JP2013157106A - Switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switch device that prevents detection precision of capacitance from decreasing owing to sticking of water on wiring.SOLUTION: A switch device 1 roughly comprises a case 10 having a cylindrical part 14 having an opening 141 formed on an upper surface 140, a knob 20 having a recessed part 21c on the side of a reverse surface 21b of an operation surface 21a where operation is performed and arranged so that an upper surface 140 of the cylindrical part 14 is positioned in the recessed part 21c, a detection electrode 6 which is provided to the knob 20 and detects operation by an object to be detected on the operation surface 21a, and a relay part 60 which is electrically connected to the detection electrode 6, and wired in the opening 141 of the cylindrical part 14 of the case 10.

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch device.

  As a conventional technique, a key top for a push button is known in which a key top plate is mounted on a support plate, and the key top plate is tilted in a cross direction so that operation instructions in four directions can be given. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  The key top plate of the key top for push buttons has a disk shape, a support is provided at the center of the lower surface thereof, and four pressing portions are provided radially away from the position where the support is provided. . The support plate is provided with a click plate and a switch contact corresponding to the four pressing portions. The key top for push button is configured such that when the key top plate is pushed down, the pressing portion located near the pushed point turns on the switch contact via the click plate.

JP-A-8-185765

  For example, when a detection unit that detects that the key top plate is touched is provided in a conventional push button key top, water enters the gap between the key top plate and the support plate, and the wiring connected to the detection unit There is a possibility of false detection due to the adhering water and the parasitic capacity of the adhering water.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a switch device that prevents a decrease in capacitance detection accuracy due to water adhering to wiring.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a main body having a cylindrical portion with an opening formed on an upper surface, a concave portion on the back side of an operation surface on which an operation is performed, and the upper surface of the cylindrical portion is located in the concave portion The operation unit arranged in this way, the detection unit that detects an operation on the operation surface by the detection target, and the wiring that is electrically connected to the detection unit and is wired in the opening of the cylindrical portion of the main body And a switch device comprising:

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a decrease in capacitance detection accuracy due to water adhering to the wiring.

1A is a top view of the switch device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line I (b) -I (b) of FIG. 1A of the switch device. It is sectional drawing which looked at the cross section from the direction of the arrow, (c) is a block diagram of a switch apparatus. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the switch device according to the second embodiment.

(Summary of embodiment)
The switch device according to the embodiment has a main body having a cylindrical shape with an opening formed on the upper surface, a concave portion on the back side of the operation surface on which the operation is performed, and the upper surface of the cylindrical portion is in the concave portion. An operation unit arranged to be positioned, a detection unit that is provided on the operation unit and detects an operation on the operation surface by a detection target, and is electrically connected to the detection unit, and is wired in the opening of the cylindrical portion of the main body. Wiring.

[First embodiment]
(Configuration of switch device 1)
1A is a top view of the switch device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line I (b) -I (b) of FIG. 1A of the switch device. It is sectional drawing which looked at the cross section from the direction of the arrow, (c) is a block diagram of a switch apparatus. Note that in each drawing according to the embodiment described below, the ratio of parts may differ from the actual ratio.

  Further, in the following description, up, down, left and right indicate up, down, left and right with respect to the paper surface of FIG.

  The switch device 1 mainly includes a case 10 as a main body having a cylindrical portion 14 as a cylindrical portion having an opening 141 formed on an upper surface 140, and a concave portion on the back surface 21b side of an operation surface 21a on which an operation is performed. The knob 20 as an operation unit disposed so that the upper surface 140 of the cylindrical portion 14 is positioned in the recess 21c, and a detection unit that is provided on the knob 20 and detects an operation on the operation surface 21a by a detection target. And a relay part 60 as a wiring electrically connected to the detection electrode 6 and wired in the opening 141 of the cylindrical part 14 of the case 10.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for example, the switch device 1 includes a button 22 as a pressing operation unit that can be pressed down to the center of the operation surface 21a of the knob 20, an electrode 32, The substrate 3 on which the electrode 33 is formed, and the rubber sheet 5 disposed on the installation surface 30 of the substrate 3 are provided.

  Further, the case 10 of the switch device 1 has, in the opening 141, a cylindrical portion 16 as a cylindrical wiring tube through which the relay portion 60 passes, for example, as shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, the switch device 1 includes, for example, a switch 41 to a switch 45 and a control unit 46 as shown in FIG.

