Input device

Abstract

This input device comprises: an elastic deformation layer which is elastically deformable; a first input unit which allows an operator to perform an input operation; a second input unit which is provided at a position adjacent to the first input unit in the elastic deformation layer and allows the operator to perform a pressing operation; a contact detection unit which detects contact with the first input unit; and a control unit which invalidates the pressing operation on the second input unit when contact with the first input unit is detected.

Description

Input device 【0001】 The present invention relates to an input device. 【0002】 In Patent Document 1 below, there is disclosed a vehicle switch device having a configuration in which a touch sensor type mirror control switch for adjusting the angle of the mirror surface of a side mirror and a window switch for performing an opening / closing operation of a window glass are provided side by side. 【0003】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-190836 【0004】 However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, when an operator operates the window switch (first input unit), there is a risk that the operator's hand may accidentally touch the mirror control switch (second input unit), causing the mirror control switch to malfunction. 【0005】 An input device according to an embodiment includes an elastically deformable elastic deformation layer, a first input unit capable of input operation by an operator, a second input unit provided at a position adjacent to the first input unit in the elastic deformation layer and capable of pressing operation by the operator, a contact detection unit that detects contact with the first input unit, and a control unit that invalidates a pressing operation on the second input unit when contact with the first input unit is detected. 【0006】 According to the input device according to an embodiment, it is possible to suppress accidental operation of the other input unit when operating one of two adjacent input units. 【0007】External perspective view of the input device according to one embodiment. Exploded perspective view of the input device according to one embodiment. Partial external perspective view of the input device according to one embodiment. Three-view drawing showing the configuration around the first input section of the input device according to one embodiment. Cross-sectional perspective view of the input device according to one embodiment in the XZ plane passing through the right-side operation knob. Flowchart showing an example of the restriction processing procedure by the control IC of the input device according to one embodiment. Flowchart showing an example of the front row selection processing procedure by the control IC of the input device according to one embodiment. Flowchart showing an example of the rear row selection processing procedure by the control IC of the input device according to one embodiment. Figure showing an example of illumination control by the control IC of the input device according to one embodiment. Figure showing an example of installation of the input device according to one embodiment on a vehicle. Figure showing a modified example of the configuration of the contact detection section of the input device according to one embodiment. Figure illustrating a suitable size for the fixed electrode of the input device according to one embodiment. 【0008】 An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. For convenience, in the following description, the Z-axis direction in the drawings will be considered as the vertical direction, the Y-axis direction as the left-right direction, and the X-axis direction as the front-back direction. However, the positive Z-axis direction will be considered upward, the positive Y-axis direction as the rightward direction, and the positive X-axis direction as the forward direction. 【0009】 (Overview of Input Device 100) Figure 1 is an external perspective view of an input device 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the input device 100 is a device having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with its longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). That is, when viewed from above (positive Z-axis direction), the input device 100 has a generally rectangular shape, but the outer edge is generally gently curved. The input device 100 has a configuration in which a sheet-like elastic deformation layer 120 made of an elastic material (for example, urethane, elastomer, silicone, etc.) is superimposed on the housing 110. 【0010】A second input section 121, which can be pressed by an operator, is provided at the front end (the end on the positive X-axis side) of the elastic deformation layer 120. The second input section 121 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above (positive Z-axis direction) and is slightly recessed below (negative Z-axis direction) the surface of the elastic deformation layer 120. A REAR icon 121A (an example of an "illuminated section") indicating the function of the second input section 121 is provided on its surface. The REAR icon 121A is light-transmitting, and light emitted from two LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 142 mounted on the underside of the light guide 111C (see Figure 2) on the substrate 140 is irradiated through the light guide 111C provided on the underside of the REAR icon 121A, and can be illuminated by passing through the REAR icon 121A. A thin-film detection electrode (not shown) made of a conductive material is embedded in the second input section 121. Furthermore, a thin-film detection electrode 123A (see Figure 2) made of a conductive material is provided on the lower side (negative Z-axis side) of the second input section 121. The detection electrode 123A is mounted on an FPC (Flexible printed circuits) 160 (an example of a "wiring member") and is electrically connected to a control IC (Integrated Circuit) (not shown) mounted on the substrate 140 via the FPC 160. The thin-film detection electrode, detection electrode 123A, and FPC 160 (not shown) are made of transparent material so as not to obstruct the light emitted from the LED 142. 【0011】 In other words, the second input unit 121 has a pair of detection electrodes sandwiched between the elastic deformation layer 120. 【0012】 When the operator's finger touches the second input unit 121, the capacitance of the detection electrode 123A increases via the detection electrode embedded in the second input unit 121. The control IC can detect the operator's finger contact with the second input unit 121 by detecting this increase in the capacitance of the detection electrode 123A. 