Input device for vehicle

An input device has an operative member on which switches are arranged to receive a pushing force. The input device has a control unit which is configured to store both a first correction coefficient and a second correction coefficient. The first correction coefficient may correct variations in displacement caused by differences in pushing positions on the operative member. The second correction coefficient may correct differences in sensitivity among a plurality of sensors. The control unit is configured to perform: correcting a plurality of displacements by the first correction coefficient and the second correction coefficient; and determining whether presence or absence of a push operation by comparing a summation of corrected values with a predetermined threshold value.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an input device for a vehicle which performs to input an input operation of an operator to a device mounted on a vehicle. The input device detects an operator's finger on a panel.

BACKGROUND

Some input device has a surface panel to which an operator touches a target switch region and further pushes the target switch region to activate a function assigned for the target switch. The input device may have a plurality of switches on the same surface panel.

The input device is required to perform a stable detection performance. For example, in the above example, the input panel is required to detect an input operation evenly on all switch regions. In some cases, pushing amounts may deviate for switch regions. Further, if the input device is applied to a device mounted on a vehicle, vibrations of the vehicle may adversely affect the input device to lower an input performance. In the above aspects, or in other aspects not mentioned, there is a need for further improvements in an input device or an input device for a vehicle.

SUMMARY

The disclosure provides an input device for a vehicle. The input device comprises: an operative member which is movable in a pushing direction by an operator's pushing operation; a support member which is disposed on an opposite side of the operative member opposite to a side where a pushing force is applied to, and supports the operative member at both ends of the operative member; an elastic component which elastically supports, on the support member, a region of the operative member where a pushing force is applied to; a plurality of sensors, each of which is provided on the support member and detects a displacement of the operative member based on a change in distance from the operative member caused by the pushing force; a control unit which determines whether presence or absence of a push operation based on the displacement obtained by the plurality of sensors, wherein the control unit is configured to store the following values: (i) a first correction coefficient for correcting variations in displacement caused by differences in pushing positions on the operative member; and (ii) a second correction coefficient for correcting differences in sensitivity among the plurality of sensors, and wherein the control unit is configured to perform: correcting a plurality of displacements detected by the plurality of sensors by the first correction coefficient and the second correction coefficient while the input device is used and the pushing force is applied to; and determining whether presence or absence of a push operation by comparing a summation of corrected values with a predetermined threshold value.

According to this, since the first correction coefficient and the second correction coefficient are stored in advance in the control unit, it is not necessary to perform real-time calculation each while the input device is actually used. Therefore, it is possible to calculate the summation value without being affected by vibrations during actual use of the input device. It is possible to detect a push operation at a stable constant pushing force regardless of positions of the pushing operation on the operative member by using the summation value described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present disclosure will be described referring to drawings. In each embodiment, portions corresponding to the elements described in the preceding embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanation thereof may be omitted. When only a part of a configuration is described in an embodiment, the other preceding embodiments can be applied to the other parts of the configuration. It may be possible not only to combine parts the combination of which is explicitly described in an embodiment, but also to combine parts of respective embodiments the combination of which is not explicitly described if any obstacle does not especially occur in combining the parts of the respective embodiments.

JP6474495B discloses an input device. The input device in JP6474495B includes a proximity sensor or an inclination sensor and a control unit which processes signals from the sensors. The control unit may detect an input operation of an operator based on the signals from the sensors indicative of the inclination.

The input device is required to perform a stable detection performance. For example, if the input device is applied to a device mounted on a vehicle, vibrations of the vehicle may adversely affect the input device to lower an input performance.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an input device which is less adversely affected by vehicle vibrations and perform a stable detection performance.

First Embodiment

An input device100according to a first embodiment is illustrated inFIGS.1to15. The input device100may be referred to as a push panel input device. The input device100of the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle. The input device100is applied to a switch unit for inputting instruction of a vehicle air conditioner. The input device100is operated, e.g., is pushed, by an operator's finger FGR. The switch unit of the vehicle air conditioner includes, e.g., an air conditioner ON switch, an auto-switch for activating an automatic control, an outlet selection switch, a temperature setting switch, a fan air volume setting switch, and the like. Three switches, e.g., the air conditioner ON switch, the auto switch, and the outlet selection switch, are described as an example. As shown inFIGS.1to5, the input device100includes a surface component110(SCM), an electrostatic sensor120(ESS), an internal mechanical component130(IMC), a rear frame140, an elastic component150, distance sensors161and162(DSS), a control unit170(COM), and the like.