  As an example, the switch device 1 is a multi-directional switch disposed on a steering wheel of a vehicle. Therefore, the switch device 1 is electrically connected to an electronic device mounted on the vehicle, for example. For example, when the operator contacts the operation surface 21a of the switch device 1, the function assigned to the switch device 1 is displayed on a display device mounted on the vehicle. Further, for example, when the switch device 1 is pressed down near the circumference of the knob 20, it is possible to issue operation instructions in at least four directions, and further press down the button 22 provided in the center. Thus, operations such as determination of selection can be performed.

  The detection target is, for example, a part of the operator's body and an input device such as a stylus pen. In the following, it is assumed that the detection target is an operator's finger unless otherwise specified. The detection of the finger by the detection electrode 6 is performed based on the capacitance formed by the finger and the detection electrode 6, for example. Therefore, detection of a finger is performed, for example, by approaching or touching the finger to the extent that it is detected. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, detection of a finger is assumed to be based on contact with the operation surface 21a.

(Configuration of case 10)
The case 10 is schematically configured to include, for example, a base portion 12 having a cylindrical shape and a cylindrical portion 14 having a cylindrical shape smaller than the base portion 12 and provided on the base portion 12.

  The case 10 is formed using, for example, a synthetic resin such as PPS (Poly Phenylene Sulfide).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the substrate 3 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 120 formed by the base portion 12.

  The cylindrical part 14 has a cylindrical part 16 formed on the inner wall of the opening 141, for example. For example, the relay portion 60 is wired in the through hole 160 of the cylindrical portion 16. In addition, since the relay part 60 is wired to the board | substrate 3 via this cylinder part 16, as shown, for example in FIG.1 (b), the base 12 near the cylinder part 16 is the base 12 of another area | region. More exciting.

(Configuration of knob 20)
For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the knob 20 has a circular shape in a top view. Further, the knob 20 has a curved portion 21d having a shape such that the vicinity of the outer periphery gradually falls below the operation surface 21a. The knob 20 is formed using, for example, a synthetic resin such as PPS.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, four marks 20 a to 20 d are printed on the operation surface 21 a of the knob 20. The mark 20a is formed, for example, on the upper side of the knob 20 on the paper surface of FIG. The mark 20b is formed, for example, on the lower side of the knob 20 on the paper surface of FIG. The mark 20c is formed, for example, on the left side of the knob 20 on the paper surface of FIG. The mark 20d is formed, for example, on the right side of the knob 20 on the paper surface of FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the knob 20 is provided with a cylindrical portion 200 protruding from the back surface 21b. In the cylindrical portion 200, for example, a through hole 202 is formed in a concave portion 201 at the center of the operation surface 21a. The button 22 is disposed in the through hole 202. For example, the switch device 1 is configured such that the switch 41 is turned on when the button 22 is pressed.

  The cylindrical portion 200 includes, for example, a support recess 200a provided on the lower left side surface and a support recess 200b provided on the lower right side surface. For example, a convex portion 240 a provided on the inner wall of the rectangular tube portion 24 that accommodates the cylindrical portion 200 is inserted into the supporting concave portion 200 a. Further, for example, a convex portion 240b provided on the inner wall of the rectangular tube portion 24 is inserted into the support concave portion 200b.

  Therefore, when the vicinity of the mark 20a and the mark 20b is pushed down, the knob 20 rotates around the support recess 200a and the support recess 200b. Although not shown, convex portions are provided facing the inner wall of the case 10, and support concave portions are formed in the rectangular tube portion 24 corresponding to the respective convex portions. Therefore, the knob 20 is configured to rotate around the support concave portion and the support concave portion of the rectangular tube portion 24 when the vicinity of the mark 20c and the mark 20d is pressed down.

  The switch device 1 is configured such that, for example, the switch 42 is turned on when the vicinity of the mark 20a is depressed by the rotation of the knob 20, and the switch 43 is turned on when the vicinity of the mark 20b is depressed. Yes. Further, the switch device 1 is configured such that, for example, the switch 44 is turned on when the vicinity of the mark 20c is depressed, and the switch 45 is turned on when the vicinity of the mark 20d is depressed. In addition, illustration of switch 42-switch 45 is abbreviate | omitted in FIG.1 (b).

