JP2023121382A - Switch device, and user interface device - Google Patents

Abstract

To enhance operability of a switch device requiring a change of an electrostatic capacitance accompanying contact with a movable body of a detected object as an operation input.SOLUTION: A first sensor 131 detects a change of an electrostatic capacitance of a detection region 12 provided on a knob 11 accompanying contact with fingers F. A second sensor 132 detects a deviation in a first direction D1 of the knob 11. When the change of the electrostatic capacitance is detected by the first sensor 131, and a deviation in the first direction D1 of the knob 11 is detected by the second sensor 132, a control part 14 outputs a first control signal CS1 for controlling operation of an air conditioner 21. The detection region 12 includes a first part 121 and a second part 122. The second part 122 is provided at a position separated in the first direction D1 rather than a center C of the detection region 12 in a direction in the first direction D1, and shows appearance having higher discriminability than that of the first part 121.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a switch device that requires a change in capacitance due to contact of an object to be detected with a movable body as an operation input. The invention also relates to a user interface device comprising said switch device.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a remote controller for remotely controlling a controlled device. A switch device mounted on the remote controller includes a rotary operator, which is an example of a movable body, and an electrostatic sensor. When rotation of the rotary operator in a predetermined direction is detected in a state in which a change in capacitance due to contact of the user's finger on the rotary operator is detected, the remote controller is associated with the rotation. causes the controlled device to perform the operation.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-042489

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to improve the operability of a switch device that requires a change in capacitance due to contact of an object to be detected with a movable body as an operation input.

One aspect for achieving the above object is a switch device,
a movable body that can be displaced in a first direction;
a detection area provided on the movable body;
a first sensor that detects a change in capacitance due to contact of an object to be detected with the detection area;
a second sensor that detects displacement of the movable body in the first direction;
causing the controlled device to perform a first operation when the first sensor detects a change in the capacitance and the second sensor detects a displacement of the movable body in the first direction; a control unit that outputs a signal;
and
the detection region includes a first portion and a second portion;
The second portion is provided at a position apart from the center of the detection area in the first direction in the first direction, and has an appearance with higher distinguishability than the first portion. .

One aspect for achieving the above object is a user interface device,
the switch device;
a display device that displays information related to the controlled device at a position adjacent to the movable body;
It has

When the object to be detected touches a portion of the movable body where the detection area is not provided, the control section does not output the first signal. Therefore, even if the movable body is displaced in the first direction while the detected object is in contact with the relevant portion, the controlled device cannot be caused to perform the first operation.

However, the provision of the second portion, which presents a highly identifiable appearance, at the position described above suggests displacement of the movable body in the first direction, and draws the attention of the occupant who wishes to displace the movable body in the same direction. It can lead to the second part. That is, since it is possible to prompt the user to touch the second portion with the object to be detected, it is possible to ensure that the movable body is displaced in the first direction while the object is in contact with the position that contributes to the detection by the first sensor. can enhance sexuality. As a result, it is possible to improve the operability of the switch device that requires a change in capacitance due to contact of the object to be detected with the movable body as an operation input.

1 illustrates a functional configuration of a user interface device according to an embodiment; A vehicle in which the user interface device of FIG. 1 is mounted is illustrated. 2 illustrates an appearance of a knob in the switch device of FIG. 1; It illustrates the contour shape of the knob viewed from the direction of arrow IV in FIG.

Exemplary embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing used for the following description, the scale is appropriately changed to make each element recognizable.

FIG. 1 illustrates the functional configuration of a switch device 10 according to one embodiment. The switch device 10 according to this example is configured to be mounted on a vehicle 20 illustrated in FIG. The switch device 10 is a device for controlling the operation of an air conditioner 21 mounted on the vehicle 20 . The air conditioner 21 is an example of a controlled device. The switch device 10 is arranged in the center cluster 22 of the vehicle 20 .

