JP2022076080A - Operation device and manufacturing method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an operation device and a manufacturing method for the same, in which the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.SOLUTION: An operation device 1 is substantially configured by including one operation member 2 that receives operation, a detection unit 3 that detects the operating direction of the operation received in the operation member 2, a plurality of touch electrodes to which functions of control objects are assigned and which are provided to the operation member 2, and a control unit 17 that is electrically connected to the detection unit 3 and each of the touch electrodes and controls the control objects on the basis of the touch electrode having detected the contact of an operator and the detected operating direction of the operation member 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to an operating device and a method for manufacturing the same.

As a conventional technique, an in-vehicle operation panel device provided with dual-purpose operation knobs exposed at a plurality of locations on a front plate is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The in-vehicle operation panel device can be selected from an air conditioner operation mode and an audio operation mode. The combined operation knob functions as an air conditioner operation knob when the air conditioner operation mode is selected, and functions as an audio operation knob when the audio operation mode is selected.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-064550

Since the in-vehicle operation panel device can operate a plurality of functions, the combined operation knobs are arranged for each function, which causes a problem of high manufacturing cost.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an operating device and a method for manufacturing the same, which can suppress the manufacturing cost.

In one aspect of the present invention, one operating member that accepts an operation, a detection unit that detects the operating direction of the operation performed on the operating member, and a plurality of functions to be controlled are assigned to the operating member. The touch electrode is electrically connected to the detection unit and each of the plurality of touch electrodes, and the control target is controlled based on the touch electrode in which the operator's contact is detected and the operation direction of the detected operating member. A control unit and an operation device including the control unit are provided.

According to the present invention, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of an operating device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is an example of a block diagram of the operating device. FIG. 2 (a) is a perspective view showing an example of the operating device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 (b) is a line II (b) -II (b) of FIG. 2 (a). This is an example of a cross-sectional view of the cut operating device as viewed from the direction of the arrow. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the operating member according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the detection unit. FIG. 4A is a top view showing an example of the first touch electrode to the sixth touch electrode formed on the operation member according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4B is an example. , It is a top view for demonstrating that a through hole having a shape corresponding to a design is formed in a touch electrode. 5 (a) to 5 (f) are views for explaining an example of a method of manufacturing an operating member of an operating device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 (a) is a diagram showing an example of the operating member according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 (b) is cut along the line VI (b) -VI (b) of FIG. 6 (a). This is an example of a cross-sectional view of the cross-sectional view taken in the direction of the arrow. 7 (a) is a perspective view showing an example of a design member according to a second embodiment, FIG. 7 (b) is a perspective view showing an example of a conductive member, and FIG. 7 (c) is a perspective view. , Is a perspective view showing an example of the back side of the conductive member. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a light guide arranged on the operating member according to the third embodiment. 9 (a) is a perspective view showing an example of a design member according to a fourth embodiment, FIG. 9 (b) is a perspective view showing an example of a conductive member, and FIG. 9 (c) is a perspective view. , Is a perspective view showing an example of the back side of the conductive member.

(Summary of embodiment)
The operation device according to the embodiment is provided with one operation member that accepts operations, a detection unit that detects the operation direction of the operation performed by the operation member, and a function to be controlled, respectively. The control target is based on the operation direction of the touch electrode, which is electrically connected to the detection unit and each of the plurality of touch electrodes, and the contact of the operator is detected, and the detected operation member. It is roughly configured with a control unit for controlling the above.

Since a plurality of functions are assigned to one operating member of the operating device, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed as compared with the case where the operating member is arranged for each of the plurality of functions.

[First Embodiment]
(Outline of operation device 1)
FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of an operating device, and FIG. 1B is an example of a block diagram of the operating device. FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing an example of the operating device, and FIG. 2B is an arrow showing a cross section of the operating device cut along the line II (b) -II (b) of FIG. 2A. This is an example of a cross-sectional view seen from the direction. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the operating member, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the detection unit. In each figure according to the embodiment described below, the ratio between the figures may differ from the actual ratio. Further, in FIG. 1 (b), the main signal and information flow are indicated by arrows.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the operation device 1 of the present embodiment is configured as an air conditioning operation device for operating the air conditioning device 84 of the vehicle 8. As an example, the operating device 1 is arranged on a center console 82 that stands up from the front between the driver's seat 80 and the passenger seat 81 of the vehicle 8. A display device 83 for displaying a setting image, a map image, or the like is arranged on the center console 82. As shown in FIG. 1A, the operation device 1 is arranged in a narrow area below the display device 83 in order to widen the display screen of the display device 83.