【0013】Furthermore, when the second input unit 121 is pressed by the operator's finger, the pressed portion elastically deforms so that it becomes concave. At this time, the distance between the detection electrode embedded in the second input unit 121 and the detection electrode 123A becomes shorter, so the capacitance of the detection electrode 123A increases. The control IC can detect the pressing operation of the second input unit 121 by detecting this increase in the capacitance of the detection electrode 123A. 【0014】 In this embodiment, the second input unit 121 functions as a rear-row switching switch for switching the target of operation of the first input unit 130 (power window switch) to the rear-row power windows of the vehicle. 【0015】 Furthermore, when the second input unit 121 is pressed, the control IC can switch the target of the first input unit 130 (power window switch) to the rear row power window of the vehicle, creating a rear row selection state. 【0016】 Furthermore, when the second input unit 121 is pressed further, the control IC can switch the target of the first input unit 130 (power window switch) to the front row power window of the vehicle, creating a front row selected state. 【0017】A third input section 122, which can be pressed by an operator, is provided at the rear (negative X-axis side) of the elastic deformation layer 120. A door icon 122A indicating the function of the third input section 122 is provided on the surface of the third input section 122. The door icon 122A is light-transmitting, and light emitted from three LEDs 142 mounted on the underside of the light guide 111B (see Figures 2 and 5) on the substrate 140 is irradiated through the light guide 111B located on the underside of the door icon 122A, and can be illuminated by passing through the door icon 122A. A thin film detection electrode (not shown) made of a conductive material is embedded in the third input section 122. In addition, a thin film detection electrode 123B (see Figure 2) made of a conductive material is provided on the underside (negative Z-axis side) of the third input section 122. The detection electrode 123B is provided on the FPC 160 and is electrically connected to the control IC mounted on the substrate 140 via the FPC 160. The thin-film detection electrode, detection electrode 123B, and FPC 160, which are not shown in the figure, are made of a transparent material so as not to obstruct the light emitted from the LED 142. 【0018】 In other words, the third input unit 122 has one pair of detection electrodes sandwiched between the elastic deformation layer 120. 【0019】 When the operator's finger touches the third input unit 122, the capacitance of the detection electrode 123B increases via the detection electrode embedded in the third input unit 122. The control IC can detect the operator's finger contact with the third input unit 122 by detecting this increase in the capacitance of the detection electrode 123B. 【0020】 When the third input section 122 is pressed by the operator's finger, the pressed portion elastically deforms so that it becomes concave. At this time, the distance between the detection electrode embedded in the third input section 122 and the detection electrode 123B becomes shorter, so the capacitance of the detection electrode 123B increases. The control IC can detect the pressing operation of the third input section 122 by detecting this increase in the capacitance of the detection electrode 123B. 【0021】 In this embodiment, the third input unit 122 functions as a power door switch for opening and closing the vehicle's power door. 【0022】 Thus, in this embodiment, the input device 100 further includes a third input unit 122 in the elastic deformation layer 120 on which the second input unit 121 is provided. Therefore, when an operator applies a pressing operation to the third input unit 122, it can perform a function different from the function assigned to the second input unit 121. 【0023】 As shown in Figure 1, the input device 100 has the left operating knob 131A and the right operating knob 132A of the first input unit 130 arranged side by side at the front end of the housing 110, that is, on the front side (positive X-axis side) of the elastic deformation layer 120. The operating knobs 131A and 132A are provided adjacent to the second input unit 121 on the front side (positive X-axis side) of the second input unit 121. The left operating knob 131 and the right operating knob 132 can be swung by the operator. In this embodiment, the left operating knob 131 functions as a power window switch for opening and closing the left power window of the vehicle. The right operating knob 132 functions as a power window switch for opening and closing the right power window of the vehicle. 【0024】 (Configuration of the input device 100) Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the input device 100 according to one embodiment. 【0025】 As shown in Figure 2, the input device 100 is configured to include, from top to bottom in the figure, an elastic deformation layer 120, detection electrodes 123A and 123B, a plate 151, a housing 110, a substrate 140, and a lower cover 152. 【0026】 The housing 110 is a box-shaped component made of resin with a hollow structure. The plate 151 is a flat component made of resin and is placed on top of the upper surface of the housing 110. The lower cover 152 is a tray-shaped component made of resin and is attached to the lower part of the housing 110, thereby closing the lower opening of the housing 110. The first input section 130 described above is provided at the front end of the housing 110. The housing 110 pivotably supports the left-side operating knob 131 and the right-side operating knob 132 of the first input section 130. 【0027】 Furthermore, light guides 111A, 111B, and 111C made of a light-transmitting material are provided inside the housing 110. Each of the light guides 111A, 111B, and 111C is provided penetrating the plate 151, and can guide the light emitted from the LED 142 upwards on the plate 151. Alternatively, instead of the configuration in which the light guides 111A, 111B, and 111C penetrate the plate 151, the light guides 111A, 111B, and 111C may be provided to a position where they are in contact with the lower surface of the plate 151, and the portion of the plate 151 facing the light guides 111A, 111B, and 111C may be made transparent to guide the light emitted from the LED 142 upwards on the plate 151. Alternatively, a combination of the configuration in which the light guides penetrate the plate 151 and the configuration in which the plate 151 is made transparent may be used. 