Input device and control method of input device

Abstract

To properly prevent an operation target from being controlled by an operation instruction that an operator has input unintentionally.SOLUTION: An input device includes: a touch sensor for detecting a contact state between a finger of an operator and a contact surface; a fixed section formed to extend in a predetermined direction; and a support section which supports the touch sensor to the fixed section so that the touch sensor can swing about a swing axis along the predetermined direction. A control method of the input device includes: a contact state detection step (S101) of detecting a contact state by the touch sensor; a pressed state detection step (S102) of detecting a non-pressed state in which the contact surface is not pressed by a finger, and a pressed state in which the contact surface is pressed by a finger and the touch sensor is rotated with respect to the fixed section at a predetermined angle or larger about the swing axis than the non-pressed state; and a control step (S105) of controlling, in the case where the contact state detection step detects contact state and the pressed state detection step detects pressed state, an air-conditioning device in accordance with the contact state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device and a control method for an input device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a touch panel type operation device mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The operation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 monitors touch operations of a plurality of operation buttons based on detection signals of a capacitance detection unit, and outputs an operation signal of an air conditioner according to the touch operation to an air conditioner control device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the operation device disclosed in Patent Document 1, even when the operator accidentally touches an operation button, if the capacitance detection unit detects a touch operation of the operation button, the air conditioner is controlled according to the touch operation.

[0005] In view of such circumstances, the present disclosure has been made, and an object thereof is to provide an input device and a control method for an input device that can appropriately prevent an operation target from being controlled by an operation instruction input unintentionally by an operator.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the input device and the control method for an input device of the present disclosure employ the following means. An input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an input device that inputs an operation instruction by an operator to an operation target attached to a moving body, and has a contact surface that is contacted by an operation body of the operator and extends along a predetermined direction, and a sensor unit that detects a contact state in which the operation body and the contact surface are in contact, a fixing unit that is fixed to the moving body and is formed to extend in the predetermined direction, a support unit that supports the sensor unit on the fixing unit so that the sensor unit can swing around a swing axis along the predetermined direction, a non-pressing state in which the contact surface is not pressed by the operation body, and a pressing detection unit that detects a pressing state in which the contact surface is pressed by the operation body and the sensor unit rotates by a predetermined angle or more around the swing axis with respect to the fixing unit compared to the non-pressing state, and a control unit that controls the operation target according to the contact state when the sensor unit detects the contact state and the pressing detection unit detects the pressing state.

[0007] A control method for an input device according to an aspect of the present disclosure inputs an operation instruction by an operator to an operation target attached to a moving body, and the input device has a contact surface that is contacted by an operation body of the operator and extends along a predetermined direction, a sensor unit that detects a contact state in which the operation body and the contact surface are in contact, a fixing unit that is fixed to the moving body and is formed to extend in the predetermined direction, and a support unit that supports the sensor unit on the fixing unit so that the sensor unit can swing around a swing axis along the predetermined direction, and includes a contact state detection step of detecting the contact state by the sensor unit, a pressing state detection step of detecting a non-pressing state in which the contact surface is not pressed by the operation body and a pressing state in which the contact surface is pressed by the operation body and the sensor unit rotates by a predetermined angle or more around the swing axis with respect to the fixing unit compared to the non-pressing state, and a control step of controlling the operation target according to the contact state when the contact state detection step detects the contact state and the pressing state detection step detects the pressing state.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an input device and a control method for the input device that can appropriately prevent an operation target from being controlled by an operation instruction inadvertently input by an operator.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] 〔First Embodiment〕 Hereinafter, an input device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the input device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the input device 100 shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the input device 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of the input device 100 shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which a touch sensor 10 is attached to a fixing portion 30.

[0011] The input device 100 of the present embodiment is a device for inputting an operation instruction to an air conditioner 80 which is an operation target attached to a vehicle (mobile body). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the input device 100 includes a touch sensor (sensor unit) 10, a vibration element (vibration unit) 20, a fixing portion 30, a support portion 40, a sheet-like member 50, a control portion 60, and a distance sensor (pressure detection unit) 70.

