JP2015047969A - Switch system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switch system which allows accurate operation.SOLUTION: In a switch system containing touch type switches 31, 41, 51, capable of detecting sliding operation with a finger Th of an operator, operation surfaces 31a, 51a of the switches 31, 51 are formed rough. Preferably, the operation surfaces 31a, 51a are arranged at a spoke 22 of a vehicle steering wheel 20, with the portion of rough being formed along an arc of a predetermined radius that is preset, with a portion P1 contacting to a root of the thumb Th of the operator in a state in which a rim 21 is gripped, in the vehicle steering wheel 20, as a center.

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch system having a touch switch.

  There is known a switch that detects a change in electrostatic capacitance caused by an operator touching an operation surface with a finger and touching the operation surface. Such a switch is connected to a control unit, and the control unit controls various devices based on the detection signal of the switch. As a conventional technique, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  A switch system as shown in Patent Document 1 is used to control an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle. More specifically, a switch is disposed on the spoke of the steering wheel, and the operator can touch the switch to operate the car navigation system. The operator can touch the operation surface of the switch with the thumb while holding the steering wheel.

  However, when the switch is arranged in a narrow part such as a spoke, there is a possibility that a switch different from the switch necessary for the operation may be operated.

JP 2009-298285 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a switch system that can be operated accurately.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the switch system for detecting the movement of the operator's finger by detecting a change in capacitance caused by the operator touching the operation surface of the switch with the finger and touching the switch,
A switch system is provided in which the operation surface of the switch is formed in an uneven shape.

  As described in claim 2, preferably, the portion formed in the uneven shape is formed over the entire range in which the operator can perform the operation.

  As described in claim 3, preferably, the general surface of the periphery of the operation surface of the switch is a smooth surface.

As described in claim 4, preferably, the operation surface of the switch is disposed on a spoke of a vehicle steering wheel,
The uneven portion is formed along an arc having a predetermined radius centered on a portion of the vehicle steering wheel that is in contact with the base of the operator's thumb when the rim is gripped. ing.

Preferably, the operating surface of the switch includes a rim and a substantially T-shaped spoke integrally formed on an inner periphery of the rim. Placed on the spokes,
The vehicle steering wheel is configured such that the operator grips the vicinity of an intersection between a side extending sideways of the substantially T-shaped spoke and the rim,
With respect to the line extending perpendicularly to the laterally extending side, the line connecting the portions formed in the uneven shape crosses obliquely so as to go outward from the bottom to the top.

As described in claim 6, preferably, the switch is a first switch,
The spoke further comprises a second switch;
The second switch is disposed at a position closer to the rim than the first switch,
And a control unit that determines that only the contact signal of the first switch is detected when the contact signal is simultaneously received from both the first switch and the second switch.

  Preferably, the operation surface of the first switch is inclined toward the front of the vehicle body with respect to the operation surface of the second switch so as to be away from the operator's finger. It has been.

As described in claim 8, preferably, in the vicinity of the switch, a backlight for illuminating the operation surface of the switch is provided,
The backlight is turned on by detecting contact of the operator with the switch.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 1, the operation surface of the switch is formed in the uneven | corrugated shape. By forming the projections and depressions, the operator can easily recognize that the switch is touching the operation surface. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operator's finger from touching the wrong part, and the operator can perform any operation accurately.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 2, the site | part currently formed in uneven | corrugated shape is formed over the whole range of the range which can perform a slide operation. That is, the operator performs a slide operation of the switch within the range of the portion formed in the uneven shape. By clarifying the range in which the operation is possible, the accuracy of the operation can be further ensured.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 3, the general surface of the periphery of an operation surface is a smooth surface. While the operation surface is formed in an uneven shape, the general surface not related to the operation is formed as a smooth surface. Since the three-dimensional operation surface and the two-dimensional general surface are continuous, the design of the switch can be improved.

  In the invention according to claim 4, the concavo-convex portion is formed along an arc having a predetermined radius centered on the portion where the base of the operator's thumb contacts. That is, uneven portions and switches are arranged along the locus of the thumb of the operator holding the rim. Thereby, the operator can operate the switch by natural finger movement. That is, by adopting this configuration, the operability of the switch can be improved.

