JP6091837B2 - Steering switch, steering wheel - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a steering switch provided on a steering wheel of a vehicle and a steering wheel.

  For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a device that controls various devices such as an air conditioner and an audio device of a vehicle using a capacitive touch sensor. According to this configuration, the movement trajectory of the operator's finger is read by the touch sensor, and it is determined to which operation pattern the movement trajectory matches. And this apparatus controls various apparatuses based on the operation content matched with the determined operation pattern.

JP 2012-78988 A

However, in the configuration proposed in Patent Document 1, the touch sensor is always in an input valid state, and there is a possibility that an erroneous operation may occur due to unintended contact even when the user does not use it.
In addition, since there is no means for recognizing the input valid state by tactile sensation, there is a problem that an operation for visually confirming the display unit is required at any time.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a steering switch and a steering wheel that allow a user to intentionally switch the input state of a touch-type sensor and intuitively recognize the state with a tactile sensation. It is to be.

  The present invention solves the above problems by the following means. In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, although the code | symbol corresponding to embodiment of this invention is attached | subjected and demonstrated, it is not limited to this.

The invention of claim 1 includes a plurality of electrodes (11, 12), detection means (15) for detecting that the electrodes are in contact with each other and outputting a detection signal for each electrode, and depending on the detection signal A touch sensor having a contact determination unit (16a) for determining whether or not the electrode is in contact, and further, a predetermined process is performed in response to the contact determination unit detecting contact with the electrode. Contact processing means (16b) for performing, and an effective state changeover switch (13, 23, 33) for switching input by the touch sensor between an effective state and an invalid state, and an operation knob of the effective state changeover switch (13a, 23a, 33a) inhibitory has a first position that allows continuous contact between the plurality of electrodes when in the enabled state, the continuous contact between the plurality of electrodes when in the disabled state To be a second position, and movable between said in invalid state located between the contact surfaces of the electrodes so as to prevent continuous contact with the plurality of electrodes (11, 12), in the valid state, The steering switch (10 , 20 , 30) is characterized in that it can be moved to a position deviated from between the contact surfaces of the electrodes .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the steering switch according to the first aspect, when the contact processing means (16b) detects a continuous contact between the different electrodes of the plurality of electrodes, the contact determination means (16b) A steering switch (10, 20, 30) characterized by performing a predetermined process according to a moving direction of contact between the different electrodes.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the steering switch according to any one of the first to third aspects, the operation knob (13a) prevents continuous contact with the plurality of electrodes in the invalid state. The steering switch (10) is configured to protrude from the contact surface of the electrode so as to be substantially flush with the contact surface of the electrode in the effective state.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the steering switch according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, at least two electrodes (11, 12) are arranged in an arc shape, and the effective state changeover switch ( 13, 23, 33) is a steering switch (10, 20, 30) characterized in that it is arranged between the two electrodes.

  A sixth aspect of the invention is the steering switch according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein an operation target menu that can be selected by an operation movement between the plurality of electrodes (11, 12) is displayed. An operation device changeover switch (14) that includes a display unit (19) and determines the operation target menu selected in the display unit, and the operation target selected in response to an input signal from the operation device changeover switch A steering switch (10, 20, 30), characterized by comprising a menu control means (16c) for executing a menu or, if there is a further hierarchical display, executing advancing to the next hierarchical display. ).

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the steering switch according to the sixth aspect, when the operation knob (13a, 23a, 33a) is in the second position, the menu control means (16c) is operated by the operation device changeover switch. The steering switch (10, 20, 30) is characterized by invalidating the input of (14).

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the steering switch according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the operation knob is automatically moved when a predetermined time elapses after moving to the first position. A steering switch characterized by returning to a second position.

  The invention of claim 9 is a steering wheel (1) comprising the steering switch (10, 20, 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

  According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) According to the invention of claim 1, the steering switch can switch the effective state of the predetermined process by the contact operation of the electrode according to the position of the operation knob of the effective state switch. Further, the user can identify the difference in the position of the operation knob simply by touching the effective state changeover switch, and can instantly recognize the effective state of the processing corresponding to the difference.

