WO2017199489A1 - Input device, and input operation device for steering - Google Patents

Input device, and input operation device for steering Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017199489A1
WO2017199489A1 PCT/JP2017/004992 JP2017004992W WO2017199489A1 WO 2017199489 A1 WO2017199489 A1 WO 2017199489A1 JP 2017004992 W JP2017004992 W JP 2017004992W WO 2017199489 A1 WO2017199489 A1 WO 2017199489A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
input device
input operation
pressing force
input
pressure sensor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2017/004992
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
純哉 亀島
Original Assignee
オムロン株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by オムロン株式会社 filed Critical オムロン株式会社
Publication of WO2017199489A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017199489A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
    • B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
    • B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
    • B60R16/023—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems
    • B60R16/027—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems between relatively movable parts of the vehicle, e.g. between steering wheel and column
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0338—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/04—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H89/00—Combinations of two or more different basic types of electric switches, relays, selectors and emergency protective devices, not covered by any single one of the other main groups of this subclass
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/16—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off"

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an input device including a pressure sensor for detecting a pressing force in a two-dimensional plane and an input operation device for steering.
  • Patent Document 1 includes at least two switches and a pressure-sensitive body. After one of the switches is pressed, when the operation body is further tilted, the pressure of the pressure-sensitive body is reduced. An increasing multi-directional operating switch is disclosed.
  • a multidirectional operation switch 100 disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes two push switches 101, a pressure sensitive body 104 disposed above an electrode 103 provided on a wiring board 102, A detection pin 105 disposed on the upper surface of the pressure body 104 and an operation body 106 are provided. Then, the contact resistance between the pressure-sensitive body 104 and the electrode 103 is changed depending on the degree of pressing of the detection pin 105 when the operation body 106 presses the detection pin 105. Specifically, after one of the two push switches 101 is pressed, the operating body 106 is further tilted to increase the pressing force of the pressure-sensitive body 104.
  • the connected electronic device (not shown) can perform control reflecting the change in the contact resistance of the multidirectional operation switch 100.
  • the multidirectional operation switch 100 capable of performing various easy operations reflecting not only the tilt direction and tilt time of the operating body 106 but also the tilt angle.
  • Japanese Patent Publication Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-18901 (published on January 26, 2012)”
  • the multi-directional operation switch 100 disclosed in the conventional patent document 1 has two push switches 101 and is composed of two or more switches, the structure is complicated. As a result, there is a problem that the switch body is large and expensive.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an input device and a steering input operation device capable of various operations while having a simple configuration and being downsized. is there.
  • an input device is an input device including a pressure sensor that detects a pressing force in a two-dimensional plane, and a cylinder made of an elastic member mounted on the pressure sensor. And an input operation body that is fixedly provided on an upper portion of the cylindrical body and pressed by a user, and a pressing force applied to the input operation body is applied to the pressure sensor via the cylindrical body. By being transmitted, the direction and magnitude of the pressing force in the two-dimensional plane are output.
  • a steering input operation device includes the input device described above.
  • the input device and the steering input operation device have an effect of providing an input device and a steering input operation device that can be variously operated while being small in size with a simple configuration.
  • FIG. 1 shows one Embodiment of the input device in this invention, Comprising: It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the said input device, (b) is a state when pressing the input operation body of the said input device.
  • FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the said input device. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the said input device.
  • (A) is a plan view showing the configuration of the input device, and (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the pressing direction and the pressing amount in the XY plane coordinate system when the point P on the upper surface of the input operating body in the input device is pressed. It is a graph which shows a relationship.
  • (A) is a top view which shows an example of the state which divided
  • (b) of FIG. 5 is 4 input operation bodies for the output control of an input device. It is a top view which shows an example of the divided
  • FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing still another embodiment of the input device according to the present invention and showing the configuration of the input device.
  • (A) is a perspective view which fractures
  • (b) is a graph which shows the relationship between the load accompanying the pressing force of an input operation body, and pushing amount. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the conventional multidirectional operation switch.
  • the input device according to the present embodiment is used, for example, in an input operation device for steering an automobile.
  • an input device capable of controlling a plurality of operations with a single operation device and an input operation device for steering equipped with the input device are provided. .
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the input device according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the input device.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the input device.
  • the input device 10A has a circular input operation body 12 on the upper surface of a rectangular casing 11, as shown in FIG.
  • the size of the rectangular casing 11 is, for example, about 20 ⁇ 20 ⁇ 21 mm.
  • a flexible circuit board 22 is exposed from an opening 11a provided below the casing 11, and the flexible circuit board 22 is connected to a control device (not shown).
  • the internal structure of the input device 10 ⁇ / b> A includes, in order from the top, a central shaft portion 13 provided at the central portion of the circular input operation body 12 and the periphery of the central shaft portion 13.
  • the return spring 16, the cylindrical body 18 made of an elastic member that comes into contact with the lower end of the central shaft ring 13 a provided at the lower part of the central shaft portion 13, and the pressing force detection unit that comes into contact with the lower end of the cylindrical body 18.
  • casing 11 has covered from the middle of the cylindrical connection member 14 to the pressing force detection part 20.
  • the input operation body 12 is made of a circular member, and for example, presses the upper surface with a finger.
  • a hole 12a is provided at the center of the input operation body 12, and a central shaft portion 13 is provided in the hole 12a so as to be movable in the vertical direction.
  • the central shaft portion 13 is provided in order to function as a determination button in the input device 10A of the present embodiment.
  • the central shaft portion 13 is selected according to the pressed position. Used to determine the mode and the like.
  • the cylindrical connecting member 14 and the cylindrical body 18 are provided to transmit a force when the upper surface of the input operation body 12 is pressed to the pressing force detection unit 20.
  • a central shaft ring 13 a is provided below the central shaft portion 13. For this reason, when the upper surface of the input operation body 12 is pressed, the force is transmitted to the pressing force detection unit 20 via the cylindrical connecting member 14, the central shaft portion ring 13 a and the cylindrical body 18. Yes.
  • the return spring 16 is a coil spring.
  • the return spring 16 made of this coil spring is fixed at the lower side by a return spring support member 17, while the upper side is in contact with a slider 15 that can move up and down.
  • the slider 15 is in contact with the slider contact portion 14 a of the cylindrical connecting member 14.
  • the cylindrical body 18 is made of an elastic member such as rubber. For this reason, when the input operating body 12 is pressed with a finger, when the force is transmitted to the pressing force detection unit 20 via the cylindrical connecting member 14 and the cylindrical body 18, The angular direction for applying the pressing force of the input operation body 12 is elastically deformed. Thereby, the return operation
  • the pressing force detection unit 20 includes a donut-shaped pressure sensor 21 and a flexible circuit board 22 for transmitting the pressing force detected by the pressure sensor 21 to a control device (not shown).
  • the pressure sensor 21 includes a triaxial pressure sensor 21 that can detect the pressing force in the XY plane coordinate system and can also detect the pressing force in the Z direction. .
  • a capacitive pressure sensor is used as the pressure sensor 21. Since the capacitance type pressure sensor has no contact point, there is an advantage that the contact point is not worn by contact friction and has high durability.
  • the pressure sensor 21 is not necessarily limited to the capacitance type pressure sensor, and for example, a piezo type pressure sensor or a conductive rubber type pressure sensor can be used.
  • the pressure sensor 21 has a donut shape as shown in FIG. Thereby, as described later, the LED 31 can be provided in the hole 21 a of the pressure sensor 21, or the detection unit 43 for the push button function unit 40 can be provided.
  • FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state when the input operation body 12 of the input device 10A is pressed.
  • 4A is a plan view showing the configuration of the input device 10A
  • FIG. 4B is a plan view in the XY plane coordinate system when the point P on the upper surface of the input operation body 12 is pressed. It is a graph which shows the relationship between a pressing direction and the pressing amount.
  • the user presses a point P on the upper surface of the input operation body 12 in the input device 10A with, for example, a finger.
  • the input operation body 12 is formed with an XY plane coordinate system with the center of the input operation body 12 as the origin.
  • the pressure sensor 21 of the pressing force detection unit 20 also detects which direction the pressing force is applied in the XY plane coordinate system is 360 degrees, and the pressing amount is also set to the magnitude. Can be detected.
  • the angle of the point P is 360 degrees and the magnitude of the pressing force is It is possible to grasp the degree.
  • the input device 10A of the present embodiment can be used as control means such as a changeover switch.
  • FIG. 5A is a plan view illustrating an example of a state in which the input operation body 12 is divided into two parts for output control of the input device 10A
  • FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating output control of the input device 10A. It is a top view which shows an example of the state which divided the input operation body 12 into 4 in order.
  • FIG. 6 is a graph showing a state in which the output mode is switched based on the stroke when the input operation body 12 is pressed.
  • the input operation body 12 can be divided into two in the vertical direction in FIG.
  • the input operation body 12 has an angle ⁇ 1 to an angle ⁇ 4 in FIG. 5B.
  • the four divisions may be equal divisions or may not be equal divisions.
  • the input device 10A of the present embodiment can also detect the pressing force. Therefore, a plurality of states can be detected for each pressing force.
  • contact determination as to whether or not the finger has touched the input operation body 12 a state in which the pressing force up to the first stress is detected, up to the second stress
  • the detection can be divided into the states in which the pressing force is detected. This determination can be made by performing a threshold determination of the pressing force in a control device (not shown) and selecting a different state depending on the threshold.
  • the input device 10A of the present embodiment includes the pressure sensor 21 that detects the pressing force in a two-dimensional plane.
  • the input device 10 ⁇ / b> A includes a cylindrical body 18 made of an elastic member mounted on the pressure sensor 21, and an input operation body 12 that is fixed to the upper portion of the cylindrical body 18 and pressed by the user. .
  • the direction and magnitude of the pressing force in a two-dimensional plane are output.
  • the pressing force is transmitted to the pressure sensor 21 via the cylindrical body 18 made of an elastic member, and the pressing force in the two-dimensional plane is reduced.
  • the direction and size are output. For this reason, multi-directional detection is possible by detecting the deformation of the cylindrical body made of an elastic member by the pressure sensor 21.
  • any divided area of the input operation body 12 in the input device 10A can be obtained. Whether or not is pressed is specified. For this reason, it becomes possible to use as a selection switch for selecting any one of a plurality of types of control devices or control circuits.
