JP2009301854A - Switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switch device capable of achieving cost reduction, downsizing and simplification. <P>SOLUTION: The switch device 2 is equipped with a substrate 24 in which a wiring pattern is formed, a knob 21 as an operation part having an operation face 210 where push operation and touch operation are carried out, a support member 22 as a first switch part to have a conductive support part 222 to support the knob 21 and to output changes in electrostatic capacity based on the touch operation against the operation face 210 to the wiring pattern, and a push switch 23 as a second switch part which is installed between the substrate 24 and the knob 21 and outputs a signal based on displacement of a push direction of the knob 21 to the wiring pattern. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch device, and more particularly to a switch device having a function of detecting a touch operation state and a push operation state on an operation unit.

  Conventionally, a switch device that detects a first operation state and a second operation state when an operation unit of the switch device is operated by an operator is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The switch device includes a keypad having an operation key that is elastically deformed by a push operation, a dome-type switch having a switch electrode and a contact electrode, a capacitor element having a displacement electrode and a capacitor element electrode, and a spacer through a spacer. And a flexible printed circuit board on which a capacitive element and a dome-shaped switch are mounted. The dome-type switch detects the first operation state of the operation key by receiving the push operation force of the operation key from the keypad, the switch electrode being displaced downward, and contacting the contact electrode. In addition, the capacitive element receives the push operation force of the operation key acting on the keypad from the dome-shaped switch, and the displacement electrode is displaced, and when the capacitive element approaches the capacitive element electrode, the capacitive element is placed between the displacement electrode and the capacitive element electrode. The capacitance of the capacitor formed in the first is changed, and the second operation state is detected.

  There is also known a touch sensor that detects an operator's contact or proximity to an electrode plate by a change in capacitance (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

The touch sensor includes an electrode plate on which a touch operation is performed, a holder for attaching the electrode plate, a circuit board having a detection circuit for detecting a change in capacitance, and leads for electrically connecting the electrode plate and the circuit board. Provide lines.
JP 2004-45243 A JP 2006-196395 A

  However, according to the touch device of Patent Document 1, in order to detect the first and second operation states, not only the keypad and the spacer but also a flexible printed board is required, and the flexible printed board is folded and arranged. For this reason, there are problems that not only the number of parts is increased, but the entire structure is complicated and the cost is increased.

  Further, according to the touch sensor of Patent Document 2, since the electrode plate and the circuit board are connected by lead wires, connection parts such as a connector are required, and it is difficult to reduce the size of the apparatus and improve the assemblability. there were.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a switch device capable of reducing the cost and miniaturizing and simplifying the device.

  [1] A substrate having a wiring portion formed thereon, an operation portion having an operation surface on which a push operation and a touch operation are performed, and a conductive support portion that operably supports the operation portion, A first switch unit that outputs a change in capacitance based on the touch operation to the wiring unit, and a push direction that is provided between the substrate and the operation unit, and the operation unit is operated by the push operation. And a second switch unit that outputs a signal based on the displacement to the wiring unit.

  [2] Also, the operation unit having a wiring board formed thereon, an operation unit having two operation surfaces on which a push operation and a touch operation are performed, and a seesaw-like operation using a boundary line between the two operation surfaces as a fulcrum A first switch unit that outputs a change in capacitance based on the touch operation on the operation surface to the wiring unit, and the two operation surfaces, respectively. Provided with two second switch portions for outputting signals based on displacement in the push direction due to the operation portion operating in a seesaw shape by the push operation, to the wiring portion for each operation surface, respectively. The switch device characterized by this may be used.

  [3] Two first switch portions are provided so that the support portions are arranged on the boundary line, and the change in capacitance is output to the wiring portion for each of the two operation surfaces. The switch device according to [2] may be used.

  [4] The operation unit includes an electrode member that is capacitively coupled to the support unit between the support unit and the operation surface or on the operation surface. To the switch device according to any one of [3].

  According to the present invention, the cost can be reduced and the apparatus can be reduced in size and simplified.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a usage state of the switch device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 1 includes a switch device 2 and a display screen 3. A cursor 30 and a menu 31 are displayed on the display screen 3, and FIG. 1 shows a case where “TV” in the menu 31 is selected by the cursor 30.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a substrate and a support member of the switch device. Each figure used for explanation is a conceptual diagram, and the dimensions of each part are not related to the scale of the figure.

(Overall configuration of switch device 2)
The switch device 2 includes a device main body 20, a knob (operation unit) 21, a support member (first switch unit) 22, a push switch (second switch unit) 23, and a substrate 24. Yes. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, only one knob 21 is provided. However, for example, when a plurality of menus 31 on the display screen 3 are associated with each other, a plurality of units including the knob 21, the support member 22, and the push switch 23 are provided. Individual may be prepared.