[0012] The touch sensor 10 has a contact surface 10a that comes into contact with a finger (operating body) 200 of an operator and extends along a predetermined direction DR. The touch sensor 10 is a device that detects a contact state in which the finger 200 and the contact surface 10a are in contact with each other by an electrostatic capacitance method. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the touch sensor 10 includes a cover portion 11 and a case portion 12 attached to the cover portion 11. The case portion 12 has an opposing surface (first opposing surface) 12a that extends along the predetermined direction DR and is disposed to face the fixing portion 30.

[0013] The touch sensor 10 detects which one of the first contact area A1, the second contact area A2, the third contact area A3, the fourth contact area A4, and the fifth contact area A5 along the predetermined direction DR of the contact surface 10a is in a contact state where the finger 200 contacts the contact surface 10a. When the touch sensor 10 detects that any one of the first contact area A1, the second contact area A2, the third contact area A3, the fourth contact area A4, and the fifth contact area A5 is in a contact state, the touch sensor 10 transmits a signal for specifying the detected contact area to the control unit 60.

[0014] The vibration element 20 is a device that is fixed to the case portion 12 of the touch sensor 10 and generates vibrations along the predetermined direction DR. The vibration element 20 is a piezoelectric element such as a piezo element, for example, and generates vibrations along the predetermined direction DR by a pulse signal whose voltage value changes periodically and is transmitted from the control unit 60. The case portion 12 to which the vibration element 20 is fixed vibrates along the predetermined direction DR in response to the vibration element 20 generating vibrations along the predetermined direction DR.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vibration element 20 is fixed to the central area in the predetermined direction DR of the touch sensor 10. The vibration element 20 may be fixed to an area closer to the end side than the central area in the predetermined direction DR of the touch sensor 10.

[0016] The fixing portion 30 is a member that is fixed to the fixing surface 300 of the vehicle and is formed to extend along the predetermined direction DR. The fixing portion 30 has an opposing surface (second opposing surface) 30a that extends along the predetermined direction DR and is disposed opposite to the touch sensor 10.

[0017] The support portion 40 is a member that supports the touch sensor 10 on the fixing portion 30 so that the touch sensor 10 can swing around the swing axis X along the predetermined direction DR. Further, the support portion 40 supports the touch sensor 10 on the fixing portion 30 so that the touch sensor 10 can move relative to the fixing portion 30 within a movement range MA along the predetermined direction DR. The movement range MA is a range obtained by adding the amplitude of the predetermined direction DR due to the vibration transmitted from the vibration element 20 to the length L1 of the touch sensor 10 in the predetermined direction DR.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support portion 40 is arranged at a plurality of locations along a predetermined direction DR, for example. The support portions 40 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 support the touch sensor 10 on the fixing portion 30 at a plurality of locations in the predetermined direction DR. Further, the support portion 40 may be arranged at only one location in the predetermined direction DR.

[0019] The sheet-like member 50 is arranged in a state of being in contact with the opposing surface 12a of the touch sensor 10 and the opposing surface 30a of the fixing portion 30 in a support state where the support portion 40 supports the touch sensor 10 on the fixing portion 30. The sheet-like member 50 is a member formed in a sheet shape by an elastic body such as rubber.

[0020] Here, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the relationship between the sheet-like member 50, the touch sensor 10, and the fixing portion 30 will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of the input device 100 shown in FIG. 1, showing a state where the touch sensor 10 is removed from the fixing portion 30. As shown in FIG. 5, in a state where the touch sensor 10 is removed from the fixing portion 30, the first surface 50a of the sheet-like member 50 faces the opposing surface 12a of the touch sensor 10, and the second surface 50b of the sheet-like member 50 faces the opposing surface 30a of the fixing portion 30. An insertion hole 50c into which the case portion 12 of the touch sensor 10 is inserted is formed in the sheet-like member 50.

[0021] In the state shown in FIG. 5, the case portion 12 is inserted into the insertion hole 50c of the sheet-like member 50, the case portion 12 is moved toward the fixing portion 30, and the support portion 40 supports the touch sensor 10 on the fixing portion 30, thereby obtaining the state shown in FIG. 4. In a support state where the support portion 40 supports the touch sensor 10 on the fixing portion 30, the sheet-like member 50 is arranged in a state where the first surface 50a is in contact with the opposing surface 12a and the second surface 50b is in contact with the opposing surface 30a.

