JP2012108596A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device that allows a user to easily recognize a position of a switch.SOLUTION: The input device includes: a base 20; a switch part 3 provided on the base 20 to be operated for input; a bezel 21 having an opening 211 and provided on the base 20 to store the switch part 3 in the opening 211; and a leaf spring 23 provided between the base 20 and the bezel 21, elastically deforming by a load applied to the bezel 21 and disposed on the base 20 to form a level difference between an outer periphery of the switch part 3 and the opening 211 of the bezel 21.

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device.

  As a conventional technique, a vehicle operation device having an operation unit in a center console between a driver seat and a passenger seat of a vehicle is known (see Patent Document 1).

  The operation unit of the conventional vehicle operation device includes a plurality of operation switches, an operation panel provided above the plurality of operation switches, an image sensor provided below the operation switches, and images an operator's finger. , And is configured.

JP 2010-18111 A

  By the way, some of the above-described vehicle operation devices have excellent designs by eliminating a step between the surface of the member on which the operation panel is installed and the surface of the operation panel, for example. However, an operation unit having no step between the surface of the member on which the operation panel is installed and the surface of the operation panel has a problem that it is difficult for the operator to confirm the position of the switch of the operation unit by touch.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an input device that can easily recognize the position of a switch.

  One embodiment of the present invention includes a base, a switch portion that is provided on the base and that can be operated and input, a bezel that has an opening, and is provided on the base so that the switch portion is accommodated in the opening. And an elastic member provided on the base so that a step is generated between the outer periphery of the switch part and the opening of the bezel, and is elastically deformed by a load applied to the bezel. Providing a device.

  According to the present invention, the position of the switch can be easily recognized.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the inside of a vehicle on which the input device according to the embodiment is mounted, and FIG. 1B is a top view of the input device. Fig.2 (a) is the II-II sectional view taken on the line of FIG.1 (b) of the input device based on Embodiment, (b) is an enlarged view of a switch part periphery. FIG. 3 is a block diagram relating to the input device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the input device before the load according to the embodiment is applied, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the input device after the load is applied.

(Summary of embodiment)
An input device according to an embodiment includes a base, a switch that is provided on the base and can be operated and input, and a bezel that is provided on the base so as to have an opening and accommodate the switch in the opening. An elastic member provided between the base and the bezel, elastically deformed by a load applied to the bezel, and provided on the base so that a step is generated between the outer peripheral portion of the switch portion and the opening of the bezel. .

[Embodiment]
(Configuration of input device 2)
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the inside of a vehicle on which the input device according to the embodiment is mounted, and FIG. 1B is a top view of the input device. Fig.2 (a) is the II-II sectional view taken on the line of FIG.1 (b) of the input device based on Embodiment, (b) is an enlarged view of a switch part periphery. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, the input device 2 is disposed on a center console 12 that extends between a driver seat 10 and a passenger seat 11 of the vehicle 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the input device 3 is provided with a pedestal portion 22 that makes it easy to operate the switch portion 3 by placing a palm or an arm.

  The instrument panel 13 positioned in front of the occupant seated in the driver's seat 10 has, for example, a main monitor 14 for displaying a map, a setting menu, etc., and a meter panel on which instruments such as a speedometer are arranged. 15 are arranged. For example, a sub monitor 16 smaller than the main monitor 14 is disposed on the meter panel 15. On the main monitor 14, for example, an image simulating an area where the switch unit 3 described later can be operated is displayed. By observing this image, the occupant can confirm the layout of the touch operable region of the switch unit 3 without moving the line of sight to the switch unit 3, and can easily operate the switch unit 3. Note that an image simulating an operable area is, for example, an image of an area in which an instruction to play or stop can be input when the switch unit 3 can be used as an input device of an audio device mounted on the vehicle 1. And the image of the input panel 30 viewed from above.

  The input device 2 mainly includes a base 20 as a base, a bezel 21, a leaf spring 23 as an elastic member, and a switch unit 3.

  For example, the base 20 has a plate shape extending along the center console 12 and is attached to the center console 12. The base 20 is formed using, for example, a synthetic resin such as an ABS resin or a metal material. In addition, the base 20 has a recess 200 formed as an example at a position where the switch unit 3 opposite to the surface in contact with the center console 12 is disposed. In the recess 200, for example, a plurality of support members 33 that support the substrate 32 of the switch unit 3 are arranged. The support member 33 is formed using, for example, an elastic member. For example, the support members 33 are disposed at four corners of the substrate 32 having a rectangular shape in a top view. For example, a part of the center console 12 may be used as the base 20.

