Switching device

Abstract

The present invention provides a switch device that can operate a controlled device in response to knob operation, even when submerged in water. [Solution] The knob 3 is displaceable in response to the operation of the vehicle occupant. The infrared sensor 5 is The control device 7 outputs a detection signal S1 corresponding to the infrared reflection state which changes according to the displacement of the knob 3. The control device 7 outputs a first control signal CS1 to control the operation of the switchgear 32 according to the detection signal S1 from the infrared sensor 5. The mechanical switch 8 outputs a second control signal CS2 to control the operation of the switchgear 32 according to the contact state, as the contact state between multiple contacts changes according to the displacement of the knob 3. When the submersion sensor 9 detects submersion, it transitions from a first state in which it outputs the first control signal CS1 to the switchgear 32 to a second state in which it outputs the second control signal CS2 to the switchgear 32.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a switch device that includes a sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to reflected light that varies in accordance with displacement of a knob, and a control device that controls the operation of a controlled device in accordance with the detection signal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a demand for a switch device that is capable of causing a controlled device to operate in accordance with operation of a knob even when submerged in water.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] One example of an aspect that the present disclosure can provide is a switch device that receives an operation for causing a controlled device to operate, the switch device including: a knob that is displaceable in accordance with the operation; a sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a physical quantity that varies in accordance with the displacement of the knob; a control device that outputs a first control signal for controlling the operation of the controlled device in accordance with the detection signal from the sensor; a mechanical switch that outputs a second control signal for controlling the operation of the controlled device in accordance with a contact state between a plurality of contacts that changes in accordance with the displacement of the knob. A submersion sensor that, upon detecting submersion, transitions from a first state in which it outputs the first control signal to the controlled device to a second state in which it outputs the second control signal to the controlled device, It is equipped with.

[0006] If the switch device is submerged in water, the control device may cease to function properly due to the water ingress. In this case, the first control signal corresponding to the displacement of the knob is not output from the control device, making it impossible to operate the controlled device in response to the knob operation. According to the configuration described in the above example, when submerged, the second control signal of the mechanical switch corresponding to the knob operation is output to the controlled device, so that the controlled device can be operated in response to the knob operation. Therefore, a switch device is provided that can operate the controlled device in response to the knob operation even when submerged in water. [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 the functional configuration of the switch device. [Figure 4] Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle equipped with the switch device shown. [Figure 5] Figure 1 illustrates the functional configuration of the switch device when submerged in water. [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 right direction of the illustrated structure. Arrow L indicates the left 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.

[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. Figure 3 illustrates the functional configuration of the switch device 1.

[0011] The switch device 1 can be mounted on a vehicle 30 as illustrated in Figure 4. 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 Figure 1, the switch device 1 includes a housing 2. A recess 21 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 2.

[0013] The switch device 1 is equipped with a knob 3. The knob 3 is located within a recess 21. The knob 3 is configured to be displaceable in response to operation by the fingers of the occupants of the vehicle 30.

[0014] In this example, as shown in Figure 1, two independently operable knobs 3 are arranged within a single recess 21. For example, the right knob 3 in the front recess 21 can control an opening / closing device built into the front right door of the vehicle 30 that opens and closes the window of that door. The left knob 3 in the same front recess 21 can control an opening / closing device built into the front left door of the vehicle 30 that opens and closes the window of that door. For example, the right knob 3 in the rear recess 21 can control an opening / closing device built into the rear right door of the vehicle 30 that opens and closes the window of that door. The left knob 3 in the same rear recess 21 can control an opening / closing device built into the rear left door of the vehicle 30 that opens and closes the window of that door. In other words, each knob 3 is provided to control a corresponding opening / closing device. Figure 2 shows the internal structure of a switch corresponding to one knob 3.

[0015] As illustrated in Figure 2, the switch device 1 includes a rotating member 4. The rotating member 4 is located inside the housing 2. The rotating member 4 is configured to be rotatable about a pivot axis A. The rotating member 4 can rotate about the pivot axis A in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions in Figure 2.

[0016] A knob 3 is connected to the pivot axis A of the rotating member 4. When the knob 3 is operated by the occupant's finger, the rotating member 4 rotates together with the knob 3 around the pivot axis A. When the operating force on the knob 3 is released, the rotating member 4 is configured to return to the initial position shown in Figure 2 by a return mechanism (not shown).

[0017] The rotating member 4 is equipped with an extension 41. The extension 41 extends in a direction away from the pivot axis A. When the rotating member 4 rotates clockwise around the pivot axis A, the extension 41 is displaced upward. When the rotating member 4 rotates counterclockwise around the pivot axis A, the extension 41 is displaced downward.

[0018] The switch device 1 includes an infrared sensor 5. As illustrated in Figure 3, the infrared sensor 5 is configured to output a detection signal S1 corresponding to the received light amount of infrared rays that varies according to the displacement of the knob 3. The infrared sensor 5 is an example of a sensor. The received light amount of infrared rays is an example of a physical quantity.

