Switching device

Abstract

To provide a switching device capable of inhibiting a deterioration in beauty while enabling a blind operation.SOLUTION: A detection part 11 can detect a user's instruction input for making a to-be-controlled device perform a desired operation. A cushion layer 12 covers the detection part 11. The cushion layer 12 has an undersurface 123 nearer to the detection part 11, and a top surface 124 which is farther from the detection part 11 and which has a flat surface. The cushion layer 12 is formed so that the density of a portion including the undersurface 123 can be lower than the density of a portion including the top surface 124.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a switch device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a switch device mounted on a vehicle as an example of a moving body. The device includes a tactile switch operated by a movable member that is displaced by an external force associated with a user's operation input. The movable member is covered with a cushioning member. The cushioning member is covered with a skin material. When a user presses a portion of the skin material that faces the movable member, the movable member is displaced and the tactile switch is operated. Since the cushioning material is interposed between the movable member and the skin material, a soft feeling of pressing operation is provided. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-024832 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for providing a switch device that allows blind operation while suppressing deterioration of aesthetic appearance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One example aspect provided by the present disclosure is a switch device, comprising: A detection unit capable of detecting a user's instruction input for causing a controlled device to execute a desired operation; a cushion layer covering the detection portion and having a first surface closer to the detection portion and a second surface farther from the detection portion and having a flat surface; Equipped with The cushion layer is formed so that a portion including the first surface has a lower density than a portion including the second surface.

[0006] If the detection unit is covered with the cushion layer configured as described above, and a cushion layer with uniform density or a member with higher rigidity is arranged around it, the user can recognize that the finger has reached a position facing the detection unit (a position where an instruction can be input) through the difference in feel from the surroundings provided by the cushion layer, making it possible to perform blind operation. In addition, since the second surface of the cushion layer has a flat surface, the structure for providing the difference in feel is not visible to the user, and the appearance can easily be matched with the surrounding members. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in aesthetics while enabling blind operation.

[0007] One example aspect provided by the present disclosure is a switch device, comprising: A detection unit capable of detecting a user's instruction input for causing a controlled device to execute a desired operation; a cushion layer covering the detection portion and having a first surface closer to the detection portion and a second surface farther from the detection portion; a cover material supported on the second surface of the cushion layer and having a surface exposed to a user; It is equipped with The cushion layer is formed so that a portion including the first surface has a lower density than a portion including the second surface.

[0008] If the detection unit is covered with the cushion layer configured as described above and, for example, a cushion layer with uniform density or a member with higher rigidity is arranged around it, the user can recognize that the finger has reached a position facing the detection unit (a position where an instruction can be input) through the difference in the feel provided by the cushion layer from the surroundings, making it possible to operate blindly. In addition, since the second surface of the cushion layer supporting the skin material having the surface exposed to the user is formed to have a higher density, it is possible to improve the bonding with the skin material. This makes it possible to suppress the decrease in uniformity of the surface of the skin material due to bonding. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in aesthetics while enabling blind operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a configuration of a switch device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates an external appearance of the cushion layer of FIG. 1 as viewed from below. [Diagram 3] 2 shows an example of the operation of the switch device of FIG. [Figure 4] 4 shows another example of the operation of the switch device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 shows another example of the shape of the cushion layer in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 shows another example of the shape of the cushion layer in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 shows another example of the shape of the cushion layer in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2 illustrates another example of the configuration of the switch device of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 2 illustrates a vehicle in which the switch device of FIG. 1 is installed. [Figure 10] 2 illustrates another example of the configuration of the switch device of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] 2 shows another example of the shape of the cushion layer in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, examples of the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing used for the description, the scale is appropriately changed so that each illustrated element can be recognized.

[0011] In the accompanying drawings, arrow F indicates the forward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow B indicates the rearward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow U indicates the upward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow D indicates the downward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow R indicates the rightward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow L indicates the leftward direction of the illustrated structure. These directional expressions are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the posture or direction of the illustrated structure in actual use.

[0012] The term "front-rear direction" as used herein means a direction along the above-mentioned front and rear directions. The term "up-down direction" as used herein means a direction along the above-mentioned top and bottom directions. The term "left-right direction" as used herein means a direction along the above-mentioned left and right directions.

[0013] The expression "extending in the front-to-rear direction" used in this specification includes extending at an angle relative to the front-to-rear direction, and means extending at an angle closer to the front-to-rear direction than the up-down and left-to-right directions.

