit 8 determines whether the operation unit 3 is rotating based on the rotation information output from the rotation detection unit 11. Furthermore, the so-called operation unit 3 is rotating means that the operation unit 3 is in the process of being rotated. The touch control unit 8 can determine whether the operation unit 3 is rotating based on whether the position of the operation unit 3 changes according to the rotation information, for example.

[0098] An example of a method for the touch control unit 8 to output a selection instruction will be described in more detail below according to the state of the HMI.

[0099] <Case (A-1)>

[0100] When the state of the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is effective

[0101] In the above <Case (A-1)>, if the operation unit 3 is rotating, the touch control unit 8 determines to present the touch feeling during rotation, and outputs a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates to the touch waveform selection unit 72.

[0102] If the operation unit 3 is not rotating, the touch control unit 8 determines not to present the touch feeling and does not output a selection instruction to the touch waveform selection unit 72.

[0103] <Case (A-2)>

[0104] When the state of the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is not effective

[0105] In the above <Case (A-2)>, the touch control unit 8 outputs a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform with the maximum static friction force to the touch waveform selection unit 72.

[0106] In addition, in Embodiment 1, it is assumed that the touch control unit 8 outputs a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform with the maximum static friction force, but this is only an example. The touch control unit 8 only needs to output a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform that generates a static friction force to such an extent that it is difficult to rotate the operation unit 3.

[0107] The touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 selects a touch feeling presentation waveform based on the selection instruction output from the touch feeling control unit 8, and outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected touch feeling presentation waveform.

[0108] Specifically, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 selects a touch feeling presentation waveform for rotation of the operation unit 3 corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates, based on the selection instruction output from the touch feeling control unit 8. In addition, the touch feeling presentation waveform for rotation of the operation unit 3 is preset and stored in the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72.

[0109] Then, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected touch feeling presentation waveform to the voltage generation circuit 71.

[0110] More specifically, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform of the voltage to be applied to each first rotation electrode 21 to the voltage generation circuit (1) 71a of the voltage generation circuit 71, and outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform of the voltage to be applied to each second rotation electrode 22 to the voltage generation circuit (2) 71b of the voltage generation circuit 71. In addition, Figure 3 the illustrations of the voltage generation circuit (1) 71a and the voltage generation circuit (2) 71b are omitted.

[0111] The voltage generation circuit 71 applies the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform selected by the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 to the plurality of rotation electrodes based on the application instruction output from the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72.

[0112] More specifically, the voltage generation circuit (1) 71a applies the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform selected by the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 to each first rotation electrode 21. The voltage generation circuit (2) 71b applies the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform selected by the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 to each second rotation electrode 22.

[0113] The voltage signal of the voltage applied to each first rotation electrode 21 and the voltage signal of the voltage applied to each second rotation electrode 22 are combined to generate an amplitude modulation signal. In the region where the electrostatic capacitance between the plurality of electrodes and the rotation conductive elastic body 4 is formed, the charging and discharging according to this amplitude modulation signal are repeated.

[0114] In addition, here as Figure 3 shown, it is assumed that the voltage generation circuit 71 is provided in the touch feeling control device 101, but this is only an example. The voltage generation circuit 71 may be provided outside the touch feeling control device 101 and connected to the touch feeling control device 101 outside the touch feeling control device 101.

[0115] The operation of the touch feeling control device 101 of Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0116] Figure 4 This is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the tactile control device 101 in Embodiment 1.

[0117] The rotation detection unit 11 detects the rotation of the operation unit 3 (step ST1).

[0118] The rotation detection unit 11 outputs the rotation information to the tactile control unit 8. In addition, the rotation detection unit 11 also outputs the rotation information to the HMI control unit 9.

[0119] The tactile control unit 8 outputs a selection instruction for a tactile presentation waveform of a voltage corresponding to the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 rotates to the tactile waveform selection unit 72 (step ST2).

[0120] The tactile waveform selection unit 72 selects a tactile presentation waveform based on the selection instruction output from the tactile control unit 8. Then, the tactile waveform selection unit 72 outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected tactile presentation waveform to the voltage generation circuit 71 (step ST3). The voltage generation circuit 71 applies the voltage under the tactile presentation waveform selected by the tactile waveform selection unit 72 to the plurality of rotation electrodes based on the application instruction output from the tactile waveform selection unit 72.

[0121] Figure 5 For Figure 4 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the detailed operations of steps ST2 and ST3.

[0122] The tactile control unit 8 determines whether the state as the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is valid based on the HMI control information output from the HMI control unit 9 (step ST21).

[0123] In step ST21, when it is determined that the state as the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is valid (when the result of step ST21 is "Yes"), the tactile control unit 8 determines whether the operation unit 3 is rotating based on the rotation information output from the rotation detection unit 11 (step ST22).

[0124] In step ST22, when it is determined that the operation unit 3 is rotating (when the result of step ST22 is "Yes"), the tactile control unit 8 outputs a selection instruction for a tactile presentation waveform of a voltage corresponding to the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 rotates to the tactile waveform selection unit 72.

[0125] The tactile waveform selection unit 72 selects a tactile presentation waveform corresponding to the tactile sensation during rotation based on the selection instruction output from the tactile control unit 8 (step ST23).

[0126] Then, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 outputs an application instruction of a voltage under a touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling during rotation to the voltage generation circuit 71. The voltage generation circuit 71 applies the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform selected by the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 to a plurality of rotation electrodes.

[0127] In step ST22, when it is determined that the operation unit 3 is not rotating (when the result in step ST22 is "no"), the touch feeling control unit 8 does not output a selection instruction. That is, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 does not select a touch feeling presentation waveform (step ST24). The voltage generation circuit 71 does not apply a voltage to the plurality of rotation electrodes.

[0128] In step ST21, when it is not determined that the state as the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is effective (when the result in step ST21 is "no"), that is, when the state as the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is not effective, the touch feeling control unit 8 outputs a selection instruction of a touch feeling presentation waveform in which the electrostatic frictional force becomes maximum to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72.

[0129] The touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 selects a touch feeling presentation waveform in which the electrostatic frictional force becomes maximum for the voltage generation circuit 71. Then, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 outputs an application instruction of a voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform in which the electrostatic frictional force becomes maximum to the voltage generation circuit 71 (step ST25). The voltage generation circuit 71 applies the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform selected by the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 to the plurality of rotation electrodes.

[0130] In this way, the touch feeling control device 101 of Embodiment 1 is configured as follows: It outputs a selection instruction of a touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 of the operating member 100 rotates, and when a rotation touch feeling presentation waveform is selected based on the selection instruction, it outputs an application instruction for applying the voltage under the selected touch feeling presentation waveform. Accordingly, the touch feeling control device 101 can control the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 of the operating member 100 rotates.

[0131] The touch feeling control device 101 can cause the operating member 100 to present a touch feeling corresponding to the touch feeling presentation waveform by controlling the applied voltage to the plurality of rotation electrodes. That is, the touch feeling control device 101 can cause the operating member 100 to present the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates. The operating member 100 can present the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates.

[0132] In addition, the touch feeling control device 101 of Embodiment 1 outputs a selection instruction of a touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the state of the HMI that is the object of the rotation operation of the operation unit 3, and outputs an application instruction for applying the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform selected based on the selection instruction. Accordingly, the touch feeling control device 101 can cause the operating member 100 to present a touch feeling linked with the HMI. The operating member 100 can present a touch feeling linked with the HMI.

[0133] In addition, in the above-described Embodiment 1, a rotary encoder is given as an example of the rotation detection circuit, but this is merely an example. The rotation detection circuit may be an electric rotation detection circuit that detects using electrostatic capacitance, or may be a rotation detection circuit that optically detects rotation.

[0134] Further, in the above-described Embodiment 1, a plurality of rotation electrodes are provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1, and the plurality of rotation electrodes and the rotation conductive elastic body 4 are arranged so as to face each other in the pressing direction of the operation portion 3, in other words, in the axial direction, but it is not limited thereto.

[0135] For example, as Figure 6 A and Figure 6 B show, in the operating member 100, in addition to facing each other in the axial direction, the plurality of rotation electrodes and the rotation conductive elastic body 4 may be arranged so as to face each other around the shaft portion 1a. In this case, the operating member 100 includes, in addition to the plurality of rotation electrodes provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 ( Figure 6 shown as 1b in Figure 6 B) and covered by the dielectric layer 23, a plurality of rotation electrodes provided around the shaft portion 1a and covered by the dielectric layer 23. The rotation conductive elastic body 4 is provided on the first operating surface of the operation portion 3 ( Figure 6 shown as 3a in

[0136] Figure 6 A is a top view of the operating member 100, Figure 6 B is a Figure 6 A-A cross-sectional view of Figure 6 A. For ease of explanation, in Figure 6 A, the shaft portion 1a, the dielectric layer 23, and the rotation conductive elastic body 4 provided inside the operation portion 3 of the operating member 100 are also illustrated. In addition, Figure 1 the difference between the illustrated operating member 100 and the

[0137] In addition, in Figure 6 A and Figure 6In B, for example, the dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotary electrodes disposed on the first fixed surface of the fixed portion 1 and the dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotary electrodes disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the shaft portion 1a are the common dielectric layer 23. This is merely an example. For example, in the operating member 100, the dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotary electrodes disposed on the first fixed surface of the fixed portion 1 and the dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotary electrodes disposed around the shaft portion 1a may also be provided separately.

[0138] In addition, in Figure 6 A and Figure 6 B, as an example, a plurality of rotary electrodes covered by the dielectric layer 23 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the shaft portion 1a, but this is merely an example. For example, a plurality of rotary electrodes covered by the dielectric layer 23 may also be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 1a. In addition, in this case, in addition to the dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotary electrodes disposed on the first fixed surface of the fixed portion 1, a dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotary electrodes disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 1a is provided separately.

[0139] In addition, for example, a plurality of rotary electrodes covered by the dielectric layer 23 may also be provided on the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 1a.

[0140] The detailed structure of the rotary electrode portion 2 disposed on the first fixed surface of the fixed portion 1 is as described using Figure 2 and thus the detailed description is omitted.

[0141] Here, Figure 7 FIG. is a diagram for explaining a detailed structure example of the rotary electrode portion 2 in the case where the operating member 100 also includes the rotary electrode portion 2 around the shaft portion 1a of the fixed portion 1 in the first embodiment.

[0142] In addition, Figure 7 As a developed view of the rotary electrode portion 2. In Figure 7 the upper side in the figure is the upper surface side of the operating member 100.

[0143] In the rotary electrode portion 2, a plurality of first rotary electrodes 21 in a comb shape and a plurality of second rotary electrodes 22 in a comb shape are provided in such a manner that the first rotary electrodes 21 and the second rotary electrodes 22 are alternately arranged.

[0144] Voltages can be applied to two adjacent electrodes (the first rotating electrode 21 and the second rotating electrode 22) among a plurality of rotating electrodes. Each first rotating electrode 21 and each second rotating electrode 22 are respectively connected to a voltage generation circuit 71 that applies voltage to the plurality of rotating electrodes via lead wirings 21a and lead wirings 22a. In addition, the control of the voltage applied to the plurality of rotating electrodes provided around the shaft portion 1a of the fixed portion 1 is the same as the control of the voltage applied to the plurality of rotating electrodes provided on the first fixed surface of the fixed portion 1, and is performed by the touch control device 101.

[0145] In this way, in the first embodiment, the operating member 100 may have a structure in which a plurality of rotating electrodes and the rotating conductive elastomer 4 face each other, and there are two or more portions where electrostatic frictional force is generated. Specifically, the operating member 100 may be configured as follows: in addition to including a plurality of rotating electrodes provided on the first fixed surface of the fixed portion 1 and covered by the dielectric layer 23, it further includes a plurality of rotating electrodes provided around the shaft portion 1a and covered by the dielectric layer 23. The rotating conductive elastomer 4 is provided on the first operating surface of the operating portion 3 and is also provided on the surface of the operating portion 3 facing the shaft portion 1a.

[0146] Accordingly, with respect to the operating member 100, compared with the case where only a plurality of rotating electrodes provided on the first fixed surface of the fixed portion 1 and covered by the dielectric layer 23 are provided, the area where the plurality of rotating electrodes face the rotating conductive elastomer 4 can be increased. That is to say, the operating member 100 can increase the portions where electrostatic force is generated. As a result, the operating member 100 can generate a greater electrostatic frictional force.

[0147] In addition, compared with providing a plurality of rotating electrodes around the shaft portion 1a, the case of providing a plurality of rotating electrodes on the first fixed surface of the fixed portion 1 is a simpler method of setting.

[0148] In addition, in the above first embodiment, the touch control device 101 can make the operating member 100 present various touch sensations when the operating portion 3 rotates by controlling the applied voltage.

[0149] For example, the touch control device 101 can make the touch sensation that the operating portion 3 of the operating member 100 becomes heavier as it rotates. Specifically, in the touch control device 101, when the touch control unit 8 detects that the operating portion 3 is rotated, it outputs a selection instruction for a touch presentation waveform that presents a touch sensation that becomes heavier in accordance with the duration of the rotation of the operating portion 3 to the touch waveform selection unit 72. The touch waveform selection unit 72 selects a touch presentation waveform that presents a touch sensation that becomes heavier in accordance with the duration of the rotation of the operating portion 3 based on the selection instruction output from the touch control unit 8. In addition, the touch waveform selection unit 72 stores touch presentation waveforms for rotation in various modes.

[0150] In this way, for example, by enabling a selection instruction that outputs a haptic rendering waveform corresponding to the rotation amount of the operation unit 3, the haptic control device 101 can cause the operating member 100 to present a haptic sensation corresponding to the rotation amount of the operation unit 3, or perform torque control on the operating member 100 corresponding to the rotation amount of the operation unit 3.

[0151] Not limited to the above method, for example, by configuring the structure of the operating member 100 such that the area where a plurality of rotating electrodes face the rotating conductive elastomer 4 changes corresponding to the rotation amount of the operation unit 3, the operating member 100 can also present various haptic sensations.

[0152] Specifically, for example, the operating member 100 can also present a haptic sensation in which the haptic intensity, rotational torque, or pressing force of the operation unit 3 changes as the area changes by having a structure that changes the area where a plurality of rotating electrodes disposed around the shaft portion 1a and covered with a dielectric layer face the rotating conductive elastomer 4.

[0153] In this way, in the above-described first embodiment, for example, by configuring the structure of the operating member 100 such that the area where a plurality of rotating electrodes face the rotating conductive elastomer 4 changes corresponding to the rotation amount of the operation unit 3, the operating member 100 can present various haptic sensations.

[0154] In addition, for example, regarding the lightness or heaviness of the rotation of the operation unit 3, whether it is controlled linearly or becomes larger when the rotation amount reaches a certain amount or more, the operating member 100 can be controlled by the area where a plurality of rotating electrodes face the rotating conductive elastomer 4. Therefore, the haptic control device 101 can control the haptic strength of the operating member 100 while reducing the number of haptic rendering waveform patterns of the voltage applied to the operating member 100.

[0155] In addition, in the haptic control device 101 of the above-described first embodiment, the haptic control unit 8 can also output a selection instruction for a haptic rendering waveform corresponding to the haptic sensation corresponding to the rotation position of the operation unit 3 to the haptic waveform selection unit 72 based on the rotation information. In addition, the rotation information includes information related to the rotation position of the operation unit 3. The haptic control unit 8 can grasp the rotation position to which the operation unit 3 is currently rotated based on the rotation information.

[0156] For example, when the operation unit 3 is at a rotation position where a haptic sensation is to be presented, the haptic control unit 8 outputs a selection instruction to the haptic waveform selection unit 72 to select a rotational haptic rendering waveform for presenting a haptic sensation at the rotation position.

[0157] Here, Figure 8 A, Figure 8 B and Figure 8FIG. C shows the result that in the above-described Embodiment 1, when the operation unit 3 is in the rotational position where the tactile sensation is to be presented, the tactile sensation control unit 8 outputs a selection instruction to the tactile sensation waveform selection unit 72 to select a rotational tactile sensation presentation waveform for presenting the tactile sensation at this rotational position, and the image of the tactile sensation presented by the operating member 100.

[0158] For example, assume that on the display device of the HMI which is the operation object of the operating member 100, a screen indicating the volume adjusted in 13 levels is displayed. In the tactile sensation control device 101, the tactile sensation control unit 8 detects, based on the HMI control information, that the current state of the display device is a state where the rotational operation of the operation unit 3 is effective for the 13-level volume adjustment. In addition, the tactile sensation control unit 8 detects, based on the rotational information, whether the operation unit 3 is rotated and to which position it is rotated. When the tactile sensation control unit 8 detects that the operation unit 3 is rotated to the rotational position indicating the above-described 13-level volume, the tactile sensation control unit 8 outputs a selection instruction to the tactile sensation waveform selection unit 72 to select a rotational tactile sensation presentation waveform for presenting the tactile sensation at the rotational position indicating the 13-level volume. The tactile sensation waveform selection unit 72 selects a tactile sensation presentation waveform based on the selection instruction, and outputs an application instruction to the voltage generation circuit 71 to apply the voltage under the selected tactile sensation presentation waveform. As a result, the tactile sensation control device 101 can cause the operating member 100 to present a vibration sensation as the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 is at the rotational position indicating the above-described 13-level volume (see Figure 8 801 in A).

[0159] In addition, for example, assume that in the operating member 100, the operation unit 3 can only be rotated to a certain angle. In the tactile sensation control device 101, when the tactile sensation control unit 8 detects, based on the rotational information, that the operation unit 3 is rotated and the operation unit 3 is rotated to the position where it cannot be rotated any further, the tactile sensation control unit 8 outputs a selection instruction to the tactile sensation waveform selection unit 72 to select a rotational tactile sensation presentation waveform for which the electrostatic frictional force becomes maximum at this position. The tactile sensation waveform selection unit 72 selects a tactile sensation presentation waveform based on the selection instruction, and outputs an application instruction to the voltage generation circuit 71 to apply the voltage under the selected tactile sensation presentation waveform. As a result, when the operation unit 3 is rotated to the position where it cannot be rotated any further, the tactile sensation control device 101 can cause the operating member 100 to present an adsorption stop sensation as the tactile sensation (see Figure 8 802 in B).

[0160] In addition, for example, assume that on the display device of the HMI which is the operation object of the operating member 100, a switching screen of the operation mode is displayed. The operation mode is switched by rotating the operation unit 3 to a set position. In the tactile sensation control device 101, the tactile sensation control unit 8 detects, based on the HMI control information, that the current state of the HMI is a state where the rotational operation of the operation unit 3 is effective for the switching of the operation mode.

[0161] In addition, when the touch control unit 8 detects, based on the rotation information, that the operation unit 3 is rotated and rotated to a rotation position where the operation mode can be switched, the touch control unit 8 outputs a selection instruction to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 to select a touch feeling presentation waveform for rotation that presents a touch feeling for a certain period of time. The touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 selects a touch feeling presentation waveform based on the selection instruction and outputs an application instruction to the voltage generation circuit 71 to apply a voltage under the selected touch feeling presentation waveform. As a result, when the operation unit 3 is located at the rotation position where the above operation mode can be switched, the touch control device 101 can cause the operating member 100 to present a sense of crossing as a touch feeling (refer to Figure 8 803 of C).

[0162] In this way, by enabling the output of a selection instruction for a touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling corresponding to the rotation position of the operation unit 3, the touch control device 101 can cause the operating member 100 to present a touch feeling corresponding to the rotation position of the operation unit 3, or perform torque control on the operating member 100 corresponding to the rotation position of the operation unit 3.

[0163] In addition, in the above-described first embodiment, for example, as the operating member 100, a structure without a rotation detection circuit can also be adopted. In this case, the touch control device 101 does not necessarily have to include the rotation detection unit 11. For example, in the touch control device 101, when the power supply to the touch control device 101 is turned on, the touch control unit 8 outputs a selection instruction to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 to select a touch feeling presentation waveform for rotation.

[0164] In addition, in this case, for the operation of the touch control device 101 described in the flowchart using Figure 4 the processing of step ST1 can be omitted.

[0165] In addition, in the above-described first embodiment, it is assumed that the operating member 100 is linked to the HMI, but this is only an example. The operating member 100 does not necessarily have to be linked to the HMI.

[0166] In addition, in the above-described first embodiment, the operation unit 3 included in the operating member 100 is assumed to have a cylindrical shape, but this is only an example. The operation unit 3 can adopt an appropriate shape. As the operation unit 3, it is sufficient that the operation unit 3 is a shaft portion 1a mounted on the fixing portion 1 included in the operating member 100 and can rotate about the shaft portion 1a, and the operation unit 3 has an elastic body that at least faces a plurality of rotation electrodes provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1. For example, the operation unit 3 can adopt a hollow shape. For example, the fixing portion 1 and the operation unit 3 can be made into a hollow structure, and the operating member 100 can have a donut shape.

[0167] In addition, in the above-described first embodiment, as Figure 2As shown, the rotating electrode portion 2 is arranged to cover the entire surface of the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1, but this is only an example. For example, the rotating electrode portion 2 may also be arranged to cover a part of the first fixing surface, such as half of the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1. At this time, for example, in a state where the operating member 100 is not rotated, the rotating conductive elastic body 4 may be provided on the first operating surface of the operating portion 3 that faces the surface of the first fixing surface where the rotating electrode portion 2 is not arranged. In addition, the shape of the rotating electrode portion 2 is not limited to a circle, and may be, for example, a semicircle or a rectangle.