【0028】 The elastic deformation layer 120 is an elastic sheet-like member. The elastic deformation layer 120 has a configuration in which the entire surface of the elastic member 120B is covered by the skin 120A. The elastic deformation layer 120 is placed on top of a plate 151 provided on the upper surface of the housing 110. The detection electrodes 123A and 123B described above are provided between the lower surface and the upper surface of the plate 151. 【0029】 The substrate 140 is a flat, plate-shaped component made of resin, and is installed horizontally inside the housing 110. The substrate 140 is supported from below (negative Z-axis side) by a lower cover 152 attached to the housing 110. A control IC (not shown) is mounted on the substrate 140. 【0030】 As shown in Figure 2, in one embodiment of the input device 100, the control IC (an example of a "control unit") and fixed electrodes 145A and 145B are arranged on a substrate 140, and the detection electrode 123A (an example of "one of the detection electrodes") provided on the FPC 160 of the second input unit 121 is arranged on a plate 151 and is electrically connected to the control IC by the FPC 160. 【0031】As a result, in one embodiment of the input device 100, the control IC and fixed electrodes 145A, 145B and the detection electrode 123A can be stacked and arranged, and therefore the area of ​​the detection electrode 123A on the plate 151 can be increased. 【0032】 (Configuration of the first input unit 130) Figure 3 is an external perspective view of a part of the input device 100 according to one embodiment (the circuit board 140 and the first input unit 130). 【0033】 As shown in Figure 3, the housing 110 is provided with a resin, horizontal, flat substrate 140 and a first input section 130. The first input section 130 is located above the front end of the substrate 140. The first input section 130 has a left-side operating knob 131 and a right-side operating knob 132. 【0034】 As shown in Figure 3, the left-side operating knob 131 has a plate-shaped base portion 131B extending in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) and a wall-shaped operating portion 131A extending upward from the front end of the base portion 131B. The left-side operating knob 131 also has a shaft portion 131C extending in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) at an intermediate position in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the base portion 131B. The left-side operating knob 131 has a shape in which the upper end of the operating portion 131A protrudes forward, allowing the operator to hook their finger onto the protruding portion and pull the operating portion 131A upward. On the substrate 140, a push switch 133A and a push switch 133B are provided side by side, front to back, below the base portion 131B of the left-side operating knob 131. A columnar actuator 134A is provided between the base portion 131B and the push switch 133A. Furthermore, a columnar actuator 134B is provided between the base portion 131B and the pressure switch 133B. 【0035】As a result, when the operator pulls up the operating section 131A, the left-side operating knob 131 swings upward and forward around the shaft 131C, and the base 131B presses the push switch 133B via the actuator 134B. Also, when the operator pushes down the operating section 131A, the left-side operating knob 131 swings downward and forward around the shaft 131C, and the base 131B presses the push switch 133A via the actuator 134A. 【0036】 Similarly, the right-side operating knob 132 has a plate-shaped base portion 132B extending in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) and a wall-shaped operating portion 132A extending upward from the front end of the base portion 132B. The right-side operating knob 132 also has a shaft portion 132C extending in the left-to-right direction (X-axis direction) at an intermediate position in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) of the base portion 132B. Furthermore, the right-side operating knob 132 has a shape in which the upper end of the operating portion 132A protrudes forward, allowing the operator to hook their finger onto the protruding portion and pull the operating portion 132A upward. On the substrate 140, a push switch 133C and a push switch 133D are provided side by side, front to back, below the base portion 132B of the right-side operating knob 132. A columnar actuator 134C is provided between the base portion 132B and the push switch 133C. Furthermore, a columnar actuator 134D is provided between the base portion 132B and the pressure switch 133D. 【0037】 As a result, when the operator pulls up the operating section 132A, the right-side operating knob 132 swings upward and forward around the shaft 132C, and the base 132B presses the push switch 133D via the actuator 134D. Also, when the operator pushes down the operating section 132A, the right-side operating knob 132 swings downward and forward around the shaft 132C, and the base 132B presses the push switch 133C via the actuator 134C. 【0038】 Each of the push switches 133A, 133B, 133C, and 133D is configured to switch to the ON state and simultaneously generate a click sensation when a pressing operation is performed. 【0039】 In one embodiment of the input device 100, the oscillation operation state of the first input unit 130, the contact state with the first input unit 130, and the pressing operation state of the second input unit 121 are input to a single control IC. The control IC can then perform control based on at least one of the oscillation operation state of the first input unit 130, the contact state with the first input unit 130, and the pressing operation state of the second input unit 121. As a result, in one embodiment of the input device 100, various controls based on the oscillation operation state, the contact state, and the pressing operation state can be centrally performed by a single control IC, thereby simplifying the configuration related to various controls. 【0040】 (Configuration of the contact detection unit) Figure 4 is a three-view drawing showing the configuration of the area around the first input unit 130 of the input device 100 according to one embodiment. Figure 4(a) is a plan view, Figure 4(b) is a front view, and Figure 4(c) is a right side view. 【0041】 As shown in Figure 4, the left operating knob 131 has a flat plate-shaped detection portion 131D that hangs down from the base portion 131B. The right operating knob 132 also has a flat plate-shaped detection portion 132D that hangs down from the base portion 132B. The detection portions 131D and 132D are provided parallel to a plane perpendicular to the shaft portions 131C and 132C (i.e., the XZ plane). 