Switch device

Abstract

To provide a switch device capable of improving operability.SOLUTION: The switch devices 1R and 1L are attached to an attachment target including a steering column or a steering wheel 7 in the vehicle. The switch devices 1R and 1L include the main body 2 that can be tilted with respect to the attachment target, the tilting motion detector that detects the tilting motion of the main body 2, the plurality of touch position detectors 1516 and that can detect the touch of the user's fingers on the plurality of operation areas of the main body 2 when the main body 2 is tilted in the predetermined tilting motion direction, and the controller that outputs the instruction signal to the predetermined external device based on both the tilting motion direction of the main body 2 and the touch position of the user's fingers on the main body 2 when the main body 2 is tilted in the predetermined tilting motion direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a switch device, also known as a combination switch, that is formed to extend from both the left and right sides of a vehicle's steering column. The switch device described in Patent Document 1 is configured to be tiltable in the up, down, forward, and backward directions, and performs different functions depending on the tilt in each direction. For example, the switch device on the right side as seen from the user turns on the left turn signal when tilted upward from the neutral position, and turns on the left turn signal when tilted downward from the neutral position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 144959 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the switch device described in Patent Document 1 executes only one function in response to tilting in each direction, and there is room for improvement in terms of improving operability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a switch device that can improve operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a switch device that is attached to an attachment object consisting of a steering column or steering wheel of a vehicle, and that includes: a main body that can be tilted relative to the attachment object; a tilting motion detection unit that detects the tilting motion of the main body; a plurality of contact position detection units that are configured to detect contact of a user's fingers with a plurality of operation areas of the main body when the main body is tilted in a predetermined tilting motion direction; and a control unit that, when the main body is tilted in the predetermined tilting motion direction, outputs an instruction signal to a predetermined external device based on both the tilting motion direction of the main body and the contact positions of the user's fingers on the main body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a switch device that can improve operability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system of a vehicle in which a switch device is mounted in a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view of a steering wheel on which a switch device is mounted in a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a plan view of a steering wheel and a steering column on which a switch device is mounted in a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a right switch device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the right switch device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view of the right switch device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the right switch device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8A] 1 is a plan view of a steering wheel on which a switch device is mounted during a push operation in a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8B] 1 is a front view of a steering wheel on which a switch device is mounted, when a push operation is performed while touching a rear upper operation area in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8C] 1 is a front view of a steering wheel on which a switch device is mounted, when a push operation is performed while touching a rear-lower operation area in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a plan view of a steering wheel on which a switch device is mounted during a pull operation in a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a front view of a steering wheel on which a switch device is mounted during an up operation in a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a front view of a steering wheel on which a switch device is mounted during a down operation in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a right switch device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 11. The embodiment described below is shown as a preferred specific example for carrying out the present invention, and although various technically preferable technical matters are specifically exemplified, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this specific embodiment.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system of a vehicle equipped with switch devices 1R and 1L. Fig. 2 is a front view of a steering wheel 7 equipped with switch devices 1R and 1L. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the steering wheel 7 and steering column 6 equipped with switch devices 1R and 1L.

[0011] The switch devices 1R and 1L of this embodiment are mounted on an automobile as a vehicle and are input devices for operating in-vehicle equipment. The switch devices 1R and 1L are attached to an attachment target such as a steering column 6 or a steering wheel 7.

[0012] The steering column 6 is fixed to the vehicle body so as to protrude into the vehicle interior, and rotatably supports a steering shaft 8. A steering wheel 7 is fixed to the end of the steering shaft 8 in the rear direction of the vehicle.

[0013] In this embodiment, the steering wheel 7 is an irregular steering wheel in which the grip portion 72 to be gripped by the hand H of the user sitting in the driver's seat is non-circular.

[0014] Unless otherwise specified, the following description is based on the premise that the rotational attitude of the steering wheel 7 is in a neutral attitude (that is, the rotational attitude of the steering wheel 7 when the vehicle is moving straight ahead).

[0015] Hereinafter, the front-rear direction means the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, front means the forward direction of the vehicle, and rear means the backward direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the left-right direction means the left-right direction of the vehicle (i.e., the vehicle width direction). The inside of the left-right direction means the side of the rotation axis of the steering wheel 7 in the left-right direction, and the outside of the left-right direction means the side farther from the rotation axis of the steering wheel 7 in the left-right direction. The left and right mean the left and right sides when the user is looking forward. Furthermore, the up-down direction means the up-down direction of the vehicle (i.e., the vertical direction).

[0016] The steering wheel 7 of this embodiment includes a boss portion 71 , a pair of grip portions 72 , a pair of upper extension portions 73 , and a lower connecting portion 74 .

[0017] The boss portion 71 is connected to the steering shaft 8, and houses a warning device, an airbag device, etc. inside the boss portion 71.

[0018] The pair of grip portions 72 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the boss portion 71 and are appropriately formed into a shape that is easy for the user to grip. Unlike this embodiment, in a steering wheel 7 that is not an irregular steering wheel, the grip portion 72 is formed in an annular shape, but in an irregular steering wheel like this embodiment, the grip portion 72 is formed in a non-circular shape. In this embodiment, the grip portion 72 is formed long in the vertical direction.

[0019] The pair of upper extension portions 73 extend inward in the left-right direction from the upper portions of the pair of grip portions 72. The left-right inner sides of the upper extension portions 73 are connected to the boss portion 71. The upper extension portions 73 are formed so as not to protrude from an imaginary circle passing through the pair of grip portions 72 when the steering wheel 7 is viewed from the front-rear direction. This prevents the steering wheel 7 from making it difficult to see the meters and other instruments on the instrument panel located in front of the steering wheel 7. Note that the upper extension portions 73 may be omitted from the steering wheel 7.