As an example, the operation device 1 includes a self-capacity type touch sensor in the operation member 2. The operation device 1 determines which operation area of the operation member 2 is in contact with and in which direction the operation is performed.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the operation device 1 detects one operation member 2 that accepts an operation and an operation direction of the operation performed on the operation member 2. The unit 3 and the function to be controlled are assigned to each, and the plurality of touch electrodes provided on the operation member 2 are electrically connected to each of the detection unit 3 and the plurality of touch electrodes, and the operator can operate the unit. It is roughly configured with a touch electrode that detects contact and a control unit 17 that controls a control target based on the detected operation direction of the operation member 2.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the operation member 2 is arranged inside a plurality of touch electrodes, a design member 4 having a design formed for each of the plurality of touch electrodes, and a plurality of touches. It includes a conductive member 5 having a plurality of relay electrodes provided according to the electrodes. The touch electrode of the present embodiment is provided on the design member 4, but is not limited to this, and is arranged on any of the members constituting the operation member 2 if the contact of the operator with the operation member 2 can be detected. Is also good.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the operation member 2 is arranged between two convex portions 12 protruding from the front surface 100 of the main body 10.

As an example, the plurality of touch electrodes of the present embodiment are the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f, as shown in FIG. 2A. The number of touch electrodes is not limited to this. Further, as an example, the plurality of relay electrodes are the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56, as shown in FIG. 3A. The number of relay electrodes is the same as the number of touch electrodes.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the conductive member 5 includes an insulating portion 57 that insulates the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56, and the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode. 56 and are integrated.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the main body 10 to which the operation member 2 is attached includes a plurality of counter electrodes arranged so as to face one end of the plurality of relay electrodes of the conductive member 5.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the plurality of counter electrodes of the present embodiment are the first counter electrode 61 to the sixth counter electrode 66. The first counter electrode 61 to the sixth counter electrode 66 are arranged at equal intervals on the arrangement surface 60 of the substrate 6. The board 6 is, for example, a printed wiring board. The one end portion of the relay electrode is a terminal portion 51b to a terminal portion 56b of the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56. Further, since the first facing electrode 61 to the sixth facing electrode 66 may face the terminal portions 51b to the terminal portion 56b, they are arranged at equal intervals unless the terminal portions 51b to the terminal portions 56b are aligned at equal intervals. It does not have to be done.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the control unit 17 has a first capacitive coupling 71, which is generated between the operator's operating finger 9 and the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f. A second capacitive coupling 72 generated between the touch electrodes 4a to 6 of the first touch electrode 4f and the other end of the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56, and a first relay electrode. Touch with the operator based on the third capacitance coupling 73 generated between the terminal portions 51b to 56b of the 51st to 6th relay electrodes 56 and the first counter electrode 61 to the sixth counter electrode 66. The capacitance generated between the electrode and the electrode is calculated, and the touch electrode that has detected the contact of the operator is determined based on the calculated capacitance.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the other end portion of the relay electrode is a front end portion 51a to a front end portion 56a of the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B, the operating device 1 has a light-shielding film 44 formed on the surface 40 of the operating member 2 and the first touch electrodes 4a to 6f. And a plurality of designs formed by partially removing the light-shielding film 44 on the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f and the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f. The lighting unit 15 is arranged on the main body 10 and outputs illumination light 151 from the main body 10 to the operation member 2 side, and illuminates a plurality of designs by the output illumination light 151.

As an example, the plurality of designs of the present embodiment are the first design 21a to the sixth design 26a. Since the design is provided for the touch electrodes, the number is the same as the number of touch electrodes.

The illumination unit 15 has a plurality of light sources 150. As shown in FIG. 3A, the first counter electrode 61 to the sixth counter electrode 66 are arranged between the light sources. The light sources 150 of this embodiment are arranged at equal intervals. The number of light sources 150 and the interval between arrangements are not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the operating member 2 is configured to rotate about the shaft portion 11 in the direction of arrow A and in the direction of arrow B opposite to the direction of arrow A by a predetermined angle. The shaft portion 11 is provided on the main body 10. As shown in FIG. 3A, the shaft portion 11 is inserted into the insertion holes 46 provided in the side surface 42b and the side surface 42c of the design member 4. The insertion hole 46 is connected to the insertion hole 59 of the conductive member 5 described later. Therefore, the shaft portion 11 is inserted into the insertion hole 46 and the insertion hole 59.

The arrow A direction is the ceiling direction of the vehicle 8, that is, the upward direction. Further, the arrow B direction is the floor direction of the vehicle 8, that is, the downward direction. The predetermined angle is, for example, about ± 10 ° when the arrow A direction is positive and the arrow B direction is negative with respect to the horizontal direction, but the angle is not limited to this. Hereinafter, the direction of arrow A is mainly described as an upward direction, and the direction of arrow B is described as a downward direction.

Further, as an example, the operation member 2 is configured to perform a momentary operation in which the operation member 2 is operated in the upward or downward direction and then returns to the position before the operation when the hand is released.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the operating device 1 includes a display unit 14 and a storage unit 16. As an example, the display unit 14 is arranged on the front surface 100 of the main body 10 as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and displays a set temperature, an air volume, an outlet, a mode, and the like.