The surface component110is formed as a seamless plate member, for example, by diverting a part of an upright standing surface of the instrument panel of the vehicle. A front surface of the surface component110faces an operator. The surface component110is made of, for example, an elastic material such as a resin material. The surface component110is movable, i.e., elastically deformed in a pushing direction by an operator's pushing operation. The surface component110has, e.g., a horizontally long rectangular shape and is fixed to fixing portions141formed at four corners of the corresponding rear frame140. This arrangement may be referred to as a four-point fixed arrangement. Those fixing portions141are arranged into two groups including a left group and a right group. The surface component110corresponds to an operative member of the present disclosure.

In the left-right direction of the surface component110, a region inside the fixing portions141on both sides is defined as a movable portion111which is elastically deformable. In addition, in the left-right direction of the surface component110, regions outside the fixing portions141on both sides are defined as fixed portions112which perform no elastic deformation due to fixed support.

In the surface component110, a switch section is formed within the region of the movable section111. The switch section is formed as, for example, three switches arranged in a horizontal direction, that is, a center switch113a, a left end switch113b, and a right end switch113c. For example, the center switch113ais assigned to the automatic switch, the left end switch113bis assigned to the air conditioner ON switch, and the right end switch113cis assigned to the outlet selection switch. Each of the switches113a,113band113cdoes not have a switch mechanism like a mechanical switch, but merely indicates a position and area of the switch, and is formed as a visible mark on a surface of the surface component110by printing or projective machining.

The electrostatic sensor120is a position detection unit which detects a pushed position on the surface component110, e.g., switches113a,113band113cpushed by an operator. The electrostatic sensor120is formed, e.g., by arranging electrodes in a matrix (mesh) shape, and bonding the electrodes to a film member for detecting an electrostatic capacitance. The electrostatic sensor120is provided on a back side of the surface component110, i.e., a side opposite to the operator, opposite to the operator. An overall shape of the electrostatic sensor120is set so as to include the positions of the switches113a,113band113c.

The electrostatic sensor120is configured to form a capacitor to generate a capacitance between the electrostatic sensor120and an operator's finger FGR placed on the surface component110, i.e., each of the switches113a,113b, and113c. The electrostatic sensor120is configured to output a charge signal CS indicative of a capacitance change caused according to a position of the finger FGR to an electrostatic detection microcomputer121(EDM) when the operator pushes, i.e., turns on, one of the switches113a,113band113cwith the finger FGR. Then, the electrostatic detection microcomputer121receives the charge signal “CS” and outputs a touch signal “Ts” indicative of a pushed switch to the control section170. Although the electrostatic detection microcomputer121is formed separately from the control unit170, but may be formed integrally, e.g., may be built into the control unit170.

The internal mechanical component130is arranged on an anti-push side of the surface component110opposite to a side where a pushing force is applied to. The internal mechanical component130is arranged on an anti-operator side of the electrostatic sensor120opposite to a side where an operator exists. The internal mechanical component130is a member integrally assembled with the surface component110. The internal mechanical component130is, e.g., a plate-shape and has a trapezoidal shape. The internal mechanical component130is fixed to the surface component110at fixing portions131provided at each corner (four places) so as to sandwich the electrostatic sensor120. The internal mechanical component130is positioned between the electrostatic sensor120and the rear frame140. In addition, the internal mechanical component130may be formed integrally with the surface component110. Further, the outer shape of the internal mechanical component130is not limited to a trapezoidal shape, and may be a rectangular shape as shown inFIG.12,FIG.13,FIG.14orFIG.15.

The rear frame140is arranged on a side opposite to a side of the surface component110where the pushing force is applied. In other words, the rear frame140is arranged on a side of the internal mechanical component130opposite to the operator. The rear frame140is a plate member which is arranged as described above, and supports the surface component110. The rear frame140supports the surface component110at four fixing portions141which are formed on four corners. The four fixing portions141are grouped into both ends of the surface component110. A material of the rear frame140is preferably the same material as the surface component110, e.g., a resin material. The rear frame140corresponds to the support member of the present disclosure.

