JP2016159776A - Input device for transportation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device for transportation capable of installing a plurality of input parts in the transportation, improving convenience by easily understanding an input result, preventing erroneous operations, and improving operation feeling.SOLUTION: An input device for transportation includes input means 10 provided in the easy operation area of the occupant of the driver seat of a four-wheel vehicle to achieve a predetermined function by the operation of a finger 7, and display means provided in the easily visible area of the occupant of the driver seat to display input results. The input means 10 includes a capacitive sensor sheet 11 having many electrodes 14 formed therein, key top members 30 fitted to many elastic click bodies 20 of the capacitive sensor sheet 11, and a casing 40 for covering and protecting the capacitive sensor sheet 11 and the elastic click bodies 20. Among many electrodes 14, a plurality of function electrodes associated to achieve the predetermined function is set in an adjacent manner, and hung on the plurality of key top members 30 and the casing 40 positioned between the plurality of key top members 30 to form a guiding part 60 for a finger 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device for a transportation system mounted on a four-wheeled vehicle or the like.

  Although a conventional input device is not shown, for example, a plurality of touch switches installed on the side surface of a seating portion of a vehicle electric seat for a four-wheeled vehicle, and a cover member that faces each touch switch through a gap for operation. And the selected predetermined touch switch is operated with a fingertip to function to slide the entire vehicular electric seat back and forth or swing the backrest portion of the vehicular electric seat back and forth (Patent Document) 1).

  Each touch switch is formed in, for example, a flat front rectangular shape or a curved semicircular arc shape, and functions as a capacitance-type input unit that is touched or slid by a fingertip. Each cover member is formed in a front rectangular shape or a semicircular arc shape, is bent in a substantially L-shaped cross section, has an upper opening, and is installed on the side surface of the seating portion of the vehicle electric seat. Such a cover member sandwiches a fingertip between the touch switch and guides the fingertip in a predetermined operation direction.

JP 2014-137882 A

  A conventional input device is composed of a plurality of touch switches and a cover member, and the touch switch can be installed only at a location where the fingertip can be guided by the cover member. Therefore, it may be difficult to install a plurality of input units. is there.

  In addition, when the input device is installed on the side surface of the seat of the electric seat for the vehicle, when a person sitting in the driver's seat wants to visually grasp the input result, keep an eye on the input device while twisting the body, It is necessary to look closely at the fingertips. However, in such a grasping method, it is necessary to look down at the input device in a narrow space and stare at the touch switch and the fingertip, so that the input result may not be easily grasped. Further, since the input result cannot be confirmed with an easy posture while looking forward, there arises a problem that improvement in convenience cannot be expected. Furthermore, since the touch switch having no click feeling is operated in a narrow space, it is not possible to cause an erroneous operation or to improve the operation feeling.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is possible to install a plurality of input units in a transportation facility, to easily grasp input results and improve convenience, and to prevent erroneous operations and improve operational feeling. An object of the present invention is to provide an input device for transportation.

In the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, a predetermined function is realized by operating a conductive operation body provided in at least an easy operation region of a person seated in a cockpit among a plurality of seats of a transportation system. An apparatus comprising: input means; and display means for displaying an input result of the input means provided at least in an easily visible region of a person seated in a cockpit among a plurality of seats of a transportation facility,
The input means includes a capacitance sensor sheet having a number of electrodes formed on an insulating sheet, a number of deformable elastic click bodies attached to the capacitance sensor sheet, and an operation body attached to the elastic click body. Including a key top member to be operated, a protective body for covering and protecting the capacitance sensor sheet and a large number of elastic click bodies,
The elastic click body is opposed to each electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet so that the elastic click body can be contacted and separated with a gap, and a part of the elastic click body is supported on the peripheral portion of each electrode, and the protector has a number of key top members. A plurality of electrodes that are exposed to each other, and a plurality of functional electrodes related to realizing a predetermined function among a plurality of electrodes of the capacitance sensor sheet are arranged adjacent to each other, and a plurality of electrodes facing the plurality of functional electrodes A guide portion for the operating body is formed over the key top member and the protective body positioned between the plurality of key top members.

  In addition, a detection determination unit that detects a change in capacitance formed between the operation body and the electrode of the input unit is included, and the detection determination unit detects a change in capacitance converted into a detection value. The function, the function of comparing the detected value of the detected electrode with the first threshold value, and when the detected value of the compared electrode exceeds the first threshold value, the operation top and the key top member of the elastic click body are in contact with each other A function for determining that the light source of the display means corresponding to the electrode facing the key top member in contact with the operating body, and another function related to the electrode facing the key top member in contact with the operating body are provided. When the function of turning on the light source of the display unit corresponding to the electrode and the detected value of the compared electrode is equal to or less than the first threshold value, it is determined that the operation top and the key top member of the elastic click body are in a non-contact state. Function and the detection value of the electrode A function for comparing with the value, a function for determining that the electrode and the deformed elastic click body are in contact with each other by pressing the operation body when the detected value of the compared electrode exceeds the second threshold value, and comparison The function of determining that the electrode and the elastic click body are in a non-contact state can be realized when the detected value of the electrode is equal to or less than the second threshold value.