[0019] Specifically, as illustrated in Figure 2, the switch device 1 includes a first elastic body 6. The first elastic body 6 is disposed between the extension portion 41 of the rotating member 4 and the infrared sensor 5. A reflection surface (not shown) is formed on the surface of the first elastic body 6 that faces the infrared sensor 5.

[0020] The first elastic body 6 is pressed downward by the extension portion 41 at the initial position shown in Figure 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 first elastic body 6 moves away from the infrared sensor 5. 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 5. The infrared sensor 5 emits infrared rays toward the reflection surface of the first elastic body 6, and outputs a detection signal S1 corresponding to the received light amount of infrared rays that varies as the rotating member 4 rotates.

[0021] Although illustration and detailed description are omitted, similarly, the rotating member 4 is provided with an extension portion extending in the direction away from the rotation axis A toward the rear, and the switch device 1 is provided with a first elastic body and an infrared sensor corresponding to the said extension portion. The infrared sensor outputs a detection signal S1 corresponding to the received light amount of infrared rays that varies as the rotating member rotates.

[0022] As illustrated in Figure 3, the switch device 1 includes a control device 7. The control device 7 includes 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 5. 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 includes an appropriate conversion circuit, including an A / D converter.

[0023] 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 first control signal CS1 from the output interface 73 to control the operation of the switchgear 32.

[0024] The output interface 73 is configured as a hardware interface. The first control signal CS1 may be a digital signal or an analog signal. If the first control signal CS1 is an analog signal, the output interface 73 includes an appropriate conversion circuit, including a D / A converter.

[0025] The switch device 1 includes a mechanical switch 8. The mechanical switch 8 is configured to output a second control signal CS2 for controlling the operation of the switching device 32 according to the contact state, which changes in the contact state between multiple contacts in accordance with the displacement of the knob 3.

[0026] Specifically, as illustrated in Figure 2, the mechanical switch 8 comprises a second elastic body 81 and a plurality of fixed contacts 82. The second elastic body 81 is positioned between the extension 41 of the rotating member 4 and the plurality of fixed contacts 82. A movable contact (not shown) is provided on the surface of the second elastic body 81 facing the plurality of fixed contacts 82.

[0027] In the initial position shown in Figure 2, the second elastic body 81 is separated from the multiple fixed contacts 82, and the movable contact of the second elastic body 81 has not established an electrical connection with the multiple fixed contacts 82. When the rotating member 4 rotates clockwise around the pivot axis A, the second elastic body 81 moves further away from the multiple fixed contacts 82. When the rotating member 4 rotates counterclockwise around the pivot axis A, the movable contact of the second elastic body 81 comes into contact with the multiple fixed contacts 82, establishing an electrical connection with the multiple fixed contacts 82. Once the electrical connection between the movable contact and the multiple fixed contacts 82 is established, a second control signal CS2 for controlling the operation of the switching device 32 is output.

[0028] Although not shown in the diagrams and detailed description, the switch device 1 similarly includes a second elastic body and a plurality of fixed contacts corresponding to an extension that extends away from the pivot axis A. A second control signal CS2 is output to control the operation of the switch 32 according to the electrical connection state between the movable contact provided on the second elastic body and the plurality of fixed contacts.

[0029] As illustrated in Figure 3, the switch device 1 is equipped with a submersion sensor 9. The submersion sensor 9 has a well-known configuration for detecting the presence or absence of submersion.

[0030] The submersion sensor 9 is configured to receive a first control signal CS1 and a second control signal CS2. As illustrated in Figure 3, the submersion sensor is configured to output the first control signal CS1 to the switchgear 32 when it does not detect submersion. As illustrated in Figure 5, the submersion sensor 9 is configured to output the second control signal CS2 to the switchgear 32 when it detects submersion.

[0031] In other words, the submersion sensor 9 is configured to transition from a first state, where it outputs a first control signal CS1 to the switchgear 32, to a second state, where it outputs a second control signal CS2 to the switchgear 32, when it detects submersion.

[0032] If the switch device 1 is submerged in water, the control device 7 may cease to function properly due to the ingress of water. In such a state, if the switch device 1 does not have a mechanical switch 8, the first control signal CS1 corresponding to the displacement of the knob 3 will not be output from the control device 7, and the switching device 32 cannot be operated in response to the operation of the knob 3.

[0033] In contrast, according to the configuration of this embodiment, when submerged, the second control signal CS2 of the mechanical switch 8, which corresponds to the operation of the knob 3, is output to the switching device 32, so that the switching device 32 can be operated in response to the operation of the knob 3. Therefore, a switch device 1 can be provided that can operate the switching device 32 in response to the operation of the knob 3 even when submerged.

[0034] In this embodiment, the control device 7 may be configured to accept a second control signal CS2. Specifically, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, the input interface 71 may be configured as a hardware interface that accepts a second control signal CS2 output by a mechanical switch 8. The second control signal CS2 may be a digital signal or an analog signal. If the second control signal CS2 is an analog signal, the input interface 71 includes an appropriate conversion circuit, including an A / D converter.