The elastic component150is configured as a member which elastically supports, on the rear frame140, a region of the surface member110, i.e., the movable portion111, where a pushing force “F” is applied to. Here, the elastic component150is provided by elastic portions151of the surface component110and elastic members152provided between the internal mechanical component130and the rear frame140. The elastic portion151is provided by a part of the surface component110located between the fixed portion112and the movable portion111. The elastic members152is provided as a separate different member from the internal mechanical component130and the rear frame140. The elastic member152may be disposed on various selected positions as shown inFIG.12,FIG.13, orFIG.14. As shown inFIG.15, the elastic member152may not be disposed. In this case the elastic component150is provided by the elastic portion151alone.

Each one of the distance sensors161and162is provided on the rear frame140. Each of the distance sensors161and162detects a displacement of the surface component110based on a change in distance from the surface component110caused by the pushing force. Here, since the internal mechanical component130is integrally formed on a back side of the surface component110, each of the distance sensors161and162detects a change in distance from the internal mechanical component130. Each of the distance sensors161and162detects a displacement “DL” of the surface component110, i.e., the internal mechanical component130based on a change in distance from the surface component110caused by the pushing force. The distance sensors161and162are arranged to be spaced apart from each other so as to correspond to a direction in which the switches113a,113band113care arranged and are fixed on the substrate160. Further, the substrate160is fixed to a front surface of the rear frame140. The front surface is a side facing the surface component110. In this disclosure, it is possible to employ an equivalent configuration in which the substrate160is mounted on a back side of the rear frame140which is an opposite side to the surface component110, and detects a change in distance from the surface component110by the distance sensors161, and162through a through hole disposed on the rear frame140. The distance sensors161and162correspond to the sensors of the present disclosure.

The distance sensors161and162may be reflection light type distance sensors. The distance sensors161and162detect a distance signal “Ds” corresponding to a distance between the rear frame140and the internal mechanical component130. The distance signal “Ds” corresponds to the displacement “DL” of the surface component110. Each one of the distance sensors161and162detects the distance by using the triangulation method. Each one of the distance sensors161and162emits light to the surface component110, i.e., to an inner surface of the internal mechanical component130with a predetermined angle. Each one of the distance sensors161and162receives reflected light from the surface component110, i.e., from the inner surface of the internal mechanical component130. Each one of the distance sensors161and162measures a distance between a light emitting point and a reflected light receiving point as a signal indicative of the distance. Each one of the distance sensors161and162may output a measured distance as the distance signal “Ds”. The distance sensors161and162are configured to output the detected distance signal “Ds” to the control unit170. The distance sensors161and162may include other reflection light type distance sensors using the other phenomenon. The distance sensors161and162are not limited to reflection light type distance sensors, and may be electrostatic sensors, LCR sensors, magnetic sensors, or the like.

The control unit170is configured as a unit which determines whether presence or absence of a push operation to the surface component110based on the touch signal “Ts” from the electrostatic detection microcomputer121and the distance signals “Ds”, i.e., a displacement “DP” from the distance sensors161and162.

The control unit170includes a CPU, a RAM, and a storage medium, or the like. A spring correction coefficient “k” and sensor sensitivity correction coefficients “kL” and “kR”, which are described later, are stored in advance in the storage medium of the control unit170. Those values are stored in the storage medium of the control unit170at least before an actual use of the vehicle in the market. In other words, those values are stored in the storage medium of the control unit170at least before a shipment of the vehicle from a manufacturing factory. Further, the control unit170stores in advance a predetermined threshold value for determining presence or absence of a push operation of the operator.

The control unit170and the techniques thereof according to the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more special-purposed computers. Such a special-purposed computer may be provided by configuring a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions embodied by a computer program.

Alternatively, the control unit170or the method disclosed may be provided by a dedicated computer which includes at least one processor configured by at least one dedicated hardware logic circuits.

Alternatively, the control unit170and the like and the method thereof described in the present disclosure may be achieved by one or more dedicated computers constituted by a combination of a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or a plurality of functions and a processor constituted by one or more hardware logic circuits.

The computer program may be stored in a computer-readable non-transition tangible recording medium as an instruction executed by a computer.

Here, the process of the flowchart or the flowchart described in this application includes a plurality of sections (or steps), and each section is expressed as, for example, S100. Further, each section can be divided into multiple subsections, while multiple sections can be combined into one section. Furthermore, each section thus configured may be referred to as a device, module, or means.

