JP2006313699A - Switch unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switch unit excellent in operability for an operator, while reducing its thickness. <P>SOLUTION: The switch unit is provided with an operating key 2 switched between a protruded mode in which the key is protruded from the surface of the unit in free up-and-down movement and a press-down mode in which the key is pressed down toward the inside of the unit, and a wire 5 arranged under the operating key 2 for lifting up and down the operating key 2 through contraction due to conductive heating. In indicating that an operating input by an operator can be accepted at a control part, the wire 5 puts the operating key 2 in the protruded mode, and at the same time, detects the operating input received from the operating key 2 in the protruded mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch unit, and more particularly to a switch unit suitable for precision equipment and the like that are required to be reduced in size and thickness.

In recent years, precision devices such as mobile phones are rapidly becoming multifunctional, and such multifunctionalization contributes to complicating the operability. As a method for simplifying such operability, for example, it is conceivable that a part on the operation panel can be moved up and down and only a necessary part protrudes to the operator side. Patent Document 1 proposes an operation structure of a switch that prevents an unnecessary operation part of a push switch from protruding by moving an operation part corresponding to a desired push switch up and down while the push switch is fixed. Has been.
JP 2003-16869 A

  However, the conventional switch operation structure as described above employs a configuration in which a driving unit is interposed between an operation unit that can move up and down with respect to the operation panel and a push switch fixed inside the operation panel. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the thickness of the switch itself.

  In particular, in the current situation where miniaturization and thinning of precision devices such as mobile phones are constantly required, it is extremely important to realize thinning of components of such precision devices.

  This invention is made | formed in view of this point, and it aims at providing the switch unit excellent in the operativity by an operator, implement | achieving thickness reduction.

  The switch unit of the present invention is provided with an operating means that can be moved up and down and can be switched between a protruding form protruding from the surface of the unit and a sinking form sinking inside the unit, and disposed below the operating means and contracted by energization heating. Elevating means for raising and lowering the operating means, and an operation received from the operating means in the protruding form while the operating means is in the protruding form by the lifting means when indicating that the operation input by the operator is acceptable And a control means for detecting an input.

  According to this configuration, when the operation input by the operator is accepted, the operation means is in the protruding form by the elevating means, and the operation input received from the operating means in the protruding form is detected. For example, the structure for raising and lowering the operating means can be made thinner by configuring the elevating means with a wire made of shape memory alloy. In addition, since the operation means is lifted and lowered by using such a structure to indicate that an operation input by the operator can be accepted, the operation means can be in a protruding form only when necessary for the operation. Operation input by an operator can be assisted. As a result, it is possible to provide a switch unit that is excellent in operability by an operator while realizing a reduction in thickness.

  The switch unit of the present invention preferably includes a plurality of the operating means. According to this configuration, even when the operation means increases and the operation becomes complicated, only the operation means necessary for the operation is projected from the plurality of operation means so that the operation input by the operator can be performed. Since it assists, it becomes possible to provide the switch unit excellent in the operativity by an operator.

  In the switch unit of the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of operation means are arranged and the elevating means is disposed obliquely with respect to the arrangement direction. According to this configuration, for example, when the elevating means is formed of a shape memory alloy wire, the wire length necessary for elevating the operating means can be secured, and the interval between the operating means can be set narrow. it can.

  The switch unit of the present invention includes switch means having a contact point that is rendered conductive in response to a pressing operation on the operation means, and the control means detects an operation input in response to a signal output from the switch means. It is preferable to do. According to this configuration, since the operation input is detected according to the pressing operation on the operation means, it is possible to reliably detect the operation input by the operator from the operation means in the protruding form.

  In the switch unit of the present invention, the switch means is disposed at a position facing the operation means across the movement range of the operation means, and has an input auxiliary means for transmitting a pressing operation on the operation means to the switch means. It is preferable that the contact is in a conductive state. According to this configuration, since the pressing operation on the operation means is transmitted to the switch means via the input auxiliary means, it is possible to reliably detect the operation input of the operator while ensuring the movement range of the operation means in the unit. Is possible.

  In the switch unit of the present invention, it is preferable that the switch means is integrated with the operation means. According to this configuration, the structure required for the operation input can be simplified, so that the switch unit can be further reduced in thickness and size.

