Switching device

Abstract

This provides a novel operating feel for a switch device that accepts commands to operate a controlled device. [Solution] The rotating member 4 is rotatable about a pivot axis A, and this rotation is associated with the operation of the opening and closing device. The cover member 2 has an inclined surface 221 and covers the rotating member 4. The knob 3 is positioned outside the cover member 2 so as to be displaceable along the inclined surface 221 in response to the operation of the opening and closing device, and rotates the rotating member 4 in accordance with this displacement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a switch device that receives an operation for activating a controlled device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a switch device including a rotating member that is rotatable about a rotation shaft in response to an operation by a user's finger, and a housing having a recess in which the rotating member is disposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a novel operational feel for a switch device that receives an operation for activating a controlled device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect for achieving the above object is a switch device that receives an operation for activating a controlled device, the switch device comprising: a rotating member that is rotatable about a rotation shaft, the rotation being associated with the operation of the controlled device; a cover member that has a flat surface and covers the rotating member; a knob that is disposed outside the cover member so as to be displaceable along the flat surface in response to the operation, and that causes the rotating member to rotate in response to the displacement; .

[0006] According to the configuration described above, since the rotating member is covered by the cover member, the appearance of the switch device is such that the user is not aware that the operation they are performing is rotating the rotating member. This provides the user with a novel operating feel and the resulting new marketability. In addition, since only the knob is exposed from the cover member, the appearance of the switch device is made seamless. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to place fingertips on the knob when operating it, it provides operability regardless of fingernail length. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] An example of the appearance of a switch device according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 illustrates the internal structure of the switch device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle equipped with the switch device shown. [Figure 4] This illustrates the internal structure of a switch device in a modified form. [Figure 5] This illustrates another example of a switch device's functional configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, the scale has been appropriately changed to make each element recognizable.

[0009] In the attached drawings, arrow F indicates the front direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow B indicates the rear direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow U indicates the upward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow D indicates the downward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow R indicates the rightward direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow L indicates the leftward direction of the illustrated structure. These directional expressions are used for explanatory purposes only and do not limit the actual orientation or direction of the illustrated structure in use. As used herein, the term "up and down direction" refers to the directions along the upward and downward directions described above.

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates the external appearance of a switch device 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 illustrates the internal structure of the switch device 1.

[0011] The switch device 1 may be mounted on a vehicle 30 as illustrated in Figure 3. The switch device 1 is a device for controlling the operation of an opening / closing device 32 that opens and closes a window 31 of the vehicle 30. The opening / closing device 32 is built into the door of the vehicle 30. The window 31 is an example of an opening / closing body. The opening / closing device 32 is an example of a controlled device.

[0012] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the switch device 1 includes a cover member 2. A recess 22 is formed in the upper surface 21 of the cover member 2. The recess 22 includes an inclined surface 221 that slopes downward toward the front. The outer surface of the inclined surface 221 is a flat surface. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 221 with respect to the upper surface 21 is, for example, between 16 and 28 degrees. By setting the angle within this range, operability similar to that of conventional switch devices can be ensured.

[0013] As illustrated in Figure 1, the switch device 1 includes a knob 3. As illustrated in Figure 2, the knob 3 is configured to be operable by the fingers 40 of the occupant of the vehicle 30. The knob 3 is positioned in a recess 22 of the cover member 2 so as to be displaceable along the inclined surface 221 in response to the operation.

[0014] In this example, as shown in Figure 1, two independently operable knobs 3 are arranged within a single recess 22. For example, the right knob 3 can control an opening and closing device built into the right door of the vehicle 30 that opens and closes the window of that door, and the left knob 3 can control an opening and closing device built into the left door of the vehicle 30 that opens and closes the window of that door. Figure 2 shows the internal structure of a switch corresponding to one knob 3.

[0015] In this example, the knob 3 can be displaced rearward and diagonally upward along the inclined surface 221 from the initial position shown in Figure 2 in response to the occupant's operation. Furthermore, the knob 3 can be displaced forward and diagonally downward from the initial position shown in Figure 2 in response to the occupant's operation. In the following description, the rearward and diagonally upward direction in Figure 2 will be referred to as the first direction D1, and the forward and diagonally downward direction will be referred to as the second direction D2.

[0016] As illustrated in Figure 2, the switch device 1 includes a rotating member 4. The rotating member 4 is covered by a cover member 2. The rotating member 4 is configured to be rotatable about a pivot axis A. Specifically, the rotating member 4 is rotatable about the pivot axis A in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions in Figure 2.

[0017] The switch device 1 includes a link member 5. The link member 5 is configured to transmit the displacement of the knob 3 to the rotating member 4. An opening 222 is formed in the inclined surface 221 of the cover member 2. One end of the link member 5 is exposed to the outside of the cover member 2 through the opening 222 and is connected to the lower end of the knob 3. The other end of the link member 5 is connected to the pivot axis A of the rotating member 4. As a result, the link member 5 rotates together with the rotating member 4 around the pivot axis A in response to the displacement of the knob 3.