  In addition, the transport system is an automobile, the driver's seat is the driver's seat, and the easy-to-view area of the person seated in the driver's seat is the front window glass facing the head of the person sitting in the driver's seat, the dash It can be in the vicinity of the meter portion of the board, the meter portion of the dashboard, or the rearview mirror portion.

  In addition, the transport system is an automobile, the driver's seat is the driver's seat, and the easy-to-operate area for those seated in this driver's seat is the center console section and dashboard located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat The front side portion, the steering wheel portion, the vicinity of the shift lever portion, or the shift lever portion.

  In addition, the guide groove for the operating body can be formed in a recessed manner over the surface of the plurality of key top members facing the plurality of functional electrodes and the surface of the protective body positioned between the plurality of key top members.

  Here, there are various kinds of transportation vehicles in the scope of claims, such as various automobiles such as passenger cars, freight cars, special work vehicles, various motorcycles, various ships, various aircrafts, and the like. Also, it does not ask 2-seater, 4-seater, 5-seater, 7-seater, etc. The easy operation area can be provided, for example, in an area where both persons who are seated in the cockpit and the passenger seat of the transportation system can easily operate.

  The conductive operation body includes at least a finger and a writing tool. The easy-to-view area can be provided in an area such as a rearview mirror portion that is easy for a person sitting in the cockpit and the passenger seat of the transportation system to see each other. Further, the display of the display means is provided in the input means, so that the convenience of the operation of the person sitting on the passenger seat of the transportation facility can be achieved. The display means includes at least various display devices such as an LED method and a liquid crystal display method. Furthermore, about many electrodes of an electrostatic capacitance sensor sheet | seat, all or one part can be arranged as a functional electrode.

  According to the present invention, a person who sits at least in the cockpit of the transportation system can easily grasp the input result of the input means only by visually recognizing the easy-to-view area in an easy posture. Therefore, when grasping the input result, there is little need to move the line of sight largely, keep an eye on the input means, and watch the operating body. Further, since the guide portion is formed over the key top member facing the plurality of functional electrodes and the protector positioned between the plurality of key top members, the operation body can be easily moved to the key top member for the operation purpose, An intended input operation can be realized. In addition, since an elastic click body having a click feeling is used, it is possible to improve the operation feeling without causing erroneous operations.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to install a plurality of input units in a transportation facility, and it is possible to easily grasp an input result and improve convenience. Further, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation and improve the operational feeling.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible for a person sitting in a driver's seat of an automobile to easily and clearly grasp an input result with an easy posture with less burden. Therefore, when grasping the input result, it is possible to largely eliminate the necessity of moving the line of sight to the input means and gazing at the operating body.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible for a person sitting in the driver's seat of an automobile to perform an input operation with an easy posture with less burden.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the guide groove is formed over the surface of the key top member facing the plurality of functional electrodes and the surface of the protective body positioned between the plurality of key top members. It is possible to easily shift the operating body to the top member and realize an intended input operation.

It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the inside of the four-wheeled vehicle in embodiment of the input device for transport systems which concerns on this invention from back. It is a perspective explanatory view showing typically the input means in the embodiment of the input device for a transportation system according to the present invention. It is a plane explanatory view showing typically the input means in the embodiment of the input device for transportation facilities according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 3. It is the VI-VI sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is the VII-VII sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the display means in embodiment of the input device for transport systems which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective explanatory view showing typically the input means in a 2nd embodiment of the input device for transportation facilities concerning the present invention. It is a plane explanatory view showing typically the display means in a 2nd embodiment of the input device for transportation facilities concerning the present invention.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, an input device for a transportation system in the present embodiment is provided in a plurality of seats of a four-wheeled vehicle 1. Capacitance type input means 10 which is provided in at least the easy operation area 2 of the person seated in the driver's seat 3 and realizes a predetermined function by the operation of the finger 7 as the operating body, and the person seated in at least the driver's seat 3 Display means 50 provided in the easy-to-view region 5 and displaying the input result of the input means 10, and a detection determining means for detecting a change in capacitance formed between the finger 7 and the input means 10. The finger 7 extends over the plurality of key top members 30 facing the plurality of functional electrodes 17, 18, 19 in the capacitance sensor sheet 11 of the input means 10 and the housing 40 positioned between the plurality of key top members 30. Guide 60 for And so as to form.

