Switching device

Abstract

The invention provides a switching device capable of protecting an electrode from breakage with a simple structure. A switch device is provided with: an elastically deformable panel that is operated by pressing; at least one or more movable members movable by a pressing operation of the panel; a detection unit that detects the movement of the movable member; and a sensor sheet that detects at least one of a contact of a human body with the panel, an approach of the human body with the panel, and a pressing operation of the panel (operation unit). The sensor sheet has a sheet base material and an electrode provided on the sheet base material, and the sheet base material has flexibility capable of flexural deformation. The electrode is sandwiched and held by the movable member and the sheet substrate.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a switch device that detects a push operation on a panel. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, an operation switch device that can detect both a touch operation and a push operation is known. In the case of Patent Literature 1, when an operation member of an operation switch section is touched with a finger, the touch is detected by a touch detection electrode. Furthermore, if the operation member is further pressed deeply with the finger, the push operation is detected by switching the on-off state of a button switch whose moving target is the operation member that is pressed deeply. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT LITERATURE

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-134635 SUMMARY PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] In the case of Patent Literature 1, a touch operation on the operation member is detected by the touch detection electrode disposed on the back of the button switch. Therefore, there is a prescribed distance between the operation member and the touch detection electrode, and thus there is a problem in the detection sensitivity of the touch operation. In this case, a countermeasure is considered in which the touch detection electrode is disposed on the back of the operation member, for example, in order to detect a touch operation on the operation member with the nearby touch detection electrode.

[0005] However, in the case of this countermeasure, if the operation member is an elastic material such as rubber, stress or friction occurs on the touch detection electrode due to the deformed operation member when the operation member is pushed. Thus, there is a possibility that the touch detection electrode is broken. In order to prevent the breakage of the touch detection electrode, a countermeasure is considered in which another member that protects the touch detection electrode is provided, for example. However, in this case, because another member is needed, there is a concern that the structure is complicated or the cost of parts increases. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0006] A switch device that solves the problem includes a panel that is elastically deformable, an operation portion that is assigned to each operation function and is pressed to be operated, at least one movable member that is provided for each operation function and is movable in accordance with the pressing operation of the operation portion, a detection portion that detects the movement of the movable member based on the pressing operation, and a sensor sheet that is configured between the panel and the movable member, detects at least one of the contact of a human body to the panel, the approach of a human body to the panel, and the pressing operation of the panel, and has a sheet base material that is flexible and can be flexibly deformed, and an electrode that is held by the movable member and the sheet base material by being sandwiched by the movable member and the sheet base material. Effects of Invention

[0007] The present application can protect the electrode from breaking with a simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a front view of a switch device of an embodiment. Figure 2 In (a) to (c), the diagrams are explanatory diagrams that show the outline of the pressing operation of the panel. Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the switch device. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the longitudinal section of the switch device. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the sensor sheet assembled to the case. Figure 6 is an expanded view of the sensor sheet. Figure 7 is a sectional view that shows the layer structure of the sensor sheet. Figure 8 In (a) to (c), the diagrams are explanatory diagrams that show the outline of the pressing operation of the panel. Figure 9 is an electrical configuration diagram of the switch device. Figure 10 is an action diagram of the sensor sheet. Figure 11 is a perspective view of another example of the sensor sheet. Figure 12 In (a) to (c), the diagrams are explanatory diagrams that show the outline of the pressing operation of the panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. (Switch device 1) As Figure 1As shown, the switch device 1 is provided with a panel 2 which is operated by a user at the time of switching the device state (also referred to as setting the device function). The device is, for example, an air conditioning device for a vehicle. In the case of the air conditioning device, as the switching of the device state (also referred to as the setting of the device function), for example, temperature switching, switching of the on / off of the automatic function, switching of the on / off of the A / C function, switching of the air blowing mode, and the like can be cited.

