JP4736066B2 - Operation input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation input device, and more particularly to an operation input device including a panel for performing input by a touch operation.

  As this type of operation input device, for example, as described in Patent Document 1 below, pressure sensors are arranged at the four corners of the back surface of the touch panel, and the position of the touch panel pressed down based on the load detected by the pressure sensor Not only (X-Y coordinates) but also a pressing pressure (+ Z direction) is known. In addition, for example, as described in Patent Document 2 below, when calculating a contact force between a finger or a touch pen and a touch panel, information on a moment generated on the touch panel due to friction between the finger and the touch panel is used. Is also known.

JP 2006-126997 A JP 2006-252093 A

  However, the operation input device described in Patent Document 1 can detect a push-down load (+ Z direction load) on the touch panel, but cannot detect a pull-up load (−Z direction load) on the touch panel. There wasn't. In addition, since the operation input device described in Patent Document 2 uses information on the moment generated on the touch panel, the load component acting in the −Z direction is indirectly used when calculating the contact force. However, this does not directly use the load acting in the -Z direction of the touch panel. For this reason, in the conventional operation input device, since only the pressing load (the load in the + Z direction) with respect to the touch panel is substantially used, the operation mode on the touch panel is easily limited.

  The present invention has been made to cope with the above problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an operation input device that can expand an operation mode on a panel that performs input by a touch operation.

In order to achieve the above object, an operation input device of the present invention is detected by a panel whose surface side is an operation surface on which input is performed by a touch operation, a load detection unit that detects a load acting on the panel, and a load detection unit. And a calculating means for calculating a position where the load acts on the basis of the loaded load, and the panel is integrally provided with a convex member that is arranged to protrude from the operation surface and can be operated to lift the panel , The load detecting means detects a load acting in a direction to push down the panel accompanying the push-down operation of the operation surface and a load acting in the direction pulling up the panel accompanying the pull-up operation of the convex member as loads acting in different directions. It is characterized by that.

In the operation input device of the present invention, a convex member capable of applying an upward load is integrally provided as a structure on a panel whose surface side is an operation surface on which input is performed by a touch operation. For this reason, by applying an upward load to the panel via the convex member , the load in the direction in which the panel is pulled up (the load in the −Z direction) is detected by the load detection means. In other words, according to the operation input device of the present invention, the load in both directions of the load acting in the direction of pushing down the panel (+ Z direction load) and the load acting in the direction of pulling up the panel (−Z direction load) is detected. can do. Thereby, the operation mode on the panel can be expanded by effectively utilizing the load information in the ± Z directions.

In the practice of the present invention, the convex members as the structure, for example a stick, knob, it may be configured by a lever. Moreover, the structure may be configured by a concave portion (for example, a notch or a depression) formed in the panel. When the structure is a convex member, an upward load can be easily applied to the panel by holding the convex member with a finger and pulling it up. When the structure is a concave portion, an upward load can be easily applied to the panel by hooking a finger on the concave portion and pulling it up. Of course, in any structure, a downward load can be applied to the panel via the structure.

In addition, another operation input device of the present invention includes a panel whose surface side is an operation surface on which input is performed by a touch operation, a load detection unit that detects a load acting on the panel, and a load detected by the load detection unit. And a biasing mechanism for biasing the panel to the operation surface side on the back side of the panel, and the biasing mechanism is arranged to protrude from the operation surface. A dial member that can be rotated around an axis that extends in a direction that intersects the operation surface, and is attached to the dial member on one end side and is in contact with the back surface of the panel on the other end side to operate the panel A pressing member that elastically presses toward the surface side, and is configured such that the position of the load acting in the direction of pushing up the panel from the pressing member changes in the circumferential direction of the dial member as the dial member rotates. Is The load detecting means includes a load acting in a direction to push down the panel accompanying the operation of pushing down the operation surface and a load acting in the direction of pushing up the panel in the circumferential direction of the dial member accompanying the rotation operation of the dial member. It is detected as a load acting in different directions.

  If the structure is composed of a convex member that is arranged to protrude from the operation surface, or if it is composed of a concave portion formed on the panel, unless the panel is pulled up through the structure, No upward load is applied to the panel. On the other hand, when the structure is configured by a biasing mechanism that biases the panel to the operation surface side on the back side of the panel, unlike the above-described structure, the structure always faces upward. A load can be applied.

  An operation device (for example, a new operation mode using the rotation operation of the dial member) (for example, a configuration in which the position of the push-up load acting on the panel changes in the circumferential direction of the dial member with the rotation operation of the dial member) Dial switch) can be realized on the panel.