  The four-wheeled vehicle 1 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a five-seater ordinary passenger car. As shown in FIG. 1, the easy-operation area 2 of the four-wheeled vehicle 1 is an area that is easy to operate by a person who sits in the driver's seat 3 and drives among the driver's seat 3 and the passenger seat of the four-wheeled vehicle 1, Specifically, the center console part located between the driver's seat 3 and the passenger seat of the car, the front side part of the dashboard, the back side of the steering wheel part, the vicinity 4 of the shift lever part, or the back side of the shift lever part It is done. These are not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, they are the vicinity 4 of the shift lever portion.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the easy-to-view area 5 of the four-wheeled vehicle 1 is an easily-viewable area that can be viewed by a person who is seated in the driver's seat 3 without changing his line of sight while driving. The front window glass facing the driver's head, the vicinity of the dashboard meter section, the dashboard meter section 6, or the rearview mirror section. Although these are not specifically limited, it is set as the meter part 6 of a dashboard in this embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, the input means 10 includes a capacitance sensor sheet 11 in which a large number of electrodes 14 are formed on an insulating sheet 12, and a number of elastically deformable pieces attached to the capacitance sensor sheet 11. Elastic click bodies 20, a key top member 30 that is in close contact with each elastic click body 20 and to be operated by the finger 7, and a casing 40 that covers and protects the capacitance sensor sheet 11 and the many elastic click bodies 20. To realize the temperature adjustment function on the selected driver's side, the audio volume adjustment function, and the passenger side temperature adjustment function.

  The insulating sheet 12 of the capacitance sensor sheet 11 is formed, for example, as a flat rectangular thin film, and a large number of electrodes 14 are formed on the surface thereof. On the back surface, a reinforcing plate 13 that increases the strength is double-faced from the viewpoint of preventing deformation. Adhered to the tape, a reinforcing plate 13 is installed in the vicinity of the shift lever portion 4, which is the easy operation area 2 of the four-wheeled vehicle 1.

  The insulating sheet 12 is not particularly limited. For example, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyimide, phenol resin, glass fiber impregnated epoxy resin, acrylic film, glass, etc. Can be given. Among these, a flexible thin transparent polyethylene terephthalate or polycarbonate film which is excellent in dimensional stability and insulation is suitable.

  Glass fiber-impregnated epoxy resin can be used as the insulating sheet 12, but when this glass fiber-impregnated epoxy resin is used, high strength can be expected, so that the reinforcing plate 13 can be omitted. Further, a cover made of a light-transmitting film or the like that protects a large number of electrodes 14 is laminated and adhered to the surface of the insulating sheet 12 as necessary.

  The many electrodes 14 are made of, for example, gold, silver, copper, nickel, aluminum, brass, laminated members or alloys thereof, conductive paste, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, metal meshes, metal nanofibers, conductive polymers, or the like. It is formed. Each electrode 14 is divided into first and second detection electrodes 15 and 16 which are flat thin films, for example, and the first detection electrode 15 is formed in a flat circular shape. It is surrounded by a gap so as not to contact the second detection electrode 16 such as a letter shape, and functions to form an electrostatic capacitance with the elastic click body 20 sandwiched between the finger 7 and the like.

  The first detection electrode 15 has an elongated wire extending from the peripheral edge thereof, and this wiring passes through the cut between both ends of the second detection electrode 16 and extends toward the peripheral edge of the insulating sheet 12. A terminal portion of the wiring is electrically connected to an input terminal of a detection determination unit (not shown). This wiring is formed of the same material as the first and second detection electrodes 15 and 16. Such a first detection electrode 15 forms a capacitance with the finger 7 that is pressed by being in contact with the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 20.

  The second detection electrode 16 is electrically connected to a thin strip of wire at the outer peripheral edge thereof, and the end of the wire is electrically connected to the input terminal of the detection determination means. This wiring is also formed of the same material as the first and second detection electrodes 15 and 16. Such a second detection electrode 16 has a capacitance between the finger 7 away from the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 20 and between the finger 7 in contact with the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 20. Form.

  In addition, a large number of electrodes 14 are arranged in a 2 × 3 matrix, for example, so as to be divided into a driver seat side temperature control function, an audio volume control function, and a passenger seat side temperature control function. A plurality of electrodes 14 related to realize a function are adjacent as function electrodes 17, 18, and 19. Specifically, the plurality of electrodes 14 for the temperature adjustment function on the driver's seat side are a function electrode 17 for raising the temperature and a function electrode 17 for lowering the temperature. Functional electrodes 17 are arranged in a line in the front-rear direction.

  The plurality of electrodes 14 for the audio volume adjustment function are a volume increasing function electrode 18 and a volume decreasing function electrode 18. The volume increasing function electrode 18 and the volume decreasing function electrode 18 Are arranged in a line in the front-rear direction. The plurality of electrodes 14 for the temperature adjustment function on the passenger seat side are a functional electrode 19 for raising the temperature and a functional electrode 19 for lowering the temperature. The functional electrode 19 for raising the temperature and the functional electrode for lowering the temperature 19 are arranged in a line in the front-rear direction.