[0018] When the knob 3 is displaced in the first direction D1, the rotating member 4 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis A. When the knob 3 is displaced in the second direction D2, the rotating member 4 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis A. The rotating member 4 is configured to return to the initial position shown in FIG. 2 by a return mechanism (not shown) when the operating force applied to the knob 3 is released.

[0019] The rotating member 4 includes an extension portion 41. The extension portion 41 extends in a direction spaced forward from the rotation axis A. When the rotating member 4 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis A, the extension portion 41 is displaced upward. When the rotating member 4 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis A, the extension portion 41 is displaced downward.

[0020] The switch device 1 includes a board unit 6. The board unit 6 includes an elastic body 61, an infrared sensor 62, and a circuit board 63. The elastic body 61 is disposed between the extension portion 41 of the rotating member 4 and the infrared sensor 62. A reflection surface (not shown) is formed on the surface of the elastic body 61 facing the infrared sensor 62.

[0021] The elastic body 61 is pressed downward by the extension portion 41 at the initial position shown in FIG. 2. When the rotating member 4 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis A, the pressing force from the extension portion 41 is relaxed, and the reflection surface of the elastic body 61 is separated from the infrared sensor 62. When the rotating member 4 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis A, the pressing force from the extension portion 41 increases, and the reflection surface of the elastic body 61 approaches the infrared sensor 62.

[0022] The infrared sensor 62 is an infrared sensor having a well-known configuration that emits infrared light toward the reflection surface of the elastic body 61 and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the reflection state of the infrared light that changes as the rotating member 4 rotates. The infrared sensor 62 is an example of a sensor. The reflection state of infrared light is an example of a physical quantity.

[0023] Although not shown in the diagrams and detailed description, the rotating member 4 similarly includes an extension that extends away from the pivot axis A, and the substrate unit 6 includes an elastic body and an infrared sensor corresponding to the extension. The elastic body is pressed downward by the extension in the initial position shown in Figure 2. When the rotating member 4 rotates counterclockwise around the pivot axis A, the pressing force by the extension is relieved, and the reflective surface of the elastic body moves away from the infrared sensor. When the rotating member 4 rotates clockwise around the pivot axis A, the pressing force by the extension increases, and the reflective surface of the elastic body approaches the infrared sensor. The infrared sensor emits infrared light toward the reflective surface of the elastic body and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the infrared reflection state that changes with the rotation of the rotating member 4.

[0024] The circuit board 63 is configured to output a control signal for controlling the operation of the switchgear 32 in response to a detection signal output by the infrared sensor 62.

[0025] Specifically, when the knob 3 is displaced in the first direction D1, the circuit board 63 outputs a control signal to the switching device 32 to perform the operation of opening the window 31.

[0026] On the other hand, when the knob 3 is displaced in the second direction D2, the circuit board 63 outputs a control signal to the opening / closing device 32 to perform the action of closing the window 31.

[0027] According to the configuration of this embodiment, since the rotating member 4 is covered by the cover member 2, the appearance of the switch device 1 is such that the occupant is not aware that the operation they are performing is an operation to rotate the rotating member 4. This provides the occupant with a novel operating feel and the resulting new marketability. In addition, since only the knob 3 is exposed from the cover member 2, the appearance of the switch device 1 is made seamless. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to place fingertips when operating the knob 3, it is possible to provide operability regardless of the length of the fingernails.

[0028] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the knob 3 is positioned within the recess 22, it is possible to prevent a portion of the knob 3 from being positioned above the upper surface 21 of the cover member 2. This makes it possible to enhance the seamless appearance without impairing the operability by the occupant.

[0029] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the knob 3 is displaceable along the inclined surface 221 which is part of the recess 22, when an occupant places their finger 40 in the recess 22, it is easier for the pad of the finger 40 to naturally follow the inclined surface 221. This improves the operability of the knob 3 by the occupant. Furthermore, the action of moving the knob 3 diagonally upward or diagonally downward along the inclined surface 221 can be easily associated with the opening and closing of the window 31, i.e., its upward or downward movement. This enhances the intuitive understanding of the operation by the occupants.

[0030] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the displacement of the rotating member 4 is detected by the infrared sensor 62, it is possible to detect smaller displacements of the rotating member 4 compared to a configuration in which a mechanical switch is used to detect the displacement of the rotating member 4. In other words, even if the range of displacement of the knob 3 caused by the occupant's operation is reduced, the opening and closing device 32 can still be operated. This improves the space-saving aspect of the switch device 1.