Further, the panel has a quadrangular shape, and the load detection means includes a strain gauge type sensor disposed at each corner of the back surface of the panel, and each strain gauge type sensor is provided on the panel via a convex member . It may be configured to detect a load corresponding to a pulling operation amount and a load corresponding to a tilting operation amount in the direction of each side of the panel via the convex member .

  When the panel is lifted through the structure, a load (a load in the -Z direction) acting in the direction of pulling up the panel is detected by each strain gauge sensor according to the amount of the lifting operation. Further, when the panel is tilted through the structure, a strain gauge sensor that detects a load (a load in the −Z direction) acting in a direction of pulling up the panel according to the tilt direction and the amount of tilt operation, and the panel is pushed down. A strain gauge type sensor that detects a load acting in the direction (a load in the + Z direction) is mixed. Therefore, by using the load detected from each strain gauge type sensor, it is possible to accurately obtain the panel lifting operation amount, the panel tilting direction, and the tilting operation amount.

Further, the panel has a quadrangular shape, and the load detection means includes a strain gauge type sensor disposed at each corner of the back surface of the panel, and each strain gauge type sensor is provided from a predetermined original position of the dial member . It is good to detect the load corresponding to the amount of rotation operations.

  When the position of the push-up load acting on the panel in accordance with the rotation operation of the dial member is configured to change in the circumferential direction of the dial member, the position of the load (load in the -Z direction) acting in the push-up direction of the panel In response to this change, a different load is detected for each strain gauge type sensor. Therefore, the rotational operation amount of the dial member can be obtained with high accuracy by using the load detected by each strain gauge type sensor. In this case, when the panel is pushed down, a push-down load (+ Z direction load) is applied to the panel, but the direction of the push-up load applied from the pressing member to the panel and the push-down load accompanying the panel push-down operation Therefore, the load detected by each strain gauge type sensor differs between when the dial member is rotated and when the panel is pushed down. For this reason, each operation can be clearly distinguished.

In carrying out the present invention, according to the tilt operation of the panel through the convex member, it is the one of the plurality of operation content is preset selectable panel through the convex member It is preferable that the output value of the selected operation content can be adjusted in accordance with the push-pull operation, or the selected operation content can be switched to various modes. In this case, the operation content includes at least one of the air volume setting function, the temperature setting function, and the outlet switching setting function in the air conditioner, and the output value selects the air volume and temperature setting function when the air volume setting function is selected. It is preferable that the mode be various outlet switching positions when the outlet switching function is selected. The operation content includes at least one of a CD playback function, a radio function, and an MP3 playback function in the audio device. A mode is a CD index when the CD playback function is selected, a reception channel when the radio function is selected, It may be a playback file when the MP3 playback function is selected. Further, the operation content includes a map display setting function in the navigation device, and the mode may be a scale of a map displayed when the map display setting function is set.

  According to this, any one of the operation contents can be selected according to the tilting operation of the panel via the structure. Further, the output value of the selected operation content can be adjusted or the selected operation content can be switched to various modes in accordance with a panel push-pull operation via the structure. For this reason, the usability of the operation input device can be improved in combination with the expansion of the operation mode on the panel.

  Also, when the total sensor output value from each strain gauge type sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the output value changing speed or the switching speed to the various modes is faster than when the total is less than the predetermined value. It is good that it is set as follows. According to this, the usability of the operation input device can be further improved.

a. First Embodiment Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A is an overall view schematically showing an operation input device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation input device 10 can be applied to an operation panel 1 provided on an instrument panel or the like. The operation panel 1 is for operating the air conditioner 40 and the audio device 50.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the operation input device 10 includes a panel 11, a stick 12, a frame 13, and a strain gauge type sensor 20. The panel 11 has a rectangular shape, and is formed of a plate material such as a transparent acrylic resin. The surface of the panel 11 serves as an operation surface 11a for the operator to perform a touch input operation, for example, depressing one point or tracing (dragging) with a finger.

  The stick 12 (structure, convex member) is integrally provided with a cylindrical gripping portion 12a and a shaft portion 12b extending downward from the lower surface of the gripping portion 12a, and an operation surface 11a at the lower end of the shaft portion 12b. It is fixed to.

  The frame 13 is formed in a rectangular shape having almost the same size as the panel 11. Inside the frame 13, a display 30 (for example, a liquid crystal display) that displays the operation contents of the air conditioner 40 and the audio device 50 is disposed.