  As shown in FIGS. 1B and 2A, a plurality of leaf springs 23 are arranged on the upper surface 201 of the base 20 that faces the bottom surface of the bezel 21.

  The bezel 21 has, for example, a quadrangular prism shape extending along the center console 12 and is formed using a synthetic resin such as an ABS resin. For example, the bezel 21 has an opening 211 penetrating from the upper side to the lower side of the paper surface of FIG. The switch 211 is accommodated in the opening 211. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a stepped portion 212 is formed in the opening 211. The step portion 212 has a shape corresponding to a step portion of the switch portion 3 to be described later, and the circumference of the opening 211 above the paper surface of FIG. 2A is large and the circumference of the opening 211 below is large. It is getting smaller. A step 212 is formed by the difference in diameter.

Further, the bezel 21, when a load is not applied, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), the distance between the rear surface 213 of the upper surface 201 and the bezel 21 of the base 20 is _{W 1,} the operation surface of the switch unit 3 The outer peripheral portion of 300 and the upper surface 214 of the opening 211 of the bezel 21 are in a flat state with no step, for example. This distance W ₁ is set based on a step between the operation surface 300 of the switch unit 3 and the upper surface 214 of the bezel 21 and a total length of the leaf spring 23 when contracted, which is generated when a load is applied to the bezel 21. . Distance _{W 1} of the present embodiment, as an example, a 5 to 6 mm. In addition, the full length at the time of contraction is the length in the direction of contraction.

  A pedestal portion 22 is provided on the upper surface 214 of the bezel 21. The pedestal portion 22 has, for example, a plate shape in which one end portion has a curved surface extending from the upper surface 214 of the bezel 21 to the upper side of the paper surface of FIG. The pedestal portion 22 is a palm rest on which the occupant's palm is placed or an arm rest on which an arm is placed. The pedestal portion 22 is formed using a synthetic resin such as an ABS resin, and a cushion material such as urethane is placed therein.

  The pedestal portion 22 is configured such that, for example, when the occupant places a palm or an arm on the pedestal portion 22, the operation of the switch portion 3 with a finger is facilitated. In the present embodiment, the bezel 21 and the pedestal portion 22 are separate members, but are not limited thereto and may be integrated.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram relating to the input device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the input device 2 is connected to the vehicle control unit 100 of the vehicle 1. The vehicle control unit 100 is a microcomputer including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The vehicle control unit 100 is connected to and controls the main monitor 14 and the sub-monitor 16.

  The input device 2 includes, for example, a detection unit 4 that detects relative movement between the base 20 and the bezel 21 due to a load applied to the bezel 21. The detection unit 4 is, for example, a switch that is provided between the base 20 and the bezel 21 and is turned on when a load is applied to the bezel 21.

  For example, when the load is not applied to the bezel 21, that is, when the switch is turned off, the detection unit 4 detects the operation signal output from the switch unit 3 by invalidating the operation input. Is output to the vehicle control unit 100. For example, when a load is applied to the bezel 21, that is, when the switch is turned on, the detection unit 4 validates the operation signal output from the switch unit 3 due to the operation input being made. The detection signal is output to the vehicle control unit 100.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the operation signal includes an operation input signal based on an operation input made on the input panel 30 and a push signal based on a push operation made on a switch 31 described later. Is done. The detection unit 4 may be a sensor that detects relative movement between the base 20 and the bezel 21. The detection unit 4 may be a sensor that detects a load applied to the bezel 21.

  The switch unit 3 is schematically configured to include, for example, an input panel 30, a switch 31, a substrate 32, and a plurality of support members 33. The switch unit 3 has, for example, a rectangular shape such as a square shape and a rectangular shape when viewed from above, and the operation surface 300 is substantially flat. The switch unit 3 has, for example, a convex portion 302 at the center of the back surface opposite to the operation surface 300 and is in contact with the button 310 of the switch 31. A step portion 301 corresponding to the step portion 212 of the bezel 21 is formed around the input panel 30. In the step portion 301, for example, the diameter of the upper circumference of the paper surface of FIG. 2A is large and the diameter of the lower circumference is small. Due to the difference in diameter, a stepped portion 301 is formed. In the switch unit 3, for example, an elastic member may be disposed between the substrate 32 and the input panel 30, and the elastic force above the paper surface of FIG. In addition, the shape in the top view of the switch unit 3 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be a circular shape, a polygonal shape, or the like, and can be a free shape according to the application.

