Switch device

Abstract

To provide a switch device capable of detecting an operation intended by a user even when an instantaneous pressing operation is performed on an operation part.SOLUTION: The switch device 5 includes an elastic mechanism 25 that causes the first switch unit 12 to detect a pressing operation by supporting the first switch unit 12 from the back surface with an elastic force when the first operation area 9 is pressed with an operation load less than a specific operation load. Not only when the second operation area 10 is pressed with a specific operation load or more but also when the first operation area 9 is pressed with a specific operation load or more, the elastic mechanism 25 causes the second switch unit 13 to detect the pressing operation by causing the first switch unit 12 to sink together with the operation portion 6 by elastic deformation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a steering wheel having a pad that is operated to sound the horn is well known. The steering wheel has multiple switch mechanisms that detect the pressing of the pad to sound the horn. When the pad is pressed, an airbag device integrated with the pad sinks, turning on the switch mechanism. This causes the horn to sound. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-237586 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, there has been a trend toward consolidating various switches on steering wheels to improve ease of operation. In such cases, it is expected that the pad of the steering wheel will be used as the switch placement space. When the pad is used as the switch placement space, it is expected that the back of the switch will be supported by the core metal of the steering wheel.

[0005] While the vehicle is in motion, there are cases where the driver suddenly presses the pad to sound the horn for safety reasons. In this case, if the switch arrangement area on the pad is suddenly pressed, the pad is supported by the core metal of the steering wheel and does not sink. As a result, the horn switch mechanism does not turn on. Therefore, it is necessary to take adequate measures to protect against sudden pressing of the pad. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A switch device that solves the above problem is a device in which a first switch unit that detects a pressing operation on a first operation area of ​​a flexible operation unit that is pressed by a user, and a second switch unit that detects a pressing operation on a second operation area that is provided in a position on the operation unit different from the first operation area, are arranged on the back surface of the flexible operation unit, and the device is equipped with an elastic mechanism that causes the first switch unit to detect the pressing operation by supporting the first switch unit from the back surface with an elastic force when the first operation area is pressed with less than a specific operation load, and the elastic mechanism causes the first switch unit to sink together with the operation unit through elastic deformation, causing the second switch unit to detect the pressing operation not only when the second operation area is pressed with more than a specific operation load, but also when the first operation area is pressed with more than the specific operation load. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention can detect the operation intended by the user even when the operation unit is pressed suddenly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a steering wheel having a switch device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a switch device. [Figure 3] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing examples of the arrangement of a first biasing member and a second biasing member. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the switch device when the first operation area is pressed with less than a specified operation load. [Figure 5] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the switch device when the second operation area is pressed with a specified operation load or more. FIG. [Figure 6]10 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the switch device when the first operation area is pressed with a specified operation load or more. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. (Steering Wheel 1) As shown in Fig. 1, a vehicle steering wheel 1 includes a grip portion 2 that is gripped by a driver and a horn pad 3 that is operated to sound the vehicle's horn. The horn pad 3 is disposed in the center of the annular grip portion 2. For example, the horn pad 3 sounds when pressed. It is preferable that the horn pad 3 accommodates an airbag therein.

[0010] (Switch device 5) As shown in FIG. 1, the steering wheel 1 includes a switch device 5 that detects a user's operation to operate a device. The switch device 5 has a flexible operating section 6 that is pressed by the user. In this example, the operating section 6 is a cover 7 that is provided on the surface of at least the horn pad 3 of the steering wheel 1. The cover 7 is made of, for example, a soft material. The soft material is, for example, resin.

[0011] The operation unit 6 has a plurality of operation areas 8 as locations where the user performs operations. The plurality of operation areas 8 include, for example, a first operation area 9 and a second operation area 10, both of which are arranged on the surface of the skin 7 of the horn pad 3. The plurality of operation areas 8 have various shapes, for example, operation surfaces, buttons, switches, etc. In this example, the first operation area 9 is a portion provided locally on the operation unit 6, and a plurality of first operation areas 9 are arranged. The first operation areas 9 are arranged on both sides of the second operation area 10. In the switch device 5, the entire operation unit 6 is the second operation area 10.

[0012] The switch device 5 includes, on the back surface of the operation unit 6, a first switch unit 12 that detects a pressing operation on a first operation area 9, and a second switch unit 13 that detects a pressing operation on a second operation area 10 that is provided in a position on the operation unit 6 separate from the first operation area 9. The first switch unit 12 is provided in each of the first operation areas 9 and detects a user's pressing operation on the first operation area 9. The user's pressing operation on the first operation area 9 is, for example, a pressing operation of pressing a predetermined portion of the horn pad 3 with less than a specific operating load. Devices that use the first switch unit 12 as a detection interface include, for example, a car navigation system, an audio system, an air conditioner, etc. In this case, the first operation area 9 is, for example, an operation button on the car navigation system, the audio system, the air conditioner, etc.