(Configuration of button 22)
For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the button 22 has a shape with a T-shaped cross section. That is, the button 22 includes, for example, an upper part 220 having a cylindrical shape and a cylindrical part 221 having a cylindrical shape that is longer than the upper part. For example, the button 22 is supported by the cylindrical portion 200 of the knob 20 so as to be able to be pressed down. The button 22 is formed using, for example, a synthetic resin such as PPS.

  The upper surface 220a of the upper part 220 protrudes from the operation surface 21a of the knob 20 by, for example, the stroke of the pressing operation.

  The lower surface 221a of the cylindrical portion 221 is in contact with the contact 51 of the rubber sheet 5, for example, as shown in FIG.

(Configuration of substrate 3)
The substrate 3 is, for example, a printed wiring board in which the electrode 32, the electrode 33, the control unit 46, and the like are formed on the installation surface 30. The substrate 3 has, for example, a circular shape that matches the shape of the base 12 of the case 10.

(Configuration of rubber sheet 5)
For example, the rubber sheet 5 is provided so as to cover the installation surface 30 of the substrate 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, a dome 50 having a dome shape is formed on the rubber sheet 5 below the button 22. For example, the dome 50 has a conductive contact 51 formed at the center thereof. The periphery of the contact 51 is, for example, insulative. Therefore, as an example, the rubber sheet 5 is formed by two-color molding in which a conductive region and an insulating region are separated.

  Further, for example, when the rubber sheet 5 is assembled to the switch device 1, the rubber sheet 5 is crushed by the bottom 161 of the cylindrical portion 16 of the case 10 and the inner wall 121 of the accommodating portion 120 of the base 12, so that water does not adhere to the substrate 3. Functions as a waterproof sheet.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the switch 41 includes a dome 50 and a contact 51 of the rubber sheet 5, and an electrode 32 and an electrode 33 formed on the installation surface 30. That is, the switch 41 is turned on by pressing the button 22 so that the contact 51 contacts the electrode 32 and the electrode 33 via the button 22 and the electrode 32 and the electrode 33 are energized via the contact 51. It is comprised so that.

  Further, on the rubber sheet 5, for example, four domes having the same configuration as the dome 50 are formed corresponding to the switches 42 to 45. Furthermore, on the substrate 3, for example, four pairs of electrodes having the same configuration as the electrodes 32 and 33 are formed corresponding to the switches 42 to 45.

  The electrode 32 and the electrode 33 are formed using metal materials, such as copper, similarly to the other electrodes, for example.

(Configuration of the detection electrode 6 and the relay unit 60)
The detection electrode 6 is provided on the rear surface 21b of the knob 20, for example. The detection electrode 6 has, for example, a donut shape that is not partially connected. For example, a relay unit 60 is connected to the detection electrode 6.

  As a modification, the detection electrode 6 and the relay unit 60 may be formed on a flexible substrate, for example. In this case, the flexible substrate on which the detection electrode 6 and the relay unit 60 are formed is disposed on the back surface 21 b of the knob 20.

  The relay portion 60 is electrically connected to the connector 8 provided on the back surface 31 of the substrate 3 through, for example, the through hole 160 of the cylindrical portion 16. The detection electrode 6 is formed using a metal material such as copper, for example. Moreover, the relay part 60 is formed using metal materials, such as copper, or conductive rubber, for example.

  Here, the cylindrical portion 14 of the case 10 and the upper surface 140 of the cylindrical portion 16 are located in the recess 21 c of the knob 20. Therefore, the switch device 1 is formed with a structure (hereinafter, referred to as a wrap structure) in which the upper surface 140 of the cylinder portion 16 to which the relay portion 60 is wired is located in the recess 21c. That is, the switch device 1 has, for example, a wrap structure in which the bottom surface 210 of the curved portion 21d of the knob 20 is positioned below the upper surface 140 of the cylindrical portion 16. In other words, the switch device 1 includes, for example, a wrap structure in which the curved portion 21d of the knob 20 overlaps the cylindrical portion 14 when the switch device 1 is viewed from the side.

  The connector 8 is electrically connected to a control unit 46 formed on the installation surface 30 of the substrate 3, for example. The capacitance detected by the detection electrode 6 is read by the control unit 46, for example. For example, the control unit 46 determines the presence or absence of finger detection based on the read capacitance.