  The strain gauge type sensor 20 (load detection means) is disposed at each corner of the panel 11 between the panel 11 and the frame 13. The strain gauge sensor 20 includes an elastic beam member 21 and a strain gauge 22. The elastic beam member 21 has a rectangular bar shape, and is coupled to the upper surface of the frame 13 by a spacer 23 at one end thereof along the long side of the panel 11 and is coupled to the rear surface of the panel 11 by a spacer 24 at the other end. ing.

  More specifically, the elastic beam members 21 arranged along the same long side of the panel 11 extend in a direction approaching each other, and are placed on the back surface of the panel 11 by the spacer 24 near the apex of the panel 11. In addition to being coupled to each other, the spacers 23 are coupled to the upper surface of the frame 13 at intermediate positions on the long sides of the panel 11. That is, by using the long side of the rectangular panel 11, the length of the elastic beam member 21 is secured, and the elastic beam member 21 is greatly bent even if the operation load applied to the panel 11 is relatively small. It can be deformed.

  The strain gauge 22 is affixed to the upper surface in the middle part of the elastic beam member 21. The strain gauge 22 receives in-plane tension following the bending deformation of the elastic beam member 21, and changes the electric resistance value. A detection voltage is applied to the strain gauge 22, and a load applied to the panel 11 is taken out as a change in resistance value in the strain gauge 22, and as a voltage value (load detection voltage).

  When the operator directly depresses the panel 11 or indirectly depresses the panel 11 via the stick 12, each elastic beam member 21 is bent so that the upper surface becomes a convex convex surface with the spacer 23 as a fulcrum. Elastically deforms. On the other hand, when the operator pulls up the panel 11 via the stick 12, each elastic beam member 21 is elastically deformed so that the upper surface thereof is bent and becomes a concave surface.

  When the elastic beam member 21 is elastically deformed so that the upper surface is bent and convex, a positive (+) load detection voltage is extracted from the strain gauge 22 as a sensor output value, and the upper surface of the elastic beam member 21 is bent and concave. The resistance detection circuit is configured so that a negative (−) load detection voltage is extracted from the strain gauge 22 when the elastic deformation occurs. The load detection voltage from the strain gauge 22 is amplified by the amplifier circuit 15 and input to the arithmetic circuit 16.

  The arithmetic circuit 16 (arithmetic means) includes a microcomputer in which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output unit, and a communication interface are connected to each other via an internal bus as main components. The CPU of the arithmetic circuit 16 executes a position calculation program stored in the ROM.

  That is, based on the load detection voltage from each strain gauge 22, the CPU of the arithmetic circuit 16 loads the load position on the coordinate plane corresponding to the operation surface 11a of the panel 11, the drag direction on the operation surface 11a, and the load. Calculation processing for obtaining the size is executed, and the calculation result is sent via the communication bus BUS (for example, serial communication bus such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network)) to the air conditioner 40, the audio device 50, etc. To each ECU.

  Next, the load detection voltage extracted from the strain gauge 22 will be described in association with the operation mode using the panel 11 or the stick 12 with reference to FIGS. When the operator pushes down the panel 11 (FIG. 3A), any elastic beam member 21 is elastically deformed so that the upper surface thereof is bent and becomes a convex surface. Therefore, all the load detection voltages taken out from the strain gauge 22 are positive (+) (FIG. 4A (a)). 4A and 4B, of the thickness directions of the panel 11, the direction in which the load detection voltage taken out from the strain gauge 22 is positive (the pressing direction of the panel 11) is the + Z direction, and the negative direction (panel 11). Is the −Z direction. The operation load applied to the panel 11 is obtained by summing the load detection voltages of the respective strain gauges 22.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the direction in which the long side of the operation surface 11 a extends is the X direction, the length of the long side is L _X , the direction in which the short side of the operation surface 11 a extends is the Y direction, and the length of the short side Let L be _Y. Assume that an operation load F is applied to the position of coordinates (X, Y). In this case, if the load detection voltages (distributed loads) taken from the strain sensors 22 located at the vertices A, B, C, and D of the operation surface 11a are F _A , F _B , F _C , and F _D , The applied operation load F is expressed by the following equation (1).
_{F = F A + F B +} F C + F D ... formula (1)
Further, the coordinates (X, Y) (the barycentric coordinates of the operation load F) can be obtained as follows.