As an example, the storage unit 16 is configured as a semiconductor memory and has a threshold value 160 for determining the presence or absence of touch. The control unit 17 compares the capacitance acquired via the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f with the threshold value 160 to determine the touch electrode that has detected the contact of the operator.

(Structure of operation member 2)
FIG. 4A is a top view showing an example of the first touch electrode to the sixth touch electrode formed on the operating member, and FIG. 4B has a shape corresponding to the design as an example. It is a top view for demonstrating that a through hole is formed in a touch electrode. FIG. 4B shows a through hole 400 provided in the fifth touch electrode 4e.

-About the design member 4 The design member 4 of the operation member 2 is formed by using a transparent resin material such as polycarbonate. The design member 4 has a shape surrounded by a surface 40, a front surface 41, a rear surface 42a, a side surface 42b, and a side surface 42c. Further, the side surface 42b and the side surface 42c of the design member 4 are tapered from the rear surface 42a toward the front surface 41. The bottom surface portion of the design member 4 is open, and the conductive member 5 is arranged inside the design member 4. The operation surface 2a with which the operation finger 9 comes into contact is the surface of the design film 45 described later.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the design member 4 has a first touch electrode 4a to a sixth touch electrode 4f, a light-shielding film 44, and a design film 45 formed on the surface 40 and the front surface 41.

The first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f are formed by processing a conductive film 43, which will be described later. As an example, the conductive film 43 is formed by applying a conductive paint containing a conductive material such as silver or carbon to at least the surface 40 and the front surface 41 of the design member 4.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the first touch electrodes 4a to 6th touch electrodes 4f are formed from the surface 40 to the front surface 41 and have a rectangular shape. The front end portions 401a to the front end portion 401f of the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f are portions facing the front end portions 51a to the front end portion 56a of the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56. .. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first design 21a to the sixth design 26a are formed on the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f.

The light-shielding film 44 is formed of, for example, a black paint that blocks the illumination light 151 output from the light source 150 of the illumination unit 15.

The design film 45 is provided to give the texture of the operating member 2. The design film 45 is formed by applying a silver paint as an example. As a modification, the operation member 2 may not have the design film 45 and may have a configuration in which the light-shielding film 44 is exposed.

The first design 21a to the sixth design 26a are formed by removing the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f, the light-shielding film 44, and the design film 45 in the shape of the design. Therefore, the illumination light 151 is output to the outside via the design member 4, the first touch electrodes 4a to the sixth touch electrodes 4f, the light shielding film 44, and the design film 45, and as a result, the first designs 21a to the sixth are output. The design 26a is illuminated.

For example, in the fifth touch electrode 4e, the conductive film 43 is removed in the shape of the fifth design 25a to form a through hole 400. That is, in the first touch electrodes 4a to the sixth touch electrodes 4f, through holes 400 having the shapes of the first design 21a to the sixth design 26a corresponding to the respective touch electrodes are formed. The through hole 400 is a hole that penetrates the touch electrode, the light-shielding film 44, and the design film 45.

Here, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2B, the first touch electrodes 4a to the sixth touch electrodes 4f are the first operation areas 21 to the sixth operation areas 26 which are the areas for detecting the touch operation. Is stipulated. The operator can operate the function assigned to the operation area by touching the operation area and operating the operation member 2 in the upward direction or the downward direction.

As an example, a function of switching the air outlet on the passenger seat side is assigned to the first operation area 21 in which the first design 21a is formed. As an example, a function for adjusting the set temperature on the passenger seat side is assigned to the second operation area 22 in which the second design 22a is formed. As an example, a function for adjusting the air volume is assigned to the third operation area 23 in which the third design 23a is formed. As an example, a function for switching modes is assigned to the fourth operation area 24 in which the fourth design 24a is formed. As an example, a function for adjusting the set temperature on the driver's seat side is assigned to the fifth operation area 25 in which the fifth design 25a is formed. As an example, a function of switching the air outlet on the driver's seat side is assigned to the sixth operation area 26 in which the sixth design 26a is formed. When the vehicle 8 is a left-hand drive vehicle (the steering is located on the left side), the driver's seat and the passenger seat are interchanged.

-Regarding the conductive member 5, as shown in FIG. 3A, the conductive member 5 has a front surface 50a, a rear surface 50b, a side surface 50c, a side surface 50d, and a lower surface 50e, and has a shape in which the upper surface is open. There is. Further, the side surface 50c and the side surface 50d of the conductive member 5 are narrowed from the rear surface 50b toward the front surface 50a. The side surface 50c and the side surface 50d are provided with an insertion hole 59 connected to the insertion hole 46 of the design member 4.

The conductive member 5 is formed by forming the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56 and the insulating portion 57 by two-color molding, and further performing a plating treatment.

