Input device

Abstract

This input device comprises: a touch input unit that is mounted on a steering wheel of a vehicle and that is supported so as to be capable of vibrating; a detection unit that detects an input operation to the touch input unit; a vibration output unit that causes the touch input unit to vibrate; and a control unit that drives the vibration output unit. The control unit drives the vibration output unit by means of a first signal to cause the touch input unit to vibrate in a case where an input operation is detected by the detection unit. The input device further comprises a vibration transmission member provided on a vibration transmission path from the touch input unit to the steering wheel. The first signal drives the vibration output unit at a frequency of a vibration attenuation region in which a resonance magnification of a vibration system provided on the vibration transmission path is smaller than zero.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an input device.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1 below, there is disclosed a technique of vibrating a piezoelectric element so that vibration is notified to the hand of a driver gripping a steering wheel in a switch unit provided with a piezoelectric element that vibrates an operation knob under predetermined conditions.

Prior Art Document

[0006] According to one embodiment of the input device, vibrations can be made less likely to be transmitted to the steering wheel as needed, making it easier to feel vibrations in the touch input area with the fingertips. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Plan view of a steering device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-section of the steering device according to one embodiment, as indicated by the cross-sectional line AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] An exploded perspective view of a switch unit according to one embodiment, viewed from the diagonal front. [Figure 4] An exploded perspective view of a switch unit according to one embodiment, viewed from the rear at an oblique angle. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the vibration system included in a switch unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows the configuration of the control system included in a switch unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the resonance characteristics of the vibration system of a switch unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] Exploded perspective view showing an example configuration of a vibration generating device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9A]An explanatory diagram showing the driving direction of the magnetic drive unit included in the vibration generating device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9B] An explanatory diagram showing the driving direction of the magnetic drive unit included in the vibration generating device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10A] An explanatory diagram showing the vibration direction of the vibrating element in the vibration generating device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10B] An explanatory diagram showing the vibration direction of the vibrating element in the vibration generating device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11A] This figure shows an example of changing the wavenumber of the drive signal in a switch unit according to one embodiment. [Figure 11B] This figure shows an example of changing the wavenumber of the drive signal in a switch unit according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (Configuration of steering device 10) Figure 1 is a plan view of a steering device 10 according to one embodiment.

[0010] For convenience, in the following explanation, the X-axis direction will be defined as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the up-down direction, and the Z-axis direction as the front-back direction. However, the positive X-axis direction will be defined as the right direction, the positive Y-axis direction as the upward direction, and the positive Z-axis direction as the forward direction. These indicate the relative positional relationships within the device and do not limit the installation or operation direction of the device. Any device with equivalent relative positional relationships within the device, even if installed or operated in a different direction, is included within the scope of the present invention.

[0011] The steering device 10 shown in Figure 1 is installed inside the cabin of a vehicle such as an automobile and is used to operate the steering wheel and various switches of the vehicle.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the steering device 10 includes a steering wheel 12 and two switch units 100 (switch units 100L and 100R (not shown)).

[0013] The steering wheel 12 is configured to have a rim portion 13 and a spoke portion 14. The rim portion 13 is an annular portion that is gripped by the fingers of the operator's hand to perform a handle operation. As shown in FIG. 2, the cross-sectional configuration of the rim portion 13 has a metallic rim core portion 13A disposed at the center and a resin (e.g., urethane) coating portion 13B that covers the outer surface of the rim core portion 13A. The region on the left side (negative X-axis side) of the rim portion 13 is a gripping portion 13L that is gripped by the fingers of the operator's left hand. The region on the right side (positive X-axis side) of the rim portion 13 is a gripping portion 13R (not shown) that is gripped by the fingers of the operator's right hand.

[0014] The spoke portion 14 has a spoke core portion 14A. The spoke core portion 14A is a metallic portion that serves as the base of the spoke portion 14. The spoke core portion 14A has a first portion 14A1 (see FIG. 5) that extends in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) from the central portion of the steering wheel 12 and a second portion (not shown) that extends downward (Y-axis direction) from the central portion of the steering wheel 12. That is, the spoke portion 14 and the spoke core portion 14A have a substantially T-shape in a plan view from the Z direction.

[0015] The left end of the first portion 14A1 of the spoke core portion 14A is connected to the rim core portion 13A in the region of the gripping portion 13L of the rim portion 13 (see FIG. 5), and the right end is connected to the rim core portion 13A in the region of the gripping portion 13R of the rim portion 13 (not shown). Also, the lower end of the second portion of the spoke core portion 14A is connected to the rim core portion 13A of the rim portion 13 (not shown). Thereby, the spoke core portion 14A supports the rim portion 13 from the inside.

[0016] Although not shown in the illustration, the spoke core portion 14A has a shape in which the central part is recessed toward the rear (positive Z-axis side), and is fixed to the steering shaft inserted through a through hole provided in the central part (on the central axis) with a nut or the like. As a result, the spoke core portion 14A rotates together with the steering wheel 12 as the steering wheel is turned, and the steering shaft can be rotated around the axis of the central axis.

[0017] The spoke core portion 14A is made of metal and is integrally formed with the rim core portion 13A of the rim portion 13. Although not shown in the illustration, in reality, the central part of the spoke core portion 14A is covered by a functional component such as a resin cover or horn.