  • the input operation body 12 may be divided in the pressing surface in a software manner, even if the divided area is increased, the input operation body 12 is only exposed from the housing 11 in hardware. There is no need for a complicated hardware configuration. That is, since a plurality of remote switches are not used, the switches do not become large and the number of parts does not increase.
  • the input device 10A capable of various operations while having a simple configuration and a small size.
  • the cylindrical body 18 is an elastic member, when a pressing force is applied to the input operation body 12, the cylindrical body 18 is elastically deformed. As a result, the user can feel the state of operation by feeling the elastic deformation of the cylindrical body 18. That is, since the user can recognize the state of the operation without visually confirming it, the input device 10A capable of performing the operation in parallel with other work can be provided.
  • the pressure sensor 21 outputs the direction and magnitude of elastic deformation with respect to the intersection of the central axis of the cylindrical body 18 and the two-dimensional surface in the two-dimensional surface. .
  • the force in the direction of bending the cylindrical body 18 can be detected.
  • the user can perform an input operation instruction by adjusting the force with which the cylindrical body 18 is bent.
  • the pressure sensor 21 that can detect three axes, not only the position detection in the direction of 360 degrees, but also the magnitude of the pressing force that increases linearly, and thus the threshold value is set for the output signal, The magnitude of the pressing force that increases in multiple stages can be detected. As a result, it can be used as a multistage switch.
  • the input device 10A of the present embodiment includes a return spring 16 that returns the input operation body 12 displaced by the pressing force to the position before the displacement. Thereby, when the pressing force of the input operation body 12 is released, the input operation body 12 can be returned to the original position by the return spring 16.
  • the pressure sensor 21 is a capacitance type. Therefore, since the capacitance-type pressure sensor 21 has no contact, the durability of the input device 10A can be improved.
  • the steering input operating device 1 of the present embodiment includes the input device 10A of the present embodiment. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the steering input operation device 1 including the input device 10A that can be variously operated with a simple configuration and being downsized.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an input device 10A ′ according to a modification of the present embodiment.
  • the input device 10A ' has a central shaft portion 13' made of a transparent member. Since the base member 19 'is provided with the base member hole 19a, the center shaft portion 13' can be seen from above to below. Therefore, in the input device 10 ⁇ / b> A ′, the LED 31 is provided at the position of the base member hole 19 a, and the LED 31 can be turned on by the LED substrate 32.
  • the input device 10B according to the present embodiment is different from the input device 10A according to the first embodiment in that the central shaft portion 13 is configured as a push button 41 that functions as an axial input operation body. Yes.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the input device 10B of the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the input device 10B in a cutaway manner.
  • FIG. 10B is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the pressure sensor 21 and the detection unit 43.
  • FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow in FIG.
  • FIG. 10D is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the main part of FIG.
  • the input device 10 ⁇ / b> B is provided with a push button 41 as an axial input operation body at the center of the input operation body 12.
  • the push button function unit 40 includes a push button 41 penetrating the center of the input device 10B, a press transmission member 42 provided at the lower end of the push button 41, and a detection provided below the press transmission member 42. And a printed circuit board 44 for outputting a signal detected by the detection unit 43 to the outside.
  • the push button 41 includes a pressing portion 41a whose upper surface is exposed from the input operation body 12, a pressing portion ring 41b provided in the middle of the pressing portion 41a in the longitudinal direction, and an extending portion extending to the lower end of the pressing portion 41a. 41c.
  • the pressing transmission member 42 transmits the pressing force of the push button 41 to the detection unit 43.
  • the detection unit 43 is provided below the central hole 21a of the pressure sensor 21 formed in a donut shape.
  • the detection unit 43 is switched on when the reversing spring 43 a made of a conductor comes into contact with the printed circuit board 44 through the pressure transmission member 42 when the push button 41 is pressed. That is, the detection unit 43 is configured by a so-called sheet switch.
  • the pressing stroke of the push button 41 is stopped when the lower end of the pressing portion ring 41 b comes into contact with the upper end of the cylindrical connecting member 14.
  • the input device 10B includes the push button 41 serving as the axial input operation body that is displaced in the central axis direction of the cylindrical body 18 by the pressing force, and the detection unit that detects the displacement of the push button 41. 43.
  • the push button 41 can be used as a final decision button when one of a plurality of types of control devices or control circuits is selected by pressing the input operation body 12.
  • the push button 41 is provided at the center of the input operation body 12. For this reason, since the push button 41 exists in the input operation body 12, the movement of the line of sight and the movement of the hand are not involved in the operation. As a result, a user-friendly and small-sized input device 10B can be provided.
  • Embodiment 3 The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS.
  • the configurations other than those described in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.
  • members having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 are given the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted.
  • the input device 10C of the present embodiment is a touch member that can achieve a click feeling similar to a mechanical switch when the input operation body 12 is pressed. The difference is that the rubber plunger is provided.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the input device 10C according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 12A is a perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the input device 10C in a cutaway manner.
  • FIG. 12B is a graph showing the relationship between the load accompanying the pressing force of the input operation body 12 and the amount of pressing.
  • the input device 10C achieves a click feeling similar to that of a mechanical switch when the input operation body 12 is pressed.
  • a rubber plunger 51 is provided as a feel member to be obtained.
  • the rubber plunger 51 is made of, for example, a hollow truncated cone rubber.
  • a total of four rubber plungers 51 are provided, for example, one in four directions. Thereby, it becomes possible to taste a click feeling when the input operation body 12 is pressed in each direction.
  • rubber plungers 51 are provided, but the number of rubber plungers 51 is not limited.
  • the pressing force and the elasticity of the cylindrical body 18 are determined depending on whether the pressing force applied to the input operation body 12 is less than the predetermined threshold or more than the predetermined threshold.
  • a rubber plunger 51 is provided as a feeler member that supports the cylindrical body 18 with an elastic force so that the relationship with the deformation amount changes.
  • the pressing force to the input operation body 12 is not immediately transmitted to the pressure sensor 21, but the pressing force to the input operation body 12 is transmitted to the pressure sensor 21 through the rubber plunger 51.
  • the rubber plunger 51 has a relationship between the pressing force and the amount of elastic deformation of the cylindrical body 18 depending on whether the pressing force to the input operation body 12 is less than a predetermined threshold or more than a predetermined threshold.
  • the cylindrical body 18 is supported so as to change.
  • the pressing member continuously increases as the pressing amount increases when the input operation body 12 is pressed by configuring the feeler member with the rubber plunger 51 of the rubber pad formed of the recess. Instead, it is possible to provide a state in which the pressing force is temporarily reduced when the predetermined amount of pressing is reached. Therefore, for example, in a mechanical switch, it is possible to give a so-called click feeling that can be felt as a touch when the switch is turned on.
  • the input device is mounted on the pressure sensor in the input device including the pressure sensor that detects the pressing force in a two-dimensional plane in order to solve the above-described problem.
  • the pressing force is transmitted to the pressure sensor via the cylindrical body made of the elastic member, and the direction of the pressing force in the two-dimensional plane and The size is output. For this reason, multi-directional detection becomes possible by detecting the deformation of the cylindrical body made of an elastic member by the pressure sensor.
  • the input operation body can be divided in the pressing surface in a software manner, even if the divided area is increased, only the input operation body is exposed in hardware, and a complicated hardware configuration is obtained. There is no need to do.
  • the cylindrical body is an elastic member, when a pressing force is applied to the input operation body, the cylindrical body is elastically deformed. As a result, the user can feel the state of operation by feeling the elastic deformation of the cylindrical body. That is, since the user can recognize the operation state without visually confirming it, an input device capable of performing an operation in parallel with other work can be provided.
  • the pressure sensor in the input device described above, may be elastically deformed with respect to an intersection of a central axis of the cylindrical body and the two-dimensional surface in the two-dimensional surface. It is preferable to output the direction and size.
  • the input device is the input device according to the above-described input device, wherein the axial input operation body is displaced in the central axis direction of the cylindrical body by a pressing force, and the detection is performed to detect the displacement of the axial input operation body. It is preferable to further include a portion.
  • the displacement of the axial input operating body in the detection unit based on the pressing of the axial input operating body can be detected.
  • the axial input operation body can be used as a final decision button when one of a plurality of types of control devices or control circuits is selected by pressing the input operation body.
  • the input device is the input device according to the above-described input device, wherein the pressing force and the cylinder are determined depending on whether the pressing force to the input operating body is less than a predetermined threshold or more than a predetermined threshold. It is preferable to further include a touch member that supports the cylindrical body so that the relationship with the amount of elastic deformation of the cylindrical body changes.
  • the pressing force applied to the input operation body is not immediately transmitted to the pressure sensor, but the pressing force applied to the input operation body is transmitted to the pressure sensor via the touch member. Then, in the touch member, the relationship between the pressing force and the amount of elastic deformation of the cylindrical body changes depending on whether the pressing force to the input operation body is less than a predetermined threshold or more than a predetermined threshold. In addition, the cylindrical body is supported.
  • the feeling member As a result, by configuring the feeling member with, for example, a rubber pad made of a concave portion, when the input operation body is pressed, the pressing force does not continuously increase with the increase of the pressing amount, but a predetermined amount. It is possible to provide a state in which the pressing force temporarily decreases when the amount of pressing is reached. As a result, for example, a so-called click feeling that can be felt as a touch when the switch is turned on in a mechanical switch can be provided.
  • the input device further includes a return spring that returns the input operation body displaced by the pressing force to a position before the displacement.
  • the input operation body can be returned to the original position by the return spring.
  • the input device is preferably provided with a light source that illuminates the input operation body in the input device described above.
  • the visibility of the input operation body can be improved by turning on the light source even in the dark.
  • the pressure sensor is preferably a capacitance type.
  • the capacitance type pressure sensor has no contact, the durability of the input device can be improved.
  • a steering input operation device includes the input device described above.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)
  • Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)

Abstract

This input device (10A) comprises: a pressure sensor (21) that detects a pressing force within a two-dimensional plane; a cylindrical body (18) mounted on the pressure sensor (21) and made of an elastic member; and an input operation body (12) that is fixed and provided to an upper part of the cylindrical body (18) and that is pressed by a user. A pressing force to the input operation body (12) is transmitted to the pressure sensor (21) via the cylindrical body (18), and thereby, the direction and intensity of the pressing force within the two-dimensional plane are output.