  In the invention according to claim 5, the line connecting the portions formed in the uneven shape with respect to the line extending perpendicularly to the side extending laterally of the spoke intersects obliquely so as to go outward from the bottom upward doing. That is, uneven portions and switches are arranged along the locus of the thumb of the operator holding the rim. Thereby, the operator can operate the switch by natural finger movement. That is, by adopting this configuration, the operability of the switch can be improved.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 6, a control part detects only the contact signal of a 1st switch, when a contact signal is received simultaneously from both a 1st switch and a 2nd switch. The second switch is disposed closer to the rim than the first switch. If an attempt is made to operate the first switch while holding the rim, the second switch may be touched by mistake at the same time. When both the first and second switches are touched simultaneously, the device can be controlled as intended by the operator by controlling the operation of the second switch to be invalid. Thereby, the operability of the switch is further enhanced.

  In the invention which concerns on Claim 7, the operation surface of the 1st switch is inclined toward the vehicle body front with respect to the operation surface of the 2nd switch so that it may distance from an operator's finger | toe. The operation surface of the first switch and the operation surface of the second switch are arranged in different directions. Thereby, an erroneous operation can be suppressed and the accuracy of the operation can be further improved.

  In the invention according to claim 8, the backlight provided in the vicinity of the switch is turned on by detecting contact of the operator with the switch. The part where the switch is arranged becomes visually clear. Thereby, the accuracy of operation of an operation part can be raised further.

It is a figure explaining the vehicle carrying the switch system by Example 1 of this invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1. It is a figure explaining the operation method of the operation part shown by FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the relationship between the 1st switch and 2nd switch which were shown by FIG. It is sectional drawing of the operation part carrying the switch system by Example 2 of this invention. It is a front view of the operation surface of the switch system by Example 3 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation surface of the switch system by Example 4 of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description, left and right refer to the left and right based on the vehicle occupant, and front and rear refer to the front and rear based on the traveling direction of the vehicle. In the figure, Fr indicates the front, Rr indicates the rear, Ce indicates the center of the vehicle width, Up indicates the top, and Dw indicates the bottom.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle steering wheel 20 (hereinafter simply referred to as “steering wheel 20”) for steering the vehicle 10 is provided at the front of the vehicle interior. A monitor 12a of the audio device 12 (vehicle device 12) is provided in the vicinity of the steering wheel 20, and two air outlets 13a and 13a of the air conditioner device 13 (vehicle device 13) are sandwiched between the monitors 12a. Is provided. The monitor 12a also serves as a monitor for the car navigation system.

  The audio device 12 and the air conditioner device 13 have a control unit 15, and the volume and air volume are controlled by the control unit 15. Only one controller 15 is shown conceptually. That is, the control unit 15 can also arrange two or more control units 15 at an arbitrary place.

  The steering wheel 20 includes a rim 21 that is grasped by the occupant and has a substantially circular shape, a spoke 22 that is integrally formed on the inner peripheral surface of the rim 21 and that has a substantially T shape, and a horn that is attached to the center of the spoke 22. A horn switch cover 23 that covers the switch, a first operation unit 30 (operation unit 30) that is provided adjacent to the left side of the horn switch cover 23, and that operates the audio device 12, and a horn switch cover 23 And a second operation unit 40 (operation unit 40) for operating the air conditioner device 13 provided adjacent to the right side.

  The 1st operation part 30, the horn switch cover 23, and the 2nd operation part 40 are arrange | positioned linearly. The first operation unit 30, the horn switch cover 23, and the second operation unit 40 correspond to the side 25 extending to the side of the substantially T-shaped spoke 22. The horn switch cover 23 is disposed on the center C of the rim 21. Both the first operation unit 30 and the second operation unit 40 are connected to the control unit 15. The intersection of the side 25 extending horizontally and the side 26 extending vertically of the spoke 22 coincides with the center of the rim 21.

  The first operation unit 30 is a part for operating the audio device 12. When the operator operates the first operation unit 30, the control unit 15 changes the music piece and the volume based on the operation signal. The second operation unit 40 is a part for operating the air conditioner device 13. When the operator operates the second operation unit 40, the control unit 15 switches between heating and cooling or changes the temperature. The basic configuration of the first operation unit 30 and the second operation unit 40 is common, and the first operation unit 30 will be mainly described below as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a pipe-shaped material is used for the rim 21. The spoke 22 extends from the inner periphery of the rim 21 while being inclined slightly forward toward the center C of the rim 21. The spoke 22 is directly connected to the inner periphery of the rim 21. An opening 22a is formed in the spoke 22, and a first operation unit 30 unitized in the opening 22a is fitted therein.