[0014] The expression "extending in the vertical direction" used in this specification includes extending at an angle relative to the vertical direction, and means extending at an angle closer to the vertical direction than the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0015] The expression "extending in the left-right direction" used in this specification includes extending at an angle relative to the left-right direction, and means extending at an angle closer to the left-right direction than the front-back and up-down directions.

[0016] 1 illustrates a configuration of a switch device 10 according to an embodiment. The switch device 10 is configured to receive an instruction input by a user and output a signal to cause a controlled device (not shown) to execute a desired operation based on the instruction input.

[0017] The switch device 10 includes a detection unit 11. The detection unit 11 is configured to be able to detect the above-mentioned instruction input. In this example, the detection unit 11 includes a push switch 111 and a movable member 112. As described below, when a user inputs an instruction, the movable member 112 is displaced downward. When the push switch 111 is operated by the displacement, the instruction input is detected. The detection unit 11 includes a circuit (not shown) that is able to output a control signal corresponding to the instruction input.

[0018] The switch device 10 according to the present embodiment includes two detectors 11. However, the number of detectors 11 may be one, or three or more. The number of detectors 11 can be appropriately determined according to the specifications of the controlled device.

[0019] The switch device 10 includes a cushion layer 12. The cushion layer 12 is disposed so as to cover the detection unit 11. The cushion layer 12 includes a first portion 121 and a second portion 122. The first portion 121 has a first flexibility. The second portion 122 has a second flexibility. The second flexibility is higher than the first flexibility.

[0020] The term "flexibility" as used herein refers to the amount of deformation for the same amount of force input. In other words, a more flexible portion can be deformed with a smaller input of force. Thus, a more flexible portion gives a "softer" feel to a user who presses the portion.

[0021] Fig. 2 illustrates an external view of the cushion layer 12 as viewed from below. The shape of the cushion layer 12 illustrated in Fig. 1 corresponds to a cross section viewed from the direction of the arrow along line II in Fig. 2.

[0022] The cushion layer 12 has a lower surface 123 and an upper surface 124. The lower surface 123 is located closer to the detection unit 11 than the upper surface 124. In other words, the upper surface 124 is located farther from the detection unit 11 than the lower surface 123. The lower surface 123 is an example of a first surface. The upper surface 124 is an example of a second surface.

[0023] The cushion layer 12 has an uneven portion 125. The uneven portion 125 is formed on a lower surface 123 included in the second portion 122. Due to the formation of the uneven portion 125, the density of the portion of the cushion layer 12 including the lower surface 123 is lower than the density of the portion of the cushion layer 12 including the upper surface 124.

[0024] The upper surface 124 has a flat surface. The expression "flat surface" used in this specification is intended to describe a surface state having a uniform flatness to such an extent that the user cannot visually recognize unevenness, and is not intended to limit the shape of the upper surface 124 itself. In other words, the upper surface 124 may be a horizontally extending flat surface, a sloping surface, or a curved surface.

[0025] The density (first density) of the cushion layer 12 in the first portion 121 is uniform in the vertical direction. The density (second density) of the cushion layer 12 in the second portion 122 is not uniform in the vertical direction due to the formation of the uneven portion 125. As a result, the second density is lower than the first density. In other words, the higher flexibility of the second portion 122 is achieved by the lower density.

[0026] 3 illustrates a state in which the second portion 122 of the cushion layer 12 is pressed by the user's finger 20. In this example, the first portion 121 of the cushion layer 12 is disposed to face the detection unit 11. Therefore, when the user moves the finger 20 to the left to a position corresponding to the less flexible first portion 121, the user feels that it is "harder." Through this change in feeling, the user can recognize that the finger 20 has reached a position facing the detection unit 11 (a position where an instruction can be input).

[0027] 4 illustrates a state in which the first portion 121 of the cushion layer 12 is pressed by the user's finger 20 as an instruction input. When the first portion 121 is pressed, the movable member 112 of the detection unit 11 is displaced downward. The downward displacement of the movable member 112 operates the push switch 111, and a control signal corresponding to the instruction input is output from the detection unit 11.

[0028] According to the above-described configuration, the user can recognize the position of the switch device 10 at which an instruction input can be received, without relying on visual inspection, through the change in the feel provided by the cushion layer 12. Therefore, it is possible to provide a switch device 10 with improved blind operability.