[0031] Furthermore, by reducing the displacement range of the knob 3, even though the knob 3 is actually rotating around the pivot axis A, the occupant can be given the sensation that the knob 3 is being slid along the inclined surface 221. In addition, by reducing the displacement range of the knob 3, the dimensions of the opening 222 formed in the inclined surface 221 can also be reduced. As a result, the dimensions of the knob 3 itself that covers the opening 222 can also be reduced, further improving the seamless appearance.

[0032] In this embodiment, the rotating member 4 includes an extension 41, and the end of the extension 41 displaces the elastic body 61 vertically. By increasing the length of the extension 41, the vertical displacement of the elastic body 61 can be increased, allowing for the detection of smaller displacements of the rotating member 4. In other words, by increasing the length of the extension 41, the amount of displacement of the knob 3 required for operation can be reduced. For example, by appropriately adjusting the length of the extension 41, the displacement angle of the knob 3 around the rotation axis A can be set to about 1.5 degrees.

[0033] The various embodiments described herein are merely illustrative examples to facilitate understanding of this disclosure. The configurations of each of the above embodiments may be modified or combined with other embodiments as appropriate, without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the rotation of the rotating member 4 is detected by the infrared sensor 62. However, instead of the infrared sensor 62, an optical sensor such as a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor may be used. Alternatively, instead of the infrared sensor 62, a pressure sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the load that changes due to the rotation of the rotating member may be used. Load is an example of a physical quantity.

[0035] In the above embodiment, the entire knob 3 is positioned within the recess 22. However, depending on the size and shape of the knob 3, a portion of the knob 3 may be positioned outside the recess 22. Alternatively, a configuration in which the entire knob 3 is positioned outside the recess 22 may also be adopted.

[0036] In the above embodiment, the knob 3 is provided so as to be displaceable along the inclined surface 221 of the recess 22 formed on the upper surface 21 of the cover member 2. However, as illustrated in Figure 4, the knob 3 may also be provided so as to be displaceable along the upper surface 21 of the cover member 2. Even in such a configuration, since the rotating member 4 is covered by the cover member 2, the appearance of the switch device 1 can be provided such that the occupant is not aware that the operation they are performing is an operation to rotate the rotating member 4.

[0037] In the above embodiment, one opening / closing device is controlled by a corresponding knob 3. However, multiple opening / closing devices may be controlled by a single knob. For example, each recess 22 of the cover member 2 in Figure 1 may be provided with a knob, and this knob may control an opening / closing device built into the front or rear right door and an opening / closing device built into the left door of the vehicle 30.

[0038] Figure 5 illustrates the functional configuration of a switch device 1 in which an opening / closing device built into the right door and an opening / closing device built into the left door are controlled by a single knob. As illustrated in Figure 5, the switch device 1 includes a control device 7. The control device 7 is mounted on a circuit board 63.

[0039] The control device 7 is equipped with an input interface 71. The input interface 71 is configured as a hardware interface that receives a detection signal S1 output by the infrared sensor 62. The detection signal S1 may be a digital signal or an analog signal. If the detection signal S1 is an analog signal, the input interface 71 is equipped with an appropriate conversion circuit including an A / D converter.

[0040] The control device 7 includes a processing unit 72 and an output interface 73. When the input interface 71 receives a detection signal S1 corresponding to the amount of infrared light received that activates the switchgear 32, the processing unit 72 is configured to output a control signal CS from the output interface 73 to control the operation of the switchgear 32.

[0041] The output interface 73 is configured as a hardware interface. The control signal CS may be a digital signal or an analog signal. If the control signal CS is an analog signal, the output interface 73 includes an appropriate conversion circuit, including a D / A converter.

[0042] The switch device 1 may include a plurality of conductors 8 and a detection unit 9. The plurality of conductors 8 are arranged on the surface of the knob 3 at positions where the occupant's fingers can touch them. For example, the plurality of conductors 8 may be arranged side by side. When the occupant's fingers approach or come into contact with the conductors 8, a change in capacitance occurs in the conductors 8.

[0043] The detection unit 9 is configured to detect changes in capacitance in each of the multiple conductors 8. The detection unit 9 can be implemented by an electrostatic sensor with a well-known configuration. The detection unit 9 can be configured to detect changes in capacitance in each conductor and output a detection signal S2 corresponding to the change.

[0044] The input interface 71 of the control device 7 may be configured as a hardware interface that receives a detection signal S2 output by the detection unit 9. The processing unit 72 may be configured to output a control signal CS from the output interface 73 to control the operation of the opening and closing device built into the right door of the vehicle 30 when the input interface 71 receives a detection signal S1 corresponding to the amount of infrared light received that activates the opening and closing device, when the change in capacitance in the right conductor 8 detected by the detection unit 9 exceeds a threshold. For example, the processing unit 72 may be configured to output a control signal CS from the output interface 73 to control the operation of the opening and closing device built into the left door of the vehicle 30 when the input interface 71 receives a detection signal S1 corresponding to the amount of infrared light received that activates the opening and closing device, when the change in capacitance in the left conductor 8 detected by the detection unit 9 exceeds a threshold. With such a configuration, only one knob 3, an extension 41, and various other operating members are needed for the opening and closing devices built into the right door and the left door of the vehicle 30, thus reducing and simplifying the number of parts.