The first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56 are formed by using a resin material such as ABS resin (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) as an example, and the surface thereof is plated with a conductive metal such as copper. .. The insulating portion 57 is formed by using a resin material such as polycarbonate as an example.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the first relay electrode 51 is formed over the rear surface 50b via the end upper surface 50f, the front surface 50a, and the lower surface 50e. Similarly, the second relay electrode 52 to the sixth relay electrode 56 are formed over the rear surface 50b via the end upper surface 50f, the front surface 50a, and the lower surface 50e.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the front end portion 51a of the first relay electrode 51 indicates a relay electrode provided from the upper end upper surface 50f to the front surface 50a of the conductive member 5. Further, the terminal portion 51b of the first relay electrode 51 indicates a relay electrode provided on the rear surface 50b of the conductive member 5, as shown in FIG. 2 (b). Similarly, the front end portion 52a to the front end portion 56a indicate a relay electrode provided from the end upper surface 50f to the front surface 50a of the conductive member 5. Further, the terminal portion 52b to the terminal portion 56b indicate a relay electrode provided on the rear surface 50b of the conductive member 5.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2B, the terminal portion 51b has an arc shape on the first counter electrode 61 side. This shape is for suppressing a change in the distance between the end portion 51b and the first counter electrode 61 due to the rotation of the operating member 2. Therefore, the shape of the terminal portion 51b to the terminal portion 56b on the side of the first counter electrode 61 to the sixth counter electrode 66 is a circular arc shape centered on the shaft portion 11.

The conductive member 5 is formed with a housing portion 50g mainly surrounded by a rear surface 50b, a side surface 50c, and a side surface 50d. As a modification, the operation member 2 may be provided with a light guide, which will be described later, in the accommodating portion 50 g. This light guide is arranged to efficiently guide the illumination light 151 of the illumination unit 15 to the first design 21a to the sixth design 26a.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the conductive member 5 has a plurality of diffusion members 58 on the rear surface 50b. The diffusion member 58 is arranged so as to face the light source 150 of the substrate 6, and diffuses when the illumination light 151 is transmitted. Since the insulating portion 57 is formed of polycarbonate, which is a transparent resin, as an example, the illumination light 151 passes through the rear surface 50b and is input to the diffusion member 58. As an example, the diffusion member 58 is formed by mixing a transparent member such as silicon with a member that diffuses the illumination light 151.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the conductive member 5 has a protrusion 500 protruding from the rear surface 50b. The tip of the protrusion 500 is bifurcated so as to sandwich the button 30 of the detection unit 3. When the operating member 2 is operated upward, the protrusion 500 moves the button 30 downward. When the operating member 2 is operated downward, the protrusion 500 moves the button 30 upward.

(Structure of detection unit 3)
As shown in FIG. 3B, the detection unit 3 is arranged on the arrangement surface 60 of the substrate 6. The detection unit 3 includes a button 30 that moves in the vertical direction on the paper surface of FIG. 3 (b).

The button 30 moves downward and upward according to the upward and downward operations of the operating member 2. The detection unit ₃ is configured to generate direction information S1 based on the vertical movement of the detected button 30 and output it to the control unit 17.

The detection unit 3 may be a sensor that detects the vertical movement of the operating member 2 in a non-contact manner, and includes a first switch that detects the upward direction and a second switch that detects the downward direction. It may be configured.

As a modification, the operating device 1 may have a rubber dome in the main body 10 that gives the operator a sense of moderation. The operating device 1 has, for example, a convex portion that protrudes adjacent to the detection unit 3, and two rubber domes are arranged so as to sandwich the convex portion vertically. The operator can recognize the tactile sensation when the rubber dome buckles through the convex portion as moderation.

(Structure of control unit 17)
The control unit 17 is, for example, a CPU (= Central Processing Unit) that performs operations and processing on the acquired data according to a stored program, a RAM (= Random Access Memory) and a ROM (= Read Only Memory) that are semiconductor memories. It is a microcomputer composed of such things. In this ROM, for example, a program for operating the control unit 17 is stored. The RAM is used, for example, as a storage area for temporarily storing a calculation result or the like. Further, the control unit 17 has a means for generating a clock signal inside thereof, and operates based on the clock signal. The control unit 17 is arranged on the substrate 6.

The control unit ₁₇ acquires the detection signals S2 to S7 from the _first touch electrodes 4a to the sixth touch electrodes 4f. Then, the control unit ₁₇ calculates the amount of change in capacitance based _on the detection signals S2 to S7 and compares it with the threshold value 160 stored in the storage unit 16, and the amount of change is greater than the threshold value 160. The large touch electrode is determined to be the touch electrode in which contact is detected.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the control unit 17 has a first capacitance coupling 71 between the operating finger 9 and the touch electrode, and a second capacitance between the touch electrode and the front end portion of the relay electrode. The change in capacitance due to the capacitive coupling 72 and the third capacitive coupling 73 between the end of the relay electrode and the counter electrode is calculated. That is, the control unit 17 is configured to detect the capacitance in a non-contact manner by the first capacitance coupling 71 to the third capacitance coupling 73.