[0018] The switch units 100L and 100R are examples of "input devices" and are installed on the spoke core metal section 14A for performing various switch operations. Switch unit 100L is installed on the left side (negative X-axis side) of the first part 14A1 of the spoke core metal section 14A. Switch unit 100R is installed on the right side (positive X-axis side) of the first part 14A1 of the spoke core metal section 14A. When viewed from the negative Y-axis side in plan view, the switch units 100L and 100R have a roughly rectangular shape, and the operator-side (negative Z-axis side) surface of each switch unit 100L and 100R is an operating surface 100A on which various switch operations (touch operation and press operation) are performed.

[0019] For example, switch units 100L and 100R can perform input operations, in which the operator selects an item displayed on the operating surface 100A by touching it with their finger, and press operations, in which the operator confirms the selected item by pressing the operating surface 100A with their finger. Although there are differences between the left and right sides, their basic configurations are the same and they produce similar effects, so below we will only explain switch unit 100L, which is operated with the left finger, and omit the explanation of switch unit 100R, which is operated with the right finger.

[0020] The switch unit 100L is located near the gripping portion 13L of the rim portion 13. The switch unit 100L can detect input and pressing operations on the operating surface 100A by the fingers of the operator's left hand gripping the area of ​​the gripping portion 13L, using a touch panel 106 and a distance sensor 106A (see Figure 2, etc.) located on the back side of the operating surface 100A.

[0021] Furthermore, the switch unit 100L can vibrate the operating surface 100A by vibrating a vibration generator 130 (see Figure 2, etc.) located on the back side of the operating surface 100A when an input operation is performed on the operating surface 100A.

[0022] Furthermore, when predetermined conditions different from those for an input operation on the operating surface 100A are met, the switch unit 100L can vibrate the gripping portion 13L of the steering wheel 12 by vibrating a vibration generator 130 provided on the back side of the operating surface 100A at a different frequency than when an input operation is performed on the operating surface 100A.

[0023] (Configuration of switch unit 100) Next, the configuration of the switch unit 100L will be described with reference to Figures 2, 3, and 4. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of a part of the cross-section of the steering device 10 according to one embodiment, as shown by the AA cross-sectional line in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the switch unit 100L according to one embodiment, viewed from the front at an angle, with the touch input section 100B moved forward. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the switch unit 100L according to one embodiment, viewed from the rear at an angle, showing the switch unit 100L shown in Figure 3 viewed from the rear at an angle.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the switch unit 100L comprises a case 101, a cover 102, four vibration transmission members 103, a base member 104, a touch input section 100B, and a vibration generator 130.

[0025] Case 101 is a thin, resin-made, container-shaped member in the front-to-back direction (Z-axis direction). Inside case 101 are a touch input section 100B, four vibration transmission members 103, a vibration generator 130, and the like. In a plan view from the Z-axis direction, case 101 has a roughly pentagonal operator-side opening 101A on the operator side (negative Z-axis side). Also in the same plan view, a roughly rectangular bottom opening 101B is formed in the center of the bottom (positive Z-axis side), i.e., in the center of the inner bottom surface 101C.

[0026] The cover 102 is a resin, cover-like component that is attached to the bottom of the case 101 from the front side (positive Z-axis side) of the case 101 so as to cover the bottom opening 101B of the case 101.

[0027] The four vibration transmission members 103 are provided at the four corners of the inner bottom surface 101C of the case 101. That is, the four vibration transmission members 103 are provided below the four legs 107C of the support member 107 of the touch input section 100B. The four vibration transmission members 103 are sandwiched between the inner bottom surface 101C of the case 101 and the four legs 107C of the support member 107. Each of the four vibration transmission members 103 is an elastic sheet-like member and has a rectangular shape in plan view.

[0028] The four vibration transmission members 103 are provided to transmit vibrations from the touch input section 100B generated by the vibration generator 130 to the case 101, and to adjust the resonance characteristics (see Figure 7) of the vibration system (see Figure 5) of the steering device 10. Therefore, the four vibration transmission members 103 can be made of any material, such as metal, resin, or elastic material, as long as they can transmit vibrations from the touch input section 100B to the case 101 and adjust the resonance characteristics of the vibration system of the steering device 10. For example, in this embodiment, each of the four vibration transmission members 103 is made of silicone rubber, which is an example of an elastic material.

[0029] In this embodiment, the vibration transmission member 103 is provided between the leg portion 107C of the support member 107 and the inner bottom surface 101C of the case 101. However, the vibration transmission member 103 is not limited to this and may be provided at any location on the vibration transmission path of the vibration system (see Figure 5) provided by the steering device 10.

[0030] The base member 104 is a flat, plate-shaped resin member that is placed inside the bottom opening 101B of the case 101 and fixed to the case 101. The base member 104 has four rectangular prism-shaped projections 104A that extend upward from the four corners of the upper surface of the base member 104. Each of the four projections 104A is positioned to pass through each of the four openings 107E formed in the bottom surface 107D of the support member 107. The upper end surface of each of the four projections 104A is positioned within the recess 107A of the support member 107, facing each of the four distance sensors 106A provided on the back surface of the touch panel 106 at a predetermined distance apart.

[0031] The touch input section 100B is constructed by integrally providing a cover glass 105, a touch panel 106, and a support member 107.