[0010] On the surface of the panel 2, an operation portion 3 is assigned for each operation function. That is, the panel 2 includes at least one (in this case, a plurality of) operation portions 3 each of which is assigned to a corresponding operation function among at least one (in this case, a plurality of) operation functions. In this case, the surface of the panel 2 is divided into a plurality of operation portions 3. The operation functions include, for example, a temperature switching function, the on / off of the automatic function, the on / off of the A / C function, and the like. The operation portions 3 include, for example, a temperature up operation operation portion 3, a temperature down operation operation portion 3, an automatic function on / off switching operation portion 3, an A / C function on / off switching operation portion 3, and the like.

[0011] As shown in (a) to (c) of FIG. 10, Figure 2 , the panel 2 is a press-in touch panel which is touched by a finger or the like as an operation to be performed by a user and in which a press operation is performed by a predetermined amount. Specifically, as shown in (a) to (b) of FIG. 10, Figure 2 , the desired operation portion 3 of the touch panel 2 is touched and a press operation is performed by a predetermined amount. Thereby, the device corresponding to the operation portion 3 on which the press operation is performed is operated. As shown in (c) of FIG. 10, Figure 2 , after the press operation, if the finger is removed from the operation portion 3, the operation portion 3 returns to the original state by the elastic deformation of the panel 2.

[0012] In the case of this example, for example, in the case where the user's body contacts or approaches the panel 2, a mark portion 4 provided for each operation portion 3 is displayed on the surface of the panel 2 (see Figure 1 ). That is, in the case where the surface of the panel 2 is not touched, the panel 2 does not display the mark portion 4, and in the case where the surface (operation portion 3) of the panel 2 is touched, the mark portion 4 is displayed by the light of a light source 5 disposed on the back surface side of the panel 2. Further, the touch operation of this example includes, in addition to the operation in which the user's finger or the like directly contacts the panel 2, for example, an approach operation in which the hand is placed in the vicinity of the panel 2 or the like. The mark portion 4 includes, for example, a temperature up operation mark 4a, a temperature down operation mark 4b, an automatic function operation mark 4c, an A / C function operation mark 4d, and the like.

[0013] (PANEL 2) As shown in (a) to (c) of FIG. 10, Figure 3As shown, the panel 2 has an elastically deformable shape with an operating portion 3 to be pressed assigned to each operating function. In this example, the panel 2 includes a panel member 7 forming the main body of the panel 2, an intermediate layer 8 disposed on the upper surface of the panel member 7, and a protective layer 9 disposed on the upper surface of the intermediate layer 8.

[0014] The panel member 7 is made of, for example, a transparent resin material and is formed into a flat plate. In this example, the panel member 7 is made of, for example, transparent rubber. The panel member 7 is elastically deformable. When pressed by, for example, a user's finger, the panel member 7 sinks in the direction of the pressing, and returns to its original shape when the operation is released. Thus, the panel member 7 has elasticity, expanding and contracting in response to external loads.

[0015] The intermediate layer 8 is made of, for example, an elastically deformable light shielding material. Holes 10 are formed in the intermediate layer 8, for example, in the shape of each marking portion 4. The intermediate layer 8 is formed so as to cover the entire panel member 7.

[0016] The protective layer 9 is a layer that protects the surface of the panel 2. The protective layer 9 is formed of a material such as cloth or leather. The protective layer 9 is formed so as to cover the entire panel member 7 and the intermediate layer 8. The protective layer 9 is preferably formed of a light-transmitting material.

[0017] (Box 12) like Figure 3 As shown, the switch device 1 includes a housing 12 that supports the panel 2. The housing 12 includes, for example, a first housing 13 that serves as a base for the panel 2 and a second housing 14 that covers the first housing 13 from below (on the side opposite to the panel 2). Various components of the switch device 1 are housed within the housing 12. Specifically, the housing 12 includes a storage space defined by the first housing 13 and the second housing 14. The peripheries of the intermediate layer 8 and protective layer 9 that cover the panel member 7 are assembled and fixed to the end edges of the first housing 13.