Further, the control unit 17 determines the operation direction of the operation member ₂ based on the direction information S1 acquired from the detection unit 3.

For example, when the operator picks up the fifth operation region 25 and operates the operation member 2 upward, the amount of change in the capacitance of the fifth touch electrode 4e exceeds the threshold value 160, and the detection unit 3 Detects the upward operation of the operating member 2 by the downward movement of the button 30. The control unit 17 detects contact in the fifth operation region 25 based _on the direction information S1 acquired from the detection unit ₃ and the detection signal S6 acquired from the fifth touch electrode 4e, and operates in the upward direction. The operation information _S9 is output to the air conditioner 84 to be controlled.

The air conditioner 84 executes a function corresponding to the upward operation of the fifth operation area 25 based on the operation information _S9 . Since this function is a function of raising the set temperature on the driver's seat side, the set temperature on the driver's seat side is increased by a predetermined amount.

Here, the air conditioner 84 increases or decreases the set temperature by a predetermined amount when the operating member 2 is operated once in the short upward direction or the downward direction. Further, the air conditioner 84 continuously increases or decreases the set temperature when the operating member 2 is operated upward or downward and the operating state is held for a predetermined time or longer.

Specifically, in the air conditioner 84, for example, when the set temperature changes by 0.5 ° by one short operation, when the operation member 2 is operated once short in the upward direction, the set temperature is set to 0. Raise by 5 °. Further, when the operating member 2 is operated and held in the upward direction, the set temperature continuously rises to 0.5 °, 1.0 °, 1.5 °, etc. according to the holding time.

This operation is the same for switching modes other than the set temperature and switching the outlet. When the operator grabs the first operation area 21 and operates the operation member 2 shortly upward, the air conditioner 84 switches the air outlet on the passenger seat side from the air outlet before the operation. The air conditioner 84 continuously switches the air outlet when the operating state of the operating member 2 is held for a predetermined time or longer.

The control unit 17 generates a drive signal S ₈ and outputs the drive signal S 8 to the lighting unit 15. The illumination unit 15 drives the light source 150 based on the input drive signal _S8 and outputs the illumination light 151.

Hereinafter, an example of a method for manufacturing the operating member 2 of the operating device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (f).

(Manufacturing method of operating member 2)
First, as shown in FIG. 5A, the design member 4 which is a part of the operation member 2 is molded with a transparent resin.

Next, a conductive paint having conductivity is applied to the surface 40 of the operating member to form the conductive film 43. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, the conductive paint is applied to the surface 40 of the design member 4 to form the conductive film 43.

Next, the conductive film 43 is partially removed to form a plurality of touch electrodes. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5C, the conductive film 43 is partially removed by a laser to form the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f.

Next, a light-shielding paint having a light-shielding property is applied onto the operation member 2 and the first touch electrodes 4a to 6f to form a light-shielding film 44. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5D, the surface 40, the front surface 41, the rear surface 42a, the side surface 42b, and the side surface 42c of the design member 4 on which the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f are formed are formed. A light-shielding film 44 is formed on the light-shielding film 44.

Next, a paint is further applied on the light-shielding film 44 to form a coating film. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 (e), the design film 45 is formed on the light-shielding film 44 in order to give a texture to the operating member 2. The coating film is not limited to the design film 45, and may be a protective film that protects the light-shielding film 44. Further, the coating film does not have to be formed.

Next, the design film 45, the light-shielding film 44, and the first touch electrodes 4a to 6f are partially removed to form a design showing the function of the controlled object assigned to each touch electrode. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 (f), the first design 21a to the sixth design 26a are formed by the laser. Since the first design 21a to the sixth design 26a are formed on the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f, the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f may be formed on the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f. Through holes 400 having the shapes of the first design 21a to the sixth design 26a are formed.

(Effect of the first embodiment)
The operating device 1 according to the present embodiment can suppress the manufacturing cost. Specifically, since the operating device 1 integrates a plurality of functions to be controlled into one operating member 2, the number of parts is reduced and the manufacturing cost is reduced as compared with the case where a switch or the like is arranged for each function. It can be suppressed.

In order to consolidate a plurality of functions into one operation member 2, the operation device 1 is provided with a touch electrode for each function and a design indicating a function assigned to the touch electrode in the operation member 2. The operating device 1 includes a first capacitive coupling 71 between the operating finger and the touch electrode, a second capacitive coupling 72 between the touch electrode and the relay electrode, and between the relay electrode and the counter electrode. Since the change in capacitance due to the operation is detected by the third capacitance coupling 73 of the above, the touch electrode arranged on the operation member 2 and the control unit 17 are compared with the case where the touch electrode is connected by wiring. It is electrically connected in a non-contact manner, and no failure occurs due to disconnection of the wiring due to operation.