[0020] The lower connecting portion 74 connects the lower ends of the pair of grip portions 72. The center portion in the left-right direction of the lower connecting portion 74 is connected to the boss portion 71. The lower connecting portion 74 is formed so as not to protrude from an imaginary circle that passes through the pair of grip portions 72 when the steering wheel 7 is viewed from the front-rear direction. This ensures a large space below the steering wheel 7, making it less likely that the user's knees or other parts of the body will hit the steering wheel 7.

[0021] In this embodiment, the steering system in which the switch devices 1R, 1L are mounted is a so-called steer-by-wire type. A steer-by-wire type steering system is a system in which the steering wheel 7 and a steering device such as a rack-and-pinion mechanism are mechanically separated and electrically connected. The maximum steering angle of the steering wheel 7 from the neutral position is less than 360° to the left and right, specifically, for example, between 120° and 150°.

[0022] In this embodiment, two switch devices 1R, 1L are attached to the steering wheel 7. That is, the two switch devices 1R, 1L are configured to rotate integrally with the steering wheel 7 around the steering shaft 8. The two switch devices 1R, 1L are connected to both the left and right sides of the boss portion 71. Hereinafter, of the two switch devices 1R, 1L, the one located on the right side will be referred to as the right switch device 1R, and the one located on the left side will be referred to as the left switch device 1L, and when there is no particular distinction between them, they will be referred to as the switch devices 1R, 1L.

[0023] When viewed from the front-rear direction, the switch devices 1R, 1L are arranged to be located inside the outer shape of the steering wheel 7 in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the switch devices 1R, 1L are arranged to be located inside the pair of grip portions 72 of the steering wheel 7. In addition, in the up-down direction, the switch devices 1R, 1L are formed in a vertical range that fits within the vertical formation range of the pair of grip portions 72. Furthermore, the vertical formation range of the switch devices 1R, 1L is a front-rear direction range that overlaps with the vertical formation range of the pair of grip portions 72.

[0024] The right switch device 1R functions as an input device for operating, for example, the light device 10a, the sound device 10b, and the turn signal device 10c, and the left switch device 1L functions as an input device for operating, for example, the washer device 10d, the air conditioning device 10e, and the wiper device 10f. The switch devices 1R and 1L are connected to the light device 10a, the sound device 10b, the turn signal device 10c, the washer device 10d, the air conditioning device 10e, and the wiper device 10f via a vehicle LAN (Local Area Network) 9 such as a CAN (Controller Area Network) or a LIN (Local Interconnect Network). The relationship between the operation of each switch device 1R and 1L and the functions realized by this operation will be described later.

[0025] The switch devices 1R and 1L include a main body 2, a push operation detection unit 11, a pull operation detection unit 12, an up operation detection unit 13, a down operation detection unit 14, a rear upper touch sensor 15, a rear lower touch sensor 16, a front upper touch sensor 17, a front lower touch sensor 18, an adjacent touch sensor 19, and a control unit 5.

[0026] The main body 2 is attached to the steering wheel 7, to which the switch devices 1R and 1L are attached, so that it can tilt up, down, forward, and backward. The push operation detection unit 11, the pull operation detection unit 12, the up operation detection unit 13, and the down operation detection unit 14 each constitute a tilting operation detection unit that detects a tilting operation of the main body 2. The rear-upper touch sensor 15 and the rear-lower touch sensor 16 constitute two first contact position detection units that detect a user's contact with the main body 2 when tilting the main body 2 forward. The front-upper touch sensor 17 and the front-lower touch sensor 18 constitute two second contact position detection units that detect a user's contact with the main body 2 when tilting the main body 2 backward. The adjacent touch sensor 19 detects an operation performed by the fingers of the user's hand H. The control unit 5 processes the detection results of the push operation detection unit 11, the pull operation detection unit 12, the up operation detection unit 13, the down operation detection unit 14, the rear upper touch sensor 15, the rear lower touch sensor 16, the front upper touch sensor 17, the front lower touch sensor 18, and the adjacent touch sensor 19, and outputs an instruction signal to a predetermined in-vehicle device. Hereinafter, each component of the switch devices 1R, 1L will be described in detail.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the right switch device. FIG. 5 is a front view of the right switch device. FIG. 6 is a side view of the right switch device. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the right switch device. FIG. 8A is a plan view of a steering wheel on which the switch device is mounted during a push operation. FIG. 8B is a front view of a steering wheel on which the switch device is mounted during a push operation performed while touching the rear-upper operation area. FIG. 8C is a front view of a steering wheel on which the switch device is mounted during a push operation performed while touching the rear-lower operation area. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a steering wheel on which the switch device is mounted during a pull operation. FIG. 10 is a front view of a steering wheel on which the switch device is mounted during an up operation. FIG. 11 is a front view of a steering wheel on which the switch device is mounted during a down operation. In FIG. 8A and FIGS. 9 to 11, the outer shape position of the switch device after operation is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0028] The main body 2 includes a first housing 3 and a second housing 4 .