That is, since the ratio F _A : F _D and F _B : F _C in the Y direction are equal to each other and the ratio F _A : F _B and F _D : F _C in the X direction are equal to each other, If F _Y1 = F _C + F _D , F _Y2 = F _A + F _B , F _X1 = F _A + F _D , F _X2 = F _B + F _C , the following formula (2) and (3 ) Is obtained.
F _Y2 / F _Y1 = Y / (L _Y −Y) (2)
Y = F _Y2 · L _Y / (F _Y1 + F _Y2 )
_{= (F A + F B)} · L Y / (F A + F B + F C + F D) ... Equation (3)
Similarly, the following expressions (4) and (5) are obtained in the X direction.
F _X2 / F _X1 = X / (L _X −X) (4)
X = F _X2 · L _X / (F _X1 + F _X2 )
= (F _B + F _C ) · L _X / (F _A + F _B + F _C + F _D ) (5)
That is, the center-of-gravity coordinates (X, Y) are the load detection voltages (distributed loads) F _A , F _B , F _C , F taken out from each strain gauge 22 as shown in the above formulas (3) and (5). _{Using D} , it can be calculated unambiguously.

  When the operation load F is positive and the barycentric coordinates (X, Y) are within the panel area indicated by the cross line in FIG. 4A, it can be determined that the panel 11 has been pushed down.

  Even when the operator traces (drags) the operation surface 11a of the panel 11 (FIG. 3B), the load detection voltages taken out from the respective strain gauges 22 are all positive (+). However, in this case, since the load detection voltage of each strain gauge 22 is changing every moment, the obtained barycentric coordinates (x, y) are also changed every moment. Therefore, by obtaining the barycentric coordinates (X, Y) corresponding to the end position from the start position of the drag operation, the drag direction can be specified (FIG. 4A (b)). Further, by obtaining the sum of the load detection voltages by the respective strain gauges 22 from the start position to the end position of the drag operation, it is possible to specify the amount of pressing operation of the panel 11 during the drag.

  Even when the operator pushes down the stick 12 (FIG. 3C), the load detection voltages taken out from the strain gauges 22 are all positive (+). However, in this case, since the obtained barycentric coordinates (X, Y) substantially coincide with the center position of the shaft portion 12b of the stick 12 indicated by the black circle in FIG. 4A (c), it is determined that the stick 12 has been pushed down. can do. Further, by obtaining the sum of the load detection voltages from the respective strain gauges 22, it is possible to specify the push-down operation amount of the stick 12.

  On the other hand, when the operator tilts the stick 12 (FIG. 3 (d)), if there is a load detection voltage taken out from each strain gauge 22 according to the tilt direction, it will be negative. (FIG. 4B (d)). Therefore, in this case, the tilting operation of the stick 12 can be determined by determining the combination of the strain gauge 22 having a positive load detection voltage and the combination of the strain gauge 22 having a negative load detection voltage. The tilt direction can be specified. Further, the amount of tilting operation of the stick 12 can be specified by obtaining the ratio of the sum of positive load detection voltages and the sum of negative load detection voltages.

  When the operator pulls up the stick 12 (FIG. 3 (e)), all load detection voltages taken out from the strain gauges 22 are negative (−). Thereby, it can be determined that the stick 12 has been lifted. Further, by obtaining the sum (−) of the load detection voltages from the respective strain gauges 22, it is possible to specify the amount of lifting operation of the stick 12.

  In the operation panel 1 of FIG. 2 to which the above-described operation input device 10 is applied, when the stick 12 is pushed down by a predetermined operation amount or more, the operation menu of the air conditioner 40 is displayed on the display 30 and the stick 12 is operated in a predetermined manner. The operation menu of the audio device 50 can be configured to be displayed on the display device 30 when the operation is raised more than the amount.

  FIG. 6A illustrates a case where the operation menu of the audio device 50 is displayed on the display 30 by raising the stick 12 by a predetermined operation amount or more. In this example, as shown in FIG. 6B, for example, a CD playback function can be selected by tilting the stick 12 upward in FIG. If the stick 12 is pushed and pulled while the CD playback function is selected, the index of the CD to be played can be changed or the volume can be increased or decreased.

  Further, for example, a radio function (FM, AM) can be selected by tilting the stick 12 left and right in FIG. If the stick 12 is pushed and pulled while the radio function is selected, the reception channel can be changed or the volume can be increased or decreased. Further, by tilting the stick 12 downward in FIG. 2, for example, the MP3 playback function can be selected. If the stick 12 is pushed and pulled while the MP3 playback function is selected, the MP3 file to be played can be changed or the volume can be increased or decreased.