  In the switch unit of the present invention, the elevating means is attached to a flexible elastic member, and the elastic member includes a part of a contact point of the switch means, and the elastic means according to a pressing operation on the operation means. It is preferable that the contact be in a conductive state by bending the member. According to this configuration, since the elastic member to which the elevating means is attached also serves as a part of the switch means, in this case, the structure required for operation input is simplified, and the switch unit is further reduced in thickness and size. It can be realized.

  In the switch unit of the present invention, it is preferable that a plurality of the lifting / lowering means are provided, the lifting / lowering means are arranged side by side in the moving direction of the operating means, and the lifting / lowering means each move up and down the different operating means. According to this configuration, the lifting means arranged side by side in the moving direction of the operating means lifts the different operating means, so that, for example, the lifting means is made of a shape memory alloy wire to achieve a thin shape. In addition, the interval between the operation means can be set narrow.

  The switch unit of the present invention preferably includes holding means for holding the operating means in a protruding form. According to this configuration, since the operation means in the protruding form can be held regardless of the contracted state, it is possible to avoid the situation where the elevating means is continuously heated by heating, and the power consumption of the switch unit can be reduced. It becomes possible to do. In addition, the operation means may be easily recognized by transmitting heat generated by energization heating to the lifting and lowering means to the operation means having a protruding form. In this case, since the operating means in the protruding form can be recognized not only in the form but also at the temperature, the operability of the switch unit can be improved.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the switch unit excellent in operativity by an operator, implement | achieving thickness reduction.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For example, the switch unit according to the present invention is suitably used for an operation panel of a precision device such as a mobile phone, a notebook computer, or an in-vehicle navigation device.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a switch unit 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the switch unit 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of operation keys 2. The operation key 2 has a form protruding outside the surface of the switch unit 1 (hereinafter referred to as “protruding form” as appropriate) and a form sinking inside the surface of the switch unit 1 (hereinafter referred to as “sinking form” as appropriate). It can be moved up and down.

  When the operation key 2 is projected, the operation key 2 can be recognized by the operator's sense of touch, so that an operation input is performed. On the other hand, when it is in the subsidence form, recognition by the operator's tactile sense becomes impossible, so that no operation input is performed. FIG. 1 shows a case where the operation key 2 in the uppermost row is in the protruding form, and a case where the operation keys 2 in the other rows are in the collapsed form.

  As will be described later, the switch unit 1 includes a bottom sheet having a so-called membrane switch, a top sheet 3 on which spacers and operation keys 2 are arranged, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation key 2 is fixed to an operation lever 4 formed by making a U-shaped cut 3 a in the top sheet 3. The operation lever 4 is configured to be swingable with respect to the top sheet 3 within a certain range, and the protruding form and the sinking form are switched according to the swinging operation.

  A certain space S is formed around the portion corresponding to the swing region of the operation lever 4 below the top sheet 3. Hereinafter, the structure arrange | positioned in this space S is demonstrated using FIG.2 and FIG.3. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view for explaining the internal configuration of the switch unit 1, and particularly shows a portion corresponding to the operation key 2 in a protruding form. FIG. 3 is a top view of the portion shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the operation key 2 is attached to the tip of an operation lever 4 formed on the top sheet 3. A wire 5 made of a shape memory alloy (SMA) is installed on the lower side of the top sheet 3 so as to pass through the back surface portion of the operation lever 4 corresponding to the operation key 2. The wire 5 is contracted by energization heating to raise the operation lever 4 to the upper limit position where the operation key 2 is in the protruding form, while the operation key 2 is released from contraction by stopping the energization heating and the lower limit position where the operation key 2 is in the collapsed form. The operation lever 4 is lowered.

  The operation lever 4 is configured to be able to bend its tip at a predetermined position before the operation key 2 (a dotted line portion on the operation lever 4 shown in FIG. 3). As the movable part swings up and down according to the state of the wire 5, the protruding form and the sinking form of the operation key 2 are switched. A force (a force for returning the operation key 2 to the subsidence state) is applied to the movable portion in an unloaded state. The force for the movable part to return to the lower limit position may be, for example, due to the weight of the operation lever 4 or may be applied by a separately provided urging means. Here, it is assumed that the operation lever 4 has its own weight.