【0042】 Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the input device 100 includes fixed electrodes 145A and 145B for detecting contact of the operator's fingers with the left operation knob 131 and the right operation knob 132. The fixed electrodes 145A and 145B are flat detection electrodes made of a conductive material (for example, metal) and are provided on the upper surface of the substrate 140 in an upright position perpendicular to it. The fixed electrodes 145A and 145B are provided parallel to a plane perpendicular to the shaft portions 131C and 132C (i.e., the XZ plane). 【0043】The fixed electrodes 145A and 145B are electrically connected to a control IC mounted on the lower surface of the substrate 140. The control IC can drive the fixed electrodes 145A and 145B and detect changes in the capacitance of the fixed electrodes 145A and 145B. 【0044】 The fixed electrode 145A is provided opposite to and close to the detected portion 131D of the left operation knob 131 on the left side of the detected portion 131D of the left operation knob 131 so as to be parallel to the detected portion 131D. The fixed electrode 145A and the detected portion 131D constitute a "contact detection portion" for detecting the contact of the operator with the left operation knob 131. Thereby, when a finger of the operator touches the left operation knob 131, the fixed electrode 145A capacitively couples with the finger of the operator through the left operation knob 131, and thus the contact of the finger of the operator with the left operation knob 131 can be detected. Therefore, the control IC can detect the contact of the finger of the operator with the left operation knob 131 by detecting a change in the capacitance of the fixed electrode 145A. 【0045】 The fixed electrode 145B is provided opposite to and close to the detected portion 132D of the right operation knob 132 on the right side of the detected portion 132D of the right operation knob 132 so as to be parallel to the detected portion 132D. The fixed electrode 145B and the detected portion 132D constitute a "contact detection portion" for detecting the contact of the operator with the right operation knob 132. Thereby, when a finger of the operator touches the right operation knob 132, the fixed electrode 145B capacitively couples with the finger of the operator through the right operation knob 132, and thus the contact of the finger of the operator with the right operation knob 132 can be detected. Therefore, the control IC can detect the contact of the finger of the operator with the right operation knob 132 by detecting a change in the capacitance of the fixed electrode 145B. 【0046】 Note that the left operation knob 131 and the right operation knob 132 are formed using a resin material having conductivity in order to capacitively couple the capacitance of the finger of the operator to the fixed electrodes 145A and 145B. 【0047】Incidentally, the left operation knob 131 and the right operation knob 132 may be entirely formed using a resin material having conductivity, or a part thereof (for example, only the surface) may be formed using a resin material having conductivity. Further, instead of forming a part (only the surface) with a resin material having conductivity, it may be formed by applying a conductive metal plating to the surface of a resin material having no conductivity. 【0048】 As described above, since the input device 100 according to one embodiment includes a "contact detection unit" that detects contact of an operator's finger with the first input unit 130 (left operation knob 131 and right operation knob 132), the control IC can realize various controls according to the contact state of the operator's finger with the first input unit 130. 【0049】 In particular, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the "contact detection unit" includes flat detection units 131D and 132D provided in the first input unit 130, and fixed electrodes 145A and 145B arranged to face the detection units 131D and 132D. Thereby, since the input device 100 according to one embodiment can detect contact of an operator's finger with the first input unit 130 non - contact by the capacitance method, the configuration of the first input unit 130 can be simplified, and interference with the swinging operation of the first input unit 130 can be suppressed. 【0050】 (Superimposed configuration of the first input unit 130) FIG. 5 is a cross - sectional perspective view taken along the XZ plane passing through the right operation knob 132 of the input device 100 according to one embodiment. 【0051】 As shown in FIG. 5, a part of the rear side (negative X - axis side) of the first input unit 130 is provided below the second input unit 121 (negative Z - axis side) so as to overlap the second input unit 121 vertically. 【0052】 Specifically, among the first input unit 130, the operation part 132A of the right operation knob 132 and the operation part 131A of the left operation knob 131 are provided on the front side (positive X - axis side) of the second input unit 121, that is, they do not overlap the second input unit 121. 【0053】On the other hand, of the first input section 130, the base 132B and shaft 132C of the right-side operating knob 132, and the base 131B and shaft 131C of the left-side operating knob 131 are located below the second input section 121 (negative Z-axis side), that is, they overlap with the second input section 121. 【0054】 Furthermore, the other components of the first input unit 130 (pressure switches 133A to 133D, actuators 134A to 134D) are also located below the second input unit 121 (negative Z-axis side), that is, they overlap with the second input unit 121. 【0055】 As a result, the input device 100 according to one embodiment has a second input unit 121 that can be pressed and a first input unit 130 (left-side operation knob 131 and right-side operation knob 132) that can be oscillated adjacent to it, while the operation units 131A and 132A of the first input unit 130 can be positioned close to the second input unit 121 without the second input unit 121 interfering with the oscillating operation of the first input unit 130, and therefore the overall size of the input device 100 can be reduced. 【0056】 (Example of a restriction processing procedure by a control IC) Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a restriction processing procedure by a control IC provided in an input device 100 according to one embodiment. Here, restriction processing is a process that disables operations on other input units when one of the first input unit 130, second input unit 121, and third input unit 122 is selected by the operator. 