[0032] The cover glass 105 is a flat plate-shaped member located at the rearmost part of the interior of the case 101 (inside the operator-side opening 101A). The cover glass 105 is formed using a hard material (for example, glass, resin, etc.). The surface of the cover glass 105 facing the operator is the operating surface 100A where input operations are performed. Symbols indicating the operation content are provided on the operating surface 100A by printing or other means at each of the multiple operating positions. In plan view, the cover glass 105 has approximately the same shape as the operator-side opening 101A of the case 101 (i.e., roughly pentagonal) and is provided inside the operator-side opening 101A so as to close the operator-side opening 101A of the case 101.

[0033] The touch panel 106 is an example of a "detection unit for detecting input operations on the touch input area." The touch panel 106 is a panel-shaped component that is mounted on the back surface of the cover glass 105 inside the case 101 (inside the operator-side opening 101A). The touch panel 106 is equipped with multiple detection electrodes (not shown) for detecting the capacitance of the operator's finger. The touch panel 106 detects input operations on the operating surface 100A by the operator's finger using an electrostatic method with the multiple detection electrodes. The touch panel 106 is integrated with the cover glass 105 by being adhered to the back surface of the cover glass 105 with double-sided tape or the like.

[0034] Four distance sensors 106A are provided at the four corners of the back surface of the touch panel 106. Each of the four distance sensors 106A is positioned opposite to the upper end surface of each of the four protrusions 104A of the base member 104 at a predetermined distance apart. When the touch panel 106 is pressed, the four distance sensors 106A each detect the change in distance from the base member 104 in order to determine the location and amount of pressure applied.

[0035] The support member 107 is a resin member that is provided inside the case 101 (inside the operator-side opening 101A) on the back side of the cover glass 105 and the touch panel 106, and holds the cover glass 105 and the touch panel 106. The support member 107 has a recess 107A that is concave from top to bottom, and a horizontal, flat peripheral portion 107B that surrounds the recess 107A. The recess 107A has a rectangular shape that is slightly larger than the touch panel 106 when viewed from above. The touch panel 106, which is integrated with the cover glass 105, is placed in the upper opening of the recess 107A. The peripheral portion 107B supports the cover glass 105 and the touch panel 106 by adhering the back surface of the cover glass 105 (the peripheral portion of the touch panel 106) to the surface of the peripheral portion 107B.

[0036] The support member 107 has four legs 107C. The four legs 107C are prismatic in shape and extend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and are provided hanging downward from the back surface of the peripheral portion 107B. The support member 107 is supported so as to be able to vibrate by the case 101, as the lower end surface of each of the four legs 107C is supported by the inner bottom surface 101C of the case 101 via the vibration transmission member 103.

[0037] The support member 107 has four rectangular openings 107E at the four corners of its bottom surface 107D. Each of the four projections 104A of the base member 104 is inserted through each of the four openings 107E.

[0038] The vibration generator 130 is an example of a "vibration output unit that vibrates the touch input unit." The vibration generator 130 is fixed to the bottom surface 107D of the support member 107 (i.e., the back surface of the touch input unit 100B) inside the case 101. For example, the vibration generator 130 is attached to the back surface of the bottom surface 107D of the support member 107 with double-sided tape. The vibration generator 130 has an external shape that is approximately a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0039] In this embodiment, the vibration generator 130 is a Linear Resonant Actuator (LRA) equipped with a magnet and a coil, in which the vibrator can resonate and vibrate in only one direction (it is a general internal structure and is not shown in the figure). The vibration generator 130 is configured to generate vibrations under control from the control device 110 (see Figure 6). The vibration generator 130 is bonded to the support member 107 in such a state that the direction in which it can resonate and vibrate in a plan view from the Z-axis direction, parallel to the operating surface 100A of the touch input unit 100B, coincides with the left-right direction (X-axis direction), and the touch input unit 100B can be vibrated in the left-right direction parallel to the operating surface 100A via the support member 107. When touching, it is preferable that the vibration generator 130 outputs vibrations in a direction parallel to the operating surface 100A of the touch input unit 100B, which makes it easier for the operator's finger to feel the vibration compared to vertical vibration.

[0040] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the support member 107 was vibrated by the vibration generator 130 parallel to the operating surface 100A and along the left-right direction. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the touch input section 100B can be vibrated in any direction parallel to the operating surface 100A.

[0041] Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, the specifications of the vibration generator 130 used in the second embodiment are different. Specifically, the vibration generator 130 in the second embodiment is configured to generate vibrations in two mutually orthogonal directions (a first short-side direction (directions A1 and A2) and a second short-side direction (directions B1 and B2)) of the external shape of the vibration generator 130 by being driven at two different drive frequencies A and B (see Figures 8 to 10). As an example, the vibration generator 130 is positioned on the bottom surface 107D of the support member 107 such that the first short-side direction (directions A1 and A2) of the external shape of the vibration generator 130 coincides with the left-right direction (X-axis direction) in a plan view from the Z-axis direction. As a result, by driving the vibration generator 130 at a drive frequency A that resonates in the first short-side direction (A1 and A2 directions), the touch input section 100B can be vibrated parallel to the operating surface 100A and in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), similar to the embodiment described above.