  Each elastic click body 20 is formed using, for example, silicone rubber or fluoro rubber having excellent elasticity, and is opposed to each electrode 14 of the capacitance sensor sheet 11 so as to be able to contact and separate. The elastic click body 20 opposes the surface of the first detection electrode 15 with a gap, in other words, through the air layer so as to be able to come in contact with and separate from it, and the leg portion 22 is adhesively fixed to the surface of the second detection electrode 16. It functions as an input multi-stage switch that is touched or pressed with a finger 7 or the like.

  The back surface central portion 21 of the elastic click body 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape and protrudes in the direction of the first detection electrode 15, and is opposed to the surface of the first detection electrode 15 from above so as to be able to contact and separate through the air layer. When the finger 7 is pressed, the capacitance is increased by pressing against the surface of the first detection electrode 15.

  A skirt-shaped leg portion 22 that can be bent and deformed is extended from the lower periphery of the elastic click body 20 while gradually expanding in the direction of the second detection electrode 16, and the lower end of the inclined leg portion 22 has a flat flange 23. The flange 23 is fixed to the surface of the second detection electrode 16 via a double-sided adhesive tape or the like. On the back surface of the flange 23 of the leg 22, an elongated air exhaust groove that faces the wiring of the first and second detection electrodes 15, 16 with a gap is cut out in the width direction of the elastic click body 20 as necessary. The air exhaust groove exhausts the internal air to the outside during the stroke of the elastic click body 20 to facilitate the deformation and return operation of the elastic click body 20.

  Each key top member 30 is formed in a flat rectangular shape and is brought into close contact with the flat upper surface of the elastic click body 20, and an engagement flange 31 for preventing dropping is provided around the lower portion of the peripheral surface. The key top member 30 is formed to a thickness of about 0.5 to 3.0 mm using a metal such as polycarbonate, acrylic, aluminum, chromium, nickel, etc., and is a plate larger than the upper surface of the elastic click body 20. It is formed. Of the front and back surfaces of the key top member 30, at least the front surface is formed with characters, patterns, colors, and the like as necessary to facilitate the operation of the finger 7. Such a key top member 30 is brought into close contact with the upper surface of the elastic click body 20 in a preloaded state.

  The casing 40 is three-dimensionally formed into a three-dimensional box with a short height by an insulating molding material made of, for example, polycarbonate, polyetheretherketone, polyethersulfone, acrylic, etc., and the open lower part is a capacitance sensor sheet. 11 is covered. The casing 40 is configured in a substantially rectangular plane corresponding to the size of the capacitance sensor sheet 11, and planar rectangular operation ports 41 that are loosely fitted to a large number of elastic click bodies 20 are drilled in the upper thickness direction. Each operation port 41 exposes the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 20 to be operable.

  A planar substantially channel-shaped weir for selectively restricting the finger 7 from passing over the surface of the key top member 30 and excessively sliding on the surface of the housing 40 is selectively formed on the peripheral surface of each operation port 41. The In addition, a plurality of projections 42 that are in contact with the surface of the engagement flange 31 of the key top member 30 from above are arranged on the back surface of the peripheral edge of each operation port 41, and each projection 42 is a small column with a short height. It is formed in a shape, a prismatic shape, a truncated cone, a tapered pin, etc., and the contact range with the engagement flange 31 is reduced on the surface of the protrusion 42, and the dielectric constant between the key top member 30 and the housing 40 is reduced. From the viewpoint, a large number of minute irregularities are formed or a rough surface treatment is performed as necessary. Such protrusions 42 function to suppress large changes in capacitance.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, the display means 50 includes a light-transmitting display unit 51 provided in the dashboard meter unit 6 and a plurality of display units 51 that are incorporated in the dashboard meter unit 6 and illuminate the display unit 51. And a light source. The display unit 51 is partitioned into a plurality of display windows 52 corresponding to the temperature adjustment function on the driver's seat side, the audio volume adjustment function, and the passenger side temperature adjustment function of the input means 10, and the display windows 52 are divided into a plurality of display windows 52. Arranged in a 3 × 3 matrix, each display window 52 is formed in a planar rectangle.

  Specifically, a plurality of display windows 52 corresponding to the temperature adjustment function on the driver's seat side are formed in a line, and characters “driver's seat temperature”, “high”, and “low” are printed on each of them. In addition, a plurality of display windows 52 corresponding to the audio volume adjustment function are formed in a line, and characters of “volume”, “large”, and “small” are printed on each of them. Similarly, a plurality of display windows 52 corresponding to the temperature adjustment function on the passenger seat side are formed in a line, and characters of “passenger seat temperature”, “high”, and “low” are respectively printed on them.