[0018] (Structure for detecting pressing operation) like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the switch device 1 includes: at least one movable member 16, which is provided for each operating function and is movable according to the pressing operation of the operating portion 3; and a detection portion 17, which detects the movement of the movable member 16 based on the pressing operation. In this example, the switch device 1 includes at least one group (in this example, multiple groups) of movable members 16 and detection portions 17, which are respectively assigned to at least one (in this example, multiple) operating functions. At least one movable member 16 is movable according to the pressing operation of the corresponding operating portion 3 in at least one operating portion 3. At least one detection portion 17 detects the movement based on the pressing operation of the corresponding movable member 16 in at least one movable member 16. The number of groups of movable members 16 and detection portions 17 is determined according to the number of operating portions 3 (i.e., operating functions) of the panel 2. The movable member 16 can be slidably accommodated inside the box body 12. In the case of this example, the movable member 16 can be moved along the height direction ( Figure 3 It is housed inside the box body 12 so as to reciprocate linearly (in the Z-axis direction).

[0019] The movable member 16 has a function of being movable in the depth direction ( Figure 3 The first component 18 is a component that moves in the -Z axis direction of the body 21 and a second component 19 that is assembled to the first component 18. The first component 18 includes: a main body 21 that is accommodated in a recess 20, and the recess 20 is formed in the second component 19; and an expansion area 22 that is formed in the main body 21 at a position opposite to the panel member 7. The expansion area 22 is formed to have an area larger than that of the main body 21 in the plane direction ( Figure 3 The expanded region 22 is accommodated in an opening 23 formed in the upper wall of the housing 12 (the first housing 13 in this example).

[0020] The second component 19 has a support wall 25 that supports the lower end of the first component 18 and an opening 26 that exposes the back surface of the first component 18. The support wall 25 is formed, for example, over the entire circumferential area of ​​the center of the second component 19. In one example, the bottom surface of the recess 20 of the second component 19 is defined by an opening 26 located in the center of the bottom surface and a support wall 25 that protrudes from the inner circumference of the recess 20 and is located around the opening 26. The opening 26 is formed with the axis of the second component 19 as the center. A stopper 27 is formed on the inner wall surface of the box body 12. When the panel 2 is pressed, the stopper 27 abuts against the movable member 16 to determine the stroke in the pressing direction.

[0021] The detection unit 17 is, for example, a micro switch. The detection unit 17 is mounted on a substrate 28, which is housed inside the housing 12. When the movable member 16 slides in the pressing direction by the pressing operation of the panel 2, the detection unit 17 is pressed by the pressing portion 29 at the top of the movable member 16 (the second member 19) and is turned on (Figure 4 status).

[0022] In this example, the switch device 1 is a momentary switch that is turned on only while the user is pressing the panel 2. That is, the detection portion 17 is turned on only while the user's pressing operation causes the movable member 16 to slide in the pressing direction against the force of the biasing member (not shown) and press the detection portion 17.

[0023] When the finger leaves the panel 2, the movable member 16 moves in the direction opposite to the pressing direction ( Figure 3 +Z axis direction) and moves away from the detection unit 17, whereby the detection unit 17 returns to its original disconnected state ( Figure 3 An engaging piece 31 is formed on the side surface of the movable member 16 (the second component 19). The engaging piece 31 engages with the protrusion 30 on the inner surface of the box body 12 when the movable member 16 moves in the direction opposite to the pressing direction, thereby positioning the movable member 16.

[0024] (Sensor sheet 33) like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the switch device 1 includes a sensor sheet 33 that detects at least one of contact between a human body and the panel 2, proximity between a human body and the panel 2, and a pressing operation of the panel 2 (operating portion 3). The sensor sheet 33 is disposed between the panel member 7 and at least one (in this example, multiple) movable members 16. In this example, the sensor sheet 33 is disposed between the back surface of the panel member 7 and the expanded region 22 of each movable member 16.