(2) As a process when the electrodes are continuously contacted, a quantity operation such as an air conditioner temperature setting or an audio volume setting can be set. However, when the electrodes are continuously inadvertently touched when steering the steering wheel, the sound volume and the like increase at a stretch, which may cause discomfort to the user. According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation due to continuous contact that makes the user feel bothersome, and it is possible to easily perform a quantity operation.

(3) According to the invention of claim 3, the steering switch visually checks the effective state of the process depending on whether or not the finger moved along the electrode operation surface is in contact with the effective state changeover switch and is prevented from moving. Can be recognized intuitively.

(4) According to the invention of claim 4, in the steering switch, the effective state of the process by the continuous contact of the electrode is linked with the presence or absence of the protrusion of the operation knob position of the effective state changeover switch with the electrode surface as a reference. . Therefore, the user can immediately recognize the state of the process by tactile sensation, and can smoothly perform the continuous contact operation of different electrodes.

(5) According to the invention of claim 5, since the two electrodes of the steering switch are arranged in an arc shape, the operation with a finger while holding the steering wheel becomes easy. In addition, since there is a touch sensor effective state changeover switch between these electrodes, the user can determine whether or not the processing by the operation is in an effective state simultaneously with the contact operation of different electrodes with a minimum finger movement. Can be recognized.

(6) According to the invention of claim 6, the steering switch is provided with the operating device changeover switch separately from the electrode of the touch sensor. Therefore, the user can easily switch the operation target of the in-vehicle device by operating the electrode contact operation and the operation device switching switch in combination.

(7) In the case where the steering switch is provided with an operation device switching switch for switching the operation target of the in-vehicle device, there is a possibility of causing an erroneous operation of the operation device switching switch due to an unintended contact during steering wheel steering as with the touch sensor. . According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the steering switch eliminates erroneous operation of the operation device changeover switch by linking the state of the operation device changeover switch and the state of the effective state changeover switch that switches the processing state by electrode contact. Can do.

(8) According to the invention of claim 8, the steering switch automatically returns to the second position, so that even if the user forgets the return operation, the subsequent erroneous operation Can be prevented.

(9) According to the invention of claim 9, it is possible to provide a steering wheel having the above-described effects.

It is the schematic which shows a steering wheel provided with the steering switch by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which expanded and showed the steering switch. It is a figure which shows the state in which the user is operating when the operation knob 13a exists in a 1st position. It is the figure which showed the state of FIG. 3 in the cross section. It is a figure which shows the state which the user is going to operate, when the operation knob 13a exists in a 2nd position. It is the figure which showed the state of FIG. 5 in the cross section. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a steering switch 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the steering switch 10. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit 19. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display part 19 corresponding to the change of a setting when the ventilation location switching icon 19b is selected. It is a figure which shows the steering switch 20 of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the steering switch 30 of 3rd Embodiment.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a steering wheel including a steering switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the steering wheel 1 is shown as a rotational position where the vehicle goes straight, and this position is hereinafter referred to as a straight drive position.
In addition, each figure shown below including FIG. 1 is the figure shown typically, and the magnitude | size and shape of each part are exaggerated suitably for easy understanding.
In the following description, specific numerical values, shapes, materials, and the like are shown and described, but these can be changed as appropriate.

  The steering wheel 1 includes a steering switch 10 on the occupant side surface of the spoke portion 1a. In the present embodiment, the steering switch 10 is provided only on the right side from the passenger side toward the steering wheel 1 (the right side in a state where the steering wheel 1 is in the straight traveling position). However, the steering wheel 1 may have the steering switch 10 also in the spoke portions 1b and 1c at other positions.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the steering switch 10.
The steering switch 10 includes a first electrode 11, a second electrode 12, an effective state changeover switch 13, and an operating device changeover switch 14.

The first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 constitute an operation surface for the user to operate various devices by touching with the finger F, and a combination of a detection unit 15 and a contact determination unit 16a described later. A touch sensor is formed.
The first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are arranged in a circular arc symmetrically with respect to the effective state changeover switch 13. With this arrangement, the user can perform a touch operation by natural movement of the finger F.