  A large number of light sources are, for example, a large number of LEDs that emit white light, red light, blue light, etc., and correspond to the large number of functional electrodes 17, 18, 19 and are arranged to face the large number of display windows 52. The The plurality of light sources function to selectively illuminate at least the corresponding display window 52 and display the input result of the input unit 10 by turning on or blinking according to the detection determination result of the detection determination unit. .

  When displaying the input result, a liquid crystal display device may be used as the display means 50 and the entire display area of the liquid crystal display device may be displayed, or a part of the display area may be displayed. May be.

  Although not shown in the figure, the detection determination means is composed of, for example, a microcontroller or the like, and a predetermined history or the like is stored in the RAM, and a predetermined program is stored in the ROM. Rewritten. The microcontroller is not particularly limited, but for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, I / O block, and the like are built in, and a digital circuit and an analog circuit can be separately designed in the IC. (A registered trademark of Cypress Semiconductor Corporation) and the like are used. This PSoC includes CY8C21645 type, CY8C22345 type, CY8C24994 type and the like.

  Such a detection determination means realizes a predetermined function as a computer by reading a predetermined program stored in the ROM using the RAM area as a work area. That is, the detection determination unit compares the function of detecting the change in capacitance into a detection value and the function of comparing the detected value of the detected second detection electrode 16 with the first threshold value. A function of determining that the finger 7 and the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 20 are in contact with each other when the detection value of the detection electrode 16 exceeds the first threshold, and the key top member 30 in contact with the finger 7. The function of turning on the light source of the display means 50 corresponding to the electrode 14 facing the light source and the light source of the display means 50 corresponding to another electrode 14 related to the electrode 14 facing the key top member 30 in contact with the finger 7 are turned on. And a function for determining that the finger 7 and the key top member 30 of the elastic click body 20 are in a non-contact state when the detected value of the second detection electrode 16 compared is equal to or less than the first threshold value, Detection value of first detection electrode 15 The function of comparing with the second threshold value and the elastic click body deformed with the first detection electrode 15 by the pressing operation of the finger 7 when the detected value of the compared first detection electrode 15 exceeds the second threshold value When the detected value of the first detection electrode 15 compared with the first threshold value is equal to or less than the second threshold value, the first detection electrode 15 and the elastic click body 20 are in a non-contact state. And a function for determining that it is in

  The first threshold value is set in consideration of a capacitance value, an experimental result, and the like when the finger 7 and the key top member 30 are in contact with each other. The second threshold value is set in consideration of the capacitance value, the experimental result, and the like when the finger 7 presses the elastic click body 20.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the guide unit 60 includes, for example, a planar belt-shaped guide groove 61, and the guide groove 61 faces the functional electrodes 17, 18, and 19. And the upper surface of the housing 40 located between the plurality of key top members 30 are formed linearly. Specifically, a finger is applied to the surface of the key top member 30 facing the function electrode 17 for temperature increase and temperature decrease on the driver's seat side, and the upper surface of the housing 40 positioned between the plurality of key top members 30. In consideration of the size of 7, the recess is formed in a semicircular cross section.

  Further, the size of the finger 7 is set on the surface of the key top member 30 facing the function electrode 18 for increasing and decreasing the volume of audio, and on the upper surface of the casing 40 positioned between the plurality of key top members 30. In consideration of this, a recess having a semicircular cross section is formed. Similarly, the finger 7 is placed on the surface of the key top member 30 facing the functional electrode 19 for temperature increase and temperature decrease on the passenger seat side, and on the upper surface of the housing 40 positioned between the plurality of key top members 30. A recess is formed in a semicircular cross-section considering the size.

  Next, the operation will be described. When a person sitting in the driver's seat 3 tries to increase the volume of the audio by operating the input means 10 while looking forward, the user touches the surface of the key top member 30 for lowering the temperature on the driver's seat side by mistake. The electrostatic capacitance between the finger 7 and the second detection electrode 16 of the functional electrode 17 facing the key top member 30 increases.

  When the capacitance between the finger 7 and the second detection electrode 16 of the functional electrode 17 increases, the detection determination unit detects the change in capacitance converted into a detection value, and detects the detected second The detection value of the detection electrode 16 is compared with a first threshold value. As a result of the comparison, since the detection value of the second detection electrode 16 exceeds the first threshold value, it is determined that the finger 7 and the key top member 30 are in contact with each other, and a predetermined function is executed.