[0168] In addition, in the above Embodiment 1, the rotating conductive elastic body 4 is provided so as to face the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 over the entire surface of the first operating surface of the operating portion 3, but this is only an example. The rotating conductive elastic body 4 does not have to face the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 over the entire surface of the first operating surface of the operating portion 3, and the rotating conductive elastic body 4 can have various shapes such as a circle, a semicircle, a quadrilateral, a triangle, and a sector.

[0169] In this way, in the above Embodiment 1, the rotating conductive elastic body 4 does not have to always face the plurality of rotating electrodes.

[0170] In addition, similarly, regarding the rotating electrode portion 2 (refer to Figure 7 ) arranged around the shaft portion 1a, it does not have to be arranged over the entire circumference around the shaft portion 1a, but may be arranged over a part of the circumference around the shaft portion 1a. At this time, for example, in a state where the operating member 100 is not rotated, the rotating conductive elastic body 4 may be provided on the surface of the operating portion 3 that faces the surface around the shaft portion 1a where the rotating electrode portion 2 is not arranged.

[0171] In Embodiment 1, the rotating conductive elastic body 4 and the plurality of rotating electrodes only need to face each other when the relative position between the operating portion 3 and the fixing portion 1 is in a preset relative position. The preset relative position between the operating portion 3 and the fixing portion 1 where the rotating conductive elastic body 4 faces the plurality of rotating electrodes means the relative position between the operating portion 3 and the fixing portion 1 in a state where the operating portion 3 has been rotated.

[0172] In addition, in the above Embodiment 1, for example, as Figure 2 shown, the plurality of rotating electrodes include a plurality of first rotating electrodes 21 and a plurality of second rotating electrodes 22, but this is only an example. As long as at least two rotating electrodes are provided. In the operating member 100, as long as at least two adjacent rotating electrodes can be applied with a voltage.

[0173] Figure 9 A and Figure 9 B are diagrams showing an example of the hardware structure of the touch control device 101 according to Embodiment 1.

[0174] In Embodiment 1, the functions of the rotation detection unit 11, the touch feeling control unit 8, and the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 are implemented by the processing circuit 1001. That is, the touch feeling control device 101 includes the processing circuit 1001, and the processing circuit 1001 is configured to control the magnitude of the electrostatic friction force by controlling the voltage applied to the plurality of rotation electrodes, and control the accompanying touch feeling.

[0175] The processing circuit 1001 can be Figure 9 as shown in A, dedicated hardware, or can be Figure 9 as shown in B, a processor 1004 that executes a program stored in a memory.

[0176] When the processing circuit 1001 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 1001 corresponds to, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0177] When the processing circuit is the processor 1004, the functions of the rotation detection unit 11, the touch feeling control unit 8, and the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is described as a program and stored in the memory 1005. The processor 1004 reads and executes the program stored in the memory 1005 to execute the functions of the rotation detection unit 11, the touch feeling control unit 8, and the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72. That is, the touch feeling control device 101 includes the memory 1005 for storing a program, and when the program is executed by the processor 1004, the result is to execute the above Figure 4 steps ST1 to ST3. In addition, it can also be said that the program stored in the memory 1005 causes a computer to execute the process or method of the rotation detection unit 11, the touch feeling control unit 8, and the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72. Here, the memory 1005 corresponds to, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic disk, a floppy disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc.

[0178] In addition, regarding the functions of the rotation detection unit 11, the touch control unit 8, and the touch waveform selection unit 72, part of them can be implemented by dedicated hardware and part by software or firmware. For example, regarding the rotation detection unit 11, its function can be implemented by the processing circuit 1001 which is dedicated hardware. Regarding the touch control unit 8 and the touch waveform selection unit 72, their functions can be implemented by the processor 1004 reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 1005.

[0179] In addition, the touch control device 101 includes a voltage generation circuit 71.

[0180] In addition, the touch control device 101 includes an input interface device 1002 and an output interface device 1003 for performing wired communication or wireless communication with devices such as the operating member 100 or the HMI control unit 9.

[0181] In the above-described first embodiment, the touch control device 101 can be mounted on the operating member 100 or can be provided in a server. In addition, part of the rotation detection unit 11, the touch control unit 8, and the touch waveform selection unit 72 can be provided in the server, and the other parts can be provided in the operating member 100.

[0182] As described above, the operating member 100 of the first embodiment is an operating member 100 having a fixing portion 1 and an operating portion. The fixing portion 1 has a shaft portion 1a that functions as a shaft. The operating portion is mounted on the shaft portion 1a and can rotate around the shaft portion 1a. The operating member 100 includes: a plurality of rotating electrodes which are a plurality of electrodes provided on the first fixing surface that faces the operating portion 3 and exists along the axial direction of the fixing portion 1 and are covered by a dielectric layer, and can apply a voltage when the operating portion 3 rotates; and a rotating conductor (rotating conductive elastomer 4) provided on the first operating surface which is the surface of the operating portion 3 facing the first fixing surface, and is opposed to the plurality of rotating electrodes when the relative position between the operating portion 3 and the fixing portion 1 is in a preset relative position. Among them, voltages can be applied to two adjacent electrodes among the plurality of rotating electrodes.

[0183] Accordingly, the operating member 100 can stably present a sense of touch. As a result, the operating member 100 can stably give a tactile effect to the user.

[0184] In addition, the tactile sensation control device 101 of Embodiment 1 is a tactile sensation control device 101 that controls the tactile sensation when rotating an operation unit 3 of an operation member 100 that has a fixing unit 1 having a shaft portion 1a that functions as a shaft and an operation member 100 that is mounted on the shaft portion 1a and can rotate around the shaft portion 1a, and is configured to include: a tactile sensation control unit 8 that outputs a selection instruction for a tactile sensation presentation waveform of a voltage corresponding to the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 rotates; and a tactile sensation waveform selection unit 72 that selects a tactile sensation presentation waveform based on the selection instruction output from the tactile sensation control unit 8 and outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected tactile sensation presentation waveform.

[0185] Accordingly, the tactile sensation control device 101 can cause the operation member 100 to present a stable tactile sensation. As a result, the tactile sensation control device 101 can stably give a tactile effect to the user with the operation member 100.

[0186] Embodiment 2.

[0187] In Embodiment 1, as the operation member, an operation member having an operation unit that can rotate around the shaft portion of the fixing unit is adopted.

[0188] In Embodiment 2, an embodiment in which the operation member is an operation member having an operation unit that can rotate around the shaft portion of the fixing unit and can be pressed in the direction of the shaft portion will be described.

[0189] In addition, the operation member of Embodiment 2 is provided, for example, in an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, similarly to the operation member of Embodiment 1.

[0190] The operation member of Embodiment 2 is linked to the HMI that is the operation object of the operation member. For example, when a screen indicating volume is displayed on the display device, a user who is a vehicle occupant can increase or decrease the volume by rotating the operation unit of the operation member. When the user rotates the operation unit to increase or decrease the volume, the display device changes the screen display, for example, so that the volume increases or decreases in accordance with the rotation operation. In addition, for example, when selection buttons such as "Yes" or "No" are displayed on the display device, the user can execute the pressing of the selection button by pressing the operation unit of the operation member. When the user executes the pressing of the selection button, the display device displays a screen indicating that the selection button has been executed, for example.

[0191] In Embodiment 2, when the operation unit is rotated or pressed, the operation member presents a tactile sensation during rotation or pressing based on the control of the tactile sensation control device.

[0192] First, a structural example of the operation member of Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0193] Figure 10This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the operating tool 100 a according to the second embodiment.

[0194] Figure 10 A is a top view of the operating member 100a. Figure 10 B is Figure 10 In addition, for the sake of convenience, Figure 10 A also shows the shaft portion 1 a and the conductive elastic body 4 for rotation provided inside the operating portion 3 of the operating tool 100 a .

[0195] The operating tool 100 a according to the second embodiment includes a fixing portion 1 and an operating portion 3 .

[0196] In the second embodiment, the fixing portion 1 included in the operating tool 100 a includes a first fixing portion 1 - 1 and a second fixing portion 1 - 2 .

[0197] The first fixing part 1-1 has a shaft 1a and is a fixing part 1 that can be pressed in the direction of the shaft 1a together with the operating part 3. In the second embodiment, the shaft 1a includes a shaft 1a to which the operating part 3 is attached (hereinafter referred to as the "first shaft". Figure 10 B) and the first fixing surface (indicated by 1a-1 in FIG. Figure 10 The shaft portion 1a (hereinafter referred to as the "second shaft portion") existing on the side opposite to the first shaft portion (indicated by 1b in B). Figure 10 The operating part 3 is mounted on the first shaft portion, and can rotate around the first shaft portion and can be pressed in the axial direction. One end of the first shaft portion is mounted on the first fixing portion 1-1, and the operating part 3 is mounted on the other end of the first shaft portion.

[0198] The second fixing portion 1-2 has a surface (hereinafter referred to as a "second fixing surface") facing the surface of the first fixing portion 1-1 on the side opposite to the first fixing surface. Figure 10 1-2a in the figure) and the surface opposite to the second shaft portion of the first fixing portion 1-1 (hereinafter referred to as the "shaft side surface". Figure 10 1-2b).

[0199] In addition, Figure 10 In the embodiment, the operating part 3 is mounted on the end of the shaft part 1a (specifically, the first shaft part) on the opposite side of the fixing part 1 (specifically, the first fixing part 1-1), but this is only an example. For example, the operating part 3 can be mounted on the side of the shaft part 1a. The operating part 3 can be mounted in a manner that does not separate from the shaft part 1a.

[0200] The operation portion 3 can be pressed toward the second fixing portion 1 - 2 in the axial direction together with the first fixing portion 1 - 1 .

[0201] In Embodiment 2, the first shaft portion is provided along the outer periphery of the first fixing portion 1-1 on the first fixing surface that axially exists in the first fixing portion 1-1 and faces the operation portion 3, and has a hollow cylindrical shape. In addition, the shape of the first shaft portion is only an example, and the first shaft portion may also be provided, for example, in the middle of the first fixing surface of the first fixing portion 1-1 and have a columnar shape. Further, for example, the columnar first fixing portion 1-1 may have a structure that also serves as the first shaft portion.

[0202] In addition, in Embodiment 2, the second shaft portion is provided along the outer periphery of the first fixing portion 1-1 on the surface of the first fixing portion 1-1 opposite to the first fixing surface, and has a hollow cylindrical shape. In addition, the shape of the second shaft portion is only an example, and the second shaft portion may also be provided, for example, in the middle of the first fixing surface of the first fixing portion 1-1 and have a columnar shape. Further, for example, the columnar first fixing portion 1-1 may have a structure that also serves as the second shaft portion.

[0203] The second fixing portion 1-2 is provided inside the second shaft portion below the first fixing portion 1-1 of the operating member 100a.

[0204] In addition, the operating member 100a includes a plurality of rotation electrodes used to present the touch feeling when the operation portion 3 rotates and a plurality of electrodes (hereinafter referred to as "pressing electrodes") used to present the touch feeling when the operation portion 3 is pressed.

[0205] The plurality of rotation electrodes include a plurality of first rotation electrodes 21 and a plurality of second rotation electrodes 22.

[0206] The plurality of rotation electrodes are provided on the first fixing surface of the first fixing portion 1-1 and covered by the dielectric layer 23. In Embodiment 2, the plurality of rotation electrodes and the dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotation electrodes are also collectively referred to as "rotation electrode portion 2". The detailed structural example of the rotation electrode portion 2 in Embodiment 2 is the same as the detailed structural example of the rotation electrode portion 2 including the plurality of rotation electrodes provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 and the dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotation electrodes described in Embodiment 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are added and repeated descriptions are omitted. Figure 2 The detailed structural example of the rotation electrode portion 2 described in Embodiment 1, which includes the plurality of rotation electrodes provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 and the dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotation electrodes, is the same. Therefore, the same reference numerals are added and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0207] The plurality of pressing electrodes include a plurality of electrodes (hereinafter referred to as "first pressing electrodes") 210 and a plurality of electrodes (hereinafter referred to as "second pressing electrodes") 220.

[0208] A plurality of pressing electrodes are disposed on the surface of the second shaft portion of the first fixing portion 1-1 on the side of the second fixing portion 1-2 and are covered by the dielectric layer 230. The plurality of pressing electrodes can apply a voltage when the pressing operation portion 3 is pressed. In Embodiment 2, the plurality of pressing electrodes and the dielectric layer 230 covering the plurality of pressing electrodes are also collectively referred to as the "pressing electrode portion 200". A detailed structural example of the pressing electrode portion 200 of Embodiment 2 is as follows: In Embodiment 1, the Figure 7 detailed structural example of the rotary electrode portion 2 described, including a plurality of rotary electrodes disposed around the shaft portion 1a and the dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotary electrodes, the plurality of rotary electrodes are replaced with a plurality of pressing electrodes, and the dielectric layer 23 is replaced with the dielectric layer 230.

[0209] Voltages can be applied to two adjacent pressing electrodes (the first pressing electrode 210 and the second pressing electrode 220) among the plurality of pressing electrodes. Each first pressing electrode 210 and each second pressing electrode 220 are respectively connected to a voltage generation circuit 71 that applies a voltage to the plurality of pressing electrodes via the lead-out wiring 21a and the lead-out wiring 22b. The voltage generation circuit 71 includes a voltage generation circuit (1) 71a and a voltage generation circuit (2) 71b. The voltage generation circuit (1) 71a applies a voltage to the plurality of first pressing electrodes 210 via the lead-out wiring 21a. The voltage generation circuit (2) 71b applies a voltage to the plurality of second pressing electrodes 220 via the lead-out wiring 22b.

[0210] In addition, in Embodiment 2, the control of applying voltages to the plurality of rotary electrodes and the plurality of pressing electrodes is performed by the haptic control device 101a. A structural example of the haptic control device 101a will be described later.

[0211] In the following description, the plurality of rotary electrodes and the plurality of pressing electrodes are also collectively referred to as the "plurality of electrodes" for simplicity.

[0212] Return to the Figure 10 description of the structural example of the operating member 100a.

[0213] The operating member 100a includes a rotary conductive elastomer 4 and a conductive elastomer (hereinafter referred to as the "pressing conductive elastomer") 40.

[0214] The function of the rotary conductive elastomer 4 is the same as that of the rotary conductive elastomer 4 in Embodiment 1, so the same reference numeral is added. The rotary conductive elastomer 4 is disposed on the first operating surface (shown as 3a in Figure 10 B) of the operating portion 3 opposite to the first fixing surface (shown as 1b in Figure 10 B) of the first fixing portion 1-1 and is opposite to the plurality of rotary electrodes.

[0215] In Embodiment 2, as Figure 10 shown, the rotating electrode portion 2 is provided over the entire surface of the first fixing surface of the first fixing portion 1-1. Further, as Figure 10 shown, the rotating conductive elastic body 4 is also provided to face the first fixing portion 1-1 over the entire surface of the first operating surface of the operating portion 3.

[0216] When the operating portion 3 is rotated, the rotating conductive elastic body 4 rotates together with the operating portion 3 about the shaft portion 1a, and when the operating portion 3 is pressed, the rotating conductive elastic body 4 is pressed together with the operating portion 3 in the direction of the shaft portion 1a.

[0217] The pressing conductive elastic body 40 is provided on the shaft side surface of the second fixing portion 1-2 (shown as 1-2b in Figure 10 B), and faces a plurality of pressing electrodes when the relative position between the operating portion 3 and the second fixing portion 1-2 is in a preset relative position.

[0218] In addition, in the operating member 100a shown in Figure 10 , the pressing conductive elastic body 40 and the plurality of pressing electrodes face each other only in a certain amount of area in the state where the operating portion 3 is not pressed, and face each other as a whole in the state where the operating portion 3 is pressed. In this way, the pressing conductive elastic body 40 and the plurality of pressing electrodes do not need to always face each other as a whole. In Embodiment 2, the pressing conductive elastic body 40 and the plurality of pressing electrodes only need to face each other when the relative position between the operating portion 3 and the second fixing portion 1-2 is in a preset relative position. In the operating member 100a shown in Figure 10 , the preset relative position between the operating portion 3 and the second fixing portion 1-2 where the pressing conductive elastic body 40 and the plurality of pressing electrodes face each other means the relative position between the operating portion 3 and the second fixing portion 1-2 in the state where the second fixing portion 1-2 and the operating portion 3 are pressed together.

[0219] In Embodiment 2, as described above, it is possible to apply a voltage to electrodes adjacent to each other among a plurality of electrodes (a plurality of rotating electrodes, a plurality of pressing electrodes) (the first rotating electrode 21 and the second rotating electrode 22, the first pressing electrode 210 and the second pressing electrode 220).

[0220] When voltages are applied to a plurality of electrodes, an electrostatic force that causes the conductive elastomer (the conductive elastomer 4 for rotation or the conductive elastomer 40 for pressing) to adsorb to the plurality of electrodes is generated between the plurality of electrodes and the conductive elastomer. When the operation unit 3 is rotated or pressed in a state where an electrostatic force is generated between the plurality of electrodes and the conductive elastomer, using the electrostatic force as a vertical resistance, a frictional force distribution corresponding to the waveform of the touch sensation of the voltage applied to each electrode is generated in the conductive elastomer. This frictional force, that is, the electrostatic frictional force, is transmitted to the operation unit 3. Therefore, a user's finger or the like operating the operation unit 3 receives a shearing force on the plurality of electrodes to which a voltage is applied via the operation unit 3, and a touch sensation can be obtained at this part.

[0221] The electrostatic frictional force is generated using the electrostatic capacitance formed between adjacent electrodes (the first rotation electrode 21 and the second rotation electrode 22, the first pressing electrode 210 and the second pressing electrode 220) to which voltages are applied and the conductive elastomer (the conductive elastomer 4 for rotation or the conductive elastomer 40 for pressing) facing each other across the dielectric layers 23, 230. The magnitude of the electrostatic frictional force changes depending on the magnitude of the voltage applied to the adjacent electrodes. The touch sensation control device 101a can control the magnitude of the electrostatic frictional force by controlling the voltage applied to the plurality of electrodes, and can control the accompanying touch sensation. In addition, by providing the dielectric layers 23, 230, the operating member 100a can achieve insulation and protection of the electrodes, and can generate a strong electrostatic frictional force even when the voltage applied to the adjacent electrodes is a low voltage. Generally, the dielectric constant of the dielectric layers 23, 230 is higher than that of air, so the electrostatic capacitance formed between the adjacent electrodes and the conductive elastomer becomes larger.

[0222] By controlling the voltage to be applied to each electrode by the touch sensation control device 101a, the operating member 100a can present a touch sensation corresponding to the touch sensation presentation waveform.

[0223] In addition, in the second embodiment, the operating member 100a includes conductive elastomers (the conductive elastomer 4 for rotation and the conductive elastomer 40 for pressing), but the conductive body included in the operating member 100a does not necessarily have to be an elastic conductive body, and may be a non-elastic conductive body. The operating member 100a only needs to include a conductive body.

[0224] However, in the operating member 100a, the conductive body for rotation (hereinafter referred to as "conductive body for rotation") is preferably the elastic conductive elastomer 4 for rotation. The reason why the conductive body for rotation is preferably the conductive elastomer 4 for rotation has been described in the first embodiment, so the repeated description is omitted. For the same reason, the conductive body for pressing (hereinafter referred to as "conductive body for pressing") is also preferably the elastic conductive elastomer 40 for pressing.

[0225] In addition, the rotating conductive elastomer 4 is in contact with the dielectric layer 23, and the pressing conductive elastomer 40 is in contact with the dielectric layer 230.

[0226] In addition, in the operating member 100a, a spring 5 is provided in the middle of the first fixing portion 1-1. One end of the spring 5 is connected to the first fixing portion 1-1, and the other end is connected to the second fixing portion 1-2. The spring 5 generates a restoring force against the pressing of the operating portion 3. Accordingly, after the operating portion 3 is pressed, it returns to its initial position. In addition, in the first embodiment, the so-called "middle of the first fixing portion 1-1" does not need to be strictly centered, but includes the "substantially middle of the first fixing portion 1-1". In addition, in the second embodiment, the spring 5 is provided in the middle of the first fixing portion 1-1, but this is only an example. As long as the spring 5 is provided at a position that generates a restoring force against the pressing of the operating portion 3 and can return the operating portion 3 to its initial position after the operating portion 3 is pressed. The number of springs 5 is not limited to one. In addition, in the second embodiment, the operating member 100a includes the spring 5, but this is only an example. As long as the operating member 100a includes an elastic body or the like that generates a restoring force against the pressing of the operating portion 3.

[0227] In addition, the operating member 100a includes a rotation detection circuit and a pressing detection circuit 6.

[0228] The rotation detection circuit is the same as the rotation detection circuit included in the operating member 100 of the first embodiment, so repeated description is omitted. In the second embodiment, the second fixing portion 1-2 also serves as the rotation detection circuit.

[0229] The pressing detection circuit 6 detects the pressing of the operating portion 3 of the operating member 100a. Specifically, the pressing detection circuit 6 detects the pressing amount of the operating portion 3. In the second embodiment, the pressing detection circuit 6 uses, for example, a force sensor whose output value changes in response to the load on the spring 5.