The effective state changeover switch 13 is a switch having an operation knob 13a that moves between a first position and a second position by an operation by a user.
When the operation knob 13a is in the first position, the distal end of the operation knob 13a is substantially flush with the operation surfaces (contact surfaces) of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, or the first The electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are immersed inside the operation surface so that the operation surface is slightly recessed. When the operation knob 13a is in the first position, the effective state changeover switch 13 makes the input from the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 effective. That is, when the operation knob 13a is in the first position, the steering switch 10 is in a state where operation input by a touch sensor is possible.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the user is performing an operation when the operation knob 13a is in the first position.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the state of FIG.
When the operation knob 13a is in the first position, the user-side tip of the operation knob 13a is flush with the operation surfaces of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, so that the finger F The electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 can be freely operated and moved.

  On the other hand, when the operation knob 13a is in the second position, the operation knob 13a protrudes from the operation surfaces (contact surfaces) of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. When the operation knob 13a is in the second position, the valid state changeover switch 13 disables the input from the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. Therefore, when the operation knob 13a is in the second position, the steering switch 10 is in a state in which operation input by the touch sensor is impossible.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state where the user is about to perform an operation when the operation knob 13a is in the second position.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the state of FIG.
When the operation knob 13a is in the second position, the tip of the operation knob 13a on the user side protrudes to the user side from the operation surfaces of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. Therefore, when the finger F is operated and moved from the first electrode 11 to the second electrode 12 and when the finger F is operated and moved from the second electrode 12 to the first electrode 11, the operation knob 13 a is operated. To prevent continuous contact with the electrode. Thereby, the user can know from the tactile sensation that the steering switch 10 is in an invalid input operation by the touch sensor. Further, since the operation knob 13a protrudes when the user tries to operate the steering switch 10, it is possible to accurately know the position of the steering switch 10 only by groping without looking.

  Thus, the valid state changeover switch 13 switches the input from the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 between the valid state and the invalid state. In the present embodiment, the valid state changeover switch 13 switches whether the input from the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 to the contact processing means 16b described later is in a valid state or a invalid state. Note that the effective state changeover switch 13 may be configured to electrically disconnect conduction to the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 when the operation knob 13a is in the second position.

  Further, the effective state changeover switch 13 keeps the state where the operation knob 13a is in the first position even if the force for pressing the operation knob 13a is removed. The effective state changeover switch 13 is a position-holding type switch that performs an alternate operation in which the operation knob 13a returns to the second position where the operation knob 13a protrudes when the operation knob 13a in the first position is pressed again. ing. Since this configuration is very general, detailed description of the structure is omitted here. Note that a commercially available position holding type switch can be used as the effective state changeover switch 13 as appropriate.

  The operating device changeover switch 14 is a switch that is operated when an operation target menu displayed and selected on the display unit 19 described later is selected. Unlike the effective state changeover switch 13, the operation device changeover switch 14 is composed of a switch that performs a momentary operation that automatically returns when the operation force is removed. The operating device changeover switch 14 may be configured in the same manner as the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 and may be a touch sensor.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the steering switch 10.
The steering switch 10 includes a detection unit 15, a microcomputer 16, an output unit 17, and a power supply unit 18 in addition to the configuration described above.

  The detection means 15 detects that either the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 is touched by the finger F, and outputs a detection signal for each electrode. The detection means 15 is provided with comparators 15a and 15b, integration circuits 15c and 15d, resistors R1 to R6, and the like, and outputs detection signals to the A / D input section of the microcomputer 16 for each electrode.

  The microcomputer 16 is a control unit that controls the operation of the steering switch 10. The microcomputer 16 includes a contact determination unit 16a, a contact processing unit 16b, and a menu control unit 16c.

  The contact determination unit 16 a determines which electrode is in contact with the detection signal from the detection unit 15. The contact determination unit 16a sends the determination result to the contact processing unit 16b.

  The contact processing means 16b is a predetermined process in response to the contact determination means 16a detecting contact with at least one of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, as a predetermined process. The control signal is output to the output unit 17.