[0035] When the input interface 71 receives at least one of the detection signal S1 and the second control signal CS2, the processing unit 72 outputs a first control signal CS1 from the output interface 73 to control the operation of the switchgear 32.

[0036] With this configuration, in addition to the detection signal S1 from the infrared sensor 5, a second control signal CS2 from the mechanical switch 8 is input to the control device 7 in accordance with the displacement of the knob 3. As a result, even if the detection signal S1 is not output from the infrared sensor 5 due to some malfunction, the operation of the switchgear 32 can be controlled based on the second control signal CS2 from the mechanical switch 8.

[0037] In this embodiment, the length of the extension 41 may be adjusted as appropriate. For example, by increasing the length of the extension 41, the vertical displacement of the first elastic body 6 can be increased, allowing the infrared sensor 5 to detect 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 adjusting the length of the extension 41 as appropriate, the displacement angle of the knob 3 around the rotation axis A can be reduced to about 1.5 degrees.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] In the above embodiment, an infrared sensor 5 is used as a sensor to detect the rotation of the rotating member 4. However, instead of the infrared sensor 5, an optical sensor such as a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor may be used. Alternatively, instead of the infrared sensor 5, a pressure sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the load that changes due to the rotation of the rotating member 4 may be used. Load is an example of a physical quantity.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the second elastic body 81 and the multiple fixed contacts 82 are positioned further from the pivot axis A than the first elastic body 6 and the infrared sensor 5. However, the second elastic body 81 and the multiple fixed contacts 82 may be positioned closer to the pivot axis A than the first elastic body 6 and the infrared sensor 5.

[0044] Alternatively, the first elastic body 6 and infrared sensor 5 and the second elastic body 81 and the multiple fixed contacts 82 may be arranged at the same distance from the pivot axis A. In this case, for example, there may be two extensions 41 extending in a direction away from the pivot axis A.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the control device 7 and the submersion sensor 9 are located inside the switch device 1. However, the control device 7 and the submersion sensor 9 may be located outside the switch device 1. For example, the control device 7 and the submersion sensor 9 may be located inside the controlled device, the switch 32.

[0046] 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 21 in the housing 2 of 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.

[0047] In this case, for example, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the switch device 1 may comprise a plurality of conductors 10 and a detection unit 11. The plurality of conductors 10 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 10 may be arranged side by side. When the occupant's fingers approach or come into contact with the conductors 10, a change in capacitance occurs in the conductors 10.

[0048] The detection unit 11 is configured to detect changes in capacitance in each of the multiple conductors 10. The detection unit 11 can be implemented by an electrostatic sensor with a well-known configuration. The detection unit 11 can be configured to detect changes in capacitance in each conductor and output a detection signal S2 corresponding to the change.

[0049] 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 11. The processing unit 72 may be configured to output a first control signal CS1 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 10 detected by the detection unit 11 exceeds a threshold. For example, the processing unit 72 may be configured to output a first control signal CS1 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 10 detected by the detection unit 11 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[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 knob that can be displaced in accordance with the aforementioned operation, A sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a physical quantity that changes according to the displacement of the knob, A control device that outputs a first control signal for controlling the operation of a controlled device in response to a detection signal from the sensor, A mechanical switch that outputs a second control signal for controlling the operation of the controlled device in accordance with the contact state, as the contact state between multiple contacts changes in accordance with the displacement of the knob, A submersion sensor that, upon detecting submersion, transitions from a first state in which the first control signal is output to the controlled device to a second state in which the mechanical switch second control signal is output to the controlled device, It is equipped with Switching device. (2): The switch device according to (1), wherein the control device is configured to be able to receive the second control signal. (3): The control device is a switch device according to (1) or (2), which is a switch for opening and closing an opening / closing body. (4): The control device is a switch device according to any one of (1) to (3) mounted on a mobile body. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 1: Switch device, 2: Housing, 3: Knob, 4: Rotating member, 5: Infrared sensor, 6: First elastic body, 7: Control device, 8: Mechanical switch, 9: Submersion sensor, 10: Conductor, 11: Detection unit, 21: Recess, 30: Vehicle, 31: Window, 32: Opening / closing device, 41: Extension, 61: Elastic body, 71: Input interface, 72: Processing unit, 73: Output interface, 81: Second elastic body, 82: Fixed contact

Claims

1. A switch device that accepts an operation to operate a controlled device, A knob that can be displaced in accordance with the aforementioned operation, A sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a physical quantity that changes according to the displacement of the knob, A control device that outputs a first control signal for controlling the operation of a controlled device in response to a detection signal from the sensor, A mechanical switch that outputs a second control signal for controlling the operation of the controlled device in accordance with the contact state, as the contact state between multiple contacts changes in accordance with the displacement of the knob, A submersion sensor that, upon detecting submersion, transitions from a first state in which it outputs the first control signal to the controlled device to a second state in which it outputs the second control signal to the controlled device, It is equipped with Switching device.

2. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to be able to receive the second control signal.

3. The switch device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controlled object is an opening / closing device for an opening / closing body.

4. The control device is mounted on a mobile body, as described in claim 1 or 2.

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