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the switch device 10 has a knob 11 . The knob 11 is configured to be operable with the fingers F of the passenger. FIG. 3 illustrates the appearance of the knob 11. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 illustrates the contour shape of the knob 11 viewed from the direction of arrow IV in FIG.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the knob 11 is configured to be rotatable about the axis A in the counterclockwise direction and the clockwise direction in FIG. In the following description, the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 4 is called the first direction D1, and the clockwise direction in FIG. 4 is called the second direction D2. FIG. 1 illustrates a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 when the knob 11 is viewed from above. Knob 11 is an example of a movable body. Rotation is an example of displacement.

In this example, the operation of displacing the knob 11 in the first direction D1 corresponds to control for lowering the set temperature of the air conditioner 21 . On the other hand, the operation of displacing the knob 11 in the second direction D2 corresponds to control for increasing the set temperature of the air conditioner 21 .

The switch device 10 comprises a sensing area 12 . The detection area 12 is arranged on the surface of the knob 11 at a position where the occupant's finger F can touch. The detection area 12 is made of a conductive material.

The switch device 10 has a first sensor 131 . When the occupant's finger F touches the detection area 12, the capacitance in the detection area 12 changes. The first sensor 131 is configured to detect the change and output a first detection signal DS1 corresponding to the change. The first sensor 131 can be implemented by an electrostatic sensor with a well-known configuration. An occupant's finger is an example of a detected part.

The switch device 10 comprises a second sensor 132 . The second sensor 132 is configured to detect displacement of the knob 11 in the first direction D1. Detection of displacement can be mechanical, electrical, optical, or magnetic using well-known configurations. The second sensor 132 is configured to output a second detection signal DS2 upon detecting displacement of the knob 11 in the first direction D1.

The switch device 10 includes a control section 14 . The control unit 14 is configured to output the first control signal CS1 when both the first detection signal DS1 and the second detection signal DS2 are received. The first control signal CS1 is configured to cause the air conditioner 21 to lower the set temperature. The action of lowering the set temperature is an example of the first action.

That is, when the first sensor 131 detects a change in capacitance in the detection area 12 and the second sensor 132 detects a displacement of the knob 11 in the first direction D1, the control unit 14 detects the first It is configured to output a control signal CS1. Therefore, the occupant needs to move the knob 11 in the first direction D1 while touching the detection area 12 with the finger F in order to cause the air conditioner 21 to lower the set temperature.

The detection area 12 includes a first portion 121 and a second portion 122 . The second portion 122 is provided at a position away in the first direction D1 from the center C of the detection area 12 in the direction along the first direction D1. The second portion 122 has a more distinctive appearance than the first portion 121 .

As used herein, the expression "oriented along the X direction" means an orientation closer to the X direction than an orientation orthogonal to the X direction.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the second portion 122 is formed as a ridge that provides a height difference with respect to the first portion 121 .

When the occupant's finger F touches the surface of the knob 11 where the detection area 12 is not provided, the first sensor 131 does not output the first detection signal DS1. This surface is referred to as "non-detection area 11a" for convenience. In FIG. 4, symbol B indicates the boundary between the non-detection area 11a and the detection area 12. In FIG. Therefore, even if the knob 11 is displaced in the first direction D1 while the occupant's finger F is in contact with the non-detection region 11a, the air conditioner 21 cannot be caused to lower the set temperature.

However, by providing the second portion 122 exhibiting a highly identifiable appearance at the position as described above, the displacement of the knob 11 in the first direction D1 is suggested, and the occupant who desires the displacement operation in the same direction is suggested. Attention can be directed to the second portion 122 . That is, since the occupant can be encouraged to touch the second portion 122 with the finger F, the knob 11 is displaced in the first direction D1 with the finger F touching a position that contributes to detection by the first sensor 131. It can increase certainty. As a result, it is possible to improve the operability of the switch device 10 that requires a change in capacitance due to contact of the finger F with the knob 11 as an operation input.

Especially when the second portion 122 is formed as a ridge that provides a height difference with respect to the first portion 121 as in this example, the friction between the finger F and the detection area 12 during operation can be increased. can reduce the operating force required for displacement in the first direction D1. Therefore, the operability of the switch device 10 can be further improved.