(Configuration of control unit 46)
For example, the control unit 46 generates an operation signal based on the capacitance acquired from the detection electrode 6 and the switch signal acquired from the switches 41 to 45 and outputs the operation signal to the electronic device to which the switch device 1 is connected. It is configured.

  Specifically, the control unit 46 reads the capacitance from the detection electrode 6 at a predetermined cycle, for example. When the read capacitance is larger than the threshold value of the control unit 46, the control unit 46 determines that there is a contact and outputs an operation signal based on the determination result.

  When the button 22 is pressed, the dome 50 of the switch 41 is elastically deformed with the movement of the button 22, and the contact 51 comes into contact with the electrode 32 and the electrode 33. Due to this contact, the electrode 32 and the electrode 33 are energized through the contact 51 and output a switch signal to the control unit 46. The control unit 46 outputs an operation signal based on the switch signal acquired from the switch 41. When the operation is completed, the dome 50 returns from the elastically deformed state to the initial state, and thus releases the accumulated elastic force. By this elastic force, the button 22 returns to the initial position before the operation. In addition, the switch apparatus 1 may be provided with elastic bodies, such as a spring which adds elastic force to the knob 20 and the button 22, for example.

  Further, for example, when the vicinity of the mark 20 a is pressed, the control unit 46 turns on the switch 42 in the same process as the switch 41, and outputs an operation signal based on the switch signal output from the switch 42. . This is the same when the switches 43 to 45 having the same configuration are turned on.

(Effects of the first embodiment)
Since the switch device 1 according to the present embodiment has a wrap structure, it is possible to prevent a decrease in capacitance detection accuracy due to water adhering to the relay portion 60. Specifically, the switch device 1 determines the presence / absence of a finger contact based on the capacitance formed by the finger and the detection electrode 6. However, if water adheres to the relay portion 60 that is electrically connected to the detection electrode 6, the capacitance increases due to the parasitic capacitance of the water, even though the finger is not in contact with the operation surface 21a. May be. Since the switch device 1 according to the present embodiment has a structure in which water does not easily adhere to the relay section 60, that is, has a wrap structure, the ingress of water into the case 10 is prevented, and the relay section Since adhesion of water to 60 can be prevented, erroneous detection can be suppressed and highly accurate detection can be performed.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a detection unit is arranged in a switch device operable in one direction.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the switch device according to the second embodiment. The switch device 1a is provided in the housing 9 as shown in FIG. 2, for example. In the embodiment described below, parts having the same functions and configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  The switch device 1a according to the present embodiment mainly includes a case 10a having a cylindrical portion 14a as a cylindrical portion having an opening 141a formed on an upper surface 140a, and a back surface 25b of an operation surface 25a on which an operation is performed. A knob 25 which has a concave portion 25c on the side, and is arranged so that the upper surface 140a of the cylindrical portion 14a is positioned in the concave portion 25c, and a detection electrode 6a which is provided on the knob 25 and detects an operation on the operation surface 25a by a finger. And a relay portion 60a electrically connected to the detection electrode 6a and wired in the opening 141a of the cylindrical portion 14a of the case 10a.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the knob 25 has a cylindrical shape with one lid, and the surface of the portion corresponding to the lid serves as the operation surface 25a. In addition, the knob 25 has a cylindrical portion 221a, for example, as shown in FIG. The cylindrical portion 221a is provided so as to protrude from the center of the recess 25c and is in contact with the contact 51a of the rubber sheet 5a.

  The switch device 1a has a wrap structure in which the knob 25 is placed on the cylindrical portion 14a of the case 10a. That is, the switch device 1a has, for example, a wrap structure in which the upper surface 140a of the cylindrical portion 14a of the case 10a is positioned in the recess 25c of the knob 25 as shown in FIG. In other words, the switch device 1a includes, for example, a wrap structure in which the side portion 25d of the knob 25 overlaps the cylindrical portion 14a when the switch device 1a is viewed from the side portion 25d side.

  The switch device 1a includes, for example, a substrate 3a and a rubber sheet 5a.

  The substrate 3a is, for example, a printed wiring board on which an electrode 32a, an electrode 33a, a control unit 46, and the like are formed on the installation surface 30a. The substrate 3a has, for example, a circular shape that matches the shape of the base 12a of the case 10a.