Description

入力装置及びステアリング用入力操作装置INPUT DEVICE AND STEERING INPUT OPERATION DEVICE
　本発明は、２次元の面内の押圧力を検出する圧力センサを備えた入力装置及びステアリング用入力操作装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates to an input device including a pressure sensor for detecting a pressing force in a two-dimensional plane and an input operation device for steering.
　近年、カーナビゲーションシステムやオーディオシステム等の車両に搭載された電子機器、又は携帯電話等の携帯用の電子機器の高機能化や多様化が進むに伴い、これらに用いられる多方向操作スイッチには多様な操作が可能かつ使い易いものが求められる。 In recent years, as electronic devices mounted on vehicles such as car navigation systems and audio systems, or portable electronic devices such as mobile phones have become highly functional and diversified, multi-directional operation switches used for these devices have A variety of operations that are easy to use are required.
　この種のスイッチ装置として、例えば特許文献１には、少なくとも２つのスイッチと感圧体で構成し、スイッチのいずれかが押圧された後、さらに操作体を傾倒操作すると感圧体の押圧力が増加する多方向操作スイッチが開示されている。 As this type of switch device, for example, Patent Document 1 includes at least two switches and a pressure-sensitive body. After one of the switches is pressed, when the operation body is further tilted, the pressure of the pressure-sensitive body is reduced. An increasing multi-directional operating switch is disclosed.
　特許文献１に開示された多方向操作スイッチ１００は、図１３に示すように、２個のプッシュスイッチ１０１と、配線基板１０２に設けた電極１０３の上方に配置された感圧体１０４と、感圧体１０４の上面に配置された検知ピン１０５と、操作体１０６とを備えている。そして、操作体１０６で検知ピン１０５を押圧したときの検知ピン１０５への押圧度合いにより感圧体１０４及び電極１０３の接触抵抗を変化させる。具体的には、２個のプッシュスイッチ１０１のいずれかが押圧された後、さらに操作体１０６を傾倒操作することにより、感圧体１０４の押圧力が増加するようになっている。 As shown in FIG. 13, a multidirectional operation switch 100 disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes two push switches 101, a pressure sensitive body 104 disposed above an electrode 103 provided on a wiring board 102, A detection pin 105 disposed on the upper surface of the pressure body 104 and an operation body 106 are provided. Then, the contact resistance between the pressure-sensitive body 104 and the electrode 103 is changed depending on the degree of pressing of the detection pin 105 when the operation body 106 presses the detection pin 105. Specifically, after one of the two push switches 101 is pressed, the operating body 106 is further tilted to increase the pressing force of the pressure-sensitive body 104.
　これにより、接続された図示しない電子機器が多方向操作スイッチ１００の接触抵抗の変化を反映した制御を行うことができる。この結果、操作体１０６の傾倒方向及び傾倒時間だけでなく、傾倒角度も反映させた容易で多様な操作の可能な多方向操作スイッチ１００を実現することができる。 Thereby, the connected electronic device (not shown) can perform control reflecting the change in the contact resistance of the multidirectional operation switch 100. As a result, it is possible to realize the multidirectional operation switch 100 capable of performing various easy operations reflecting not only the tilt direction and tilt time of the operating body 106 but also the tilt angle.
日本国公開特許公報「特開２０１２－１８９０１号（２０１２年１月２６日公開）」Japanese Patent Publication “Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-18901 (published on January 26, 2012)”
　ところで、近年、電子機器は小型化が求められるが、電子機器の高機能化や多様化と共に、スイッチ装置は多様な操作を可能とする必要がある。 By the way, in recent years, electronic devices are required to be miniaturized. However, as electronic devices become more sophisticated and diversified, switch devices need to be capable of various operations.
　しかしながら、前記従来の特許文献１に開示された多方向操作スイッチ１００は、２個のプッシュスイッチ１０１を有しており、２個以上のスイッチで構成されているので、構造が複雑になる。この結果、スイッチ本体が大型し、高価となるという問題を有している。 However, since the multi-directional operation switch 100 disclosed in the conventional patent document 1 has two push switches 101 and is composed of two or more switches, the structure is complicated. As a result, there is a problem that the switch body is large and expensive.
　本発明は、前記従来の問題点に鑑みなされたものであって、その目的は、簡易な構成で小型化でありながら多様な操作が可能な入力装置及びステアリング用入力操作装置を提供することにある。 The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an input device and a steering input operation device capable of various operations while having a simple configuration and being downsized. is there.
　本発明の一態様における入力装置は、前記課題を解決するために、２次元の面内の押圧力を検出する圧力センサを備えた入力装置において、前記圧力センサに搭載された弾性部材からなる筒状体と、前記筒状体の上部に固定して設けられ、かつユーザによって押圧される入力操作体とを備え、前記入力操作体への押圧力が、前記筒状体を介して圧力センサに伝達されることにより、前記２次元の面内における前記押圧力の方向及び大きさが出力されることを特徴としている。 In order to solve the above-described problem, an input device according to an aspect of the present invention is an input device including a pressure sensor that detects a pressing force in a two-dimensional plane, and a cylinder made of an elastic member mounted on the pressure sensor. And an input operation body that is fixedly provided on an upper portion of the cylindrical body and pressed by a user, and a pressing force applied to the input operation body is applied to the pressure sensor via the cylindrical body. By being transmitted, the direction and magnitude of the pressing force in the two-dimensional plane are output.
　本発明の一態様におけるステアリング用入力操作装置は、前記記載の入力装置を備えていることを特徴としている。 A steering input operation device according to an aspect of the present invention includes the input device described above.
　本発明の一態様における入力装置及びステアリング用入力操作装置は、簡易な構成で小型化でありながら多様な操作が可能な入力装置及びステアリング用入力操作装置を提供するという効果を奏する。 The input device and the steering input operation device according to one aspect of the present invention have an effect of providing an input device and a steering input operation device that can be variously operated while being small in size with a simple configuration.
（ａ）は本発明における入力装置の実施の一形態を示すものであって、前記入力装置の構成を示す斜視図であり、（ｂ）は前記入力装置の入力操作体を押圧したときの状態を示す断面図である。(A) shows one Embodiment of the input device in this invention, Comprising: It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the said input device, (b) is a state when pressing the input operation body of the said input device. FIG. 前記入力装置の構成を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the said input device. 前記入力装置の構成を示す分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the said input device. （ａ）は入力装置の構成を示す平面図であり、（ｂ）は入力装置における入力操作体の上面の点Ｐを押圧したときの、Ｘ－Ｙ平面座標系における押圧方向と押し込み量との関係を示すグラフである。(A) is a plan view showing the configuration of the input device, and (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the pressing direction and the pressing amount in the XY plane coordinate system when the point P on the upper surface of the input operating body in the input device is pressed. It is a graph which shows a relationship. （ａ）は入力装置の出力制御のために入力操作体を２分割した状態の一例を示す平面図であり、図５の（ｂ）は、入力装置の出力制御のために入力操作体を４分割した状態の一例を示す平面図である。(A) is a top view which shows an example of the state which divided | segmented the input operation body into 2 for the output control of an input device, (b) of FIG. 5 is 4 input operation bodies for the output control of an input device. It is a top view which shows an example of the divided | segmented state. 前記入力操作体の押圧の際のストロークに基づいて、出力モードが切り替わる状態を示すグラフである。It is a graph which shows the state in which an output mode switches based on the stroke at the time of the said input operation body being pressed. 自動車のハンドルに取り付けられた入力装置を備えたステアリング用入力操作装置の構成を示す正面図である。It is a front view which shows the structure of the input operation apparatus for steering provided with the input device attached to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. 本実施の形態における入力装置の変形例の入力装置の構成を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the input device of the modification of the input device in this Embodiment. 本発明における入力装置の他の実施の形態を示すものであって、入力装置の構成を示す断面図である。The other embodiment of the input device in this invention is shown, Comprising: It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of an input device. （ａ）は前記入力装置の構成の一部を破断して示す斜視図であり、（ｂ）は圧力センサ及び検知部の構成を示す斜視図であり、（ｃ）は（ｂ）の矢視断面図であり、（ｄ）は（ｃ）の要部を示す拡大断面図である。(A) is a perspective view which fractures | ruptures and shows a part of structure of the said input device, (b) is a perspective view which shows the structure of a pressure sensor and a detection part, (c) is an arrow view of (b). It is sectional drawing, (d) is an expanded sectional view which shows the principal part of (c). 本発明における入力装置のさらに他の実施の形態を示すものであって、入力装置の構成を示す断面図である。FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing still another embodiment of the input device according to the present invention and showing the configuration of the input device. （ａ）は前記入力装置の構成の一部を破断して示す斜視図であり、（ｂ）は入力操作体の押圧力に伴う荷重と押し込み量との関係を示すグラフである。(A) is a perspective view which fractures | ruptures and shows a part of structure of the said input device, (b) is a graph which shows the relationship between the load accompanying the pressing force of an input operation body, and pushing amount. 従来の多方向操作スイッチの構成を示す分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the conventional multidirectional operation switch.
　〔実施の形態１〕
　本発明の一実施形態について図１～図８に基づいて説明すれば、以下のとおりである。 [Embodiment 1]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
　本実施の形態の入力装置は、例えば、自動車のステアリング用入力操作装置に用いられるものである。 The input device according to the present embodiment is used, for example, in an input operation device for steering an automobile.
　例えば、自動車を運転しているときに、例えばエアコンスイッチの操作をする場合には、エアコンへの視線移動をしなければならず、またハンドルから手を外す必要があり、脇見運転の要因となり安全運転に支障を来す。そこで、近年では、ハンドルにステアリング用スイッチを設けることが行われているが、ステアリング部分には十分なスペースがないので、多数のスイッチをステアリングに取り付けることはできない。また、ステアリングの複数箇所にスイッチを取り付けた場合、所望のスイッチを選択するために、該複数箇所のスイッチを視認しなければならず、誤操作を起こす原因となると共に、視線移動が必要となるので、やはり安全運転に支障を来す。 For example, when driving an automobile, for example, when operating an air conditioner switch, it is necessary to move the line of sight to the air conditioner, and it is necessary to remove the hand from the steering wheel, which is a factor in driving aside. It interferes with driving. Therefore, in recent years, a steering switch is provided on the steering wheel, but since there is not enough space in the steering portion, a large number of switches cannot be attached to the steering wheel. In addition, when switches are installed at a plurality of locations on the steering wheel, it is necessary to visually recognize the switches at the plurality of locations in order to select a desired switch. This also hinders safe driving.