Since the operating device 1 employs a manufacturing method of forming a touch electrode by processing the conductive film 43, misalignment is suppressed as compared with the case where a sheet having the touch electrode formed inside the design member is attached. The detection accuracy is improved. Further, the operating device 1 has an improved degree of freedom in shape, such as making the surface 40 of the operating member 2 a curved surface, as compared with the case where the sheet is attached.

Since the operating device 1 employs a manufacturing method in which the conductive film 43 is processed to form a touch electrode and a design on the touch electrode, the design is illuminated as compared with the case where a sheet on which the touch electrode is formed is attached. Becomes easier.

The operating device 1 is a manufacturing method in which the conductive film 43 is processed to form a touch electrode, the light-shielding film 44 and the design film 45 are formed, and then the design film 45, the light-shielding film 44 and the touch electrode are removed into the shape of the design. Since it is adopted, the design can be illuminated while maintaining the conductivity as compared with the case where this manufacturing method is not adopted.

Since the operating device 1 forms the conductive member 5 by two-color molding, the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56 and the insulating portion 57 can be integrally formed. Therefore, the operating device 1 can have a plurality of relay electrodes which are divided while maintaining the insulating property even though they are one member, as compared with the case where they are not formed by the two-color molding.

Since the operation device 1 integrates a plurality of functions into one operation member 2, the operation device 1 can be made thinner, in other words, lower in height, as compared with the case where a switch or the like is arranged for each function, and the arrangement space can be increased. It can be placed in a narrow space.

Since the end portion of the relay electrode of the operation device 1 has an arc shape, the distance from the counter electrode can be set to the minimum in the vertical operation of the operation member 2, and the distance is stable and the contact is detected with high accuracy. can do. In the operating device 1, since the end portion and the counter electrode are not in contact with each other, poor continuity due to wear due to operation does not occur as compared with the case where the operating device 1 is a contact.

Since the design film 45 is formed on the operation member 2, the operation device 1 has a higher texture than the case where the design film 45 is not formed. Further, in the operating device 1, it is easy to illuminate the design while enhancing the texture by the design film 45, and the contact detection accuracy by the touch electrode formed by the conductive film 43 is high.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment is different from the other embodiments in that the front end portion and the rear end portion of the touch electrode face the relay electrode.

FIG. 6 (a) is a diagram showing an example of an operating member, and FIG. 6 (b) shows a cross section cut along the line VI (b) -VI (b) of FIG. 6 (a) in the direction of an arrow. This is an example of a cross-sectional view. 7 (a) is a perspective view showing an example of a design member, FIG. 7 (b) is a perspective view showing an example of a conductive member, and FIG. 7 (c) is an example of the back side of the conductive member. It is a perspective view which shows. In the embodiments described below, portions having the same functions and configurations as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The plurality of relay electrodes of the present embodiment have an intermediate end portion between one end portion and the other end portion. Further, the plurality of touch electrodes of the present embodiment have a rear end portion facing the intermediate end portion. The control unit of the present embodiment is based on the fourth capacitance coupling generated between the intermediate end portion and the rear end portion in addition to the first capacitance coupling to the third capacitance coupling. It is configured to determine the touch electrode that has detected the contact of the operator.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) to 7 (c), the operating device 1 has a first static state between the operating finger 9 and the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f. The second electrostatic capacitance between the electrostatic capacity coupling 71, the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f, and the front end portion 51a to the front end portion 56a of the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56. A third capacitive coupling between the coupling 72 and the terminal portions 51b to the terminal portion 56b of the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56 and the first counter electrode 61 to the sixth counter electrode 66. In addition to 73, the intermediate end portion 51c to the intermediate end portion of the rear end portions 402a to the rear end portion 402f of the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f and the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56. The change in capacitance due to the fourth capacitance coupling 74 with 56c is calculated.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the first touch electrodes 4a to the sixth touch electrodes 4f of the present embodiment are formed from the front surface 41 to the rear surface 42a of the design member 4. The front end portions 401a to the front end portion 401f of the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f shown in FIG. 7A are the front end portions 51a to the front end portion of the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56. It is a part facing 56a.

Further, the first touch electrodes 4a to the sixth touch electrodes 4f have the same shape on the front surface 41 side of the surface 400a to the surface 400f facing the operating finger 9 as compared with the first embodiment, but are further rear surfaces. It extends to the 42a side. The portion extending toward the rear surface 42a is the rear end portion 402a to the rear end portion 402f.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the intermediate end portions 51c to the intermediate end portion 56c of the present embodiment have the intermediate end portions 51c to the intermediate end portions facing the end portions 51b to the end portions 56b with the insulating portion 57 interposed therebetween. It is equipped with 56c.