  For example, the rubber sheet 5a is provided so as to cover the installation surface 30a of the substrate 3a. In the rubber sheet 5a, for example, a dome 50a having a dome shape is formed under the knob 25 as shown in FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the switch 41a includes a dome 50a and a contact 51a of the rubber sheet 5a, and an electrode 32a and an electrode 33a formed on the installation surface 30a. That is, the switch 41a is turned on when the knob 51 is pressed down so that the contact 51a contacts the electrode 32a and the electrode 33a via the knob 25, and the electrode 32a and the electrode 33a are energized via the contact 51a. It is comprised so that.

  The detection electrode 6a is provided on the back surface 25b of the knob 25, for example. The detection electrode 6a has, for example, a donut shape that is not partially connected. For example, a relay unit 60a is connected to the detection electrode 6a.

  For example, the relay portion 60a is electrically connected to the connector 8a provided on the back surface 31a of the substrate 3a through the opening 141a of the cylindrical portion 14a.

  Here, the control unit 46 reads out the capacitance from the detection electrode 6a at a predetermined cycle, for example. When the read capacitance is larger than the threshold value of the control unit 46, the control unit 46 determines that there is a contact and outputs an operation signal based on the determination result.

  When the knob 25 is pushed down, the dome 50a of the switch 41a is elastically deformed with the movement of the knob 25, and the contact 51a comes into contact with the electrode 32a and the electrode 33a. By this contact, the electrode 32a and the electrode 33a are energized through the contact 51a and output a switch signal to the control unit 46. The control unit 46 outputs an operation signal based on the switch signal acquired from the switch 41a. When the operation is completed, the dome 50a returns from the elastically deformed state to the initial state, and thus releases the accumulated elastic force. By this elastic force, the knob 25 returns to the initial position before the operation.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
Since the switch device 1a according to the present embodiment has a wrap structure, it is possible to prevent a decrease in capacitance detection accuracy due to water adhering to the relay portion 60a. In other words, since the switch device 1a has a structure in which water does not easily adhere to the relay portion 60a, that is, a wrap structure, it prevents water from entering the inside of the case 10a and also prevents the water from entering the relay portion 60a. Since adhesion of water can be prevented, erroneous detection can be suppressed and highly accurate detection can be performed.

  As mentioned above, although some embodiment and modification of this invention were demonstrated, these embodiment and modification are only examples, and do not limit the invention based on a claim. These novel embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and the like can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments and modifications are necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a ... Switch apparatus 3, 3a ... Board | substrate 5, 5a ... Rubber sheet 6, 6a ... Detection electrode 8, 8a ... Connector 9 ... Case 10, 10a ... Case 12, 12a ... Base part 14, 14a ... Cylindrical part 16 ... Tube portion 20 ... Knob 20a-20d ... Mark 21a ... Operation surface 21b ... Back surface 21c ... Recess portion 21d ... Curved portion 22 ... Button 24 ... Square tube portion 25 ... Knob 25a ... Operation surface 25b ... Back surface 25c ... Recess portion 25d ... Side portion 30 , 30a ... Installation surface 31, 31a ... Back side 32, 32a, 33, 33a ... Electrode 41a, 41-45 ... Switch 46 ... Control part 50, 50a ... Dome 51, 51a ... Contact 60, 60a ... Relay part 120 ... Accommodating Portion 121 ... Inner wall 140, 140a ... Upper surface 141, 141a ... Opening 160 ... Through hole 161 ... Bottom 200 ... Cylindrical portion 200a, 200b ... Support recess 201 ... Recess 202 ... Holes 210 ... bottom 220 ... upper 220a ... upper surface 221,221A ... cylindrical portion 221a ... lower surface 240a, 240b ... protrusion

Claims (3)

A main body having a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical shape with an opening formed on the upper surface;
An operation portion that has a recess on the back side of the operation surface on which the operation is performed, and is arranged so that the upper surface of the cylindrical portion is positioned in the recess
A detection unit provided in the operation unit for detecting an operation on the operation surface by a detection target;
A wiring electrically connected to the detection unit and wired in the opening of the cylindrical portion of the main body;
A switch device comprising:   The switch device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing operation unit capable of a pressing operation at a center of the operation surface of the operation unit.   3. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a cylindrical wiring pipe through which the wiring passes in the opening.

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