  FIG. 4 shows the state of the operation lever 4 that moves up and down in accordance with the state of the wire 5 described above. As shown in FIG. 4, when the contraction of the wire 5 is released, the operation lever 4 is moved to the lower limit position, and the operation key 2 is set in a depressed state (see FIG. 4A). On the other hand, when the wire 5 is contracted, the operation lever 4 is moved to the upper limit position, and the operation key 2 is in a protruding state (see FIG. 4B).

  As shown in FIG. 3, both ends of the wire 5 corresponding to each operation key 2 are connected to the tip of a leaf spring 6 provided in one adjacent space S, and the wire fixing terminal 7 provided in the other space S. The installation path is attached so as to be inclined with respect to the arrangement direction of the space S. That is, the wire 5 corresponding to the operation key 2 in the central space S shown in FIG. 3 is the same as the upper end of the leaf spring 6 provided at the left end of the left space S shown in FIG. It is attached between the wire fixing terminal 7 provided in the right side lower end part of the right side space S shown in the figure. In FIG. 2, the leaf spring 6 and the wire fixing terminal 7 are omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the input assisting member 8 is disposed at a position on the lower side of the operation lever 4 and surrounding the operation lever 4 moved downward. The input assisting member 8 is pushed down by the operator's operation of depressing the operation key 2 and plays a role of conducting between the membrane switch contacts provided on the bottom sheet. Note that grooves 8a and 8b are formed at predetermined positions of the input auxiliary member 8 to allow the wire 5 to be in a contracted state or a contracted release state (see FIG. 3). In this way, since the pressing operation on the operation key 2 is transmitted to the membrane switch provided on the bottom sheet via the input auxiliary member 8, the operation lever 4 can be reliably operated while ensuring the swing range of the operation lever 4 within the unit. It becomes possible to detect the operation input of the person.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the operation key 2 in the switch unit 1 according to the present embodiment. 5A shows the case where the contraction of the wire 5 is released, FIG. 5B shows the case where the wire 5 is contracted, and FIG. 5C shows the operation key in a state where the wire 5 is contracted. 2 shows a case where 2 is pushed down by the operator. In addition, FIG.5 (d) has shown about the modification of the switch unit 1 which concerns on this Embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the switch unit 1 according to the present embodiment, the top sheet 3 is disposed above the bottom sheet 9 having a membrane switch via a spacer 10. Similar to the spacer 10, the above-described input assisting member 8 is disposed above the bottom sheet 9.

  The bottom sheet 9 includes an upper contact sheet 11, a lower contact sheet 12, and a spacer 13 that constitute a membrane switch. An upper contact 14 and a lower contact 15 are attached to the upper contact sheet 11 and the lower contact sheet 12 at positions corresponding to the input auxiliary member 8, respectively. The upper contact 14 and the lower contact 15 are opposed to each other with a predetermined space supported by the spacer 13 interposed therebetween.

  When the contraction of the wire 5 is released (FIG. 5A), the wire 5 enters the grooves 8a and 8b (not shown in FIG. 5A) provided in the input auxiliary member 8. The operation lever 4 is moved to the lower limit position by its own weight. In this case, since the operation key 2 is in a sunk state, the operator cannot touch the operation key 2 and cannot recognize it. In this case, the upper contact 14 and the lower contact 15 are non-conductive.

  On the other hand, when the wire 5 is contracted (FIG. 5B), the wire 5 is lifted in contact with the lower surface of the operation lever 4, so that the operation lever 4 is lifted to the upper limit position. In this case, since the operation key 2 is in the protruding state, the operator can touch the operation key 2 and can recognize it. Even in this case, the upper contact 14 and the lower contact 15 are in a non-conductive state.

  When the operator depresses the operation key 2 from the state in which the wire 5 is contracted (FIG. 5C), the input auxiliary member 8 moves downward due to the deflection of the topsheet 3. In response to this, the upper contact sheet 11 bends to move the upper contact 14 downward and contact the lower contact 15. As a result, the upper contact 14 and the lower contact 15 are in a conductive state.