[0230] Such as using Figure 10 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 7As described above, the operating member 100a is an operating member 100a including a plurality of rotating electrodes and a conductive elastic body 4 for rotation, and capable of applying a voltage between adjacent rotating electrodes among the plurality of rotating electrodes. The plurality of rotating electrodes are provided on the first fixing surface existing in the axial direction of the fixing portion 1 (specifically, the first fixing portion 1-1) facing the operating portion 3, and are covered by the dielectric layer 23. The conductive elastic body 4 for rotation is provided on the first operating surface of the operating portion 3 facing the first fixing surface and faces the plurality of rotating electrodes. In addition, the operating member 100a is an operating member 100a including a plurality of pressing electrodes and a conductive elastic body 40 for pressing, and capable of applying a voltage between two adjacent pressing electrodes among the plurality of pressing electrodes. The plurality of pressing electrodes are provided on the surface of the second shaft portion of the first fixing portion 1-1 on the side of the second fixing portion 1-2 and are covered by the dielectric layer 230. The conductive elastic body 40 for pressing is provided on the axial side surface of the second fixing portion 1-2 and faces the plurality of pressing electrodes when the relative position between the operating portion 3 and the fixing portion 1 (specifically, the second fixing portion 1-2) is in a preset relative position. That is to say, the operating member 100a has a structure in which electrostatic frictional force is generated inside the operating portion 3 by the plurality of rotating electrodes and the conductive elastic body 4 for rotation or by the plurality of pressing electrodes and the conductive elastic body 40 for pressing.

[0231] As described above, the operating member 100a of the second embodiment has a structure for generating electrostatic frictional force inside the operating portion 3. Accordingly, the operating member 100a can eliminate the state of the surface of the mounting surface of the mechanical switch, the change in the distance between the electrode and the mechanical switch caused by the deformation during the rotation of the mechanical switch, or the influence on the electrostatic frictional force caused by foreign matter adhering to the surface of the mounting surface of the mechanical switch, which have been problems when generating electrostatic frictional force between the rotating surface of the mechanical switch and the mounting surface of the mechanical switch. Since the operating member 100a has a structure for generating electrostatic frictional force inside the operating portion 3, when electrostatic frictional force is generated between the operating portion 3 (more specifically, the conductive elastic body 4 for rotation) and the plurality of rotating electrodes during the rotation of the operating portion 3, a stable touch can be presented regardless of the external state of the operating portion 3.

[0232] In addition, the operating member 100a has a structure for generating electrostatic frictional force parallel to the shaft portion 1a of the fixing portion 1 (more specifically, the first fixing portion 1-1) between the second fixing portion 1-2 (more specifically, the conductive elastic body 40 for pressing) and the plurality of pressing electrodes. In addition, in the second embodiment, the so-called "parallel" does not need to be strictly parallel and includes substantially parallel. When the operating member 100a generates electrostatic frictional force between the second fixing portion 1-2 (more specifically, the conductive elastic body 40 for pressing) and the plurality of pressing electrodes when pressing the operating portion 3, a stable touch can be presented regardless of the external state of the operating portion 3.

[0233] Next, the tactile sensation control device 101 a for controlling the voltage applied to the plurality of electrodes included in the operating member 100 a will be described.

[0234] Figure 11 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a tactile sensation control device 101 a according to the second embodiment.

[0235] exist Figure 11 In the embodiment 1, Figure 3 The same reference numerals are given to the same configuration examples as those of the tactile control device 101 according to the first embodiment described above, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0236] In addition, Figure 11 In order to simplify the description, the first rotating electrode 21 and the first pressing electrode 210 are collectively referred to as “first electrodes 21 , 210 ”, and the second rotating electrode 22 and the second pressing electrode 220 are collectively referred to as “second electrodes 22 , 220 ”.

[0237] The touch control device 101a is connected to the operating member 100a, and the operating member 100a and the touch control device 101a constitute a touch control system 102a. In addition, this is only an example, for example, the touch control device 101a can also be mounted on the operating member 100a. Figure 11 In order to simplify the description, only a plurality of electrodes (a plurality of first electrodes 21 and 210 and a plurality of second electrodes 22 and 220) are shown as components included in the operating element 100a.

[0238] The tactile feeling control device 101a is connected to the HMI control unit 9. The HMI control unit 9 performs control to change the state of the HMI. The HMI control unit 9 outputs HMI control information to the tactile feeling control device 101a.

[0239] The tactile control device 101a of the second embodiment is different from the tactile control device 101 of the first embodiment in that it includes a pressure detection unit 61. In addition, in the tactile control device 101a of the second embodiment, the operations of the tactile waveform selection unit 72a and the tactile control unit 8a are different from the operations of the tactile waveform selection unit 72 and the tactile control unit 8 in the tactile control device 101 of the first embodiment, respectively.

[0240] The pressure detection unit 61 detects pressure on the operation unit 3. Specifically, the pressure detection unit 61 detects pressure on the operation unit 3 by acquiring information on pressure on the operation unit 3 detected by the pressure detection circuit 6 from the pressure detection circuit 6.

[0241] The pressing detection unit 61 outputs the detected information related to the pressing of the operation unit 3 (hereinafter referred to as "pressing information") to the touch feeling control unit 8a. The pressing information includes information related to the pressing amount of the operation unit 3.

[0242] In addition, the pressing detection unit 61 also outputs the pressing information to the HMI control unit 9. The HMI control unit 9 changes the state of the HMI based on the pressing information. Based on the pressing information, the HMI control unit 9, for example, causes a screen indicating that the operation button is executed to be displayed corresponding to the pressing of the operation unit 3 of the operation member 100a.

[0243] The touch feeling control unit 8a outputs a selection command for a touch feeling presentation waveform of a voltage corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates or when the operation unit 3 is pressed to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a.

[0244] Specifically, the touch feeling control unit 8a determines the touch feeling corresponding to the state of the HMI, or the rotation state of the operation unit 3, or the pressing state of the operation unit 3 based on the rotation information output from the rotation detection unit 11, the pressing information output from the pressing detection unit 61, and the HMI control information output from the HMI control unit 9. Then, based on the determined touch feeling, the touch feeling control unit 8a outputs a selection command for a touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates or a selection command for a touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 is pressed to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a.

[0245] An example of a method for outputting a selection command to the touch feeling control unit 8a will be described.

[0246] For example, the touch feeling control unit 8a determines whether the state of the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is effective or a state where the pressing operation is effective, and determines the touch feeling to be presented based on the determination result of the state of the HMI and whether the operation unit 3 is rotating or being pressed. Then, the touch feeling control unit 8a outputs a selection command for a touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the determined touch feeling.

[0247] In addition, the touch feeling control unit 8a determines whether the state of the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is effective or a state where the pressing operation is effective based on the HMI control information output from the HMI control unit 9.

[0248] "The state of the HMI being a state where the rotation operation is effective" has been described in Embodiment 1, so the repeated description is omitted.

[0249] The so-called "state where the pressing operation is valid as the HMI" means that the state of the HMI is a state where it can be operated by pressing the operation unit 3. For example, when a selection button such as "Yes" or "No" that is executed by pressing the operation unit 3 is displayed on the display device, it is in the state where "the pressing operation is valid as the HMI". On the other hand, for example, if the display device is in the process of preparing to display the selection button, since the pressing button has not been displayed yet, it is not in the state where "the pressing operation is valid as the HMI".

[0250] In addition, the touch control unit 8a determines whether the operation unit 3 is rotating based on the rotation information output from the rotation detection unit 11. In addition, the so-called operation unit 3 is rotating means that the operation unit 3 is in the process of performing a rotation operation. The touch control unit 8a only needs to determine whether the operation unit 3 is rotating based on, for example, whether the position of the operation unit 3 changes according to the rotation information.

[0251] In addition, the touch control unit 8a determines whether the operation unit 3 is being pressed based on the pressing information output from the pressing detection unit 61. In addition, the so-called operation unit 3 is being pressed means that the operation unit 3 is in the process of being pressed. The touch control unit 8a only needs to determine whether the operation unit 3 is being pressed based on, for example, whether the pressing amount of the operation unit 3 changes according to the pressing information.

[0252] Hereinafter, an example of the method for the touch control unit 8a to output a selection instruction will be described in more detail according to the state of the HMI.

[0253] <Case (B-1)>

[0254] When the state as the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is valid and the state as the HMI is a state where the pressing operation is valid

[0255] In the case of the above <Case (B-1)>, regardless of whether the operation unit 3 is being pressed, as long as the operation unit 3 is rotating, the touch control unit 8a determines to present the touch feeling during rotation, and outputs a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling during the rotation of the operation unit 3 to the touch waveform selection unit 72a.

[0256] When the operation unit 3 is not rotating, if the operation unit 3 is being pressed, the touch control unit 8a determines to present the touch feeling during pressing, and outputs a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when pressing the operation unit 3 to the touch waveform selection unit 72a.

[0257] When the operation unit 3 is neither rotating nor being pressed, the touch control unit 8a determines not to present the touch feeling and does not output a selection instruction to the touch waveform selection unit 72a.

[0258] When the state as the HMI is a state where both the rotation operation and the pressing operation are valid, the operation unit 3 can perform both the rotation operation and the pressing operation.

[0259] Then, the touch feeling control unit 8a determines, for example, whether the operation unit 3 is rotating or being pressed, and based on the determination result, determines whether to present the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates or the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 is pressed. In the second embodiment, at this time, it is assumed that the touch feeling control unit 8a preferentially presents the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates. That is, it is assumed that the touch feeling control unit 8a preferentially outputs a selection command for the touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a.

[0260] In addition, this is only an example. For example, it is also possible to make the touch feeling control unit 8a preferentially present the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 is pressed.

[0261] For example, the touch feeling control unit 8a can change which of the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates and the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 is pressed is prioritized according to the state or use of the HMI. For example, in the case where an operation button for turning on the audio by pressing the operation unit 3 and a screen indicating the volume to be adjusted by rotating the operation unit 3 are displayed, the touch feeling control unit 8 can prioritize the determination of whether the operation unit 3 is being pressed over the determination of whether the operation unit 3 is rotating, and if it is being pressed, determine to present the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 is pressed.

[0262] <Case (B-2)>

[0263] When the state as the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is valid and the state as the HMI is a state where the pressing operation is invalid

[0264] In the case of the above <Case (B-2)>, if the operation unit 3 is rotating, the touch feeling control unit 8a determines to present the touch feeling when rotating, and outputs a selection command for the touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a.

[0265] If the operation unit 3 is not rotating, the touch feeling control unit 8a determines not to present the touch feeling and does not output a selection command to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a.

[0266] When the state as the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is valid and the state as the HMI is a state where the pressing operation is invalid, the touch feeling control unit 8a does not need to consider the case where the operation unit 3 is pressed.

[0267] Then, if the operation unit 3 is rotating, the touch feeling control unit 8a outputs a selection command for the touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates.

[0268] <Case (B-3)>

[0269] When the state of the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is invalid and the state of the HMI is a state where the pressing operation is valid

[0270] In the case of the above <Case (B-3)>, if the operation unit 3 is being pressed, the touch feeling control unit 8a determines that the touch feeling at the time of pressing is to be presented, and outputs a selection command for the touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 is pressed to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a.

[0271] If the operation unit 3 is not being pressed, the touch feeling control unit 8a determines that the touch feeling is not presented, and does not output a selection command to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a.

[0272] When the state of the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is invalid and the state of the HMI is a state where the pressing operation is valid, the touch feeling control unit 8a does not need to consider the case where the operation unit 3 is rotated.

[0273] Then, if the operation unit 3 is being pressed, the touch feeling control unit 8a outputs a selection command for the touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 is pressed.

[0274] <Case (B-4)>

[0275] When the state of the HMI is neither a state where the rotation operation is valid nor a state where the pressing operation is valid

[0276] In the case of the above <Case (B-4)>, the touch feeling control unit 8a outputs a selection command for the touch feeling presentation waveform in which the electrostatic frictional force becomes maximum to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a.

[0277] In addition, in the second embodiment, it is assumed that the touch feeling control unit 8a outputs a selection command for the touch feeling presentation waveform in which the electrostatic frictional force becomes maximum, but this is only an example. The touch feeling control unit 8a only needs to output a selection command for the touch feeling presentation waveform that generates an electrostatic frictional force that makes it difficult to rotate and press the operation unit 3.

[0278] The touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a selects a touch feeling presentation waveform based on the selection command output from the touch feeling control unit 8a, and outputs an application command for the voltage under the selected touch feeling presentation waveform.

[0279] Specifically, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a selects, based on the selection instruction output from the touch feeling control unit 8a, the touch feeling presentation waveform for when the operation unit 3 rotates, corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates, or the touch feeling presentation waveform for when the operation unit 3 is pressed, corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 is pressed. More specifically, when a selection instruction for the touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling during rotation is output from the touch feeling control unit 8a, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a selects the touch feeling presentation waveform that gives the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates, and outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected touch feeling presentation waveform to a plurality of rotation electrodes. In addition, when a selection instruction for the touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 is pressed is output from the touch feeling control unit 8a, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a selects the touch feeling presentation waveform that gives the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 is pressed, and outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected touch feeling presentation waveform to a plurality of pressing electrodes.

[0280] In addition, the touch feeling presentation waveform for when the operation unit 3 rotates and the touch feeling presentation waveform for when the operation unit 3 is pressed are preset and stored in the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a. The touch feeling presentation waveform for when the operation unit 3 rotates and the touch feeling presentation waveform for when the operation unit 3 is pressed may be the same waveform or different waveforms.

[0281] Then, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected touch feeling presentation waveform to the voltage generation circuit 71.

[0282] More specifically, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform of the voltage to be applied to each of the first electrodes 21, 210 to the voltage generation circuit (1) 71a of the voltage generation circuit 71, and outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform of the voltage to be applied to each of the second electrodes 22, 220 to the voltage generation circuit (2) 71b of the voltage generation circuit 71. In addition, in Figure 11 the illustrations of the voltage generation circuit (1) 71a and the voltage generation circuit (2) 71b are omitted.

[0283] Based on the application instruction output from the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a, the voltage generation circuit 71 applies the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform selected by the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72 to a plurality of electrodes.

[0284] More specifically, the voltage generation circuit (1) 71a applies the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform selected by the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a to each of the first electrodes 21, 210. The voltage generation circuit (2) 71b applies the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform selected by the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a to each of the second electrodes 22, 220.

[0285] The voltage signals of the voltages applied to the first electrodes 21 and 210 are combined with the voltage signals of the voltages applied to the second electrodes 22 and 220 to generate an amplitude-modulated signal. In the region where the electrostatic capacitance is formed between a plurality of electrodes and the conductive elastic body (the conductive elastic body 4 for rotation or the conductive elastic body 40 for pressing), charging and discharging according to the amplitude-modulated signal are repeated.

[0286] In addition, as shown here Figure 11 it is assumed that the voltage generation circuit 71 is provided in the touch feeling control device 101a, but this is only an example. The voltage generation circuit 71 may also be provided outside the touch feeling control device 101a and connected to the touch feeling control device 101a outside the touch feeling control device 101a.

[0287] The operation of the touch feeling control device 101a of Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0288] Figure 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the touch feeling control device 101a of Embodiment 2.

[0289] The rotation detection unit 11 detects the rotation of the operation unit 3 (step ST11).

[0290] The rotation detection unit 11 outputs rotation information to the touch feeling control unit 8a. In addition, the rotation detection unit 11 also outputs rotation information to the HMI control unit 9.

[0291] The pressing detection unit 61 detects the pressing of the operation unit 3 (step ST21).

[0292] The pressing detection unit 61 outputs pressing information to the touch feeling control unit 8a. In addition, the pressing detection unit 61 also outputs pressing information to the HMI control unit 9.

[0293] The touch feeling control unit 8a outputs a selection command for a touch presentation waveform of a voltage corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates or the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 is pressed to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a (step ST31).

[0294] The touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a selects a touch presentation waveform based on the selection command output from the touch feeling control unit 8a. Then, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a outputs an application command for the voltage under the selected touch presentation waveform to the voltage generation circuit 71 (step ST41). The voltage generation circuit 71 applies the voltage under the touch presentation waveform selected by the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a to a plurality of electrodes (a plurality of rotation electrodes or a plurality of pressing electrodes) based on the application command output from the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a.

[0295] In addition, in Figure 12In the flowchart shown, it is assumed that the touch control device 101a processes in the order of step ST11 and step ST21. However, the order of the processes in step ST11 and step ST21 is not limited to this. The order of the process in step ST11 and the process in step ST21 may be reversed, or the process in step ST11 and the process in step ST21 may be performed in parallel.

[0296] Figure 13 For Figure 12 An example of the detailed operations of step ST31 and step ST41 is shown in the flowchart for explanation.

[0297] The touch control unit 8a determines whether the state of the HMI is a state where a rotation operation is valid based on the HMI control information output from the HMI control unit 9 (step ST301).

[0298] In step ST301, when it is determined that the state of the HMI is a state where a rotation operation is valid (when the answer in step ST301 is "yes"), the touch control unit 8a determines whether the state of the HMI is a state where a press operation is valid based on the HMI control information output from the HMI control unit 9 (step ST302).

[0299] In step ST302, when it is determined that the state of the HMI is a state where a press operation is valid (when the answer in step ST302 is "yes"), the touch control unit 8a determines whether the operation unit 3 is rotating based on the rotation information output from the rotation detection unit 11 (step ST303).

[0300] In step ST303, when it is determined that the operation unit 3 is rotating (when the answer in step ST303 is "yes"), the touch control unit 8a outputs a selection command for the touch presentation waveform of the voltage corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 rotates to the touch waveform selection unit 72a.

[0301] The touch waveform selection unit 72a selects the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch during rotation based on the selection command output from the touch control unit 8a (step ST304).

[0302] Then, the touch waveform selection unit 72a outputs an application command for the voltage under the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch during rotation to the voltage generation circuit 71. The voltage generation circuit 71 applies the voltage under the touch presentation waveform selected by the touch waveform selection unit 72a to a plurality of rotation electrodes.

[0303] In step ST303, when it is determined that the operation unit 3 is not rotating (when the answer in step ST303 is "no"), the touch control unit 8a determines whether the operation unit 3 is being pressed based on the press information output from the press detection unit 61 (step ST305).

[0304] In step ST305, when it is determined that the operation unit 3 is being pressed (when the answer in step ST305 is "Yes"), the touch feeling control unit 8a outputs a selection instruction for a touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when pressing the operation unit 3 to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a.

[0305] Based on the selection instruction output from the touch feeling control unit 8a, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a selects a touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when pressing (step ST306).

[0306] Then, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when pressing to the voltage generation circuit 71. The voltage generation circuit 71 applies the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform selected by the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a to a plurality of pressing electrodes.

[0307] In step ST305, when it is determined that the operation unit 3 is not being pressed (when the answer in step ST305 is "No"), the touch feeling control unit 8a does not output a selection instruction. That is, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a does not select a touch feeling presentation waveform (step ST307). The voltage generation circuit 71 does not apply a voltage to a plurality of electrodes (a plurality of rotation electrodes and a plurality of pressing electrodes).

[0308] In step ST302, when it is determined that the state as the HMI is a state where a pressing action is ineffective (when the answer in step ST302 is "No"), the touch feeling control unit 8a determines whether the operation unit 3 is rotating based on the rotation information output from the rotation detection unit 11 (step ST308).

[0309] In step ST308, when it is determined that the operation unit 3 is rotating (when the answer in step ST308 is "Yes"), the touch feeling control unit 8a outputs a selection instruction for a touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when the operation unit 3 rotates to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a.

[0310] Based on the selection instruction output from the touch feeling control unit 8a, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a selects a touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when rotating (step ST309).

[0311] Then, the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when rotating to the voltage generation circuit 71. The voltage generation circuit 71 applies the voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform selected by the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72a to a plurality of rotation electrodes.

[0312] In step ST308, when it is determined that the operation unit 3 is not rotating (when the answer in step ST308 is "No"), the touch control unit 8a does not output a selection instruction. That is, the touch waveform selection unit 72a does not select a touch presentation waveform (step ST310). The voltage generation circuit 71 does not apply voltage to the plurality of electrodes (the plurality of rotation electrodes and the plurality of pressing electrodes).

[0313] In step ST301, when it is not determined that the state as the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is effective (when the answer in step ST301 is "No"), that is, when the state as the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is not effective, the touch control unit 8a determines whether the state as the HMI is a state where the pressing operation is effective based on the HMI control information output from the HMI control unit 9 (step ST311).

[0314] In step ST311, when it is determined that the state as the HMI is a state where the pressing operation is effective (when the answer in step ST311 is "Yes"), the touch control unit 8a determines whether the operation unit 3 is being pressed based on the pressing information output from the pressing detection unit 61 (step ST312).

[0315] The specific operations of the touch control unit 8a, the touch waveform selection unit 72a, and the voltage generation circuit 71 in steps ST312 to ST314 are the same as the specific operations of the touch control unit 8a, the touch waveform selection unit 72a, and the voltage generation circuit 71 in the already described steps ST305 to ST307, so the repeated description is omitted.

[0316] In step ST311, when it is determined that the state as the HMI is a state where the pressing operation is not effective (when the answer in step ST311 is "No"), the touch control unit 8a outputs a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform with the maximum static friction force to the touch waveform selection unit 72a.

[0317] The touch waveform selection unit 72a selects the touch presentation waveform with the maximum static friction force for the voltage generation circuit 71. Then, the touch waveform selection unit 72a outputs an instruction to apply the voltage under the touch presentation waveform with the maximum static friction force to the voltage generation circuit 71 (step ST315). The voltage generation circuit 71 applies the voltage under the touch presentation waveform selected by the touch waveform selection unit 72a to the plurality of electrodes (the plurality of rotation electrodes and the plurality of pressing electrodes).