The input device100is configured as described above, hereinafter operations and advantages are described below with reference toFIGS.6to11.

In a pre-shipment stage of the vehicle, a pre-shipment processing is performed based on steps including (1) to (8) shown inFIG.6. The pre-shipment processing inFIG.6is executed, e.g., for each product of the input device100, for each vehicle model, for each lot of the products. The pre-shipment processing may be performed by a person who works for manufacturing the product, for checking the product in a manufacturing line. Alternatively, the pre-shipment processing may be performed by a device for inspecting the product such as a computer device.

(1) Spring Model

First, in a step S100ofFIG.6, a spring model shown inFIG.7is set by simplifying a structure of the input device100shown inFIG.2. The spring model may be called a physical model of the input device100. In this model, the surface component110and the internal mechanical component130are assumed as an integrated plate member. In this model, a center position of the left end switch113bis assumed as a point “L” and is used as a zero point “0” in the horizontal direction. The switches113a,113b, and113care arranged in this horizontal direction. A center position of the center switch113ais assumed as a point “C”. A center position of the right end switch113cis assumed as a point “R”. The elastic component150is a virtual spring. The elastic component150is assumed immediately below the point “L”. The elastic component150is also assumed immediately below the point “R”. In addition, a distance between the point “L” and the point “R” is assumed as a distance “DL”, a distance from the point “L” to a position where a pushing force “F” is applied is assumed “x”, a distance from the point “L” to the distance sensor161is assumed as a distance “s1”, the distance from the point L to the distance sensor162is assumed as “s2”. In this model, the variables are set as follows: “DL=200 mm”; “s1=40 mm”; and “s2=160 mm”.

FIG.8shows an example of calculation results based on the following procedures (2) to (7). InFIG.8, “ITEM” shows examples, “F” shows a pushing force, and “d” shows a displacement. “PSN” shows pushing points, “LEFT” shows a left end, “S161” shows a point just above the sensor161, “CENTER” shows a center point, “S162” shows a point just above the sensor162, and “RIGHT” shows a right end. “m” shows a displacement difference of the sensors, “SUM” shows a summation of the sensors, “NO” shows “no correction”, and “CORR” shows “with correction”.

In a step S110, push displacements “dc”, “dl”, and “dr” with respect to a push operation are obtained. The push displacements are obtained by the FEM calculation or an experimental work by using actual device.

In a first stage, the pre-shipment processing applies a pushing force “F” to the center of the surface component110, and the pre-shipment processing measures the displacement “dc” at the point “C”, measures the displacement “dl” at the point “L”, and measure the displacement “dr” at the point “R”. This first stage is illustrated inFIG.4.

In a second stage, the pre-shipment processing applies a pushing force “F” to the left end of the surface component110, and the pre-shipment processing measures the displacement “dc” at the point “C”, measures the displacement “dl” at the point “L”, and measure the displacement “dr” at the point “R”.

In a third stage, the pre-shipment processing applies a pushing force “F” to the right end of the surface component110, and the pre-shipment processing measures the displacement “dc” at the point “C”, measures the displacement “dl” at the point “L”, and measure the displacement “dr” at the point “R”. This third stage is illustrated inFIG.5.

(3) Displacement on Distance Sensors

In a step S120, the pre-shipment processing calculates or converts the displacements “Sl” and “Sr” directly above the distance sensors161and162based on lever ratio of the spring model and the displacements “dc”, “dl” and “dr”. At this stage, an average value of the displacements “Sl” and “Sr” is assumed as the displacement “Sc”. The displacement “Sc” is nearly equal to the displacement “dc”.

(4) Calculate Displacement Difference

In the step S120, displacement differences “mc”, “ml”, and “mr” immediately above the distance sensors161and162are calculated for each pushed points.

In a first stage, the pre-shipment processing calculates the displacement difference “mc” by “mc=abs(Sl−Sr)”, if the center is pushed. Here, “abs( )” means an absolute value of a difference “Sl−Sr” in the parentheses.

In a second stage, the pre-shipment processing calculates the displacement difference “ml” by “m1=abs(Sl−Sr)”, if the left end is pushed.

In a third stage, the pre-shipment processing calculates the displacement difference “mr” by “mr=abs(Sl−Sr)”, if the right end is pushed.