  The switch unit 3 is, for example, a touch switch that outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the position of a finger that has touched the input panel 30. The input panel 30 is configured to output, as a signal, a change in capacitance caused by, for example, contact or approach of an occupant's finger, that is, an occupant's touch operation. Further, the switch unit 3 is turned on when the input panel 30 is moved below the paper surface of FIG. 2B by a push-down operation (push operation). A push signal indicating an ON state is output. Note that the switch unit 3 may be configured to output an operation input signal when the amount of change in capacitance due to the approach of a finger is greater than a threshold value. In addition, the switch unit 3 according to the present embodiment is partially configured as a touch switch, but is not limited thereto, and may be a touch switch or a mechanical switch. Further, the switch unit 3 may be, for example, a resistive film type touch panel.

  The board 32 is, for example, a printed wiring board, and is provided with an electronic circuit that outputs an operation signal based on a touch operation on the input panel 30 and a push operation on the input panel 30 to the vehicle control unit 100.

  The support member 33 has, for example, a cylindrical shape, and is formed using an elastic member such as rubber or a metal material. For example, the plurality of support members 33 are disposed between the substrate 32 and the base 20 and support the substrate 32.

  The plate spring 23 is formed, for example, by bending a plate-shaped metal material into a substantially Z shape, and is disposed around the switch unit 3 and below the pedestal unit 22. In addition, the leaf spring 23 is fixed to a member that is in contact with one end, and is movably attached to a member that is in contact with the other end, or is movable to a member that is in contact with both ends. It is attached. In other words, for example, when the leaf spring 23 is fixed to the base 20 and the bezel 21 which are members that come into contact with both ends, a load is applied from the vertically upper side to the lower side of the paper surface of FIG. In this case, the base 20 and the bezel 21 move relative to each other not only in the vertical direction of the paper surface of FIG. Accordingly, the leaf spring 23 is attached, for example, so that one or both of the end portions are movably attached to the base 20 and the bezel 21, so that the leaf spring 23 is directed vertically downward from the top of FIG. When the load is applied, the leaf spring 23 moves in the lateral direction, so that the base 20 and the bezel 21 can move relative to each other in the vertical direction on the paper surface of FIG.

  Note that the input device 2 is configured such that, for example, a step difference between the upper surface 214 of the bezel 21 and the operation surface 300 of the switch unit 3 does not occur due to the elastic force of the upward leaf spring 23 in FIG. A stopper for holding 21 may be provided. The input device 2 may be provided with a lock mechanism that prevents the base 20 and the bezel 21 from moving relative to each other when the operation of the switch unit 3 is not allowed, for example, during traveling. Further, the leaf spring 23 is not limited to the above-described shape, and a plate-shaped material can be processed into various shapes depending on the application. The elastic member used in the input device 2 may be any mechanical element that can store and release elastic energy. For example, various elastic members such as a coiled spring and a spring using a resin material can be used. . Below, operation | movement of the input device 2 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated.

(Operation)
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the input device before the load according to the embodiment is applied, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the input device after the load is applied.

  First, when no load is applied to the pedestal portion 22 or the bezel 21 of the input device 2, there is no step between the upper surface 214 of the bezel 21 and the operation surface 300 of the switch portion 3 as shown in FIG. It becomes a flat state. At this time, since the detection unit 4 is in the off state, the detection unit 4 outputs a detection signal that invalidates the operation input made to the switch unit 3. The vehicle control unit 100 invalidates the operation signal output from the switch unit 3 based on the detection signal.

  Subsequently, when the occupant places a palm or an arm on the pedestal portion 22 of the input device 2 in order to operate the switch portion 3, a downward load on the paper surface of FIG. 4B is applied to the bezel 21 via the pedestal portion 22. Added.