【0057】 First, the control IC determines whether or not it has detected contact at the first input unit 130 (step S201). 【0058】 In step S201, if it is determined that contact has been detected at the first input unit 130 (step S201: YES), the control IC activates the operation on the first input unit 130 and deactivates the operations on the second input unit 121 and the third input unit 122 (step S205), and terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 6. 【0059】If, in step S201, it is determined that contact has not been detected at the first input unit 130 (step S201: NO), the control IC determines whether or not contact has been detected at the second input unit 121 (step S202). 【0060】 In step S202, if it is determined that contact has been detected at the second input unit 121 (step S202: YES), the control IC activates the operations on the first input unit 130 and the second input unit 121, and disables the operation on the third input unit 122 (step S204), thereby ending the series of processes shown in Figure 6. 【0061】 If, in step S202, it is determined that no contact has been detected with the second input unit 121 (step S202: NO), the control IC activates the operation of the first input unit 130, the second input unit 121, and the third input unit 122 (step S203), and terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 6. 【0062】 Furthermore, when the first input unit 130, the second input unit 121, and the third input unit 122 are operational in the vehicle, the control IC repeatedly executes the series of processes shown in Figure 6. 【0063】 Thus, in this embodiment, the input device 100 can disable the pressing operation on the second input unit 121 when contact with the first input unit 130 by the operator is detected. 【0064】 As a result, in one embodiment of the input device 100, if the operator unintentionally touches the second input unit 121 while operating the first input unit 130, the function assigned to the second input unit 121 will not malfunction. 【0065】 In particular, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the first input unit 130 and the second input unit 121 are arranged in close proximity to each other, which further enhances the effects obtained by such control. 【0066】In particular, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, when a contact detection signal is input from the fixed electrodes 145A and 145B (contact detection unit) to the first input unit 130, the control IC disables the pressing operation on the second input unit 121 when a pressing operation signal is input from the second input unit 121. 【0067】 As a result, the input device 100 according to one embodiment can acquire the detection signal and the operation signal, and determine whether or not to invalidate the pressing operation on the second input unit 121, using a single control IC, thus simplifying the configuration related to the determination. 【0068】 Furthermore, in one embodiment of the input device 100, the function assigned to the pressing operation for the second input unit 121 is a related function (i.e., a rear row selector switch) that is associated with the function assigned to the input operation for the first input unit 130 (i.e., a power window switch). 【0069】 As a result, in one embodiment of the input device 100, if the operator unintentionally touches the second input unit 121 while operating the first input unit 130, the above-mentioned related functions assigned to the second input unit 121 can be prevented from malfunctioning. 【0070】 Furthermore, in one embodiment of the input device 100, when contact with the first input unit 130 by the operator is detected, the pressing operation on the third input unit 122 can be disabled. 【0071】 As a result, in one embodiment of the input device 100, if the operator unintentionally touches the third input unit 122 while operating the first input unit 130, the function assigned to the third input unit 122 will not malfunction. 【0072】 Furthermore, in one embodiment of the input device 100, the function assigned to the pressing operation on the third input unit 122 is an unrelated function (i.e., a power door switch) that is not related to the function assigned to the input operation on the first input unit 130 (i.e., a power window switch). 【0073】As a result, in one embodiment of the input device 100, if the operator unintentionally touches the third input unit 122 while operating the first input unit 130, the unrelated functions assigned to the third input unit 122 will not malfunction. 【0074】 (An example of the procedure for front row selection processing by the control IC) Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for front row selection processing by the control IC provided in the input device 100 according to one embodiment. Here, front row selection processing is a process executed by the control IC when the second input unit 121 (rear row switching switch) is not pressed, that is, when the target of operation of the first input unit 130 (power window switch) is the front row power window of the vehicle. 【0075】 First, the control IC determines whether or not it has detected a pressing operation of the second input unit 121 (step S301). 【0076】 If it is determined in step S301 that a pressing operation of the second input unit 121 has been detected (step S301: YES), the control IC transitions to the rear row selection process shown in Figure 8 (step S302), and terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 7. 【0077】 If, in step S301, it is determined that the pressing operation of the second input unit 121 has not been detected (step S301: NO), the control IC terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 7. 【0078】 Furthermore, when the second input unit 121 (rear row selector switch) is not pressed in the vehicle, the control IC repeatedly executes the series of processes shown in Figure 7. 【0079】 (An example of the procedure for rear row selection processing by the control IC) Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for rear row selection processing by the control IC provided in the input device 100 according to one embodiment. Here, rear row selection processing is a process executed by the control IC when the second input unit 121 (rear row selector switch) is pressed and the rear row is selected, that is, when the target of operation of the first input unit 130 (power window switch) is the rear row power window of the vehicle. 【0080】 First, the control IC determines whether or not it has detected a pressing operation on the second input unit 121 (step 4301). 