[0318] In this way, the tactile control device 101a of Embodiment 2 is configured as follows: It outputs a selection instruction for a tactile presentation waveform corresponding to the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 of the operation member 100a rotates or the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 is pressed. When a rotation tactile presentation waveform or a press tactile presentation waveform is selected based on the selection instruction, it outputs an application instruction for applying a voltage under the selected tactile presentation waveform. Accordingly, the tactile control device 101a can control the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 of the operation member 100a rotates or the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 is pressed.

[0319] By controlling the voltage applied to the plurality of electrodes, the tactile control device 101a can cause the operation member 100a to present a tactile sensation corresponding to the tactile presentation waveform. That is, the tactile control device 101a can cause the operation member 100a to present the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 rotates or the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 is pressed. The operation member 100a can present the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 rotates or the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 is pressed.

[0320] In addition, the tactile control device 101a of Embodiment 2 outputs a selection instruction for a tactile presentation waveform corresponding to the state of the HMI that is the object of the rotation operation or the press operation of the operation unit 3, and outputs an application instruction for applying a voltage under the tactile presentation waveform selected based on the selection instruction. Accordingly, the tactile control device 101a can cause the operation member 100a to present a tactile sensation linked to the HMI. The operation member 100a can present a tactile sensation linked to the HMI.

[0321] In addition, in the above Embodiment 2, a rotary encoder is given as an example of the rotation detection circuit, but this is only one example. The rotation detection circuit can be an electrical rotation detection circuit that uses capacitance detection, or a rotation detection circuit that optically detects rotation.

[0322] In addition, in the above Embodiment 2, the plurality of rotation electrodes are provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 (more specifically, the first fixing portion 1-1), and the plurality of rotation electrodes and the rotation conductive elastomer 4 are provided so as to face each other in the pressing direction of the operation unit 3, that is, in the axial direction, but this is not limited thereto.

[0323] For example, as Figure 14 A and Figure 14 B show, in the operation member 100a, in addition to facing each other in the axial direction, the plurality of rotation electrodes and the rotation conductive elastomer 4 can also be provided so as to face each other around the shaft portion 1a (more specifically, the first shaft portion. In Figure 14 B, it is shown as 1a-1). In this case, in addition to the operation member 100a having the first fixing surface provided on the first fixing portion 1-1 (in Figure 14In addition to the plurality of rotating electrodes shown by 1b in B) and covered by the dielectric layer 23, there are also provided a plurality of rotating electrodes provided around the shaft portion 1a (more specifically, the first shaft portion) and covered by the dielectric layer 23. The rotating conductive elastomer 4 is provided on the first operation surface of the operation portion 3 (shown by 3a in Figure 14 B), and is also provided on the surface of the operation portion 3 facing the shaft portion 1a (shown by 3b in Figure 14 B). When the relative position between the operation portion 3 and the shaft portion 1a is in a preset relative position, the rotating conductive elastomer 4 faces the plurality of rotating electrodes provided around the shaft portion 1a.

[0324] Figure 14 A is a top view of the operating member 100a, Figure 14 B is Figure 14 a sectional view taken along the line A-A of A. For ease of explanation, in Figure 14 A, the shaft portion 1a, the dielectric layer 23, and the rotating conductive elastomer 4 provided inside the operation portion 3 of the operating member 100a are also illustrated. In addition, Figure 14 the illustrated operating member 100a and Figure 10 the illustrated operating member 100a are different in that the plurality of rotating electrodes and the rotating conductive elastomer 4 are provided so as to face each other around the shaft portion 1a.

[0325] In addition, in Figure 14 A and Figure 14 B, for example, as the dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotating electrodes provided on the first fixing surface of the first fixing portion 1-1 and the dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotating electrodes provided around the first shaft portion, a common dielectric layer 23 is employed. This is only an example. For example, in the operating member 100a, the dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotating electrodes provided on the first fixing surface of the first fixing portion 1-1 and the dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotating electrodes provided around the first shaft portion may be provided separately.

[0326] In addition, in Figure 14 A and 14B, as an example, a plurality of rotating electrodes covered by the dielectric layer 23 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first shaft portion, but this is only an example. For example, a plurality of rotating electrodes covered by the dielectric layer 23 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft portion. In addition, in this case, in addition to the dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotating electrodes provided on the first fixing surface of the first fixing portion 1-1, a dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotating electrodes provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft portion is provided separately.

[0327] In addition, for example, a plurality of rotating electrodes covered by the dielectric layer 23 may be provided on the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft portion.

[0328] The detailed structure of the rotary electrode portion 2 provided on the first fixing surface of the first fixing portion 1-1 is the same as that of the rotary electrode portion 2 used in the first embodiment, so the detailed description is omitted. Figure 2 The detailed structure of the rotary electrode portion 2 described above is the same as that of the rotary electrode portion 2 used in the first embodiment, so the detailed description is omitted.

[0329] In addition, the detailed structure of the rotary electrode portion 2 provided around the first shaft portion with respect to the first shaft portion is the same as that of the rotary electrode portion 2 used in the first embodiment. Figure 7 The detailed structure of the rotary electrode portion 2 described above is the same as that of the rotary electrode portion 2 used in the first embodiment, so the detailed description is omitted.

[0330] In this way, in the second embodiment, the operating member 100a can be configured as follows: in addition to including a plurality of rotary electrodes provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 (more specifically, the first fixing portion 1-1) and covered by the dielectric layer 23, it also includes a plurality of rotary electrodes provided around the shaft portion 1a with respect to the shaft portion 1a and covered by the dielectric layer. The rotary conductive elastic body 4 is provided on the first operating surface and is also provided on the surface of the operating portion 3 opposite to the shaft portion 1a. When the relative position between the operating portion 3 and the fixing portion 1 is in a preset relative position, it is opposed to the plurality of rotary electrodes provided around the shaft portion 1a.

[0331] Accordingly, compared with the case where only a plurality of rotary electrodes provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 and covered by the dielectric layer 23 are included, the operating member 100a can increase the area where the plurality of rotary electrodes are opposed to the rotary conductive elastic body 4. That is to say, the operating member 100a can increase the portions where electrostatic force is generated. As a result, the operating member 100a can generate a greater electrostatic frictional force.

[0332] In addition, compared with the case where a plurality of rotary electrodes are provided around the shaft portion 1a with respect to the shaft portion 1a, the case where a plurality of rotary electrodes are provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 is set by a simpler method.

[0333] In addition, in the above second embodiment, the operating member 100a includes a mechanism in which a plurality of pressing electrodes are applied with voltage when the operating portion 3 is pressed to generate an electrostatic frictional force. However, this is only an example. For example, the operating member 100a can include a mechanical key switch instead of this mechanism.

[0334] Here, Figure 15 , Figure 16 FIG. is a diagram showing a structural example of the operating member 100a that does not include a mechanism for generating an electrostatic frictional force with respect to the pressing of the operating portion 3 but includes a pressing detection switch SW in the second embodiment described above.

[0335] Figure 15 A is a top view of the operating member 100a, Figure 15 B is Figure 15 A cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of A. In addition, for the sake of convenience of explanation, inFigure 15 Also shown in A are a shaft portion 1a and a rotary conductive elastic body 4 provided inside the operation portion 3 of the operating member 100a.

[0336] Figure 16 A is a top view of the operating member 100a. Figure 16 B is Figure 16 a sectional view taken along line A-A of A. In addition, for ease of explanation, in Figure 16 A, a shaft portion 1a, a dielectric layer 23, and a rotary conductive elastic body 4 provided inside the operation portion 3 of the operating member 100a are also shown.

[0337] Figure 15 The operating member 100a shown Figure 10 differs from the operating member 100a shown in that it does not include a pressing electrode portion 200, a pressing conductive elastic body 40, a spring 5, and a pressing detection circuit 6, but instead includes a pressing detection switch SW.

[0338] Figure 16 The operating member 100a shown Figure 14 differs from the operating member 100a shown in that it does not include a pressing electrode portion 200, a pressing conductive elastic body 40, a spring 5, and a pressing detection circuit 6, but instead includes a pressing detection switch SW.

[0339] The pressing detection switch SW is a mechanical key switch that detects the pressing of the operation portion 3, and is, for example, a tactile switch.

[0340] The pressing detection switch SW detects the situation where the operation portion 3 is pressed, and feeds back a tactile sensation to the finger or the like of the user operating the operation portion 3 via the operation portion 3.

[0341] In addition, in this case, the structure of the tactile sensation control device 101a is the same as the structure of the tactile sensation control device 101 described in Embodiment 1. Further, the operation of the tactile sensation control device 101a is the same as the operation of the tactile sensation control device 101 described in Figure 3 the flowchart shown in Embodiment 1. Figure 4 shown.

[0342] In addition, in the above Embodiment 2, a force sensor is given as an example of the pressing detection circuit 6, but this is only one example. As the pressing detection circuit 6, for example, an electrical or optical proximity sensor can be employed.

[0343] In addition, in the above-described Embodiment 2, the touch control unit 8a of the touch control device 101a may also calculate the amount of change or the rotation speed of the position of the operation unit 3 in the rotation direction based on the rotation information, and calculate the amount of change or the pressing speed of the position of the operation unit 3 in the pressing direction based on the pressing information, compare the amount of change or the rotation speed of the position of the operation unit 3 in the rotation direction with the amount of change or the pressing speed of the position of the operation unit 3 in the pressing direction, and determine which of the selection instructions for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 rotates and the selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 is pressed is to be output to the touch waveform selection unit 72a.

[0344] For example, when the operation unit 3 is rotated and pressed at the same time, the touch control unit 8a calculates the rotation change amount of the operation unit 3 and the pressing change amount of the operation unit 3, and compares the calculated rotation change amount of the operation unit 3 with the pressing change amount of the operation unit 3. When the rotation change amount of the operation unit 3 is greater than the pressing change amount of the operation unit 3, the touch control unit 8a outputs a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 rotates, and when the pressing change amount of the operation unit 3 is greater than the rotation change amount of the operation unit 3, the touch control unit 8a outputs a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 is pressed.

[0345] In addition, in the above-described Embodiment 2, for example, the touch control unit 8a may switch and output a selection instruction such that if the rotation speed of the operation unit 3 is equal to or higher than a preset threshold value (hereinafter referred to as "rotation speed determination threshold value"), a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 rotates is output, and if the rotation speed of the operation unit 3 is less than the rotation speed determination threshold value and the pressing speed of the operation unit 3 is equal to or higher than a preset threshold value (hereinafter referred to as "pressing speed determination threshold value"), a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 is pressed is output.

[0346] In addition, in the above-described Embodiment 2, in the touch control device 101a, the touch control unit 8a outputs any one of the selection instructions for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 rotates and the selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 is pressed, but this is only an example. For example, the touch control unit 8a may also determine a ratio based on the rotation information and the pressing information, and output to the touch waveform selection unit 72a a selection instruction to select a waveform obtained by synthesizing the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 rotates and the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 is pressed. The touch waveform selection unit 72a selects, as the touch presentation waveform, a waveform obtained by synthesizing the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 rotates and the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 is pressed based on the selection instruction output from the touch control unit 8a.

[0347] In addition, in the above-described Second Embodiment, the touch control device 101a can also cause the operating member 100a to simultaneously present a touch sensation corresponding to the rotational operation of the operation unit 3 and a touch sensation corresponding to the pressing operation of the operation unit 3.

[0348] In this case, in the touch control device 101a, for example, when a selection command for a touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch sensation during rotation is output from the touch control unit 8a, the touch waveform selection unit 72a selects a touch presentation waveform that gives the touch sensation when the operation unit 3 rotates, and outputs an application command for the voltage under the selected touch presentation waveform to the plurality of rotation electrodes. Further, for example, when a selection command for a touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch sensation when the operation unit 3 is pressed is output from the touch control unit 8a, the touch waveform selection unit 72a selects a touch presentation waveform that gives the touch sensation when the operation unit 3 is pressed, and outputs an application command for the voltage under the selected touch presentation waveform to the plurality of pressing electrodes.

[0349] The touch waveform selection unit 72a independently outputs an application command for the voltage under the touch presentation waveform to the plurality of rotation electrodes and an application command for the voltage under the touch presentation waveform to the plurality of pressing electrodes to the voltage generation circuit 71. That is, the touch waveform selection unit 72a simultaneously outputs an application command for the voltage under the touch presentation waveform to the plurality of rotation electrodes and an application command for the voltage under the touch presentation waveform to the plurality of pressing electrodes to the voltage generation circuit 71.

[0350] In addition, in this case, a detailed structural example of the pressing electrode unit 200 is as follows: in the detailed structural example of the rotation electrode unit 2 described in the First Embodiment, which includes a plurality of rotation electrodes provided around the shaft portion 1a and a dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotation electrodes, the plurality of rotation electrodes are replaced with a plurality of pressing electrodes, the dielectric layer 23 is replaced with a dielectric layer 230, the lead wiring 21a is replaced with a first pressing lead wiring (not shown), the lead wiring 21b is replaced with a second pressing lead wiring (not shown), the voltage generation circuit (1) 71a is replaced with a first pressing voltage generation circuit (not shown), and the voltage generation circuit (2) 71b is replaced with a second pressing voltage generation circuit (not shown). The pressing voltage generation circuit (not shown) includes a first pressing voltage generation circuit and a second pressing voltage generation circuit. Figure 7

[0351] ​Each first pressing electrode 210 and each second pressing electrode 220 are respectively connected to a pressing voltage generation circuit that applies a voltage to a plurality of pressing electrodes via a first pressing lead wiring and a second pressing lead wiring. The first pressing voltage generation circuit applies a voltage to a plurality of first pressing electrodes 210 via the first pressing lead wiring. The second pressing voltage generation circuit applies a voltage to a plurality of second pressing electrodes 220 via the second pressing lead wiring.

[0352] In addition, in this case, regarding the operation of the tactile sensation control device 101a described in the flowchart using Figure 13 for example, the processes of step ST303 and step ST305 are performed in parallel.

[0353] In addition, in the above-described second embodiment, the tactile sensation control device 101a can make the operating member 100a exhibit various tactile sensations when the operating portion 3 rotates or is pressed by controlling the applied voltage.

[0354] For example, the tactile sensation control device 101a can make the operating portion 3 of the operating member 100a feel heavier as it rotates. Specifically, in the tactile sensation control device 101a, when the tactile sensation control unit 8a detects that the operating portion 3 is being rotated, it outputs a selection instruction for a tactile sensation presentation waveform that presents a tactile sensation that becomes heavier in accordance with the duration of the rotation of the operating portion 3 to the tactile sensation waveform selection unit 72a. Based on the selection instruction output from the tactile sensation control unit 8a, the tactile sensation waveform selection unit 72a selects a tactile sensation presentation waveform that presents a tactile sensation that becomes heavier in accordance with the duration of the rotation of the operating portion 3. In addition, the tactile sensation waveform selection unit 72a stores tactile sensation presentation waveforms for rotation in various modes.

[0355] In this way, for example, by being able to output a selection instruction for a tactile sensation presentation waveform corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating portion 3, the tactile sensation control device 101a can make the operating member 100a exhibit a tactile sensation corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating portion 3 or perform torque control on the operating member 100a corresponding to the amount of rotation of the operating portion 3.

[0356] In addition, for example, the tactile sensation control unit 8a can make the operating portion 3 of the operating member 100a feel heavier as it is pressed. Specifically, in the tactile sensation control device 101a, when the tactile sensation control unit 8a detects that the operating portion 3 is being pressed, it outputs a selection instruction for a tactile sensation presentation waveform that presents a tactile sensation that becomes heavier in accordance with the duration of the pressing of the operating portion 3 to the tactile sensation waveform selection unit 72a. Based on the selection instruction output from the tactile sensation control unit 8a, the tactile sensation waveform selection unit 72a selects a tactile sensation presentation waveform that presents a tactile sensation that becomes heavier in accordance with the duration of the pressing of the operating portion 3. In addition, the tactile sensation waveform selection unit 72a stores tactile sensation presentation waveforms for pressing in various modes.

[0357] In this way, for example, by enabling a selection instruction that outputs a haptic rendering waveform corresponding to the pressing amount of the operation unit 3, the haptic control device 101a can cause the operating member 100a to present a haptic sensation corresponding to the pressing amount of the operation unit 3, or control the weight of the operation unit 3.

[0358] Not limited to the above method, for example, by configuring the structure of the operating member 100a such that the area where a plurality of electrodes (a plurality of rotation electrodes or a plurality of pressing electrodes) face a conductive elastic body (the rotation conductive elastic body 4 or the pressing conductive elastic body 40) changes corresponding to the rotation amount of the operation unit 3 or the pressing amount of the operation unit 3, the operating member 100a can also present various haptic sensations.

[0359] In the above-described second embodiment, for example, by configuring the structure of the operating member 100a such that the area where a plurality of electrodes (a plurality of rotation electrodes or a plurality of pressing electrodes) face a conductive elastic body (the rotation conductive elastic body 4 or the pressing conductive elastic body 40) changes corresponding to the rotation amount of the operation unit 3 or the pressing amount of the operation unit 3, the operating member 100a can present various haptic sensations.

[0360] In addition, for example, regarding the weight of the rotation of the operation unit 3, etc., or the weight of the pressing of the operation unit 3, etc., whether it is controlled linearly or made to increase when the rotation amount or the pressing amount reaches a certain amount or more, the operating member 100a can be controlled by the area where a plurality of electrodes (a plurality of rotation electrodes or a plurality of pressing electrodes) face a conductive elastic body (the rotation conductive elastic body 4 or the pressing conductive elastic body 40). Therefore, the haptic control device 101a can control the haptic intensity of the operating member 100a while reducing the number of haptic rendering waveform patterns of the voltage applied to the operating member 100a.

[0361] In addition, in the haptic control device 101a of the above-described second embodiment, the haptic control unit 8a can also output a selection instruction for a haptic rendering waveform corresponding to the haptic sensation corresponding to the rotation position of the operation unit 3 to the haptic waveform selection unit 72a based on the rotation information.

[0362] For example, when the operation unit 3 is at a rotation position where a haptic sensation is to be presented, the haptic control unit 8a outputs a selection instruction to the haptic waveform selection unit 72a to select a rotation haptic rendering waveform for presenting a haptic sensation at this rotation position.

[0363] When the operation unit 3 is at a rotation position where a haptic sensation is to be presented, as a result of the haptic control unit 8a outputting a selection instruction to the haptic waveform selection unit 72a to select a rotation haptic rendering waveform for presenting a haptic sensation at this rotation position, the image of the haptic sensation presented by the operating member 100a is the same as that used in the first embodiment. Figure 8 A、 Figure 8B and Figure 8 The tactile image presented by the operating member 100 in Embodiment 1 described in C is the same, so detailed description is omitted.

[0364] By enabling the output of a selection instruction for a tactile presentation waveform corresponding to the tactile sensation corresponding to the rotational position of the operation unit 3, the tactile control device 101a can cause the operating member 100a to present a tactile sensation corresponding to the rotational position of the operation unit 3, or perform torque control on the operating member 100a corresponding to the rotational position of the operation unit 3.

[0365] In addition, for example, in the tactile control device 101a, the tactile control unit 8a can also output a selection instruction for a tactile presentation waveform corresponding to the tactile sensation corresponding to the pressing amount of the operation unit 3 to the tactile waveform selection unit 72a based on the pressing information. In addition, the pressing information includes information related to the pressing amount of the operation unit 3. The tactile control unit 8a can grasp the pressing amount of how much the operation unit 3 is currently pressed as long as it is based on the pressing information.

[0366] For example, when the pressing amount of the operation unit 3 is the pressing amount for presenting a tactile sensation, the tactile control unit 8a can also output a selection instruction to the tactile waveform selection unit 72a to select a pressing tactile presentation waveform for presenting a tactile sensation at this pressing amount.

[0367] In addition, in the above Embodiment 2, for example, regardless of whether the operating member 100a has a rotation function or a pressing function, as the operating member 100a, a structure without a rotation detection circuit and a pressing detection circuit 6 can be adopted. In this case, the tactile control device 101a does not necessarily have to include a rotation detection unit 11 and a pressing detection unit 61. For example, in the tactile control device 101a, when the power is turned on to the tactile control device 101a, the tactile control unit 8a outputs a selection instruction to the tactile waveform selection unit 72a to select a rotation tactile presentation waveform or a pressing tactile presentation waveform. The tactile control unit 8a only needs to determine whether to select a rotation tactile presentation waveform or a pressing tactile presentation waveform according to appropriate preset conditions, for example.

[0368] In addition, in this case, regarding the operation of the tactile control device 101a described in the flowchart using Figure 12 the processing of step ST11 and step ST21 can be omitted.

[0369] In addition, in the above Embodiment 2, the operating member 100a is linked with the HMI (Human Machine Interface), but this is only an example. The operating member 100 does not necessarily have to be linked with the HMI.

[0370] In addition, in the above-described Embodiment 2, the operation unit 3 of the operation member 100a has a cylindrical shape, but this is merely an example. As the operation unit 3, an appropriate shape can be adopted. The operation unit 3 only needs to be a shaft portion 1a mounted on the fixing portion 1 of the operation member 100a and capable of rotating around the shaft portion 1a or pressing in the direction of the shaft portion 1a, and also needs to be an operation unit 3 having an elastic body in which a plurality of rotating electrodes are opposed to at least the first fixing surface of the first fixing portion 1-1 provided on the operation unit 3, and an elastic body in which a plurality of pressing electrodes are opposed to the surface on the side of the second fixing portion 1-2 of the second shaft portion provided on the first fixing portion 1-1.