What are the rear end portions 402a to the rear end portion 402f of the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f and the intermediate end portions 51c to the intermediate end portion 56c of the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56? , It is provided to increase the facing area of the touch electrode and the relay electrode. Since the facing area is increased, the operation device 1 is improved in the detection accuracy of the capacitance as compared with the case where the rear end portion and the intermediate end portion are not provided.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the terminal portions 51b to the terminal portion 56b of the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56 of the present embodiment are not arranged at equal intervals, and the terminal portions 51b and the terminal portions are not arranged at equal intervals. The distance between the 52b, the terminal 53b and the terminal 54b, and the terminal 55b and the terminal 56b is wider than the other distances.

A light source 150 is arranged between the terminal portion 51b and the terminal portion 52b, the terminal portion 53b and the terminal portion 54b, and the terminal portion 55b and the terminal portion 56b. As shown in FIGS. 7 (b) and 7 (c), the illumination light 151 of the light source 150 is incident on the accommodating portion 50 g through the opening 502 provided on the rear surface 50 b of the conductive member 5.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the design member 4 is provided with a plurality of fitting holes 47 on the surface 40. By fitting the fitting hole 47 and the claw portion 501 of the conductive member 5, the design member 4 and the conductive member 5 are integrated.

(Effect of the second embodiment)
In the operating device 1 of the present embodiment, in addition to the first capacitance coupling 71 to the third capacitance coupling 73, the rear end portions 402a to the first touch electrode 4a to the sixth touch electrode 4f Contact with the operating member 2 is detected by the fourth capacitive coupling 74 between the rear end portion 402f and the intermediate end portion 51c to the intermediate end portion 56c of the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56. Therefore, the detection accuracy is improved as compared with the case where this configuration is not adopted.

[Third Embodiment]
The third embodiment differs from the other embodiments in that it includes a light guide.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a conductive member in which a light guide is arranged. In the operation member 2 of the present embodiment, the light guide 7 is arranged in the accommodating portion 50 g of the conductive member 5.

The light guide 7 is formed by using a transparent member such as silicon as an example. As a modification, the light guide 7 may contain a diffusing agent that diffuses the illumination light 151.

The entire light guide 7 is illuminated by the illumination light 151 incident from the opening 502, and illuminates the first design 21a to the sixth design 26a of the design member 4.

(Effect of the third embodiment)
Since the operating device 1 of the present embodiment includes the light guide 7 inside the operating member 2, the lighting unevenness is suppressed and the first design 21a to 6th are compared with the case where this configuration is not adopted. The design 26a can be illuminated.

[Fourth Embodiment]
The fourth embodiment is different from the other embodiments in that the conductive member 5 is provided with the touch electrode.

9 (a) is a perspective view showing an example of a design member, FIG. 9 (b) is a perspective view showing an example of a conductive member, and FIG. 9 (c) is an example of the back side of the conductive member. It is a perspective view which shows.

As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, the operation member 2 of the present embodiment is formed for each of the first touch electrodes 5a to 6th touch electrodes 5f as a plurality of touch electrodes. The design member 4 having the first design 21a to the sixth design 26a, the first touch electrode 5a to the sixth touch electrode 5f, and the first touch electrode 5a to the third, which are arranged inside the design member 4. A conductive member 5 having a first relay electrode 51 to a sixth relay electrode 56 as a plurality of extension electrodes each of the touch electrodes 5f of 6 is provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the main body 10 to which the operation member 2 is attached has the end portions 51b to the end as one end of the first relay electrode 51 to the sixth relay electrode 56 of the conductive member 5. The first counter electrode 61 to the sixth counter electrode 66 as a plurality of counter electrodes arranged to face the portion 56b are provided.

The control unit 17 has a first capacitive coupling 71a formed between the operator's operating finger and the touch electrode, and a second capacitive coupling 72a formed between the end portion of the relay electrode and the counter electrode. Based on this, the capacitance generated between the operator and the touch electrode is calculated, and the touch electrode that detects the contact of the operator is determined based on the calculated capacitance.

As an example, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, when the operator brings the operating finger 9 into contact with the sixth design 26a, between the operating finger 9 and the sixth touch electrode 5f. A first capacitive coupling 71a is generated in, and a second capacitive coupling 72a is formed between the end portion 56b of the sixth relay electrode 56 extending the sixth touch electrode 5f and the sixth counter electrode 66. Occurs. The control unit 17 determines the contact of the operator based on the first capacitance coupling 71a and the second capacitance coupling 72a.

As a modification, the operating device 1 has a configuration in which a touch electrode is removed from the shape of the design of the design member 4 to form a through hole, and the design of the design member 4 is illuminated through the through hole of the conductive member 5. May be.

(Effect of the fourth embodiment)
In the operating device 1 of the present embodiment, since the touch electrode is provided on the conductive member 5, the number of times of capacitance coupling is reduced and the detection accuracy is improved as compared with the case where the touch electrode is provided on the design member 4.

According to the operating device 1 and the manufacturing method thereof according to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to suppress the manufacturing cost.