[0045] The processing unit 72 having the above-described functions can be implemented by a dedicated integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, ASIC, or FPGA equipped with memory elements on which a computer program for realizing those functions is pre-installed.

[0046] The processing unit 72 having the above-described functions can be implemented by a general-purpose microprocessor that works in cooperation with general-purpose memory. Examples of general-purpose microprocessors include CPUs, MPUs, and GPUs. Examples of general-purpose memory include ROMs and RAMs. In this case, the ROM may store a computer program for implementing the functions. The general-purpose microprocessor selects at least a portion of the program stored in the ROM and loads it onto the RAM, and then works in cooperation with the RAM to execute the above-described processes.

[0047] The processing unit 72 having the above-described functions may be implemented by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a dedicated integrated circuit.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the switch device 1 controls the operation of the opening / closing device 32 that opens and closes the window 31 of the vehicle 30. However, the switch device 1 may be configured to control the operation of opening / closing devices that open and close other opening / closing elements mounted on the vehicle 30. Examples of other opening / closing elements include doors, sunroofs, and sunshades. The opening and closing mechanism for doors and sunroofs may be a hinge type or a sliding type.

[0049] The switch device 1 may be configured to operate other controlled devices mounted on the vehicle 30. Examples of other controlled devices include parking brakes, audio-visual equipment, air conditioning systems, lighting systems, and devices for adjusting the position and angle of seats and steering wheels.

[0050] The switch device 1 can also be installed on mobile bodies other than the vehicle 30. Examples of such mobile bodies include railways, aircraft, and ships.

[0051] The switch device 1 does not need to be mounted on a mobile device. It can be mounted on suitable residential equipment or home appliances that require user operation to operate the controlled device. In this case, the operation of the appropriate device mounted on the residential equipment or home appliance is controlled by the switch device 1.

[0052] The configurations listed below also constitute part of this disclosure as examples of embodiments. (1): A switch device that receives an operation to operate a controlled device, A rotating member that is rotatable about a pivot axis, and whose rotation is associated with the operation of the control device, A cover member having a flat surface and covering the rotating member, A knob is positioned outside the cover member so as to be displaceable along the flat surface in response to the operation described above, and rotates the rotating member in response to the displacement, It is equipped with Switching device. (2): The cover member has a recess formed in it, The knob is located within the recess. (1) The switch device described above. (3) The recess includes an inclined surface, The flat surface is a part of the inclined surface. (2) The switch device described above. (4): A switch device according to any one of (1) to (3), comprising a sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a physical quantity that changes due to the rotation of the rotating member. (5) The knob is displaceable in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, The controlled device is an opening and closing device for an opening and closing body, The displacement of the knob in the first direction corresponds to the operation of opening the opening / closing body. The switch device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the displacement of the knob in the second direction corresponds to the operation of closing the opening / closing body. (6) The switch device according to (5), wherein the flat surface is inclined such that the first direction is upward and the second direction is downward. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1: Switch device, 2: Cover member, 3: Knob, 4: Rotating member, 5: Link member, 6: Circuit board unit, 7: Control device, 8: Conductor, 9: Detection unit, 21: Top surface, 22: Recess, 30: Vehicle, 31: Window, 32: Opening / closing device, 40: Finger, 41: Extension, 61: Elastic body, 62: Infrared sensor, 63: Circuit board, 71: Input interface, 72: Processor, 73: Output interface, 221: Inclined surface, 222: Opening

Claims

1. A switch device that accepts an operation to operate a controlled device, A rotating member that is rotatable about a pivot axis, and whose rotation is associated with the operation of the control device, A cover member having a flat surface and covering the rotating member, A knob is positioned outside the cover member so as to be displaceable along the flat surface in response to the operation described above, and rotates the rotating member in response to the displacement, It is equipped with Switching device.

2. The cover member has a recessed portion, The knob is located within the recess. The switch device according to claim 1.

3. The recess includes an inclined surface, The flat surface is a part of the inclined surface. The switch device according to claim 2.

4. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a physical quantity that changes due to the rotation of the rotating member.

5. The knob is displaceable in a first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction. The controlled device is an opening and closing device for an opening and closing body, The displacement of the knob in the first direction corresponds to the operation of opening the opening / closing body. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the displacement of the knob in the second direction corresponds to the operation of closing the opening / closing body.

6. The switch device according to claim 5, wherein the flat surface is inclined such that the first direction is upward and the second direction is downward.

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