  In addition, in the switch unit 1 which concerns on this Embodiment, although it has shown about the case where a membrane switch is provided in the bottom sheet | seat 9, about the installation place of a membrane switch, a deformation | transformation is possible suitably. For example, a membrane switch may be provided below the operation key 2 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5D, only the upper contact 14 and the lower contact 15 constituting the membrane switch are shown below the operation keys 2. When the membrane switch is installed below the operation key 2 as described above, it is not necessary to provide the input auxiliary member 8 and the bottom sheet 9, so that the structure required for operation input is simplified and the switch unit 1 is further updated. It becomes possible to realize the thinning.

  Next, the control unit 20 that performs operation control in the switch unit 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 20 that controls the operation of the switch unit 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 20 of the switch unit 1 according to the present embodiment includes a pattern storage unit 21 that stores the arrangement pattern of the operation keys 2, and a specific arrangement from the arrangement pattern stored in the pattern storage unit 21. A pattern designating unit 22 for designating a pattern, a wire driving unit 23 for driving the wire 5 by controlling the energization state according to the contents of the array pattern designated by the pattern designating unit 22, and an operator in accordance with the output signal of the membrane switch An input detection unit 24 that detects an operation input from the input unit, and an input position determination unit 25 that determines the input position by the operator in accordance with the contents of the array pattern specified by the pattern specification unit 22 and the notification from the input detection unit 24 Have.

  The pattern storage unit 21 stores an arrangement pattern of the operation keys 2 according to the state of the switch unit 1. More specifically, the arrangement pattern of the operation keys 2 corresponding to the initial state of the switch unit 1 and the operation mode of the device on which the switch unit 1 is mounted (hereinafter referred to as “mounted device”) is stored. For example, when the switch unit 1 is mounted on a camera-equipped mobile phone, the operation key 2 corresponding to a call mode for specifying a destination, changing a call volume, etc., or a camera mode for starting a flash function or a zoom function, etc. The arrangement pattern is stored.

  The pattern designation unit 22 designates a specific arrangement pattern from among a plurality of arrangement patterns stored in the pattern storage unit 21 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit of the mounted device. Then, it notifies the wire drive unit 23 and the input position determination unit 25 of the contents of the specified arrangement pattern of the operation keys 2.

  The wire driving unit 23 controls the energization state of the wires 5 according to the contents of the array pattern notified from the pattern specifying unit 22. Specifically, the wire 5 corresponding to the operation key 2 to be in the projecting form is contracted by energizing and heating, while the wire 5 corresponding to the operation key 2 to be in the subsidized form is contracted by stopping the energizing heating. (If left unheated, leave it alone).

  The input detection unit 24 detects the presence or absence of an operation input from the operator by detecting an output signal from the membrane switch that is output in response to the operation of pressing the operation key 2 by the operator. If an operation input from the operator is detected, the input position determination unit 25 is notified accordingly.

  When the input position determination unit 25 receives a notification that an operation input has been received from the input detection unit 24, an operation input has been performed by the operator based on the contents of the array pattern notified from the pattern specification unit 22. The position of the operation key 2 is determined. Then, the determined position of the operation key 2 is notified to the control unit of the mounted device.

  By controlling the operation by the control unit 20 having such a functional block, the switch unit 1 is configured so that only the predetermined operation key 2 is in a protruding form, so that an arrangement of the predetermined operation keys 2 can be made by touching the operator. Can be recognized, and an operation input only from the recognized predetermined operation key 2 can be accepted.

  As described above, according to the switch unit 1 of the present embodiment, when the operation input by the operator is accepted, the operation key 2 is projected from the wire 5, and the operation key is projected from the wire 5. The operation input received from 2 is detected. Since the operation key 2 is lifted and lowered by the shape memory alloy wire 5 as described above, the structure for raising and lowering the operation key 2 can be thinned. Further, since the operation key 2 is moved up and down using such a structure to indicate that the operation input by the operator can be accepted, the operation key 2 can be made to protrude only when necessary for the operation. Therefore, the operation input by the operator can be assisted. As a result, it is possible to provide the switch unit 1 that is excellent in operability by the operator while realizing a reduction in thickness.

  In particular, the switch unit 1 according to the present embodiment is suitable in the case where the plurality of operation keys 2 as described above are provided. In this case, even if the operation keys 2 are increased and the operation is complicated, only the operation keys 2 necessary for the operation are projected from the plurality of operation keys 2 so as to be operated by the operator. Since the input is assisted, it is possible to provide the switch unit 1 excellent in operability by the operator. In addition, it is preferable as an embodiment to transmit heat generated by energization heating to the wire 5 to the operation key 2 in the protruding form. In this case, since the operation key 2 in the protruding form can be recognized not only in the form but also in the temperature, the operability of the switch unit 1 can be improved.