[0022] Since the sheet-like member 50 is sandwiched and disposed between the opposing surface 12a of the touch sensor 10 and the opposing surface 30a of the fixing portion 30, the movement range MA of the touch sensor 10 with respect to the fixing portion 30 in the predetermined direction DR coincides with the range in which the sheet-like member 50 elastically deforms. When the vibration element 20 generates vibration, the touch sensor 10 vibrates along the predetermined direction DR with respect to the fixing portion 30 within the movement range MA in which the sheet-like member 50 elastically deforms.

[0023] The distance sensor (pressure detection unit) 70 is a sensor that detects a non-pressed state in which the contact surface 10a is not pressed by the finger 200 and a pressed state in which the contact surface 10a is pressed by the finger 200 and the touch sensor 10 rotates by a predetermined angle or more around the swing axis X with respect to the fixing portion 30 compared to the non-pressed state. The distance sensor 70 detects the distance L2 to the opposing surface 30a of the fixing portion 30 according to the time from when the irradiation light is irradiated from the detection surface 70a until the reflected light reflected by the opposing surface 30a of the fixing portion 30 is measured.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of the input device shown in FIG. 1, showing a pressed state in which the contact surface 10a of the touch sensor 10 is pressed by the finger 200. As shown in FIG. 6, when the contact surface 10a of the touch sensor 10 is in a pressed state pressed by the finger 200, the touch sensor 10 and the distance sensor 70 attached to the control unit 60 fixed to the touch sensor 10 rotate counterclockwise by an angle θ around the swing axis X of the fixing portion 30. The touch sensor 10 detects that it is in a non-pressed state if the distance L2 from the detection surface 70a to the opposing surface 30a of the fixing portion 30 is longer than a predetermined distance, and detects that it is in a pressed state if the distance L2 is less than or equal to the predetermined distance.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the distance sensor 70 and the control unit 60 are fixed to the central region of the touch sensor 10 in the predetermined direction DR.

[0026] Note that the input device 100 of the present embodiment detects the pressed state and the non-pressed state by the distance sensor 70, but other modes may also be used. For example, instead of the distance sensor 70, when the distance between the facing surface 12a of the touch sensor 10 and the facing surface 30a of the fixed portion 30 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, it is in an on state, and when the distance between the facing surface 12a of the touch sensor 10 and the facing surface 30a of the fixed portion 30 is longer than the predetermined distance, it is in an off state. A switch (not shown) may be used. In this case, the switch detects the pressed state when it is in the on state and detects the non-pressed state when it is in the off state.

[0027] The control unit 60 is a device that controls each part of the input device 100. When the touch sensor 10 detects the contact state where the finger 200 contacts the contact surface 10a and the distance sensor 70 detects the pressed state, the control unit 60 controls the vibration element 20 to generate vibration along the predetermined direction DR. When the operator touches the contact surface 10a with the finger 200, the touch sensor 10 transmits a signal to the control unit 60 that specifies that any one of the first contact area A1, the second contact area A2, the third contact area A3, the fourth contact area A4, and the fifth contact area A5 is in the contact state.

[0028] The control unit 60 controls the air conditioner 80 according to which of the first contact area A1, the second contact area A2, the third contact area A3, the fourth contact area A4, and the fifth contact area A5 the contact area where the contact state is detected is. For example, when the contact state is detected in the first contact area A1 and the distance sensor 70 detects the pressed state, the control unit 60 controls the air conditioner 80 to set the air volume blown from the air conditioner 80 to the maximum value.

[0029] Here, with reference to FIG. 7, the process executed by the control unit 60 of the input device 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the control unit 60 of the input device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] In step S101, the control unit 60 determines whether the touch sensor 10 detects which of the first contact area A1, the second contact area A2, the third contact area A3, the fourth contact area A4, and the fifth contact area A5 along the predetermined direction DR of the contact surface 10a is in a contact state where the finger 200 contacts the contact surface 10a. If the control unit 60 determines YES, it proceeds to step S102; if NO, it executes the process of step S101 again.

[0031] In step S102, the control unit 60 determines whether the distance sensor 70 detects a pressed state in which the contact surface 10a is pressed by the finger 200 and the touch sensor 10 rotates by a predetermined angle or more around the swing axis X with respect to the non-pressed state with respect to the fixed part 30. If the control unit 60 determines YES, it proceeds to step S103; if NO, it executes the process of step S102 again.

[0032] In step S103, since the touch sensor 10 detects the contact state and the distance sensor 70 detects the pressed state, the control unit 60 controls the vibration element 20 to generate vibrations along the predetermined direction DR.

[0033] In step S104, the control unit 60 identifies which of the first contact area A1, the second contact area A2, the third contact area A3, the fourth contact area A4, and the fifth contact area A5 the contact state detected in step S101 corresponds to.

[0034] In step S105, the control unit 60 controls the air conditioner 80 according to the contact area identified in step S104. For example, when a contact state is detected in the first contact area A1 and the distance sensor 70 detects a pressed state, the control unit 60 controls the air conditioner 80 to set the air volume blown from the air conditioner 80 to the maximum value.

[0035] Here, a mechanism for supporting the touch sensor 10 by the support portion 40 so that the touch sensor 10 is movable relative to the fixed portion 30 within a movement range MA along a predetermined direction DR will be described. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of the input device 100 shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the touch sensor 10 is attached to the fixed portion 30.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 8, the support portion 40 has a groove portion 41 formed at an end portion of the case portion 12 of the touch sensor 10 on the side of the fixed portion 30 and extending along the predetermined direction DR, and a rod-shaped member 42 formed integrally with the fixed portion 30 and extending along the predetermined direction DR. The support portion 40 supports the touch sensor 10 on the fixed portion 30 such that the touch sensor 10 is movable relative to the fixed portion 30 within a movement range MA along the predetermined direction DR by housing the rod-shaped member 42 in the groove portion 41.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 8, the fixed portion 30 has a case portion 31 formed integrally with the rod-shaped member 42, and a fixing member 32 attached to the case portion 31. The fixing member 32 is inserted into the case portion 31 so that the groove portion 41 is not deformed in order to hold the state in which the rod-shaped member 42 is housed in the groove portion 41.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of the input device 100 shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the touch sensor 10 is removed from the fixed portion 30. As shown in FIG. 9, the groove portion 41 has a portion having a length W1 in the vertical direction VD and a portion having a length W2 that is longer than W1 in the vertical direction VD. The rod-shaped member 42 has a circular cross-section, and the diameter of this circle is longer than W1 and shorter than W2. An insertion hole 50d into which the case portion 12 of the touch sensor 10 is inserted is formed in the sheet-like member 50.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of the input device 100 shown in FIG. 1, showing the state before attaching the touch sensor 10 to the fixing portion 30 and before accommodating the rod-shaped member 42 in the groove portion 41. In the state shown in FIG. 10, since the rod-shaped member 42 has not passed through the portion of the length W1 of the groove portion 41, the rod-shaped member 42 is not accommodated in the groove portion 41. An operator assembling the input device 100 pushes the case portion 12 of the touch sensor 10 toward the fixing portion 30 from the state shown in FIG. 10, thereby deforming the resin-made groove portion 41 along the vertical direction VD and expanding the portion of W1 to allow the rod-shaped member 42 to pass through, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 11.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of the input device 100 shown in FIG. 1, showing the state after accommodating the rod-shaped member 42 in the groove portion 41 before attaching the touch sensor 10 to the fixing portion 30. In FIG. 11, although the rod-shaped member 42 is accommodated in the groove portion 41, the groove portion 41 may be deformed along the vertical direction VD, and the rod-shaped member 42 may expand and pass through the portion of W1 again. Therefore, the operator inserts the fixing member 32 into the case portion 31 to obtain the state shown in FIG. 8 where the groove portion 41 is not deformed along the vertical direction VD.

[0041] In the state shown in FIG. 8, the case portion 12 of the touch sensor 10 is swingable about the swing axis X which is the central axis of the rod-shaped member 42. The case portion 12 of the touch sensor 10 is swingable about the swing axis X with respect to the fixing portion 30 within the range where the sheet-like member 50 is elastically deformed.

[0042] Also, in the state shown in FIG. 8, the state where the rod-shaped member 42 is accommodated in the groove portion 41 is maintained. Therefore, within the plane orthogonal to the predetermined direction DR, the touch sensor 10 is maintained in a state of being restrained by the support portion 40 so as not to move with respect to the fixing portion 30. On the other hand, in the predetermined direction DR, the touch sensor 10 is not restrained by the support portion 40 with respect to the fixing portion 30. Therefore, the touch sensor 10 can move along the predetermined direction DR with respect to the fixing portion 30 within the moving range MA where the sheet-like member 50 is elastically deformed due to the vibration generated by the vibration element 20.