[0025] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the sensor sheet 33 includes a flexible sheet base 34 and electrodes 35 provided on the sheet base 34 for each operating unit 3. The sheet base 34 has gaps 36 formed between adjacent electrodes 35. The gaps 36 are, for example, slits. The gaps 36 may have different spacings, as in this example, or they may all have the same spacing. In this example, the sensor sheet 33 is formed into a comb-like shape by arranging the openings of the multiple gaps 36 on the same side. The sheet base 34 is formed, for example, from a transparent resin.

[0026] The sensor sheet 33 has a plurality of electrode arrangement portions 37 arranged between the adjacent void portions 36 and configured with the electrodes 35, and a linking portion 38 connecting the plurality of electrode arrangement portions 37. The electrode arrangement portion 37 includes a base sheet 39 imitating the electrode arrangement portion 37 in the sheet base material 34, and the electrode 35 arranged to the base sheet 39. In the case of the present example, the electrode 35 is arranged to a part of the base sheet 39, specifically, to a position of the top end side of the base sheet 39.

[0027] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the plurality of electrodes 35 are arranged to the movable member 16 in a manner that each of the plurality of electrodes 35 is paired with each of the plurality of operation portions 3 (the movable member 16). That is, the electrodes 35 are arranged per operation portion 3. In the present example, the sensor sheet 33 includes the plurality of electrodes 35 respectively assigned to the plurality of operation portions 3. The electrode arrangement portion 37 is arranged between the back surface of the panel member 7 and the upper end surface of the expanded area portion 22 of the first member 18. Figure 3 Figure 4 As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, at least a part of the plurality of electrode arrangement portions 37 (a part of the electrode arrangement portions 37 in the present example) is arranged to the base end surface 40 of the movable member 16 in a manner to oppose the panel 2 which is flat. In the case of the present example, the base end surface 40 is the upper end surface of the expanded area portion 22 of the first member 18. The plurality of electrode arrangement portions 37 are arranged in a manner that each of the plurality of electrode arrangement portions 37 is paired with each of the plurality of operation portions 3 (the movable member 16). That is, the electrodes 35 are arranged per operation portion 3. In the present example, the sensor sheet 33 includes the plurality of electrodes 35 respectively assigned to the plurality of operation portions 3. The electrode arrangement portion 37 is arranged between the back surface of the panel member 7 and the upper end surface of the expanded area portion 22 of the first member 18.

[0028] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, at least a part of the linking portion 38 is bent in a direction (Z-axis direction of Figs. 1 and 2) intersecting the base end surface 40 of the movable member 16 and arranged to the side of the movable member 16. In the case of the present example, the base end portion of the electrode arrangement portion 37 and the linking portion 38 are arranged to the side of the movable member 16. Figure 5 Figure 3 Figure 4 As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, at least a part of the linking portion 38 is bent in a direction (Z-axis direction of Figs. 1 and 2) intersecting the base end surface 40 of the movable member 16 and arranged to the side of the movable member 16. In the case of the present example, the base end portion of the electrode arrangement portion 37 and the linking portion 38 are arranged to the side of the movable member 16.

[0029] (Electrode 35) As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the electrodes 35 are arranged in layers on the sheet base material 34. The electrodes 35 are, for example, transparent electrodes having light transmittance. The electrodes 35 can be, for example, an evaporation layer formed by evaporating an electrode material and forming a film on the sheet base material 34, a printing portion formed by molding an electrode material on the sheet base material 34 using printing, and the like. In this way, the electrodes 35 are, for example, ITO films, transparent inks, and the like. Figure 5 Figure 6 As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the electrodes 35 are held by being sandwiched by the movable member 16 and the sheet base material 34. In the case of the present example, the electrodes 35 are arranged to the back surface of the sheet base material 34 and between the back surface of the sheet base material 34 and the first member 18 of the movable member 16.