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the first housing 3 is attached to the boss portion 71 so as to be rotatable about the front-rear axis A1. The front-rear axis A1 is formed along the front-rear direction. A direction along the front-rear direction includes a direction parallel to the front-rear direction as well as a direction intersecting the front-rear direction at an angle of less than 45°. In this embodiment, the front-rear axis A1 is formed at a position offset upward from the center of the grip portion 72 in the vertical direction. When the user's hand H grips the grip portion 72, the thumb H1, index finger H2, and other parts are positioned relatively high. By positioning the switch devices 1R and 1L so that the front-rear axis A1 is offset upward relative to the grip portion 72 as described above, the switch devices 1R and 1L can be easily operated with the thumb H1 and index finger H2. For example, a portion of the first housing 3 is inserted into the boss portion 71 and pivotally supported by the boss portion 71, and another portion is disposed outside the boss portion 71. Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the front-rear axis A1 will be referred to as the front-rear axis direction.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 9, the second housing 4 is attached to the first housing 3 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis A2. The vertical axis A2 is formed along the vertical direction. A direction along the vertical direction includes not only a direction parallel to the vertical direction but also a direction intersecting the vertical direction at an angle of less than 45°. The second housing 4 is pivotally supported, for example, on an outer portion of the boss portion 71 of the first housing 3. The vertical axis A2 is located outward in the left-right direction from the boss portion 71 and the front-rear axis A1. The vertical axis A2 is also formed inward in the left-right direction from the center position of the second housing 4 in the left-right direction. As a result, when the second housing 4 is tilted about the vertical axis A2, the outer regions in the left-right direction tilt relatively greatly. Hereinafter, a direction parallel to the front-rear axis A1 will be referred to as the front-rear axis direction. The front-rear axis direction is a direction intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the vertical axis direction.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 8A, the main body 2 tilts forward within a predetermined range about the vertical axis A2 when the operation area of ​​the rear-upper touch sensor 15 or the rear-lower touch sensor 16 is pushed forward with the user's thumb H1 (this operation is called a push operation). Also, as shown in Fig. 9, the main body 2 tilts backward within a predetermined range about the vertical axis A2 when the operation area of ​​the front-upper touch sensor 17 or the front-lower touch sensor 18 is pulled backward with a finger other than the thumb H1, such as the user's index finger H2 (this operation is called a pull operation). The tilting action of the main body 2 about the vertical axis A2 is achieved by tilting the second housing 4 independently of the first housing 3 and the steering wheel 7.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 10, the main body 2 tilts upward within a predetermined range about the longitudinal axis A1 when the partition wall 45, which will be described later, is pushed up with the user's index finger H2 or the like (this operation is called an up operation). Also, as shown in Fig. 11, the main body 2 tilts downward within a predetermined range about the longitudinal axis A1 when the partition wall 45 is pushed down with the user's index finger H2 or the like (this operation is called a down operation). The tilting operation of the main body 2 about the longitudinal axis A1 is achieved by tilting the first housing 3 and the second housing 4 together with respect to the steering wheel 7.

[0033] In this embodiment, the tilting action of the main body 2 at least in the forward and backward directions is a momentary action. That is, the main body 2 is configured to take a standard position when not in operation, and to return to the standard position when the operating force is released after operation in the forward and backward directions.

[0034] The vertical tilting motion of the main body 2 may be a momentary motion or an alternate motion. When the main body 2 is configured to perform alternate motions in the vertical direction, the main body 2 may be switchable between a plurality of angular positions with a sense of moderation, and different functions may be realized in each angular position.

[0035] The mechanism for realizing momentary operation or alternate operation in the main body 2 is not particularly limited, and may be a general mechanism such as a tilting mechanism for a conventional lever-type combination switch (also called a turn signal switch or wiper / washer switch), a paddle shift switch, etc. For example, the mechanism for momentary operation of the main body 2 may have an elastic member that biases the main body 2 in a direction returning to the standard position when the main body 2 is tilted from the standard position.

[0036] 4 to 7, the second housing 4 has a rear inclined surface 41 that extends more forward as it extends outward in the left-right direction and faces diagonally rearward. In this embodiment, the rear inclined surface 41 is formed in a flat shape, but is not limited to this and may be formed, for example, as a curved surface. The rear inclined surface 41 has a rear-upper operation area 411 that serves as the operation area for the rear-upper touch sensor 15, and a rear-lower operation area 412 that serves as the operation area for the rear-lower touch sensor 16 and is located below and spaced apart from the rear-upper operation area 411. Details of the rear-upper touch sensor 15 and the rear-lower touch sensor 16 will be described later.

[0037] The second housing 4 has a front inclined surface 42 that extends rearward as it extends outward in the left-right direction and faces diagonally forward. In this embodiment, the front inclined surface 42 is formed in a flat shape, but is not limited to this and may be formed, for example, as a curved surface. In this embodiment, the front inclined surface 42 is connected to the rear inclined surface 41 via an intervening surface 43 that faces outward in the left-right direction. The front inclined surface 42 has an upper-front operation area 421 that serves as the operation area of ​​the upper-front touch sensor 17, and a lower-front operation area 422 that serves as the operation area of ​​the lower-front touch sensor 18 and is located below the upper-front operation area 421 and spaced apart. Details of the upper-front touch sensor 17 and the lower-front touch sensor 18 will be described later.

[0038] The second housing 4 has an adjacent surface 44 that is inclined relative to the rear inclined surface 41 on the left-right inner side of the rear inclined surface 41. In this embodiment, the adjacent surface 44 is formed parallel to the up-down axial direction and the left-right direction and faces rearward. An adjacent operation area 441 that serves as the operation area of ​​the adjacent touch sensor 19 is formed on the adjacent surface 44. Details of the adjacent touch sensor 19 will be described later.

[0039] The main body 2 is formed with a partition wall 45 that separates the upper rear operation area 411 and the lower rear operation area 412 of the rear inclined surface 41, and separates the upper front operation area 421 and the lower front operation area 422 of the front inclined surface 42. The partition wall 45 protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the rear inclined surface 41, the intervening surface 43, and the front inclined surface 42, and is formed in a plate shape that has a thickness in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the inner left-right end of the part of the partition wall 45 that protrudes from the rear inclined surface 41 is further outward in the left-right direction than the inner left-right end of the rear inclined surface 41.