Since a load is applied to the bezel 21, the leaf spring 23 is contracted by being pushed down by the bezel 21, so that the detection unit 4 is turned on, and the detection unit 4 validates the operation input made to the switch unit 3. A detection signal is output. The vehicle control unit 100 validates the operation signal output from the switch unit 3 based on the valid detection signal. Due to the contraction of the leaf spring 23, a step is generated between the upper surface 214 of the bezel 21 and the operation surface 300 of the switch unit 3 as shown in FIG. The step _{W 2} is, for example, a 2 to 3 mm.

  For example, if the occupant moves the finger in the direction from the center portion 215 to the switch portion 3 while making contact with the upper surface 214 of the bezel 21, the passenger can feel the step as a tactile sensation, and the switch portion 3 does not move its line of sight. The position of the part 3 can be confirmed. Furthermore, when the occupant touches the input panel 30, an image simulating an area where an operation input can be performed by the switch unit 3 is displayed on at least one of the main monitor 14 and the sub monitor 16. The occupant can know what operation can be performed by the switch unit 3 without moving the line of sight to the switch unit 3.

  When the occupant releases the arm from the pedestal portion 22 after performing a desired operation, the upper surface 214 of the bezel 21 and the upper surface 214 of the bezel 21 are caused by the elastic force (restoring force) above the paper surface of FIG. The base 20 and the bezel 21 move relative to each other so that the operation surface 300 of the switch unit 3 is in a flat state with no step. By this movement, the detection unit 4 is turned off and outputs a detection signal that invalidates the operation input made to the switch unit 3.

(Effect of embodiment)
According to the input device 2 according to the present embodiment, a step is generated between the bezel 21 and the switch unit 3, so that the position of the switch unit 3 can be easily recognized without moving the line of sight to the switch unit 3. Further, since the input device 2 has a step due to a load due to the weight of the arm or the like, it does not require a system using electricity, saves power, and is low in cost.

  Furthermore, the input device 2 generates a step with excellent design as the upper surface 214 of the bezel 21 and the operation surface 300 of the switch unit 3 are flat when no load is applied to the pedestal unit 22. It is possible to achieve both the good operation by.

  Furthermore, since the input device 2 can operate the switch unit 3 due to the occurrence of a step, it is possible to prevent an unintended input due to a hit with an object.

  In addition, although said input device 2 was provided on the center console 12, it is not limited to this, You may use for the armrest, palm rest, etc. of the seat which a passenger | crew seats. Moreover, although said input device 2 was mounted in the vehicle, it is not limited to this, You may mount in an aircraft, a construction machine, etc.

  As a modification of the present embodiment, the input device 2 may not have the detection unit 4. When the detection unit 4 is not provided, the operation signal from the switch unit 3 of the input device 2 is always valid.

  As mentioned above, although some embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is only an example and does not limit the invention which concerns on a claim. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and the like can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, not all the combinations of features described in these embodiments are essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle, 2 ... Input device, 3 ... Switch part, 4 ... Detection part, 10 ... Driver's seat, 11 ... Passenger seat, 12 ... Center console, 13 ... Instrument panel, 14 ... Main monitor, 15 ... Meter panel, 16 ... Sub monitor, 20 ... Base, 21 ... Bezel, 22 ... Base part, 23 ... Leaf spring, 30 ... Input panel, 31 ... Switch, 32 ... Substrate, 33 ... Support member, 100 ... Vehicle control part, 200 ... Recessed part, 201 ... Upper surface, 210 ... End, 211 ... Opening, 212 ... Stepped portion, 213 ... Back surface, 214 ... Upper surface, 215 ... Center portion, 300 ... Operation surface, 301 ... Stepped portion, 302 ... Convex portion, 310 ... Button

Claims (3)

The base,
A switch unit provided on the base and capable of operation input;
A bezel that has an opening and is provided on the base so that the switch is housed in the opening;
Provided between the base and the bezel, elastically deformed by a load applied to the bezel, and provided on the base so that a step is generated between the outer peripheral portion of the switch portion and the opening of the bezel. An elastic member;
An input device with.   The input device according to claim 1, wherein when the load is not applied to the bezel, the step does not occur between the outer peripheral portion of the switch portion and the opening of the bezel. A detector that detects relative movement between the base and the bezel caused by the load being applied to the bezel;
The detection unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the load is not applied to the bezel, the detection unit outputs a detection signal that invalidates an operation signal output from the switch unit due to an operation input. Input device.

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