(Configuration of the apparatus body 20)
The apparatus main body 20 has an insertion hole 200 through which the knob 21 is inserted, and is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin material.

(Configuration of knob 21)
The knob 21 is exposed to the outside and includes an operation surface 210 on which a push operation and a touch operation are performed by an operator (finger), a transmission surface 211 that transmits a push operation force by the push operation to the push switch 23, and a support member 22. And a recessed portion 212 to be fitted. Further, the knob 21 is made of a synthetic resin material as in the case of the apparatus main body 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the recess 212 is a groove formed on the back side of the operation surface 210, and has a substantially arc-shaped cross section. Further, the thinnest portion of the recess 212 is designed to have a thickness capable of detecting a change in capacitance due to a touch operation, and is preferably 1.5 mm or less, and more preferably 1 mm or less.

(Configuration of Support Member 22)
As shown in FIG. 3A, the support member 22 has a substantially U-shape, two end portions 220 fixed to the substrate 24, and two pieces disposed substantially perpendicularly from the substrate 24. A support portion 221 and a support portion 222 that operably supports the knob 21 are provided.

  The support member 22 is manufactured, for example, by bending a bar made of a conductive material into a substantially U shape.

  The end 220 is fixed to the substrate 24 by, for example, soldering or screwing. One end 220 of the two is electrically connected to the substrate 24. Note that both the two end portions 220 may be connected to the substrate 24.

  The support portion 222 is fitted into the recess 212 of the knob 21 so that the knob 21 can be rotated by a predetermined angle with the support portion 222 as a rotation axis. Therefore, the knob 21 is rotated by a predetermined angle with the support member 22 as a rotation axis by a push operation on the operation surface 210, and the transmission surface 211 is displaced in the push direction by an amount corresponding to the rotation.

  The support unit 222 is a switch that forms a capacitor with the finger of the operator when the operator's finger touches the operation surface 210 of the knob 21 and outputs a change in the capacitance of the capacitor to the substrate 24. Function. A touch operation state is detected by a later-described capacitance IC based on the output change in capacitance.

(Modification of support member 22)
FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing a modification of the support member. The support member 22 shown in FIG. 3B is different from the support member 22 shown in FIG. 3A in the shape of the support portion 222 and is increased in thickness in the push operation direction. Such a support member 22 is manufactured, for example, by cutting a plate material made of a conductive material. Thereby, the intensity | strength with respect to push operation of the supporting member 22 can be improved.

(Configuration of push switch 23)
The push switch 23 is a switch that is provided on the substrate 24 and outputs a signal based on the displacement of the knob 21 in the push direction to the substrate 24. The push switch 23 includes a movable electrode 230 provided on the transmission surface 211 of the knob 21, a deforming portion 231 that is deformed by a push operation, and a fixed electrode 232 provided on the substrate 24 at a position facing the movable electrode 230. Prepare.

  The movable electrode 230 and the deforming portion 231 are formed of, for example, conductive rubber that has both conductivity and elasticity. Note that the movable electrode 230 and the deformable portion 231 may be formed of an elastic member such as a non-conductive rubber or metal instead of the conductive rubber, and electrically connected by wiring.

  The movable electrode 230 is connected to a ground pattern (not shown) of the substrate 24 via the deformable portion 231.

  When the transmission surface 211 is displaced in the push direction by a push operation, the deforming portion 231 is elastically deformed into a bent state according to the displacement, and returns elastically from the bent state by releasing the push operation.

  When the fixed electrode 232 is electrically connected to the movable electrode 230 displaced in the push direction, the fixed electrode 232 is connected to the ground pattern. As a result, the voltage divided from the later-described electrostatic capacitance IC becomes zero, and the push operation state is detected.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the substrate 24 has a wiring pattern (wiring part) 240 that is electrically connected to the support member 22. The support member 22 is connected to the capacitance IC 11 through the wiring pattern 240. Similarly, the push switch 23 is connected to the capacitance IC 11 through a wiring pattern (not shown).

(Configuration of Capacitance IC 11)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the switch device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The capacitance IC 11 is electrically connected to the support member 22 and the push switch 23 through the wiring pattern 240, and outputs an oscillation unit 110 that outputs a high-frequency signal of 100 kHz, for example, and a load resistor 111 that has a resistance value of 100 kΩ, for example. The diode 112 is configured to smooth the high-frequency signal output from the oscillating unit 110, an LPF (Low Pass Filter) 113 that passes a signal of, for example, 2 kHz or less, and an operational amplifier 114.