  The switch unit 1 contracts the wire 5 installed below the operation lever 4 by energization heating to move the operation lever 4 to the upper limit position, and releases the operation lever 4 by releasing the contraction by stopping energization heating. Move to the lower limit position. At this time, the switch unit 1 further includes a member for holding the operation lever 4 that has been moved to the upper limit position. Hereinafter, the structure of the member that holds the operation lever 4 will be described. In FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, this configuration is omitted for convenience of explanation.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a member that holds the operation lever 4 moved to the upper limit position in the switch unit 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 shows the operating state of the linear cam that enters below the operation lever 4 that has moved to the upper limit position.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the linear cam 31 is disposed at the tip of the tip of the operation lever 4. The linear cam 31 is biased toward the operation lever 4 by a biasing means (not shown). When the operation lever 4 is arranged at a position other than the upper limit position, the operation lever 4 abuts on the tip of the operation lever 4, while when the operation lever 4 is arranged at the upper limit position, the operation lever 4 is configured to enter below the operation lever 4. ing.

  Further, a wire 32 made of a shape memory alloy (SMA) is attached to the left end of the linear cam 31 shown in FIG. The wire 32 contracts by energization heating to pull the linear cam 31 to the left side in the figure. On the other hand, when the contraction is released by stopping energization, the movement of the linear cam 31 by the urging force of the urging means is allowed. Hereinafter, the wire 5 is referred to as a set wire 5, and the wire 32 is referred to as a reset wire 32.

  FIG. 7A shows an initial state of the operation lever 4 and shows a state in which neither the set wire 5 nor the reset wire 32 is energized and heated. At this time, the operation lever 4 is lowered to the lower limit position, and the linear cam 31 is in contact with the tip thereof.

  FIG. 7B shows a state in which the set wire 5 is heated by energization from the initial state shown in FIG. By being energized and heated, the set wire 5 contracts and raises the operation lever 4 to the upper limit position. Since the operation lever 4 has moved to the upper limit position, there is no object to which the linear cam 31 abuts, and the operation lever 4 has entered the lower part of the operation lever 4.

  FIG. 7C shows a state in which energization to the set wire 5 is stopped from the state shown in FIG. When the energization is stopped, the set wire 5 is released from the contracted state and retracts downward from the back surface of the operation lever 4. However, since the linear motion cam 31 enters below the operation lever 4, the operation lever 4 does not move to the lower limit position due to its own weight.

  FIG. 7D shows a state where the reset wire 32 is energized and heated from the state shown in FIG. By being energized and heated, the reset wire 32 contracts and pulls the linear cam 31 to the left side in the figure. As a result, the linear cam 32 is retracted from the lower side of the operation lever 4, and the operation lever 4 moves to the lower limit position by its own weight. When the energization to the reset wire 32 is stopped from this state, the state returns to the state shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the switch unit 1 according to the present embodiment, by providing the member that holds the operation lever 4 moved to the upper limit position, the operation lever 4 is maintained at the upper limit position regardless of the contraction state of the set wire 5. I am doing so. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the set wire 5 is continuously energized and heated, so that power saving in the switch unit 1 can be realized.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the member that holds the operation lever 4 moved to the upper limit position. FIG. 8 shows an operating state of a cylindrical cam in which a guide groove is formed on the peripheral surface and a projection provided at the tip of the operation lever 4 is held by the guide groove.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the cylindrical cam 33 is disposed at the tip of the operation lever 4 in the same manner as the linear motion cam 31. The cylindrical cam 33 is provided so as to be rotatable along a guide (not shown) provided on the installation surface, for example. The cylindrical cam 33 is configured to maintain the state when the rotation is stopped by friction with the guide or the installation surface.

  On the peripheral surface of the cylindrical cam 33, a guide groove 34 is formed that accommodates the protrusion 4 t provided at the tip of the operation lever 4 and guides the protrusion 4 t according to the rotation of the cylindrical cam 33. The guide groove 34 is provided in a shape that guides the protrusion 4t according to the rotation of the cylindrical cam 33 so that the operation lever 4 moves from the lower limit position to the upper limit position.