The shape of the second portion 122 is not limited to a ridge as long as it can provide a height difference with respect to the first portion 121 . The shape of the second portion 122 can take the form of at least one protrusion, groove, at least one hole, or the like.

The second portion 122 can be a portion having a color different from that of the first portion 121 or a portion formed of a material different from that of the first portion 121 as long as it can provide a higher distinguishability than the first portion 121 .

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the switch device 10 comprises a third sensor 133 . The third sensor 133 is configured to detect displacement of the knob 11 in the second direction D2. Detection of displacement can be mechanical, electrical, optical, or magnetic using well-known configurations. The third sensor 133 is configured to output a third detection signal DS3 upon detecting displacement of the knob 11 in the second direction D2.

The control unit 14 is configured to output a second control signal CS2 upon receiving both the first detection signal DS1 and the third detection signal DS3. The second control signal CS2 is configured to cause the air conditioner 21 to increase the set temperature. The action of increasing the set temperature is an example of the second action.

That is, when the first sensor 131 detects a change in capacitance in the detection area 12 and the third sensor 133 detects a displacement of the knob 11 in the second direction D2, the control unit 14 detects the second It is configured to output a control signal CS2. Therefore, the occupant needs to displace the knob 11 in the second direction D2 while touching the detection area 12 with the finger F in order to cause the air conditioner 21 to raise the set temperature.

Detection area 12 includes a third portion 123 . The third portion 123 is provided at a position away from the center C of the detection region 12 in the second direction D2 in the second direction D2. The third portion 123 has a more distinctive appearance than the first portion 121 .

Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the third portion 123 is formed as a ridge that provides a height difference with respect to the first portion 121 .

As described above, even if the knob 11 is displaced in the second direction D2 while the occupant's finger F is in contact with the non-detection region 11a, the air conditioner 21 cannot be made to raise the set temperature. However, by providing the third portion 123 exhibiting a highly identifiable appearance at the position as described above, the displacement of the knob 11 in the second direction D2 is suggested, and the occupant who desires the displacement operation in the same direction is suggested. Attention can be directed to the third portion 123 . That is, since the occupant can be urged to touch the third portion 123 with the finger F, the knob 11 is displaced in the second direction D2 with the finger F touching a position that contributes to detection by the first sensor 131. It can increase certainty. As a result, it is possible to improve the operability of the switch device 10 that requires a change in capacitance due to contact of the finger F with the knob 11 as an operation input.

Especially when the third portion 123 is formed as a ridge that provides a height difference with respect to the first portion 121 as in this example, the friction between the finger F and the detection area 12 during operation can be increased. can reduce the operating force required for displacement in the second direction D2. Therefore, the operability of the switch device 10 can be further improved.

The shape of the third portion 123 is not limited to a ridge as long as it can provide a height difference with respect to the first portion 121 . The shape of the third portion 123 can take the form of at least one protrusion, groove, at least one hole, or the like.

The third portion 123 can be a portion having a color different from that of the first portion 121 or a portion formed of a material different from that of the first portion 121 as long as it can provide a higher distinguishability than the first portion 121 .

The control unit 14 having various functions described above can be realized by dedicated integrated circuits such as microcontrollers, ASICs, FPGAs, etc. having memory elements pre-installed with computer programs for realizing the functions.

Alternatively, controller 14 may be implemented by a general-purpose microprocessor operating in cooperation with a general-purpose memory. A CPU, MPU, and GPU can be exemplified as a general-purpose microprocessor. Examples of general-purpose memory include ROM and RAM. In this case, the ROM can store a computer program for realizing the function. The general-purpose microprocessor designates at least part of the program stored on the ROM, develops it on the RAM, and cooperates with the RAM to execute the above-described processing. The controller 14 may be implemented by a combination of a general purpose microprocessor and a dedicated integrated circuit.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the switch device 10 can be mounted on a user interface device 30. FIG. A user interface device 30 may also be mounted on the vehicle 20, as illustrated in FIG.