[0040] The partition wall 45 has a partition inclined surface 451 that extends outward in the left-right direction and then faces diagonally rearward. In this embodiment, the partition inclined surface 451 is formed as a flat surface parallel to the rear inclined surface 41, but is not limited to this and may be formed as a curved surface, for example. On the other hand, the surface of the partition wall 45 facing forward is formed parallel to the up-down axial direction and the left-right direction. The front surface of the portion of the partition wall 45 that protrudes from the front inclined surface 42 is formed at the position of the front end of the front inclined surface 42.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1 , the push operation detection unit 11 detects push operations, the pull operation detection unit 12 detects pull operations, the up operation detection unit 13 detects up operations, and the down operation detection unit 14 detects down operations. The configurations of the push operation detection unit 11, the pull operation detection unit 12, the up operation detection unit 13, and the down operation detection unit 14 are not particularly limited, and known configurations can be employed. For example, mechanisms similar to the tilting operation detection mechanisms of conventional lever-type combination switches, paddle shift switches, general toggle switches, and the like can be employed. For example, the push operation detection unit 11, the pull operation detection unit 12, the up operation detection unit 13, and the down operation detection unit 14 can be configured to detect the tilting operation of the main body 2 in a non-contact manner using magnets and magnetic sensors, or to mechanically detect the tilting operation of the main body 2 using movable contacts and fixed contacts. The push operation detection unit 11, the pull operation detection unit 12, the up operation detection unit 13, and the down operation detection unit 14 each output a detection signal to the control unit 5.

[0042] The upper rear touch sensor 15, the lower rear touch sensor 16, the upper front touch sensor 17, and the lower front touch sensor 18 are capacitance type touch sensors configured to be able to detect touch of a user's finger on each operation area. Note that the upper rear touch sensor 15, the lower rear touch sensor 16, the upper front touch sensor 17, and the lower front touch sensor 18 may be touch sensors of a type other than capacitance type, and may also be replaced with a configuration other than a touch sensor, such as a pressure sensor or a physical switch, as long as it is possible to detect a user's touch.

[0043] The rear-upper touch sensor 15 has a detection electrode (not shown) arranged on the rear side (front side) of the rear-upper operation area 411, and the rear-lower touch sensor 16 has a detection electrode (not shown) arranged on the rear side (front side) of the rear-lower operation area 412. The detection electrode of the rear-upper touch sensor 15 detects a change in capacitance between the rear-upper touch sensor 15 and the user's finger in response to the user's finger approaching the rear-upper operation area 411, and the detection electrode of the rear-lower touch sensor 16 detects a change in capacitance between the rear-lower touch sensor 15 and the user's finger in response to the user's finger approaching the rear-lower operation area 412. The detection electrode of the rear-upper touch sensor 15 and the detection electrode of the rear-lower touch sensor 16 are arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0044] 4 to 6, the upper-rear operation area 411 and the lower-rear operation area 412 are arranged vertically spaced apart from each other with a partition wall 45 disposed therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the upper-rear operation area 411 and the lower-rear operation area 412 are each disposed at a position where the user can operate them with the thumb H1 extended inward in the left-right direction while gripping the grip portion 72 of the steering wheel 7. This makes it possible to distinguish whether the user is tilting the main body 2 by pressing the upper-rear operation area 411 or by pressing the lower-rear operation area 412 while gripping the grip portion 72 of the steering wheel 7.

[0045] The front-upper touch sensor 17 has a detection electrode (not shown) arranged on the back side (rear side) of the front-upper operation area 421, and the front-lower touch sensor 18 has a detection electrode (not shown) arranged on the back side (rear side) of the front-lower operation area 422. The detection electrode of the front-upper touch sensor 17 detects a change in capacitance between the user's finger and the sensor in response to the user's finger approaching the front-upper operation area 421, and the detection electrode of the front-lower touch sensor 18 detects a change in capacitance between the user's finger and the sensor in response to the user's finger approaching the front-lower operation area 422. The detection electrode of the front-upper touch sensor 17 and the detection electrode of the front-lower touch sensor 18 are arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6 , the front upper operation area 421 and the front lower operation area 422 are arranged vertically spaced apart from each other with a partition wall 45 disposed between them. In this embodiment, the front upper operation area 421 is located at the same height as the rear upper operation area 411 in the vertical axis direction, and the front lower operation area 422 is located at the same height as the rear lower operation area 412 in the vertical axis direction. As shown in FIG. 9 , the front upper operation area 421 and the front lower operation area 422 are each located at a position where the user can operate them with fingers such as the index finger H2 extended inward in the left-right direction while gripping the grip portion 72 of the steering wheel 7. This makes it possible to distinguish whether the user is tilting the main body 2 by pressing the front upper operation area 421 or the front lower operation area 422 while gripping the grip portion 72 of the steering wheel 7. The upper rear touch sensor 15, the lower rear touch sensor 16, the upper front touch sensor 17, and the lower front touch sensor 18 each output a detection signal to the control unit 5.

[0047] The adjacent touch sensor 19 is configured to be able to detect contact of a user's finger with the adjacent operation area 441 formed on the adjacent surface 44. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the adjacent touch sensor 19 is a capacitive touch sensor. Note that the adjacent touch sensor 19 is not limited to a capacitive touch sensor, and may be a touch sensor of a type other than the capacitive type.

[0048] The adjacent touch sensor 19 includes an adjacent detection electrode (not shown) disposed on the rear side (front side) of the adjacent operation area 441. The adjacent detection electrode detects a change in capacitance between the adjacent touch sensor 19 and the user's finger in response to the user's approach to the adjacent operation area 441. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the adjacent operation area 441 is elongated in the vertical direction, and the adjacent touch sensor 19 is configured to detect a tracing operation performed on the adjacent operation area 441 in the vertical axis direction. The adjacent operation area 441 is disposed in a position where the user can operate it with the thumb H1 while gripping the grip portion 72 of the steering wheel 7. As shown in FIG. 5 , the adjacent operation area 441 is positioned to overlap the vertical axis A2 in the front-rear direction. This prevents the main body 2 from rotating around the vertical axis A2 when the adjacent operation area 441 is operated. Note that the adjacent touch sensor 19 only needs to be able to detect an operation performed by the user's finger, and may not be able to detect a tracing operation, for example. The adjacent touch sensor 19 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 5.