The menu control unit 16c executes the selected operation target menu in accordance with the input signal from the operation device changeover switch 14, or, if there is a hierarchy display thereof, causes the execution to proceed to the next hierarchy display. . Information on the processing executed by the menu control means 16c is sent to the contact processing means 16b. The contact processing unit 16b outputs a control signal corresponding to the determined operation target device.
Further, the menu control means 16c invalidates the input of the operation device changeover switch 14 when the operation knob 13a is in the second position. Thereby, it can prevent that the apparatus of operation object switches unintentionally by mistaken operation.

  The output unit 17 is connected to the air conditioner and the audio device, and transmits a control signal output from the contact processing means 16b to the air conditioner and the audio device.

  The power source unit 18 is a power source used for the operation of the steering switch 10, and in the present embodiment, a storage battery mounted on the vehicle is used.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the steering switch 10.
In step (hereinafter referred to as S) 110, the microcomputer 16 confirms the position of the input state changeover switch 13. When the operation knob 13a of the input state changeover switch 13 is at the first position, that is, at the position where the touch sensor is enabled, the process proceeds to S120. On the other hand, when the operation knob 13a of the input state changeover switch 13 is at the second position, that is, the position where the touch sensor is disabled, the process proceeds to S130.

  In S120, the microcomputer 16 enables the input from the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 to the contact processing means 16b, and then proceeds to S140.

  On the other hand, in S130, the microcomputer 16 disables the input from the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 to the contact processing means 16b. After performing the process of S130, the process returns to S110.

In S <b> 140, the microcomputer 16 accepts selection of an operation target using contact with the display unit 19, the first electrode 11, and the second electrode 12.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the display unit 19.
The display unit 19 is desirably arranged at a position that is easy for the user to see, for example, next to the speedometer.
In the example of FIG. 9, the display unit 19 displays four icons, that is, an outside air / inside air switching icon 19a, an air blowing location switching icon 19b, an air volume switching icon 19c, and a temperature setting icon 19d as operation target menus. . In FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 described later, it is assumed that an icon surrounded by black is selected. 9A shows a state in which the air volume switching icon 19c is selected, FIG. 9B shows a state in which the outside air / inside air switching icon 19a is selected, and FIG. FIG. 9D shows a state where the switching icon 19b is selected, and FIG. 9D shows a state where the temperature setting icon 19d is selected. Note that, for example, a menu display for selecting an operation target between the audio device and the air conditioner may be provided as a higher-level menu on the screen for selecting the menu related to the air conditioner described above.

  In S140, the microcomputer 16 receives selection of an operation target. When the user moves the finger F from the first electrode 11 to the second electrode 12, the menu control means 16c indicates that the icon selection state of the menu on the display unit 19 is from FIG. 9 (a) to FIG. 9 (b). 9C and FIG. 9D are sequentially changed. Thereby, the user can select a desired icon.

Returning to FIG. 8, in S150, the menu control means 16c determines whether or not the operating device changeover switch 14 has been pressed. When the operation device changeover switch 14 is pressed, the process proceeds to S160.
If the operation device changeover switch 14 is not pressed, the process returns to S140 and continues to accept selection of the operation target.

  In S150, the menu control unit 16c receives an input signal from the operation device changeover switch 14 and determines the operation target menu selected at that time. If there is a further hierarchy display, the menu control means 16c advances to the next hierarchy display.

  In S <b> 160, the contact determination unit 16 a determines whether or not there is a contact (touch) of the finger F on either the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12. If there is contact (touch) of the finger F, the process proceeds to S180. On the other hand, when there is no contact (touch) of the finger F, the process returns to S110.

  In S180, after the continuous contact between the different electrodes, that is, between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, it is determined whether or not the contact with any one of the electrodes continues for a predetermined time. When the contact is continued, the process proceeds to S190, and when the contact is not continued, that is, when the finger F is away from any electrode, the process proceeds to S200.