[0029] From the viewpoint of allowing the user to recognize a position capable of accepting an instruction input through a change in sensation, the second portion 122 of the cushion layer 12 may be disposed so as to face the detection unit 11.

[0030] However, in the case of a configuration in which a user's instruction input is detected through mechanical operation of the push switch 111 by the movable member 112 as in this example, it is preferable that the less flexible first portion 121 is disposed to face the movable member 112. The fact that a less flexible portion has a smaller amount of deformation in response to the input of the same magnitude of force means that the input force is more likely to be transmitted without being absorbed. Therefore, compared to a case in which the second portion 122 is disposed to face the movable member 112, the movable member 112 can be displaced with a smaller pressing force, thereby improving the operability of the switch device 10.

[0031] From the viewpoint of allowing the user to recognize the position where an instruction input can be received through the difference in feel, the uneven portion 125 may be formed over the entire lower surface 23 of the cushion layer 12. If the detection unit 11 is covered with the cushion layer 12 configured in this manner and, for example, a cushion layer with a uniform density or a member with higher rigidity is arranged around it, the user can recognize that the finger 20 has reached a position facing the detection unit 11 (a position where an instruction input can be received) through the difference in feel provided by the cushion layer 12 from the surroundings, thereby enabling blind operation. In addition, since the upper surface 124 of the cushion layer 12 has a flat surface, the structure itself for providing the difference in feel is not visible to the user and the appearance can easily match with the surrounding members. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in aesthetics while enabling blind operation.

[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the switch device 10 includes a base material 13. The base material 13 supports the cushion layer 12 from below. The base material 13 has higher rigidity than the cushion layer 12. At least the outer periphery 123a of the lower surface 123 of the cushion layer 12 can be bonded to the base material 13. The outer periphery 123a is an example of a supported surface. In addition, the tip of the convex portion 125a included in the uneven portion 125 is in contact with the base material 13. The tip of the convex portion 125a is also an example of a supported surface.

[0033] With this configuration, the influence of deformation of the second portion 122 of the cushion layer 12, which has higher flexibility in order to provide a difference in feel, on the configuration of the switch device 10 located below can be suppressed.

[0034] In this example, the base material 13 has an opening 131. The movable member 112 of the detection unit 11 is disposed within the opening 131. That is, the opening 131 is disposed so as to allow the displacement of the movable member 112 accompanying the deformation of the first portion 121 of the cushion layer 12.

[0035] According to this configuration, it is possible to ensure a larger stroke amount for the movable member 112 while ensuring the effect of suppressing the influence of the deformation of the second portion 122 of the cushion layer 12 described above. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operability of the switch device 10.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first portion 121 of the cushion layer 12 can enter the opening 131 as the movable member 112 is displaced.

[0037] According to such a configuration, a larger amount of deformation can be ensured for the first portion 121, so that the sensation that the user may perceive as resistance to the operational input for displacing the movable member 112 can be reduced.

[0038] However, a configuration may also be adopted in which a part of the lower surface of first portion 121 is placed around the edge of opening 131. By appropriately setting the area of ​​that part, the magnitude of the feeling that can be recognized as the above-mentioned resistance can be changed.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first portion 121 and the second portion 122 of the cushion layer 12 are made of the same material. With this configuration, an increase in material costs involved in the manufacture of the switch device 10 can be suppressed.

[0040] In addition, the cushion layer 12 according to this embodiment is a one-piece molded product. In other words, the first portion 121 and the second portion 122, which are made of the same material, are inseparable. The expression "inseparable" used here is to be distinguished from a configuration in which the portions are inseparable through adhesion, welding, welding, fitting, or the like. With such a configuration, an increase in the number of parts and an increase in the number of assembly steps can be suppressed, and therefore an increase in the manufacturing cost of the switch device 10 can be suppressed.

[0041] However, the first portion 121 and the second portion 122 may be formed of different materials as long as different flexibility can be provided between the first portion 121 and the second portion 122. The first portion 121 and the second portion 122 formed of different materials may be joined by adhesion or the like, or may be provided as a one-piece part by two-color molding.

[0042] The degree of flexibility provided in the second portion 122 of the cushion layer 12, which is higher than that of the first portion 121, can be adjusted by appropriately changing the configuration of the uneven portion 125. As an example, at least one of the number and the cross-sectional area of ​​the convex portions 125a formed in the uneven portion 125 can be changed.