  The cylindrical cam 33 is attached with a wire 35 disposed substantially parallel to the set wire 5 in the initial state shown in FIG. Similar to the set wire 5, the wire 35 is made of a shape memory alloy (SMA) and is attached so as to be fitted into a groove 36 formed in the cylindrical cam 33. The wire 35 is contracted by energization heating to rotate the cylindrical cam 33 to the initial state shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the contraction is released by stopping energization, the cylindrical cam 33 is allowed to rotate in accordance with the movement of the operation lever 4. Hereinafter, the wire 35 is referred to as a reset wire 35.

  FIG. 8A shows an initial state of the operation lever 4 and shows a state in which neither the set wire 5 nor the reset wire 35 is energized and heated. At this time, the protrusion 4t is accommodated in the lowermost position of the guide groove 34, and the operation lever 4 is lowered to the lower limit position.

  FIG. 8B shows a state in which the set wire 5 is heated by energization from the initial state shown in FIG. By being energized and heated, the set wire 5 contracts and raises the operation lever 4 to the upper limit position. In the process in which the operation lever 4 moves to the upper limit position, the cylindrical cam 33 rotates as the protrusion 4t advances through the guide groove 34. At this time, the protrusion 4t is housed in the uppermost position of the guide groove 34.

  FIG. 8C shows a state where energization to the set wire 5 is stopped from the state shown in FIG. When the energization is stopped, the set wire 5 is released from the contracted state and retracts downward from the lower surface of the operation lever 4. However, since the protrusion 4t of the operation lever 4 is accommodated in the uppermost position of the guide groove 34 of the cylindrical cam 33, the operation lever 4 does not move to the lower limit position due to its own weight.

  FIG. 8D shows a state where the reset wire 35 is energized and heated from the state shown in FIG. By being energized and heated, the reset wire 35 contracts and rotates the cylindrical cam 33 to the state shown in FIG. In the process in which the cylindrical cam 33 rotates, the protrusion 4t advances downward in the guide groove 34. Then, by proceeding to the lowest position, the tip of the operation lever 4 is moved to the lower limit position. When the energization to the reset wire 35 is released from this state, the state returns to the state shown in FIG.

  As described above, even when the member that holds the operation lever 4 moved to the upper limit position is configured by the cylindrical cam 33, the operation is performed regardless of the contracted state of the set wire 5, as in the case of the linear cam 31. The lever 4 is maintained at the upper limit position. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the set wire 5 is continuously energized and heated, so that power saving in the switch unit 1 can be realized.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of switch unit 1 concerning the present invention was described, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be variously changed. In the above embodiment, the case where the operation input by the operator is detected by the membrane switch provided on the bottom sheet 8 is shown. However, the configuration for detecting the operation input by the operator can be appropriately modified. is there. For example, the operation input by the operator may be detected using the deformation characteristics of the leaf spring 6 to which the set wire 5 is attached.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example in the case where an operation input by the operator is detected using the deformation characteristics of the leaf spring 6 to which the set wire 5 is attached. In FIG. 9, unlike the said embodiment, the end of the set wire 5 is attached to the center area | region of the leaf | plate spring 6. FIG. Note that the other end of the set wire 5 may be fixed to the wire fixing terminal 7 as in the above embodiment, or may be fixed to another configuration.

  The leaf spring 6 is fixed to the leaf spring fixing portion 40 on the base end side, and the tip end side can swing within a certain range. In the vicinity of the distal end portion of the leaf spring 6, a first contact 41 that protrudes toward the operation lever 4 is provided. A second contact 42 is erected at a position sandwiching a certain distance from the first contact 41. When the set wire 5 is pressed down by the operator while being contracted by energization heating, the tip of the leaf spring 6 is drawn toward the second contact 42 side. The first contact point 41 and the second contact point 42 are brought into contact with each other, whereby a conductive state is established therebetween.

  FIG. 9A shows an initial state of the operation lever 4 and shows a state where the set wire 5 is not heated by energization. At this time, the operation lever 4 is lowered to the lower limit position, and the leaf spring 6 is not loaded. For this reason, the leaf spring 6 does not bend, and the first contact 41 and the second contact 42 are in a separated state.