  In the push-pull operation of the stick 12 described above in FIG. 6B, when the load at the time of the push-pull operation is a predetermined value (that is, a load detection voltage) or more, compared to a case where the load is less than the predetermined value, It can be set so that the switching speed according to the contents of each menu is increased.

  FIG. 7A illustrates a case where the operation menu of the air conditioner 40 is displayed on the display 30 by depressing the stick 12 by a predetermined operation amount or more. In this example, as shown in FIG. 7B, for example, the air volume setting function can be selected by tilting the stick 12 upward in FIG. If the stick 12 is pushed and pulled while the air volume function is selected, the air volume can be increased or decreased.

  Further, by tilting the stick 12 left and right in FIG. 2, for example, a driver seat side or passenger seat side temperature setting function can be selected. If the stick 12 is pushed and pulled in the state where the driver seat side or passenger seat side temperature setting function is selected, the temperature of each seat can be raised or lowered. Furthermore, by tilting the stick 12 downward in FIG. 2, for example, a blower outlet switching setting function can be selected. If the stick 12 is pushed and pulled in the state where the outlet switching setting function is selected, the outlet can be switched to various outlet switching positions (for example, FACE mode, FOOT mode, FOOT / DEF mode, etc.).

  In the push-pull operation of the stick 12 described above in FIG. 7B, when the load at the time of the push-pull operation is a predetermined value (that is, a load detection voltage) or more, compared to a case where the load is less than the predetermined value, It can be set so that the rate of change of the air volume or temperature, or the switching speed to the switching position of the outlet is increased.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7A, an operation switch group S including various operation switches related to air conditioning is displayed at the lower part of the display 30. As shown in FIG. 7C, the operation surface 11a is partitioned into a plurality of operation recognition areas (S1 to S6) corresponding to the operation switches of the operation switch group S. When the panel 11 is pushed down, the operation switches corresponding to the operation recognition areas S1 to S6 to which the obtained barycentric coordinates belong are switched on and off. FIG. 7C illustrates a case where the barycentric coordinates belong to the operation recognition area S5 and the AUTO switch is switched on and off.

  FIG. 8A also illustrates a case where the operation menu of the air conditioner 40 is displayed on the display 30 by pressing the stick 12 down by a predetermined operation amount or more, as in FIG. 7A. In this example, as shown in FIG. 8B, for example, the outlet switching setting function can be selected by tilting the stick 12 upward in FIG. If the stick 12 is pushed and pulled in the state in which the balloon switching setting function is selected, the balloon can be switched to various balloon switching positions.

  Further, by tilting the stick 12 left and right in FIG. 2, for example, a driver seat side or passenger seat side temperature setting function can be selected. If the stick 12 is pushed and pulled in the state where the driver seat side or passenger seat side temperature setting function is selected, the temperature of each seat can be raised or lowered. Further, by tilting the stick 12 downward in FIG. 2, for example, an air volume setting function can be selected. If the stick 12 is pushed and pulled while the air volume setting function is selected, the air volume can be increased or decreased.

  In the push-pull operation of the stick 12 shown in FIG. 8B, when the load at the time of the push-pull operation is a predetermined value (that is, the load detection voltage) or more, the air volume or It can be set so that the temperature change speed or the switching speed to the switching position of the outlet becomes faster.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the operation switch group S10 including various operation switches related to air conditioning is displayed in the central portion of the display 30. As shown in FIG. 8C, the operation surface 11a is divided into a plurality of operation recognition areas (S11 to S16) corresponding to the operation switches of the operation switch group S10. When the panel 11 is pushed down, the operation switches corresponding to the operation recognition areas S11 to S16 to which the obtained barycentric coordinates belong are switched on and off. FIG. 8C illustrates a case where the center-of-gravity coordinates belong to the operation recognition area S12 and the rear window defogger switch is switched on and off.

  FIG. 9A illustrates a case where the operation menu of the air conditioner 40 and the operation menu of the audio device 50 are displayed on the display 30. In this example, as shown in FIG. 9B, various functions can be selected by pushing down the operation surface 11a, and various functions can also be selected by tilting the stick 12 in the vertical and horizontal directions. it can. The output value of various functions can be adjusted by pushing and pulling the stick 12, or the operation switch can be turned on and off.

  The operation surface 11a is divided into a plurality of operation recognition areas (S21 to S36) corresponding to the operation switches of the operation switch group S20. When the panel 11 is pushed down, the operation switches corresponding to the operation recognition regions S21 to S36 to which the obtained barycentric coordinates belong are switched on and off. FIG. 9B illustrates a case where the barycentric coordinates belong to the operation recognition area S22 and the air volume is increased or decreased.