(5) Calculate Spring Correction Coefficients

In the step S120, the pre-shipment processing calculates the spring correction coefficient “k” of the elastic component150based on the displacement differences “mc”, “ml”, “mr” and the displacements “Sc”, “Sl”, “Sr”. The spring correction coefficient “k” is calculated by using the following equation: “k=(Sc−ave(Sl, Sr))/(ave(ml, mr)−mc)”. Here, “ave( )” means an average value of items listed in the parenthesis. The spring correction coefficient “k” may be referred to as a first correction coefficient.

(6) Sensor Sensitivity Correction Coefficient

In a step S130, the pre-shipment processing calculates sensor sensitivity correction coefficients “kL” and “kR” for the distance sensors161and162, respectively. The sensor sensitivity correction coefficients “kL” and “kR” are calculated for canceling sensor individual differences and sensor distance differences by gain adjustment. The pre-shipment processing performs the calculation to satisfy the following equation: “kL/kR=Output value of the distance sensor162/Output value of the distance sensor161”. The sensor sensitivity correction coefficients “kL” and “kR” may be referred to as second correction coefficients.

In a step S140, the pre-shipment processing performs inspection whether or not the correction coefficients are appropriate. The pre-shipment processing calculates a summation values “SumC”, “SumL”, and “SumR” and inspects whether the summation values “SumC”, “SumL”, and “SumR” are almost equal to each other. The pre-shipment processing calculates the summation value “SumC” by the following equation: “SumC=Sl+Sr+k·mc”. The pre-shipment processing calculates the summation value “SumL” by the following equation: “SumL=Sl+Sr+k·ml”. The pre-shipment processing calculates the summation value “SumR” by the following equation: “SumR=Sl+Sr+k·mr”. The pre-shipment processing compares those three variables “SumC”, “SumL”, and “SumR”. In the case that the summation values “SumC”, “SumL”, and “SumR” are equal to each other, the pre-shipment processing determines that value are within the normal range and the correction is performed correctly.

(8) Correction Coefficients Storage

In a step S150, the pre-shipment processing stores the results of the above steps. The pre-shipment processing stores the spring correction coefficient “k” calculated in the step S120and the sensor sensitivity correction coefficients “kL” and “kR” calculated in the step S130in a storage medium of the control unit170.

Next, details of control executed by the control unit170when the vehicle is used in the market is described with reference toFIG.9andFIG.10.

The control unit170, including at least one processor, is electrically connected with both the electrostatic sensor120and the displacement sensor (the sensors161and162) to receive the detected signals, respectively. The control unit170is configured to perform: (i) pre-shipment processing and (ii) post-shipment processing. The pre-shipment processing calculates both a first correction coefficient and a second correction coefficient, and stores both the first correction coefficient and the second correction coefficient in the control unit170before shipment of the input device100. The first correction coefficient corrects variations in displacement caused by differences in pushing positions on the operative member (the surface component110). The second correction coefficient corrects differences in sensitivity among the plurality of displacement sensors. The post-shipment processing is performed during an actual use of the input device100.

The control unit170is further configured to perform, as the post-shipment processing: (iii) identifying a touched switch touched by the operator among of the switches (the switches113a,113b, and113c) based on the detected signal from the electrostatic sensor120; and (iv) determining a push operation performed on the touched switch based on the detected signals from the displacement sensors (the sensors161and162).

The control unit170is further configured to perform, as the determining a push operation: (v) correcting the displacements detected by the displacement sensors by the first correction coefficient and the second correction coefficient while the input device is used and the pushing force is applied to; and (vi) determining whether presence or absence of the push operation by comparing a summation of corrected displacements with a predetermined threshold value.

First, in a step S200ofFIG.9, the control unit170performs an initialization related to control. In a step S210, the control unit170begins a scanning process which scans output data from the electrostatic sensor120.

Next, in a step S220, the control unit170determines whether or not the scanning has been completed. If the control unit170determines that the scanning has been completed, the process proceeds to a step S230, and if the control unit170determines a negative determination, the step S220is repeated.

In a step S230, the control unit170performs AD conversion, i.e., an analog to digital conversion of the scanned data. In the step S230, the control unit170determines whether or not the AD conversion is completed. Here, the AD conversion is a process of reading an analog signal from the electrostatic sensor120at fixed time intervals and converting the analog value into a digital signal.