[0030] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the electrodes 35 are held by being sandwiched by the movable member 16 and the sheet base material 34. In the case of the present example, the electrodes 35 are arranged to the back surface of the sheet base material 34 and between the back surface of the sheet base material 34 and the first member 18 of the movable member 16. Figure 7

[0031] ​​​​​The sensor sheet 33 is disposed without a gap relative to both the panel 2 and the movable member 16. In this example, the sensor sheet 33 is disposed in direct contact with the panel 2. Furthermore, in this example, the electrode 35 of the sensor sheet 33 is disposed without a gap relative to the movable member 16. Furthermore, the electrode 35 may be disposed in direct contact with the movable member 16 or with another member interposed therebetween.

[0032] A position fixing portion 41 is provided between the movable member 16 and the electrode 35 to fix the position of the electrode 35 to the movable member 16. In this example, the position fixing portion 41 is, for example, an adhesive layer 41a. Examples of the adhesive layer 41a include transparent double-sided tape. Thus, the sensor sheet 33 is fixed to the base end surface 40 of the movable member 16 via the adhesive layer 41a. The front surface of the electrode 35 is fixed to the back surface of the sheet base 34, and the back surface of the electrode 35 is fixed to the movable member 16. Furthermore, when the position fixing portion 41 is the adhesive layer 41a, the electrode 35 is positioned on the movable member 16 without a gap therebetween via the adhesive layer 41a.

[0033] like Figure 6 As shown, each of the multiple electrodes 35 includes a wiring 42 electrically connected to the substrate 28. In this example, at least a portion of the wiring 42 is disposed on the connecting portion 38 (in this example, both the electrode arrangement portion 37 and the connecting portion 38). The wiring 42 of the multiple electrodes 35 is connected to form a single wiring at a junction 42a. Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least two of the wirings 42 of the multiple electrodes 35 are connected. Furthermore, the wirings 42 of the multiple electrodes 35 do not necessarily need to be connected.

[0034] (Arrangement of the Connecting Portion 38 of the Sensor Sheet 33) like Figure 8 As shown in Figures (a) and (b) of the drawings, at least the connecting portion 38 (in this example, a portion of the electrode arrangement portion 37 and the connecting portion 38) is arranged along the outer surface of the wall portion 43 of the housing 12. In this example, the base end of the electrode arrangement portion 37 is drawn out from the gap portion 44 between the back surface of the panel member 7 and the upper end surface of the wall portion 43, and the base end of the electrode arrangement portion 37 and the connecting portion 38 are arranged along the outer surface of the wall portion 43, and the top end of the connecting portion 38 reaches the substrate 28.

[0035] (Flexure 45) like Figure 8 As shown in Figures (a) and (b) of the drawings, the sensor sheet 33 has a flexure 45 that flexes and deforms when the movable member 16 moves due to a pressing operation on the panel 2. The flexure 45 is arranged in a position extending from the gap 44 in the sensor sheet 33 (sheet base material 34).

[0036] (Lighting of switch device 1) likeFigure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the switch device 1 includes a light source 5 that illuminates the panel 2 to display a marking portion 4 corresponding to the operating portion 3. The light source 5 is, for example, an LED and is mounted on a substrate 28. The light source 5 is disposed on the back side of the panel 2. For example, the light source 5 is disposed directly below the movable member 16 (first component 18). When the light source 5 emits light, the light is emitted from the light source 5 through the hole 10 in the intermediate layer 8 and is emitted to the outside. As a result, the shape of the hole 10 is displayed on the panel 2 as the marking portion 4.

[0037] In this example, the movable member 16 is made of, for example, resin. In particular, the movable member 16 (specifically, the first component 18) preferably functions as a light guide to guide light from the light source 5 to the marking portion 4. Transparent materials such as glass, plastic, and acrylic are used for light guides. Therefore, the movable member 16 (specifically, the first component 18) is preferably made of a light-transmitting material.