[0043] 5 shows another example of the shape of the cushion layer 12. In this example, the tip of the convex portion 125a formed in the uneven portion 125 is formed to gradually become thinner. With this configuration, the contact area between the tip of the convex portion 125a and the base material 13 becomes smaller, so that the flexibility of the second portion 122 can be increased compared to the cushion layer 12 having the shape exemplified in FIG.

[0044] 6, the length of the convex portion 125a formed in the concave-convex portion 125 may be shortened. Even with such a configuration, a gap is formed between the tip of the convex portion 125a and the base material 13, so that the flexibility of the second portion 122 can be increased more than that of the cushion layer 12 having the shape illustrated in FIG.

[0045] 7, the boundary between first portion 121 and second portion 122 may be formed as a surface that is inclined in the up-down direction. With such a configuration, it is possible to gently change the flexibility between first portion 121 and second portion 122. As a result, it is possible to gently change the feel that the user gets at the boundary between first portion 121 and second portion 122.

[0046] 8, the switch device 10 may include a skin material 14. The skin material 14 has a surface 141 exposed to the user. The skin material 14 is disposed so as to cover at least the upper surface 124 of the cushion layer 12. The material forming the skin material 14 may be appropriately determined depending on the appearance that the switch device 10 presents to the user. Examples of the material include resin, rubber, leather, and woven fabric.

[0047] Since the upper surface 124 of the cushion layer 12 has a flat surface, it is easy to ensure that the surface of the skin material 14 is also flat. Since it is easy to achieve consistency in appearance with the surrounding components of the switch device 10, deterioration in the aesthetic appearance of the switch device 10 can be suppressed.

[0048] When the cushion layer 12 is covered with the skin material 14, the upper surface 124 does not necessarily need to be flat. If the density of the portion including the upper surface 124 is higher than the density of the portion including the lower surface 123, the bonding strength between the cushion layer 12 and the skin material 14 can be improved. This makes it possible to prevent the uniformity of the surface of the skin material 14 exposed to the user from decreasing due to bonding, and therefore prevents the aesthetics of the switch device 10 from decreasing.

[0049] 9, the switch device 10 can be installed at an appropriate position in the cabin of the vehicle 30. In this case, the operation of an appropriate controlled device mounted on the vehicle 30 is controlled by an instruction input received by the switch device 10. The vehicle 30 is an example of a moving body. In particular, when the switch device 10 is installed around the driver's seat including the center cluster, the driver's line of sight movement can be suppressed when an instruction is input, so that the effect of improving blind operability can be more prominent.

[0050] The configurations referred to above are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present disclosure. Each configuration example may be appropriately modified or combined with other configuration examples within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] The detection unit 11 of the switch device 10 is not limited to a configuration that detects a user's instruction input through mechanical displacement. As illustrated in Fig. 10, the detection unit 11 may include an electrostatic sensor 113. When the user's finger 20 presses the first portion 121 of the cushion layer 12, the distance to the electrostatic sensor 113 changes, and the detected capacitance changes. The electrostatic sensor 113 is configured to detect that an instruction input has been made based on the change, and to output a control signal according to the instruction input.

[0052] As described above, in this example, the second portion 122 of the cushion layer 12 can be disposed to face the detection unit 11. In this case, the user can recognize that the finger 20 has reached a position facing the detection unit 11 (a position where an instruction can be input) from the fact that a softer feeling has been obtained.

[0053] The configuration of the uneven portion 125 formed on the lower surface 123 may be appropriately changed so long as the density of the portion of the cushion layer 12 including the lower surface 123 can be made lower than the density of the portion including the upper surface 124. As exemplified in Fig. 11, the uneven portion 125 may be formed by a plurality of grooves extending in at least one of the left-right direction and the front-rear direction.

[0054] Making the density of the portion including the lower surface 123 of the cushion layer 12 lower than the density of the portion including the upper surface 124 can also be achieved by a method other than the formation of the uneven portion 125. For example, when the cushion layer 12 is formed of a porous material, the density can be lowered by making the porosity of the portion including the lower surface 123 higher than that of the portion including the upper surface 124.

[0055] The switch device 10 may be applied to a moving body other than the vehicle 30. Examples of other moving bodies include a train, an airplane, an aircraft, a ship, etc. The moving body may not require a driver.