[0049] 1, the control unit 5 includes a control area including, for example, a processor and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that serves as an arithmetic area when the processor is operating, and a storage area including a ROM (Read Only Memory), a hard disk, etc., for storing programs executed by the processor. Note that the control unit 5 is not limited to being realized by software as long as it is configured to be able to realize its functions. For example, at least some of the functions of the control unit 5 may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0050] The control unit 5 outputs a predetermined instruction signal to a predetermined in-vehicle device based on detection signals obtained from the push operation detection unit 11, pull operation detection unit 12, up operation detection unit 13, down operation detection unit 14, rear upper touch sensor 15, rear lower touch sensor 16, front upper touch sensor 17, front lower touch sensor 18 and adjacent touch sensor 19 of each switch device 1R, 1L.

[0051] When a push operation is performed, the control unit 5 outputs a different instruction signal depending on the combination of the detection results of the rear-upper touch sensor 15 and the rear-lower touch sensor 16 and the detection result of the push operation detection unit 11. When a pull operation is performed, the control unit 5 outputs a different instruction signal depending on the combination of the detection results of the front-upper touch sensor 17 and the front-lower touch sensor 18 and the detection result of the pull operation detection unit 12. Table 1 below shows an example of the user's touch position, tilt operation direction, and realized functions for each of the switch devices 1R and 1L.

[0052] [Table 1]

[0053] As shown in Table 1, when the user presses the rear upper operation area 411 of the right switch device 1R to perform a push operation (see FIG. 8B), the control unit 5 outputs an instruction signal to the light device 10a to instruct the light device 10a to switch the headlights between high beam and low beam. When the user presses the front upper operation area 421 of the right switch device 1R to perform a pull operation (see FIG. 8C), the control unit 5 outputs an instruction signal to the light device 10a to instruct the light device 10a to emit high beam from the headlights only while the pull operation is being performed, that is, to perform so-called passing.

[0054] When the user presses the lower rear operation area 412 of the right switch device 1R to perform a push operation (see FIG. 9), the control unit 5 outputs an instruction signal to the audio device 10b to increase the volume. When the user presses the lower front operation area 422 of the right switch device 1R to perform a pull operation, the control unit 5 outputs an instruction signal to the audio device 10b to decrease the volume.

[0055] When the user presses the rear upper operation area 411 of the left switch device 1L to perform a push operation, the control unit 5 outputs an instruction signal to the washer device 10d to instruct it to spray washer fluid onto the rear windshield.When the user presses the front upper operation area 421 of the left switch device 1L to perform a pull operation, the control unit 5 outputs an instruction signal to the washer device 10d to instruct it to spray washer fluid onto the windshield.

[0056] When the user presses the rear-lower operation area 412 of the left switch device 1L to perform a push operation, the control unit 5 outputs an instruction signal to the air conditioner 10e to instruct it to increase the set temperature.When the user presses the front-lower operation area 422 of the left switch device 1L to perform a pull operation, the control unit 5 outputs an instruction signal to the air conditioner 10e to instruct it to decrease the set temperature.

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, when operation areas at the same height in the up-down direction are pressed to perform a push operation or a pull operation, the control unit 5 is configured to output different instruction signals to a common in-vehicle device. As an example, when a push operation is performed to press the rear-upper operation area 411 and when a pull operation is performed to press the front-upper operation area 421 at the same height as the rear-upper operation area 411, different instructions (i.e., high / low switching and passing) are output to the light device 10a, which is a common in-vehicle device.

[0058] In this embodiment, the control unit 5 does not issue any instruction to the external device when a push operation or pull operation is performed in a combination other than those listed in Table 1. For example, when a push operation is performed by touching only a portion other than the rear-upper operation area 411 and the rear-lower operation area 412, the control unit 5 does not send an instruction to the external device.

[0059] When the right switch device 1R is operated up (see FIG. 10), the control unit 5 outputs an instruction signal to the turn signal device 10c to instruct it to start turning on the left direction indicator.When the right switch device 1R is operated down (see FIG. 11), the control unit 5 outputs an instruction signal to the turn signal device 10c to instruct it to start turning on the right direction indicator.

[0060] When the left switch device 1L is operated up or down, the control unit 5 outputs an instruction signal to the wiper device 10f to instruct it to change the operation mode. The change of the operation mode may be, for example, a change in the operation interval or operation speed, or switching on / off.

[0061] In addition, when the adjacent operation area 441 of each switch device 1R, 1L is operated by tracing it in the up-down axial direction, the control unit 5 outputs an instruction signal to, for example, change the icon selected on a display unit (not shown) mounted on the instrument panel, or to increase or decrease some scale or numerical value displayed on the display unit.

[0062] That is, as shown in Table 1, each function realized by the above-mentioned combination of the detection results of the push operation detection unit 11, the pull operation detection unit 12, the up operation detection unit 13 and the down operation detection unit 14 and the detection results of the rear upper touch sensor 15, the rear lower touch sensor 16, the front upper touch sensor 17 and the front lower touch sensor 18 is a single function, while the function realized based on the detection result of the adjacent touch sensor 19 is a multi-function that varies depending on the display content of the display unit, etc.

[0063] Note that the functions assigned to the operations of the switch devices 1R, 1L are not limited to those described above. For example, the functions of the operations of the right switch device 1R and the functions of the operations of the left switch device 1L may be reversed. This can be designed depending on whether the steering wheel 7 is located on the right or left side of the vehicle. Also, for example, when an operation area at the same height in the vertical direction of either switch device 1R, 1L is pressed to perform a push operation or a pull operation, an instruction signal instructing the transmission to downshift or upshift, or an instruction signal to increase or decrease the regenerative braking force may be sent.

[0064] In this embodiment, the control unit 5 is configured to provide a usability similar to that of a conventional lever-type combination switch. For example, in a conventional lever-type combination switch, tilting one lever forward or backward operates the light device 10a, tilting one lever up or down operates the turn signal device 10c, tilting the other lever forward or backward drives the front and rear washer devices 10d, and tilting the other lever up or down operates the wiper device 10f.