In the case that the control unit170determines a completion of the AD conversion by executing the step S230, the control unit170proceeds to a step S240. In the step S240, the control unit170performs a push detection processing. The push detection is a process of determining whether presence or absence of a push operation to the switch unit. The push detection is performed for each one of the switches113a,113b, and113c. Details are described later, inFIG.10.

If the step S240is executed, the control unit170returns the flowchart to the step S210, and repeats the steps S210to S240while the vehicle is continuously used.

Next, details of the push detection in a step S240is described with reference toFIG.10.

First, in the step S241, the control unit170determines whether or not at least one part of the switch unit is touched, i.e., whether or not any one of the switches113a,113b, and113cis touched. The control unit170performs this step by using the touch signal “Ts” from the electrostatic detection microcomputer121. If the control unit170makes an affirmative determination, the process proceeds to a step S242. If the control unit170makes a negative determination, the process proceeds to a step S243.

In the step S242, the control unit170calculates a value “Diff” and determines whether presence or absence of a push operation.

In the step S242, “Diff” at the distance sensor161is calculated by the following equation: “Diff=dL=SL−BSL”, where “BSL” is a baseline value of “SL”, “SL” is a raw value of an actually detected data by the distance sensor161.

In the step S242, “Diff” at the distance sensor162is calculated by the following equation: “Diff=dR=SR−BSR”, where “BSR” is a baseline value of “SR”, “SR” is a raw value of an actually detected data by the distance sensor162.

Then, as described with reference toFIG.8, the control unit170calculates a displacement difference “m” in the pushing direction between the left end and the right end of the surface component110by the following equation: “m=abs(kL·dL−kR·dR)”. Here, the sensor sensitivity correction coefficients “kL” and “kR” are stored values stored in advance in the control unit170.

Further, the control unit170corrects the displacements “dL” and “dR” obtained by the distance sensors161and162by using the sensor sensitivity correction coefficients “kL” and “kR” and the spring correction coefficient “k” stored in the control unit170in advance. Then, the control unit170calculates the summation value “Sum” of corrected displacements. The control unit170calculates the summation “Sum” by the following equation: “Sum=kL·dL−kR·dR+k·m”.

The control unit170determines that there is a pushing operation if the summation value “Sum” is equal to or greater than a first predetermined threshold value, i.e., an ON threshold value. The control unit170determines that there is no pushing operation if the summation value “Sum” is equal to or less than a second predetermined threshold value, i.e., an OFF threshold value. The second predetermined threshold value is set lower than the first predetermined threshold value by a predetermined small amount.

Further, in a step S243, the control unit170performs a baseline update process. The baselines “SL” and “SR” indicate output values of the distance sensors161and162when no push operation is performed on the switches. The baselines may be referred to as reference lines. Due to characteristics of the distance sensors161and162and environments such as a temperature, the baselines gradually drift in time series. In other words, the baselines gradually shift and change as the device is used. Therefore, it is possible to update the baselines when no touch operation is performed on the panel. Therefore, the control unit170gradually updates the baselines “SL” and “SR”. The baselines “SL” and “SR” are not constant during the use of the vehicle.

The control unit170performs a step S244after executing the step S242. In the step S244, the control unit170determines whether or not “no push” is established. In this determination, the control unit170determines whether or not “Diff” is less than the OFF threshold value. If “no push” is affirmed in the step S244, the control unit170proceeds to a step S245. In the step S245, the control unit170finalize a determination of “no push”.

If “Diff” is greater than the OFF threshold value in the step S244, the control unit170determines a negative determination. In this case, the control unit170proceeds to a step S246. In the step S246, the control unit170determines whether or not “with push” is established. In this determination, the control unit170determines whether or not “Diff” is equal to or greater than the ON threshold value. If “with push” is affirmed in the step S246, the control unit170proceeds to a step S247. In the step S247, the control unit170finalize a determination of “with push”. If a negative determination is made in the step S246, the control unit170terminates the routine without finalizing the determination.

FIG.11illustrates a comparison for “NO CORRECTION” and “WITH CORRECTION”. In (a), the vertical axis shows a value “Diff” created by a reference pushing force, the horizontal axis shows positions where a pushing force is applied, a dotted area shows “Diff” amount from the sensor161on the left end, and a hatchings area shows “Diff” amount from the sensor162on the right end. In (b), the vertical axis shows a value “Sum” created by a reference pushing force, the horizontal axis shows positions where a pushing force is applied, a hatchings area shows “Sum” amount, and “CORR. Sum” means a corrected amount of “Sum”.