  Also in the example shown in FIG. 9B, when the load at the time of pushing and pulling the stick 12 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (that is, load detection voltage), the air volume and temperature are lower than when the load is lower than the predetermined value. It is possible to set so that the change speed of or the switching speed to the switching position of the outlet becomes faster.

  Thus, in the said 1st Embodiment, since it is trying to utilize effectively the load information of + Z direction which is the pushing-down direction of the stick 12, and -Z direction which is the pulling-up direction of the stick 12, operation mode is favorable. Can be enlarged. Further, in order to apply an upward load to the panel 11, it is only necessary to hold the stick 12 with a finger and pull it up, so that the operation is easy.

(Modification)
In the first embodiment, the stick 12 as a structure is provided on the operation surface 11a of the panel 11. However, instead of the stick 12, for example, as shown in FIGS. A concave notch 11b may be formed. The notches 11b (structures, concave portions) are set to have an opening length enough to be picked up by an operator's finger, and are formed symmetrically on both short sides of the panel 11. In addition, since the other structure is the same as the said 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same member and the same site | part as the said 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Also in this modified example, the operator can tilt the panel 11 by using the notch 11b as in the case of the operation mode of FIG. Further, as in the case of the operation mode shown in FIG. 3E, the operator can pull up the panel 11 using the notch 11b. In either case, the operation is easy. The concave portion is not limited to the notch 11b, and may be a recess formed in the operation surface 11a, for example.

b. Second Embodiment In the first embodiment and its modifications, the operation input device 10 is applied to an operation panel 1 of a type that is provided on an instrument panel of a vehicle and the display device 30 is disposed in the frame 13. However, instead of this, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the display 30 is arranged in the center of the instrument panel separately from the operation input device 10, and the operator looks at the display 30. However, the operation input device 10 may be applied to the remote operation device 2 of a type configured to be remotely operated at hand.

  The remote operation device 2 is arranged in the center console C, and the operation input device 10 is accommodated in a housing 60 constituting the remote operation device 2. The housing 60 is formed in a shape in which a palm rest portion 61 for placing the palm P of the operator bulges in a convex shape, and the stick 12 is projected upward through an opening hole 62 formed in front of the housing 60. The operation surface 11 a of the panel 11 is exposed through the window 63.

  In this operation input device 10, functional operation of the car navigation device 70 is possible in addition to or in place of the air conditioner 40 and the audio device 50. That is, based on the load detection voltage from each strain gauge 22, the CPU of the arithmetic circuit 16 loads the load position on the coordinate plane corresponding to the operation surface 11a of the panel 11, the drag direction on the operation surface 11a, and the load. Calculation processing for obtaining the size is executed, and the calculation result is also transmitted to the ECU of the car navigation device 70 via the communication bus BUS.

  12A (a) and 12A (b) exemplify the operation content displayed on the display 30 when the map display setting function is set. By depressing the part of the operation surface 11a of the panel 11 corresponding to the destination setting button in the operation switch group S40 shown in FIG. 12A (b), the screen is switched to the character input screen shown in FIG. 12A (a). The character can be determined (determined) by depressing the part of the operation surface 11a corresponding to the character position desired to be input by a predetermined operation amount or more.

  The operation surface 11a is divided into a plurality of operation recognition areas corresponding to the operation switches of the operation switch group S40. When the panel 11 is pushed down, the function of the operation switch corresponding to the operation recognition area to which the obtained barycentric coordinates belong is activated. At this time, an image representing an operator's finger, a cursor, or the like is displayed on the display 30 (see FIG. 12A (b)).

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12A (c), when the operator traces (drags) the operation surface 11a of the panel 11, the map scrolls in the dragged direction. Even when the stick 12 is tilted, the map is scrolled corresponding to the tilting direction.

  Then, for example, in the state shown in FIG. 12A (c), when the stick 12 is pushed down by a predetermined operation amount or more, as shown in FIG. 12B (d), the map is enlarged and the stick 12 is pushed by a predetermined operation amount or more. When the operation is raised, the map is reduced. At this time, when the load during the push-down or pull-up operation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (that is, the load detection voltage), the expansion / contraction switching speed can be set to be faster than when the load is less than the predetermined value. Note that when the upper or lower portion of the operation surface 11a is pressed down by a predetermined operation amount or more, the map viewpoint can be switched as shown in FIG. 12B (e), for example.

c. 3rd Embodiment In the said 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, although the stick 12 as a structure was provided in the operation surface 11a of the panel 11, it replaced with the stick 12, for example, Fig.13 (a), 13 (b) ), An urging mechanism 120 may be provided. Other configurations are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.