  Specifically, the light source of the display means 50 is turned on to strongly illuminate the “low” display window 52 on the driver's seat 3 side, and the associated “driver's seat temperature” and “high” display windows 52 are simply displayed. Illuminated. At this time, the large number of display windows 52 corresponding to the audio volume adjustment function and the passenger side temperature adjustment function are not illuminated because the corresponding light sources are not lit. Due to the difference in the illuminance of the display window 52, a person sitting on the driver's seat 3 mistakenly touches the key top member 30 for lowering the temperature on the driver's seat side while looking at the meter portion 6 of the dashboard. Visually grasp the facts.

  Next, when a person seated in the driver's seat 3 touches the key top member 30 for reducing the volume of audio when the finger 7 is shifted to the side to correct an erroneous input operation, the finger 7 and the key top member 30 face each other. The capacitance between the functional electrode 18 and the second detection electrode 16 increases. When the capacitance increases in this way, the detection determination unit detects the change in the capacitance by converting it into a detection value, and compares the detected detection value of the second detection electrode 16 with the first threshold value. As a result of the comparison, since the detection value of the second detection electrode 16 exceeds the first threshold value, it is determined that the finger 7 and the key top member 30 are in contact with each other, and a predetermined function is executed.

  Specifically, the light source of the display means 50 is turned on to strongly illuminate the audio “small” display window 52, and the associated “volume” and “large” display windows 52 are simply illuminated. In these cases, the large number of display windows 52 corresponding to the temperature adjustment function on the driver's seat side and on the passenger seat side are not illuminated because the corresponding light source is not turned on.

  Due to the difference in illuminance of the display window 52, the person sitting on the driver's seat 3 visually observes that the finger 7 is touching the key top member 30 for volume reduction while looking at the meter portion 6 of the dashboard. To grasp. Further, by tapping the finger 7 along the guide groove 61 of the volume reducing key top member 30, it is tactilely grasped that the volume increasing key top member 30 can be operated.

  When the fact that the finger 7 is touching the volume reducing key top member 30 is grasped, the finger 7 is shifted along the guide groove 61 of the volume decreasing key top member 30 to thereby increase the volume of the key top member 30. Then stop finger 7. Then, the light source of the display unit 50 is turned on by the determination of the detection determination unit similar to the above, and the “large” display window 52 of the audio is strongly illuminated, and the related “volume” and “small” display windows 52 are displayed. Are simply illuminated.

  In these cases, the large number of display windows 52 corresponding to the temperature adjustment function on the driver's seat 3 side or on the passenger seat side are not illuminated as described above. Due to the difference in illuminance of the display window 52, a person sitting in the driver's seat 3 visually confirms that the finger 7 is touching the key top member 30 for increasing the volume while looking at the meter section 6. It becomes.

  When it is confirmed that the finger 7 is touching the key top member 30 for increasing the volume, the key top member 30 is pressed, and the key top member 30 is deformed with the first detection electrode 15 of the functional electrode 18 facing the key top member 30. The back surface central portion 21 of the elastic click body 20 is brought into contact. At this time, the electrostatic capacitance has the shortest distance between the finger 7 and the first detection electrode 15, and the first detection electrode 15 and the elastic click body 20 come into contact with each other to interpose an air layer. Since it disappears, it increases greatly and a detection value also becomes large.

  When the finger 7 presses the key top member 30, the detection determination unit converts the capacitance change into a detection value and detects the change, and compares the detection value of the first detection electrode 15 with a second threshold value. As a result, the detected value of the first detection electrode 15 compared exceeds the second threshold value, and therefore, when the finger 7 is pressed, the first detection electrode 15 and the deformed elastic click body 20 are in contact with each other. As a result, the audio volume increasing function is executed, and the audio volume is increased.

  When the detected value of the first detection electrode 15 compared is equal to or less than the second threshold value, the finger 7 stops touching the key top member 30 and the first detection electrode 15 and the elastic click body 20 are not in contact with each other. Determined to be in contact.

  According to the above configuration, since the cover member for the finger 7 can be omitted, a large number of elastic click bodies 20 and key top members 30 can be installed very easily. Also, a person sitting in the driver's seat 3 can easily and clearly grasp the input result by simply viewing the dashboard meter section 6 in an easy posture. Therefore, when grasping the input result, there is no need to twist the body to move the line of sight greatly, keep an eye on the input means 10 and watch the finger 7 at all. In addition, since the input result can be confirmed with an easy posture while looking forward, the convenience can be greatly improved.

  Further, since the guide groove 61 is formed on the surface of the key top member 30 facing the plurality of functional electrodes 17, 18, and 19 and the upper surface of the housing 40 positioned between the plurality of key top members 30, It is possible to easily shift the finger 7 to the key top member 30 and realize an intended input operation by blind touch. Moreover, since the light source of the display means 50 corresponding to another functional electrode 17, 18, 19 associated with the functional electrode 17, 18, 19 facing the key top member 30 in contact with the finger 7 is also turned on, unintended operation It is possible to suppress mistakes and to reliably select the key top member 30 for the operation purpose.