　そこで、本実施の形態では、この課題を解消すべく、複数の操作を一つの操作装置でコントロールし得る入力装置及び該入力装置を備えているステアリング用入力操作装置を提供するものとなっている。 Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to solve this problem, an input device capable of controlling a plurality of operations with a single operation device and an input operation device for steering equipped with the input device are provided. .
　以下、本実施の形態の入力装置及びステアリング用入力操作装置の構成について、図１の（ａ）、図２及び図３に基づいて説明する。図１の（ａ）は、本実施の形態の入力装置の構成を示す斜視図である。図２は、前記入力装置の構成を示す断面図である。図３は前記入力装置の構成を示す分解斜視図である。 Hereinafter, the configuration of the input device and the steering input operation device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1A, FIG. 2 and FIG. FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the input device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the input device. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the input device.
　本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ａは、図１の（ａ）に示すように、方形の筐体１１の上面に円形の入力操作体１２を有するものとなっている。方形の筐体１１の大きさは、例えば約２０×２０×２１ｍｍである。また、筐体１１の下方に設けられた開口１１ａからフレキシブル回路基板２２が露出されており、このフレキシブル回路基板２２は、図示しない制御装置に接続されるようになっている。 The input device 10A according to the present embodiment has a circular input operation body 12 on the upper surface of a rectangular casing 11, as shown in FIG. The size of the rectangular casing 11 is, for example, about 20 × 20 × 21 mm. A flexible circuit board 22 is exposed from an opening 11a provided below the casing 11, and the flexible circuit board 22 is connected to a control device (not shown).
　入力装置１０Ａの内部構造は、図２及び図３に示すように、上から順に、前記円形の入力操作体１２の中心部に設けられた中心軸部１３と、この中心軸部１３の周りを覆う筒状連結部材１４と、この筒状連結部材１４の下端に当接するスライダ１５と、その下側に設けられた復帰バネ支持部材１７と、スライダ１５と復帰バネ支持部材１７との間に設けられた復帰バネ１６と、中心軸部１３の下部に設けられた中心軸部リング１３ａの下端に当接する弾性部材からなる筒状体１８と、筒状体１８の下端に接触する押圧力検知部２０と、押圧力検知部２０を支持するベース部材１９とからなっている。そして、筐体１１は、筒状連結部材１４の途中から押圧力検知部２０までを覆っている。 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the internal structure of the input device 10 </ b> A includes, in order from the top, a central shaft portion 13 provided at the central portion of the circular input operation body 12 and the periphery of the central shaft portion 13. A cylindrical connecting member 14 to be covered, a slider 15 in contact with the lower end of the cylindrical connecting member 14, a return spring support member 17 provided on the lower side thereof, and provided between the slider 15 and the return spring support member 17. The return spring 16, the cylindrical body 18 made of an elastic member that comes into contact with the lower end of the central shaft ring 13 a provided at the lower part of the central shaft portion 13, and the pressing force detection unit that comes into contact with the lower end of the cylindrical body 18. 20 and a base member 19 that supports the pressing force detection unit 20. And the housing | casing 11 has covered from the middle of the cylindrical connection member 14 to the pressing force detection part 20. FIG.
　入力操作体１２は、円形部材からなっており、例えば、指にて上面を押すようになっている。 The input operation body 12 is made of a circular member, and for example, presses the upper surface with a finger.
　入力操作体１２の中央には孔部１２ａが設けられており、この孔部１２ａには中心軸部１３が上下方向に移動自在に設けられている。 A hole 12a is provided at the center of the input operation body 12, and a central shaft portion 13 is provided in the hole 12a so as to be movable in the vertical direction.
　中心軸部１３は、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ａにおいて、決定ボタンとしての機能を果たすために設けられており、入力操作体１２にて指で押した場合に、その押圧位置に応じて選択されたモード等を決定するために使用されるものである。 The central shaft portion 13 is provided in order to function as a determination button in the input device 10A of the present embodiment. When the input operation body 12 is pressed with a finger, the central shaft portion 13 is selected according to the pressed position. Used to determine the mode and the like.
　筒状連結部材１４及び筒状体１８は、入力操作体１２の上面を押圧したときの力を、押圧力検知部２０に伝達するために設けられている。 The cylindrical connecting member 14 and the cylindrical body 18 are provided to transmit a force when the upper surface of the input operation body 12 is pressed to the pressing force detection unit 20.
　すなわち、本実施の形態では、中心軸部１３の下部には中心軸部リング１３ａが設けられている。このため、入力操作体１２の上面を押圧したときには、その力が筒状連結部材１４、中心軸部リング１３ａ及び筒状体１８を経由して、押圧力検知部２０に伝えられるようになっている。 That is, in the present embodiment, a central shaft ring 13 a is provided below the central shaft portion 13. For this reason, when the upper surface of the input operation body 12 is pressed, the force is transmitted to the pressing force detection unit 20 via the cylindrical connecting member 14, the central shaft portion ring 13 a and the cylindrical body 18. Yes.
　復帰バネ１６は、コイルバネからなっている。そして、このコイルバネからなる復帰バネ１６は、下側が復帰バネ支持部材１７にて固定されている一方、上側が上下移動自在のスライダ１５に当接している。また、このスライダ１５には、筒状連結部材１４のスライダ当接部１４ａが当接している。 The return spring 16 is a coil spring. The return spring 16 made of this coil spring is fixed at the lower side by a return spring support member 17, while the upper side is in contact with a slider 15 that can move up and down. The slider 15 is in contact with the slider contact portion 14 a of the cylindrical connecting member 14.
　このため、指で入力操作体１２を押圧したときに、上述したように、その力が筒状連結部材１４、中心軸部リング１３ａ及び筒状体１８を経由して、押圧力検知部２０に伝えられる。そのときに、筒状連結部材１４が入力操作体１２の押圧する角度方向側に傾くように力が加わり、それによって、筒状連結部材１４のスライダ当接部１４ａ、スライダ１５を介して復帰バネ１６に伸縮力を与える。このことは、逆に、入力操作体１２への押圧を解除したときに、復帰バネ１６が元の状態に戻るための付勢力が働くので、筒状連結部材１４及び入力操作体１２が元の状態に復帰するようになる。 For this reason, when the input operation body 12 is pressed with a finger, as described above, the force is applied to the pressing force detection unit 20 via the cylindrical connecting member 14, the central shaft ring 13 a and the cylindrical body 18. Reportedly. At that time, a force is applied so that the cylindrical connecting member 14 is inclined to the side in the angle direction pressed by the input operating body 12, and thereby, the return spring via the slider contact portion 14 a and the slider 15 of the cylindrical connecting member 14. A stretching force is applied to 16. On the contrary, when the pressing to the input operation body 12 is released, a biasing force for the return spring 16 to return to the original state works, so that the cylindrical connecting member 14 and the input operation body 12 are restored to the original state. It will return to the state.
　筒状体１８は、ゴム等の弾性部材からなっている。このため、指にて入力操作体１２を押圧したときに、筒状連結部材１４及び筒状体１８を介してその力が押圧力検知部２０に伝達されるときに、筒状体１８の該入力操作体１２の押圧力を付与する角度方向が弾性変形する。これにより、復帰バネ１６を用いた復帰動作を付与することができるものとなっている。 The cylindrical body 18 is made of an elastic member such as rubber. For this reason, when the input operating body 12 is pressed with a finger, when the force is transmitted to the pressing force detection unit 20 via the cylindrical connecting member 14 and the cylindrical body 18, The angular direction for applying the pressing force of the input operation body 12 is elastically deformed. Thereby, the return operation | movement using the return spring 16 can be provided.
　押圧力検知部２０は、ドーナツ状の圧力センサ２１と、圧力センサ２１にて検出した押圧力を図示しない制御装置に伝達するためのフレキシブル回路基板２２とからなっている。圧力センサ２１は、本実施の形態では、３軸型の圧力センサ２１からなっており、Ｘ－Ｙ平面座標系における押圧力が検出できると共に、Ｚ方向の押圧力も検出できるようになっている。 The pressing force detection unit 20 includes a donut-shaped pressure sensor 21 and a flexible circuit board 22 for transmitting the pressing force detected by the pressure sensor 21 to a control device (not shown). In the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 21 includes a triaxial pressure sensor 21 that can detect the pressing force in the XY plane coordinate system and can also detect the pressing force in the Z direction. .
　圧力センサ２１は、本実施の形態では、例えば静電容量式圧力センサを用いている。静電容量式圧力センサは、接点がないので、接触摩擦による接点の摩耗がなく、耐久性が高いというメリットがある。ただし、圧力センサ２１は、必ずしも静電容量式圧力センサに限らず、例えばピエゾ式圧力センサ又は導電ゴム式圧力センサを用いることができる。 In the present embodiment, for example, a capacitive pressure sensor is used as the pressure sensor 21. Since the capacitance type pressure sensor has no contact point, there is an advantage that the contact point is not worn by contact friction and has high durability. However, the pressure sensor 21 is not necessarily limited to the capacitance type pressure sensor, and for example, a piezo type pressure sensor or a conductive rubber type pressure sensor can be used.
　また、本実施の形態では、圧力センサ２１は、後述する図１０の（ｂ）に示すように、ドーナツ型の形状を有している。これにより、後述するように、圧力センサ２１の孔部２１ａにＬＥＤ３１を設けたり、押しボタン機能部４０のための検知部４３を設けたりすることができる。 In the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 21 has a donut shape as shown in FIG. Thereby, as described later, the LED 31 can be provided in the hole 21 a of the pressure sensor 21, or the detection unit 43 for the push button function unit 40 can be provided.