  The capacitor C <b> 1 is formed by the support portion 222 and fingers, and output signals from the capacitor C <b> 1 and the push switch 23 are superimposed and output to the capacitance IC 11 through the wiring pattern 240. The operational amplifier 114 outputs a high frequency signal from the oscillation unit 110 to the controller 12 as a signal (Vout) subjected to amplification and offset.

(Configuration of controller 12)
The controller 12 includes a memory 120 that stores data such as various threshold values described later. The controller 12 is realized by, for example, a vehicle ECU (Electric Control Unit) and is disposed in the vehicle 1. The controller 12 selects and determines the menu 31 displayed on the display screen 3 based on the threshold value stored in the memory 120 and the output signal superimposed from the capacitance IC 11, and the result is displayed. Output to the display screen 3.

(Operation of switch device 2)
FIG. 5 is a signal waveform diagram used to describe the operation of the switch device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A shows a detection signal of the capacitance IC by the touch operation, FIG. 5B shows an output signal thereof, FIG. 5C shows a detection signal of the capacitance IC by the push operation, FIG. 5D shows the output signals. In the following description, the reference voltage 100 (Vc) output when the operator does not touch the switch device 2 is 2 v, the touch threshold 40 is 1.5 v, and the push threshold 50 is 0.5 v. And

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the operator performs a touch operation on the operation surface 210 of the knob 21 with fingers, the high-frequency signal output from the oscillation unit 110 of the capacitance IC 11 is the impedance of the capacitor C 1, the load resistance 111, and the like. , Rectified by the diode 112, filtered by the LPF 113, and then input to the operational amplifier 114.

  In this case, the first output level of the high-frequency signal input to the operational amplifier 114 in the touch section is smaller than the output level when the finger is not touching the operation surface 210. The operational amplifier 114 outputs a signal (Vout) in which the potential difference A is generated to the controller 12 as compared to before the touch operation is performed. The potential difference A is a reference voltage 100 that is a voltage before a touch operation is performed, and a detection voltage 101 that is a first output level that is a voltage that is output from the capacitance IC 11 after a touch operation or a push operation is performed. Is the difference.

  Based on the threshold value for touch 40 and the threshold value for push 50 and the potential difference A, the controller 12 determines whether or not the operator has performed a touch operation on the operation surface 210 or whether or not a push operation has been performed. To do. The potential difference A shown in FIG. 5B is larger than the difference between the reference voltage 100 and the touch threshold value 40 and smaller than the difference between the reference voltage 100 and the push threshold value 50. In the section, it is determined that the touch operation state (on state) is set by the operator, and for example, “TV” is set to the selected state on the assumption that the menu 31 indicated by the cursor 30 displayed on the display screen 3 shown in FIG. To do.

  On the other hand, when the operator performs a push operation on the operation surface 210 of the knob 21, the knob 21 moves downward about the support portion 222 and pushes the movable electrode 230 via the transmission surface 211. Accordingly, the deforming portion 231 is elastically deformed into a bent state, and the movable electrode 230 is in electrical contact with the fixed electrode 232, that is, the push switch 23 is turned on in the push section shown in FIG. At that time, since the movable electrode 230 is connected to the ground pattern of the substrate 24, the second output level becomes zero, and the potential difference B becomes 2v as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D. .

  Based on the threshold value for touch 40 and the threshold value for push 50 and the potential difference B, the controller 12 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the operation surface 210 or whether or not a push operation has been performed. Since the potential difference B shown in FIG. 5 (d) is larger than the difference between the reference voltage 100 and the push threshold value 50, the controller 12 determines that the operator is in a push operation state, for example, the display screen shown in FIG. The display state of the display screen 3 is changed to the television, assuming that the menu 31 displayed in 3 is selected and determined.

(Effects of the first embodiment)
According to the above-described embodiment, since the support member 22 supports the knob 21 and also has a function as an electrode of the touch switch, the number of parts can be reduced and the structure can be simplified. Cost reduction and downsizing and simplification of the apparatus can be achieved.

  In addition, since the support member 22 is fixed to the substrate 24 via the end portion 220, the connection strength and assembly property between the support member 22 and the wiring pattern 240 can be improved.

  In addition, since the support member 22 is housed inside the apparatus main body 20 and the knob 21, design restrictions on the appearance of the switch device 2 can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device according to the second embodiment of the present invention taken along line AA in FIG. In the following description, portions having the same configuration and function as those of the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted, and only different portions are described.