[0042] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the vibration generator 130 is positioned on the bottom surface 107D of the support member 107 such that the second short-axis direction (B-axis direction) of the external shape of the vibration generator 130 coincides with the direction perpendicular to the operating surface 100A. By driving the vibration generator 130 at a frequency B that resonates in the second short-axis direction (B-axis direction), the touch input section 100B can be vibrated in a direction perpendicular to the operating surface 100A. In the second embodiment, vibrations of the touch input section 100B in a direction different from vibrations parallel to the operating surface 100A (a direction perpendicular to the operating surface 100A) can be fed back to the operator via the steering wheel 12.

[0043] In the switch unit 100L configured as described above, when an input operation is performed on the operating surface 100A of the cover glass 105 by the operator's finger, the capacitance of the touch panel 106 changes. Therefore, the switch unit 100L can detect the input operation based on the detected capacitance value output from the touch panel 106.

[0044] Furthermore, when the operator's finger presses against the operating surface 100A of the cover glass 105, the switch unit 100L moves downward while compressing at least one of the vibration transmission members 103, causing a change in the distance from each of the four distance sensors 106A provided on the back surface of the touch panel 106 to the upper end surface of the projection 104A of the base member 104. Therefore, the switch unit 100L can detect the pressing operation based on the distance detection values ​​output from each of the four distance sensors 106A.

[0045] The configuration of switch unit 100L has been explained above. The configuration of switch unit 100R is almost symmetrical to that of switch unit 100L and is basically the same as that of switch unit 100L.

[0046] (Configuration of the vibration system and vibration transmission path of the steering device 10) Figure 5 schematically shows the configuration of the vibration system of a steering device 10 according to one embodiment. For simplicity, as an example, we will explain using a model in which the left-right direction and the X-axis direction coincide, and where the vibration occurs in the X-axis direction.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the switch unit 100L is fixed to the inner bottom surface 101C of the case 101 via a vibration transmission member 103, with the lower end surfaces of each of the multiple legs 107C of the support member 107 being fixed. The case 101 is then fixed to the spoke portion 14 of the steering wheel 12.

[0048] As a result, the switch unit 100L has a "vibration transmission path" that goes from the vibration generator 130 to the gripping portion 13L of the steering wheel 12, via the touch input section 100B, multiple vibration transmission members 103, case 101, and spoke section 14 (core metal and urethane).

[0049] The "vibration system" of the steering device 10 according to one embodiment has a plurality of members that exist and vibrate together as vibrations generated by the vibration generator 130 are transmitted to the vibration transmission member 103.

[0050] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the vibration system of the steering device 10 consists of a touch input section 100B which includes a cover glass 105, a touch panel 106, and a support member 107, a vibration generator 130, and a vibration transmission member 103, all of which are integrally provided on the vibration transmission path in a state capable of vibrating.

[0051] Therefore, the switch unit 100L can cause the support member 107, touch panel 106, and cover glass 105 to vibrate together in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) when the vibration generator 130 vibrates, for example, in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), allowing the operator's fingers in contact with the operating surface 100A of the cover glass 105 to feel the vibration in the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0052] Furthermore, for this reason, when a predetermined condition different from the input operation to the operating surface 100A is met (for example, when a signal is input to notify a predetermined driving assistance function, lane departure notification function, etc.), the switch unit 100L vibrates the vibration generator 130 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), thereby transmitting the vibration in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) to the gripping portion 13L of the steering wheel 12 via the touch input portion 100B, the plurality of vibration transmission members 103, the case 101, and the spoke portion 14 located on the vibration transmission path, so that the operator holding the gripping portion 13L can feel the vibration in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) in their palm.

[0053] The configuration of the vibration system including switch unit 100L has been described above. The configuration of the vibration system including switch unit 100R is almost symmetrical to the configuration of the vibration system including switch unit 100L and is basically the same, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0054] (Configuration of the control system provided by the switch unit 100) Figure 6 shows the configuration of the control system of a switch unit 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the switch unit 100 according to one embodiment includes, as a control system, the touch panel 106, vibration generator 130, and four distance sensors 106A, as described earlier, and a control device 110. Note that the configuration of the control system of the switch unit 100 shown in Figure 6 is common to switch units 100L and 100R.

[0055] The control device 110 is an example of a "control unit that drives the vibration output unit." The control device 110 is electrically connected to the touch panel 106, the vibration generator 130, and each of the four distance sensors 106A.

[0056] For example, when an operator's finger touches the operating surface 100A, the control device 110 can detect the input operation based on the capacitance detection value output from the touch panel 106, when the amount of change in the capacitance exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, when an operator's finger presses against the operating surface 100A, the control device 110 can detect the press operation based on the distance detection value output from each of the four distance sensors 106A, when the displacement of the said distance exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0058] Furthermore, when the control device 110 detects an input operation (touch operation or pressing operation) on the operating surface 100A by the operator's finger, it drives the vibration generator 130 to vibrate, for example, the vibration generator 130 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), causing the touch input section 100B to vibrate in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), allowing the operator's finger in contact with the operating surface 100A of the cover glass 105 to feel the vibration in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), thus enabling the operator to confirm the completion of the input operation.

[0059] As will be explained in more detail later using Figure 7, in this case, the control device 110 drives the vibration generator 130 at a drive frequency F1 (a frequency higher than the resonant frequency F of the vibration system) of the vibration damping region of the vibration system (see Figure 5) provided by the steering device 10, based on the first signal.