[0371] In addition, in the above-described Embodiment 2, it is assumed that the plurality of electrodes include a plurality of first electrodes 21, 210 and a plurality of second electrodes 22, 220, but this is merely an example. Regarding the plurality of rotating electrodes, at least two electrodes are sufficient, and regarding the plurality of pressing electrodes, at least two electrodes are sufficient. In the operation member 100a, it is only necessary to be able to apply voltages to at least two adjacent rotating electrodes and at least two adjacent pressing electrodes to each other.

[0372] The hardware structure of the tactile control device 101a in Embodiment 2 is the same as that of the tactile control device 101 in Embodiment 1 described with reference to Figure 9 A and Figure 9 B, so the illustration is omitted.

[0373] In Embodiment 2, the functions of the rotation detection unit 11, the pressing detection unit 61, the tactile control unit 8a, and the tactile waveform selection unit 72a are implemented by the processing circuit 1001. That is, the tactile control device 101a includes a processing circuit 1001 that controls the magnitude of the electrostatic friction force by controlling the voltage applied to a plurality of electrodes (a plurality of rotating electrodes and a plurality of pressing electrodes) and controls the accompanying tactile sensation.

[0374] The processing circuit 1001 reads and executes the program stored in the memory 1005 to execute the functions of the rotation detection unit 11, the pressing detection unit 61, the tactile control unit 8a, and the tactile waveform selection unit 72a. That is, the tactile control device 101a includes a memory 1005 for storing a program, and when this program is executed by the processing circuit 1001, the result is to execute the above-described Figure 12 Steps ST11 to ST41. In addition, it can also be said that the program stored in the memory 1005 causes a computer to execute the processes or methods of the rotation detection unit 11, the pressing detection unit 61, the tactile control unit 8a, and the tactile waveform selection unit 72a.

[0375] In addition, the tactile control device 101a includes a voltage generation circuit 71.

[0376] In addition, the haptic control device 101a includes an input interface device 1002 and an output interface device 1003 that perform wired or wireless communication with devices such as the operating member 100a or the HMI control unit 9.

[0377] In the above-described Second Embodiment, the haptic control device 101a may be mounted on the operating member 100a or may be provided in a server. Alternatively, a part of the rotation detection unit 11, the pressing detection unit 61, the haptic control unit 8a, and the haptic waveform selection unit 72a may be provided in the server, and the other parts may be provided in the operating member 100a.

[0378] As described above, the operating member 100a of the Second Embodiment is an operating member 100a having a fixing portion 1 and an operating portion 3. The fixing portion 1 has a shaft portion 1a that functions as a shaft, and the operating portion 3 is mounted on the shaft portion 1a and can rotate about the shaft portion 1a and can be pressed in the axial direction. The operating member 100a includes: a plurality of rotation electrodes, which are a plurality of electrodes provided on a first fixing surface that exists in the axial direction of the fixing portion 1 (specifically, the first fixing portion 1-1) facing the operating portion 3 and covered with a dielectric layer, and can apply a voltage when the operating portion 3 rotates; and a rotation conductor (rotation conductive elastomer 4), which is provided on a first operating surface that is a surface of the operating portion 3 facing the first fixing surface, and faces the plurality of rotation electrodes when the relative position between the operating portion 3 and the fixing portion 1 is in a preset relative position. Among the plurality of rotation electrodes, a voltage can be applied to two adjacent electrodes. In addition, in the operating member 100a, the shaft portion 1a includes a first shaft portion on which the operating portion 3 is mounted and a second shaft portion that exists on the side opposite to the first shaft portion across the first fixing surface. The operating portion 3 is an operating portion 3 that is mounted on the first shaft portion, can rotate about the first shaft portion, and can be pressed in the axial direction. The fixing portion 1 includes a first fixing portion 1-1 and a second fixing portion 1-2. The first fixing portion 1-1 has the shaft portion 1a and can be pressed in the axial direction together with the operating portion 3. The second fixing portion 1-2 has a second fixing surface and a shaft side surface. The second fixing surface is a surface facing the surface of the first fixing portion 1-1 opposite to the first fixing surface, and the shaft side surface is a surface facing the second shaft portion of the first fixing portion 1-1. The operating member 100a includes: a plurality of pressing electrodes, which are a plurality of electrodes provided on the surface of the second shaft portion on the side of the second fixing portion 1-2 and covered with a dielectric layer 230, and can apply a voltage when the operating portion 3 is pressed; and a pressing conductor (pressing conductive elastomer 40), which is provided on the shaft side surface of the second fixing portion 1-2 and faces the plurality of pressing electrodes when the relative position between the operating portion 3 and the second fixing portion 1-2 is in a preset relative position. Among the plurality of pressing electrodes, a voltage can be applied to two adjacent pressing electrodes.

[0379] Accordingly, the operating member 100a can stably present a tactile sensation. As a result, the operating member 100a can stably give a haptic effect to the user.

[0380] In addition, the tactile sensation control device 101a of Embodiment 2 is a tactile sensation control device 101a that controls the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 of the operating member 100a that is installed on the shaft portion 1a that functions as a shaft and can rotate around the shaft portion 1a and can be pressed in the axial direction rotates or is pressed. The tactile sensation control device 101a is configured to include: a tactile sensation control unit 8a that outputs a selection command for a tactile sensation presentation waveform of a voltage corresponding to the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 rotates, or a selection command for a tactile sensation presentation waveform of a voltage corresponding to the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 is pressed; and a tactile sensation waveform selection unit 72a that selects a tactile sensation presentation waveform based on the selection command output from the tactile sensation control unit 8a and outputs an application command for the voltage under the selected tactile sensation presentation waveform.

[0381] Accordingly, the tactile sensation control device 101a can make the operating member 100a present a stable tactile sensation. As a result, the tactile sensation control device 101a can stably give a haptic effect to the user with the operating member 100a.

[0382] Embodiment 3.

[0383] In Embodiment 1, the operating member includes one rotating electrode portion.

[0384] In Embodiment 3, an embodiment in which the operating member includes a plurality of rotating electrode portions will be described.

[0385] In the following Embodiment 3, similar to Embodiment 1, as the operating member, an operating member having an operation portion that can rotate around the shaft portion of the fixed portion is adopted.

[0386] In addition, the operating member of Embodiment 3 is similarly provided, for example, in an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, like the operating member of Embodiment 1.

[0387] First, a structural example of the operating member of Embodiment 3 will be described.

[0388] Figure 17 A diagram for explaining a structural example of the operating member 100b of Embodiment 3.

[0389] Figure 17 A is a top view of the operating member 100b, Figure 17 B is Figure 17 a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of A, Figure 17 C is from Figure 17 a top view of the operating member 100b observed in the B-B direction of B. For ease of explanation, in Figure 17Also illustrated in A are a shaft portion 1a and a rotary conductive elastic body 4 provided inside an operation portion 3 of an operation member 100b. Additionally, for ease of explanation, in Figure 17 the illustration of the dielectric layer 23 is omitted in C.

[0390] Figure 17 The operation member 100b shown is different from the operation member 100 used in Embodiment 1 in that it has a plurality of rotary electrode portions 2. In Figure 1 what follows, the same reference numerals are attached to the same structures as those of the operation member 100 described above, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Figure 17 In Figure 1 what follows, the same reference numerals are attached to the same structures as those of the operation member 100 described above, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0391] Figure 17 The operation member 100b shown has two rotary electrode portions 2. Here, the two rotary electrode portions 2 of the operation member 100b are referred to as a first rotary electrode portion 201 and a second rotary electrode portion 202.

[0392] In Figure 17 what follows, the second rotary electrode portion 202 is provided on a first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 (shown as 1b in Figure 17 B), and has a circular shape that coincides with the center of the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 and covers a certain amount of the surface of the first fixing surface.

[0393] In addition, the first rotary electrode portion 201 is provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1, and has an annular shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the second rotary electrode portion 202 on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1.

[0394] Furthermore, the first rotary electrode portion 201 and the second rotary electrode portion 202 are not in contact with each other.

[0395] The first rotary electrode portion 201 includes a plurality of rotary electrodes (a plurality of first rotary electrodes 21 and a plurality of second rotary electrodes 22) and a dielectric layer 23 that covers the plurality of rotary electrodes.

[0396] The second rotary electrode portion 202 includes a plurality of rotary electrodes (a plurality of first rotary electrodes 21 and a plurality of second rotary electrodes 22) and a dielectric layer 23 that covers the plurality of rotary electrodes.

[0397] In Figure 17Among them, the multiple rotating electrodes included in the first rotating electrode part 201, specifically, the multiple first rotating electrodes 21 and the multiple second rotating electrodes 22 are respectively set as multiple first rotating electrodes 21-1 and multiple second rotating electrodes 22-1. In addition, the multiple rotating electrodes included in the second rotating electrode part 202, specifically, the multiple first rotating electrodes 21 and the multiple second rotating electrodes 22 are respectively set as multiple first rotating electrodes 21-2 and multiple second rotating electrodes 22-2.

[0398] The detailed structures of the first rotating electrode part 201 and the second rotating electrode part 202 are the same as the detailed structure of the rotating electrode part 2 described in the first embodiment except for the different shapes, so the detailed description is omitted. Figure 2 The detailed structure of the rotating electrode part 2 described in the first embodiment is the same, so the detailed description is omitted.

[0399] In the first rotating electrode part 201, the comb-shaped multiple first rotating electrodes 21-1 and the comb-shaped multiple second rotating electrodes 22-1 are arranged in such a way that the first rotating electrodes 21-1 and the second rotating electrodes 22-1 are alternately arranged.

[0400] In addition, in the second rotating electrode part 202, the comb-shaped multiple first rotating electrodes 21-2 and the comb-shaped multiple second rotating electrodes 22-2 are arranged in such a way that the first rotating electrodes 21-2 and the second rotating electrodes 22-2 are alternately arranged.

[0401] Voltages can be applied to two adjacent rotating electrodes among a plurality of rotating electrodes (the first rotating electrode 21-1 and the second rotating electrode 22-1, the first rotating electrode 21-2 and the second rotating electrode 22-2). Each of the first rotating electrodes 21-1, 21-2 and each of the second rotating electrodes 22-1, 22-2 are respectively connected via lead wirings (not shown) to a voltage generation circuit 71 (hereinafter referred to as "the first voltage generation circuit 71-1") that applies voltage to the plurality of rotating electrodes, and a voltage generation circuit 71 (hereinafter referred to as "the second voltage generation circuit 71-2"). The first voltage generation circuit 71-1 includes a voltage generation circuit (3) (not shown) and a voltage generation circuit (4) (not shown). The second voltage generation circuit 71-2 includes a voltage generation circuit (5) (not shown) and a voltage generation circuit (6) (not shown). The voltage generation circuit (3) applies voltage to the plurality of first rotating electrodes 21-1 via lead wirings. The voltage generation circuit (4) applies voltage to the plurality of second rotating electrodes 22-1 via lead wirings. The voltage generation circuit (5) applies voltage to the plurality of first rotating electrodes 21-2 via lead wirings. The voltage generation circuit (6) applies voltage to the plurality of second rotating electrodes 22-2 via lead wirings. In addition, the control of voltage application is performed by the touch control device 101b. A structural example of the touch control device 101b will be described later.

[0402] As described above, in the operating member 100b, voltages can be independently applied to the plurality of rotating electrodes included in the first rotating electrode portion 201 and the plurality of rotating electrodes included in the second rotating electrode portion 202.

[0403] In addition, in Figure 17 the operating member 100b shown, all of the plurality of rotating electrode portions 2 (the first rotating electrode portion 201 and the second rotating electrode portion 202) to which voltages can be independently applied are provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1, but Figure 17 the configurations of the first rotating electrode portion 201 and the second rotating electrode portion 202 shown are merely examples.

[0404] Several examples are listed below to illustrate other configurations of the plurality of rotating electrode portions 2 in the operating member 100b.

[0405] Figure 18 This is a diagram for explaining another structural example of the operating member 100b of the third embodiment.

[0406] Figure 18 A is a top view of the operating member 100b, Figure 18 B is Figure 18 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of A, Figure 18 C is from Figure 18The top view of the operating member 100b is viewed from the BB direction of B. Figure 18 A also shows the shaft portion 1a, the dielectric layer 23, and the conductive elastic body 4 for rotation provided inside the operating portion 3 of the operating member 100b. Figure 18 In C, the dielectric layer 23 is omitted from illustration.

[0407] Figure 18 The operating member 100b shown is similar to the one used in Embodiment 1. Figure 6 The difference of the operating member 100 described above is that among the plurality of rotating electrode portions 2, the first fixing surface (in the middle of the fixing portion 1) provided on the fixing portion 1 is included. Figure 18 The rotating electrode unit 2 of the plurality of rotating electrodes (indicated by 1b in B) is set as the second rotating electrode unit 202, and the rotating electrode unit 2 including the plurality of rotating electrodes arranged around the shaft 1a is set as the first rotating electrode unit 201. Figure 18 In, for and use Figure 6 The same components as those of the operating member 100 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0408] The first rotation electrode unit 201 includes a plurality of rotation electrodes (a plurality of first rotation electrodes 21 and a plurality of second rotation electrodes 22 ) and a dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotation electrodes.

[0409] The second rotation electrode unit 202 includes a plurality of rotation electrodes (a plurality of first rotation electrodes 21 and a plurality of second rotation electrodes 22 ) and a dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotation electrodes.

[0410] exist Figure 18 In the embodiment, the plurality of rotating electrodes included in the first rotating electrode unit 201, specifically the plurality of first rotating electrodes 21 and the plurality of second rotating electrodes 22 are respectively set as the plurality of first rotating electrodes 21-1 and the plurality of second rotating electrodes 22-1. In addition, the plurality of rotating electrodes included in the second rotating electrode unit 202, specifically the plurality of first rotating electrodes 21 and the plurality of second rotating electrodes 22 are respectively set as the plurality of first rotating electrodes 21-2 and the plurality of second rotating electrodes 22-2.

[0411] The detailed structure of the first rotating electrode unit 201 is similar to that used in the first embodiment. Figure 7 The detailed structure of the rotation electrode portion 2 described above is the same, so the detailed description is omitted.

[0412] The detailed structure of the second rotating electrode unit 202 is similar to that used in the first embodiment. Figure 2 The detailed structure of the rotation electrode portion 2 described above is the same, so the detailed description is omitted.

[0413] In the first rotary electrode portion 201, a plurality of comb-shaped first rotary electrodes 21-1 and a plurality of comb-shaped second rotary electrodes 22-1 are arranged in such a manner that the first rotary electrodes 21-1 and the second rotary electrodes 22-1 are alternately disposed.

[0414] In addition, in the second rotary electrode portion 202, a plurality of comb-shaped first rotary electrodes 21-2 and a plurality of comb-shaped second rotary electrodes 22-2 are arranged in such a manner that the first rotary electrodes 21-2 and the second rotary electrodes 22-2 are alternately disposed.

[0415] Voltage can be applied to two adjacent rotary electrodes (the first rotary electrode 21-1 and the second rotary electrode 22-1, the first rotary electrode 21-2 and the second rotary electrode 22-2) among the plurality of rotary electrodes. Each of the first rotary electrodes 21-1, 21-2 and each of the second rotary electrodes 22-1, 22-2 are respectively connected via lead wirings (not shown) to a first voltage generation circuit 71-1 and a second voltage generation circuit 71-2 that apply voltage to the plurality of rotary electrodes. Regarding the first voltage generation circuit 71-1 and the second voltage generation circuit 71-2, Figure 17 they have been described in the description of the operating member 100b shown, so detailed description is omitted. In addition, the control of voltage application is performed by the touch control device 101b.

[0416] In the operating member 100b, voltage can be independently applied to the plurality of rotary electrodes included in the first rotary electrode portion 201 and the plurality of rotary electrodes included in the second rotary electrode portion 202.

[0417] In this way, in the operating member 100b, a plurality of rotary electrode portions 2 (the first rotary electrode portion 201 and the second rotary electrode portion 202) capable of independently applying voltage can be provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 and around the shaft portion 1a around the shaft portion 1a.

[0418] In the example described above, the number of rotary electrode portions 2 that can be independently applied with voltage is two, but this is only an example. As the operating member 100b, a structure having three or more rotary electrode portions 2 capable of independently applying voltage can also be adopted.

[0419] Figure 19 It is a diagram for explaining another structural example of the operating member 100b of the third embodiment.

[0420] Figure 19 A is a top view of the operating member 100b, Figure 19 B is Figure 19 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of A, Figure 19 C is from Figure 19Top view of the operating member 100b observed in the B-B direction of B. For ease of explanation, in Figure 19 A, the shaft portion 1a, the dielectric layer 23, and the rotation conductive elastomer 4 provided inside the operating portion 3 of the operating member 100b are also illustrated. In addition, for ease of explanation, in Figure 19 C, the illustration of the dielectric layer 23 is omitted.

[0421] Figure 19 The illustrated operating member 100b is different from the operating member 100 used in the first embodiment in that it has a plurality of rotating electrode portions 2. In Figure 1 the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those of the operating member 100 described above and repeated descriptions are omitted. Figure 19 In Figure 1 the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those of the operating member 100 described above and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0422] Figure 19 The illustrated operating member 100b has three rotating electrode portions 2. Here, the three rotating electrode portions provided in the operating member 100b are referred to as the first rotating electrode portion 201, the second rotating electrode portion 202, and the third rotating electrode portion 203.

[0423] In Figure 19 the third rotating electrode portion 203 is provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 (shown as 1b in Figure 19 ), and has a circular shape that coincides with the center of the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 and covers a certain amount of the surface of the first fixing surface. In addition, the second rotating electrode portion 202 is provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1 and has an annular shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the third rotating electrode portion 203 on the first fixing surface of the fixing portion 1. In addition, the second rotating electrode portion 202 and the third rotating electrode portion 203 are not in contact with each other.

[0424] In addition, the first rotating electrode portion 201 is disposed around the shaft portion 1a around the shaft portion 1a.

[0425] The first rotating electrode portion 201 to the third rotating electrode portion 203 each include a plurality of rotating electrodes (a plurality of first rotating electrodes 21, a plurality of second rotating electrodes 22) and a dielectric layer 23 covering the plurality of rotating electrodes.

[0426] In Figure 19Among them, the multiple rotating electrodes included in the first rotating electrode part 201, specifically, the multiple first rotating electrodes 21 and the multiple second rotating electrodes 22 are respectively set as multiple first rotating electrodes 21-1 and multiple second rotating electrodes 22-1. In addition, the multiple rotating electrodes included in the second rotating electrode part 202, specifically, the multiple first rotating electrodes 21 and the multiple second rotating electrodes 22 are respectively set as multiple first rotating electrodes 21-2 and multiple second rotating electrodes 22-2. In addition, the multiple rotating electrodes included in the third rotating electrode part 203, specifically, the multiple first rotating electrodes 21 and the multiple second rotating electrodes 22 are respectively set as multiple first rotating electrodes 21-3 and multiple second rotating electrodes 22-3.

[0427] The detailed structure of the first rotating electrode part 201 is the same as that of the rotating electrode part 2 described in Embodiment 1 Figure 7 and thus the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0428] The detailed structures of the second rotating electrode part 202 and the third rotating electrode part 203 are the same as that of the rotating electrode part 2 described in Embodiment 1 Figure 2 except for the different shapes, and thus the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0429] In the first rotating electrode part 201, the comb-shaped multiple first rotating electrodes 21-1 and the comb-shaped multiple second rotating electrodes 22-1 are arranged in such a manner that the first rotating electrodes 21-1 and the second rotating electrodes 22-1 are alternately arranged. In addition, in the second rotating electrode part 202, the comb-shaped multiple first rotating electrodes 21-2 and the comb-shaped multiple second rotating electrodes 22-2 are arranged in such a manner that the first rotating electrodes 21-2 and the second rotating electrodes 22-2 are alternately arranged. In addition, in the third rotating electrode part 203, the comb-shaped multiple first rotating electrodes 21-3 and the comb-shaped multiple second rotating electrodes 22-3 are arranged in such a manner that the first rotating electrodes 21-3 and the second rotating electrodes 22-3 are alternately arranged.

[0430] Voltages can be applied to two adjacent rotating electrodes among a plurality of rotating electrodes (the first rotating electrode 21-1 and the second rotating electrode 22-1, the first rotating electrode 21-2 and the second rotating electrode 22-2, the first rotating electrode 21-3 and the second rotating electrode 22-3). Each of the first rotating electrodes 21-1, 21-2, 21-3 and each of the second rotating electrodes 22-1, 22-2, 22-3 are respectively connected via lead wirings (not shown) to a voltage generation circuit 71 (the first voltage generation circuit 71-1, the second voltage generation circuit 71-2, the third voltage generation circuit 71-3) that applies voltages to the plurality of rotating electrodes. Regarding the first voltage generation circuit 71-1 and the second voltage generation circuit 71-2, explanations have already been given in the description of the operating member 100b shown in [[ID=288 and thus detailed explanations are omitted. The third voltage generation circuit 71-3 includes a voltage generation circuit (7) (not shown) and a voltage generation circuit (8) (not shown). The voltage generation circuit (7) applies a voltage to the plurality of first rotating electrodes 21-3 via lead wirings. The voltage generation circuit (8) applies a voltage to the plurality of second rotating electrodes 22-3 via lead wirings. In addition, the control of voltage application is performed by the touch control device 101b.