[0043] According to the input device 100 of the present embodiment described above, the following operations and effects are achieved. According to the input device 100 of the present embodiment, when the operator touches the contact surface 10a of the touch sensor 10 with the finger 200 in order to input an operation instruction to the air conditioner 80, the touch sensor 10 detects the contact state in which the finger 200 and the contact surface 10a are in contact. Further, when the operator presses the contact surface 10a with the finger 200 and the touch sensor 10 rotates around the swing axis X by a predetermined angle or more with respect to the non-pressed state with respect to the fixing portion 30, the distance sensor 70 detects the pressed state in which the contact surface 10a is pressed by the finger 200. When the touch sensor 10 detects the contact state and the distance sensor 70 detects the pressed state, the control unit 60 controls the air conditioner 80 according to the contact state.

[0044] According to the input device 100 of the present embodiment, the air conditioner 80 is not controlled only when the touch sensor 10 detects the contact state. On the other hand, when the touch sensor 10 detects the contact state and the distance sensor 70 detects the pressed state, the air conditioner 80 is controlled according to the contact state. Since the air conditioner 80 is controlled when both the contact state and the pressed state are detected, it is possible to appropriately prevent the air conditioner 80 from being controlled by an operation instruction inadvertently input by the operator.

[0045] According to the input device 100 of the present embodiment, vibration by the vibration element 20 does not occur only when the touch sensor 10 detects the contact state. On the other hand, when the touch sensor 10 detects the contact state and the distance sensor 70 detects the pressed state, vibration by the vibration element 20 occurs. Since vibration occurs when both the contact state and the pressed state are detected, it is possible to appropriately prevent tactile feedback from being applied to the finger 200 by an operation instruction inadvertently input by the operator.

[0046] According to the input device 100 of the present embodiment, in a state where the support portion 40 supports the touch sensor 10 on the fixing portion 30, a sheet-like member 50 formed of an elastic body is disposed in a state of contacting the opposing surface 12a of the touch sensor 10 and the opposing surface 30a of the fixing portion 30. Since the touch sensor 10 is in contact with the fixing portion 30 via the sheet-like member 50 formed of an elastic body, the sheet-like member 50 appropriately maintains the moving range MA in which the touch sensor 10 moves in the predetermined direction DR due to the vibration transmitted from the vibration element 20 to the touch sensor 10 in the range deformed by the elastic force, and stable tactile feedback can be imparted.

[0047] According to the input device 100 of the present embodiment, the touch sensor 10 can be supported on the fixing portion 30 at a plurality of locations in the predetermined direction DR, and the movement of the touch sensor 10 in the predetermined direction DR due to vibration can be stabilized.

[0048] According to the input device 100 of the present embodiment, since the vibration element 20 is fixed to the central region of the touch sensor 10 in the predetermined direction DR, the transmission of vibration toward both ends of the touch sensor 10 in the predetermined direction DR can be made uniform.

[0049] According to the input device 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to detect which of the plurality of contact regions A1 to A5 along the predetermined direction DR of the contact surface 10a the touch sensor 10 is in contact with, and to appropriately control the air conditioner 80 according to the detected contact region.

[0050] 〔Second Embodiment〕 Next, the input device 100A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the input device 100A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state where the touch sensor 10 is attached to the fixing portion 30. This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and is the same as the first embodiment except as specifically described below, and the description below will be omitted.

[0051] The support portion 40 of the input device 100 according to the first embodiment supported the touch sensor 10 with respect to the fixing portion 30 by accommodating the rod-shaped member 42 in the groove portion 41. In contrast, the support portion 40A of the input device 100A according to the present embodiment supports the touch sensor 10 with respect to the fixing portion 30 by inserting the rod-shaped member 42A into the through hole 41A.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 12, the support portion 40A of the input device 100A according to the present embodiment includes a through hole 41A formed in the case portion 12 of the touch sensor 10 and a rod-shaped member 42A inserted into the through hole 41A. The rod-shaped member 42A is a member inserted into the fixing portion 30 in a state where the touch sensor 10 is attached to the fixing portion 30. Since the support portion 40A of the input device 100A according to the present embodiment does not have the groove portion 41, the fixing member 32 of the first embodiment for preventing deformation of the groove portion 41 becomes unnecessary.

[0053] 〔Third Embodiment〕 Next, the input device 100B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment and is the same as the first embodiment except as specifically described below, and the description below will be omitted.

[0054] The input device 100 according to the first embodiment detected, by the distance sensor 70, a non-pressed state in which the contact surface 10a is not pressed by the finger 200 and a pressed state in which the contact surface 10a is pressed by the finger 200 and the touch sensor 10 rotates by a predetermined angle or more around the swing axis X with respect to the non-pressed state with respect to the fixing portion 30. In contrast, the input device 100B according to the present embodiment detects the non-pressed state and the pressed state by the force sensor 70B.

[0055] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the input device 100B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state where the touch sensor 10 is attached to the fixing portion 30. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the input device 100B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a pressed state in which the contact surface 10a of the touch sensor 10 is pressed by a finger.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a force sensor 70B formed in a sheet shape is disposed between the opposing surface 12a of the case portion 12 and the first surface 50a of the sheet-like member 50. When the force sensor 70B changes from the non-pressed state shown in FIG. 13 to the pressed state shown in FIG. 14, a signal that changes in accordance with the compressive force transmitted from the opposing surface 12a and the first surface 50a is output to an output portion 70Bb attached to the control portion 60 via a signal line 70Ba.

[0057] When the signal output from the force sensor 70B indicates that it is equal to or greater than a predetermined compressive force, the output portion 70Bb detects that it is in the pressed state and transmits it to the control portion 60. When the signal output from the force sensor 70B indicates that it is less than the predetermined compressive force, the output portion 70Bb detects that it is in the non-pressed state and transmits it to the control portion 60.

[0058] As the force sensor 70B of the present embodiment, for example, a piezoelectric sensor that measures a change in electric charge according to a compressive force can be used. Further, as the force sensor 70B of the present embodiment, for example, a strain gauge type sensor that measures a change in resistance value due to expansion and contraction according to a compressive force can be used.

[0059] The input device 100 and the control method of the input device described in each of the embodiments described above can be understood as follows, for example. The input device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure inputs an operation instruction from an operator to an operation target (80) attached to a moving body (200), has a contact surface (10a) that the operation body of the operator contacts and extends along a predetermined direction, and a sensor unit (10) that detects a contact state in which the operation body and the contact surface are in contact, a vibration unit (20) that is fixed to the sensor unit and generates vibration along the predetermined direction, a fixing unit (30) that is fixed to the moving body and is formed to extend in the predetermined direction, a support unit (40) that supports the sensor unit on the fixing unit so that the sensor unit can swing around a swing axis (X) along the predetermined direction, a non-pressing state in which the contact surface is not pressed by the operation body, and a pressing detection unit (70) that detects a pressing state in which the contact surface is pressed by the operation body and the sensor unit rotates around the swing axis by a predetermined angle or more with respect to the fixing unit compared to the non-pressing state, and a control unit (60) that controls the operation target according to the contact state when the sensor unit detects the contact state and the pressing detection unit detects the pressing state.

[0060] According to the input device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, when the operator brings the operation body into contact with the contact surface of the sensor unit in order to input an operation instruction to the operation target, the sensor unit detects the contact state in which the operation body and the contact surface are in contact. Further, when the operator presses the contact surface with the operation body and the sensor unit rotates around the swing axis by a predetermined angle or more with respect to the fixing unit compared to the non-pressing state, the pressing detection unit detects the pressing state in which the contact surface is pressed by the operation body. The control unit controls the operation target according to the contact state when the sensor unit detects the contact state and the pressing detection unit detects the pressing state.

[0061] According to the input device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the operation target is not controlled only when the sensor unit detects the contact state. On the other hand, when the sensor unit detects the contact state and the pressing detection unit detects the pressing state, the operation target is controlled according to the contact state. Since the operation target is controlled when both the contact state and the pressing state are detected, it is possible to appropriately prevent the operation target from being controlled by an operation instruction input unintentionally by the operator.