[0065] (Functions and Effects of the First Embodiment) The switch devices 1R and 1L of this embodiment include a plurality of contact position detection units configured to detect contact of a user's fingers with a plurality of operation areas of the main body 2 when the main body 2 is tilted in a predetermined tilting direction. Specifically, the switch devices 1R and 1L include a rear-upper touch sensor 15 and a rear-lower touch sensor 16 configured to detect contact of a user's fingers with a rear-upper operation area 411 and a rear-lower operation area 412, which are the operation areas of the main body 2, when the main body 2 is tilted forward, and a front-upper touch sensor 17 and a front-lower touch sensor 18 configured to detect contact of a user's fingers with a front-upper operation area 421 and a front-lower operation area 422, which are the operation areas of the main body 2, when the main body 2 is tilted backward. The switch devices 1R, 1L are provided with a control unit 5 that, when the main body 2 is tilted in a predetermined tilt direction (i.e., forward or backward), outputs an instruction signal to a predetermined external device based on both the tilt direction of the main body 2 and the contact position of the user's finger on the main body 2. Therefore, when the main body 2 is tilted in the predetermined tilt direction, multiple functions are assigned depending on the contact position of the user's finger on the main body 2 during the tilt, improving the operability of the switch devices 1R, 1L.

[0066] The switch devices 1R, 1L are attached to the steering wheel 7. That is, the switch devices 1R, 1L rotate integrally with the steering wheel 7. The switch devices 1R, 1L are designed to fit laterally inside the outline of the steering wheel 7 when viewed from the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, the switch devices 1R, 1L are attached in positions that allow a user to operate the switch devices 1R, 1L by stretching their fingers laterally inside while gripping the grip portion 72 of the steering wheel 7. This makes it easy to operate the switch devices 1R, 1L, and prevents the switch devices 1R, 1L from interfering with, for example, the user's knees when the switch devices 1R, 1L rotate integrally with the steering wheel 7.

[0067] Furthermore, the operation areas of the plurality of contact position detection units that detect contact with the user's fingers when tilting the main body 2 in at least one of the front and rear directions are aligned in the vertical direction. Specifically, the rear-upper operation area 411 and the rear-lower operation area 412 are aligned in the vertical direction, and the front-upper operation area 421 and the front-lower operation area 422 are aligned in the vertical direction. This makes it easier to operate the switch devices 1R and 1L.

[0068] The main body 2 also has a partition wall 45 that separates the multiple operation areas lined up in the vertical direction. Specifically, the partition wall 45 separates the rear-upper operation area 411 from the rear-lower operation area 412, and also separates the front-upper operation area 421 from the front-lower operation area 422. Therefore, the operation areas lined up in the vertical direction are separated by the partition wall 45, making it easy for the user to recognize the boundaries between the operation areas lined up in the vertical direction.

[0069] The main body 2 can also be tilted up and down about the front-rear axis A1 along the front-rear direction by the user pressing the partition wall 45 with their finger. That is, the partition wall 45 not only serves to separate the vertically aligned operation areas as described above, but also serves as an operation part when tilting the main body 2 up and down.

[0070] Furthermore, the partition wall 45 has a partition inclined surface 451 that extends more forward as it extends outward in the left-right direction and faces diagonally rearward. Therefore, space is secured in the area behind the partition inclined surface 451 of the partition wall 45, and unintentional interference of the user's hand H with the partition wall 45 is suppressed.

[0071] Furthermore, the operation areas (i.e., the rear-upper operation area 411 and the rear-lower operation area 412) of the plurality of contact position detection units (i.e., the rear-upper touch sensor 15 and the rear-lower touch sensor 16) that detect contact with the user's fingers when tilting the main body 2 forward are located in positions that can be contacted with the thumb H1 of the hand H when the user is gripping the steering wheel 7. Therefore, the user can tilt the main body 2 forward by pushing the main body 2 forward with the thumb H1, improving the operability of the switch devices 1R, 1L.

[0072] The main body 2 has a rear inclined surface 41 that extends more forward as it moves outward in the left-right direction and faces diagonally rearward, and the rear inclined surface 41 has multiple operation areas (i.e., a rear-upper operation area 411 and a rear-lower operation area 412). This makes it easier for the user to press the rear inclined surface 41. Furthermore, space is secured behind the rear inclined surface 41, preventing the user's hand H from unintentionally interfering with the main body 2.

[0073] The main body 2 also has an adjacent surface 44 that is inclined relative to the rear inclined surface 41 on the left-right inner side of the rear inclined surface 41, and further includes an adjacent touch sensor 19 that detects an operation performed by the user's finger in an adjacent operation area 441 of the adjacent surface 44. By arranging different operation areas on the rear inclined surface 41 and the adjacent surface 44, which are inclined relative to each other, it becomes easy to distinguish the boundary between these operation surfaces (i.e., the ridge line between the rear inclined surface 41 and the adjacent surface 44).

[0074] Furthermore, the adjacent operation area 441 is located so as to overlap with the vertical axis A2 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, when the adjacent operation area 441 is operated, the main body 2 is prevented from unintentionally tilting forward around the vertical axis A2.

[0075] Furthermore, the respective operation areas (i.e., the upper-front operation area 421 and the lower-front operation area 422) of the plurality of contact position detection units (i.e., the upper-front touch sensor 17 and the lower-front touch sensor 18) that detect contact with the user's fingers when tilting the main body 2 rearward are located in positions that can be touched with the index finger H2 or middle finger of the hand H when the user is gripping the steering wheel 7. Therefore, the user can tilt the main body 2 rearward by pulling the main body 2 rearward with the index finger H2 or middle finger, improving the operability of the switch devices 1R, 1L.

[0076] The main body 2 has a front inclined surface 42 that extends rearward as it extends outward in the left-right direction and faces diagonally forward, and a plurality of operation areas (i.e., an upper-front operation area 421 and a lower-front operation area 422) are formed on the front inclined surface 42. This makes it easier for the user to retract the front inclined surface 42.