[0431] In the operating member 100b, voltages can be independently applied to the plurality of rotating electrodes included in the first rotating electrode portion 201, the plurality of rotating electrodes included in the second rotating electrode portion 202, and the plurality of rotating electrodes included in the third rotating electrode portion 203.

[0432] ​ FIG. is a diagram for explaining another structural example of the operating member 100b of Embodiment 3.

[0433] ​ A is a top view of the operating member 100b, ​ B is ​ a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of A, ​ C is a top view of the operating member 100b as viewed from the B-B direction of B. For ease of explanation, in ​ A, the shaft portion 1a and the rotating conductive elastic body 4 provided inside the operating portion 3 of the operating member 100b are also illustrated. In addition, for ease of explanation, in ​ A, the dielectric layer 23 is not illustrated. ​ In C, the illustration of the dielectric layer 23 is omitted.

[0434] ​ The operating member 100b shown in ​ is different from the operating member 100 described in ​ that it includes a plurality of rotating electrode portions 2. In ​The operation member 100 described above has the same structure, and the same reference numerals are attached, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0435] ​ The operation member 100b shown has five rotation electrodes 2. Here, the six rotation electrodes included in the operation member 100b are referred to as a first rotation electrode 201, a second rotation electrode 202, a third rotation electrode 203, a fourth rotation electrode 204, and a fifth rotation electrode 205.

[0436] In ​ the second rotation electrode 202 to the fifth rotation electrode 205 are provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing part 1 (shown as 1b in ​ ). The first rotation electrode 201 has a circular shape that coincides with the center of the first fixing surface of the fixing part 1 and covers a certain amount of the surface of the first fixing surface.

[0437] In addition, the second rotation electrode 202 is provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing part 1 and has an annular shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the first rotation electrode 201 on the first fixing surface of the fixing part 1. The third rotation electrode 203 is provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing part 1 and has an annular shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the second rotation electrode 202 on the first fixing surface of the fixing part 1. The fourth rotation electrode 204 is provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing part 1 and has an annular shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the third rotation electrode 203 on the first fixing surface of the fixing part 1. The fifth rotation electrode 205 is provided on the first fixing surface of the fixing part 1 and has an annular shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the fourth rotation electrode 204 on the first fixing surface of the fixing part 1.

[0438] In addition, the first rotation electrode 201 to the fifth rotation electrode 205 are not in contact with each other.

[0439] The first rotation electrode 201 to the fifth rotation electrode 205 include a plurality of rotation electrodes (a plurality of first rotation electrodes 21, a plurality of second rotation electrodes 22) and a dielectric layer 23 that covers the plurality of rotation electrodes.

[0440] In ​Among them, the multiple rotating electrodes included in the first rotating electrode section 201, specifically, the multiple first rotating electrodes 21 and the multiple second rotating electrodes 22 are respectively set as multiple first rotating electrodes 21-1 and multiple second rotating electrodes 22-1. In addition, the multiple rotating electrodes included in the second rotating electrode section 202, specifically, the multiple first rotating electrodes 21 and the multiple second rotating electrodes 22 are respectively set as multiple first rotating electrodes 21-2 and multiple second rotating electrodes 22-2. In addition, the multiple rotating electrodes included in the third rotating electrode section 203, specifically, the multiple first rotating electrodes 21 and the multiple second rotating electrodes 22 are respectively set as multiple first rotating electrodes 21-3 and multiple second rotating electrodes 22-3. In addition, the multiple rotating electrodes included in the fourth rotating electrode section 204, specifically, the multiple first rotating electrodes 21 and the multiple second rotating electrodes 22 are respectively set as multiple first rotating electrodes 21-4 and multiple second rotating electrodes 22-4. In addition, the multiple rotating electrodes included in the fifth rotating electrode section 205, specifically, the multiple first rotating electrodes 21 and the multiple second rotating electrodes 22 are respectively set as multiple first rotating electrodes 21-5 and multiple second rotating electrodes 22-5.

[0441] The detailed structures of the first rotating electrode section 201 to the fifth rotating electrode section 205 are the same as the detailed structure of the rotating electrode section 2 described in Embodiment 1 except for the different shapes, so the detailed description is omitted. ​ The detailed description is omitted.

[0442] In the first rotating electrode section 201 to the fifth rotating electrode section 205, the comb-shaped multiple first rotating electrodes 21-1, 21-2, 21-3, 21-4, 21-5 and the comb-shaped multiple second rotating electrodes 22-1, 22-2, 22-3, 22-4, 22-5 are arranged in such a way that the first rotating electrodes 21-1, 21-2, 21-3, 21-4, 21-5 and the second rotating electrodes 22-1, 22-2, 22-3, 22-4, 22-5 are alternately arranged.

[0443] Voltages can be applied to two adjacent rotation electrodes among a plurality of rotation electrodes (the first rotation electrode 21-1 and the second rotation electrode 22-1, the first rotation electrode 21-2 and the second rotation electrode 22-2, the first rotation electrode 21-3 and the second rotation electrode 22-3, the first rotation electrode 21-4 and the second rotation electrode 22-4, the first rotation electrode 21-5 and the second rotation electrode 22-5). Each of the first rotation electrodes 21-1, 21-2, 21-3, 21-4, 21-5 and each of the second rotation electrodes 22-1, 22-2, 22-3, 22-4, 22-5 are respectively connected to a voltage generation circuit 71 (the first voltage generation circuit 71-1, the second voltage generation circuit 71-2, the third voltage generation circuit 71-3, the fourth voltage generation circuit 71-4, the fifth voltage generation circuit 71-5) that applies voltage to the plurality of rotation electrodes via lead-out wirings (not shown). Regarding the first voltage generation circuit 71-1 to the third voltage generation circuit 71-3, they have been described in the description of the operating member 100b shown in ​ , so detailed description is omitted. The fourth voltage generation circuit 71-4 includes a voltage generation circuit (9) (not shown) and a voltage generation circuit (10) (not shown). The fifth voltage generation circuit 71-5 includes a voltage generation circuit (11) (not shown) and a voltage generation circuit (12) (not shown).

[0444] The voltage generation circuit (9) (not shown) applies voltage to the plurality of first rotation electrodes 21-4 via lead-out wirings. The voltage generation circuit (10) (not shown) applies voltage to the plurality of second rotation electrodes 22-4 via lead-out wirings. The voltage generation circuit (11) (not shown) applies voltage to the plurality of first rotation electrodes 21-5 via lead-out wirings. The voltage generation circuit (12) (not shown) applies voltage to the plurality of second rotation electrodes 22-5 via lead-out wirings. In addition, the control of voltage application is performed by the touch control device 101b.

[0445] In the operating member 100b, voltages can be independently applied to the plurality of rotation electrodes included in the first rotation electrode portion 201 to the sixth rotation electrode portion 206.

[0446] In this way, as the operating member 100b, a structure including three or more rotation electrode portions 2 (the first rotation electrode portion 201 to the nth rotation electrode portion 20n) that can independently apply voltage can also be adopted.

[0447] As used ​As described, the operating member 100b is an operating member 100b having a plurality of rotating electrode portions 2, and the plurality of rotating electrodes constitute a group having a plurality of rotating electrodes capable of independently applying voltages. More specifically, they constitute a group having a plurality of rotating electrodes and a plurality of rotating electrodes capable of independently applying voltages. The rotating electrode portion 2 includes the group having the plurality of rotating electrodes and a rotating conductive elastomer 4.

[0448] Accordingly, the operating member 100b does not need to use a switching element or the like for switching the voltage to be applied to a certain rotating electrode portion 2 (more specifically, a plurality of rotating electrodes in a group). As a result, the structure of the operating member 100b can be simplified.

[0449] In addition, by increasing the number of rotating electrode portions 2 (more specifically, a plurality of rotating electrodes) to which voltages are applied, the operating member 100b can have a variation in which the area of the region where the rotating electrode portions 2 are arranged is increased, and a variation in which the intensity of the tactile sensation given to a user's finger or the like is increased.

[0450] In addition, it is assumed that when the haptic rendering waveform of the voltages applied to the plurality of rotating electrodes included in one rotating electrode portion 2 is switched, there is a time lag before the tactile sensation based on the switched haptic rendering waveform is given to a user's finger or the like. In contrast, since the operating member 100b has a plurality of rotating electrode portions 2 capable of independently applying voltages, the above time lag can be substantially eliminated. As a result, the operating member 100b can generate a tactile sensation at a timing at which the user can more realistically and effectively feel the tactile sensation.

[0451] Next, a haptic control device 101b that controls the voltages applied to the plurality of rotating electrodes of the operating member 100b will be described.

[0452] ​ FIG. is a diagram showing a structural example of the haptic control device 101b of Embodiment 3.

[0453] In ​ the same reference numerals are given to the structural examples that are the same as those of the haptic control device 101 of Embodiment 1 described in ​ Embodiment 1, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0454] The haptic control device 101b is connected to the operating member 100b, and the operating member 100b and the haptic control device 101b constitute a haptic control system 102b. In addition, this is only an example. For example, the haptic control device 101b may also be mounted on the operating member 100b. Also, in ​In order to simplify the description, among the structural parts included in the operating member 100b, only the plurality of first rotation electrodes 21-1 to 21-n and the plurality of second rotation electrodes 22-1 to 22-n of the plurality of rotation electrodes 201 to 20n are illustrated.

[0455] The touch control device 101b is connected to the HMI control unit 9. The HMI control unit 9 performs control to change the state of the HMI. The HMI control unit 9 outputs HMI control information to the touch control device 101b.

[0456] The touch control device 101b includes a rotation detection unit 11, a voltage generation circuit 71, a touch waveform selection unit 72b, and a touch control unit 8b. The voltage generation circuit 71 includes a first voltage generation circuit 71-1 to an nth voltage generation circuit 71-n. The touch waveform selection unit 72b includes a first touch waveform selection unit 72-1 to an nth touch waveform selection unit 72-n.

[0457] In the touch control device 101b of Embodiment 3, the operations of the touch waveform selection unit 72b and the touch control unit 8b are different from the operations of the touch waveform selection unit 72 and the touch control unit 8 in the touch control device 101 of Embodiment 1, respectively. In addition, the touch control device 101b of Embodiment 3 is different from the touch control device 101 of Embodiment 1 in that it has a plurality of voltage generation circuits 71 (the first voltage generation circuit 71-1 to the nth voltage generation circuit 71-n) capable of independently applying voltages to the first rotation electrode portions 201 to the nth rotation electrode portions 20n of the operating member 100b.

[0458] The touch control unit 8b outputs a selection command for a touch presentation waveform of a voltage corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 rotates to the touch waveform selection unit 72b. More specifically, the touch control unit 8b outputs a selection command for a touch presentation waveform of a voltage corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 rotates to the first touch waveform selection unit 72-1 to the nth touch waveform selection unit 72-n, respectively.

[0459] Specifically, the touch control unit 8b determines a touch corresponding to the state of the HMI or the rotation state of the operation unit 3 based on the rotation information output from the rotation detection unit 11 and the HMI control information output from the HMI control unit 9. Then, based on the determined touch, the touch control unit 8b outputs a selection command for a touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch when the operation unit 3 rotates to the first touch waveform selection unit 72-1 to the nth touch waveform selection unit 72-n.

[0460] An example of a method for outputting a selection command to the touch control unit 8b will be described.

[0461] For example, the touch control unit 8b determines whether the state of the HMI is a state where a rotation operation is valid, and determines the touch sensation to be presented based on the determination result of the state of the HMI and whether the operation unit 3 is rotating. Then, the touch control unit 8b outputs a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the determined touch sensation. In addition, the touch control unit 8b determines whether the state of the HMI is a state where a rotation operation is valid based on the HMI control information output from the HMI control unit 9.

[0462] In addition, the touch control unit 8b determines whether the operation unit 3 is rotating based on the rotation information output from the rotation detection unit 11. The touch control unit 8b can determine whether the operation unit 3 is rotating based on, for example, whether the position of the operation unit 3 changes according to the rotation information.

[0463] A specific example of the method by which the touch control unit 8b outputs a selection instruction is the same as the specific example of the method by which the touch control unit 8 outputs a selection instruction described in cases in Embodiment 1.

[0464] The touch waveform selection unit 72b selects a touch presentation waveform based on the selection instruction output from the touch control unit 8b, and outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected touch presentation waveform.

[0465] Specifically, the touch waveform selection unit 72b selects a touch presentation waveform for rotation of the operation unit 3 corresponding to the touch sensation when the operation unit 3 rotates based on the selection instruction output from the touch control unit 8b.

[0466] Then, the touch waveform selection unit 72b outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected touch presentation waveform to the voltage generation circuit 71. Specifically, the first touch waveform selection unit 72-1, the second touch waveform selection unit 72-2,..., the nth touch waveform selection unit 72-n respectively output an application instruction for the voltage under the selected touch presentation waveform to the first voltage generation circuit 71-1, the second voltage generation circuit 71-2,..., the nth voltage generation circuit 71-n which are the corresponding voltage generation circuits 71.

[0467] For example, the first touch waveform selection unit 72-1 outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the touch presentation waveform of the voltage to be applied to each first rotation electrode 21-1 of the first rotation electrode unit 201 to the voltage generation circuit (1) 71a of the first voltage generation circuit 71-1, and outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the touch presentation waveform of the voltage to be applied to each second rotation electrode 22-1 of the first rotation electrode unit 201 to the voltage generation circuit (2) 71b of the first voltage generation circuit 71-1. In addition, ​ The illustration of the voltage generation circuit (1) 71a and the voltage generation circuit (2) 71b is omitted.

[0468] The voltage generation circuit 71 applies a voltage under the tactile presentation waveform selected by the tactile waveform selection unit 72b to a plurality of rotation electrodes based on the application instruction output from the tactile waveform selection unit 72b. Specifically, the first voltage generation circuit 71-1, the second voltage generation circuit 71-2, ……, the nth voltage generation circuit 71-n apply a voltage under the tactile presentation waveform selected by the first tactile waveform selection unit 72-1, the second tactile waveform selection unit 72-2, ……, the nth tactile waveform selection unit 72-n to a plurality of rotation electrodes based on the application instructions output from the first tactile waveform selection unit 72-1, the second tactile waveform selection unit 72-2, ……, the nth tactile waveform selection unit 72-n.

[0469] For example, in the first voltage generation circuit 71-1, the voltage generation circuit (1) 71a applies a voltage under the tactile presentation waveform selected by the first tactile waveform selection unit 72-1 to each first rotation electrode 21-1 of the first rotation electrode unit 201. The voltage generation circuit (2) 71b applies a voltage under the tactile presentation waveform selected by the tactile waveform selection unit 72b to each second rotation electrode 22-1 of the first rotation electrode unit 201.

[0470] In addition, as shown here ​ The voltage generation circuit 71 is provided in the tactile control device 101b, but this is only an example. The voltage generation circuit 71 may be provided outside the tactile control device 101b and connected to the tactile control device 101b outside the tactile control device 101b.

[0471] The operation of the tactile control device 101b of Embodiment 3 will be described.

[0472] ​ It is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the tactile control device 101b of Embodiment 3.

[0473] The rotation detection unit 11 detects the rotation of the operation unit 3 (step ST1a).

[0474] The rotation detection unit 11 outputs rotation information to the tactile control unit 8. In addition, the rotation detection unit 11 also outputs rotation information to the HMI control unit 9.

[0475] The tactile control unit 8b outputs a selection instruction for the tactile presentation waveform of the voltage corresponding to the tactile sensation when the operation unit 3 rotates to the tactile waveform selection unit 72b (step ST2a).

[0476] The haptic waveform selection unit 72b selects a haptic rendering waveform based on the selection instruction output from the haptic control unit 8b. Then, the haptic waveform selection unit 72b outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected haptic rendering waveform to the voltage generation circuit 71 (step ST3a). The voltage generation circuit 71 applies the voltage under the haptic rendering waveform selected by the haptic waveform selection unit 72 to a plurality of rotation electrodes based on the application instruction output from the haptic waveform selection unit 72.

[0477] ​ For ​ An example of the detailed operations of steps ST2a and ST3a.

[0478] The haptic control unit 8b determines whether the state of the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is valid based on the HMI control information output from the HMI control unit 9 (step ST21a).

[0479] In step ST21a, when it is determined that the state of the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is valid (when the result of step ST21a is "Yes"), the haptic control unit 8b determines whether the operation unit 3 is rotating based on the rotation information output from the rotation detection unit 11 (step ST22a).

[0480] In step ST22a, when it is determined that the operation unit 3 is rotating (when the result of step ST22a is "Yes"), the haptic control unit 8b outputs a selection instruction for the haptic rendering waveform of the voltage corresponding to the haptic sensation when the operation unit 3 rotates to the haptic waveform selection unit 72b.

[0481] The haptic waveform selection unit 72b selects a haptic rendering waveform corresponding to the haptic sensation during rotation based on the selection instruction output from the haptic control unit 8b (step ST23a).

[0482] Then, the haptic waveform selection unit 72b outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the haptic rendering waveform corresponding to the haptic sensation during rotation to the voltage generation circuit 71. The voltage generation circuit 71 applies the voltage under the haptic rendering waveform selected by the haptic waveform selection unit 72b to a plurality of rotation electrodes.

[0483] In step ST22a, when it is determined that the operation unit 3 is not rotating (when the result of step ST22a is "No"), the haptic control unit 8b does not output a selection instruction. That is, the haptic waveform selection unit 72b does not select a haptic rendering waveform (step ST24a). The voltage generation circuit 71 does not apply a voltage to a plurality of rotation electrodes.

[0484] In step ST21a, when it is not determined that the state of the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is effective (when "No" in step ST21a), that is, when the state of the HMI is a state where the rotation operation is not effective, the touch control unit 8b outputs a selection command for a touch presentation waveform in which the electrostatic frictional force becomes maximum to the touch waveform selection unit 72b.

[0485] The touch waveform selection unit 72b selects a touch presentation waveform in which the electrostatic frictional force becomes maximum for the voltage generation circuit 71. Then, the touch waveform selection unit 72b outputs an application command for the voltage under the touch presentation waveform in which the electrostatic frictional force becomes maximum to the voltage generation circuit 71 (step ST25a). The voltage generation circuit 71 applies the voltage under the touch presentation waveform selected by the touch waveform selection unit 72b to the plurality of rotation electrodes.

[0486] As described above, the touch control device 101b of Embodiment 3 is a touch control device 101b that controls the touch feeling during rotation of the operation unit 3 included in the operation member 100b. A plurality of rotation electrodes form a plurality of groups each having a plurality of rotation electrodes. The operation member 100b includes a plurality of rotation electrode units 2. The rotation electrode unit 2 includes a group having the plurality of rotation electrodes and a rotation conductor. The touch control device 101b is configured as follows: when the operation unit 3 rotates, the touch control unit 8b outputs a selection command for a touch presentation waveform for each rotation electrode unit 2. The touch waveform selection unit 72b selects a touch presentation waveform for each rotation electrode unit 2 based on the selection command output from the touch control unit 8b, and outputs an application command for the voltage under the selected touch presentation waveform. Accordingly, the touch control device 101b can give different touch feelings corresponding to the touch presentation waveforms of the voltages applied to each rotation electrode unit 2 to the user's finger or the like.

[0487] Here, ​ A and ​ B are diagrams for explaining an example of the voltage applied to each rotation electrode unit 2 and the resulting electrostatic force in Embodiment 3 so that the touch control device 101b generates different touch feelings given to the user's finger or the like.

[0488] ​ A and ​ In B, as an example, it is assumed that the operation member 100b has the ​ structure shown in the operation member 100b.

[0489] For example, it is assumed that the touch control device 101b controls the touch feeling of the operation member 100b from a non-touch feeling state to a state where a notch feeling (vibration feeling) is given, and then to a state where a braking feeling (adsorption stop feeling) is given by controlling the voltage applied to the plurality of rotation electrode units 2 of the operation member 100b.

[0490] In this case, in the haptic control device 101b, first, the haptic control unit 8b does not output a selection command to the haptic waveform selection unit 72b to select a haptic presentation waveform for rotation. The haptic waveform selection unit 72b does not select a haptic presentation waveform and does not output a voltage application command to the voltage generation circuit 71. As a result, the operating member 100b is in a non-haptic state.

[0491] After that, the haptic control unit 8b outputs a selection command to the second haptic waveform selection unit 72-2 to select a haptic presentation waveform that presents a contact feeling. The second haptic waveform selection unit 72-2 selects a haptic presentation waveform that presents a contact feeling and outputs a voltage application command to the second voltage generation circuit 71-2 to apply a voltage under this haptic presentation waveform. As a result, a voltage is applied to the second rotary electrode unit 202, presenting a contact feeling to the user's finger or the like.

[0492] After that, the haptic control unit 8b outputs a selection command to the first haptic waveform selection unit 72-1 to select a haptic presentation waveform that presents a braking feeling. The first haptic waveform selection unit 72-1 selects a haptic presentation waveform that presents a braking feeling and outputs a voltage application command to the first voltage generation circuit 71-1 to apply a voltage under this haptic presentation waveform. As a result, a voltage is applied to the first rotary electrode unit 201, presenting a braking feeling to the user's finger or the like (see ​ A).