[0013] The second switch unit 13 detects a user's pressing operation on the second operation area 10. The user's pressing operation on the second operation area 10 is, for example, a pressing operation in which the entire surface of the horn pad 3 is pressed with a specific operating load or more. An example of a device that uses the second switch unit 13 as a detection interface is a horn that sounds a warning sound or the like around the vehicle. In this case, the second operation area 10 is the operation surface when sounding the horn.

[0014] (First switch unit 12) 2, first switch unit 12 is disposed on the back side of skin 7 of horn pad 3. In this example, first switch unit 12 is disposed in close contact with the back side of skin 7. First switch unit 12 is disposed inside horn pad 3, specifically, in space 15 surrounded by core metal 14 of steering wheel 1 and operating portion 6 of horn pad 3.

[0015] The first switch unit 12 has, for example, a pressure detection function, an electrostatic detection function, and a vibration feedback function. The pressure detection function detects a pressure operation on the first operation area 9. For example, a sensor or a switch is used for the pressure detection function. For example, an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor is used for the sensor. The electrostatic detection function detects contact or approach of a human body with the first operation area 9.

[0016] The first switch unit 12 monitors the user's pressing operation on the first operation area 9 using both the pressing detection function and the electrostatic detection function. If both the pressing detection function and the electrostatic detection function are turned on, the first switch unit 12 determines that the user has pressed the first operation area 9. When a pressing operation on the first operation area 9 is detected, the vibration feedback function notifies the user of this by transmitting vibrations to the user's body touching the first operation area 9.

[0017] (Second switch unit 13) As shown in Fig. 2, the second switch unit 13 is disposed on the back side of the skin 7 of the horn pad 3. In this example, the second switch unit 13 is disposed in close contact with the back side of the skin 7. The second switch unit 13 is disposed in a space 15 together with the first switch unit 12. The second switch unit 13 is a horn switch unit 16 that detects an operation to sound the horn.

[0018] The second switch unit 13 is a momentary switch that automatically returns to its original position when released after being operated. In this case, the second switch unit 13 has a switch body 17, which is the main body of the second switch unit 13, and a return mechanism 18 that returns the switch body 17, which has been moved by a pressing operation, to its original position. The switch body 17 preferably has, for example, an airbag device that protects the occupant from a collision. The airbag device is activated, for example, when a certain impact is detected in the horn pad 3.

[0019] In this example, for example, three return mechanisms 18 are provided (only two are shown in FIG. 2). Return mechanisms 18 have a second biasing member 19 that applies a biasing force to return second switch unit 13 to its original initial state after a pressing operation, and a reciprocating motion guide portion 20 that guides the reciprocating motion of second switch unit 13. Second biasing member 19 is, for example, a coil spring, and is attached to the outer periphery of reciprocating motion guide portion 20.

[0020] The reciprocating guide portion 20 has a leg portion 21 extending from the rear surface of the switch body 17 and a support portion 22 that supports the leg portion 21 so that the leg portion 21 can move back and forth in a straight line. The leg portion 21 is formed in a shape that extends in the linear movement direction of the switch body 17, and is fitted inside the support portion 22. The base end of the support portion 22 is attached and fixed to the core metal 14.

[0021] The second switch unit 13 has a switch mechanism 23 that detects a pressing operation on the second switch unit 13. The switch mechanism 23 may be a mechanical switch or a sensor. When the second operation area 10 is pressed and the switch body 17 sinks against the biasing force of the second biasing member 19, the switch mechanism 23 turns on. This detects a pressing operation on the second operation area 10. After pressing the second operation area 10, when the hand is released from the second operation area 10, the biasing force of the second biasing member 19 pushes up the switch body 17, and it returns to its original initial position.

[0022] (Elastic mechanism 25) 2, the switch device 5 includes an elastic mechanism 25 that maintains the position of the first switch unit 12 up to a specific operation load when the operation portion 6 is pressed. In this example, the elastic mechanism 25 supports the first switch unit 12 from the rear side by elastic force when the first operation area 9 is pressed with less than the specific operation load, thereby causing the first switch unit 12 to detect the pressing operation. Furthermore, the elastic mechanism 25 causes the first switch unit 12 to sink together with the operation portion 6 by elastic deformation, thereby causing the second switch unit 13 to detect the pressing operation not only when the second operation area 10 is pressed with more than the specific operation load, but also when the first operation area 9 (and its vicinity) is pressed with the specific operation load.