  An extension 22b extending forward is formed at the end of the spoke 22. By forming the extension part 22b, the base end part 22c of the spoke 22 and the peripheral part of the opening part 22a are formed in a stepped shape. The end portion of the spoke 22 can also be referred to as a boundary portion between the rim 21 and the spoke 22. That is, the boundary portion between the rim 21 and the spoke 22 is formed in a stepped shape so that the spoke 22 (at least a portion where the first operation unit 30 is attached) is separated forward with respect to the rim 21. .

  In addition, as a structure which makes the boundary part of the rim | limb 21 and the spoke 22 step shape, in addition to bending the spoke 22, a part of the rim | limb 21 may be deform | transformed, or a level | step difference may be provided between the rim | limb 21 and the spoke 22. FIG. You may interpose another member for forming.

  Returning to FIG. 1, a first switch 31 (switch 31) is arranged near the horn switch cover 23, that is, on the center side of the rim 21, and is adjacent to the first switch 31. Then, the second switch 32 is disposed on the rim 21 side, and the third switch 33 is disposed below the second switch 32. The first to third switches 31 to 33 are electrostatic capacitance type switches that both detect that the operator has touched them.

  Note that the first to third switches 31 to 33 may be touch switches other than the capacitance type.

  Similarly, first to third switches 41 to 43 are arranged in the second operation unit 40. For example, the first switch 41 (switch 41) is operated when the temperature setting is adjusted, the second switch 42 is operated when the blowing mode is selected, and the third switch 43 is cooled. Or it is operated when selecting heating.

  The switch system in the present invention includes the first operation unit 30 and the control unit 15, or includes the second operation unit 40 and the control unit 15.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first operation unit 30 incorporates an LED-type backlight 35, and a resin operation panel 36 is disposed so as to cover the backlight 35. An operation surface 31 a of the first switch 31 is formed on a part of the operation panel 36.

  A plurality of convex portions 31 b are formed on the operation surface 31 a of the first switch 31. The convex portion 31b can be formed integrally with the operation panel 36 by injection molding. The convex portion 31 b is formed over the entire operation surface 31 a of the first switch 31. That is, the operation surface 31a of the first switch 31 is formed in a convex shape over the entire area.

  A blindfold member 37 is attached to the back surface of the operation surface 31a of the first switch 31 corresponding to the portion between the convex portion 31b and the convex portion 31b. Thereby, when the backlight 35 lights up, only the convex part 31b appears to shine. That is, by attaching the blindfold member 37 to a corresponding portion between the convex portion 31b and the convex portion 31b, the convex portion 31b is emphasized and the appearance of the first operation unit 30 can be enhanced. .

  The backlight 35 is turned on by detecting contact of the operator with the first switch 31. On the other hand, the backlight 35 is turned off when a predetermined time elapses after the lighting. These controls are performed by the control unit (FIG. 1, sign control unit 15). When the backlight 35 is turned on, the part where the first switch 31 is arranged is visually clarified. Thereby, the accuracy of operation of the 1st operation part 30 can be improved.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the general surface 30a at the periphery of the operation surface 31a is a smooth surface. The first operation unit 30 is operated by the thumb Th of the left hand holding the rim 21.

  Referring also to FIG. 4B, the first switch 31 is a switch for adjusting the volume, which is arranged in the substantially vertical direction. When adjusting the volume, the operator slides the thumb Th up and down on the operation surface 31 a of the first switch 31. When the volume is increased, the thumb Th is slid upward, and when the volume is decreased, the thumb Th is slid downward.

  More specifically, the thumb Th of the operator holding the rim 21 slides so as to draw a substantially arc-shaped locus L1 around the base portion of the thumb Th (see P1). The first switch 31 is disposed substantially along the locus L1. That is, the first switch 31 is disposed at a position overlapping the locus L1 of the operator's thumb Th.

