Shifting device

Abstract

A shift device is provided. A shift device (20) is provided with: a shift switch (22) that gives an operation instruction by contact with an operator (F); an electrostatic sensor (24) as a proximity detection unit for detecting the proximity of the manipulator (F) to the shift switch (22); and a light output unit (26) as a notification unit that notifies, on the basis of detection information from the electrostatic sensor (24), that the operator (F) has approached the shift switch (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gear shifting device. Background Art

[0002] A shift-by-wire type shift device is known that can switch the shift position by the touch of a driver's operating hand (for example, refer to the specification of US Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0363214).

[0003] US Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0363214 discloses a push-button type electronic transmission device that can change the gear stage by a driver operating any one of a plurality of buttons to select a desired gear stage.

[0004] However, in such a shift device, it is preferable to suppress erroneous operation. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a shift device capable of suppressing erroneous operation.

[0006] The shift device of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes: a shift switch that gives an operation instruction due to contact by an operator; a proximity detection unit that detects the operator's approach to the above-mentioned shift switch; and a reporting unit that reports that the operator has approached the above-mentioned shift switch based on the detection information of the above-mentioned proximity detection unit.

[0007] A shift device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is based on the shift device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, wherein at least two of the shift switches are arranged side by side, and the notification unit notifies the shift switch that the operator approaches among the at least two shift switches.

[0008] A shift device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the shift device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, wherein at least two of the shift switches are arranged side by side on a flat surface.

[0009] A shift device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the shift device according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the notification unit notifies the operator of approaching the shift switch in stages based on detection information from the approach detection unit.

[0010] A shift device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the shift device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the notification unit is a light output unit that outputs light.

[0011] A shift device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the shift device according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the notification unit is a sound output unit that outputs a sound.

[0012] In the shift device of the first aspect of the present disclosure, a notification unit is provided, and the notification unit notifies the operator of the approach to the shift switch based on the detection information of the approach detection unit, so that if the driver intends to press the shift switch and the operator approaches the shift switch, the notification unit notifies the operator of the approach to the shift switch. Therefore, the driver can recognize the shift switch before pressing the shift switch. As a result, the erroneous operation of pressing the shift switch by mistake can be suppressed.

[0013] In the shift device of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the reporting unit reports the shift switch that is close to the at least two shift switches, so that if the driver intends to press the shift switch and the operator approaches the target shift switch, the operator is reported to have approached the target shift switch. Therefore, the driver can identify the target shift switch before pressing the shift switch. As a result, the erroneous operation of mistakenly pressing the target shift switch can be suppressed.

[0014] In the shift device of the third aspect of the present disclosure, even if at least two shift switches are arranged side by side on a flat surface, the driver can recognize the target shift switch before pressing the shift switch. Therefore, it is possible to suppress erroneous operation of mistakenly pressing the target shift switch.

[0015] In the shift device of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the notification unit notifies the operator of the approach to the shift switch in stages based on the detection information of the approach detection unit, so that if the driver intends to press the shift switch and the operator approaches the shift switch, the operator is notified of the approach to the shift switch in stages. Therefore, the driver can identify the shift switch to be pressed in stages before pressing the shift switch. As a result, the erroneous operation of pressing the shift switch by mistake can be suppressed.

[0016] In the shift device of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the notification unit is a light output unit, so that when the driver approaches the shift switch with the operator's hand in an attempt to press the shift switch, the operator is notified by light that the operator has approached the shift switch. Therefore, the driver can visually recognize the shift switch before pressing the shift switch. As a result, the erroneous operation of pressing the shift switch by mistake can be suppressed.

[0017] In the shift device of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the notification unit is a sound output unit, so that when the driver approaches the shift switch in an attempt to press the shift switch, the driver is notified by sound that the operator is approaching the shift switch. Therefore, the driver can recognize the shift switch auditorily before pressing the shift switch. As a result, the erroneous operation of pressing the shift switch by mistake can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing an instrument panel provided with the shift device according to the present embodiment, as viewed from the vehicle interior in front of the vehicle.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the shift device according to the present embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the shifting device according to the present embodiment, and shows Figure 2 AA section of the.