[0023] The elastic mechanism 25 has a biasing member 26 (referred to as a first biasing member 27 in this example) that applies a biasing force to the first switch unit 12 to maintain the position of the first switch unit 12. The first biasing member 27 is, for example, a coil spring. The biasing force of the first biasing member 27 is set to a value lower than the biasing force of the second biasing member 19, for example.

[0024] The elastic mechanism 25 has a guide portion 28 that guides the movement of the first switch unit 12 when the first switch unit 12 moves against the biasing force of the first biasing member 27 in response to a pressing operation on the second switch unit 13. The guide portion 28 has, for example, a movable shaft 30 that extends in the movement direction of the first switch unit 12, and a support portion 29 that supports the movable shaft 30 so that it can linearly reciprocate. The first biasing member 27 is a coil spring that is disposed on the outer periphery of the guide portion 28. This coil spring is disposed between the movable shaft 30 attached to the back surface of the first switch unit 12 and the support portion 29 fixed to the core metal 14.

[0025] (Arrangement relationship between the first biasing member 27 and the second biasing member 19) 3, when three second biasing members 19 are provided, the second biasing members 19 are arranged so as to be located at each vertex of a triangle. When a pair of first switch units 12 are provided on both sides of the second switch unit 13, the first biasing members 27 are arranged on both sides of the group of second biasing members 19. At least one of the multiple second biasing members 19 (in this example, "19a") is set to have a smaller biasing force than the others (in this example, "19b, 19c").

[0026] (Operation of the embodiment) Next, the operation of the switch device 5 of this embodiment will be described. (When the first switch unit 12 is operated) 4, when operating first switch unit 12, first operation area 9 of operation section 6 is pressed. At this time, first operation area 9 is pressed with a smaller operation load than when pressing second switch unit 13. In this way, when operating first switch unit 12, first operation area 9 of operation section 6 is pressed with a smaller operation load.

[0027] In this example, the operation load required to press the first operation area 9 is small, so when the first operation area 9 is pressed, the elastic mechanism 25 supports the first switch unit 12 from the back and maintains the position of the first switch unit 12. Therefore, when the first operation area 9 is pressed, the operation load of the operator is transmitted to the first switch unit 12, and the first switch unit 12 is turned on. Therefore, the pressing of the first operation area 9 is detected by the first switch unit 12.

[0028] (When you operate horn pad 3 quickly) 5, when it is desired to sound the horn pad 3, the operating unit 6 may be pressed suddenly with a strong operating force. This pressing operation may be performed, for example, in the first operating area 9 by an instantaneous operation, rather than in the second operating area 10 for sounding the horn pad 3. In this case, even if the first operating area 9 is operated, the target is an emergency operation of sounding the horn to alert people around the vehicle, so the second switch unit 13 must be turned on.

[0029] A sudden pressing operation on the operating unit 6 is a large operating load. Therefore, the large operating load on the operating unit 6 exceeds the force with which the elastic mechanism 25 supports the first switch unit 12, and so the pressing operation on the operating unit 6 causes the first switch unit 12 to sink against the biasing force of the first biasing member 27 of the elastic mechanism 25. As a result, the second switch unit 13 also sinks, turning on the second switch unit 13. This causes the horn to sound, alerting those around the vehicle.

[0030] When the first operation area 9 is pressed with a specific operation load or more and the operation is detected by the second switch unit 13, not only the second switch unit 13 but also the first switch unit 12 may be turned on. In this case, both the first switch unit 12 and the second switch unit 13 are turned on. Therefore, the first switch unit 12 is turned on even though there is no intention to turn it on.

[0031] To address this, for example, the amount of change in the output of the first switch unit 12 may be monitored, and if the amount of change in the output is abrupt and equal to or greater than a threshold, the output of the first switch unit 12 may be disabled. Alternatively, if both the first switch unit 12 and the second switch unit 13 are turned on, the output of the first switch unit 12 may be disabled. In this way, even if the first operation area 9 is pressed suddenly, only the output of the second switch unit 13 is enabled, making it possible to detect an operation that is in line with the user's intention.

[0032] (When the second switch unit 13 is operated) 6, when the second switch unit 13 is operated in the normal manner, the second operation area 10 of the operation portion 6 is pressed. At this time, the second operation area 10 is pressed with a larger operation load than when the first switch unit 12 is pressed. In this way, when the second switch unit 13 is operated, the second operation area 10 of the operation portion 6 is pressed with a larger operation load.