  The vehicle steering wheel 20 is configured such that an operator grasps the vicinity of the intersection of the side 25 extending sideways of the substantially T-shaped spoke and the rim, and a line L3 extending perpendicularly to the side extending side 25 (L2). On the other hand, the line L4 connecting the convex portions 31a crosses obliquely so as to go outward from the bottom to the top.

  A convex portion 31b is formed along an arc L1 having a predetermined radius centered on a portion P1 of the steering wheel 20 where the base of the operator's thumb Th is in contact with the rim 21. Yes. Thus, the operator can operate the first switch 31 by natural finger movement. That is, by adopting this configuration, the operability of the first switch 31 can be improved.

  A convex portion 31 b is formed on the operation surface 31 a of the first switch 31. By forming the convex portion 31b, the operator can easily recognize that the operation surface 31a of the first switch 31 is touched. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the operator's thumb Th from touching the wrong part, and the operator can perform any operation accurately.

  Moreover, the convex part 31b is formed over the whole range of the range which can perform a slide operation. That is, the operator performs the slide operation of the first switch 31 in the range of the portion where the convex portion 31b is formed. By clarifying the range in which the operation is possible, the accuracy of the operation can be further ensured.

  Furthermore, the general surface 30a at the periphery of the operation surface 31a of the first switch 31 is a smooth surface. While the convex portion 31b is formed on the operation surface 31a, the general surface 30a not related to the operation is formed on a smooth surface. When the three-dimensional operation surface 31a and the two-dimensional general surface 30a are continuous, the design of the first switch 31 (first operation unit 30) can be improved.

  The second switch 32 is formed in a double circle shape, and a determination key 32a is disposed at the center, and a direction key 32b is disposed so as to surround the determination key 32a. The second switch 32 is used, for example, when selecting a song title. In order to select an arbitrary music piece, the operator selects the music title shown on the monitor (FIG. 1, reference numeral 12a) with the direction key 32b and decides it with the decision key 32a. At this time, the operator presses the enter key 32a or the direction key 32b with the thumb Th. The relationship between the first switch 31 and the second switch 32 will be described in detail in the next figure.

  The third switch 33 is arranged along the extending direction of the spoke 22 and is a switch for selecting music, radio, or the like. By pressing any key, music, AM radio or FM radio can be switched. The third switch 33 can also be operated by the operator's thumb Th.

  With reference to FIGS. 5 and 1, in step S <b> 01, control unit 15 determines whether or not the operator is in contact with first switch 31. More specifically, by receiving a detection signal from the first switch 31, the control unit 15 determines that the operator is touching the first switch 31.

  If the operator is touching the first switch 31, the process proceeds to step S02. In step S02, the control unit 15 disables the second switch 32. That is, while the operator is touching the first switch 31, even if the operator touches the second switch 32, the audio device 12 is not controlled based on the operation signal of the second switch 32. That is, the control unit 15 detects only the contact signal of the first switch 31 when receiving the contact signal from both the first switch 31 and the second switch 32 simultaneously.

  Referring also to FIG. 4, the second switch 32 is disposed at a position closer to the rim 21 than the first switch 31. If the first switch 31 is operated while holding the rim 21, the second switch 32 may be accidentally touched at the same time. When both the first and second switches 31 and 32 are touched simultaneously, the audio device 12 is controlled as intended by the operator by controlling the operation of the second switch 32 to be invalid. be able to. Thereby, the operability of the switch is further enhanced.

  Returning to FIGS. 5 and 1, in step S <b> 03, the control unit 15 enables the first switch 31. That is, an electrical signal is sent from the first switch 31 to the control unit 15 based on an operation performed by the operator. Based on this electrical signal, the control unit 15 controls the audio device 12. The order of step S02 and step S03 may be reversed.

  If contact with the first switch 31 is not detected in step S01, the process proceeds to step S04. In step S04, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the operator is in contact with the second switch 32. More specifically, by receiving a detection signal from the second switch 32, the control unit 15 determines that the operator is touching the second switch 32.

  If the operator is touching the second switch 32, the process proceeds to step S05. In step S05, the control unit 15 enables the second switch 32. That is, an electrical signal is sent from the second switch 32 to the control unit 15 based on an operation performed by the operator. Based on this electrical signal, the control unit 15 controls the audio device 12.