In the case that the disclosure is not applied, as shown in (a) ofFIG.11, “Diff” values for a reference pushing force deviate depending on pushed positions within an operation range on the surface component110. In (a) ofFIG.11, even if the same pushing force is applied on the surface component110, different values “Diff” are observed at pushed positions, therefore, it is impossible to detect a push operation in a stable manner.

In the case that the disclosure is applied, as shown in (b) ofFIG.11, almost the same “Sum” values for a reference pushing force are observed regardless of pushed positions. As described above, if the same pushing force is applied on the surface component110, almost similar values “Diff” are observed at pushed positions, therefore, it is possible to detect a push operation in a stable manner. It should be noted that the above content is also established at an arbitrary intermediate position between a left or right end and a center.

In this embodiment, the spring correction coefficient “k”, and the sensor sensitivity correction coefficients “kL” and “kR”, which are used to determine whether presence or absence of a push operation, are stored in advance in the control unit170. Therefore, the control unit170can use the correction coefficients “k”, “kL”, and “kR” in a real time manner, and is not necessary to calculate those coefficients repeatedly. Therefore, it is possible to calculate the summation value “Sum” without being affected by vibrations during driving the vehicle. It is possible to detect a push operation at a stable constant pushing force regardless of positions of the pushing operation on the surface component110by using the summation value “Sum” described above.

In addition, the input device100includes the electrostatic sensor120which detects a push position on the surface component110pushed by an operator. Further, the input device100includes the control unit170which determines whether presence or absence of a push operation by considering a push position detected by the electrostatic sensor120. In other words, if both the electrostatic sensor120and the distance sensors161and162are turned on, it is determined that there is a pushing operation, and finalize the determination. This makes it possible to more accurately determine whether one of the switches113a,113b, and113cis pushed.

The surface component110is formed from a single member. The surface component110is divided into a movable portion111and the fixed portion112. The movable portion111corresponds to a region where a pushing force is applied to. The fixed portion112corresponds to an outer region where no pushing force is applied to. Accordingly, since the surface component110is formed as a seamless member, it is possible to improve design of the surface component110. It is possible to perform the push detection for a plurality of switches by a less number of the distance sensors. For example, the embodiment performs the push detection for three switches including the center switch113a, the left end switch113b, and the right end switch113cby two distance sensors161and162.

Further, the surface component110and the rear frame140are made of the same type of material. This makes it possible to provide both components with almost the same uniform the linear expansion coefficients and suppress warping due to differences in the linear expansion coefficients.

Moreover, the surface component110is formed from an elastic material. It is possible to use the surface component110within an elastic region. The surface component110is deformed with extremely small plastic deformation. As a result, the surface component110can recover almost all of a deformation amount after removing a pushing force. The surface component110used within an elastic region contributes to improve sensitivity stability of the distance sensors161and162.

Second Embodiment

An input device100A of the second embodiment is illustrated inFIG.16. In the first embodiment, the internal mechanical component130is fixed to the surface component110by the fixing portions131at four locations. Alternatively, the number of fixing positions may be varied, e.g., two locations.

Third Embodiment

An input device100B according to a third embodiment is illustrated inFIGS.17and18. The third embodiment has a fixing configuration between the surface component110and the rear frame140, which is modified and is different from a fixing configuration of the first embodiment.

The surface component110is supported on the rear frame140at a plurality of portions including not only both portions close to the left end and the right end of the surface component110but also a portion close to the center of the surface component110. The center of the surface component110is provided by the central fixing portion141a. The fixing portion141amay be set as a vehicle component and may be configured to support the central portion of the surface component110.

As a result, it is possible to provide even displacements by reducing a difference in rigidity in the left-right direction of the surface component110.

Fourth Embodiment

An input device100C of the fourth embodiment is illustrated inFIG.19. The fourth embodiment has a fixing configuration between the surface component110and the internal mechanical component130, which is modified and is different from a fixing configuration of the first embodiment.

The internal mechanical component130is fixed to the surface component110at a plurality of portions including not only both portions close to the ends (the left end and the right end) of the internal mechanical component130but also a portion (a center fixing portion131a) close to the center of the surface component110.