[0062] The input device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the first aspect. That is, it includes a vibration unit (20) that is fixed to the sensor unit and generates vibrations along the predetermined direction, and the control unit controls the vibration unit to generate vibrations along the predetermined direction when the sensor unit detects the contact state and the pressing detection unit detects the pressing state.

[0063] According to the input device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, vibrations by the vibration unit do not occur only when the sensor unit detects the contact state. On the other hand, when the sensor unit detects the contact state and the pressing detection unit detects the pressing state, vibrations by the vibration unit occur. Since vibrations occur when both the contact state and the pressing state are detected, it is possible to appropriately prevent tactile feedback from being applied to the operating body due to an operation instruction input unintentionally by the operator.

[0064] The input device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the first aspect or the second aspect. That is, the sensor unit has a first opposing surface (12a) that extends along the predetermined direction and is disposed to face the fixing unit, the fixing unit has a second opposing surface (30a) that extends along the predetermined direction and is disposed to face the sensor unit, and a sheet-like member (50) formed of an elastic body is provided in a state where the support unit supports the sensor unit on the fixing unit and contacts the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface.

[0065] According to the input device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, in a state where the support unit supports the sensor unit on the fixing unit, a sheet-like member formed of an elastic body is disposed in a state of contacting the first opposing surface of the sensor unit and the second opposing surface of the fixing unit. Since the sensor unit is in contact with the fixing unit via the sheet-like member formed of an elastic body, the range in which the sensor unit moves in the predetermined direction due to vibrations in the predetermined direction transmitted from the vibration unit to the sensor unit can be appropriately maintained within the range in which the sheet-like member deforms due to elastic force, and stable tactile feedback can be provided.

[0066] The input device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the first aspect or the second aspect. That is, the support portion supports the sensor portion on the fixing portion at a plurality of locations in the predetermined direction.

[0067] According to the input device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor portion is supported on the fixing portion at a plurality of locations in the predetermined direction, and the movement of the sensor portion in the predetermined direction due to vibration can be stabilized.

[0068] The input device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the first aspect or the second aspect. That is, the pressing detection portion is fixed to the central region of the sensor portion in the predetermined direction.

[0069] According to the input device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, since the pressing detection portion is fixed to the central region of the sensor portion in the predetermined direction, the pressing state can be appropriately detected regardless of which region of the sensor portion in the predetermined direction is pressed by the operating body.

[0070] The input device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the first aspect or the second aspect. That is, the sensor portion detects the contact state by a capacitance method.

[0071] According to the input device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the contact state can be appropriately detected by the capacitance-type sensor portion.

[0072] The input device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure further includes the following configuration in the first aspect or the second aspect. That is, the sensor portion detects which of a plurality of contact regions (A1 to A5) along the predetermined direction of the contact surface is in the contact state, and the control portion controls the operation target according to the contact region in which the contact state is detected.

[0073] According to the input device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor unit can detect which of a plurality of contact regions along a predetermined direction of the contact surface is in a contact state, and appropriately control an operation target according to the contact region in which the contact state is detected.

[0074] A control method for an input device according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure inputs an operation instruction by an operator to an operation target attached to a moving body. The input device has a contact surface that is in contact with an operating body of the operator and extends along a predetermined direction, a sensor unit that detects a contact state in which the operating body and the contact surface are in contact, a fixing unit that is fixed to the moving body and is formed to extend in the predetermined direction, and a support unit that supports the sensor unit on the fixing unit so that the sensor unit can swing around a swing axis along the predetermined direction. The control method includes a contact state detection step of detecting the contact state by the sensor unit, a pressing state detection step of detecting a non-pressing state in which the contact surface is not pressed by the operating body and a pressing state in which the contact surface is pressed by the operating body and the sensor unit rotates by a predetermined angle or more around the swing axis with respect to the fixing unit compared to the non-pressing state, and a control step of controlling the operation target according to the contact state when the contact state detection step detects the contact state and the pressing state detection step detects the pressing state.