The user interface device 30 has a display device 31 . The display device 31 is configured to display the set temperature of the air conditioner 21 . The set temperature is an example of information related to the controlled device. The display device 31 is arranged adjacent to the knob 11 of the switch device 10 . The passenger can visually confirm the changed set temperature of the air conditioner 21 through the operation of the knob 11 .

The above embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the present invention. The configurations according to the above embodiments can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The switch device 10 may be used to cause the air conditioner 21 to perform other operations. Examples of other operations include air volume adjustment, air direction adjustment, and the like.

The switch device 10 can be configured to operate other controlled devices mounted on the vehicle 20 . Examples of other controlled devices include a window opening/closing device, an audiovisual device, a lighting device, and a device for adjusting the position of a steering column or a seat.

In particular, when the occupant who operates the knob 11 is the driver of the vehicle 20, the above configuration that makes it easier to find the position that needs to be touched with the finger F to be detected by the first sensor 131 contributes to driving assistance. do.

The switch device 10 can also be mounted on a moving body other than the vehicle 20 . Examples of such moving bodies include railroads, aircraft, ships, and the like. The mobile object may not require a driver.

The switch device 10 does not need to be mounted on a moving body. It can be installed in suitable housing equipment, home appliances, etc. that require user's operation in order to operate the controlled device. In this case, the switch device 10 controls the operation of appropriate devices installed in the housing equipment and home appliances.

The knob 11 does not necessarily need to be operated by the finger F of the user. The knob 11 may be configured to be operated by other body parts or appropriate tools as long as it can cause the change in capacitance detected by the first sensor 131 to occur in the detection area 12. .

In the embodiment described above, the knob 11 is configured as a lever that can rotate about the axis A. As shown in FIG. However, if the knob 11 can be displaced in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 associated with different actions in the controlled device, the knob 11 can be a linearly slidable slider or rotatable about an axis. It may be configured as a dial.

In the above embodiments, the second direction D2 is opposite to the first direction D1. However, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 do not necessarily have to be opposite directions. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 may be different as long as they are associated with different operations in the controlled device. Therefore, the center of the detection area 12 in the direction along the first direction D1 and the center of the detection area 12 in the direction along the second direction D2 do not necessarily have to match.

Depending on the operation of the controlled device to be controlled, the knob 11 may be displaceable at least in the first direction D1.

10: switch device, 11: knob, 12: detection area, 121: first part, 122: second part, 123: third part, 131: first sensor, 132: second sensor, 133: third sensor, 14 : control unit 30: user interface device 31: display device C: center CS1: first control signal CS2: second control signal D1: first direction D2: second direction

Claims (5)

a movable body that can be displaced in a first direction;
a detection area provided on the movable body;
a first sensor that detects a change in capacitance due to contact of an object to be detected with the detection area;
a second sensor that detects displacement of the movable body in the first direction;
causing the controlled device to perform a first operation when the first sensor detects a change in the capacitance and the second sensor detects a displacement of the movable body in the first direction; a control unit that outputs a signal;
and
the detection region includes a first portion and a second portion;
The second portion is provided at a position apart from the center of the detection area in the first direction in the first direction, and has an appearance with higher distinguishability than the first portion. ,
switch device. The second portion has a shape that provides a height difference with respect to the first portion,
The switch device according to claim 1. The movable body can be displaced in a second direction different from the first direction,
A third sensor that detects displacement of the movable body in the second direction,
When the first sensor detects a change in the capacitance and the third sensor detects a displacement of the movable body in the second direction, the control unit provides the controlled device with the outputting a second signal for performing a second operation different from the first operation;
The detection region includes a third portion,
The third portion is provided at a position away from the center of the detection area in the second direction in the second direction, and has an appearance with higher distinguishability than the first portion. ,
The switch device according to claim 1 or 2. The third portion has a shape that provides a height difference with respect to the first portion,
4. A switch device according to claim 3. A switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 4;
a display device that displays information related to the controlled device at a position adjacent to the movable body;
is equipped with
User interface device.

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