[0021] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the shift device according to the present embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 : is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the shift device according to the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing a state in which an operator approaches a parking switch of the shift device according to the present embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 7A It is a perspective view showing a state in which an operator approaches a parking switch of a shift device according to another embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7B It is a perspective view showing a state in which an operator approaches a parking switch of a shift device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, a shift device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an example in which the shift device 20 is a shift-by-wire type vehicle shift device in which a shift operation is performed by selecting a shift switch will be described.

[0027] In each figure, arrow UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle, arrow RH indicates the right side of the vehicle, and arrow D indicates the longitudinal direction D of the shift device 20. When only one end side and the other end side are used for explanation, this refers to the longitudinal direction D of the shift device 20 unless otherwise specified.

[0028] [Structure of the shift device]

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the shift device 20 according to the present embodiment is disposed on the instrument panel 14 provided on the front side of the interior of the vehicle 10. The shift device 20 is provided on the vehicle right side of the steering wheel 12 along the garnish 16 extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0030] like Figure 2As shown, the shift device 20 is provided with a parking switch 22A, a reverse switch 22B, a neutral switch 22C, and a forward switch 22D as the shift switches 22 arranged side by side from one end side to the other end side in the long side direction D. The shift switches 22 are touched by the operating hand (finger) F of the driver sitting on the driver's seat to switch between the parking gear position P, the reverse gear position R, the neutral gear position N, and the forward gear position D as the shift gear positions.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the shift device 20 includes an upper housing 21 , an electrostatic sensor 24 as a proximity detection unit, a printed circuit board 28 , a light output unit 26 as a notification unit, and a housing 29 .

[0032] (Upper housing 21)

[0033] The upper case 21 is formed in a rectangular box shape with one side open. The upper case 21 has a top plate 21A forming a design surface, and a character portion P forming a character P, a character portion R forming a character R, a character portion N forming a character N, and a character portion D forming a character D.

[0034] The character portion P constitutes the parking switch 22A, the character portion R constitutes the reverse switch R, the character portion C constitutes the neutral switch 22C, and the character portion D constitutes the forward switch 22D. The parking switch 22A, the reverse switch R, the neutral switch 22C, and the forward switch 22D are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction D on a flat surface.

[0035] The upper shell 21 is transparently formed with a text portion P, a text portion R, a text portion N, and a text portion D. The upper shell 21 is formed of, for example, a transparent resin material, and can be formed by applying an opaque coating to the portion other than the text portion P, the text portion R, the text portion N, and the text portion D. Alternatively, the upper shell 21 may be formed of a transparent resin material, and an opaque film having the text portion P, the text portion R, the text portion N, and the text portion D formed thereon may be attached thereto.

[0036] (Box 29 and Printed Circuit Board 28)

[0037] The box body 29 is disposed so as to close the opening of the upper case 21 . The printed circuit board 28 is disposed on the upper surface of the box body 29 .

[0038] (Electrostatic sensor 24)

[0039] The electrostatic sensor 24 is formed transparently, for example, and is mounted on the back side of the top plate 21A of the upper case 21. The electrostatic sensor 24 is composed of a first electrostatic sensor 24A arranged at a position corresponding to the character portion P, a second electrostatic sensor 24B arranged at a position corresponding to the character portion R, a third electrostatic sensor 24C arranged at a position corresponding to the character portion N, and a fourth electrostatic sensor 24D arranged at a position corresponding to the character portion D.

[0040] The first electrostatic sensor 24A measures the change in electrostatic capacitance caused by the operator F approaching the text portion P. That is, the first electrostatic sensor 24A detects the operator F approaching the parking switch 22A. The second electrostatic sensor 24B measures the change in electrostatic capacitance caused by the operator F approaching the text portion R. That is, the second electrostatic sensor 24B detects the operator F approaching the reverse switch 22B. The third electrostatic sensor 24C measures the change in electrostatic capacitance caused by the operator F approaching the text portion N. That is, the third electrostatic sensor 24C detects the operator F approaching the neutral switch 22C. The fourth electrostatic sensor 24D measures the change in electrostatic capacitance caused by the operator F approaching the text portion D. That is, the fourth electrostatic sensor 24D detects the operator F approaching the forward switch 22D.