[0033] In this example, the operating load required to press the second operation area 10 is large, so when the second operation area 10 is pressed, the first switch unit 12 sinks against the biasing force of the first biasing member 27 of the elastic mechanism 25, and the second switch unit 13 also sinks. As a result, the second switch unit 13 turns on, and the horn sounds. Therefore, the sounding of the horn alerts people around the vehicle.

[0034] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) In the switch device 5, a first switch unit 12 and a second switch unit 13 are arranged on the back surface of a flexible operation section 6 that is pressed by a user. The first switch unit 12 detects a pressing operation on a first operation area 9 of the operation section 6. The second switch unit 13 detects a pressing operation on a second operation area 10 that is provided in a position on the operation section 6 separate from the first operation area 9.

[0035] The switch device 5 includes an elastic mechanism 25 that supports the first switch unit 12 from the backside by elastic force when the first operation area 9 is pressed with less than a specific operation load, thereby causing the first switch unit 12 to detect the pressing operation. The elastic mechanism 25 causes the first switch unit 12 to sink together with the operation portion 6 by elastic deformation, causing the second switch unit 13 to detect the pressing operation not only when the second operation area 10 is pressed with more than a specific operation load, but also when the first operation area 9 is pressed with more than a specific operation load.

[0036] According to this configuration, when a user wishes to operate a device that uses first switch unit 12 as a detection interface, the user presses first operation area 9 of operation portion 6 with less than a specified operation load. In this case, elastic mechanism 25 supports first switch unit 12 from the rear, so that the pressing operation on first operation area 9 with less than the specified operation load is applied only to first switch unit 12. In this way, the pressing operation on first operation area 9 with less than the specified operation load is detected by first switch unit 12.

[0037] Furthermore, when a user wishes to operate a device that uses the second switch unit 13 as a detection interface, the user presses the second operation area 10 of the operation unit 6 with a specified operation load or greater. In this case, the elastic deformation of the elastic mechanism 25 causes the first switch unit 12 to sink together with the operation unit 6, so that the second switch unit 13 can detect the pressing operation on the second operation area 10 with a specified operation load or greater. In this way, the second switch unit 13 detects the pressing operation on the second operation area 10 with a specified operation load or greater.

[0038] Incidentally, when a user wishes to operate a device that uses the second switch unit 13 as a detection interface, the user may suddenly press the first operation area 9 with a specified operation load or greater. In this configuration, even when the first operation area 9 is suddenly pressed with a specified operation load or greater, the first switch unit 12 and the first operation area 9 sink together due to the elastic deformation of the elastic mechanism 25. This allows the second switch unit 13 to detect the user's sudden pressing operation. Therefore, even when the operation portion 6 is suddenly pressed, the user's intended operation can be detected.

[0039] (2) The operation unit 6 is a surface 7 provided on at least the surface of the horn pad 3 of the vehicle steering wheel 1. The first switch unit 12 and the second switch unit 13 are arranged on the back side of the surface 7. With this configuration, even if an unexpected pressing operation is performed on the surface 7 of the horn pad 3, the operation intended by the user can be detected.

[0040] (3) The second switch unit 13 is a horn switch unit 16 that detects an operation to sound the horn. With this configuration, even if the first operation area 9 is pressed suddenly instead of the second operation area 10 to sound the horn, the horn switch unit 16 can detect this pressing operation and sound the horn. Therefore, even if the first operation area 9 is pressed suddenly instead of the second operation area 10 in an emergency, the horn can be sounded as intended by the user.

[0041] (4) The elastic mechanism 25 has a biasing member 26 (first biasing member 27) that applies a biasing force to the first switch unit 12 to maintain the position of the first switch unit 12, and a guide portion 28 that guides the movement of the first switch unit 12 when the operating portion 6 is pressed with a specific operating load or more and the first switch unit 12 moves against the biasing force of the biasing member 26. According to this configuration, when the first switch unit 12 is moved against the biasing force of the biasing member 26, the guide portion 28 allows the first switch unit 12 to move smoothly.

[0042] (5) The elastic mechanism 25 has a first biasing member 27 that applies a biasing force to the first switch unit 12 to maintain the position of the first switch unit 12. The second switch unit 13 has a plurality of second biasing members 19 that apply a biasing force to return the second switch unit 13 to its original initial position after a pressing operation. At least one of the plurality of second biasing members 19 is set to have a biasing force smaller than the others.

[0043] According to this configuration, when the elastic mechanism 25 is provided in the switch device 5, not only the second biasing members 19 but also the first biasing members 27 are present, so the number of biasing members increases throughout the device. However, because at least one of the second biasing members 19 is a member with a small biasing force, the biasing force of the entire device does not increase. Therefore, the operational feel of pressing the operating unit 6 is not impaired. Furthermore, because only one of the multiple second biasing members 19 is changed to a member with a small biasing force, the number of second biasing members 19 whose biasing force is changed does not increase among the second biasing members 19 that existed conventionally.

[0044] (Other embodiments) This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0045] The material of the operation unit 6 may be a resin or the like as long as it is flexible. The number of sets of the first operation area 9, the first switch unit 12, and the elastic mechanism 25 is not limited to a plurality of sets, and may be only one set.

[0046] The first switch unit 12 is not limited to detecting a pressing operation using both the pressing detection function and the electrostatic detection function. For example, the first switch unit 12 may be configured to have only the pressing detection function. In this case, the first switch unit 12 detects a pressing operation using only the pressing detection function. With this configuration, the first switch unit 12 does not need to have an electrostatic detection function, and therefore the structure is simplified.

[0047] The first switch unit 12 may be configured to have only a switch that detects a pressing operation, or may be configured to have only a sensor that detects a pressing operation, for example. The specific operation load required to turn on the first switch unit 12 may be lower than the operation load required to turn on the second switch unit 13 .

[0048] The elastic mechanism 25 is not limited to a configuration using a spring, and may be configured to apply a reaction force. The multiple elastic mechanisms 25 may have different structures or elastic forces.

[0049] The switch mechanism 23 of the second switch unit 13 does not necessarily have to be disposed below the switch body 17, but may be disposed, for example, to the side of the switch body 17. All of the second biasing members 19 provided may be changed to members with a lower biasing force than conventional members.

[0050] The number of second biasing members 19 may be reduced compared to the conventional case. The number of switch mechanisms 23 of the second switch unit 13 is not limited to one, and a plurality of switch mechanisms may be provided.

[0051] The return mechanism 18 of the second switch unit 13 is not limited to a configuration using a spring, but may be any configuration that can apply a reaction force. The second switch unit 13 is not limited to the horn switch unit 16, and may be used to operate a device other than a horn.

[0052] The switch device 5 is not limited to being mounted on the steering wheel 1, but may be mounted on other vehicle components. The switch device 5 may be used in other devices as well as in vehicles.

[0053] The phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only one option" or "both of two options" if the number of options is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" if the number of options is three or more.

[0054] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to those embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and equivalent modifications. In addition, various combinations and forms, including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1...steering wheel, 3...horn pad, 5...switch device, 6...operation section, 7...skin, 9...first operation area, 10...second operation area, 12...first switch unit, 13...second switch unit, 16...horn switch unit, 19...second biasing member, 25...elastic mechanism, 26...biasing member, 27...first biasing member, 28...guide section.

Claims

1. A switch device in which a first switch unit that detects a pressing operation on a first operation area of ​​a flexible operation unit that is pressed by a user and a second switch unit that detects a pressing operation on a second operation area that is provided in a position on the operation unit different from the first operation area are disposed on a back surface of the flexible operation unit, an elastic mechanism that supports the first switch unit from a rear side by an elastic force when the first operation area is pressed with less than a specific operation load, thereby causing the first switch unit to detect the pressing operation; The elastic mechanism causes the first switch unit to sink together with the operation part through elastic deformation, not only when the second operation area is pressed with a specific operation load or more, but also when the first operation area is pressed with a specific operation load or more, thereby causing the second switch unit to detect the pressing operation.

2. the operation portion is a surface provided on at least a surface of a horn pad of a steering wheel of a vehicle, The switch device according to claim 1 , wherein the first switch unit and the second switch unit are disposed on the back side of the cover.

3. 3. The switch device according to claim 2, wherein the second switch unit is a horn switch unit that detects an operation for sounding a horn.

4. The elastic mechanism includes: a biasing member that applies a biasing force to the first switch unit to maintain the position of the first switch unit; 2. The switch device according to claim 1, further comprising: a guide portion that guides movement of the first switch unit when the operating portion is pressed with a specific operating load or more and the first switch unit moves against the biasing force of the biasing member.

5. the elastic mechanism has a first biasing member that applies a biasing force to the first switch unit to maintain the position of the first switch unit, the second switch unit has a plurality of second biasing members that apply a biasing force to return the second switch unit to its original initial position after a pressing operation; The switch device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of second biasing members is set to have a biasing force smaller than the other second biasing members.

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