# US 11,443,908 B2 · Switch device

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 11,443,908 B2
- Document ID: US11443908B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/846,984
- Filed: 2020-04-13
- Published: 2020-10-29
- Granted: 2022-09-13
- Earliest claimed: 2019-04-23
- Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
- Applicants: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
- Inventors: Yuji Shintaku
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11443908B2

## CPC

- H01H 25/04: Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick
- B60K 35/10: Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
- B62D 1/046: {Adaptations on rotatable parts of the steering wheel for accommodation of switches}
- H01H 2231/026: Car
- H01H: ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES (contact cables H01B7/10; electrolytic self-interrupters H01G9/18; emergency protective circuit arrangements H02H; switching by electronic means without contact-making H03K17/00)
- B60K: ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B62D: MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS (steering, or guiding on a desired track, of agricultural machines or implements A01B69/00; wheels, castors, axles, increasing wheel adhesion B60B; vehicle tyres, tyre inflation or tyre changing B60C; connections between vehicles of a train or the like B60D; vehicles for use on rail and road, amphibious or convertible vehicles B60F; suspension arrangements B60G; heating, cooling, ventilating or other air treating devices B60H; windows, windscreens, non-fixed roofs, doors or similar devices, protective coverings for vehicles not in use B60J; propulsion plant arrangements, auxiliary drives, transmissions, controls, instrumentation or dashboards B60K; electric equipment or propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles B60L; power supply for electrically-propelled vehicles B60M; passenger accommodation not otherwise provided for B60N; adaptations for load transportation or to carry special loads or objects B60P; arrangement of signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor, for vehicles in general B60Q; vehicles, vehicle fittings or vehicle parts not otherwise provided for B60R; servicing, cleaning, repairing, supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring, not otherwise provided for, B60S; brake arrangements, brake control systems or parts thereof B60T; air-cushion vehicles B60V; motor-cycles, accessories therefor B62J, B62K; testing of vehicles G01M)

## Abstract

A switch device includes a base, a mounting member protruding from the base, a plurality of elastic strain sensors, and an input detector. Each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors spans between a top portion of the mounting member and a corresponding one of a plurality of peripheral portions of the base. The plurality of peripheral portions are circumferentially spaced apart from each other around the mounting member. Each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors is configured to change a capacitance according to elongation. The input detector is configured to obtain a change in the capacitance of each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A switch device comprising:
a base;
a mounting member protruding from the base;
a plurality of elastic strain sensors each spanning between a top portion of the mounting member and a corresponding one of a plurality of peripheral portions of the base, the plurality of peripheral portions circumferentially spaced apart from each other around the mounting member, and each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors showing an elongation and having a capacitance that changes according to the elongation; and
an input detector configured to obtain a change in the capacitance of each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors;
wherein the plurality of elastic strain sensors include:
a first elastic strain sensor spanning along a first straight line and between a top portion of the mounting member and a first peripheral portion of the base, the first peripheral portion located outward relative to a portion of the base from which the mounting member protrudes, and the first straight line passing through the top portion of the mounting member and extending on the base;
a second elastic strain sensor spanning along the first straight line and between the top portion of the mounting member and a second peripheral portion located opposite the first peripheral portion;
a third elastic strain sensor spanning along a second straight line and between the top portion of the mounting member and a third peripheral portion of the base, the third peripheral portion located outward relative to the portion of the base from which the mounting member protrudes, and the second straight line passing through the top portion of the mounting member and extending on the base and being orthogonal to the first straight line; and
a fourth peripheral portion spanning along the second straight line and between the top portion of the mounting member and a fourth peripheral portion located opposite the third peripheral portion.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The switch device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting member comprises a solid or hollow elastomer, and the plurality of elastic strain sensors are arranged along an outer surface of the mounting member.

### Claim 3

A switch device comprising:
a base;
a mounting member protruding from the base;
a plurality of elastic strain sensors each spanning between a top portion of the mounting member and a corresponding one of a plurality of peripheral portions of the base, the plurality of peripheral portions circumferentially spaced apart from each other around the mounting member, and each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors showing an elongation and having a capacitance that changes according to the elongation; and
an input detector configured to obtain a change in the capacitance of each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors;
wherein the mounting member includes a pedestal and a head member swingably mounted on the pedestal, and one end of each of the plurality of elastic strain sensors is attached to the head member.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The switch device according to claim 3, further comprising a pressure switch disposed between the pedestal and the head member.

### Claim 5 (depends on 3)

The switch device according to claim 3, further comprising a cover covering the head member and the plurality of elastic strain sensors, the cover being attached to the base.

### Claim 6 (depends on 3)

The switch device according to claim 3, wherein the cover includes at least one operating part disposed at a position corresponding to an intermediate portion of one of the plurality of elastic strain sensors, the operating part configured to press the intermediate portion of the one of the plurality of elastic strain sensors.

### Claim 7 (depends on 3)

The switch device according to claim 3, wherein the cover includes at least one opening for operation, the opening disposed at a position corresponding to an intermediate portion of one of the plurality of elastic strain sensors.