[0041] (Light output unit 26)

[0042] The light output unit 26 is arranged on the upper surface of the printed circuit board 28. The light output unit 26 can be an LED (light-emitting diode) that outputs light. The light output unit 26 is composed of a first light output unit 26A arranged at a position corresponding to the text portion P, a second light output unit 26B arranged at a position corresponding to the text portion R, a third light output unit 26C arranged at a position corresponding to the text portion N, and a fourth light output unit 26D arranged at a position corresponding to the text portion D.

[0043] When the first light output unit 26A emits light, the character portion P emits light, when the second light output unit 26B emits light, the character portion R emits light, when the third light output unit 26C emits light, the character portion N emits light, and when the fourth light output unit 26D emits light, the character portion D emits light.

[0044] [Functional structure of the shift device]

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, in the shift device 20 , the detection information of the electrostatic sensor 24 is functionally input to the control unit 30 , and the information processed by the control unit 30 is output to the light output unit 26 and the vehicle control device 40 .

[0046] The first electrostatic sensor 24A measures the change in electrostatic capacitance caused by the operator F approaching the character portion P. The measurement information of the first electrostatic sensor 24A is input to the control unit 30. The second electrostatic sensor 24B measures the change in electrostatic capacitance caused by the operator F approaching the character portion R. The measurement information of the second electrostatic sensor 24B is input to the control unit 30. The third electrostatic sensor 24C measures the change in electrostatic capacitance caused by the operator F approaching the character portion N. The measurement information of the third electrostatic sensor 24C is input to the control unit 30. The fourth electrostatic sensor 24D measures the change in electrostatic capacitance caused by the operator F approaching the character portion D. The measurement information of the fourth electrostatic sensor 24D is input to the control unit 30.

[0047] The control unit 30 includes an electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 31 , a shift position determination unit 32 , an approach determination unit 33 , a contact determination unit 34 , a light output instruction unit 35 , and a shift position instruction unit 36 ​​. The electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 31 acquires the electrostatic capacitance detected by each electrostatic sensor 24 .

[0048] The shift position determination unit 32 determines the shift position based on the electrostatic sensor 24 that detects the electrostatic capacitance. Specifically, when the first electrostatic sensor 24A detects a change in the electrostatic capacitance, the shift position determination unit 32 determines the shift position to be the parking position P. When the second electrostatic sensor 24B detects a change in the electrostatic capacitance, the shift position determination unit 32 determines the shift position to be the reverse position R. When the third electrostatic sensor 24C detects a change in the electrostatic capacitance, the shift position determination unit 32 determines the shift position to be the neutral position N. When the fourth electrostatic sensor 24D detects a change in the electrostatic capacitance, the shift position determination unit 32 determines the shift position to be the forward position D.

[0049] The approach determination unit 33 determines whether the operator F is within a predetermined distance (for example, 2 cm to 3 cm) from the shift switch 22 based on the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 31. Specifically, the approach determination unit 33 determines whether the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 31 is greater than a predetermined threshold value A.

[0050] The contact determination unit 34 determines whether the operator F has contacted the shift switch 22 based on the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 31. Specifically, the contact determination unit 34 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 31 is greater than a predetermined threshold value B.

[0051] The light output instruction unit 35 lights up any one of the first to fourth light output units 26A to 26D based on the determination result of the shift position determination unit 32 and the determination result of the proximity determination unit 33 .

[0052] Specifically, when the shift position determination unit 32 determines that the shift position is the parking position P and the approach determination unit 33 determines that the operator F approaches the shift switch 22 to a predetermined distance (for example, 2 cm to 3 cm), the light output indication unit 35 gives an output indication to the first light output unit 26A. When the shift position determination unit 32 determines that the shift position is the reverse position R and the approach determination unit 33 determines that the operator F approaches the shift switch 22 to a predetermined distance (for example, 2 cm to 3 cm), the light output indication unit 35 gives an output indication to the second light output unit 26B. When the shift position determination unit 32 determines that the shift position is the neutral position N and the approach determination unit 33 determines that the operator F approaches the shift switch 22 to a predetermined distance (for example, 2 cm to 3 cm), the light output indication unit 35 gives an output indication to the third light output unit 26C. When the shift position determination unit 32 determines that the shift position is the forward position D and the approach determination unit 33 determines that the operator F approaches the shift switch 22 to a predetermined distance (eg, 2 cm to 3 cm), the light output instruction unit 35 gives an output instruction to the fourth light output unit 26D.