In S190, the contact processing unit 16b outputs an instruction to perform a continuous transition operation to the operation target device as a signal for controlling the selected operation target (function).
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the display unit 19 corresponding to a change in setting when the blowing location switching icon 19b is selected. FIG. 10A shows a case where the air blowing is set to face the front. FIG.10 (b) shows the case where the ventilation is set to face the front and feet. FIG.10 (c) shows the case where the ventilation is set to face below. FIG. 10D shows a case where the air blowing is set to face the front window and the feet. FIG. 10E shows the case of automatic setting.
When an instruction to perform a continuous transition operation is output from the contact processing means 16b, the automatic processing shown in FIGS. 10 (a) to 10 (b), 10 (c), 10 (d), and 10 (e) is automatically performed. The setting changes sequentially. For example, when the operation target is temperature setting, the control signal is output so as to continuously increase or decrease the set temperature. Note that the moving direction of the setting and whether the numerical value is increased or decreased are determined depending on whether the finger F has moved from the first electrode 11 to the second electrode 12 or in the opposite direction.

  Returning to FIG. 8, in S200, the contact processing unit 16b outputs an instruction to perform an increment operation to the operation target device as a signal for controlling the selected operation target (function). In the example of FIG. 10, if it is in the state of FIG. 10A before the touch operation, only one is moved to the setting of FIG. 10B. For example, when the operation target is temperature setting, a control signal is output so that the set temperature is increased or decreased only once. Note that the moving direction of the setting and whether the numerical value is increased or decreased are determined depending on whether the finger F has moved from the first electrode 11 to the second electrode 12 or in the opposite direction.

  In the above-described example, an example has been described in which the operation target can be controlled only when continuous contact between different electrodes is performed. For example, the operation target may be controlled even when the finger F is in contact with only one of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the steering switch 10 includes the effective state changeover switch 13 from which the operation knob 13a protrudes, the input state of the touch sensor can be switched intentionally by the user. Is possible. Therefore, the steering switch 10 can prevent malfunction. In addition, since the operation knob 13a moves in the steering switch 10, the user can intuitively recognize the switching state of the effective state changeover switch 13 without visually observing.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the steering switch 20 according to the second embodiment.
The steering switch 20 of the second embodiment has the same configuration except that the configuration of the effective state changeover switch 23 is different from the effective state changeover switch 13 of the steering switch 10 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the portions that perform the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above, and repeated descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

  The operation knob 23 a of the effective state changeover switch 23 of the second embodiment is provided so as to be slidable in a direction parallel to the operation surfaces of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. More specifically, the operation knob 23a is retracted from between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, and the first position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2 between the second electrode 12 and the second position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 11 so as to be slidable. The operation knob 23a is moved manually.

When the operation knob 23a is in the first position, the finger F can freely move between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 as in the case of the first embodiment. At this time, the input from the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 is enabled.
When the operation knob 23a is in the second position, the operation knob 23a becomes an obstacle as in the case of the first embodiment, and the finger F between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 is obstructed. Movement is prevented. At this time, the input from the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 is disabled.

  According to the second embodiment described above, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be realized by an operation method different from that of the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the steering switch 30 according to the third embodiment.
The steering switch 30 of the third embodiment has the same configuration except that the effective state changeover switch 33 is different from the effective state changeover switch 13 of the steering switch 10 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the portions that perform the same functions as those in the first embodiment described above, and repeated descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

  The operation knob 33a of the effective state changeover switch 33 of the third embodiment is provided so as to be rotatable about an axis 33b orthogonal to a plane parallel to the operation surfaces of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. . More specifically, the operation knob 33a is retracted from between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, and the first position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2 between the second electrode 12 and a second position indicated by a solid line in FIG. The operation knob 23a is moved manually.

When the operation knob 33a is in the first position, the finger F can freely move between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 as in the case of the first embodiment. At this time, the input from the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 is enabled.
When the operation knob 33a is in the second position, as in the first embodiment, the operation knob 33a becomes an obstacle and the finger F between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 is obstructed. Movement is prevented. At this time, the input from the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 is disabled.

  According to the third embodiment described above, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be realized by an operation method different from that of the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

(Deformation)
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications and changes are possible, and these are also within the scope of the present invention.