【0081】 If it is determined in step S401 that a pressing operation of the second input unit 121 has been detected (step S401: YES), the control IC transitions to the front row selection process shown in Figure 7 (step S407), and then terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 8. 【0082】 If, in step S401, it is determined that the pressing operation of the second input unit 121 has not been detected (step S401: NO), the control IC determines whether or not contact of the first input unit 130 has been detected (step S402). 【0083】 If it is determined in step S402 that contact has been detected at the first input unit 130 (step S402: YES), the control IC resets the REAR elapsed time to 0 (step S404) and proceeds to step S406. 【0084】 If, in step S402, it is determined that contact of the first input unit 130 has not been detected (step S402: NO), the control IC determines whether or not it has detected a swinging operation of the first input unit 130 (step S403). 【0085】 If it is determined in step S403 that a swing operation of the first input unit 130 has been detected (step S403: YES), the control IC resets the REAR elapsed time to 0 (step S404) and proceeds to step S406. 【0086】 If it is determined in step S403 that no oscillation operation of the first input unit 130 has been detected (step S403: NO), 10 ms is added to the REAR elapsed time (step S405), and the process proceeds to step S406. 【0087】 In step S406, the control IC determines whether the REAR elapsed time is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (step S406). 【0088】In step S406, if it is determined that the REAR elapsed time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S406: YES), the control IC transitions to the front row selection process shown in Figure 7 (step S407), and terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 8. 【0089】 In step S406, if it is determined that the REAR elapsed time is not equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S406: NO), the control IC terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 8. 【0090】 Furthermore, when the second input unit 121 (rear row selector switch) is pressed in the vehicle and the rear row is selected, the control IC repeatedly executes the series of processes shown in Figure 8. 【0091】 In one embodiment of the input device 100, the control IC performs a series of processes shown in Figure 8. If contact or oscillation of the first input unit 130 is detected before the REAR elapsed time reaches a predetermined threshold, the device can maintain the rear row selected state. If no contact or oscillation of the first input unit 130 is detected before the REAR elapsed time reaches a predetermined threshold, the device can automatically transition from the rear row selected state to the front row selected state. 【0092】 In one embodiment of the input device 100, the control IC performs the processing shown in Figures 6 to 8, and if contact with the first input unit 130 is detected after a pressing operation has been performed on the second input unit 121, the pressing operation on the second input unit 121 is disabled at the timing when contact with the first input unit 130 is detected. 【0093】 As a result, in one embodiment of the input device 100, when the operator intentionally performs a pressing operation on the second input unit 121, the function assigned to that pressing operation is executed, and thereafter, when the operator unintentionally performs a pressing operation on the second input unit 121 while operating on the first input unit 130, the function assigned to that pressing operation is not executed. 【0094】(An example of illumination control by a control IC) Figure 9 shows an example of illumination control by a control IC provided in an input device 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the control IC can control the illumination of each illumination unit (door icon 122A, REAR icon 121A, and ambient illumination) according to the operating state of each input unit (first input unit 130, second input unit 121, and third input unit 122). 【0095】 Ambient illumination refers to the process of illuminating the area around the elastic deformation layer 120 by illuminating multiple LEDs 142 mounted on the substrate 140, and guiding the light emitted from these LEDs 142 through the gap between the elastic deformation layer 120 and the housing 110 via a light guide 111A (see Figure 2) provided along the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the housing 110. 【0096】 For example, in the example shown in Figure 9, when all inputs are idle, the control IC illuminates the door icon 122A, the REAR icon 121A, and the ambient lighting with white light and 50% brightness. 【0097】 Furthermore, for example, when a hover operation is performed on the door icon 122A, the control IC illuminates the door icon 122A in white with 100% brightness, and illuminates the REAR icon 121A and ambient illumination in white with 50% brightness, thereby emphasizing that the door icon 122A has been selected and making it easy for the operator to understand. 【0098】 Furthermore, a hover operation of the door icon 122A is an operation in which the operator's finger is moved closer to the door icon 122A while it is separated from the door icon 122A. In this case as well, the control IC can detect the hover operation of the door icon 122A by detecting the capacitive coupling between the operator's finger and the detection electrode 123B. 【0099】Furthermore, for example, when a hover operation is performed on the REAR icon 121A, the control IC illuminates the REAR icon 121A in white with 100% brightness, and illuminates the door icon 122A and ambient illumination in white with 50% brightness, thereby emphasizing that the REAR icon 121A has been selected and making it easy for the operator to understand. 【0100】 Furthermore, a hover operation of the REAR icon 121A is an operation in which the operator's finger is moved closer to the REAR icon 121A while it is separated from the REAR icon 121A. In this case as well, the control IC can detect the hover operation of the REAR icon 121A by detecting the capacitive coupling between the operator's finger and the detection electrode 123A. 【0101】 Furthermore, for example, when the power window switch (i.e., the first input unit 130) is touched or shaken, the control IC illuminates the REAR icon 121A in white with 100% brightness, and illuminates the door icon 122A and ambient illumination in white with 50% brightness, thereby emphasizing that the power window switch has been touched or shaken, making it easy for the operator to understand. 