[0053] The shift position instruction unit 36 ​​gives a predetermined instruction to the vehicle control device 40 based on the determination result of the shift position determination unit 32 and the determination result of the contact determination unit 34 .

[0054] Specifically, when the gear position determination unit 32 determines that the shift position is the parking position P and the contact determination unit 34 determines that the operator F has contacted the shift switch 22, the gear position indication unit 36 ​​gives the vehicle control device 40 an indication of the parking position P. When the gear position determination unit 32 determines that the shift position is the reverse gear position R and the contact determination unit 34 determines that the operator F has contacted the shift switch 22, the gear position indication unit 36 ​​gives the vehicle control device 40 an indication of the reverse gear position R. When the gear position determination unit 32 determines that the neutral gear position N and the contact determination unit 34 determines that the operator F has contacted the shift switch 22, the gear position indication unit 36 ​​gives the vehicle control device 40 an indication of the neutral gear position N. When the gear position determination unit 32 determines that the shift position is the forward gear position D and the contact determination unit 34 determines that the operator F has contacted the shift switch 22, the gear position indication unit 36 ​​gives the vehicle control device 40 an indication of the forward gear position D.

[0055] [Flow of report processing by the shift device]

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, when the notification process starts, the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 31 acquires the electrostatic capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 24 (step S101 ).

[0057] Next, the shift position determination unit 32 determines whether the shift position is the parking position P (step S102 ). If it is determined that the shift position is the parking position P (step S102 : Yes), the shift position is determined to be the parking position P (step S103 ).

[0058] Next, the proximity determination unit 33 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 31 is greater than a predetermined threshold value A (step S104). On the one hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold value A (step S104: Yes), the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold value A (step S104: No), the process returns to step S104.

[0059] When the process proceeds to step S105, the light output instruction unit 35 gives an output instruction to the first light output unit 26A. As a result, the first light output unit 26A makes the parking switch 22A clearly displayed and notifies.

[0060] Next, the contact determination unit 34 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 31 is greater than a predetermined threshold value B (step S106). On the one hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold value B (step S106: Yes), the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold value B (step S106: No), the process returns to step S106.

[0061] When the process proceeds to step S107 , the shift position instruction unit 36 ​​gives an instruction to the vehicle control device 40 to select the parking position P, and the notification process ends.

[0062] On the other hand, in step S102, when it is determined that the shift position is not the parking position P (step S102: No), the position determination unit 32 determines whether the shift position is the reverse position R (step S110). When it is determined that the shift position is the reverse position R (step S110: Yes), the shift position is determined to be the reverse position R (step S111).

[0063] Next, the proximity determination unit 33 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 31 is greater than a predetermined threshold value A (step S112). On the one hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold value A (step S112: Yes), the process proceeds to step S113. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold value A (step S112: No), the process returns to step S112.

[0064] When the process proceeds to step S113, the light output instruction unit 35 gives an output instruction to the second light output unit 26B. As a result, the second light output unit 26B makes the reverse switch 22B clearly displayed and notifies.

[0065] Next, the contact determination unit 34 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 31 is greater than a predetermined threshold value B (step S114). On the one hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold value B (step S114: Yes), the process proceeds to step S115. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold value B (step S114: No), the process returns to step S114.

[0066] When the process proceeds to step S115 , the shift position instruction unit 36 ​​gives the vehicle control device 40 an instruction to select the reverse position R, and the notification process ends.

[0067] On the other hand, in step S110, when it is determined that the shift position is not the reverse position R (step S110: No), the position determination unit 32 determines whether the shift position is the neutral position N (step S120). When it is determined that the shift position is the neutral position N (step S120: Yes), the shift position is determined to be the neutral position N (step S121).

[0068] Next, the proximity determination unit 33 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 31 is greater than a predetermined threshold value A (step S122). On the one hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold value A (step S122: Yes), the process proceeds to step S123. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold value A (step S122: No), the process returns to step S122.