(Configuration of switch device 2)
The knob 21 of the switch device 2 includes a flat knob electrode (electrode member) 213 embedded in the knob 21. The knob electrode 213 is provided between the operation surface 210 and the support part 222 and is capacitively coupled to the support part 222. The knob electrode 213 is formed by, for example, conductive plating, metal sputtering, conductive rubber, or the like. The knob electrode 213 may be formed on the operation surface 210.

  In the switch device 2 having the above configuration, when a touch operation is performed, a first capacitor is formed between the operator's finger and the knob electrode 213, and a second capacitor is formed between the knob electrode 213 and the support portion 222. Capacitor is formed. The formed first and second capacitors constitute a capacitor C1 of the first embodiment by capacitive coupling. Then, the touch operation state is detected according to the change in the capacitance of the capacitor C1. The push operation state is detected in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
According to the above-described embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the knob electrode is capacitively coupled to the support portion 222, so that the area that functions as the electrode of the touch sensor can be reduced. Since it expands to an area, the detection performance of touch operation can be improved.

[Third embodiment]
7 is a cross-sectional view of the switch device according to the third embodiment of the present invention taken along line AA of FIG. In the following description, portions having the same configuration and function as those of the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted, and only different portions are described.

(Configuration of switch device 2)
The switch device 2 includes a device main body 20, a knob 21, a support member 22, first and second push switches 23 </ b> A and 23 </ b> B, and a substrate 24. The switch device 2 detects one touch operation state and two push operation states.

(Configuration of knob 21)
The knob 21 is divided into first and second operation surfaces 210A and 210B divided at the center of the knob 21 and push operation forces on the first and second operation surfaces 210A and 210B, respectively. First and second transmission surfaces 211A, 211B that transmit to 23A, 23B, and a flat knob electrode 213 embedded in the knob 21 so as to face the first and second operation surfaces 210A, 210B; And a fulcrum portion 214 that is a boundary line that divides the first and second operation surfaces 210A and 210B and serves as a fulcrum when the knob 21 operates in a seesaw shape on the support member 22.

  The first transmission surface 211A is displaced in the push direction by a push operation (first push operation) on the first operation surface 210A, and the second transmission surface 211B is pushed on the second operation surface 210B (first operation). 2 in the push direction.

(Supporting member 22)
The support member 22 includes a support portion 222 that supports the knob 21 so as to operate in a seesaw shape with the fulcrum portion 214 as a fulcrum.

(Configuration of push switch 23)
The first and second push switches 23A and 23B are provided corresponding to the first and second transmission surfaces 211A and 211B, respectively.

  In the switch device 2 having the above-described configuration, when a touch operation is performed on either of the first and second operation surfaces 210A and 210B, the first device formed between the finger of the operator and the knob electrode 213 is formed. The capacitor and the second capacitor formed between the knob electrode 213 and the support column 221 constitute a capacitor C1 by capacitive coupling, and the touch operation state is changed according to the change in the capacitance of the capacitor C1. Is detected.

  Further, when the first push operation is performed, the knob 21 operates in a seesaw shape with the fulcrum portion 214 as a fulcrum, and the first transmission surface 211A is displaced in the push direction. Then, the first push operation state is detected via the first push switch 23A. Similarly, when the second push operation is performed, the second transmission surface 211B is displaced in the push direction, and the second push operation state is detected via the second push switch 23B.

(Effect of the third embodiment)
According to the present embodiment described above, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the number of push operation states detected can be increased by two push switches, so the convenience of the switch device 2 is improved. be able to.

[Fourth embodiment]
FIG. 8A is a top view of a switch device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 8A. In the following description, portions having the same configuration and function as those of the third embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals, detailed description thereof is omitted, and only different portions are described.

(Configuration of switch device 2)
The switch device 2 includes a device body 20, a knob 21, first and second support members 22 </ b> A and 22 </ b> B, first and second push switches 23 </ b> A and 23 </ b> B, and a substrate 24. The switch device 2 detects two touch operation states and two push operation states.

(Configuration of knob 21)
The knob 21 includes first and second knob electrodes 213A and 213B embedded in the knob 21 so as to face the first and second operation surfaces 210A and 210B, respectively. As shown in FIG. 8A, the first and second knob electrodes 213A and 213B have an L-shaped flat plate shape and are capacitively coupled to the first and second support members 22A and 22B, respectively. Monkey.

(Supporting member 22)
The first and second support members 22 </ b> A and 22 </ b> B are fixed on the substrate 24 so that the respective support portions 222 are arranged on the boundary line 215, and the knob 21 is supported by the two support portions 222.