  FIG. 9B shows a state in which the set wire 5 is heated by energization from the initial state shown in FIG. By being energized and heated, the set wire 5 contracts and raises the operation lever 4 to the upper limit position. Thereby, the operation key 2 becomes a protrusion form. At this time, although a load is applied to the leaf spring 6, no load is applied so as to bend toward the second contact 42 side, and the first contact 41 and the second contact 42 are maintained in a separated state. Yes.

  FIG. 9C shows a state in which the operation key 2 is pushed down by the operator from the state shown in FIG. 9B. When the operation key 2 is pushed down by the operator, the operation lever 4 moves downward, and the set wire 5 is pushed down accordingly. When the set wire 5 is pushed down, a load for bending the leaf spring 6 is applied, and the first contact 41 and the second contact 42 come into contact with each other. Thereby, the 1st contact 41 and the 2nd contact 42 will be in a conduction state, and the operation input by an operator will be detected by the control part 20 mentioned above.

  Even in the case of detecting the operation input by the operator using the deformation characteristics of the leaf spring 6 to which the set wire 5 is attached in this way, the operation input by the operator can be detected as in the above embodiment, The effects obtained in the above embodiment can be obtained similarly. Further, since the configuration of the bottom sheet 9 having the membrane switch can be omitted, it is possible to simplify the structure required for operation input and further reduce the thickness of the switch unit 1.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although shown about the case where the operation lever 4 is moved up and down using the single set wire 5 arrange | positioned under the operation lever 4, about the structure which moves the operation lever 4 up and down. It can be modified as appropriate. For example, a plurality of set wires 5 may be disposed below the operation lever 4 and the vertical movement of the operation lever 4 may be operated by performing drive control of these set wires 5.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration example in which a plurality of set wires 5 are arranged below the operation lever 4 and drive control of these set wires 5 is performed. FIG. 10A shows a side sectional view of such a configuration example, and FIG. 10B shows a top view. In FIG. 10, only five operation levers 4 arranged side by side are shown, and are called operation levers 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and 4e from the left side. Further, although the operation key 2 is attached to the upper end of each operation lever 4, the display thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (a), the operation lever 4 has a length equivalent to the length between the top sheet 3 and the bottom sheet 9, and when the operation key 4 is disposed at the lower limit position, the operation key 2 is in the collapsed form. It comes to become. In each operation lever 4, a hole portion 51 and a long hole portion 52 that are combined in accordance with the installation position of each operation lever 4 are formed in a side surface portion disposed between the top sheet 3 and the bottom sheet 9. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (a), the operation lever 4a has a hole 51 formed in the upper portion and a long hole 52 formed in the lower portion thereof. The operation lever 4b, the operation lever 4c, and the operation lever 4d have a long hole portion 52 formed above, a hole portion 51 formed below the hole portion 52, and a long hole portion 52 formed below the hole portion 52. The operating lever 4e has an elongated hole 52 formed in the upper part and a hole 51 formed in the lower part thereof. As shown in FIG. 10A, the hole 51 is formed at a different position in each operation lever 4.

  A plurality of set wires 5 are installed so as to pass through the hole 51 and the long hole 52. Here, five set wires 5 are installed and called set wires 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and 5e from above. Each set wire 5 is attached to an elastic member 53 such as a leaf spring at one end thereof. The elastic member 53 is referred to as elastic members 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d and 53e from above.

  Each set wire 5 is constructed so as to pass through a hole 51 formed in one of the operation levers 4 and pass through a long hole 52 formed in the other operation lever 4. For example, in FIG. 10A, the set wire 5a passes through the hole 51 of the operation lever 4a, and passes through the long holes 52 of the other operation levers 4b to 4e. Further, the set wire 5e passes through the hole 51 of the operation lever 4e, and passes through the long hole 52 of the other operation levers 4a to 4d.

  When one of the set wires 5 is contracted by energizing and heating, the specific operation lever 4 rises according to the arrangement of the hole 51 and the long hole 52, and the operation lever 4 moves to the upper limit position. Specifically, when one of the set wires 5 is contracted, the operation lever 4 through which the set wire 5 has passed through the hole 51 moves to the upper limit position. At this time, the other operation lever 4 is not affected by the contraction because the set wire 5 passes through the long hole portion 52.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10A, the case where the set wires 5a and 5c are contracted by energization heating is shown. When the set wires 5a and 5c are contracted, the operation levers 4a and 4c through which the set wires 5a and 5c pass through the hole 51 are moved to the upper limit position, and the operation key 2 is projected according to this.