[0038] (Electrical Configuration of Switchgear 1) like Figure 9 As shown, the switch device 1 has a control unit 47 that controls the operation of the switch device 1. The control unit 47 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), etc. The detection unit 17 and the electrode 35 are connected to the input of the control unit 47. That is, the control unit 47 inputs the detection signal Sa of the detection unit 17 and the electrostatic capacitance of the electrode 35. The movable member 16 can move between an initial position in which the expansion area portion 22 is accommodated in the opening portion 23 and a pressed position in which the pressing portion 29 presses the detection unit 17. When the detection unit 17 is turned on, the control unit 47 receives the detection signal Sa indicating that the detection unit 17 is turned on, and based on the received detection signal Sa, detects that the movable member 16 is in the pressed position, that is, a pressing operation. Figure 9 , a plurality of electrodes 35 are described, but only one electrode 35 may be provided. The light source 5 is connected to an output of the control unit 47 .

[0039] The control unit 47 detects a press operation on the operating portion 3 of the panel 2 based on the detection signal Sa input from the detection unit 17, and outputs the switch signal Sb to another ECU, etc. The control unit 47 detects a human body contacting or approaching the panel 2 based on changes in the electrostatic capacitance of the electrode 35. In this example, when the control unit 47 detects a human body contacting or approaching the panel 2 based on changes in the electrostatic capacitance of the electrode 35, it illuminates the marking portion 4 on the panel 2 by illuminating the light source 5. This allows the correspondence between the operating portion 3 of the panel 2 and the operational function to be immediately known.

[0040] (Effects of Implementation Methods) Next, the operation of the switch device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. like Figure 10 As shown, sensor sheet 33 has gaps 36 formed between adjacent electrodes 35, resulting in an electrode arrangement portion 37 that is flexible per electrode 35. Therefore, when a predetermined operating portion 3 of panel 2 is pressed, only the portion of electrode arrangement 37 of sensor sheet 33 directly below the pressed operating portion 3 moves downward. Consequently, when a predetermined operating portion 3 of panel 2 is pressed, the entire sensor sheet 33 does not sink, starting from the pressed portion. Consequently, tensile loads are less likely to be applied to sensor sheet 33, making it less likely to break.

[0041] However, if Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the switch device 1 of this embodiment has a sensor sheet 33 disposed on the back side of the panel 2. With the sensor sheet 33 fixed to the back side of the panel 2, when the panel 2 is pressed by a user, the electrodes 35 of the sensor sheet 33 deform along with the panel 2, potentially causing the electrodes 35 to break. In particular, transparent electrodes 35, such as those made of vapor-deposited layers, are vulnerable to stresses such as breakage and bending. Therefore, to prevent the electrodes 35 from breaking, additional protective components are required, complicating the structure and increasing costs.

[0042] Therefore, in this example, electrode 35 is provided on the back side of sheet substrate 34 and is sandwiched and fixed between movable member 16 and sheet substrate 34. Thus, when panel 2 is pressed, sensor sheet 33 moves in the pressing direction along with movable member 16, with electrode 35 sandwiched between the sensor sheet 33 and movable member 16. Therefore, even if panel 2 is pressed and elastically deforms, sensor sheet 33 remains unaffected by the elastic expansion of panel 2 and maintains its original shape. Consequently, the expansion load of panel 2 is less likely to be applied to electrode 35, making it less likely to break.

[0043] Furthermore, because movable member 16 also functions as a light guide, the number of components required for switch device 1 can be reduced. This contributes to reduced component costs and improved component assembly. Furthermore, this structure allows components to be arranged without an air layer between sensor sheet 33 and light guide (movable member 16). This contributes to improved illumination light transmission.

[0044] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the switch device 1 of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The switch device 1 includes: a panel 2 that is elastically deformable, and has an operation portion 3 that is operated by being pressed; one or more movable members 16 that are movable by the pressing operation of the panel 2; a detection portion 17 that detects the movement of the movable member 16; and a sensor sheet 33 that detects at least one of the contact of a human body with the panel 2, the approach of a human body to the panel 2, and the pressing operation of the panel 2 (operation portion 3). The sensor sheet 33 has a sheet base material 34 and an electrode 35 provided to the sheet base material 34, and the sheet base material 34 is flexible. The electrode 35 is held between the movable member 16 and the sheet base material 34.