　前記構成の入力装置１０Ａにおける入力動作について、図１の（ｂ）、図４の（ａ）（ｂ）、図５の（ａ）（ｂ）、及び図６に基づいて説明する。図１の（ｂ）は、入力装置１０Ａの入力操作体１２を押圧したときの状態を示す断面図である。図４の（ａ）は、入力装置１０Ａの構成を示す平面図であり、図４の（ｂ）は、入力操作体１２の上面の点Ｐを押圧したときの、Ｘ－Ｙ平面座標系における押圧方向と押し込み量との関係を示すグラフである。 The input operation in the input device 10A having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 1B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, and 6. FIG. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state when the input operation body 12 of the input device 10A is pressed. 4A is a plan view showing the configuration of the input device 10A, and FIG. 4B is a plan view in the XY plane coordinate system when the point P on the upper surface of the input operation body 12 is pressed. It is a graph which shows the relationship between a pressing direction and the pressing amount.
　図１の（ｂ）及び図４の（ａ）（ｂ）に示すように、入力装置１０Ａにおける入力操作体１２の上面の点Ｐをユーザが例えば指で押圧する。このとき、入力操作体１２は、該入力操作体１２の中心を原点とするＸ－Ｙ平面座標系が形成されている。そして、押圧力検知部２０の圧力センサ２１においても、Ｘ－Ｙ平面座標系における押圧力が作用した方向が、３６０度のいずれであるかを検出すると共に、押し込み量についても、その大きさにて検出できるとようになっている。 As shown in FIGS. 1B and 4A and 4B, the user presses a point P on the upper surface of the input operation body 12 in the input device 10A with, for example, a finger. At this time, the input operation body 12 is formed with an XY plane coordinate system with the center of the input operation body 12 as the origin. The pressure sensor 21 of the pressing force detection unit 20 also detects which direction the pressing force is applied in the XY plane coordinate system is 360 degrees, and the pressing amount is also set to the magnitude. Can be detected.
　この結果、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ａでは、入力操作体１２の一点を押圧したときに、その点Ｐの角度を３６０度のうちのいずれであるか、及びその押圧力の大きさがどの程度であるかを把握することができる。 As a result, in the input device 10A of the present embodiment, when one point of the input operation body 12 is pressed, the angle of the point P is 360 degrees and the magnitude of the pressing force is It is possible to grasp the degree.
　したがって、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ａを、切り替えスイッチ等の制御手段として使用することが可能となる。 Therefore, the input device 10A of the present embodiment can be used as control means such as a changeover switch.
　ここで、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ａの切り替えの一例について、図５の（ａ）（ｂ）及び図６に基づいて説明する。図５の（ａ）は、入力装置１０Ａの出力制御のために入力操作体１２を２分割した状態の一例を示す平面図であり、図５の（ｂ）は、入力装置１０Ａの出力制御のために入力操作体１２を４分割した状態の一例を示す平面図である。図６は、入力操作体１２の押圧の際のストロークに基づいて、出力モードが切り替わる状態を示すグラフである。 Here, an example of switching of the input device 10A of the present embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b) and FIG. FIG. 5A is a plan view illustrating an example of a state in which the input operation body 12 is divided into two parts for output control of the input device 10A, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating output control of the input device 10A. It is a top view which shows an example of the state which divided the input operation body 12 into 4 in order. FIG. 6 is a graph showing a state in which the output mode is switched based on the stroke when the input operation body 12 is pressed.
　図５の（ａ）に示すように、例えば、入力操作体１２を図５の（ａ）において上下方向に２分割することが可能である。これにて、少なくとも２系統の選択が可能となる入力装置１０Ａを提供することができる。 As shown in FIG. 5A, for example, the input operation body 12 can be divided into two in the vertical direction in FIG. Thus, it is possible to provide an input device 10A that enables selection of at least two systems.
　図５の（ｂ）に示すように、また、例えば、入力操作体１２を図５の（ｂ）において角度θ１～角度θ４となるように、３６０度を４分割することが可能である。４分割は、等分割でもよいし、等分割でなくてもよい。これにて、少なくとも４系統の選択が可能となる入力装置１０Ａを提供することができる。 As shown in FIG. 5B, for example, it is possible to divide 360 degrees into four so that the input operation body 12 has an angle θ1 to an angle θ4 in FIG. 5B. The four divisions may be equal divisions or may not be equal divisions. Thus, it is possible to provide an input device 10A that enables selection of at least four systems.
　また、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ａでは、押圧力も検出することができる。したがって、その押圧力を段階別に複数の状態を検出することができる。 Further, the input device 10A of the present embodiment can also detect the pressing force. Therefore, a plurality of states can be detected for each pressing force.
　図６に示すように、例えば、押圧力に対して、入力操作体１２に指が接触したか否かの接触判定、第１の応力までの押圧力が検出された状態、第２の応力までの押圧力が検出された状態に分けた検出が可能である。この判定は、図示しない制御装置において、押圧力の閾値判定を行い、その閾値に応じて異なった状態を選択することが可能となる。 As shown in FIG. 6, for example, with respect to the pressing force, contact determination as to whether or not the finger has touched the input operation body 12, a state in which the pressing force up to the first stress is detected, up to the second stress The detection can be divided into the states in which the pressing force is detected. This determination can be made by performing a threshold determination of the pressing force in a control device (not shown) and selecting a different state depending on the threshold.
　このように、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ａは、２次元の面内の押圧力を検出する圧力センサ２１を備えている。そして、入力装置１０Ａは、圧力センサ２１に搭載された弾性部材からなる筒状体１８と、筒状体１８の上部に固定して設けられ、かつユーザによって押圧される入力操作体１２とを備える。入力操作体１２への押圧力が、筒状体１８を介して圧力センサ２１に伝達されることにより、２次元の面内における前記押圧力の方向及び大きさが出力される。 As described above, the input device 10A of the present embodiment includes the pressure sensor 21 that detects the pressing force in a two-dimensional plane. The input device 10 </ b> A includes a cylindrical body 18 made of an elastic member mounted on the pressure sensor 21, and an input operation body 12 that is fixed to the upper portion of the cylindrical body 18 and pressed by the user. . By transmitting the pressing force to the input operation body 12 to the pressure sensor 21 via the cylindrical body 18, the direction and magnitude of the pressing force in a two-dimensional plane are output.
　前記の構成によれば、指にて入力操作体１２を押圧すると、その押圧力が、弾性部材からなる筒状体１８を介して圧力センサ２１に伝達され、２次元の面内における押圧力の方向及び大きさが出力される。このため、弾性部材からなる筒状体の変形を圧力センサ２１にて検出することによって、多方向検出が可能となる。 According to the above configuration, when the input operation body 12 is pressed with a finger, the pressing force is transmitted to the pressure sensor 21 via the cylindrical body 18 made of an elastic member, and the pressing force in the two-dimensional plane is reduced. The direction and size are output. For this reason, multi-directional detection is possible by detecting the deformation of the cylindrical body made of an elastic member by the pressure sensor 21.
　この結果、入力操作体１２の押圧面内を予め分割しておき、分割領域毎に異なる制御機器又は制御回路に接続されるようにしておけば、入力装置１０Ａにおける入力操作体１２のどの分割領域を押圧したかが特定される。このため、複数種類の制御機器又は制御回路のうちのいずれかを選択するための選択スイッチとして使用することが可能となる。 As a result, if the inside of the pressing surface of the input operation body 12 is divided in advance and connected to a different control device or control circuit for each divided area, any divided area of the input operation body 12 in the input device 10A can be obtained. Whether or not is pressed is specified. For this reason, it becomes possible to use as a selection switch for selecting any one of a plurality of types of control devices or control circuits.
　そして、入力操作体１２の押圧面内の分割はソフト的に行えばよいので、分割領域が増えたとしても、ハード的には入力操作体１２が筐体１１から露出しているだけであり、複雑なハード構成とする必要がない。すなわち、複数の離れたスイッチを使用するわけではないので、スイッチが大きくなることがなく、部品点数が増加するということもない。 Since the input operation body 12 may be divided in the pressing surface in a software manner, even if the divided area is increased, the input operation body 12 is only exposed from the housing 11 in hardware. There is no need for a complicated hardware configuration. That is, since a plurality of remote switches are not used, the switches do not become large and the number of parts does not increase.
　さらに、圧力センサ２１一つで多様な入力操作が一箇所で可能となるので、小型化が可能になり、安価に製造することができる。 Furthermore, since a variety of input operations can be performed at a single location with a single pressure sensor 21, it is possible to reduce the size and manufacture at a low cost.
　したがって、簡易な構成で小型化でありながら多様な操作が可能な入力装置１０Ａを提供することができる。 Therefore, it is possible to provide the input device 10A capable of various operations while having a simple configuration and a small size.
　また、筒状体１８は弾性部材であるので、入力操作体１２への押圧力が印加されると、筒状体１８に弾性変形が生じることになる。この結果、ユーザは筒状体１８の弾性変形を感じることによって、操作の状態を体感することができる。すなわち、ユーザは、操作の状態を視覚的に確認することなく認識することが可能であるので、他の作業と並行して操作を行うことが可能な入力装置１０Ａを提供することができる。 Also, since the cylindrical body 18 is an elastic member, when a pressing force is applied to the input operation body 12, the cylindrical body 18 is elastically deformed. As a result, the user can feel the state of operation by feeling the elastic deformation of the cylindrical body 18. That is, since the user can recognize the state of the operation without visually confirming it, the input device 10A capable of performing the operation in parallel with other work can be provided.
　また、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ａは、圧力センサ２１は、２次元の面内における、筒状体１８の中心軸と２次元の面との交点に対する弾性変形の方向及び大きさを出力する。 In the input device 10A of the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 21 outputs the direction and magnitude of elastic deformation with respect to the intersection of the central axis of the cylindrical body 18 and the two-dimensional surface in the two-dimensional surface. .
　これにより、筒状体１８を曲げる方向への力を検出することができる。この結果、ユーザは筒状体１８を曲げる力を調整することによって入力操作指示を行うことが可能となる。 Thereby, the force in the direction of bending the cylindrical body 18 can be detected. As a result, the user can perform an input operation instruction by adjusting the force with which the cylindrical body 18 is bent.