[0077] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a switch device that can improve operability.

[0078] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a right switch device 1R in this embodiment.

[0079] This embodiment relates to a switch device 1R that can realize different functions depending on the touch position for both the up operation and the down operation. Note that although the right switch device 1R will be described in this embodiment, the left switch device may also have a similar configuration.

[0080] In the right switch device 1R of this embodiment, the partition wall 45 (hereinafter referred to as the first partition wall 45) does not have the partition inclined surface (see, for example, reference numeral 451 in FIG. 4) shown in the first embodiment, and a rear surface 452 of the first partition wall 45 is formed parallel to the vertical axis direction and the left-right direction. Second partition walls 46 protrude above and below the first partition wall 45. One second partition wall 46 is connected to an upper surface 453 of the first partition wall 45 and the intervening surface 43, and the other second partition wall 46 is connected to a lower surface 454 of the first partition wall 45 and the intervening surface 43.

[0081] The right switch device 1R of this embodiment includes a first touch sensor 101, a second touch sensor 102, a third touch sensor 103, and a fourth touch sensor 104 provided within the first partition wall 45. The first touch sensor 101 and the second touch sensor 102 constitute two third touch position detection units that detect a user's contact with the first partition wall 45 when tilting the main body 2 downward. The third touch sensor 103 and the fourth touch sensor 104 constitute two second touch position detection units that detect a user's contact with the partition when tilting the main body 2 upward.

[0082] The first touch sensor 101, the second touch sensor 102, the third touch sensor 103, and the fourth touch sensor 104 are capacitive touch sensors configured to be able to detect touch of a user's finger on each operation area. Note that the first touch sensor 101, the second touch sensor 102, the third touch sensor 103, and the fourth touch sensor 104 may be touch sensors of a type other than capacitive touch sensors, and may also be replaced with configurations other than touch sensors, such as pressure sensors and physical switches, as long as they are capable of detecting a user's touch.

[0083] A first operation area 453a serving as the operation area of ​​the first touch sensor 101 is formed in an area rearward of the second partition wall 46 on the upper surface 453 of the first partition wall 45. A second operation area 453b serving as the operation area of ​​the second touch sensor 102 is formed in an area forward of the second partition wall 46 on the upper surface 453 of the first partition wall 45. A third operation area 454a serving as the operation area of ​​the third touch sensor 103 is formed in an area rearward of the second partition wall 46 on the lower surface 454 of the first partition wall 45. A fourth operation area 454b serving as the operation area of ​​the fourth touch sensor 104 is formed in an area forward of the second partition wall 46 on the lower surface 454 of the first partition wall 45.

[0084] The first touch sensor 101 includes a detection electrode (not shown) arranged on the back (lower) side of the first operation area 453a, and the second touch sensor 102 includes a detection electrode (not shown) arranged on the back (lower) side of the second operation area 453b. The detection electrode of the first touch sensor 101 detects a change in capacitance between the first touch sensor 101 and the user's finger in response to the user's finger approaching the first operation area 453a, and the detection electrode of the second touch sensor 102 detects a change in capacitance between the second touch sensor 102 and the user's finger in response to the user's finger approaching the second operation area 453b. The detection electrodes of the first touch sensor 101 and the second touch sensor 102 are arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0085] The first operation area 453a and the second operation area 453b are arranged side by side at a distance from each other in the front-to-rear direction, with the second partition wall 46 disposed between them. The first operation area 453a and the second operation area 453b are each disposed in a position where the user can operate them with the index finger extended inward in the left-to-right direction while gripping the grip portion 72 of the steering wheel 7. This makes it possible to distinguish whether the user is tilting the main body 2 by pressing the first operation area 453a or the second operation area 453b while gripping the grip portion 72 of the steering wheel 7.

[0086] The third touch sensor 103 includes a detection electrode (not shown) arranged on the back side (upper side) of the third operation area 454a, and the fourth touch sensor 104 includes a detection electrode (not shown) arranged on the back side (upper side) of the fourth operation area 454b. The detection electrode of the third touch sensor 103 detects a change in capacitance between the third touch sensor 103 and the user's finger in response to the user's finger approaching the third operation area 454a, and the detection electrode of the fourth touch sensor 104 detects a change in capacitance between the fourth touch sensor 104 and the user's finger in response to the user's finger approaching the fourth operation area 454b. The detection electrodes of the third touch sensor 103 and the fourth touch sensor 104 are arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0087] The third operation area 454a and the fourth operation area 454b are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the front-rear direction, with the second partition wall 46 disposed between them. In this embodiment, the third operation area 454a is located at the same position in the front-rear direction as the first operation area 453a, and the fourth operation area 454b is located at the same position in the front-rear direction as the second operation area 453b. The third operation area 454a and the fourth operation area 454b are each located at a position where the user can operate them with their index fingers extended inward in the left-right direction while gripping the grip portion 72 of the steering wheel 7. This makes it possible to distinguish whether the user is tilting the main body 2 by pressing the third operation area 454a or the fourth operation area 454b while gripping the grip portion 72 of the steering wheel 7. Each of the first touch sensor 101, the second touch sensor 102, the third touch sensor 103, and the fourth touch sensor 104 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 5.

[0088] When a down operation is performed, the control unit 5 outputs a different instruction signal depending on the combination of the detection results of the first touch sensor 101 and the second touch sensor 102 and the detection result of the down operation detection unit 14. When an up operation is performed, the control unit 5 outputs a different instruction signal depending on the combination of the detection results of the third touch sensor 103 and the fourth touch sensor 104 and the detection result of the up operation detection unit 13.

[0089] Other configurations of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. It should be noted that, among the symbols used in the second and subsequent embodiments, the same symbols as those used in the previously described embodiments represent the same components, etc. as those in the previously described embodiments, unless otherwise specified.