[0056] The switch device 10 does not necessarily have to be mounted on a moving object, but may be installed in any suitable device, equipment, facility, etc. where blind operation is required.

[0057] The configurations listed below also form part of this disclosure. Item 1: A detection unit capable of detecting a user's instruction input for causing a controlled device to execute a desired operation; a cushion layer covering the detection portion and having a first surface closer to the detection portion and a second surface farther from the detection portion and having a flat surface; Equipped with the cushion layer is formed such that a portion including the first surface has a lower density than a portion including the second surface; Switch device. Item 2: A detection unit capable of detecting a user's instruction input for causing a controlled device to execute a desired operation; a cushion layer covering the detection portion and having a first surface closer to the detection portion and a second surface farther from the detection portion; a cover material supported on the second surface of the cushion layer and having a surface exposed to a user; Equipped with the cushion layer is formed such that a portion including the first surface has a lower density than a portion including the second surface; Switch device. Item 3: A reduction in density is realized by forming an uneven portion on the first surface. 3. A switch device according to item 1 or 2. Item 4: the cushioning layer has a first portion having a first density and a second portion having a second density lower than the first density; One of the first portion and the second portion is disposed to face the detection portion. 4. A switch device according to any one of items 1 to 3. Item 5: The first portion and the second portion are formed of the same material. 5. A switch device according to item 4. Item 6: The cushion layer is a one-piece molded product. 6. A switch device according to any one of items 1 to 5. Item 7: A substrate supporting the cushion layer is provided, The tip of the projection included in the concave-convex portion is in contact with the base material. 7. A switch device according to items 3 to 6. Item 8: the detection unit includes a movable member that is displaced in response to the instruction input, The first portion is disposed so as to face the movable member. 7. A switch device according to any one of items 4 to 6. Item 9: a base material having an opening that allows the movable member to be displaced; The cushion layer has a supported surface supported by the base material. Item 9. A switch device according to item 8. Item 10: The first portion is capable of entering the opening as the movable member is displaced. Item 10. The switch device according to item 9. Item 11: a cover material supported on the second surface of the cushion layer and having a surface exposed to a user; Item 1. A switch device according to item 1. Item 12: The controlled device is mounted on a moving body. 12. A switch device according to any one of items 1 to 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 10: switch device, 11: detection portion, 112: movable member, 12: cushion layer, 121: first portion, 122: second portion, 123: lower surface, 124: upper surface, 125: uneven portion, 125a: convex portion, 13: base material, 131: opening, 14: skin material, 141: surface, 30: vehicle

Claims

1. A detection unit capable of detecting a user's instruction input for causing a controlled device to execute a desired operation; a cushion layer covering the detection portion and having a first surface closer to the detection portion and a second surface farther from the detection portion and having a flat surface; Equipped with the cushion layer is formed such that a portion including the first surface has a lower density than a portion including the second surface; Switch device.

2. A detection unit capable of detecting a user's instruction input for causing a controlled device to execute a desired operation; a cushion layer covering the detection portion and having a first surface closer to the detection portion and a second surface farther from the detection portion; a cover material supported on the second surface of the cushion layer and having a surface exposed to a user; Equipped with the cushion layer is formed such that a portion including the first surface has a lower density than a portion including the second surface; Switch device.

3. A reduction in density is realized by forming an uneven portion on the first surface. The switch device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the cushioning layer has a first portion having a first density and a second portion having a second density lower than the first density; One of the first portion and the second portion is disposed to face the detection portion. The switch device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The first portion and the second portion are formed of the same material. The switch device according to claim 4.

6. The cushion layer is a one-piece molded product. The switch device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A substrate supporting the cushion layer is provided, The tip of the projection included in the concave-convex portion is in contact with the base material. The switch device according to claim 3.

8. the detection unit includes a movable member that is displaced in response to the instruction input, The first portion is disposed so as to face the movable member. The switch device according to claim 4.

9. a base material having an opening that allows the movable member to be displaced; The cushion layer has a supported surface supported by the base material. The switch device according to claim 8.

10. The first portion is capable of entering the opening as the movable member is displaced. The switch device according to claim 9.

11. a cover material supported on the second surface of the cushion layer and having a surface exposed to a user; The switch device according to claim 1 .

12. The controlled device is mounted on a moving body. The switch device according to claim 1 or 2.

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