[0493] For example, the haptic control unit 8b can output a selection command to the first haptic waveform selection unit 72-1 and the second haptic waveform selection unit 72-2 to select a haptic presentation waveform that presents a braking feeling. The first haptic waveform selection unit 72-1 and the second haptic waveform selection unit 72-2 select a haptic presentation waveform that presents a braking feeling and respectively output a voltage application command to the first voltage generation circuit 71-1 and the second voltage generation circuit 71-2 to apply a voltage under this haptic presentation waveform. As a result, a voltage is applied to the first rotary electrode unit 201 and the second rotary electrode unit 202, presenting a stronger braking feeling to the user's finger or the like (see ​ B).

[0494] In addition, the haptic control device 101b can increase the area of the region where the voltage is applied by controlling the plurality of rotary electrode units 2 to which the voltage is to be applied, and can increase the intensity of the haptic sensation given to the user's finger or the like.

[0495] In addition, since the haptic control device 101b applies voltages independently to different rotary electrode units 2, it is possible to substantially eliminate the time lag when switching the haptic presentation waveform to apply a voltage. As a result, the haptic control device 101b can generate a haptic sensation at a timing that allows the user to more realistically and effectively feel the haptic sensation.

[0496] In addition, the touch feeling control device 101b of Embodiment 3 outputs a selection instruction for a touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the state of the HMI that is the object of the rotation operation of the operation unit 3, and outputs an application instruction for applying a voltage under the touch feeling presentation waveform selected based on this selection instruction. Accordingly, the touch feeling control device 101b can cause the operating member 100b to present a touch feeling linked to the HMI. The operating member 100b can present a touch feeling linked to the HMI.

[0497] In the touch feeling control device 101b of Embodiment 3 described above, the touch feeling control unit 8b can also output a selection instruction for a touch feeling presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling corresponding to the rotation position of the operation unit 3 to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72b based on the rotation information.

[0498] Here, ​ A, ​ B, ​ C is a diagram for explaining an example of the voltage applied to each rotation electrode unit 2 by the touch feeling control device 101b in Embodiment 3 in order to present a touch feeling linked to the HMI and corresponding to the rotation position of the operation unit 3, and the electrostatic force generated thereby.

[0499] ​ A is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display device of the HMI that is the operation object of the operating member 100b and represents the volume adjusted in 10 levels. In addition, ​ A is a diagram of the screen viewed from above, and in ​ A, for convenience, only the operation unit 3 of the operating member 100b and the display representing the volume level adjusted by the operation unit 3 are illustrated.

[0500] ​ B is a diagram for explaining an example of the voltage applied by the touch feeling control device 101b.

[0501] ​ C is a diagram for explaining an example of the electrostatic force generated by the touch feeling control device 101b by applying a voltage to the rotation electrode unit 2.

[0502] In ​ A, ​ B, and ​ C, as an example, the operating member 100b is the operating member 100b having the structure shown in ​ the figure.

[0503] Here, as shown in ​ A, in the operating member 100b, the operation unit 3 can rotate from the position shown by ​ "a" in A to the position shown by ​ "b" in A. In​ In A, the range in which the operation unit 3 can rotate (the movable area of the operation member 100b) is represented by "X1". In addition, the range in which the operation unit 3 cannot rotate (the non-movable area of the operation member 100b) is represented by "Y".

[0504] Now, assume that in the operation member 100b, the operation unit 3 rotates from the position shown by "a" to the position shown by "b".

[0505] In the touch control device 101a, the touch control unit 8b detects, based on the HMI control information, that the current state of the display device is a state in which the rotation operation of the operation unit 3 is effective for 10-level volume adjustment. In addition, the touch control unit 8b detects, based on the rotation information, that the operation unit 3 has rotated. When the touch control unit 8b detects that the operation unit 3 is within the range in which the operation unit 3 can rotate, the touch control unit 8b outputs a selection instruction to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72b to select a rotation touch feeling presentation waveform that presents the touch feeling of the volume being adjusted.

[0506] Specifically, for example, the touch control unit 8b outputs a selection instruction to the first touch feeling waveform selection unit 72-1 to select a rotation touch feeling presentation waveform that presents the touch feeling of the volume being adjusted. In addition, in this case, the touch control unit 8b does not output a selection instruction to the second touch feeling waveform selection unit 72-2.

[0507] The touch feeling waveform selection unit 72b selects a touch feeling presentation waveform based on the selection instruction, and outputs an application instruction to the voltage generation circuit 71 to apply the voltage under the selected touch feeling presentation waveform.

[0508] Specifically, the first touch feeling waveform selection unit 72-1 selects a rotation touch feeling presentation waveform that presents the touch feeling of the volume being adjusted, and causes the first voltage generation circuit 71-1 to apply the voltage under the selected touch feeling presentation waveform. The first voltage generation circuit 71-1 applies the voltage under the rotation touch feeling presentation waveform that presents the touch feeling of the volume being adjusted to the first rotation electrode unit 201 (more specifically, a plurality of first rotation electrodes 21-1 and a plurality of second rotation electrodes 22-1) (refer to ​ "Example of voltage signal 1" in B).

[0509] When the operation unit 3 rotates to a position where it can no longer rotate, that is, ​ the position shown by "b" in A, the touch control unit 8b detects this situation based on the rotation information. Then, the touch control unit 8b outputs a selection instruction to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72b to select a rotation touch feeling presentation waveform in which the electrostatic friction force becomes the maximum at this position.

[0510] Specifically, the touch control unit 8b outputs, for example, a selection instruction to the second touch waveform selection unit 72-2 to select a rotational touch presentation waveform that maximizes the electrostatic frictional force. Further, in this case, the touch control unit 8b does not output a selection instruction to the first touch waveform selection unit 72-1.

[0511] The touch waveform selection unit 72b selects a touch presentation waveform based on the selection instruction, and outputs an application instruction to the voltage generation circuit 71 to apply a voltage corresponding to the selected touch presentation waveform.

[0512] Specifically, the second touch waveform selection unit 72-2 selects a rotational touch presentation waveform that maximizes the electrostatic frictional force, and causes the second voltage generation circuit 71-2 to apply a voltage corresponding to the selected touch presentation waveform. The second voltage generation circuit 71-2 applies a voltage corresponding to the rotational touch presentation waveform that maximizes the electrostatic frictional force to the second rotational electrode unit 202 (more specifically, a plurality of first rotational electrodes 21-2 and a plurality of second rotational electrodes 22-2) (see ​ "Example of voltage signal 2" in B).

[0513] As a result, the touch control device 101b can cause the operating member 100b to generate an electrostatic force to present a heavier touch feeling while the operation unit 3 is within the rotatable range, and when the operation unit 3 rotates to a position where it can no longer rotate, cause the operating member 100b to generate a greater electrostatic force than before to present an adsorption stop feeling as a touch feeling (see ​ C).

[0514] In this way, the touch control device 101b can continuously achieve a touch feeling corresponding to the rotation of the operation unit 3 by linking with the HMI and independently controlling the application of voltages based on the rotational position of the operation unit 3 to the plurality of rotational electrode units 2.

[0515] In the above ​ as an example, the operating member 100b is set to the ​ operating member 100b having the structure shown, but the following will describe an example of the control of the presentation of a touch feeling corresponding to the rotational position of the operation unit 3 that is linked with the HMI and executed by the touch control device 101b when the operating member 100b has the structure shown in ​ .

[0516] ​ A, ​ B, ​ C are diagrams for explaining another example of the case where, in the third embodiment, the touch control device 101b applies voltages to each rotational electrode unit 2 and the resulting electrostatic forces in order to present a touch feeling that is linked with the HMI and corresponds to the rotational position of the operation unit 3.

[0517] ​ FIG. A shows an example of a screen representing the volume adjusted in 10 levels and displayed on the display device of the HMI which is the operation object of the operating member 100b. In addition, ​ FIG. A is a view of the screen observed from above, and in ​ FIG. A, for convenience, only the operation part 3 of the operating member 100b and the display representing the volume level adjusted by the operation part 3 are illustrated.

[0518] ​ FIG. B shows an example of a case for explaining the voltage applied by the touch control device 101b.

[0519] ​ FIG. C shows an example of a case for explaining the electrostatic force generated by the touch control device 101b by applying a voltage to the rotary electrode part 2.

[0520] As ​ shown in FIG. A, in the operating member 100b, the operation part 3 can rotate from the position shown by "a" in ​ FIG. A to the position shown by "e" in ​ FIG. A. In ​ FIG. A, the rotatable range of the operation part 3 (the movable area of the operating member 100b) is divided into 4 regions (hereinafter referred to as "the first region", "the second region", "the third region" and "the fourth region") in sequence as the volume level increases based on the volume level adjusted by the operation part 3. In ​ FIG. A, the first region, the second region, the third region and the fourth region are represented by "X1", "X2", "X3" and "X4" respectively. The range from the position shown by "a" to the position shown by "b" of the operation part 3 is the first region, the range from the position shown by "b" to the position shown by "c" of the operation part 3 is the second region, the range from the position shown by "c" to the position shown by "d" of the operation part 3 is the third region, and the range from the position shown by "d" to the position shown by "e" of the operation part 3 is the fourth region. In addition, the non-rotatable range of the operation part 3 (the non-movable area of the operating member 100b) is represented by "Y".

[0521] Now, assume that in the operating member 100b, the operation part 3 rotates from the position shown by "a" to the position shown by "e".

[0522] In the touch control device 101a, the touch control part 8b detects, based on the HMI control information, that the current state of the display device is a state where the rotation operation of the operation part 3 is effective for adjusting the volume in 10 levels. In addition, the touch control part 8b detects, based on the rotation information, that the operation part 3 has rotated and to which position it has rotated.

[0523] When the touch control unit 8b detects that the operation unit 3 is rotated and the operation unit 3 is located at the rotation position representing the volume of the 3rd level among the above 10 levels, that is, ​ When it is between the position shown by "a" and the position shown by "b" in A, it outputs a selection instruction to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72b to select a rotation touch feeling presentation waveform representing that the volume is being adjusted.

[0524] Specifically, the touch control unit 8b outputs a selection instruction to the first touch feeling waveform selection unit 72-1 to select a rotation touch feeling presentation waveform representing that the volume is being adjusted. In addition, in this case, the touch control unit 8b does not output a selection instruction to the second touch feeling waveform selection unit 72-2 to the fifth touch feeling waveform selection unit 72-5.

[0525] The touch feeling waveform selection unit 72b selects a touch feeling presentation waveform based on the selection instruction, and outputs an application instruction to the voltage generation circuit 71 to apply the voltage under the selected touch feeling presentation waveform.

[0526] Specifically, the first touch feeling waveform selection unit 72-1 selects a rotation touch feeling presentation waveform representing that the volume is being adjusted, and causes the first voltage generation circuit 71-1 to apply the voltage under the selected touch feeling presentation waveform. The first voltage generation circuit 71-1 applies the voltage under the rotation touch feeling presentation waveform representing that the volume is being adjusted to the first rotation electrode unit 201 (more specifically, a plurality of first rotation electrodes 21-1 and a plurality of second rotation electrodes 22-1) (refer to ​ "Example of voltage signal 1" in B).

[0527] When the touch control unit 8b detects that the operation unit 3 is further rotated and the operation unit 3 is located at the rotation position representing the volume of the 3rd level among the above 10 levels to the rotation position representing the volume of the 5th level, that is, ​ When it is between the position shown by "b" and the position shown by "c" in A, it outputs a selection instruction to the touch feeling waveform selection unit 72b to select a rotation touch feeling presentation waveform representing that the volume is being adjusted.

[0528] Specifically, the touch control unit 8b outputs a selection instruction to the first touch feeling waveform selection unit 72-1 and the second touch feeling waveform selection unit 72-2 to select a rotation touch feeling presentation waveform representing that the volume is being adjusted. In addition, in this case, the touch control unit 8b does not output a selection instruction to the third touch feeling waveform selection unit 72-3 to the fifth touch feeling waveform selection unit 72-5.

[0529] The touch feeling waveform selection unit 72b selects a touch feeling presentation waveform based on the selection instruction, and outputs an application instruction to the voltage generation circuit 71 to apply the voltage under the selected touch feeling presentation waveform.

[0530] Specifically, the first haptic waveform selection unit 72-1 and the second haptic waveform selection unit 72-2 select a rotational haptic presentation waveform that presents a haptic sensation indicating that the volume is being adjusted, and cause the first voltage generation circuit 71-1 and the second voltage generation circuit 71-2 to apply a voltage under the selected haptic presentation waveform. The first voltage generation circuit 71-1 and the second voltage generation circuit 71-2 apply a voltage under the rotational haptic presentation waveform that presents a haptic sensation indicating that the volume is being adjusted to the first rotational electrode unit 201 (more specifically, a plurality of first rotational electrodes 21-1 and a plurality of second rotational electrodes 22-1) and the second rotational electrode unit 202 (more specifically, a plurality of first rotational electrodes 21-2 and a plurality of second rotational electrodes 22-2) (refer to ​ "Example of Voltage Signal 1" in

[0531] When the haptic control unit 8b detects that the operation unit 3 is further rotated and the operation unit 3 is located at a rotational position representing the volume of the 5th level to the 8th level among the above 10 levels, that is, ​ between the position shown as "c" and the position shown as "d" in

[0532]

[0533] Specifically, the haptic control unit 8b outputs a selection instruction to the first haptic waveform selection unit 72-1, the second haptic waveform selection unit 72-2, and the third haptic waveform selection unit 72-3 to select a rotational haptic presentation waveform that presents a haptic sensation indicating that the volume is being adjusted. In addition, in this case, the haptic control unit 8b does not output a selection instruction to the fourth haptic waveform selection unit 72-4 and the fifth haptic waveform selection unit 72-5. The haptic waveform selection unit 72b selects a haptic presentation waveform based on the selection instruction, and outputs an application instruction to the voltage generation circuit 71 to apply a voltage under the selected haptic presentation waveform.

[0534] Specifically, the first haptic waveform selection unit 72-1, the second haptic waveform selection unit 72-2, and the third haptic waveform selection unit 72-3 select a rotational haptic presentation waveform that presents a haptic sensation indicating that the volume is being adjusted, and cause the first voltage generation circuit 71-1, the second voltage generation circuit 71-2, and the third voltage generation circuit 71-3 to apply a voltage under the selected haptic presentation waveform. The first voltage generation circuit 71-1, the second voltage generation circuit 71-2, and the third voltage generation circuit 71-3 apply a voltage under the rotational haptic presentation waveform that presents a haptic sensation indicating that the volume is being adjusted to the first rotational electrode unit 201 (more specifically, a plurality of first rotational electrodes 21-1 and a plurality of second rotational electrodes 22-1), the second rotational electrode unit 202 (more specifically, a plurality of first rotational electrodes 21-2 and a plurality of second rotational electrodes 22-2), and the third rotational electrode unit 203 (more specifically, a plurality of first rotational electrodes 21-3 and a plurality of second rotational electrodes 22-3) (see ​ "Example of Voltage Signal 1" in

[0535] When the touch control unit 8b detects that the operation unit 3 is further rotated and the operation unit 3 is located at a rotational position indicating the volume of the 6th level to the 10th level among the above 10 levels, that is, ​ the position shown by "d" to the position shown by "e" in

[0536] Specifically, the touch control unit 8b outputs a selection command to the first haptic waveform selection unit 72-1, the second haptic waveform selection unit 72-2, the third haptic waveform selection unit 72-3, and the fourth haptic waveform selection unit 72-4 to select a rotational haptic presentation waveform that presents a haptic sensation indicating that the volume is being adjusted. In addition, in this case, the touch control unit 8b does not output a selection command to the fifth haptic waveform selection unit 72-5.

[0537] The haptic waveform selection unit 72b selects a haptic presentation waveform based on the selection command, and outputs an application command to the voltage generation circuit 71 to cause the applied voltage to be under the selected haptic presentation waveform.

[0538] Specifically, the first tactile waveform selection unit 72-1, the second tactile waveform selection unit 72-2, the third tactile waveform selection unit 72-3, and the fourth tactile waveform selection unit 72-4 select and present a rotational tactile presentation waveform representing the tactile sensation of the volume being adjusted, and cause the first voltage generation circuit 71-1, the second voltage generation circuit 71-2, the third voltage generation circuit 71-3, and the fourth voltage generation circuit 71-4 to apply a voltage under the selected tactile presentation waveform. The first voltage generation circuit 71-1, the second voltage generation circuit 71-2, the third voltage generation circuit 71-3, and the fourth voltage generation circuit 71-4 apply a voltage under the rotational tactile presentation waveform representing the tactile sensation of the volume being adjusted to the first rotational electrode unit 201 (more specifically, a plurality of first rotational electrodes 21-1 and a plurality of second rotational electrodes 22-1), the second rotational electrode unit 202 (more specifically, a plurality of first rotational electrodes 21-2 and a plurality of second rotational electrodes 22-2), the third rotational electrode unit 203 (more specifically, a plurality of first rotational electrodes 21-3 and a plurality of second rotational electrodes 22-3), and the fourth rotational electrode unit 204 (more specifically, a plurality of first rotational electrodes 21-4 and a plurality of second rotational electrodes 22-4) (see ​ "Example of Voltage Signal 1" in B).

[0539] Then, when the operation unit 3 is rotated to a position where it cannot be rotated any further, that is, ​ the position shown as "e" in A of FIG. 1, the tactile control unit 8b detects this situation based on the rotation information. Then, the tactile control unit 8b outputs a selection command to the tactile waveform selection unit 72b to select a rotational tactile presentation waveform that maximizes the electrostatic frictional force at this position.

[0540] Specifically, the tactile control unit 8b outputs, for example, a selection command to the fifth tactile waveform selection unit 72-5 to select a rotational tactile presentation waveform that maximizes the electrostatic frictional force. In addition, in this case, the tactile control unit 8b does not output a selection command to the first tactile waveform selection unit 72-1 to the fourth tactile waveform selection unit 72-4.

[0541] The tactile waveform selection unit 72b selects a tactile presentation waveform based on the selection command, and outputs an application command to the voltage generation circuit 71 to apply a voltage under the selected tactile presentation waveform.

[0542] Specifically, the fifth tactile waveform selection unit 72-5 selects a rotational tactile presentation waveform in which the electrostatic frictional force becomes maximum, and causes the fifth voltage generation circuit 71-5 to apply a voltage under the selected tactile presentation waveform. The fifth voltage generation circuit 71-5 applies a voltage under the rotational tactile presentation waveform in which the electrostatic frictional force becomes maximum to the fifth rotational electrode unit 205 (more specifically, a plurality of first rotational electrodes 21-5 and a plurality of second rotational electrodes 22-5) (see ​ "Example of voltage signal 2" in

[0543] As a result, the tactile control device 101b can generate a greater electrostatic force on the operating member 100b when the operating unit 3 rotates to a rotational position indicating a higher volume level among the above-mentioned 10 volume levels during the rotation of the operating unit 3, so as to present a gradually increasing tactile sensation, and when the operating unit 3 rotates to a position where it can no longer rotate, generate a greater electrostatic force on the operating member 100b than before, so as to present an adsorption stop sensation on the operating member 100b as a tactile sensation (see ​ C).

[0544] In this way, the tactile control device 101b can continuously achieve a tactile sensation corresponding to the rotation of the operating unit 3 by linking with the HMI and independently controlling the application of voltage based on the rotational position of the operating unit 3 to the plurality of rotational electrode units 2.

[0545] In addition, the tactile control device 101b can prepare a deformation example of the area of the region to which the voltage is applied by combining a plurality of rotational electrode units 2 and applying voltages simultaneously. Therefore, for example, by changing the number of rotational electrode units 2 to which the same magnitude of voltage is applied, a gradient (e.g., gradually increasing) tactile sensation can be given to the user's finger or the like.

[0546] Furthermore, in the tactile control device 101b, when it is detected based on the HMI control information that the current state of the display device is a state where the rotation operation of the operating unit 3 is effective for 10-level volume adjustment, and it is detected based on the rotation information that the operating unit 3 has rotated and rotated to a position indicating the volume level, the tactile control unit 8b can also output a selection instruction to the tactile waveform selection unit 72b to select a rotational tactile presentation waveform that presents a tactile sensation at the rotational position indicating the 10-level volume. The tactile waveform selection unit 72b selects a tactile presentation waveform based on the selection instruction, and outputs an application instruction to the voltage generation circuit 71 to apply a voltage under the selected tactile presentation waveform. As a result, the tactile control device 101b can present a vibration sensation as a tactile sensation when the operating unit 3 is at the rotational position indicating the 10-level volume.

[0547] In addition, in the above-described Embodiment 3, for example, as the operating member 100b, a configuration without a rotation detection circuit can also be adopted. In this case, the haptic control device 101b does not necessarily have to include the rotation detection unit 11. For example, in the haptic control device 101b, when the power supply to the haptic control device 101b is turned on, the haptic control unit 8b outputs a selection command to the haptic waveform selection unit 72 to select a haptic presentation waveform for rotation.

[0548] In addition, in this case, for the operation of the haptic control device 101b described in the flowchart using ​ the processing of step ST1a can be omitted.

[0549] In addition, in the above-described Embodiment 3, the operating member 100b is linked with the HMI (Human Machine Interface), but this is only an example. The operating member 100b does not necessarily have to be linked with the HMI.

[0550] The hardware configuration of the haptic control device 101b in Embodiment 3 is the same as that of the haptic control device 101 in Embodiment 1 described using ​ A and ​ B, so the illustration is omitted.

[0551] In Embodiment 3, the functions of the rotation detection unit 11, the haptic control unit 8b, and the haptic waveform selection unit 72b are implemented by the processing circuit 1001. That is, the haptic control device 101b includes the processing circuit 1001, and the processing circuit 1001 controls the magnitude of the electrostatic friction force by controlling the voltage applied to a plurality of electrodes (a plurality of rotation electrodes) and controls the associated haptic sensation.