[0060] As a result, the switch unit 100 according to one embodiment can attenuate the vibrations generated by the vibration generator 130 in the vibration transmission path of the vibration system, making it difficult for the vibrations to be transmitted to the gripping parts 13L and 13R of the steering wheel 12. Therefore, even when the operator operates the operating surface 100A while gripping the gripping parts 13L and 13R, the vibration of the gripping parts 13L and 13R is small and the vibration of the operating surface 100A is large, and since the vibration is applied to the fingertips without the palm moving, the vibration of the operating surface 100A can be easily felt by the operator's fingers.

[0061] Furthermore, when a predetermined condition different from the input operation to the operating surface 100A is met (for example, when a signal is input to notify a predetermined driving assistance function (for example, a lane departure notification function, etc.)), the control device 110 drives the vibration generator 130 to vibrate the vibration generator 130 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), thereby transmitting the vibration in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) to the gripping parts 13L and 13R of the steering wheel 12 via the support member 107, the four vibration transmission members 103, the case 101, and the spokes 14 of the steering wheel 12, allowing the operator gripping the gripping parts 13L and 13R to feel the vibration in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) in their palm.

[0062] As will be explained in more detail later using Figure 7, in this case, the control device 110 drives the vibration generator 130 with a second signal at a drive frequency F2 (a frequency lower than the resonant frequency F of the vibration system) in the vibration amplification region of the vibration system (see Figure 5) provided by the steering device 10.

[0063] As a result, the switch unit 100 according to one embodiment can amplify the vibrations generated by the vibration generator 130 in the vibration transmission path of the vibration system, making it easier to transmit the vibrations to the gripping parts 13L and 13R of the steering wheel 12. Therefore, the vibrations of the gripping parts 13L and 13R can be easily felt in the palm of the operator.

[0064] The control device 110 is implemented by a computer (e.g., an IC (Integrated Circuit)) equipped with a processor (e.g., a CPU), a storage medium (e.g., ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.), an external interface, etc. Furthermore, the control processing in the control device 110 is implemented by the processor executing a program stored in the storage medium within the control device 110.

[0065] (An example of the resonant frequency of the vibration system of the steering device 10) Figure 7 shows an example of the resonance characteristics of a vibration system including a vibration transmission member 103 provided in a steering device 10 according to one embodiment. The graph shown in Figure 7 shows the relationship between frequency [Hz] (horizontal axis) and resonance magnification [dB] (vertical axis) in the vibration system provided in the steering device 10 (see Figure 5).

[0066] In the example shown in Figure 7, the vibration system of the steering device 10 has a resonant frequency F (e.g., 200 Hz). The vibration system of the steering device 10 also has a vibration amplification region at frequencies lower than the resonant frequency F (including frequencies near the resonant frequency F), where the resonance magnification [dB] is greater than zero and increases with increasing frequency [Hz]. Furthermore, the vibration system of the steering device 10 also has a vibration damping region at frequencies even higher than the resonant frequency F (including frequencies near the resonant frequency F), where the resonance magnification [dB] is less than zero and decreases with increasing frequency [Hz].

[0067] Furthermore, when the control device 110 detects an input operation on the operating surface 100A by the operator's finger, it drives the vibration generator 130 to vibrate the vibration generator 130 parallel to the operating surface 100A and in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), thereby causing the touch input section 100B to vibrate parallel to the operating surface 100A and in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), allowing the operator's finger in contact with the operating surface 100A of the cover glass 105 to feel the vibration parallel to the operating surface 100A and in the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0068] For example, when the control device 110 detects an input operation on the operating surface 100A by the operator's finger, it uses a first signal to drive the vibration generator 130 at a predetermined drive frequency F1 (e.g., 250 Hz) within the vibration damping range of the vibration system of the steering device 10, causing the touch input section 100B to vibrate. As a result, the control device 110 can dampen the vibrations generated by the vibration generator 130 in the vibration transmission path of the vibration system, making it difficult for the vibrations to be transmitted to the gripping sections 13L and 13R of the steering wheel 12.

[0069] Furthermore, for example, if a predetermined condition different from the input operation to the operating surface 100A is met (for example, if a signal indicating that the vehicle has deviated from its lane is input), the control device 110 uses a second signal to drive the vibration generator 130 at a predetermined drive frequency F2 (for example, 150 Hz) in the vibration amplification region of the vibration system of the steering device 10, causing the touch input section 100B to vibrate. As a result, the control device 110 amplifies the vibration generated by the vibration generator 130 in the vibration transmission path of the vibration system, making it easier to transmit the vibration to the gripping sections 13L and 13R of the steering wheel 12.

[0070] For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, when certain conditions different from those for an input operation on the operating surface 100A are met, the gripping portions 13L and 13R of the steering wheel 12 can be vibrated with approximately 10 times the intensity (a difference of approximately 20 dB) compared to when an input operation is performed on the operating surface 100A.

[0071] In this way, the control device 110 can make the intensity of vibrations transmitted to the gripping portions 13L and 13R of the steering wheel 12 different by making the drive frequency F1 of the first signal and the drive frequency F2 of the second signal different.

[0072] As a result, the switch unit 100 according to one embodiment can change how easily vibrations are transmitted to the gripping portions 13L and 13R of the steering wheel 12 by changing the drive frequency F1 of the first signal and the drive frequency F2 of the second signal, thereby easily changing the intensity of vibrations felt in the operator's palm.