【0102】 Furthermore, for example, when a pressing operation is performed on the door icon 122A (i.e., the third input unit 122), the control IC flashes the door icon 122A and the ambient illumination in white and at 100% brightness, and turns off the REAR icon 121A, thereby emphasizing that a pressing operation has been performed on the door icon 122A and making it easy for the operator to understand. 【0103】 Furthermore, for example, when a pressing operation is performed on the door icon 122A (i.e., the third input unit 122), the control IC detects the presence of an obstacle in the vehicle's power door. In this case, the door icon 122A and ambient illumination flash red at 100% brightness, and the REAR icon 121A is turned off, thereby emphasizing the presence of an obstacle in the vehicle's power door and making it easy for the operator to understand. 【0104】Furthermore, for example, when the second input unit 121 is pressed and the rear row is selected, the control IC illuminates the door icon 122A and ambient lighting in white with 50% brightness, and illuminates the REAR icon 121A in orange with 50% brightness, thereby emphasizing that the rear row is selected and making it easy for the operator to understand. 【0105】 Furthermore, for example, if a hover operation is performed on the REAR icon 121A while the rear row is selected, the control IC illuminates the door icon 122A and ambient lighting in white with 50% brightness, and illuminates the REAR icon 121A in orange with 100% brightness. This emphasizes that a hover operation was performed on the REAR icon 121A while the rear row was selected, making it easy for the operator to understand. 【0106】 Thus, in the input device 100 according to one embodiment, the second input unit 121 has light transmittance and has a REAR icon 121A (illumination unit) whose illumination state changes according to the operation state of the second input unit 121. 【0107】 As a result, the input device 100 according to one embodiment changes the illumination state according to the operation state of the second input unit 121, thereby allowing the operator to easily visually grasp the operation state of the second input unit 121. 【0108】 (Example of installation of input device 100 in a vehicle) Figure 10 shows an example of installation of an input device 100 according to one embodiment in a vehicle. Figure 10 shows the left front seat 11 (driver's seat), left front door 12, and steering wheel 13 of the vehicle as viewed from the right side inside the vehicle. 【0109】In the example shown in Figure 10, the input device 100 is embedded in the upper end and front of the inner panel 12A of the left front door 12 (i.e., to the left of the steering wheel 13 as viewed from the driver). In particular, the input device 100 is installed so that the surface of the elastic deformation layer 120 having the second input section 121 and the third input section 122 faces inward towards the passenger compartment. Furthermore, the input device 100 is installed so that the first input section 130 is located towards the front of the passenger compartment, while the second and third input sections 122 are located towards the rear of the passenger compartment. Figure 10 describes the case where the steering wheel 13 is on the left side of the passenger compartment and the input device 100 is installed in the left front door 12. However, if the steering wheel 13 is located on the right side of the passenger compartment, the input device 100 can be installed in the right front door. 【0110】 As a result, the driver seated in the left front seat 11 can easily operate the input device 100 with their left hand by releasing their left hand from the steering wheel 13 and moving it to the left. Furthermore, by installing the input device 100 at the upper end and front of the inner panel 12A, when the operator attempts to operate the first input unit 130, the operator will extend their arm and operate it with their fingers, making it difficult for the operator's palm to touch the second input unit 121 and the third input unit 122. Therefore, it is possible to suppress accidental operation of the second input unit 121 and the third input unit 122 by the operator's palm. 【0111】 (Modified configuration of the contact detection unit) Figure 11 shows a modified configuration of the contact detection unit provided in the input device 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the input device 100 according to one embodiment includes a fixed electrode 145C between the left operation knob 131 and the right operation knob 132, and the fixed electrode 145C may be configured to be capacitively coupled with both the left operation knob 131 and the right operation knob 132. 【0112】 (Preferred size of fixed electrodes 145A, 145A) Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating preferred size of fixed electrodes 145A provided in an input device 100 according to one embodiment. 【0113】 As shown in Figure 12, it is preferable that the fixed electrode 145A is wider in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) than the detected portion 131D of the left-side operating knob 131. This allows the opposing area between the fixed electrode 145A and the detected portion 131D to remain constant, even when the left-side operating knob 131 is swung to its maximum extent, as shown in Figure 12, and thus the fluctuation of the capacitance detected by the fixed electrode 145A can be suppressed. 【0114】 Similarly, it is preferable that the fixed electrode 145B is wider in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) than the detected portion 132D of the right-side operating knob 132. This allows the opposing area between the fixed electrode 145B and the detected portion 132D to remain constant even when the right-side operating knob 132 is swung to its maximum extent, thereby suppressing fluctuations in the capacitance detected by the fixed electrode 145B. 【0115】 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. 【0116】 This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-214695, filed on 9 December 2024, and the entire contents of said application are incorporated herein by reference. 【0117】11 Left front seat 12 Left front door 12A Inner panel 13 Handle 100 Input device 110 Housing 111A, 111B Light guide 120 Elastic deformation layer 121 Second input section 121A REAR icon 122 Third input section 122A Door icon 123A Detection electrode 123B Detection electrode 130 First input section 131 Left side operation knob 131A Operation section 131B Base 131C Shaft section 131D Detected section 132 Right side operation knob 132A Operation section 132B Base 132C Shaft section 132D Detected section 133A, 133B, 133C, 133D Push switch 134A, 134B, 134C, 134D Actuator 140, Circuit board 142, LEDs 145A, 145B, Fixed electrode 151, Plate 152, Lower cover 160, FPC

Claims

1. An input device comprising: an elastically deformable elastic deformation layer; a first input section that can be operated by an operator; a second input section provided in the elastic deformation layer adjacent to the first input section and that can be pressed by the operator; a contact detection section that detects contact with the first input section; and a control section that disables the pressing operation on the second input section when contact with the first input section is detected.

2. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact detection unit has at least one fixed electrode for detecting contact with the first input unit.

3. The input device according to claim 2, characterized in that the second input unit has at least one pair of detection electrodes sandwiching the elastic deformation layer.

4. The input device according to claim 3, characterized in that the control unit disables the pressing operation when a contact detection signal is input from the contact detection unit to the first input unit and an operation signal for the pressing operation is input from the second input unit.

5. The input device according to claim 4, comprising: a plate disposed below the elastic deformation layer; and a substrate disposed below the plate, spaced apart from the plate, wherein the control unit and the fixed electrode are disposed on the substrate; and one of the detection electrodes of the detection electrode pair is disposed on the plate and electrically connected to the control unit by a wiring member.

6. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the function assigned to the pressing operation for the second input unit is a function related to the function assigned to the input operation for the first input unit.

7. The input device according to claim 6, characterized in that it is provided in the elastic deformation layer and comprises a third input section that can be pressed by the operator.

8. The input device according to claim 7, characterized in that the control unit further disables the pressing operation on the third input unit when contact to the first input unit is detected.

9. The input device according to claim 8, characterized in that the function assigned to the pressing operation for the third input unit is a function unrelated to the function assigned to the input operation for the first input unit.

10. The input device according to claim 6, characterized in that, if the control unit detects contact with the first input unit after the pressing operation with the second input unit has been performed, it disables the pressing operation with the second input unit at the timing when contact with the first input unit is detected.

11. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second input unit has light transmittance and an illumination unit whose illumination state changes according to the operation state of the second input unit.

12. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface of the elastic deformation layer faces inward towards the passenger compartment, and is installed at the upper end and front of the inner panel of the front door of a vehicle, the first input unit is located on the front side of the passenger compartment, and the second input unit is located on the rear side of the passenger compartment.

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