  Further, since the elastic click body 20 having a click feeling is used, it is possible to improve the operation feeling without causing an erroneous operation. In addition, since the engagement flange 31 of the key top member 30 can be set to the protrusion 42 of the operation port 41 of the housing 40 in a state where the key top member 30 is slightly pressed, it is possible to effectively prevent the key top member 30 from rattling in a non-pressed state. It becomes possible to eliminate.

  Further, the key top member 30 is not simply attached to the upper surface of the flat surface of the elastic click body 20, but is pressed in a preloaded state so that air enters between the elastic click body 20 and the key top member 30. Therefore, the key top member 30 can be prevented from being displaced and the clearance can be reduced. Further, if the elastic click body 20 is not simply disposed on the electrode 14 of the capacitance sensor sheet 11, but the flange 23 of the elastic click body 20 is firmly supported on the electrode 14, the electrode 14 and the elastic click body 20 can be always located at the same location, so that even if vibration is applied, displacement of the elastic click body 20 in the XY directions can be effectively prevented. Therefore, since the facing area between the electrode 14 and the elastic click body 20 does not change, it is possible to eliminate the situation in which variations in the capacitance change or the detection of the change in capacitance is hindered. It becomes.

  In addition, since variations in the capacitance hardly occur, the threshold value of the detection determination means used for comparison with the detection value can be set with high accuracy and precision. In addition, since the electrode 14 and the flange 23 of the elastic click body 20 are firmly fixed and the free movement of the leg portion 22 of the elastic click body 20 is restricted, the leg portion 22 even if the elastic click body 20 is pressed. Seldom bends and lifts. Therefore, it is possible to effectively eliminate the possibility that the area of the elastic click body 20 facing the electrode 14 is reduced and the change in capacitance becomes unstable.

  Furthermore, since the change in the electrostatic capacitance is stabilized by fixing the flange 23 of the elastic click body 20, the gap between the electrode 14 and the back surface central portion 21 from which the elastic click body 20 protrudes can be reduced. Thereby, since it is not necessary to ensure a long and long stroke from the electrode 14 to the elastic click body 20, the use of the capacitive input device is not limited.

  Next, FIGS. 1, 9 and 10 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the input means 10 is made to realize the swinging function of the door mirror 9, and this input means. Display means 50 for displaying ten input results is built in the meter section 6 of the dashboard.

  The input means 10 is installed, for example, on the front side portion 8 of the dashboard that is easy for a driver to operate, and a plurality of electrodes of the capacitance sensor sheet 11 are arranged radially, for example, so that the door mirror 9 is expanded and stored. It is divided into a function and a function for swinging the door mirror 9 in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a plurality of related electrodes for realizing the swing function of the door mirror 9 in the vertical and horizontal directions are adjacent as function electrodes. . The plurality of functional electrodes are arranged at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the electrode that realizes the deployment / storage function of the door mirror 9 and surrounds the electrode that realizes the deployment / storage function of the door mirror 9.

  A large number of key top members 30 of the input means 10 are formed into a flat circular shape or a sector shape and are in close contact with an upper flat surface of the elastic click body 20, and an engagement flange 31 is provided around the lower portion of the peripheral surface to prevent it from falling off. The The flat circular key top member 30 faces the electrode for the unfolding / retracting function of the door mirror 9 through the elastic click body 20. On the other hand, the plurality of planar fan-shaped key top members 30 respectively face the plurality of functional electrodes for the swing function of the door mirror 9 in the vertical and horizontal directions via the elastic click body 20.

  The display unit 51 of the display means 50 is partitioned into a number of display windows 52 corresponding to the function of unfolding and storing the door mirror 9 of the input means 10 and the function of swinging the door mirror 9 in the vertical and horizontal directions. 52 are arranged radially. Specifically, the display window 52 corresponding to the unfolding / storing function of the door mirror 9 is formed in a flat circular shape, and characters of “storing” indicating the function are printed. On the other hand, the plurality of display windows 52 corresponding to the function of swinging the door mirror 9 in the up / down / left / right directions are each formed in a flat fan shape and indicate “↑”, “→”, “↓” indicating the swing direction of the door mirror 9. ”And“ ← ”are printed, respectively, and surround the display window 52 corresponding to the unfolding / storing function of the door mirror 9.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the guide portion 60 includes, for example, a planar belt-shaped guide groove 61, and the guide groove 61 is disposed between the key top member 30 facing the plurality of functional electrodes and the plurality of key top members 30. A flat ring shape is formed over the casing 40 located. Specifically, in consideration of the size of the finger 7, the surface of the plurality of planar fan-shaped key top members 30 and the upper surface of the housing 40 located between the plurality of key top members 30 are recessed in a semicircular cross section. It is formed. The other parts are the same as those in the above embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, the same effect as the above embodiment can be expected, and a person sitting in the driver's seat 3 can easily and clearly grasp the input result by simply viewing the dashboard meter section 6 in an easy posture. However, it is obvious that the door mirror 9 can be unfolded and retracted, and the door mirror 9 can be swung vertically and horizontally.