[0073] In particular, the control device 110 drives the vibration generator 130 at the resonant frequency F of the vibration system (200 Hz in this embodiment) or a drive frequency F2 (150 Hz in this embodiment) near the resonant frequency using the second signal, and drives the vibration generator 130 at a drive frequency F1 (250 Hz in this embodiment) higher than the second signal using the first signal.

[0074] As a result, the switch unit 100 according to one embodiment can drive the vibration generator 130 with a second signal to vibrate the gripping portions 13L and 13R of the steering wheel 12 more strongly, and reliably feed back vibration to the operator via the gripping portions 13L and 13R. In addition, the switch unit 100 according to one embodiment can make it more difficult for vibration to be transmitted to the gripping portions 13L and 13R of the steering wheel 12 by driving the vibration generator 130 with a first signal, and reliably feed back vibration via the operating surface 100A to the operator who operates the operating surface 100A with their fingers while gripping the gripping portions 13L and 13R.

[0075] The above shows an example where the resonant frequency F is 200 Hz, but this can be adjusted by appropriately changing the mass, material, etc., of each component that makes up the vibration system. For example, the resonant characteristics of the vibration system of the steering device 10 illustrated in Figure 7 can be determined by simulation, depending on the configuration of the steering device 10, using the mass of the touch input section 100B and the elastic modulus of the vibration transmission member 103 as parameters. Therefore, for example, predetermined frequencies F1 and F2 can be determined by selecting suitable frequencies from the resonant characteristics obtained by simulation after the configuration of the steering device 10 has been determined.

[0076] (An example of the configuration of the vibration generating device 130) Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an example configuration of a vibration generator 130 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the vibration generator 130 comprises a housing 135, a vibrating body 131, a pair of magnets 132, a holding part 133, and a pair of elastic support parts 134.

[0077] In Figure 8, the longitudinal direction of the external shape of the vibration generator 130 is defined as directions C1 and C2. Also in Figure 8, the first short direction of the external shape of the vibration generator 130 (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) is defined as directions A1 and A2. Also in Figure 8, the second short direction of the external shape of the vibration generator 130 (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the first short direction) is defined as directions B1 and B2.

[0078] The housing 135 is a metal, box-shaped (approximately rectangular parallelepiped) member. The housing 135 houses each component (vibrating body 131, a pair of magnets 132, a holding part 133, and a pair of elastic support parts 134) inside. In the example shown in Figure 8, the housing 135 is composed of a box-shaped (approximately rectangular parallelepiped) main body 135A with an upper opening, and a flat plate-shaped lid 135B that closes the upper opening of the main body 135A.

[0079] The vibrating body 131 has a magnetic core 131A and a coil 131B. The magnetic core 131A is formed using a ferromagnetic material. The magnetic core 131A is a prismatic member extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vibration generating device 130 (i.e., the C1 and C2 directions). The coil 131B is a rectangular tubular member formed by winding a conductor around the outer surface of the magnetic core 131A. The vibrating body 131 functions as an electromagnet, generating a magnetic field when an electric current flows through the coil 131B.

[0080] As shown in Figure 8, the coil 131B is connected to the control device 110 of the switch unit 100 by an arbitrary wiring member 111 (for example, an FPC, etc.). This allows the current flowing through the coil 131B to be controlled by the control device 110.

[0081] The pair of magnets 132 are positioned on both outer sides of the vibrating body 131, with the vibrating body 131 in between, in the longitudinal direction (C1 and C2 directions) of the vibration generating device 130. That is, each of the pair of magnets 132 is positioned opposite each of the ends of the vibrating body 131 in the longitudinal direction (C1 and C2 directions).

[0082] The holding portion 133 is a metal member that holds the vibrating body 131. In the example shown in Figure 8, the holding portion 133 has a horizontal flat surface, which supports the bottom surface of the vibrating body 131.

[0083] The pair of elastic support parts 134 are provided on both outer sides of the vibrating body 131, with the vibrating body 131 in between, in the second short-side direction (B1 and B2 direction) of the external shape of the vibration generating device 130. Each of the pair of elastic support parts 134 has a shape in which multiple metal plates are folded and overlapped in the second short-side direction (B1 and B2 direction) of the external shape of the vibration generating device 130. As a result, each of the pair of elastic support parts 134 is elastically deformable to flex in the first short-side direction (A1 and A2 direction) of the external shape of the vibration generating device 130, and is also elastically deformable to expand and contract in the second short-side direction (B1 and B2 direction) of the external shape of the vibration generating device 130.

[0084] Each of the pair of elastic support parts 134 has the aforementioned folding structure, and therefore has a first elastic modulus with respect to the elastic deformation of the vibration generator 130 in the first short direction (directions A1 and A2) of the external shape, and a second elastic modulus with respect to the elastic deformation of the vibration generator 130 in the second short direction (directions B1 and B2) of the external shape. However, the first elastic modulus and the second elastic modulus are different from each other. As a result, the vibration generator 130 has two different resonant frequencies A and B in different directions.