[0090] (Functions and Effects of the Second Embodiment) In this embodiment, the right switch device 1R can be equipped with more functions, and operability is further improved. In addition, the second embodiment has the same functions and effects as the first embodiment.

[0091] [Variations] In addition, possible modifications of the switch devices 1R and 1L described in the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0092] In the first and second embodiments, the steering wheel 7 to which the switch devices 1R, 1L are attached is an irregular steering wheel, but the present invention is not limited to this. The steering wheel 7 to which the switch devices 1R, 1L are attached may be, for example, a steering wheel having an annular grip portion.

[0093] The switch devices 1R, 1L may be attached to the steering column 6. In this case, the switch devices 1R, 1L do not rotate integrally with the steering wheel 7.

[0094] In the first and second embodiments, for example, the detection electrodes of the rear-upper touch sensor 15 and the rear-lower touch sensor 16 are different detection electrodes, but for example, a portion of one large detection electrode may constitute the rear-upper touch sensor 15, and at least a portion of the other large detection electrode may constitute the rear-lower touch sensor 16. The same applies to the front-upper touch sensor 17 and the front-lower touch sensor 18.

[0095] Furthermore, the adjacent touch sensor 19 may be omitted in at least one of the switch devices 1R and 1L.

[0096] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the invention according to the claims is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It should be noted that not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention can be appropriately modified and implemented within the scope of its spirit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1R, 1L...switch device, 101...first touch sensor (contact position detection unit), 102...second touch sensor (contact position detection unit), 103...third touch sensor (contact position detection unit), 104...fourth touch sensor (contact position detection unit), 11...push operation detection unit (tilt operation detection unit), 12...pull operation detection unit (tilt operation detection unit), 13...up operation detection unit (tilt operation detection unit), 14...down operation detection unit (tilt operation detection unit), 15...rear upper touch sensor (contact position detection unit), 16...rear lower touch sensor (contact position detection unit), 17...front upper touch sensor (contact position detection unit), 18...front lower Touch sensor (contact position detection unit), 19...adjacent touch sensor (contact position detection unit), 2...main body, 41...rear inclined surface, 42...front inclined surface, 44...adjacent surface, 45...partition wall, 5...control unit, 6...steering column, 7...steering wheel, 72...grip, 411...rear upper operation area, 412...rear lower operation area, 421...front upper operation area, 422...front lower operation area, 441...adjacent operation area, 451...partition inclined surface, 453a...first operation area, 453b...second operation area, 454a...third operation area, 454b...fourth operation area, A1...front-rear axis, A2...vertical axis, H...hand, H1...thumb, H2...index finger

Claims

1. A switch device that is attached to an attachment target that is a steering column or a steering wheel of a vehicle, a main body portion that can be tilted relative to the attachment object; a tilting motion detection unit that detects a tilting motion of the main body unit; a plurality of contact position detection units configured to detect contacts of a user's fingers with a plurality of operation areas of the main body unit when the main body unit is tilted in a predetermined tilt direction; a control unit that, when the main body unit is tilted in the predetermined tilt direction, outputs an instruction signal to a predetermined external device based on both the tilt direction of the main body unit and a contact position of the user's finger on the main body unit. Switch device.

2. the attachment object is the steering wheel, The switch device When viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the steering wheel is disposed so as to be located inside the outer shape of the steering wheel in a neutral position in the left-right direction of the vehicle, The steering wheel is attached at a position where the user can operate the steering wheel by stretching his / her fingers inward in the left-right direction while gripping the grip portion of the steering wheel. The switch device according to claim 1 .

3. the predetermined tilting direction includes a direction in which the main body portion tilts in at least one of the front-rear direction around a vertical axis along the vertical direction of the vehicle, the operation areas of the plurality of contact position detection units that detect contacts with the user's fingers when the main body is tilted in at least one of the front and rear directions are aligned in the up and down direction; The switch device according to claim 2 .

4. The main body has a partition wall that separates the plurality of operation areas arranged in the vertical direction. The switch device according to claim 3 .

5. The main body is configured to be tiltable in the up-down direction about a front-to-rear axis along the front-to-rear direction when the user presses the partition wall with his or her fingers. The switch device according to claim 4.

6. the partition wall has a partition inclined surface that extends more toward the front of the vehicle as it extends outward in the left-right direction and faces diagonally rearward of the vehicle, The switch device according to claim 4.

7. the predetermined tilting direction includes a direction in which the main body portion tilts toward the front of the vehicle around the vertical axis, the operation area of ​​each of the plurality of contact position detection units that detects contact with the user's fingers when the main body is tilted forward is located at a position that can be contacted by the user's thumb when the user is holding the steering wheel; The switch device according to claim 3 .

8. the main body portion has a rear inclined surface that extends in the forward direction as it extends outward in the left-right direction and faces diagonally rearward, A plurality of the operation areas are formed on the rear inclined surface. The switch device according to claim 7.

9. the main body portion has an adjacent surface that is inclined relative to the rear inclined surface and adjacent to the rear inclined surface on an inner side in the left-right direction, The touch panel further includes an adjacent touch sensor that detects an operation performed by the user's finger in an adjacent operation area on the adjacent surface. The switch device according to claim 8.

10. The adjacent operation area is located at a position overlapping the up-down axis in the front-rear direction. The switch device according to claim 9.

11. the predetermined tilting direction includes a direction in which the main body portion tilts toward the rear of the vehicle around the vertical axis, the operation area of ​​each of the plurality of contact position detection units that detects contact with the user's fingers when the main body is tilted backward is located at a position that can be contacted by the index finger or middle finger of the user when the user is holding the steering wheel; The switch device according to claim 3 .

12. the main body portion has a front inclined surface that extends in the rear direction as it extends outward in the left-right direction and faces diagonally forward, A plurality of the operation areas are formed on the front inclined surface. The switch device according to claim 11.

Images