  Further, if a liquid crystal display device is employed as the display means 50 and the door mirror 9 is stored and the liquid crystal display is “development”, the flat circular key top member 30 located at the center of the input means 10. It can be visually recognized that the door mirror 9 can be unfolded by pressing. Furthermore, when the door mirror 9 is unfolded and the liquid crystal is displayed as “stored”, the door mirror 9 can be stored by pressing the flat circular key top member 30 located at the center. Can be visually recognized.

  The input means 10 in the above embodiment may be provided with a large number of light sources that illuminate the capacitive sensor sheet 11 having optical transparency, a large number of elastic click bodies 20, and a large number of key top members 30. . A large number of electrodes 14 may be arranged in a matrix of 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 3 × 4, or the like. In addition, a large number of electrodes 14 may be divided into functions for adjusting the wind direction of the air conditioner on the driver's seat 3 side and the passenger seat side. When the key top member 30 is made of a transparent material, a pattern, color, character, figure, symbol, or the like may be formed on the back surface of the key top member 30.

  Moreover, when decorating the plastic key top member 30, the material of the decoration may be conductive or insulating. Further, in the above embodiment, the capacitance sensor sheet 11 and the many elastic click bodies 20 are covered and protected by the casing 40. However, when the input means 10 is installed on the steering wheel part or the shift lever part, a part of them is provided. Thus, the electrostatic capacitance sensor sheet 11 and the many elastic click bodies 20 can be covered and protected, and the housing 40 can be omitted. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the guide groove 61 having the semicircular cross section is shown as the guide portion 60. However, the guide groove 61 is not limited at all, and may be a large number of fine irregularities, a streaky convex portion, or the like.

  The input device for a transportation system according to the present invention is used in the field of manufacturing various transportation systems such as automobiles, motorcycles, ships, airplanes, etc., and equipment mounted thereon.

1 Four-wheeled vehicle
2 Easy operation area 3 Driver's seat (control seat)
4 Shift lever part vicinity 5 Easy-to-view area 6 Meter part 7 Finger (operating body)
8 Front side portion of dashboard 9 Door mirror 10 Input means 11 Capacitance sensor sheet 12 Insulating sheet 14 Electrode 17 Functional electrode 18 Functional electrode 19 Functional electrode 20 Elastic click body 30 Key top member 40 Housing (protective body)
41 Operation Port 50 Display Unit 51 Display Unit 52 Display Window 60 Guide Unit 61 Guide Groove

Claims (4)

Of the plurality of seats of the transport system, provided in at least an easy operation area for a person seated in the cockpit, an input means for realizing a predetermined function by operating a conductive operating body, and a plurality of seats of the transport system Among them, an input device for a transportation system provided with display means that is provided in at least an easily visible region of a person seated in a cockpit and displays an input result of the input means,
The input means includes a capacitance sensor sheet having a number of electrodes formed on an insulating sheet, a number of deformable elastic click bodies attached to the capacitance sensor sheet, and an operation body attached to the elastic click body. Including a key top member to be operated, a protective body for covering and protecting the capacitance sensor sheet and a large number of elastic click bodies,
The elastic click body is opposed to each electrode of the capacitance sensor sheet so that the elastic click body can be contacted and separated with a gap, and a part of the elastic click body is supported on the peripheral portion of each electrode, and the protector has a number of key top members. A plurality of electrodes that are exposed to each other, and a plurality of functional electrodes related to realizing a predetermined function among a plurality of electrodes of the capacitance sensor sheet are arranged adjacent to each other, and a plurality of electrodes facing the plurality of functional electrodes An input device for a transportation system, characterized in that a guide portion for an operating body is formed over the key top member and a protective body positioned between the plurality of key top members.   The transport system is an automobile, the cockpit is the driver's seat, and the easy-to-view area of the person seated in the driver's seat is the front window glass facing the head of the person seated in the cockpit, the dashboard 2. An input device for a transportation system according to claim 1, wherein the input device is used in the vicinity of a meter unit, a meter unit of a dashboard, or a rearview mirror unit.   The transport console is a car and the driver's seat is the driver's seat. The easy-to-operate area for those seated in this driver's seat is the center console located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of the transport, and the front of the dashboard. The input device for a transportation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input device is a side portion, a steering wheel portion, a shift lever portion vicinity, or a shift lever portion.   The guide groove for the operating body is formed in a recessed manner over the surface of the plurality of key top members facing the plurality of functional electrodes and the surface of the protective body positioned between the plurality of key top members. 3. An input device for a transportation system according to 3.

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