[0085] In addition, each of the pair of elastic support parts 134 has its outer end in the second short direction (B1 and B2 direction) of the external shape of the vibration generator 130 fixed to the housing 135, and its inner end in the second short direction (B1 and B2 direction) of the external shape of the vibration generator 130 fixed to the holding part 133. In particular, in the second embodiment, each of the pair of elastic support parts 134 is formed integrally with the holding part 133 provided between the pair of elastic support parts 134 by processing a single metal plate.

[0086] As a result, the vibration generator 130 is able to drive the vibrating body 131, held by the holding part 133, at different frequencies by elastically deforming a pair of elastic support parts 134 inside the housing 135, thereby causing it to vibrate along the first short-side direction (directions A1 and A2) and the second short-side direction (directions B1 and B2) of the external shape of the vibration generator 130.

[0087] (An example of the operation of the vibration generator 130) Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the driving direction of the magnetic drive unit in the vibration generator 130 according to the second embodiment. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the vibration direction of the vibrating body in the vibration generator 130 according to the second embodiment.

[0088] As described above, the vibration generating device 130 includes a vibrating body 131 and a pair of magnets 132 arranged on the housing 135 side. The vibrating body 131 generates an alternating magnetic field when an alternating current flows through the coil 131B, magnetizing one end and the other end of the magnetic core 131A.

[0089] Figure 9 shows, as an example, one end of the magnetic core 131A and a magnet 132 facing that end. As shown in Figure 9, the magnet 132 has a first magnetization region 132A magnetized as the south pole and a second magnetization region 132B magnetized as the north pole, with the rectangular diagonal formed by that surface as the boundary.

[0090] Then, as shown in Figure 9A, when one end of the magnetic core 131A is magnetized to the north pole, that end of the magnetic core 131A is attracted to the first magnetization region 132A of the magnet 132 facing that end, and repelled from the second magnetization region 132B of the magnet 132 facing that end. Although not shown in the figure, at the same time, the other end of the magnetic core 131A is magnetized to the south pole, and that other end is attracted to the first magnetization region 132A of the magnet 132 facing that end, and repelled from the second magnetization region 132B of the magnet 132 facing that end. As a result, as shown in Figure 9A, a magnetic force acts on the vibrating body 131 in the leftward direction (direction B1) and downward direction (direction A2) in Figure 9A.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9B, when one end of the magnetic core 131A is magnetized to the south pole, that end of the magnetic core 131A is attracted to the second magnetization region 132B of the magnet 132 facing that end, and repelled to the first magnetization region 132A of the magnet 132 facing that end. Although not shown in the figure, at the same time, the other end of the magnetic core 131A is magnetized to the north pole, and that other end is attracted to the second magnetization region 132B of the magnet 132 facing that end, and repelled to the first magnetization region 132A of the magnet 132 facing that end. As a result, as shown in Figure 9B, a magnetic force acts on the vibrating body 131 in the rightward direction (direction B2) and upward direction (direction A1) in Figure 9B.

[0092] The control device 110 can alternately magnetize one end of the magnetic core 131A to a north pole and a south pole, and alternately magnetize the other end of the magnetic core 131A to a south pole and a north pole, by passing an alternating current through the coil 131B. As a result, the vibrating body 131 is subjected to alternating magnetic forces, as shown in Figure 9A and Figure 9B. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the vibrating body 131 can vibrate in the vertical direction (directions A1 and A2) and the horizontal direction (directions B1 and B2) in Figure 9, while elastically deforming the pair of elastic support parts 134 that support the vibrating body 131.

[0093] Here, the control device 110 applies an alternating current with a drive frequency B (resonance frequency B) equal to the second natural frequency of the vibrating body 131 to the coil 131B, thereby generating an alternating magnetic field with the same frequency as the second natural frequency in the vibrating body 131, as shown in Figure 10A, and causing the vibrating body 131 to vibrate resonantly in large quantities along the left-right direction (B1 and B2 directions) in Figure 10.

[0094] On the other hand, the control device 110 applies an alternating current with a drive frequency A (resonance frequency A) equal to the first natural frequency of the vibrating body 131 to the coil 131B. As shown in Figure 10B, this generates an alternating magnetic field with the same frequency as the first natural frequency in the vibrating body 131, causing the vibrating body 131 to vibrate resonantly in large quantities along the vertical direction (A1 and A2 directions) in Figure 10. Therefore, by setting the frequency of the alternating current to the first natural frequency or first natural vibration, the vibrating body 131 can be selectively vibrated in the A1 and A2 directions, or in the B1 and B2 directions.

[0095] The first natural frequency of the vibrating body 131 is determined by the first elastic modulus of the elastic support 134 and the mass of the vibrating body 131. The second natural frequency of the vibrating body 131 is determined by the second elastic modulus of the elastic support 134 and the mass of the vibrating body 131.

[0096] As described above, in the switch unit 100 according to the second embodiment, the vibration generator 130 is a Linear Resonant Actuator (LRA) that has two different resonant frequencies and is driven by two different drive frequencies A and B, so that the vibrating body 131 can resonate in two mutually orthogonal directions (the first short-side direction and the second short-side direction of the external shape of the vibration generator 130).

[0097] As a result, the switch unit 100 according to the second embodiment can, for example, when an input operation is performed on the operating surface 100A, be driven at a first drive frequency A, causing the touch input section 100B to vibrate horizontally on the operating surface 100A, making the vibration more easily felt by the operator's fingers. When predetermined conditions different from those for an input operation on the operating surface 100A are met, be driven at a second drive frequency B, causing the touch input section 100B to vibrate vertically on the operating surface 100A, making the vibration more easily transmitted to the gripping sections 13L and 13R of the steering wheel 12.