[0045] According to the present structure, the electrode 35 is held between the movable member 16 and the sheet base material 34. Therefore, even if the movable member 16 and the sensor sheet 33 move in the pressing direction in accordance with the elastic deformation of the panel 2 when the panel 2 is operated by being pressed, the electrode 35 does not deform in accordance with the elastic deformation of the panel 2. In this way, even if no other member is added, the load of the elastic deformation of the panel 2 is not easily transmitted to the electrode 35 as a deformation load when the panel 2 is operated by being pressed. Therefore, the electrode 35 can be protected from breaking with a simple structure.

[0046] (2) A plurality of electrodes 35 are provided for each operation portion 3. According to this structure, since the electrodes 35 are respectively arranged in the operation portions 3, the detection of a touch operation is not easily missed.

[0047] (3) A position fixing portion 41 is provided between the movable member 16 and the electrode 35, and the position fixing portion 41 fixes the position of the electrode 35 to the movable member 16. According to this structure, the state in which the electrode 35 is held between the movable member 16 and the sheet base material 34 can be maintained by the position fixing portion 41, and thus the breaking of the electrode 35 is further prevented.

[0048] (4) The sensor sheet 33 is arranged without a gap with respect to both the panel 2 and the movable member 16. According to this structure, since the panel 2 and the sensor sheet 33 are arranged without a gap, the distance between these is shortened. Therefore, the detection sensitivity when a touch operation is detected is improved. In addition, since the sensor sheet 33 (electrode 35) and the movable member 16 are arranged without a gap, the improvement of the light transmittance is facilitated.

[0049] (5) The switch device 1 includes a light source 5 for causing the panel 2 to display a mark portion 4 corresponding to the operation portion 3 by illumination. According to this structure, since the operation function of the operation portion 3 can be visually recognized by the mark portion 4, the convenience of the operation is improved.

[0050] (6) The movable member 16 has a function of guiding the light of the light source 5 toward the panel 2. According to this structure, since the movable member 16 also has the function of a light guide, the number of components can be reduced compared to the case where these are other members.

[0051] (7) The plurality of electrodes 35 are connected by the wiring 42, and thus are electrically connected as one. Therefore, even if a plurality of electrodes 35 are formed for each movable member 16 so that the plurality of electrodes 35 are reduced in size, it can be handled as one large area. Therefore, the detection sensitivity of the electrodes 35 can be improved.

[0052] (Other Embodiments) Further, the present embodiment can be implemented as follows. The present embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a range that is not technically contradictory.

[0053] • As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 12, in a case where a prescribed gap exists between the wall portion 43 (refer to FIG. 11) of the case 12 and the movable member 16, a portion of the sensor sheet 33 (specifically, the linking portion 38) can also be disposed in the gap. In this case, the gap between the wall portion 43 of the case 12 and the movable member 16 can be effectively utilized. In addition, in the case of this structure, as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 13, the flexure portion 45 can also be formed at a position leading from the lower end of the wall portion 43. Figure 11 、 Figure 12 Figure 12 Figure 12

[0054] • The gap portion 36 is not limited to being arranged in a manner that openings are provided at the same edge of the sheet base material 34, and openings can also be disposed at opposite edges of the sheet base material 34 so as to be staggered with each other. • The electrode arrangement portion 37 is not limited to being disposed only on the movable member 16, and can also be disposed on the gap portion 36, for example. In this case, the electrode area can be enlarged, and thus the improvement of the detection sensitivity of the touch detection is further facilitated.

[0055] • The sensor sheet 33 can also be in a one-sheet shape in which the gap portion 36 is omitted. In this case, the sensor sheet 33 can also be in a shape in which a plurality of electrodes 35 are disposed at positions of the sheet base material 34 corresponding to the operation portion 3, without the gap portion 36. In addition, in this case, the electrodes 35 provided on the sheet base material 34 can also be only one.