　このように、３軸検出可能な圧力センサ２１を用いることによって、３６０度の方向の位置検出のみならず、線型的に増加する押圧力の大きさ、延いては出力信号に閾値設定を行い、多段に増加する押圧力の大きさの検出を行うことができる。これにより、多段スイッチとしての利用が図れる。 In this way, by using the pressure sensor 21 that can detect three axes, not only the position detection in the direction of 360 degrees, but also the magnitude of the pressing force that increases linearly, and thus the threshold value is set for the output signal, The magnitude of the pressing force that increases in multiple stages can be detected. As a result, it can be used as a multistage switch.
　また、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ａは、押圧力により変位した入力操作体１２を変位前の位置に復帰させる復帰バネ１６を備えている。これにより、入力操作体１２の押圧力を解除した場合に、復帰バネ１６にて入力操作体１２を元の位置に復帰させることが可能となる。 Also, the input device 10A of the present embodiment includes a return spring 16 that returns the input operation body 12 displaced by the pressing force to the position before the displacement. Thereby, when the pressing force of the input operation body 12 is released, the input operation body 12 can be returned to the original position by the return spring 16.
　また、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ａでは、圧力センサ２１は、静電容量式になっている。これにより、静電容量式の圧力センサ２１は接点がないので、入力装置１０Ａの耐久性を向上させることができる。 Further, in the input device 10A of the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 21 is a capacitance type. Thereby, since the capacitance-type pressure sensor 21 has no contact, the durability of the input device 10A can be improved.
　図７に示すように、本実施の形態のステアリング用入力操作装置１は、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ａを備えている。これにより、簡易な構成で小型化でありながら多様な操作が可能な入力装置１０Ａを備えたステアリング用入力操作装置１を提供することができる。 As shown in FIG. 7, the steering input operating device 1 of the present embodiment includes the input device 10A of the present embodiment. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the steering input operation device 1 including the input device 10A that can be variously operated with a simple configuration and being downsized.
　尚、本発明は、前記の実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の範囲内で種々の変更が可能である。例えば、図８に示す構成の入力装置１０Ａ’とすることが可能である。図８は、本実施の形態の変形例の入力装置１０Ａ’の構成を示す断面図である。 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the input device 10A ′ having the configuration shown in FIG. 8 may be used. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an input device 10A ′ according to a modification of the present embodiment.
　図８に示すように、入力装置１０Ａ’は、中心軸部１３’が透明部材にてなっている。そして、ベース部材１９’にはベース部材孔１９ａが設けられているので、中心軸部１３’の上から下までが見通せる状態となっている。そこで、入力装置１０Ａ’では、ベース部材孔１９ａの位置にＬＥＤ３１を設け、ＬＥＤ基板３２にてＬＥＤ３１を点灯可能になっている。 As shown in FIG. 8, the input device 10A 'has a central shaft portion 13' made of a transparent member. Since the base member 19 'is provided with the base member hole 19a, the center shaft portion 13' can be seen from above to below. Therefore, in the input device 10 </ b> A ′, the LED 31 is provided at the position of the base member hole 19 a, and the LED 31 can be turned on by the LED substrate 32.
　これにより、暗がりであっても、入力装置１０Ａ’を視認することができるものとなる。 Thereby, even in the dark, the input device 10A 'can be visually recognized.
　〔実施の形態２〕
　本発明の他の実施の形態について図９及び図１０に基づいて説明すれば、以下のとおりである。尚、本実施の形態において説明すること以外の構成は、前記実施の形態１と同じである。また、説明の便宜上、前記の実施の形態１の図面に示した部材と同一の機能を有する部材については、同一の符号を付し、その説明を省略する。 [Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. The configurations other than those described in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted.
　本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ｂは、前記実施の形態１の入力装置１０Ａの構成に加えて、中心軸部１３が軸方向入力操作体として機能する押しボタン４１として構成されている点が異なっている。 The input device 10B according to the present embodiment is different from the input device 10A according to the first embodiment in that the central shaft portion 13 is configured as a push button 41 that functions as an axial input operation body. Yes.
　本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ｂの構成について、図９及び図１０の（ａ）（ｂ）（ｃ）（ｄ）に基づいて説明する。図９は、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ｂの構成を示す断面図である。図１０の（ａ）は、入力装置１０Ｂの構成の一部を破断して示す斜視図である。図１０の（ｂ）は、圧力センサ２１及び検知部４３の構成を示す斜視図である。図１０の（ｃ）は、図１０の（ｂ）の矢視断面図である。図１０の（ｄ）は、図１０の（ｃ）の要部を示す拡大断面図である。 The configuration of the input device 10B according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the input device 10B of the present embodiment. FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the input device 10B in a cutaway manner. FIG. 10B is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the pressure sensor 21 and the detection unit 43. FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow in FIG. FIG. 10D is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the main part of FIG.
　図９に示すように、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ｂは、入力操作体１２の中央部に軸方向入力操作体としての押しボタン４１が設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 9, the input device 10 </ b> B according to the present embodiment is provided with a push button 41 as an axial input operation body at the center of the input operation body 12.
　すなわち、押しボタン機能部４０は、入力装置１０Ｂの中央部を貫通する押しボタン４１と、押しボタン４１の下端に設けられた押圧伝達部材４２と、押圧伝達部材４２の下側に設けられた検知部４３と、検知部４３にて検知した信号を外部に出力するプリント基板４４とから構成されている。 That is, the push button function unit 40 includes a push button 41 penetrating the center of the input device 10B, a press transmission member 42 provided at the lower end of the push button 41, and a detection provided below the press transmission member 42. And a printed circuit board 44 for outputting a signal detected by the detection unit 43 to the outside.
　押しボタン４１は、上面が入力操作体１２から露出する押圧部４１ａと、押圧部４１ａの長手方向の途中に設けられた押圧部リング４１ｂと、押圧部４１ａの下端に延設された延設部４１ｃとから構成されている。 The push button 41 includes a pressing portion 41a whose upper surface is exposed from the input operation body 12, a pressing portion ring 41b provided in the middle of the pressing portion 41a in the longitudinal direction, and an extending portion extending to the lower end of the pressing portion 41a. 41c.
　押圧伝達部材４２は、押しボタン４１の押圧力を検知部４３に伝達するものである。 The pressing transmission member 42 transmits the pressing force of the push button 41 to the detection unit 43.
　図１０の（ａ）（ｂ）（ｃ）に示すように、検知部４３は、ドーナツ状に形成された圧力センサ２１の中央の孔部２１ａの下側に設けられている。この検知部４３は、押しボタン４１の押圧により押圧伝達部材４２を介して、導体からなる反転バネ４３ａがプリント基板４４に接触することにより、スイッチオンされた状態となる。すなわち、検知部４３は、所謂シートスイッチにて構成されている。 10 (a), (b), and (c), the detection unit 43 is provided below the central hole 21a of the pressure sensor 21 formed in a donut shape. The detection unit 43 is switched on when the reversing spring 43 a made of a conductor comes into contact with the printed circuit board 44 through the pressure transmission member 42 when the push button 41 is pressed. That is, the detection unit 43 is configured by a so-called sheet switch.
　尚、図９に示すように、押しボタン４１の押し下げのストロークは、押圧部リング４１ｂの下端が筒状連結部材１４の上端に当接したときに、停止されるようになっている。 As shown in FIG. 9, the pressing stroke of the push button 41 is stopped when the lower end of the pressing portion ring 41 b comes into contact with the upper end of the cylindrical connecting member 14.
　このように、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ｂは、押圧力によって筒状体１８の中心軸方向に変位する軸方向入力操作体としての押しボタン４１と、押しボタン４１の変位を検知する検知部４３とを備えている。 As described above, the input device 10B according to the present embodiment includes the push button 41 serving as the axial input operation body that is displaced in the central axis direction of the cylindrical body 18 by the pressing force, and the detection unit that detects the displacement of the push button 41. 43.
　これにより、入力操作体１２の押圧に基づく圧力センサ２１の押圧位置の方向及び押圧力の大きさの出力に加えて、押しボタン４１の押圧に基づく検知部４３での押しボタン４１の変位の検知が可能となる。 Thereby, in addition to the output of the direction of the pressing position of the pressure sensor 21 based on the pressing of the input operation body 12 and the magnitude of the pressing force, the detection of the displacement of the push button 41 by the detecting unit 43 based on the pressing of the push button 41 is detected. Is possible.
　この結果、例えば、入力操作体１２の押圧により、複数種類の制御機器又は制御回路のうちのいずれかを選択したときの最終的な決定ボタンとして押しボタン４１を使用することが可能となる。 As a result, for example, the push button 41 can be used as a final decision button when one of a plurality of types of control devices or control circuits is selected by pressing the input operation body 12.
　また、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ｂでは、押しボタン４１は入力操作体１２の中心部に設けられている。このため、押しボタン４１が入力操作体１２の内部に存在するので、操作に際して視線の移動及び手の移動を伴わない。この結果、使い勝手がよく、かつ小型の入力装置１０Ｂを提供することができる。 Further, in the input device 10B of the present embodiment, the push button 41 is provided at the center of the input operation body 12. For this reason, since the push button 41 exists in the input operation body 12, the movement of the line of sight and the movement of the hand are not involved in the operation. As a result, a user-friendly and small-sized input device 10B can be provided.
　〔実施の形態３〕
　本発明の他の実施の形態について図１１及び図１２に基づいて説明すれば、以下のとおりである。尚、本実施の形態において説明すること以外の構成は、前記実施の形態１及び実施の形態２と同じである。また、説明の便宜上、前記の実施の形態１及び実施の形態２の図面に示した部材と同一の機能を有する部材については、同一の符号を付し、その説明を省略する。 [Embodiment 3]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. The configurations other than those described in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those shown in the drawings of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 are given the same reference numerals, and explanation thereof is omitted.
　本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ｃは、前記実施の形態２の入力装置１０Ｂの構成に加えて、入力操作体１２を押圧したときに、機械式スイッチと同様のクリック感を達成し得る感触部材としてのゴムプランジャが設けられている点が異なっている。 In addition to the configuration of the input device 10B of the second embodiment, the input device 10C of the present embodiment is a touch member that can achieve a click feeling similar to a mechanical switch when the input operation body 12 is pressed. The difference is that the rubber plunger is provided.