[0098] In other words, in the second embodiment described above, the first short-arm direction (directions A1 and A2) is driven at resonant frequency A so that it resonates in a direction parallel to the operating surface 100A of the touch input unit 100B, and the second short-arm direction (directions B1 and B2) is driven at resonant frequency B so that it resonates in a direction perpendicular to the operating surface 100A of the touch input unit 100B. As explained above with reference to Figure 7, in order to transmit less vibration to the steering wheel 12, it is better to drive at a frequency F1 higher than the resonant frequency F of the vibration system, and in order to transmit more vibration to the steering wheel 12, it is better to drive at a frequency F2 lower than the resonant frequency F of the vibration system. Therefore, by making the drive frequency A correspond to the higher drive frequency F1 and the drive frequency B correspond to the lower drive frequency F2, the vibration generated by the vibration generator 130 can be efficiently transmitted to the touch input unit 100B and the steering wheel 12 as needed. Furthermore, since the steering wheel 12 is supported by a cantilever structure with the spokes 14, the steering wheel 12 vibrates more strongly in the direction perpendicular to the operating surface 100A, i.e., perpendicular to the spokes 14, than in the horizontal direction, making it easier for the operator to feel the vibration.

[0099] (Example of changing the frequency of the drive signal) Figure 11 shows an example of changing the wavenumber of the drive signal in a switch unit 100 according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the switch unit 100 can change the length of vibration transmitted to the operator's finger or palm by changing the wavenumber of the drive signal of the current flowing from the control device 110 to the coil 131B.

[0100] For example, when an input operation is performed on the operating surface 100A by the operator's finger, as shown in Figure 11A, a single vibration can be transmitted to the operator's finger by making the signal waveform of the 250Hz (drive frequency F1) drive signal only one period.

[0101] Furthermore, for example, if certain conditions different from those for input operation on the operating surface 100A are met, continuous vibration can be transmitted to the operator's palm by making the signal waveform of the 150 Hz (drive frequency F2) drive signal multiple times, as shown in Figure 11B.

[0102] In this embodiment, the vibration generator 130 uses a structure in which a coil vibrates, a so-called moving coil type LRA (Linear Resonant Actuator). However, it is not limited to this, and a structure in which a magnet vibrates, a so-called moving magnet type, may also be used as the vibration generator 130.

[0103] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as described in the claims.

[0104] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-050163, filed on 27 March 2023, and the entire contents of said application are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 10. Steering system 12 Steering Wheel 13 Rim section 13A Rim core metal part 13B Covering 13L grip part 13R grip part 14 Spoke section 14A Spoke core metal part 14A1 Part 1 14A2 2nd part 14B Through hole 20 Connection part 100, 100L, 100R Switch Unit (Input Device) 100A control panel 100B Touch Input Section 101 cases 101A Operator side opening 101B Bottom opening 101C Inner bottom surface 102 Cover 103 Vibration transmission member 104 Base member 104A Protrusion 105 Cover glass (touch input area) 106 Touch panel (detection unit) 106A Distance Sensor 107 Support Member 107A Recess 107B Peripheral area 107C Legs 107D Bottom 107E opening 110 Control device 111 Wiring components 130 Vibration Generator (Vibration Output Unit) 131 Vibrating Body 131A magnetic core 131B Coil 132 Magnets 133 Holding part 134 Elastic support section 135 cabinets 135A Main Unit 135B Lid AX center axis

Claims

1. A touch input unit mounted on the vehicle's steering wheel and supported to allow vibration, A detection unit for detecting input operations on the touch input unit, A vibration output unit that vibrates the touch input unit, A control unit that drives the vibration output unit, Equipped with, When the input operation is detected by the detection unit, the control unit drives the vibration output unit with the first signal to vibrate the touch input unit. An input device, The system includes a vibration transmission member provided on the vibration transmission path from the touch input unit to the steering wheel, The first signal drives the vibration output unit at a frequency in the vibration damping region where the resonance magnification of the vibration system provided on the vibration transmission path is less than zero. An input device characterized by the following features.

2. The vibration system includes at least the touch input unit, the vibration output unit, and the vibration transmission member. The input device according to feature 1.

3. When a predetermined condition different from the input operation is met, the control unit drives the vibration output unit with a second signal, thereby vibrating the steering wheel via the touch input unit. The second signal drives the vibration output unit at a frequency in the vibration amplification region where the resonance magnification of the vibration system having the vibration transmission member is greater than zero. The input device according to feature 1.

4. The control unit, The second signal drives the vibration output unit at the resonant frequency of the vibration system or a frequency near the resonant frequency. The vibration output unit is driven by the first signal at a higher frequency than the second signal. The input device according to feature 3.

5. The vibration output unit outputs vibrations in a direction parallel to the touch input unit. The input device according to feature 1.

6. The vibration output unit is integrally provided on the back of the touch input unit and is an LRA (Linear Resonant Actuator) capable of resonant vibration of its vibrating element. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The vibration output section is driven at two different frequencies, allowing the vibrating body to vibrate in two mutually orthogonal directions. The input device according to feature 6.

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