[0552] The processing circuit 1001 executes the functions of the rotation detection unit 11, the haptic control unit 8b, and the haptic waveform selection unit 72b by reading and executing a program stored in the memory 1005. That is, the haptic control device 101b includes the memory 1005 for storing a program, and when the program is executed by the processing circuit 1001, the result is to execute the above Figure 22 steps ST1a to ST3a. It can also be said that the program stored in the memory 1005 causes a computer to execute the processes or methods of the rotation detection unit 11, the haptic control unit 8b, and the haptic waveform selection unit 72b.

[0553] In addition, the haptic control device 101b includes a voltage generation circuit 71.

[0554] In addition, the haptic control device 101b includes an input interface device 1002 and an output interface device 1003 for performing wired communication or wireless communication with devices such as the operating member 100b or the HMI control unit 9.

[0555] In the above-described Embodiment 3, the tactile control device 101b may be mounted on the operating member 100b or may be provided in the server. Alternatively, a part of the rotation detection unit 11, the tactile control unit 8b, and the tactile waveform selection unit 72b may be provided in the server, and the other parts may be provided in the operating member 100b.

[0556] As described above, the operating member 100b of Embodiment 3 is an operating member 100b having a fixing portion 1 and an operating portion 3. The fixing portion 1 has a shaft portion 1a that functions as a shaft. The operating portion 3 is mounted on the shaft portion 1a and can rotate around the shaft portion 1a. The operating member 100b includes: a plurality of rotating electrodes, which are a plurality of electrodes provided on a first fixing surface that faces the operating portion 3 and exists axially in the fixing portion 1 (specifically, the first fixing portion 1-1) and are covered with a dielectric layer, and can apply a voltage when the operating portion 3 rotates; and a rotating conductor (rotating conductive elastomer 4), which is provided on a first operating surface that is the surface of the operating portion 3 facing the first fixing surface, and faces the plurality of rotating electrodes when the relative position between the operating portion 3 and the fixing portion 1 is in a preset relative position. Among them, a voltage can be applied to two adjacent electrodes among the plurality of rotating electrodes. Then, in the operating member 100b, the plurality of rotating electrodes constitute a plurality of groups each having a plurality of rotating electrodes, and a plurality of rotating electrode portions 2 are provided. The rotating electrode portion 2 includes a group having the plurality of rotating electrodes and the rotating conductor.

[0557] Accordingly, the operating member 100b does not need to use a switching element or the like for switching the voltage to be applied to a certain rotating electrode portion 2 (more specifically, a plurality of rotating electrodes in one group). As a result, the structure of the operating member 100b can be simplified.

[0558] In addition, the operating member 100b can increase the area of the region where the rotating electrode portion 2 is arranged by increasing the number of rotating electrode portions 2 (more specifically, a plurality of rotating electrodes) to which a voltage is applied, and can increase the intensity of the tactile sensation given to the user's finger or the like.

[0559] In addition, it is assumed that when the tactile presentation waveform of the voltage applied to the plurality of rotating electrodes included in one rotating electrode portion 2 is switched, there will be a time lag before the tactile sensation based on the switched tactile presentation waveform is given to the user's finger or the like. In contrast, since the operating member 100b includes a plurality of rotating electrode portions 2 that can independently apply a voltage, the above time lag can be substantially eliminated. As a result, the operating member 100b can generate a tactile sensation at a timing when the user can more realistically and effectively feel the tactile sensation.

[0560] In addition, the touch sensation control device 101b according to Embodiment 3 is an operating member 100b that controls the touch sensation when the operating portion 3 of the operating member 100b rotates. The operating member 100b includes a fixing portion 1 having a shaft portion 1a that functions as a shaft, and a plurality of rotary electrode portions 2. The rotary electrode portions 2 are attached to the shaft portion 1a and can rotate around the shaft portion 1a, and include a group having a plurality of rotary electrodes and a rotary conductor (rotary conductive elastic body 4). The touch sensation control device 101b is configured such that when the operating portion 3 rotates, the touch sensation control unit 8b outputs a selection instruction for a touch sensation presentation waveform for each rotary electrode portion 2, and the touch sensation waveform selection unit 72b selects a touch sensation presentation waveform for each rotary electrode portion 2 based on the selection instruction output from the touch sensation control unit 8b, and outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected touch sensation presentation waveform.

[0561] Therefore, the touch sensation control device 101b can increase the area of the region to which the voltage is applied by controlling the plurality of rotary electrode portions 2 to which the voltage is applied, and can increase the intensity of the touch given to the user's finger or the like.

[0562] In addition, since the touch sensation control device 101b independently applies a voltage to different rotary electrode portions 2, it is possible to substantially eliminate the time lag when switching the touch sensation presentation waveform to apply the voltage. As a result, the touch sensation control device 101b can generate a touch sensation at a timing when the user can more realistically and effectively feel the touch sensation.

[0563] In addition, the content of Embodiment 3 described above can also be applied to Embodiment 2.

[0564] That is, in the operating member 100a having an operating portion 3 that can rotate around the shaft portion 1a of the fixing portion 1 or can be pressed, the plurality of rotary electrodes are configured to form a plurality of groups each having a plurality of rotary electrodes. The operating member 100a includes a plurality of rotary electrode portions 2, and the rotary electrode portions 2 include a group having the plurality of rotary electrodes and a rotary conductor.

[0565] In the touch sensation control device 101a, when the operating portion 3 rotates, the touch sensation control unit 8a outputs a selection instruction for a touch sensation presentation waveform for each rotary electrode portion 2, and the touch sensation waveform selection unit 72a selects a touch sensation presentation waveform for each rotary electrode portion 2 based on the selection instruction output from the touch sensation control unit 8a, and outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected touch sensation presentation waveform.

[0566] In the above Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and Embodiment 3, it is assumed that the voltage generation circuit 71 is, for example, as Figure 2Although shown with a voltage generation circuit (1) 71a and a voltage generation circuit (2) 71b, this is merely an example. The voltage generation circuit 71 may also have either the voltage generation circuit (1) or the voltage generation circuit (2) 71b. In addition, a plurality of electrodes not connected to the voltage generation circuit 71 are connected to GND via lead wirings.

[0567] In addition, in the above-described Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, or Embodiment 3, the operating member 100, the operating member 100a, or the operating member 100b may have a structure in which a power supply unit capable of applying a voltage is provided inside the fixing unit 1.

[0568] Figure 27 The figure shows a structural example of the operating member 100 having a structure in which a power supply unit 90 is provided inside the fixing unit 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0569] Figure 27 A is a top view of the operating member 100. Figure 27 B is Figure 27 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of A.

[0570] Figure 27 The shown operating member 100 is the operating member 100 using the structure in which a power supply unit 90 is provided inside the fixing unit 1 among the operating members 100 described above in Embodiment 1. Figure 1 The operating member 100 described above is the operating member 100 using the structure in which a power supply unit 90 is provided inside the fixing unit 1 among the operating members 100 described above in Embodiment 1.

[0571] Figure 28 and Figure 29 The figure shows a structural example of the operating member 100a having a structure in which a power supply unit 90 is provided inside the fixing unit 1 in Embodiment 2.

[0572] Figure 28 A is a top view of the operating member 100a. Figure 28 B is Figure 28 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of A.

[0573] Figure 29 A is a top view of the operating member 100a. Figure 29 B is Figure 29 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of A.

[0574] Figure 28 The shown operating member 100a is the operating member 100a using the structure in which a power supply unit 90 is provided inside the second fixing unit 1-2 among the operating members 100a described above in Embodiment 2. Figure 16 The shown operating member 100a is the operating member 100a using the structure in which a power supply unit 90 is provided inside the second fixing unit 1-2 among the operating members 100a described above in Embodiment 2.

[0575] Figure 29 The shown operating member 100a is the operating member 100a using the structure in which a power supply unit 90 is provided inside the second fixing unit 1-2 among the operating members 100a described above in Embodiment 2. Figure 14The described operating member 100a has a structure in which a power supply unit 90 is provided inside the second fixing portion 1-2.

[0576] In addition, the first fixing portion 1-1 may have a power supply unit 90.

[0577] By providing a power supply unit capable of applying a voltage inside the fixing portion 1, the operating member 100, the operating member 100a, or the operating member 100b can have a simpler structure without the need for routing of lead wires. In addition, as the operating member 100, the operating member 100a, or the operating member 100b, a portable structure that can be operated at any position and has improved versatility can be obtained.

[0578] In addition, in the above-described First Embodiment, Second Embodiment, and Third Embodiment, it is assumed that the operating member 100, the operating member 100a, and the operating member 100b are provided, for example, in in-vehicle equipment mounted on a vehicle, but this is merely an example. As the operating members 100 and 100b, appropriate operating members 100 and 100b that can be rotated can be employed. In addition, as the operating member 100a, an appropriate operating member 100a that can be rotated and pressed can be employed.

[0579] In addition, free combinations of the respective embodiments, modifications of any constituent elements of the respective embodiments, or omission of any constituent elements in the respective embodiments can be made.

[0580] Industrial Applicability

[0581] The operating member of the present disclosure can stably provide a tactile effect to a user.

Claims

1. An operating member is an operating member having a fixing portion and an operating portion. The fixing portion has a shaft portion that functions as a shaft. The operating portion is mounted on the shaft portion and can rotate about the shaft portion. The operating member is characterized by comprising: A plurality of rotating electrodes are a plurality of electrodes provided on a first fixing surface that faces the operating portion and exists along the axial direction of the fixing portion and is covered by a dielectric layer, and a voltage can be applied when the operating portion rotates; and A rotating conductor is provided on a first operating surface that is the surface of the operating portion facing the first fixing surface, and faces the plurality of rotating electrodes when the relative position between the operating portion and the fixing portion is in a preset relative position. Among them, The voltage can be applied to two adjacent electrodes among the plurality of rotating electrodes.

2. The operating member according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further comprises: The plurality of rotating electrodes are provided around the shaft portion and covered by the dielectric layer; and The rotating conductor is provided on the surface of the operating portion facing the shaft portion, and faces the plurality of rotating electrodes provided around the shaft portion when the relative position between the operating portion and the fixing portion is in a preset relative position.

3. The operating member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The shaft portion includes a first shaft portion on which the operating portion is mounted and a second shaft portion existing on the side opposite to the first shaft portion across the first fixing surface. The operating portion is the operating portion that is mounted on the first shaft portion, can rotate about the first shaft portion, and can be pressed along the axial direction. The fixing portion includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion. The first fixing portion has the shaft portion and can press the first fixing portion along the axial direction together with the operating portion. The second fixing portion has a second fixing surface and a shaft side surface. The second fixing surface is a surface facing the surface of the first fixing portion on the side opposite to the first fixing surface, and the shaft side surface is a surface facing the second shaft portion of the first fixing portion. The operating member comprises: A plurality of pressing electrodes are a plurality of electrodes provided on the surface of the second shaft portion on the side of the second fixing portion and covered by the dielectric layer, and the voltage can be applied when pressing the operating portion; And A pressing conductor is provided on the shaft side surface of the second fixing portion and faces the plurality of pressing electrodes when the relative position between the operating portion and the second fixing portion is in a preset relative position. Among them, the voltage can be applied to two adjacent pressing electrodes among the plurality of pressing electrodes.

4. The operating member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The shaft portion includes a first shaft portion on which the operating portion is mounted and a second shaft portion existing on the side opposite to the first shaft portion across the first fixing surface. The operating portion is the operating portion that is mounted on the first shaft portion, can rotate about the first shaft portion, and can be pressed along the axial direction. The fixing part includes a first fixing part and a second fixing part. The first fixing part has the shaft part, and the first fixing part can be axially pressed together with the operating part along the axial direction. The second fixing part has a second fixing surface and a shaft side surface. The second fixing surface is a surface facing the surface of the first fixing part on the side opposite to the first fixing surface, and the shaft side surface is a surface facing the second shaft part of the first fixing part. The operating member is provided with a pressing detection switch. The pressing detection switch is arranged on the second fixing part to detect the pressing of the operating part.

5. The operating member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The plurality of rotating electrodes are configured into a plurality of groups each having the plurality of rotating electrodes, and a plurality of rotating electrode parts are provided. The rotating electrode part includes a group having the plurality of rotating electrodes and the rotating conductor.

6. The operating member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Inside the fixing part, there is a power supply part capable of applying the voltage.

7. An operating member, which is an operating member having a fixing part and an operating part. The fixing part has a shaft part that functions as a shaft. The operating part is mounted on the shaft part and can rotate around the shaft part. The operating member is characterized by comprising: A plurality of rotating electrodes, which are a plurality of electrodes provided on a first fixing surface that faces the operating part and exists along the axial direction of the fixing part and are covered by a dielectric layer, and can apply a voltage when the operating part rotates; A rotating conductor, which is provided on a first operating surface that is the surface of the operating part facing the first fixing surface, and faces the plurality of rotating electrodes when the relative position between the operating part and the fixing part is in a preset relative position; A touch control part, which outputs a selection instruction for a touch presentation waveform of the voltage corresponding to the touch when the operating part rotates; A touch waveform selection part, which selects the touch presentation waveform based on the selection instruction output from the touch control part and outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected touch presentation waveform; And A voltage generation circuit, which applies the voltage under the touch presentation waveform to the plurality of rotating electrodes based on the application instruction output from the touch waveform selection part, wherein the voltage generation circuit applies the voltage to two adjacent electrodes among the plurality of rotating electrodes.

8. The operating member according to claim 7, wherein, It further comprises: The plurality of rotating electrodes are arranged around the shaft part and are covered by the dielectric layer; and The rotating conductor is provided on the surface of the operating part facing the shaft part, and faces the plurality of rotating electrodes arranged around the shaft part when the relative position between the operating part and the fixing part is in a preset relative position.

9. The operating member according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The shaft part includes a first shaft part on which the operating part is mounted and a second shaft part existing on the side opposite to the first shaft part across the first fixing surface. The operation part is the operation part installed on the first shaft part, capable of rotating around the first shaft part and capable of being pressed along the axial direction. The fixing part includes a first fixing part and a second fixing part. The first fixing part has the shaft part and can press the first fixing part along the axial direction together with the operation part. The second fixing part has a second fixing surface and a shaft side surface. The second fixing surface is a surface facing the surface of the first fixing part on the side opposite to the first fixing surface, and the shaft side surface is a surface facing the second shaft part of the first fixing part. The operating member includes: A plurality of pressing electrodes, which are a plurality of electrodes provided on the surface of the second shaft part on the side of the second fixing part and covered by the dielectric layer, and can apply the voltage when pressing the operation part. And A pressing conductor, which is provided on the shaft side surface of the second fixing part and is opposed to the plurality of pressing electrodes when the relative position between the operation part and the second fixing part is in a preset relative position. Among them, the voltage can be applied to two adjacent pressing electrodes among the plurality of pressing electrodes. The touch control part outputs a selection command of the touch presentation waveform of the voltage corresponding to the touch when the operation part rotates or the touch when pressing the operation part.

10. The operating member according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The shaft part includes a first shaft part on which the operation part is installed and a second shaft part existing on the side opposite to the first shaft part across the first fixing surface. The operation part is the operation part installed on the first shaft part, capable of rotating around the first shaft part and capable of being pressed along the axial direction. The fixing part includes a first fixing part and a second fixing part. The first fixing part has the shaft part and can press the first fixing part along the axial direction together with the operation part. The second fixing part has a second fixing surface and a shaft side surface. The second fixing surface is a surface facing the surface of the first fixing part on the side opposite to the first fixing surface, and the shaft side surface is a surface facing the second shaft part of the first fixing part. Among them, the operating member is provided with a pressing detection switch, and the pressing detection switch is provided on the second fixing part to detect the pressing of the operation part.

11. The operating member according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein: The plurality of rotating electrodes form a plurality of groups each having the plurality of rotating electrodes, and a plurality of rotating electrode parts are provided. The rotating electrode part includes a group having the plurality of rotating electrodes and the rotating conductor. When the operation part rotates, the touch control part outputs the selection command of the touch presentation waveform for each rotating electrode part. The touch waveform selection part selects the touch presentation waveform for each rotating electrode part based on the selection command output from the touch control part, and outputs an application command of the voltage under the selected touch presentation waveform. The voltage generation circuit applies the voltage to two electrodes adjacent to each other among the plurality of rotation electrodes for each of the rotation electrode portions.

12. The operating member according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that a power supply unit capable of applying the voltage is provided inside the fixing unit.

13. A touch control device for controlling the touch feeling when the operating unit of the operating member according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or 6 rotates, the touch control device comprising: a touch control unit that outputs a selection instruction for a touch presentation waveform of the voltage corresponding to the touch feeling when the operating unit rotates; and a touch waveform selection unit that selects the touch presentation waveform based on the selection instruction output from the touch control unit and outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected touch presentation waveform.

14. The touch control device according to claim 13, characterized in that in the operating member, the plurality of rotation electrodes form a plurality of groups each having the plurality of rotation electrodes, and a plurality of rotation electrode portions are provided. The rotation electrode portion includes a group having the plurality of rotation electrodes and the rotation conductor, when the operating unit rotates, the touch control unit outputs the selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform for each of the rotation electrode portions, the touch waveform selection unit selects the touch presentation waveform for each of the rotation electrode portions based on the selection instruction output from the touch control unit and outputs the application instruction for the voltage under the selected touch presentation waveform.

15. The touch control device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a rotation detection unit is provided, and the rotation detection unit detects the rotation of the operating unit, wherein the touch control unit outputs the selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling when the operating unit rotates based on rotation information related to the rotation detected by the rotation detection unit to the touch waveform selection unit.

16. The touch control device according to claim 15, characterized in that the rotation information includes information related to the rotation position of the operating unit, the touch control unit outputs the selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch feeling corresponding to the rotation position of the operating unit based on the rotation information to the touch waveform selection unit.

17. The touch control device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the touch control unit outputs the selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the state of the HMI that is the object of the rotation operation of the operating unit.

18. The touch control device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the operating unit is an operating unit that is mounted on the shaft portion, can rotate around the shaft portion, and can be pressed in the axial direction. The touch control unit outputs a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform of the voltage corresponding to the touch when the operation unit rotates, or a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform of the voltage corresponding to the touch when the operation unit is pressed.

19. The touch control device according to claim 18, wherein Comprising: a rotation detection unit that detects the rotation of the operation unit; and a press detection unit that detects the pressing of the operation unit, wherein the touch control unit outputs to the touch waveform selection unit a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch when the operation unit rotates, based on rotation information related to the rotation of the operation unit detected by the rotation detection unit, or a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch when the operation unit is pressed, based on press information related to the pressing of the operation unit detected by the press detection unit.

20. The touch control device according to claim 19, wherein: the rotation information includes information related to the rotation position of the operation unit, the press information includes information related to the amount of pressing of the operation unit, the touch control unit outputs to the touch waveform selection unit a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch corresponding to the rotation position of the operation unit, based on the rotation information, or a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the touch corresponding to the amount of pressing of the operation unit, based on the press information.

21. The touch control device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein: the touch control unit outputs a selection instruction for the touch presentation waveform corresponding to the state of the HMI that is the object of the rotation operation of the operation unit or the state of the HMI that is the object of the pressing operation of the operation unit.

22. The touch control device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: the shaft portion includes a first shaft portion on which the operation unit is mounted and a second shaft portion that exists on the side opposite to the first shaft portion across the first fixing surface, the operation unit is the operation unit that is mounted on the first shaft portion, can rotate around the first shaft portion, and can be pressed in the axial direction, the fixing portion includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion. The first fixing portion has the shaft portion and can be pressed in the axial direction together with the operation unit. The second fixing portion has a second fixing surface and a shaft side surface. The second fixing surface is a surface facing the surface of the first fixing portion on the side opposite to the first fixing surface, and the shaft side surface is a surface facing the second shaft portion of the first fixing portion, the touch control device is provided with a plurality of pressing electrodes. The plurality of pressing electrodes are a plurality of electrodes provided on the surface of the second shaft portion on the side of the second fixing portion and covered by the dielectric layer, and can apply the voltage when the operation unit is pressed. When a selection instruction for the haptic presentation waveform corresponding to the haptic sensation during rotation of the operation unit is output from the haptic control unit, the haptic waveform selection unit selects the haptic presentation waveform that gives the haptic sensation during rotation of the operation unit, and outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected haptic presentation waveform to the plurality of rotation electrodes. When a selection instruction for the haptic presentation waveform corresponding to the haptic sensation when the operation unit is pressed is output from the haptic control unit, the haptic waveform selection unit selects the haptic presentation waveform that gives the haptic sensation when the operation unit is pressed, and outputs an application instruction for the voltage under the selected haptic presentation waveform to the plurality of pressing electrodes.

23. The haptic control device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that in the operating member, the area of the portion where the plurality of rotation electrodes face the rotation conductor changes in accordance with the rotation amount of the operation unit.

24. A haptic control method for controlling the haptic sensation during rotation of the operation unit of the operating member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the haptic control method comprising: a step of the haptic control unit outputting a selection instruction for the haptic presentation waveform of the voltage corresponding to the haptic sensation during rotation of the operation unit; and a step of the haptic waveform selection unit selecting the haptic presentation waveform based on the selection instruction output from the haptic control unit and outputting an application instruction for the voltage under the selected haptic presentation waveform.

Images