　本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ｃの構成について、図１１及び図１２の（ａ）（ｂ）に基づいて説明する。図１１は、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ｃの構成を示す断面図である。図１２の（ａ）は前記入力装置１０Ｃの構成の一部を破断して示す斜視図である。図１２の（ｂ）は、入力操作体１２の押圧力に伴う荷重と押し込み量との関係を示すグラフである。 The configuration of the input device 10C of the present embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 11 and 12 (a) and 12 (b). FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the input device 10C according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12A is a perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the input device 10C in a cutaway manner. FIG. 12B is a graph showing the relationship between the load accompanying the pressing force of the input operation body 12 and the amount of pressing.
　図１１及び図１２の（ａ）に示すように、に示すように、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ｃは、入力操作体１２を押圧したときに、機械式スイッチと同様のクリック感を達成し得る感触部材としてのゴムプランジャ５１が設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12A, the input device 10C according to the present embodiment achieves a click feeling similar to that of a mechanical switch when the input operation body 12 is pressed. A rubber plunger 51 is provided as a feel member to be obtained.
　このゴムプランジャ５１は、例えば、中空円錐台のゴムにて形成されている。 The rubber plunger 51 is made of, for example, a hollow truncated cone rubber.
　図１２の（ｂ）に示すように、入力操作体１２を押圧したときには、コイルバネからなる復帰バネ１６が作用した後、筒状体１８の弾性変形及びゴムプランジャ５１の弾性変形に伴って、しばらくは、単純変形する。しかし、ゴムプランジャ５１が、或る閾値の変位を越えると荷重及び変位が急激に変化する。これにより、例えば、機械式スイッチをオン・オフしたときに味わえる所謂クリック感のある操作感触を得ることができる。 As shown in FIG. 12 (b), when the input operation body 12 is pressed, the return spring 16 made of a coil spring is applied, and then the elastic deformation of the cylindrical body 18 and the elastic deformation of the rubber plunger 51 are performed for a while. Is simply deformed. However, when the rubber plunger 51 exceeds a certain threshold displacement, the load and displacement change abruptly. As a result, for example, a so-called click feeling can be obtained when the mechanical switch is turned on / off.
　尚、本実施の形態では、ゴムプランジャ５１は、例えば４方向に１個ずつ合計４個設けられている。これにより、各方向において、入力操作体１２を押圧したときにクリック感を味わうことが可能となる。 In the present embodiment, a total of four rubber plungers 51 are provided, for example, one in four directions. Thereby, it becomes possible to taste a click feeling when the input operation body 12 is pressed in each direction.
　尚、本実施の形態では、ゴムプランジャ５１を４個設けているが、ゴムプランジャ５１の個数は限定されない。 In the present embodiment, four rubber plungers 51 are provided, but the number of rubber plungers 51 is not limited.
　このように、本実施の形態の入力装置１０Ｃでは、入力操作体１２への押圧力が所定の閾値未満である場合と所定の閾値以上である場合とによって、押圧力と筒状体１８の弾性変形量との関係が変化するように、筒状体１８を弾性力によって支持する感触部材としてのゴムプランジャ５１を備えている。 As described above, in the input device 10C according to the present embodiment, the pressing force and the elasticity of the cylindrical body 18 are determined depending on whether the pressing force applied to the input operation body 12 is less than the predetermined threshold or more than the predetermined threshold. A rubber plunger 51 is provided as a feeler member that supports the cylindrical body 18 with an elastic force so that the relationship with the deformation amount changes.
　これにより、入力操作体１２への押圧力が直ちに圧力センサ２１に伝達されるのではなく、入力操作体１２への押圧力はゴムプランジャ５１を介して圧力センサ２１に伝達される。そして、このゴムプランジャ５１は、入力操作体１２への押圧力が所定の閾値未満である場合と所定の閾値以上である場合とによって、押圧力と筒状体１８の弾性変形量との関係が変化するように、筒状体１８を支持する。 Thus, the pressing force to the input operation body 12 is not immediately transmitted to the pressure sensor 21, but the pressing force to the input operation body 12 is transmitted to the pressure sensor 21 through the rubber plunger 51. The rubber plunger 51 has a relationship between the pressing force and the amount of elastic deformation of the cylindrical body 18 depending on whether the pressing force to the input operation body 12 is less than a predetermined threshold or more than a predetermined threshold. The cylindrical body 18 is supported so as to change.
　この結果、このように、感触部材を凹部かならなるゴムバッドのゴムプランジャ５１にて構成することによって、入力操作体１２を押圧したときに、押し込み量の増加に伴って連続的に押圧力が増加するのではなく、所定の押し込み量となった時点で一時的に押圧力が減少する状態を付与することができる。したがって、例えば、機械式のスイッチにおいてスイッチがオンしたときにオンしたことが感触として味わえる所謂クリック感を付与することが可能となる。 As a result, the pressing member continuously increases as the pressing amount increases when the input operation body 12 is pressed by configuring the feeler member with the rubber plunger 51 of the rubber pad formed of the recess. Instead, it is possible to provide a state in which the pressing force is temporarily reduced when the predetermined amount of pressing is reached. Therefore, for example, in a mechanical switch, it is possible to give a so-called click feeling that can be felt as a touch when the switch is turned on.
　以上のように、本発明の一態様における入力装置は、前記課題を解決するために、２次元の面内の押圧力を検出する圧力センサを備えた入力装置において、前記圧力センサに搭載された弾性部材からなる筒状体と、前記筒状体の上部に固定して設けられ、かつユーザによって押圧される入力操作体とを備え、前記入力操作体への押圧力が、前記筒状体を介して圧力センサに伝達されることにより、前記２次元の面内における前記押圧力の方向及び大きさが出力されることを特徴としている。 As described above, the input device according to one aspect of the present invention is mounted on the pressure sensor in the input device including the pressure sensor that detects the pressing force in a two-dimensional plane in order to solve the above-described problem. A cylindrical body made of an elastic member; and an input operation body that is fixed to an upper portion of the cylindrical body and is pressed by a user, and the pressing force to the input operation body causes the cylindrical body to The direction and the magnitude of the pressing force in the two-dimensional plane are output by being transmitted to the pressure sensor.
　前記発明の一態様によれば、入力操作体が押圧されると、その押圧力が、弾性部材からなる筒状体を介して圧力センサに伝達され、２次元の面内における押圧力の方向及び大きさが出力される。このため、弾性部材からなる筒状体の変形を圧力センサにて検出することによって、多方向検出が可能となる。 According to the aspect of the invention, when the input operation body is pressed, the pressing force is transmitted to the pressure sensor via the cylindrical body made of the elastic member, and the direction of the pressing force in the two-dimensional plane and The size is output. For this reason, multi-directional detection becomes possible by detecting the deformation of the cylindrical body made of an elastic member by the pressure sensor.
　この結果、入力操作体の押圧面内を予め分割しておき、分割領域毎に異なる制御機器又は制御回路に接続されるようにしておけば、入力装置における入力操作体のどの分割領域を押圧したかが特定されるので、複数種類の制御機器又は制御回路のうちのいずれかを選択するための選択スイッチとして使用することが可能となる。 As a result, if the inside of the pressing surface of the input operation body is divided in advance and connected to a different control device or control circuit for each divided area, which divided area of the input operation body in the input device is pressed. Therefore, it can be used as a selection switch for selecting one of a plurality of types of control devices or control circuits.
　そして、入力操作体の押圧面内の分割はソフト的に行えばよいので、分割領域が増えたとしても、ハード的には、入力操作体が露出しているだけであり、複雑なハード構成とする必要がない。 Since the input operation body can be divided in the pressing surface in a software manner, even if the divided area is increased, only the input operation body is exposed in hardware, and a complicated hardware configuration is obtained. There is no need to do.
　したがって、簡易な構成で小型化でありながら多様な操作が可能な入力装置を提供することができる。 Therefore, it is possible to provide an input device capable of various operations with a simple configuration and a small size.
　また、筒状体は弾性部材であるので、入力操作体への押圧力が印加されると、筒状体に弾性変形が生じることになる。この結果、ユーザは筒状体の弾性変形を感じることによって、操作の状態を体感することができる。すなわち、ユーザは、操作の状態を視覚的に確認することなく認識することが可能であるので、他の作業と並行して操作を行うことが可能な入力装置を提供することができる。 Further, since the cylindrical body is an elastic member, when a pressing force is applied to the input operation body, the cylindrical body is elastically deformed. As a result, the user can feel the state of operation by feeling the elastic deformation of the cylindrical body. That is, since the user can recognize the operation state without visually confirming it, an input device capable of performing an operation in parallel with other work can be provided.
　本発明の一態様における入力装置は、前記記載の入力装置において、前記圧力センサは、前記２次元の面内における、前記筒状体の中心軸と前記２次元の面との交点に対する弾性変形の方向及び大きさを出力することが好ましい。 In the input device according to one aspect of the present invention, in the input device described above, the pressure sensor may be elastically deformed with respect to an intersection of a central axis of the cylindrical body and the two-dimensional surface in the two-dimensional surface. It is preferable to output the direction and size.
　これにより、２次元の面内における、筒状体の中心軸と２次元の面との交点に対する弾性変形の方向、すなわち、筒状体を曲げる方向への力を検出することができる。この結果、ユーザは筒状体を曲げる力を調整することによって入力操作指示を行うことが可能となる。 Thereby, it is possible to detect the force in the direction of elastic deformation with respect to the intersection of the central axis of the cylindrical body and the two-dimensional surface in the two-dimensional plane, that is, the direction in which the cylindrical body is bent. As a result, the user can give an input operation instruction by adjusting the force for bending the cylindrical body.
　本発明の一態様における入力装置は、前記記載の入力装置において、押圧力によって前記筒状体の中心軸方向に変位する軸方向入力操作体と、前記軸方向入力操作体の変位を検知する検知部とをさらに備えていることが好ましい。 The input device according to an aspect of the present invention is the input device according to the above-described input device, wherein the axial input operation body is displaced in the central axis direction of the cylindrical body by a pressing force, and the detection is performed to detect the displacement of the axial input operation body. It is preferable to further include a portion.
　本発明の一態様では、入力操作体の押圧に基づく圧力センサの押圧力の方向及び大きさの出力に加えて、軸方向入力操作体の押圧に基づく検知部での軸方向入力操作体の変位の検知が可能となる。 In one aspect of the present invention, in addition to the output of the direction and magnitude of the pressing force of the pressure sensor based on the pressing of the input operating body, the displacement of the axial input operating body in the detection unit based on the pressing of the axial input operating body Can be detected.