  As described above, the plurality of set wires 5 are arranged below the operation lever 4, the drive control of these set wires 5 is performed, and the operation lever 4 is operated to move up and down. It is possible to set a narrower pitch width.

  Further, in the case of such a change, when a member for holding the operation lever 4 moved to the upper limit position as described above is provided, the operation levers 4 moved to the upper limit position are collectively held. Also good.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, a groove is formed at a predetermined position on the side surface of the operation lever 4 that has moved to the upper limit position. On the other hand, it has a latching part that fits into the groove part, and is energized by an urging means (not shown) so that the latching part enters the groove part. It is conceivable that the holding member 55 to which the wire 54 is attached is disposed in the vicinity of the operation lever 4 so as to pull back the latching portion that has entered.

  In the case where such a holding member 55 is provided, when the specific operation lever 4 moves to the upper limit position, the engaging portion enters the groove portion of the operation lever 4 by the urging force of the urging means (not shown). The operation lever 4 can be held at the upper limit position. On the other hand, holding the operation lever 4 can be released by contracting the wire 54 by energization heating. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the set wire 5 is continuously energized and heated, so that power saving in the switch unit 1 can be realized.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be implemented with various modifications. In the above-described embodiment, the size, shape, and the like illustrated in the accompanying drawings are not limited to this, and can be appropriately changed within a range in which the effect of the present invention is exhibited. In addition, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the object of the present invention.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the switch unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged view for demonstrating the internal structure of the switch unit which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a top view of the part shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the state of the operation lever which moves up and down according to the state of the wire which the switch unit which concerns on the said embodiment has. It is sectional drawing of the operation key vicinity in the switch unit which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the control part which performs operation | movement control of the switch unit which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the member holding the operation lever which moved to the upper limit position in the switch unit which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the member holding the operation lever which moved to the upper limit position of the switch unit which concerns on the said embodiment. It is a figure shown about the structural example in the case of detecting the operation input by an operator using the deformation | transformation characteristic of the leaf | plate spring which the switch unit which concerns on the said embodiment has. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structural example in the case of arrange | positioning multiple set wires which the switch unit which concerns on the said embodiment has, and performing drive control.

Explanation of symbols

1 switch unit 2 operation key 3 surface sheet 4 operation lever 5 wire (set wire)
6 Leaf spring 7 Wire fixing terminal 8 Input auxiliary member 9 Bottom sheet 14 Upper contact 15 Lower contact

Claims (10)

  An operating means which is provided so as to be movable up and down and can be switched between a protruding form protruding from the unit surface and a sinking form sinking inside the unit, and raising and lowering disposed below the operating means and contracted by energization heating to raise and lower the operating means And a control means for detecting the operation input received from the operating means in the protruding form and the operating means in the protruding form when the operation means indicates that the operation input by the operator can be received. A switch unit comprising:   The switch unit according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of the operating means.   3. The switch unit according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of operation means are arranged and the elevating means is disposed obliquely with respect to the arrangement direction.   A switch unit having a contact point that is rendered conductive in response to a pressing operation on the operation unit is provided, and the control unit detects an operation input according to a signal output from the switch unit. The switch unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The switch means is disposed at a position facing the operation means across the range of movement of the operation means, and the contact is made conductive through an input auxiliary means for transmitting a pressing operation on the operation means to the switch means. The switch unit according to claim 4.   5. The switch unit according to claim 4, wherein the switch means is integrated with the operation means.   The elevating means is attached to a flexible elastic member, and the elastic member includes a part of the contact of the switch means, and the elastic member bends in response to a pressing operation on the operation means, so that the contact is The switch unit according to claim 4, wherein the switch unit is in a conductive state.   3. The switch unit according to claim 2, comprising a plurality of the lifting means, wherein the lifting means is arranged side by side in the moving direction of the operation means, and each of the lifting means lifts the different operation means. .   The switch unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising holding means for holding the operating means in a protruding form.   The switch according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the operation means is easily recognized by transmitting heat generated by energization heating to the elevating means to the operation means having a protruding form. unit.

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