As a result, it is possible to provide even displacements by reducing a difference in rigidity in the left-right direction of the surface component110.

Fifth Embodiment

An input device100D of the fifth embodiment is illustrated inFIG.20. In the fifth embodiment, a plurality of groups of switches are provided in contrast to the first embodiment.

The input device100D has two groups of switches. The input device100D has a first group of switches113a,113b, and113c. The switches113a,113b, and113care described above. The input device100D has a second group of switches113d,113e, and113f. The first group and the second group are arranged in a symmetric manner in an up and down direction. The switches113d,113e, and113fcorrespond to the switches113a,113b, and113c, respectively. The first group of switches113a,113b, and113c, and the second group of switches113d,113e, and113fare arranged in a side by side manner. In this embodiment, a distance sensor163and a distance sensor164are added to positions corresponding to the second group of switches.

Here, variable are defined as follows: a raw value of the distance sensor161is “SL1”, a raw value of the distance sensor162is “SR1”, a raw value of the distance sensor163is “SL2”, and a raw value of the distance sensor164is “SR2”.

Further, a value “Diff” of the distance sensor161is obtained by the equation “Diff=SL1−BSL1” where “BSL1” is a baseline of “SL1”, and “Diff” may be referred to as a displacement “dL1”, a value “Diff” of the distance sensor162is obtained by the equation “Diff=SR1−BSR1” where “BSR1” is a baseline of “SR1”, and “Diff” may be referred to as a displacement “dR1”, a value “Diff” of the distance sensor163is obtained by the equation “Diff=SL2−BSL2” where “BSL2” is a baseline of “SL2”, and “Diff” may be referred to as a displacement “dL2”, and a value “Diff” of the distance sensor164is obtained by the equation “Diff=SR2−BSR2” where “BSR2” is a baseline of “SR2”, and “Diff” may be referred to as a displacement “dR2”.

Further, the distance sensor161may be corrected by a sensor sensitivity correction coefficient “kL1”, the distance sensor162may be corrected by a sensor sensitivity correction coefficient “kR1”, the distance sensor163may be corrected by a sensor sensitivity correction coefficient “kL2”, and the distance sensor164may be corrected by a sensor sensitivity correction coefficient “kR2”. Each sensor sensitivity correction coefficients “kL1”, “kR1”, “kL2”, and “kR2” are stored in the control unit170in advance.

A lateral and vertical displacement differences are calculated by the following equations: “mH=abs(kL2·dL2−kR2·dR2)+abs(kL1·dL1−kR1·dR1)”; and “mV=abs(kL2·dL2−kL1·dL1)+abs(kR2·dR2−kR1·dR1)”. Here, “mH” is the lateral displacement difference of the pushing direction in the left-right horizontal direction of the surface component110, and “mV” is the vertical displacement difference of the pushing direction in the up-down vertical direction of the surface component110.

Then, the summation “Sum” is calculated based on the following equation: “Sum=kL2·dL2+kR2·dR2+kL1·dL1+kR1·dR1+kH·mH+kV·mV”.

In the above equation, “kH” is a predetermined weighting value for “mH”, and “kV” is a predetermined weighting value for “mV”.

Then, similar to the above-described first embodiment, the control unit170determines whether presence or absence of a push operation by comparing “Sum” with a predetermined threshold value set in advance.

As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether presence or absence of a push operation with respect to a plurality of groups of switches.

Other Embodiments

The disclosure in this specification and drawings etc. is not limited to the exemplified embodiment. The disclosure encompasses the illustrated embodiments and variations thereof by those skilled in the art. For example, the present disclosure is not limited to the combinations of components and/or elements shown in the embodiments. The present disclosure may be implemented in various combinations. The present disclosure may have additional members which may be added to the embodiments. The present disclosure encompasses the embodiments where some components and/or elements are omitted. The present disclosure encompasses replacement or combination of components and/or elements between one embodiment and another. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiment. It should be understood that some disclosed technical ranges are indicated by description of claims, and includes every modification within the equivalent meaning and the scope of description of claims.

The above-described embodiments apply the input devices100,100A,1008,100C, and100D are applied to a switch panel of a vehicle air conditioner, but those may be applied to, e.g., a switch panel of an audio equipment, or a touch pad of a remote controller, or the like.