[0056] • In a case where the gap portion 36 is omitted from the sensor sheet 33, the electrodes 35 can also be provided only in one of the sizes corresponding to the sheet base material 34 without the gap portion 36. • The position fixing portion 41 is not limited to a double-sided tape, and can also be an adhesive, for example.

[0057] • The position fixing portion 41 is not limited to the adhesive layer 41a. The position fixing portion 41 can also position the electrodes 35 on the movable member 16 by engaging a protrusion provided on the movable member 16 with a hole of the electrodes 35 (sensor sheet 33), for example.​​​

[0058] • When the panel 2 is not operated by pressing, there can be no gap or there can be a gap between the panel 2 (panel member 7) and the sensor sheet 33. • The panel 2 is not limited to a shape covering a plurality of movable members 16, and can be provided separately for each movable member 16, for example.

[0059] • The material of the panel 2 can also be a PET sheet or silicon. • The movable member 16 is not limited to being composed of a plurality of components, and can be composed of one component.

[0060] • The plurality of wirings 42 can be connected at any position. In addition, the plurality of wirings 42 can not be connected. • The electrode arrangement portion 37 can also arrange all of the regions on the base end surface 40 of the movable member 16.

[0061] • A part of the link portion 38 can also be arranged on the base end surface 40 of the movable member 16. • The link portion 38 is not limited to being bent at a right angle with respect to the electrode arrangement portion 37, and can be bent at an angle other than a right angle, for example, with respect to the electrode arrangement portion 37.

[0062] • The shape of the sheet base material 34 can be appropriately changed to other shapes other than the embodiment. • The intermediate layer 8 imitating the shape of the marker portion 4 can also be arranged on the back surface of the panel member 7. • The marker portion 4 can also be a structure in which an image or a video is displayed on the panel 2 using liquid crystal or the like.

[0063] • The marker portion 4 can also be configured to be visually recognized at all times, for example, illuminated with the light of the light source 5 at night or the like. • The light guide can also be a member separate from the movable member 16.

[0064] • The panel 2 can omit the intermediate layer 8 or the protective layer 9. • The detection portion 17 is not limited to a mechanical switch, and can be a sensor. • The instantaneous structure of the switch device 1 is not limited to a structure returned to the original initial position by the force of a spring, and can be a structure using the elasticity of rubber or the like, for example.

[0065] • The sensor sheet 33 is not limited to a result of the electrode 35 being arranged in one row, and can have a structure having a plurality of rows. • The electrode 35 is not limited to being a plurality, and can be only one.

[0066] • The device that is the operation object of the switch device 1 is not limited to an air conditioning device, and can be a car navigation device, an audio device, an illumination device, or the like, for example. • Although the present description is described based on the embodiments, it should be understood that the present description is not limited to the embodiments or the configurations. The present description also includes various modifications or modifications within the equivalent range. Furthermore, various combinations or modes, and other combinations or modes including only one element, more than or less than the above, also fall within the scope or the range of the idea of the present description.

Claims

1. A switch device comprising: a panel that is elastically deformable, an operation portion that is assigned for each operation function and is operated by being pressed down; and at least one or more movable members that are provided for each of the operation functions and are movable in accordance with the pressing-down operation of the operation portion. a detection unit that detects movement of the movable member based on a push operation; and a sensor sheet that detects at least one of contact of a human body with the panel, approach of a human body to the panel, and a push operation of the panel, is disposed between the panel and the movable member, the sensor sheet has a sheet base material that is flexible and can be deformed in a flexible manner, and an electrode that is provided to the sheet base material, the electrode is held by the movable member and the sheet base material by being sandwiched by the movable member and the sheet base material.

2. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the electrode is provided with a plurality of electrodes for each of the operation units.

3. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein a position fixing unit that fixes the position of the electrode to the movable member is provided between the movable member and the electrode.

4. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor sheet is disposed without a gap with respect to both the panel and the movable member.

5. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein a light source for causing the panel to display a mark unit corresponding to the operation unit by illumination is provided.

6. The switch device according to claim 5, wherein the movable member has a function of a light guide that guides light of the light source toward the panel.

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