  The urging mechanism 120 includes a dial member 121 and a pressing member 122 that is attached to the dial member 121 on one end side and abuts against the back surface of the panel 11 on the other end side to elastically push the panel 11 toward the operation surface 11a. It has.

  The dial member 121 is integrally provided with a cylindrical dial portion 121a and a shaft portion 121b extending downward from the lower surface of the dial portion 121a, and an upper portion thereof is protruded through a through hole 11a1 formed in the operation surface 11a. Yes. The shaft portion 121b is supported by the frame 13 so as to be rotatable around the axis. A support arm 121c for supporting the pressing member 122 is provided on one outer peripheral portion of the shaft portion 121b so as to protrude radially outward.

  The pressing member 122 includes a plunger 122a and a compression coil spring 122b, and is attached to the support arm 121c by the compression coil spring 122b. The plunger 122 a is constantly pressed against the back surface of the panel 11 by the elastic force of the compression coil spring 122 b, and the contact position with the panel 11 changes in the circumferential direction of the dial member 121 as the dial member 121 rotates. It is configured as follows.

  Next, the load detection voltage taken out from the strain gauge 22 will be described in association with the operation mode using the panel 11 or the dial member 121 with reference to FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b). In a state where the operator does not push down the panel 11, a load in the direction in which the panel 11 is pushed up by the pressing member 122 (a load in the −Z direction) acts on a predetermined original position.

  When the operator rotates the dial member 121 in this state, the contact position of the plunger 122a with respect to the panel 11 changes in the circumferential direction of the dial member 121 (changes in the region indicated by the cross line in FIG. 14B). Since the load detection voltage taken out from each strain gauge 22 changes in accordance with the contact position between the plunger 122a and the panel 11 while maintaining a negative (−) state, the center of gravity is calculated from the load detection voltage taken out from each strain gauge 22. By obtaining the coordinates (X, Y), the rotational operation amount of the dial member 121 can be specified.

  On the other hand, when the operator depresses the operation surface 11a of the panel 11 in the operation region indicated by the cross line in FIG. 14A, a depressing load (+ Z direction load) is applied to the panel 11. When the dial member 121 is rotated and when the panel 11 is pushed down because the direction of the push-up load applied to the panel 11 from the pressing member 122 and the push-down load accompanying the push-down operation of the panel 11 are opposite to each other And the positive and negative of the load detection voltage detected by each strain gauge type sensor 22 is different. For this reason, the rotation operation of the dial member 121 and the push-down operation of the panel 11 can be clearly distinguished, and the center-of-gravity coordinates (X, Y) are obtained based on the load detection voltage extracted from each strain gauge 22. The amount of pressing operation of the panel 11 can be specified.

  The dial member 121 is, for example, a dial switch for adjusting the air volume in the air conditioner 40, adjusting the temperature up or down, or switching menu contents (CD playback function, radio function, MP3 playback function, etc.) in the audio device 50. It can function as a dial switch when adjusting the increase or decrease in volume.

  In the first to third embodiments and the like, the strain gauge type sensor 20 having the strain gauge 22 is used as the load detection means. However, the load detection means is not limited to this, for example, a piezoelectric element or a capacitance. It is possible to use a type pressure sensor, a type using a polymer resistor such as a pressure sensitive rubber / pressure sensitive paint, a type using a combination of deformation of an elastic member and optical / electromagnetic change.

  Further, the arrangement of the load detection means is not limited to the four corners of the panel, and may be arranged at each midpoint of the four sides of the panel, for example.

  Furthermore, the shape of the panel is not limited to a quadrangle, and may be, for example, a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon (triangle, hexagon, etc.). That is, it is possible to correspond to various panel shapes by changing the coordinate calculation formula or the like.