Although some embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and do not limit the invention according to the claims. These novel embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, changes, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Moreover, not all of the combinations of features described in these embodiments and modifications are essential for the means for solving the problems of the invention. Further, these embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 ... Operation device, 2 ... Operation member, 3 ... Detection unit, 4 ... Design member, 4a to 4f ... First touch electrode to sixth touch electrode, 5 ... Conductive member, 5a to 5f ... First touch Electrode to 6th touch electrode, 15 ... Illumination unit, 17 ... Control unit, 21a to 26a ... 1st design to 6th design, 40 ... Surface, 43 ... Conductive conductor, 44 ... Light shielding film, 45 ... Design film , 50a ... front surface, 50b ... rear surface, 50c ... side surface, 50d ... side surface, 50e ... bottom surface, 50f ... end upper surface, 50 g ... accommodating portion, 51 to 56 ... first relay electrode to sixth relay electrode, 51a to 56a ... front end portion, 51b to 56b ... terminal portion, 51c to 56c ... intermediate end portion, 57 ... insulating portion, 61 to 66 ... first counter electrode to sixth counter electrode, 71 to 74 ... first electrostatic capacity Coupling-4th capacitive coupling, 71a ... 1st capacitive coupling, 72a ... 2nd capacitive coupling, 150 ... light source, 151 ... illumination light

Claims (9)

One operating member that accepts operations,
A detection unit that detects the operation direction of the operation performed on the operation member, and
The functions to be controlled are assigned to each, and a plurality of touch electrodes provided on the operation member and
The control target is based on the operation direction of the touch electrode, which is electrically connected to each of the detection unit and the plurality of touch electrodes, and the contact of the operator is detected, and the detected operation member. And the control unit that controls
An operating device equipped with. The operation member includes the plurality of touch electrodes, a design member having a design formed for each of the plurality of touch electrodes, and a plurality of members arranged inside the design member and provided according to the plurality of touch electrodes. With a conductive member having a relay electrode of
The main body to which the operating member is attached includes a plurality of counter electrodes arranged so as to face one end of the plurality of relay electrodes of the conductive member.
The control unit is a first capacitance coupling generated between the operator's operating finger and the touch electrode, and a second capacitance generated between the plurality of touch electrodes and the other end of the relay electrode. The capacitance generated between the operator and the touch electrode is calculated based on the capacitance coupling and the third capacitance coupling generated between the one end of the relay electrode and the counter electrode. The touch electrode that has detected the contact of the operator is determined based on the calculated capacitance.
The operating device according to claim 1. The operating member includes a design member having a design formed for each of the plurality of touch electrodes, a plurality of extensions arranged inside the design member, the plurality of touch electrodes, and a plurality of extensions of the plurality of touch electrodes. With a conductive member having electrodes,
The main body to which the operating member is attached includes a plurality of counter electrodes arranged so as to face one end of the plurality of extension electrodes of the conductive member.
The control unit has a first capacitive coupling between the operator's operating finger and the touch electrode, and a second capacitance generated between the one end of the extension electrode and the counter electrode. The capacitance generated between the operator and the touch electrode is calculated based on the capacitive coupling, and the touch electrode that has detected the contact of the operator is determined based on the calculated capacitance.
The operating device according to claim 1. In the conductive member, an insulating portion that insulates the plurality of relay electrodes and the plurality of relay electrodes are integrated.
The operating device according to claim 2. The plurality of relay electrodes have an intermediate end portion between the one end portion and the other end portion.
The plurality of touch electrodes have a rear end portion facing the intermediate end portion, and the plurality of touch electrodes have a rear end portion facing the intermediate end portion.
The control unit is based on a fourth capacitive coupling between the intermediate end and the rear end, in addition to the first capacitive coupling to the third capacitive coupling. Judging the touch electrode that detected the contact of the operator,
The operating device according to claim 2 or 4. A light-shielding film formed on the surface of the operating member and the plurality of touch electrodes,
A plurality of designs formed by partially removing the plurality of touch electrodes and the light-shielding film on the plurality of touch electrodes.
A lighting unit that is arranged in the main body, outputs illumination light from the main body to the operation member side, and illuminates the plurality of designs by the output illumination light.
With,
The operating device according to claim 2 or 4. The lighting unit has a plurality of light sources and has a plurality of light sources.
The counter electrode is arranged between the light sources.
The operating device according to claim 6. A conductive paint having conductivity is applied to the surface of the operating member to form a conductive film, and the conductive film is formed.
The conductive film is partially removed to form a plurality of touch electrodes.
Manufacturing method of operating equipment. Further, a light-shielding paint having a light-shielding property is applied on the operation member and the plurality of touch electrodes to form a light-shielding film.
A paint is further applied on the light-shielding film to form a coating film, and the coating film is formed.
The coating film, the light-shielding film, and the touch electrode are partially removed to form a design showing the function of the controlled object assigned to each touch electrode.
The method for manufacturing an operating device according to claim 8.

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