  In step S04, when contact with the second switch 32 is not detected, the process ends.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional configuration of an operation unit on which the switch system of Example 2 is mounted, and is shown corresponding to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the operation surface 51a has a plurality of recesses 51b. That is, the operation surface 51a of the first switch 51 is formed in a concave shape. A recess 51 b is formed over the entire operation surface 51 a of the first switch 51.

  A blindfold member 37 is attached to the rear surface of the operation surface 51a of the first switch 51, which corresponds to the recess 51b. Thereby, when the backlight 35 lights up, the site | part between the recessed part 51b and the recessed part 51b appears to shine. That is, by attaching the blindfold member 37 to the portion corresponding to the recess 51b, the portion between the recess 51b and the recess 51b is emphasized, and the appearance of the first operation unit 50 can be enhanced. Even in such a configuration, other predetermined effects of the present invention can be obtained.

  Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 shows an operation surface of the switch system of the third embodiment. In addition, about the element which is common in Example 1 or Example 2, a code | symbol is diverted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the first operation portion 60 is formed with a plurality of convex portions 31 b. These convex portions 31b are formed along a line L6 orthogonal to the line L5 drawn from the center of the rim (FIG. 1, reference C) toward the rim (FIG. 1, reference 21). These convex portions 31b are formed to be inclined with respect to the line L6. Even in such a case, the predetermined effect of the present invention can be obtained.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 shows an operation surface of the switch system of the fourth embodiment. In addition, about the element which is common in Example 1, Example 2, or Example 3, a code | symbol is used.

  9A and 9B, the operation surface 71a of the first switch 71 of the first operation unit 70 is moved away from the operator's finger so that the second switch 72 The operation surface 72c is inclined toward the front of the vehicle body. Even in such a case, the predetermined effect of the present invention can be obtained.

  Furthermore, the operation surface 71a of the first switch 71 and the operation surface 72a of the second switch 72 are arranged in different directions. Thereby, an erroneous operation can be suppressed and the accuracy of the operation can be further improved.

  The switch system according to the present invention has been described by taking the case of operating an audio device as an example. That is, the in-vehicle device is not limited to these as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved. In addition, different embodiments can be combined as appropriate as long as the effects and effects of the present invention are exhibited.

  The switch system of the present invention is suitable for operation of an audio device for vehicles.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Control part 20 ... Steering wheel for vehicles 21 ... Rim 22 ... Spoke 30a ... General surface 31, 41, 51 ... 1st switch (switch)
31a, 51a ... operation surface 32, 42 ... second switch 35 ... backlight Th ... thumb P1 ... site where the operator's thumb base contacts

Claims (8)

In the switch system that detects a change in capacitance caused by an operator touching an operation surface of the switch with a finger and touching the switch, and detecting movement of the operator's finger,
The switch system is characterized in that an operation surface of the switch is formed in an uneven shape.   The switch system according to claim 1, wherein the uneven portion is formed over the entire range in which the operator can perform an operation.   The switch system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a general surface of a peripheral edge of the operation surface of the switch is a smooth surface. The operation surface of the switch is disposed on a spoke of a vehicle steering wheel,
The uneven portion is formed along an arc having a predetermined radius centered on a portion of the vehicle steering wheel that is in contact with the base of the operator's thumb when the rim is gripped. The switch system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the switch system is provided. The operation surface of the switch is disposed on the spoke of the vehicle steering wheel, which includes a rim and a substantially T-shaped spoke integrally formed on the inner periphery of the rim.
The vehicle steering wheel is configured such that the operator grips the vicinity of an intersection between a side extending sideways of the substantially T-shaped spoke and the rim,
With respect to a line extending perpendicularly to the side extending sideways, a line connecting the portions formed in the concavo-convex shape obliquely intersects from the bottom upward toward the outside. The switch system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The switch is a first switch,
The spoke further comprises a second switch;
The second switch is disposed at a position closer to the rim than the first switch,
It has a control part which judges that only the contact signal of the 1st switch was detected when the contact signal was simultaneously received from both the 1st switch and the 2nd switch. The switch system according to claim 4 or 5.   The operation surface of the first switch is inclined toward the front of the vehicle body with respect to the operation surface of the second switch so as to be away from the finger of the operator. The switch system described. In the vicinity of the switch, a backlight that shines the operation surface of the switch is provided,
The switch system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the backlight is turned on by detecting a contact of the operator with the switch.

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