(1) In each embodiment, the operation knob (13a, 23a, 33a) has been described with an example in which the operation knob is moved from the first position (valid state) to the second position (invalid state) by manual operation. For example, the operation knob may be configured to automatically return to the second position (invalid state) when a predetermined time elapses after the operation knob reaches the first position (valid state). . As a configuration for automatic return, an electric actuator may be used, or a combination of an accumulator type actuator such as a spring and a locking structure, and a known technique can be applied as appropriate.

(2) In each embodiment, the operation target by the steering switch (10, 20, 30) has been described as an example of an air conditioner and an audio device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation target by the steering switch, such as switching of a navigation device, a mobile phone, and a driving mode of the vehicle, may have any content.

(3) In each embodiment, the steering switch (10, 20, 30) has been described with an example including two electrodes. For example, the number of electrodes may be three, or may be four or more.

(4) In each embodiment, the function selection on the display unit 19 may be performed by the operation device changeover switch 14. For example, by pressing the operation changeover switch 14, the icon state of the function to be operated is selected (the state shown by surrounding the icon in black in FIG. 9 is changed), and the operation in the lower hierarchy (FIG. 10) is selected. ) May be performed by a touch operation on the electrode.

  In addition, although 1st Embodiment-3rd Embodiment and modification can also be used in combination suitably, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 1a, 1b, 1c Spoke part 10 Steering switch 11 1st electrode 12 2nd electrode 13 Effective state changeover switch 13a Operation knob 14 Operation apparatus changeover switch 15 Detection means 15a, 15b Comparator 15c, 15d Integration circuit 16 Microcomputer 16a Contact determination means 16b Contact processing means 16c Menu control means 17 Output part 18 Power supply part 20 Steering switch 23 Effective state changeover switch 23a Operation knob 30 Steering switch 33 Effective state changeover switch 33a Operation knob 33b Axis F Finger

Claims (8)

A plurality of electrodes;
Detecting means for detecting that the electrode is in contact and outputting a detection signal for each electrode;
Contact determining means for determining which electrode is in contact according to the detection signal;
A touch sensor having
And contact processing means for performing a predetermined process in response to the contact determination means detecting contact with the electrode;
An effective state changeover switch for switching the input by the touch sensor between an effective state and an invalid state;
With
The operation knob of the effective state changeover switch has a first position that allows continuous contact between the plurality of electrodes when in the effective state, and continuous contact between the plurality of electrodes when in the invalid state. A second position for blocking, between the contact surfaces of the electrodes so as to prevent continuous contact with the plurality of electrodes in the ineffective state, and in contact with the electrodes in the effective state. A steering switch characterized in that it can be moved to a position outside the plane . The steering switch according to claim 1, wherein
The contact processing means performs a predetermined process according to the moving direction of the contact between the different electrodes when the contact determination means detects continuous contact between the different electrodes of the plurality of electrodes. Steering switch. In the steering switch according to any one of claims 1 to 2 ,
The operation knob protrudes from the contact surface of the electrode so as to prevent continuous contact with the plurality of electrodes in the invalid state, and is immersed so as to be substantially flush with the contact surface of the electrode in the effective state. A steering switch characterized by being configured to do so. In the steering switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
Arranging at least two of the electrodes in an arc,
A steering switch, wherein the effective state changeover switch is disposed between the two electrodes. In the steering switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
A display unit for displaying an operation target menu selectable by operation movement between the plurality of electrodes;
An operating device changeover switch for determining the operation target menu selected in the display unit;
A menu control means for executing the selected operation target menu in response to an input signal from the operation device changeover switch, or for further proceeding to the next hierarchical display when there is a hierarchical display thereof; A steering switch. The steering switch according to claim 5 ,
When the operation knob is in the second position,
The menu control means invalidates the input of the operation device changeover switch;
Steering switch characterized by In the steering switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
A steering switch, wherein the operation knob automatically returns to the second position when a predetermined time has elapsed after moving to the first position. A steering wheel comprising the steering switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .