JP2005313732A - Switching device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switching device having good operability and appearance which is stored when it is not operated and projects so as to enter an operator's palm when it is operated. <P>SOLUTION: The switching device has a switching casing 12 which is projectingly/storably installed on a casing installation surface 14, and has a plurality of switching operation parts, a drive mechanism which projects/stores the switching casing 12 from/into the casing installation surface 14, and a switch 16 for operating the casing indicating the projection/storage operation of the switching casing 12 by transmitting an ON-OFF signal for operating the driving mechanism. The switch 16 for operating the casing is disposed at a position where the operator can operate in a state of holding the hand 18 on the switching casing 12 in a state of being stored. When the switch 16 for operating the casing is operated, the switching casing 12 in the state of being stored is constituted so as to project toward the operator's palm. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch device, and more particularly to a switch device with improved operability and appearance.

  Conventionally, various switch devices for operating electric devices and the like are known. A general switch device is operated by an operator visually confirming a switch button, selecting a switch button to be operated, and pressing the selected switch button with a finger.

  On the other hand, various technologies related to a switch device that improves operability by devising the structure are disclosed. For example, the switch device (multifunction switch) described in Patent Document 1 below is characterized in that the outer shape of the switch case is set to a mouse shape that can be surrounded and held by the palm of the switch operator. . On the surface of the mouse-shaped switch case, operation switches corresponding to the respective fingers are disposed at positions where the fingers of the hand surrounding and holding the switch case are positioned in a natural gripping form. Therefore, according to the switch device described in the following Patent Document 1, it is possible to improve the operability by the blind operation.

JP 2000-276976 A

  By the way, for example, in the case of a switch device installed in the interior of an automobile, a switch device with high operability that does not hinder the driving of the automobile is required. In most cases, a driver must visually check a switch button and select a switch button to be operated, and then operate the switch button.

  On the other hand, the switch device described in Patent Document 1 that enables blind operation requires a large installation space because there is a portion for placing a palm. Therefore, for example, in a relatively narrow space such as a vehicle compartment, the installation location is limited, and the operability and appearance are also deteriorated.

  In addition, since a human hand is naturally lightly gripped unless a force is applied to the finger, in the case of a switch device having a mouse-type outer shape as in the invention described in Patent Document 1, an error occurs. There is also a problem that you have to be aware that you always spread your fingers to a certain extent so as not to push the switch.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and provides a switch device having good operability and appearance.

  The switch device according to the present invention is installed so as to protrude and retract with respect to the housing installation surface, and a switch housing in which a plurality of switch operation units are disposed, and the switch housing from the housing installation surface. A device having a drive mechanism for projecting / storing, and a casing operation switch for instructing a projecting / storing operation of the switch casing by transmitting an ON-OFF signal for operating the drive mechanism The casing operation switch is disposed at a position where the operator can operate with the hand held on the switch casing in the housed state. In this case, the switch housing in the housed state is configured to protrude toward the palm of the operator.

  In the switch device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of switch operation units are arranged at locations corresponding to finger positions when an operator grips the switch housing.

  Further, in the switch device according to the present invention, the switch casing has an outer shape corresponding to a grip shape of a hand when an operator holds the switch casing to perform switching operation of the plurality of switch operation units. It is suitable to have.

  In such a switch device according to the present embodiment, the switch casing can operate from the protruded state to the retracted state without depending on the operation of the casing operation switch. The operation may be performed when the plurality of switch operation units are not operated for a predetermined time in a state where the switch housing is protruded.

  Further, in the switch device according to the present embodiment, the switch casing can operate from the protruded state to the retracted state without depending on the operation of the casing operation switch. Can be performed by applying a predetermined pressure in the storage direction to the switch housing in a state in which the switch housing protrudes.

  The switch device according to the present invention is housed when not operated, and protrudes so as to enter the palm of the operator when operated. In addition, the switch housing has an outer shape that matches the palm shape of the operator, and a plurality of switch operation units installed on the switch housing are fingertips when the operator grips the switch housing. It is arranged at a location corresponding to the position. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a switch device with good operability and good appearance.

  Further, since the switch housing can be stored not only by the operation of the housing operation switch but also by the passage of a predetermined time or pressurization, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a switch device with excellent safety. it can.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments do not limit the invention according to each claim, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention. .

[First Embodiment]
The switch device according to the first embodiment can be installed in the vicinity of the shift knob 10 installation position next to the driver's seat of the automobile, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In the present embodiment, the case where the switch housing 12 constituting the switch device has a U-shape is illustrated. Hereinafter, the switch device according to the present embodiment will be specifically described.

  The switch device according to the present embodiment includes a switch housing 12 that is installed so as to protrude and retract with respect to the housing installation surface 14 and in which a plurality of switch operation units 13 are disposed. Further, the switch housing 12 is projected and retracted by transmitting a drive mechanism for projecting and housing the switch housing 12 from the housing installation surface 14 and an ON-OFF signal for operating the drive mechanism. And a casing operation switch 16 for instructing. The drive mechanism will be described in detail later.

  Here, as a characteristic point of the present embodiment, there is a positional relationship between the switch housing 12 and the housing operation switch 16. The housing operation switch 16 is disposed on the switch housing 12 in a housed state at a position where the operator can operate with the hand 18 held up (see FIG. 1A). When the casing operation switch 16 is operated, the switch casing 12 in the retracted state protrudes toward the operator's palm (see FIG. 1B). Therefore, in the switch device according to the present embodiment, the switch housing 12 is housed in the housing installation surface 14 when no operation is required, and the switch housing 12 protrudes from the housing installation surface 14 when an operation is performed. It has a good-looking, functional structure. Further, since the switch housing 12 protrudes into the palm of the operator by the operation of the housing operation switch 16, the operability is also good.

  2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining the detailed structure of the switch housing 12, in which FIG. 2A is a top view of the switch housing, FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. (C) is a figure which shows the (B view) side surface in (a).

  In the switch casing 12 in the present embodiment, six switch operation units 13a to 13f are arranged. These switch operation units 13a to 13f are arranged at locations corresponding to the finger positions when the operator holds the switch housing 12, and can be operated from both the driver seat side and the passenger seat side. Six switch operation portions 13a to 13f are provided. Accordingly, in the case of an operator on the driver's seat side, the operation is performed with the left hand. Therefore, the switch operation unit indicated by reference numeral 13a is used for the thumb, the switch operation unit indicated by reference numeral 13b is used for the index finger, and the switch operation unit indicated by reference numeral 13c is used for the middle finger. However, a switch operation unit 13d is provided for the ring finger and a switch operation unit 13e is provided for the little finger.

  On the other hand, since the operator on the passenger's seat side operates with the right hand, the switch operation unit 13f for the thumb, the switch operation unit 13e for the index finger, and 13d for the middle finger, respectively. The switch operation unit is provided with a switch operation unit 13c for the ring finger and a switch operation unit 13b for the little finger.

  The switch housing 12 preferably has an outer shape corresponding to the grip shape of the hand 18 when the operator grips the switch housing 12 in order to perform the switching operation of the plurality of switch operation units 13. It is. By providing such an outer shape, it is possible to improve the fit of the operator with respect to the switch housing 12 and further improve the operability.

  Next, a drive mechanism for projecting and storing the switch housing 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the drive mechanism of the switch device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3A is a view of the main part of the drive mechanism as viewed from above, and FIG. It is (CC) sectional drawing in a). FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit for operating the drive mechanism.

  The drive mechanism 20 is configured such that the gear 21 formed on the switch housing 12 side and the gear 22 connected on the motor shaft mesh with each other, and the switch housing 12 is protruded and stored when the motor 23 rotates. The composition is taken. The drive mechanism 20 is provided with a potentiometer 24 for reading the rotational position of the gear 22 and a clutch 25 for releasing the impact force.

  Further, the protruding amount of the switch housing 12 and the storage position are defined by a stopper 26 projecting horizontally from the switch housing 12 and a stopper groove 27 corresponding to the stopper 26. The contact surfaces of the stopper 26 and the stopper groove 27 can be covered with an elastic body. By doing so, the impact when the switch housing 12 is housed can be reduced, and the stopping accuracy can be improved. Note that it is also preferable to install a fixed stopper 28 having an elastic body in the storage location of the switch housing 12, and the same effect as the elastic body provided on the contact surface of the stopper 26 and the stopper groove 27 can be exhibited. .

  A circuit for operating the drive mechanism 20 includes a switch housing 12, a housing operation switch 16, a motor 23, and a potentiometer 24, and an amplifier 29 that is connected to these devices and inputs and outputs electrical signals. Is possible.

  The operation procedure of the drive mechanism 20 having the above configuration will be described in order. First, when the operator presses the casing operation switch 16, an ON signal is input to the amplifier 29. The amplifier 29 confirms the position of the gear 22 by checking the potentiometer 24, and rotates the motor 23 in the projecting direction when the switch housing 12 is in the retracted state and in the retracted direction when it is in the projecting state. In the storing operation of the switch housing 12, when the switch housing 12 is slightly stopped by the stopper 26 (or the fixed stopper 28), the rotational speed of the motor 23 is reduced from the position signal of the potentiometer 24 and stopped slowly. Is preferable. If the switch housing 12 is not completely stored for some reason, the storing operation can be completed by additionally rotating the motor 23 from the position signal of the potentiometer 24.

  Note that by making another setting for the drive mechanism 20, it is possible to operate the switch housing 12 from the protruded state to the retracted state without depending on the operation of the housing operation switch 16. . As the operation method, for example, in a state where the switch housing 12 is protruded, the storage operation may be performed when the plurality of switch operation units 13 are not operated for a predetermined time. The storing operation may be performed by applying a predetermined pressure in the storing direction. By performing such operation settings, the safety of the switch device can also be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the switch device is installed in the vicinity of the installation position of the shift knob 10 next to the driver's seat of the automobile has been described as an example, but the side of the center console panel as shown in FIG. It can be installed in any place such as a rear seat as shown in

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment described above, the case where the switch housing 12 constituting the switch device has a U shape has been described as an example. In the second embodiment, a case where the switch housing 12 constituting the switch device is a stick-shaped stick will be described as an example. Note that members that are the same as or similar to those described in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the switch device according to the second embodiment can be installed in the vicinity of the position where the shift knob 10 is installed next to the driver's seat of the automobile. About this form, it is the same as that of the case of 1st Embodiment. However, regarding the number of casing operation switches 16 to be installed, unlike the first embodiment, it is necessary to install two switches on both sides of the switch casing 32.

  In the case of the switch housing 12 having a U-shape as in the first embodiment, the grip portion of the switch housing 12 is in the horizontal direction, so if there is one housing operation switch 16, the operator's palm The case can be housed in the vehicle, and can be used when operating from two directions of the driver side and the passenger seat side. However, in the case of the switch housing 32 in the present embodiment, the grip portion is directed in the vertical direction (traveling direction). Therefore, the two housing operation switches 16 for the right hand operation and the left hand operation must be provided. It will not be.

  A specific structure of the switch device according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, (a) is a figure which shows an upper surface external appearance, (b) is a figure which shows the (DD) cross section in (a).

  The switch housing 32 can be tilted about the drive shaft 34 as an axis, and can project and be accommodated according to the rotation of a motor (not shown) connected to the drive shaft 34. Further, two casing operation switches 16 are installed on both front sides of the switch casing 32, and when the operator presses the casing operation switch 16 with the switch casing 32 stored, the switch casing 32 protrudes to fit within the operator's palm.

  The switch housing 32 has one switch operation portion 33a at a different end from the shaft end connected to the automobile compartment, and has four switch operation portions 33b, 33c, 33d, and 33e on the lower surface of the fuselage. ing. As is clear from FIG. 7, the switch housing 32 is designed such that when the operator's hand 18 grasps the switch housing 32, the switch operation portion 33a at the end of the shaft is positioned just at the thumb 18a. ing. Further, the four switch operation units 33b, 33c, 33d, and 33e are installed at positions corresponding to the index finger 18b, the middle finger 18c, the ring finger 18d, and the little finger 18e, respectively. For the four-finger switch operation units 33b, 33c, 33d, and 33e other than the thumb 18a, it is not necessary to install all the switch operation units, and the number of the operation units may be set as necessary.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the switch housing 32 has an outer shape corresponding to the grip shape of the hand when the operator grips the switch housing 32 to perform the switching operation of the plurality of switch operation units 33. It is. By adopting such a structure, the operator's feeling of fitting with respect to the switch housing 32 can be improved.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. That is, in the present embodiment, the switch device in the case where it is installed in the passenger compartment of an automobile has been described as an example. Is possible.

  Various modifications or improvements can be added to the above embodiment. For example, for the casing operation switch 16 and the plurality of switch operation units 13 and 33, not only a simple switch but also a corresponding display unit (not shown) blinks (or changes in luminance or color) when a certain pressure is applied. Further, when a pressure is further applied, a switching operation may be performed. It is also possible to employ a switch such as a touch type, a stroke type, a lock type, or a mechanical type (for example, a switch that performs a switching operation by a spring, a speed adjustment damper, and a lock mechanism). It is apparent from the description of the scope of claims that embodiments with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the switch apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the switch apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the detailed structure of the switch housing | casing in 1st Embodiment, (a) is a switch housing upper surface in the figure, (b) is a (AA) cross section in (a). (C) in the figure shows the side surface (view B) in (a). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is the schematic for demonstrating the drive mechanism of the switch apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment, (a) is a figure which looked at the principal part of the drive mechanism from the upper surface, (b) is (a) in the figure. It is (CC) sectional drawing in (). It is a block diagram which shows the circuit for operating the drive mechanism which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the various installation patterns of the switch apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the various installation patterns of the switch apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the switch apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the switch apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific structure of the switch apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, (a) in the figure shows an upper surface external appearance, (b) has shown the (DD) cross section in (a).

Explanation of symbols

  10 shift knob, 12, 32 switch housing, 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, 33, 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e switch operation unit, 14 housing installation surface, 16 housing operation Switch, 18 hands, 18a Thumb, 18b Index finger, 18c Middle finger, 18d Ring finger, 18e Little finger, 20 Drive mechanism, 21, 22 Gear, 23 Motor, 24 Potentiometer, 25 Clutch, 26 Stopper, 27 Stopper groove, 28 Fixed stopper, 29 Amplifier, 34 Drive shaft.

Claims (5)

A switch housing that is installed so as to protrude and be retractable with respect to the housing installation surface, and in which a plurality of switch operation units are disposed,
A drive mechanism for projecting and storing the switch housing from the housing installation surface;
A case operation switch for instructing a protrusion / storage operation of the switch case by transmitting an ON-OFF signal for operating the drive mechanism;
A switch device comprising:
The casing operation switch is disposed at a position where the operator can hold the hand on the switch casing in a housed state,
The switch device is configured such that when the case operation switch is operated, the switch case in the retracted state protrudes toward the palm of the operator. The switch device according to claim 1,
The switch device, wherein the plurality of switch operation units are arranged at locations corresponding to finger positions when an operator grips the switch housing. The switch device according to claim 1 or 2,
The switch casing has an outer shape corresponding to a grip shape of a hand when an operator grips the switch casing in order to perform a switching operation of the plurality of switch operation units. apparatus. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The switch housing can operate from a protruding state to a retracted state without depending on the operation of the housing operation switch.
Such a storing operation is performed when the plurality of switch operation units are not operated for a predetermined time in a state in which the switch housing protrudes. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The switch housing can operate from a protruding state to a retracted state without depending on the operation of the housing operation switch.
Such a storing operation is performed by applying a predetermined pressure in the storing direction to the switch casing in a state in which the switch casing protrudes.

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