FIG. 4A is a general view schematically showing an operation input device according to the first and third embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a plan view of the operation input device. The front view of the operation panel to which the operation input device of FIG. 1 is applied. Explanatory drawing which shows the operation aspect of the operation input apparatus of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the load detection voltage taken out from a strain gauge in connection with the operation mode of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the load detection voltage taken out from a strain gauge in connection with the operation mode of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the load detection voltage taken out from a strain gauge in connection with the operation mode of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the concept which calculates a load position (gravity center coordinate) based on the load detection voltage from each strain gauge. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation mode by the operation input device of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation mode by the operation input device of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation mode by the operation input device of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation mode by the operation input device of FIG. FIG. 4A is a general view schematically showing an operation input device according to a modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a plan view of the operation input device. The external view of the remote operation device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention and applied the operation input apparatus of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content displayed on a display according to operation of the remote control device of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content displayed on a display according to operation of the remote control device of FIG. FIG. 14A is an overall view schematically showing an operation input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13 (b) -13 (b) of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the load detection voltage taken out from a strain gauge in connection with the operation mode of the operation input apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Operation panel 2 Remote operation device 10 Operation input apparatus 11 Panel 11a Operation surface 11b Notch (structure, concave part)
12 Stick (structure, convex member)
13 Frame 15 Amplifying circuit 16 Arithmetic circuit (arithmetic means)
20 Strain gauge type sensor (load detection means)
21 Elastic beam member 22 Strain gauges 23 and 24 Spacer 30 Display device 40 Air conditioner 50 Audio device 60 Housing 70 Car navigation device 120 Energizing mechanism 121 Dial member 122 Pressing member 122a Plunger 122b Compression coil spring 121c Support arm

Claims (9)

A panel whose front side is used as an operation surface for input by touch operation;
Load detecting means for detecting a load acting on the panel;
Calculating means for calculating a position where the load acts on the basis of the load detected by the load detecting means;
The panel is integrally provided with a convex member that protrudes from the operation surface and can be operated to lift the panel .
The load detecting means acts in different directions on a load acting in a direction to push down the panel accompanying a push-down operation of the operation surface and a load acting in a direction pulling up the panel accompanying a pull-up operation of the convex member. An operation input device that detects the load as a load . A panel whose front side is used as an operation surface for input by touch operation;
Load detecting means for detecting a load acting on the panel;
Calculating means for calculating a position where the load acts on the basis of the load detected by the load detecting means;
On the back side of the panel, a biasing mechanism that biases the panel toward the operation surface is provided,
The urging mechanism includes a dial member that protrudes from the operation surface and can be rotated around an axis that extends in a direction intersecting the operation surface, and is attached to the dial member on one end side and the other end side. And a pressing member that abuts against the back surface of the panel and elastically presses the panel toward the operation surface, and acts to push up the panel from the pressing member as the dial member rotates. The position of the load to be changed is configured to change in the circumferential direction of the dial member,
The load detecting means is a load that acts in a direction to push down the panel accompanying a push-down operation of the operation surface, and a load that acts in a direction to push up the panel in the circumferential direction of the dial member accompanying a rotation operation of the dial member. Is detected as a load acting in different directions . The panel has a quadrangular shape, and the load detecting means includes a strain gauge type sensor disposed at each corner of the back surface of the panel, and the strain gauge type sensor is interposed via the convex member. wherein the load corresponding to the pulling operation amount of the panel, and in the claim 1, which is configured to detect a load corresponding to the tilt operation amount in the respective side direction of the panel through the convex member Operation input device. The panel has a quadrangular shape, and the load detecting means includes strain gauge sensors disposed at the respective corners on the back surface of the panel, and each strain gauge sensor is a predetermined original of the dial member. The operation input device according to claim 2 , configured to detect a load corresponding to a rotational operation amount from a position . Depending on the tilting operation of the panel through the convex member , any one of a plurality of preset operation contents can be selected, and the panel is pushed and pulled through the convex member. The operation input device according to claim 3 , wherein an output value of the selected operation content can be adjusted or the selected operation content can be switched to various modes. When the total of sensor output values from each strain gauge type sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the change rate of the output value or the switching speed to the various modes is faster than when the total is less than the predetermined value. The operation input device according to claim 5 , which is set to be The operation content includes at least one of an air volume setting function, a temperature setting function, and an outlet switching setting function in the air conditioner, and the output value selects the air volume when the air volume setting function is selected, and the temperature setting function. The operation input device according to claim 5 , wherein the mode is various blowout port switching positions when the blowout port switching function is selected. The operation content includes at least one of a CD playback function, a radio function, and an MP3 playback function in the audio device, and the mode includes an index when the CD playback function is selected, and a reception channel when the radio function is selected. The operation input device according to claim 5 , wherein the operation input device is a reproduction file when the MP3 reproduction function is selected. The operation input device according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the operation content includes a map display setting function in a navigation device, and the mode is a scale of a map displayed when the map display setting function is set. .

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