  In the switch device 2 having the above configuration, when a touch operation is performed on any of the first and second operation surfaces 210A and 210B, the knob electrode and the support unit corresponding to the operation surface on which the touch operation is performed are interposed. The change in capacitance is output, and the touch operation state is detected. That is, two touch operation states are detected in a state where the operation surface on which the touch operation has been performed is distinguished. The two push operation states are detected via the first and second push switches 23A and 23B, respectively, as in the third embodiment.

  In this embodiment, two touch operation states are detected. However, the operation surface of the knob 21 is divided into three or more, and the knob electrode and the support are divided according to the divided area and the number of divisions of the divided operation surface. A member may be provided to detect touch operation states corresponding to the number of divisions.

(Effect of the fourth embodiment)
According to the above-described embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first to third embodiments, the number of touch operation states detected can be increased by supporting the knob 21 with the plurality of support members 22. The convenience of the switch device 2 can be improved.

[Other embodiments]
The push switch in each of the embodiments described above is a switch that detects an on / off state based on the displacement in the push direction. For example, the displacement amount in the push direction is detected in multiple stages, or the displacement amount itself is detected. It is also possible to use a switch such as a magnetic sensor or an ultrasonic sensor that converts a displacement amount into an electrical signal.

  Moreover, although the switch apparatus 2 in each said embodiment was installed in the steering part of the vehicle 1, the installation position of the switch apparatus 2 is not limited to this. In addition to operating the display screen 3, the switch device 2 may be used for operation of other in-vehicle devices such as an air conditioner, or may be used for various electronic devices for home use and business use. .

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from or changing the technical idea of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the use condition of the switch apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG. 1 of the switch apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) is a perspective view which shows the board | substrate and support member of a switch apparatus. (B) is a perspective view which shows the modification of a supporting member. It is a block diagram of a switch device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a signal waveform diagram used in order to explain operation of the switch device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a detection signal of electrostatic capacity IC by touch operation, (b) is the The output signal, (c) is the detection signal of the electrostatic capacitance IC by the push operation, and (d) is the output signal. It is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG. 1 of the switch apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the sectional view on the AA line of FIG. 1 of the switch apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. (A) is a top view of the switch apparatus which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention, (b) is the BB sectional drawing of (a).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle, 2 ... Switch apparatus, 3 ... Display screen, 11 ... Capacitance IC,
12 ... Controller, 20 ... Device body, 21 ... Knob,
22, 22A, 22B ... support member, 23, 23A, 23B ... push switch,
24 ... Board, 30 ... Cursor, 31 ... Menu, 40 ... Touch threshold,
50 ... threshold for push, 100 ... reference voltage, 101 ... detection voltage,
110 ... oscillator, 111 ... load resistance, 112 ... diode, 113 ... LPF,
114: operational amplifier, 120: memory, 200: insertion hole,
210, 210A, 210B ... operation surface, 211, 211A, 211B ... transmission surface,
212 ... concave part, 213, 213A, 213B ... knob electrode, 214 ... fulcrum part,
220 ... end part, 221 ... support part, 222 ... support part, 230 ... movable electrode,
231 ... Deformed portion, 232 ... Fixed electrode, 240 ... Wiring pattern

Claims (4)

A substrate on which a wiring portion is formed;
An operation unit having an operation surface on which a push operation and a touch operation are performed;
A first switch unit that has a conductive support unit that operably supports the operation unit, and outputs a change in capacitance based on the touch operation on the operation surface to the wiring unit;
A second switch unit that is provided between the substrate and the operation unit and outputs a signal based on a displacement in a push direction due to the operation unit being operated by the push operation to the wiring unit;
A switch device comprising: A substrate on which a wiring portion is formed;
An operation unit having two operation surfaces on which a push operation and a touch operation are performed;
A conductive support portion that supports the operation portion in a seesaw shape with a boundary line between the two operation surfaces as a fulcrum, and outputs a change in capacitance based on the touch operation on the operation surface to the wiring portion. A first switch unit that
Two signals that are provided corresponding to the two operation surfaces, respectively, and that output signals based on displacement in the push direction due to the operation of the operation unit in a seesaw shape by the push operation to the wiring unit for each operation surface. A second switch part;
A switch device comprising:   The first switch unit is provided in two so as to arrange the support units on the boundary line, and outputs the change in capacitance to the wiring unit for each of the two operation surfaces. The switch device described.   The said operation part was equipped with the electrode member capacitively coupled with the said support part between the said support part and the said operation surface, or on the said operation surface, The any one of Claim 1 to 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The switch device according to item 1.

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