　この結果、例えば、入力操作体の押圧により、複数種類の制御機器又は制御回路のうちのいずれかを選択したときの最終的な決定ボタンとして軸方向入力操作体を使用することが可能となる。 As a result, for example, the axial input operation body can be used as a final decision button when one of a plurality of types of control devices or control circuits is selected by pressing the input operation body.
　本発明の一態様における入力装置は、前記記載の入力装置において、前記入力操作体への押圧力が所定の閾値未満である場合と所定の閾値以上である場合とによって、前記押圧力と前記筒状体の弾性変形量との関係が変化するように、前記筒状体を支持する感触部材をさらに備えていることが好ましい。 The input device according to an aspect of the present invention is the input device according to the above-described input device, wherein the pressing force and the cylinder are determined depending on whether the pressing force to the input operating body is less than a predetermined threshold or more than a predetermined threshold. It is preferable to further include a touch member that supports the cylindrical body so that the relationship with the amount of elastic deformation of the cylindrical body changes.
　これにより、入力操作体への押圧力が直ちに圧力センサに伝達されるのではなく、入力操作体への押圧力は感触部材を介して圧力センサに伝達される。そして、この感触部材は、入力操作体への押圧力が所定の閾値未満である場合と所定の閾値以上である場合とによって、押圧力と筒状体の弾性変形量との関係が変化するように、筒状体を支持する。 Thus, the pressing force applied to the input operation body is not immediately transmitted to the pressure sensor, but the pressing force applied to the input operation body is transmitted to the pressure sensor via the touch member. Then, in the touch member, the relationship between the pressing force and the amount of elastic deformation of the cylindrical body changes depending on whether the pressing force to the input operation body is less than a predetermined threshold or more than a predetermined threshold. In addition, the cylindrical body is supported.
　この結果、感触部材を例えば凹部かならなるゴムバッド等にて構成することによって、入力操作体を押圧したときに、押し込み量の増加に伴って連続的に押圧力が増加するのではなく、所定の押し込み量となった時点で一時的に押圧力が減少する状態を付与することができる。この結果、例えば、機械式のスイッチにおいてスイッチがオンしたときにオンしたことが感触として味わえる所謂クリック感を付与することが可能となる。 As a result, by configuring the feeling member with, for example, a rubber pad made of a concave portion, when the input operation body is pressed, the pressing force does not continuously increase with the increase of the pressing amount, but a predetermined amount. It is possible to provide a state in which the pressing force temporarily decreases when the amount of pressing is reached. As a result, for example, a so-called click feeling that can be felt as a touch when the switch is turned on in a mechanical switch can be provided.
　本発明の一態様における入力装置は、前記記載の入力装置において、前記押圧力により変位した前記前記入力操作体を変位前の位置に復帰させる復帰バネをさらに備えていることが好ましい。 In the input device according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the input device further includes a return spring that returns the input operation body displaced by the pressing force to a position before the displacement.
　これにより、入力操作体の押圧力を解除した場合に、復帰バネにて入力操作体を元の位置に復帰させることが可能となる。 Thus, when the pressing force of the input operation body is released, the input operation body can be returned to the original position by the return spring.
　本発明の一態様における入力装置は、前記記載の入力装置において、前記入力操作体を照明する光源が設けられていることが好ましい。 The input device according to one aspect of the present invention is preferably provided with a light source that illuminates the input operation body in the input device described above.
　これにより、暗がりにおいても、光源を点灯することにより入力操作体の視認性を高めることができる。 Thereby, the visibility of the input operation body can be improved by turning on the light source even in the dark.
　本発明の一態様における入力装置は、前記記載の入力装置において、前記圧力センサは、静電容量式にてなっていることが好ましい。 In the input device according to one aspect of the present invention, in the input device described above, the pressure sensor is preferably a capacitance type.
　これにより、静電容量式の圧力センサは接点がないので、入力装置の耐久性を向上させることができる。 Thereby, since the capacitance type pressure sensor has no contact, the durability of the input device can be improved.
　本発明の一態様におけるステアリング用入力操作装置は、前記記載の入力装置を備えていることを特徴としている。 A steering input operation device according to an aspect of the present invention includes the input device described above.
　これにより、簡易な構成で小型化でありながら多様な操作が可能な入力装置を備えたステアリング用入力操作装置を提供することができる。 Thus, it is possible to provide an input operation device for steering equipped with an input device capable of various operations while having a simple configuration and a small size.
　尚、本発明は、上述した各実施形態に限定されるものではなく、請求項に示した範囲で種々の変更が可能であり、異なる実施形態にそれぞれ開示された技術的手段を適宜組み合わせて得られる実施形態についても本発明の技術的範囲に含まれる。 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and the technical means disclosed in different embodiments can be appropriately combined. Such embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
　１　　　　　　　ステアリング用入力操作装置
１０Ａ・１０Ａ’　入力装置
１０Ｂ・１０Ｃ　　入力装置
１２　　　　　　　入力操作体
１３・１３’　　　中心軸部
１３ａ　　　　　　中心軸部リング
１４　　　　　　　筒状連結部材
１４ａ　　　　　　スライダ当接部
１５　　　　　　　スライダ
１６　　　　　　　復帰バネ
１７　　　　　　　復帰バネ支持部材
１８　　　　　　　筒状体
２０　　　　　　　押圧力検知部
２１　　　　　　　圧力センサ
２２　　　　　　　フレキシブル回路基板
３１　　　　　　　ＬＥＤ
４０　　　　　　　押しボタン機能部
４１　　　　　　　押しボタン（軸方向入力操作体）
４１ａ　　　　　　押圧部
４１ｂ　　　　　　押圧部リング
４１ｃ　　　　　　延設部
４２　　　　　　　押圧伝達部材
４３　　　　　　　検知部
４３ａ　　　　　　反転バネ
４４　　　　　　　プリント基板
５１　　　　　　　ゴムプランジャ（感触部材） DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering input operation apparatus 10A * 10A 'Input apparatus 10B * 10C Input apparatus 12 Input operation body 13 * 13' Center shaft part 13a Center shaft part ring 14 Cylindrical connection member 14a Slider contact part 15 Slider 16 Return spring 17 Return Spring support member 18 Tubular body 20 Pressure detection unit 21 Pressure sensor 22 Flexible circuit board 31 LED
40 Push Button Function Unit 41 Push Button (Axial Input Operation Body)
41a Pressing part 41b Pressing part ring 41c Extension part 42 Pressing transmission member 43 Detection part 43a Reversing spring 44 Printed circuit board 51 Rubber plunger (feeling member)

Claims (8)

  1. 　２次元の面内の押圧力を検出する圧力センサを備えた入力装置において、
    　前記圧力センサに搭載された弾性部材からなる筒状体と、
    　前記筒状体の上部に固定して設けられ、かつユーザによって押圧される入力操作体とを備え、
    　前記入力操作体への押圧力が、前記筒状体を介して圧力センサに伝達されることにより、前記２次元の面内における前記押圧力の方向及び大きさが出力されることを特徴とする入力装置。     In an input device including a pressure sensor for detecting a pressing force in a two-dimensional plane,
    A cylindrical body made of an elastic member mounted on the pressure sensor;
    An input operation body that is fixedly provided on an upper portion of the cylindrical body and is pressed by a user;
    The direction and magnitude of the pressing force in the two-dimensional plane are output by transmitting the pressing force to the input operation body to the pressure sensor through the cylindrical body. Input device.
  2. 　前記圧力センサは、前記２次元の面内における、前記筒状体の中心軸と前記２次元の面との交点に対する弾性変形の方向及び大きさを出力することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の入力装置。 The pressure sensor outputs a direction and a magnitude of elastic deformation with respect to an intersection between a central axis of the cylindrical body and the two-dimensional surface in the two-dimensional surface. Input device.
  3. 　押圧力によって前記筒状体の中心軸方向に変位する軸方向入力操作体と、
    　前記軸方向入力操作体の変位を検知する検知部とをさらに備えていることを特徴とする請求項１又は２に記載の入力装置。     An axial input operation body that is displaced in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical body by a pressing force;
    The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit that detects a displacement of the axial input operation body.
  4. 　前記入力操作体への押圧力が所定の閾値未満である場合と所定の閾値以上である場合とによって、前記押圧力と前記筒状体の弾性変形量との関係が変化するように、前記筒状体を支持する感触部材をさらに備えていることを特徴とする請求項１～３のいずれか１項に記載の入力装置。 The cylinder so that the relationship between the pressing force and the amount of elastic deformation of the cylindrical body changes depending on whether the pressing force to the input operating body is less than a predetermined threshold or more than a predetermined threshold. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a touch-sensitive member that supports the body.
  5. 　前記押圧力により変位した前記入力操作体を変位前の位置に復帰させる復帰バネをさらに備えていることを特徴とする請求項１～４のいずれか１項に記載の入力装置。 The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a return spring that returns the input operation body displaced by the pressing force to a position before the displacement.
  6. 　前記入力操作体を照明する光源が設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１～５のいずれか１項に記載の入力装置。 6. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising a light source that illuminates the input operation body.
  7. 　前記圧力センサは、静電容量式にてなっていることを特徴とする請求項１～５のいずれか１項に記載の入力装置。 The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pressure sensor is of a capacitance type.
  8. 　請求項１～７のいずれか１項に記載の入力装置を備えていることを特徴とするステアリング用入力操作装置。 A steering input operation device comprising the input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
PCT/JP2017/004992 2016-05-16 2017-02-10 Input device, and input operation device for steering WO2017199489A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH06139879A (en) * 1992-10-29 1994-05-20 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Composite push switch
JP2001324397A (en) * 2000-05-17 2001-11-22 Wacoh Corp Force detection device and manipulated variable detection device
JP2009211999A (en) * 2008-03-05 2009-09-17 Yamaha Corp Switch device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH06139879A (en) * 1992-10-29 1994-05-20 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Composite push switch
JP2001324397A (en) * 2000-05-17 2001-11-22 Wacoh Corp Force detection device and manipulated variable detection device
JP2009211999A (en) * 2008-03-05 2009-09-17 Yamaha Corp Switch device

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