Switching device

Abstract

To provide a switch device that can more reliably detect when an operation has been performed. [Solution] The switch device 1 is mounted on a vehicle 2 and comprises a panel 11 that accepts user operation, a cover 12 that displaces between an open position that opens the panel 11 and a closed position that covers the panel 11, a capacitance sensor electrode 13 positioned on the opposite side of the panel 11 from the cover 12, an open / close detection unit 14 that detects the open / closed state of the cover 12 indicating the open and closed positions, and a control unit 15 that determines whether or not an operation has been performed on the switch device 1 based on the operation signal output by the capacitance sensor electrode 13. The control unit 15 changes the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 according to the open / closed state of the cover 12 detected by the open / close detection unit 14.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to execute each function of in-vehicle equipment mounted on a vehicle, operation buttons and the like are arranged in the vehicle interior, and a user can control the in-vehicle equipment by operating the buttons and the like.

[0003] For example, the switch device of Patent Document 1 includes an electrode, a detection unit that detects whether or not the electrode has been operated due to a change in capacitance, a cover unit that is provided on the surface on the side where the electrode is operated so as to be openable and closable and is formed in a substantially plate shape from a non-conductive material, and a switching unit that switches functions according to the detection result of the detection unit. The switching unit can determine whether the electrode has been operated with the cover unit open or with the cover unit closed, and switch to the function corresponding to each operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, in the switch device of Patent Document 1, there is room for further improvement so that an operation performed on the switch device provided with the cover unit can be detected more reliably.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a switch device that can more reliably detect that an operation has been performed on a switch device provided with a cover unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A switch device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a switch device mounted on a vehicle, comprising: a panel that accepts user operation; a cover that displaces between an open position that opens the panel and a closed position that covers the panel; a capacitive sensor electrode positioned on the opposite side of the panel from the cover side; an open / close detection unit that detects the open / closed state of the cover indicating the open position and the closed position; and a control unit that determines whether or not an operation has been performed on the switch device based on an operation signal output by the capacitive sensor electrode, wherein the control unit changes the detection sensitivity of the capacitive sensor electrode according to the open / closed state of the cover detected by the open / close detection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a switch device can more reliably detect that an operation has been performed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a switch device according to an embodiment installed in a vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a switch device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view showing a switch device according to an embodiment when the cover is in the closed position. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view showing a switch device according to an embodiment when the cover is in the open position. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a switch device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is another flowchart showing a switch device according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0012] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Also, the same component is denoted by the same reference numeral in each figure.

[0013] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, expressions such as "rectangular" and "approximately parallel" are used. For example, "rectangular" and "approximately parallel" means not only that it is perfectly rectangular and parallel, but also that it is substantially rectangular and parallel, i.e., that it includes an error of a few percent. Also, "rectangular" and "approximately parallel" means that it is rectangular and approximately parallel to the extent that the effects of this disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "shape" and "approximately".

[0014] (Embodiment) <Structure> First, we will explain the switch device 1 installed in vehicle 2, referring to Figures 1 to 4.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a switch device 1 according to an embodiment mounted on a vehicle 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the switch device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a side view showing the switch device 1 according to an embodiment when the cover 12 is in the closed position. Figure 4 is a side view showing the switch device 1 according to an embodiment when the cover 12 is in the open position.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 2 is equipped with a switch device 1. The switch device 1 is used as an operation input device mounted on the vehicle 2. Specifically, the switch device 1 is arranged on the steering wheel, center cluster, door panel, instrument panel, etc. mounted on the vehicle 2. In FIG. 1 of the present embodiment, the case where the switch device 1 is arranged on the overhead console 2a and the center console 2b is illustrated.

[0017] The switch device 1 can operate the in-vehicle device 90 mounted on the vehicle 2 by receiving an operation input from the user by an operating body. The operating body is a human finger, a touch pen, etc. The in-vehicle device 90 is an air conditioner, a lighting device, an audio device, an in-vehicle display, a navigation system, a power window, a sunroof motor, etc.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the switch device 1 includes a panel 11, a cover 12, a capacitance sensor electrode 13, an opening / closing detection unit 14, and a control unit 15.

[0019] The panel 11 is an operation panel for receiving the operation of the user. The panel 11 is made of a resin material or the like and has a rectangular flat plate shape. Note that the shape of the panel 11 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be, for example, a circular shape or other polygonal shapes other than a rectangular shape.

[0020] The cover 12 is made of a resin material or the like and has a rectangular flat plate shape. Note that the shape of the cover 12 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be, for example, a circular shape or other polygonal shapes other than a rectangular shape.

[0021] One edge of the cover 12 is rotatably connected to the panel 11. Specifically, the cover 12 is connected to the panel 11 by a hinge 16. Therefore, the cover 12 can be displaced between an open position for opening the panel 11 and a closed position for covering the panel 11.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, when the cover 12 is in the closed position, the cover 12 covers the surface of the panel 11 and is positioned so that it overlaps the panel 11 and is approximately parallel to the panel 11. The surface of the panel 11 is the surface that faces the cover 12 when the cover 12 is in the closed position.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, when the cover 12 is in the open position, the cover 12 rotates relative to the panel 11, so that the cover 12 does not overlap with the panel 11 and is positioned so that the surface of the panel 11 is exposed.

[0024] The capacitance sensor electrode 13 is located on the opposite side (back side) of the panel 11 from the cover 12 side (front side). The capacitance sensor electrode 13 can detect operations on the panel 11 when the cover 12 is in the open position, and can detect operations on the cover 12 when the cover 12 is in the closed position. The capacitance sensor electrode 13 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 15 when an operation is detected, whether the cover 12 is in the open position or the closed position.

[0025] The open / close detection unit 14 is a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the cover 12, indicating the open and closed positions. The open / close detection unit 14 consists of an optical sensor, infrared sensor, magnetic sensor, pressure sensor, etc., located on the cover 12 or panel 11. In this embodiment, the open / close detection unit 14 is provided at the end of the cover 12 opposite to the hinge 16 side.

[0026] The open / close detection unit 14 may output a signal to the control unit 15 indicating that the cover 12 is in the open position when it detects that the cover 12 is in the open position. The open / close detection unit 14 may also output a signal to the control unit 15 indicating that the cover 12 is in the closed position when it detects that the cover 12 is in the closed position.

[0027] The control unit 15 can determine whether or not the switch device 1 has been operated based on the operation signal output by the capacitance sensor electrode 13. For example, the control unit 15 can determine that the switch device 1 has been operated if the output value (voltage) of the operation signal output by the capacitance sensor electrode 13 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and can determine that it has not been operated if the output value (voltage) of the operation signal is less than the predetermined value.

[0028] Furthermore, the control unit 15 can change the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 according to the open / closed state of the cover 12 detected by the open / closed detection unit 14.

[0029] Specifically, the control unit 15 can increase the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 when the cover 12 is in the closed position compared to when the cover 12 is in the open position. For example, when the control unit 15 receives a signal from the open / close detection unit 14 indicating that the cover 12 is in the open position, it can set the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 to a first sensitivity. The first sensitivity is sensitive enough to detect at least operations when the cover 12 is in the open position. Furthermore, when the control unit 15 receives a signal from the open / close detection unit 14 indicating that the cover 12 is in the closed position, it can set the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 to a second sensitivity that is more sensitive than the first sensitivity. The second sensitivity is sensitive enough to detect at least operations when the cover 12 is in the closed position. This is because when the cover 12 is in the closed position, the distance from the capacitance sensor electrode 13 to the surface of the cover 12 is greater than the distance from the capacitance sensor electrode 13 to the surface of the panel 11 when the cover 12 is in the open position. Therefore, by increasing the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 when the cover 12 is in the closed position compared to when the cover 12 is in the open position, it becomes easier to detect operations on the surface of the cover 12 even when the cover 12 is in the closed position.

[0030] The control unit 15 may be configured to perform different functions depending on whether it is determined that the cover 12 has been operated while it is in the open position or while it is in the closed position. For example, an operation when the cover 12 is in the open position may correspond to a function that outputs a signal to the sunroof motor to drive the sunroof motor and close the sunroof, while an operation when the cover 12 is in the closed position may correspond to a function that outputs a signal to the sunroof motor to drive the sunroof motor and open the sunroof. This allows a single switch device 1 to handle multiple functions.

[0031] In this way, the control unit 15 can switch between a function that is executed when it detects that the cover 12 is in the open position and receives an operation on the panel 11, and a function that is executed when it detects that the cover 12 is in the closed position and receives an operation on the cover 12.

[0032] The functions are not limited to opening and closing the sunroof. The functions correspond to each function provided in the in-vehicle equipment 90. For example, the functions of the air conditioning system may correspond to an air conditioning start function and an air conditioning end function, an airflow increase function and an airflow decrease function, and a temperature increase function and a temperature decrease function. The functions of the lighting system may correspond to an on function and an off function, and an illuminance increase function and an illuminance decrease function. The functions of the sound system may correspond to a sound output function and a sound stop function, and a volume increase function and a volume decrease function. The functions of the in-vehicle display may correspond to a function to display a desired image and a function to display a default image. The functions of the navigation system may correspond to a navigation start function and a navigation end function. The functions of the power window may correspond to a window closing function and a window opening function. The switch device 1 may also perform other known functions in the in-vehicle equipment 90.

[0033] In the example above, we illustrated a configuration where, for example, one switch device 1 can handle multiple functions so that it can detect operations when the cover 12 is in the open position and operations when the cover 12 is in the closed position. However, it is also possible to configure it as a switch device that handles only one function so that it can detect operations when the cover 12 is in the open position.

[0034] Specifically, the control unit 15 can also increase the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 when the cover 12 is in the open position compared to when the cover 12 is in the closed position. For example, when the control unit 15 receives a signal from the open / close detection unit 14 indicating that the cover 12 is in the open position, it can set the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 to a third sensitivity. The third sensitivity is a sensitivity that can detect at least operations when the cover 12 is in the open position, and may be the same as, for example, the first sensitivity. Also, when the control unit 15 receives a signal from the open / close detection unit 14 indicating that the cover 12 is in the closed position, it can set the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 to a fourth sensitivity that is lower than the third sensitivity. The fourth sensitivity is a sensitivity that does not detect operations when the cover 12 is in the closed position. As described above, it is thought that the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 decreases when the cover 12 is in the closed position compared to when the cover 12 is in the open position by the thickness of the cover 12. However, when used as a switch device 1 corresponding to a single function, the capacitive sensor electrode 13 may be configured to detect contact with the switch device 1 only when the cover 12 is in the open position, so that it does not detect an operation simply by contacting the cover 12 when the cover 12 is in the closed position. Furthermore, when the control unit 15 detects that the cover 12 is in the open position, it may also increase the detection sensitivity of the capacitive sensor electrode 13 for a predetermined period of time compared to the detection sensitivity after the predetermined period has elapsed. In other words, since the movement of the cover 12 to the open position is considered to be an operation to open the cover 12, the control unit 15 may, upon receiving a signal from the open / close detection unit 14 indicating that the cover 12 is in the open position, set the sensitivity to a fifth level that is higher than the reference sensitivity (first sensitivity) when the cover 12 is in the open position for a predetermined period of time, in order to more reliably detect that an operation has been performed. The fifth level of sensitivity may be, for example, higher than the reference sensitivity (first sensitivity) and lower than the second level of sensitivity. After the predetermined period has elapsed, it may be possible to return to the reference sensitivity (first sensitivity) when the cover 12 is in the open position.

[0035] Therefore, when the cover 12 is opened and operated, it becomes possible to more reliably detect that an operation has been performed.

[0036] Furthermore, when the cover 12 is in the closed position, the control unit 15 can also switch to a function corresponding to a specific operation when it receives a specific operation on the cover 12. A specific operation is an operation different from a normal operation. A specific operation is a pre-set operation, such as a long press or double tap on the switch device 1. A normal operation is, for example, a single tap on the switch device 1. Each specific operation may be associated with a different function.

[0037] Furthermore, even if the same specific operation is performed when the cover 12 is in the closed position and in the open position, the control unit 15 may perform different functions for the in-vehicle equipment 90 in each case.

[0038] <Example of operation 1> First, we will explain example 1 of the operation of the switch device 1, referring to Figure 5.

[0039] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a switch device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 5 describes a case in which the detection sensitivity is increased when the cover 12 is in the closed position compared to when the cover 12 is in the open position.

[0040] First, the control unit 15 determines the open / closed state of the cover 12 based on the signal obtained from the open / closed detection unit 14. Specifically, the control unit 15 determines whether the cover 12 is in the closed position or not (S11). When the open / closed detection unit 14 detects that the cover 12 is in the open position, it outputs a signal to the control unit 15 indicating that it is in the open position, and when it detects that the cover 12 is in the closed position, it outputs a signal to the control unit 15 indicating that it is in the closed position.

[0041] Next, when the control unit 15 receives a signal from the open / close detection unit 14 indicating that the cover is in the closed position, it determines that the open / closed state of the cover 12 is in the closed position (YES in S11), and sets the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 to a second sensitivity, which is higher than the first sensitivity (S12). It also transitions to a standby state for acquiring an operation signal from the capacitance sensor electrode 13.

[0042] Next, the control unit 15 determines whether or not an operation is performed based on the operation signal from the capacitance sensor electrode 13 (S13).

[0043] If the control unit 15 determines that no operation has been performed based on the operation signal from the capacitance sensor electrode 13 (NO in S13), it returns to step S11. If NO is obtained in step S13, the process in S13 may be repeated.

[0044] On the other hand, when the control unit 15 determines that an operation has been performed based on the operation signal from the capacitance sensor electrode 13 (YES in S13), it executes a first function for operating the in-vehicle device 90 (S14). For example, if the in-vehicle device 90 is a sunroof motor, the first function is to drive the sunroof motor to close the sunroof. The first function indicates a function provided by the in-vehicle device 90.

[0045] Then, the control unit 15 returns to step S11.

[0046] The process returns to the determination in step S11. When the control unit 15 receives a signal from the open / close detection unit 14 indicating that the cover is in the open position, it determines that the cover 12 is in the open position (NO in S11) and sets the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 to the first sensitivity (S15). It also transitions to a standby state for acquiring an operation signal from the capacitance sensor electrode 13.

[0047] Next, the control unit 15 determines whether or not an operation is performed based on the operation signal from the capacitance sensor electrode 13 (S16).

[0048] If the control unit 15 determines that no operation has been performed based on the operation signal from the capacitance sensor electrode 13 (NO in S16), it returns to step S11. If NO is obtained in step S16, the process in S16 may be repeated.

[0049] On the other hand, when the control unit 15 determines that an operation has been performed based on the operation signal from the capacitance sensor electrode 13 (YES in S16), it executes a second function to operate the in-vehicle device 90 (S17). For example, if the in-vehicle device 90 is a sunroof motor, the second function is different from the first function and is the function of driving the sunroof motor to open the sunroof. The second function indicates the function provided by the in-vehicle device 90.

[0050] Then, the control unit 15 returns to step S11.

[0051] <Example of operation 2> Referring to Figure 6, we will now explain example 2 of the operation of the switch device 1.

[0052] Figure 6 is another flowchart showing the switch device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 6 describes a case where the detection sensitivity is increased when the cover 12 is in the open position compared to when the cover 12 is in the closed position. In this example of operation, the same reference numerals are used for operations similar to those in Operation Example 1, and explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0053] First, the control unit 15 determines whether the cover 12 is in the closed position (S11).

[0054] Next, when the control unit 15 receives a signal from the open / close detection unit 14 indicating that the cover is in the closed position, it determines that the open / closed state of the cover 12 is in the closed position (YES in S11), and sets the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 to the fourth sensitivity (S12a).

[0055] The fourth sensitivity when the cover 12 is in the closed position includes the case where the detection sensitivity is 0 (no detection). The control unit 15 does not acquire an operation signal from the capacitive sensor electrode 13. Alternatively, the control unit 15 may acquire the operation signal or discard it.

[0056] If the control unit 15 does not receive an operation signal from the capacitance sensor electrode 13, the control unit 15 returns to step S11.

[0057] The process returns to the determination in step S11. When the control unit 15 receives a signal from the open / close detection unit 14 indicating that the cover is in the open position, it determines that the cover 12 is in the open position (NO in S11) and sets the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 to the third sensitivity, which is higher than the fourth sensitivity (S15a). The process then transitions to a standby state for acquiring an operation signal from the capacitance sensor electrode 13.

[0058] Next, the control unit 15 determines whether or not an operation is performed based on the operation signal from the capacitance sensor electrode 13 (S16).

[0059] If the control unit 15 determines that no operation has been performed based on the operation signal from the capacitance sensor electrode 13 (NO in S16), it returns to step S11.

[0060] On the other hand, when the control unit 15 determines that an operation has been performed based on the operation signal from the capacitance sensor electrode 13 (YES in S16), it executes a function to operate the in-vehicle equipment 90 (S17a). This function functions, for example, as an emergency switch device 1.

[0061] Then, the control unit 15 returns to step S11.

[0062] <Effects and Effects> Next, the operation and effects of the switch device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0063] As described above, the switch device 1 according to Technology 1 of this embodiment is a switch device 1 mounted on a vehicle 2, and comprises a panel 11 that accepts user operation, a cover 12 that displaces between an open position that opens the panel 11 and a closed position that covers the panel 11, a capacitance sensor electrode 13 positioned on the opposite side of the panel 11 from the cover 12, an open / close detection unit 14 that detects the open / closed state of the cover 12 indicating the open and closed positions, and a control unit 15 that determines whether or not an operation has been performed on the switch device 1 based on the operation signal output by the capacitance sensor electrode 13, wherein the control unit 15 changes the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 according to the open / closed state of the cover 12 detected by the open / close detection unit 14.

[0064] According to this, the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 when the cover 12 is in the open position can be made different from the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 when the cover 12 is in the closed position. Therefore, the capacitance sensor electrode 13 can detect operations on the switch device 1 regardless of whether the cover 12 is open or closed.

[0065] Therefore, this switch device 1 makes it possible to more reliably detect that an operation has been performed.

[0066] Furthermore, the switch device 1 according to Technology 2 of this embodiment is the switch device 1 described in Technology 1. In this case, the control unit 15 increases the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 when the cover 12 is in the closed position compared to when the cover 12 is in the open position.

[0067] According to this, when the cover 12 is in the closed position compared to the open position, the thickness from the capacitance sensor electrode 13 to the surface of the cover 12 is increased. However, by increasing the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13, it becomes easier to detect operations on the surface of the cover 12. Therefore, it is possible to detect operations on the cover 12 more reliably than with conventional technology.

[0068] In particular, since it is possible to detect whether the cover 12 is in the open position or the closed position, the switch device 1 can be configured to perform different functions depending on whether the cover 12 is in the open position or the closed position when the user operates the switch device 1. In other words, a single switch device 1 can be multifunctional.

[0069] Furthermore, the switch device 1 according to Technology 3 of this embodiment is the switch device 1 described in Technology 1 or 2. In this case, the control unit 15 switches between a function to be executed when it detects that the open / closed state of the cover 12 is in the open position and receives an operation on the panel 11, and a function to be executed when it detects that the open / closed state of the cover 12 is in the closed position and receives an operation on the cover 12.

[0070] According to this, different functions can be performed when operating on the cover 12 depending on whether the cover 12 is in the open position or the closed position. Therefore, the function can be appropriately switched according to the state of the cover 12. As a result, a single switch device 1 can perform multiple functions.

[0071] Furthermore, the switch device 1 according to Technology 4 of this embodiment is the switch device 1 described in any one of Technologies 1 to 3. In this case, when the control unit 15 receives a specific operation on the cover 12 while the cover 12 is in the closed position, it switches to a function corresponding to the specific operation.

[0072] According to this, the operation accepted can be made different depending on whether the cover 12 is in the closed position or the open position. Therefore, when a user operates the switch device 1, it can be configured to perform different functions depending on whether the cover 12 is in the open position or the closed position. In this way, the switch device 1 can be configured to have multiple functions.

[0073] Furthermore, the switch device 1 according to Technology 5 of this embodiment is the switch device 1 described in Technology 1. In this case, the control unit 15 increases the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 when the cover 12 is in the open position compared to when the cover 12 is in the closed position.

[0074] According to this, the device can be configured, for example, as a switch device corresponding to a single function, so as to detect only operations when the cover 12 is in the open position.

[0075] Furthermore, the switch device 1 according to Technology 6 of this embodiment is the switch device 1 described in Technology 1. In this case, when the control unit 15 detects that the cover 12 is in the open position, it increases the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode 13 for a predetermined period of time, compared to the detection sensitivity after the predetermined period has elapsed.

[0076] According to this, when a signal indicating that the cover 12 is in the open position is acquired, the sensitivity is increased for a predetermined period of time, making it possible to more reliably detect that an operation has been performed when the cover 12 is opened and operated.

[0077] (Other variations) Although the switch device relating to this disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments described above, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art can conceive of may also be included in the scope of this disclosure, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0078] For example, the control unit and other components included in the switch device according to the above embodiment are typically implemented as an LSI (Large-Scale Integrated Circuit). These may be individually integrated into a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single chip.

[0079] Furthermore, integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSIs; it may also be achieved using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), which can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or reconfigurable processors, which allow for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may also be used.

[0080] In each of the above embodiments, each component may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0081] Furthermore, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is just one example; multiple functional blocks can be implemented as a single functional block, a single functional block can be divided into multiple parts, or some functions can be moved to other functional blocks. In addition, the functions of multiple functional blocks with similar functions can be processed in parallel or time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0082] Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, as well as forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Industrial applicability]

[0083] The switch device of this disclosure is applicable to an operating input device mounted on a vehicle. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1. Switching device 2 vehicles 11 panels 12 Covers 13 Capacitive sensor electrodes 14 Open / Close Detection Unit 15 Control Unit

Claims

1. A switch device installed in a vehicle, A panel that accepts user input, A cover that is displaced between an open position that opens the panel and a closed position that covers the panel, Capacitive sensor electrodes are located on the opposite side of the panel from the cover side, An open / close detection unit for detecting the open / closed state of the cover, which indicates the open position and the closed position, The system includes a control unit that determines whether or not an operation has been performed on the switch device based on an operation signal output by the capacitance sensor electrode, The control unit changes the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode according to the open / closed state of the cover detected by the open / closed detection unit. Switching device.

2. The control unit increases the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode when the cover is in the closed position compared to when the cover is in the open position. The switch device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit switches between a function to be executed when it detects that the cover is in the open position and receives an operation on the panel, and a function to be executed when it detects that the cover is in the closed position and receives an operation on the cover. The switch device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the control unit receives a specific operation on the cover while the cover is in the closed position, it switches to a function corresponding to the specific operation. The switch device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The control unit increases the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode when the cover is in the open position compared to when the cover is in the closed position. The switch device according to claim 1.

6. When the control unit detects that the cover is in the open position, it increases the detection sensitivity of the capacitance sensor electrode for a predetermined period of time to a level higher than the detection sensitivity after the predetermined period has elapsed. The switch device according to claim 1.

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