[0075] According to the control method for an input device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, when the operator brings the operating body into contact with the contact surface of the sensor unit in order to input an operation instruction to the operation target, the contact state detection step detects the contact state in which the operating body and the contact surface are in contact. Further, when the operator presses the contact surface with the operating body and the sensor unit rotates by a predetermined angle or more around the swing axis with respect to the fixing unit compared to the non-pressing state, the pressing state detection step detects the pressing state in which the contact surface is pressed by the operating body. The control step controls the operation target according to the contact state when the sensor unit detects the contact state and the pressing detection unit detects the pressing state.

[0076] According to the control method of the input device according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the operation target is not controlled only by the contact state detection step detecting the contact state. On the other hand, when the contact state detection step detects the contact state and the pressing state detection step detects the pressing state, the operation target is controlled according to the contact state. Since the operation target is controlled when both the contact state and the pressing state are detected, it is possible to appropriately prevent the operation target from being controlled by an operation instruction input unintentionally by the operator.

Explanation of Signs

[0077] 10 Touch sensor (sensor unit) 10a Contact surface 11 Cover part 12 Case part 12a Opposing surface 20 Vibration element 30 Fixing part 30a Opposing surface 31 Case part 32 Fixing member 40, 40A Support part 41 Groove part 41A Through hole 42, 42A Rod-shaped member 50 Sheet-like member 50a First surface 50b Second surface 50c, 50d Insertion hole 60 Control part 70 Distance sensor (pressing detection part) 70a Detection surface 80 Air conditioner (operation target) 100, 100A Input device 200 Finger (operation body) 300 Fixed surface DR Predetermined direction L2 Distance MA Movement range VD Vertical direction X Rocking axis θ Angle

Claims

1. An input device for inputting an operation instruction by an operator to an operation target attached to a moving body, a sensor unit having a contact surface that is contacted by the operating body of the operator and extends along a predetermined direction, and detecting a contact state in which the operating body and the contact surface are in contact; a fixing portion that is fixed to the moving body and is formed to extend in the predetermined direction; a support portion that supports the sensor unit on the fixing portion such that the sensor unit can swing around a swing axis along the predetermined direction; a pressing detection unit that detects a non-pressing state in which the contact surface is not pressed by the operating body and a pressing state in which the contact surface is pressed by the operating body and the sensor unit rotates by a predetermined angle or more around the swing axis with respect to the fixing portion from the non-pressing state; and a control unit that controls the operation target according to the contact state when the sensor unit detects the contact state and the pressing detection unit detects the pressing state. The input device includes the above components.

2. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a vibration unit that is fixed to the sensor unit and generates vibrations along the predetermined direction. The control unit controls the vibration unit to generate vibrations along the predetermined direction when the sensor unit detects the contact state and the pressing detection unit detects the pressing state.

3. The sensor unit has a first opposing surface that extends along the predetermined direction and is disposed to face the fixing portion. The fixing portion has a second opposing surface that extends along the predetermined direction and is disposed to face the sensor unit. The input device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a sheet-like member that is formed of an elastic body and is disposed in a state of contacting the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface in a support state in which the support portion supports the sensor unit on the fixing portion.

4. The input device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the support portion supports the sensor unit on the fixing portion at a plurality of locations in the predetermined direction.

5. The input device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pressing detection unit is fixed to a central region of the sensor unit in the predetermined direction.

6. The input device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sensor unit detects the contact state by an electrostatic capacitance method.

7. The sensor unit detects which of a plurality of contact regions along the predetermined direction of the contact surface is in the contact state. The input device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the operation target according to the contact area in which the contact state is detected.

8. A control method for an input device that inputs an operation instruction by an operator to an operation target attached to a moving body, wherein the input device includes a sensor unit that has a contact surface that is contacted by the operator's operating body and extends along a predetermined direction, and detects a contact state in which the operating body and the contact surface are in contact; a fixing portion that is fixed to the moving body and is formed to extend in the predetermined direction; a support portion that supports the sensor unit on the fixing portion so that the sensor unit can swing around a swing axis along the predetermined direction; a contact state detection step of detecting the contact state by the sensor unit; a pressing state detection step of detecting a non-pressing state in which the contact surface is not pressed by the operating body and a pressing state in which the contact surface is pressed by the operating body and the sensor unit rotates by a predetermined angle or more around the swing axis with respect to the fixing portion compared to the non-pressing state; a control step of controlling the operation target according to the contact state when the contact state detection step detects the contact state and the pressing state detection step detects the pressing state. A control method for an input device including the above steps.

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