[0069] When the process proceeds to step S123, the light output instruction unit 35 gives an output instruction to the third light output unit 26C. As a result, the third light output unit 26C makes the neutral switch 22C clearly displayed and notifies.

[0070] Next, the contact determination unit 34 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 31 is greater than a predetermined threshold value B (step S124). On the one hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold value B (step S124: Yes), the process proceeds to step S125. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold value B (step S124: No), the process returns to step S124.

[0071] When the process proceeds to step S125, the shift position instruction unit 36 ​​gives an instruction to the vehicle control device 40 to set the neutral position N, and the notification process ends.

[0072] On the other hand, in step S120 , when it is determined that the shift position is not the neutral position N (step S120 : NO), the position determination unit 32 determines that the shift position is the forward position D (step S131 ).

[0073] Next, the proximity determination unit 33 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 31 is greater than a predetermined threshold value A (step S132). On the one hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold value A (step S132: Yes), the process proceeds to step S133. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold value A (step S132: No), the process returns to step S132.

[0074] When the process proceeds to step S133, the light output instruction unit 35 gives an output instruction to the fourth light output unit 26D. As a result, the fourth light output unit 26D makes the forward switch 22D clearly displayed and notifies.

[0075] Next, the contact determination unit 34 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 31 is greater than a predetermined threshold value B (step S134). On the one hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold value B (step S134: Yes), the process proceeds to step S135. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold value B (step S134: No), the process returns to step S134.

[0076] When the process proceeds to step S135, the shift position instruction unit 36 ​​gives an instruction to the vehicle control device 40 to select the forward position D, and the notification process ends.

[0077] [Function of this embodiment]

[0078] The shift device 20 of the present embodiment includes: a shift switch 22 that gives an operation instruction by contact of the operator F; an electrostatic sensor 24 as a proximity detection unit that detects the approach of the operator F to the shift switch 22; and a light output unit 26 as a notification unit that notifies the operator F of the approach of the shift switch 22 based on the detection information of the electrostatic sensor 24 (see Figure 3 ).

[0079] The light output unit 26 is provided to notify the operator F of approaching the shift switch 22 based on the detection information of the electrostatic sensor 24, so that Figure 6 As shown, for example, if the driver intends to press the parking switch 22A and the operator F approaches the parking switch 22A, the operator F is notified of approaching the parking switch 22A. Therefore, the driver can recognize the shift switch 22 before pressing the shift switch 22. As a result, the erroneous operation of pressing the shift switch 22 by mistake can be suppressed.

[0080] In the shift device 20 of the present embodiment, four shift switches 22 are arranged side by side, and the light output unit 26 clearly displays and reports the shift switch 22 approached by the operator F among the four shift switches 22 (see FIG. Figure 3 ).

[0081] The light output unit 26 notifies the operator F of the four shift switches 22 by clearly displaying the shift switch 22 approached by the operator F. If the driver attempts to push the shift switch 22 to bring the operator F closer to the target shift switch 22 , the light output unit 26 notifies the operator F of the approach to the target shift switch 22 .

[0082] For example, when the operator F intends to press a position between two shift switches 22 arranged side by side, the driver can confirm in advance which shift switch 22 is to be selected. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the driver's erroneous operation of pressing the target shift switch 22 by mistake.

[0083] In the shift device 20 of the present embodiment, at least two shift switches 22 are arranged side by side on a flat surface (see Figure 3 ).

[0084] However, if a plurality of shift switches 22 are arranged side by side on a flat surface, the boundaries between the shift switches 22 become difficult to distinguish. Therefore, there is a possibility that the driver may mistakenly press a target shift switch 22 .

[0085] In the present embodiment, even if four shift switches 22 are arranged side by side on a flat surface, the driver can recognize the target shift switch 22 before pressing the shift switch 22. Therefore, it is possible to suppress erroneous operation of mistakenly pressing the target shift switch 22.

[0086] Furthermore, since there is no need to provide a member forming a boundary between the shift switches 22 , the shift device 20 can be miniaturized.

[0087] The shift device of the present disclosure has been described above based on the above-mentioned embodiment. However, the specific structure is not limited to the embodiment, and design changes are allowed as long as they do not depart from the gist of each claim within the scope of the claims.

[0088] In addition, it can also be, Fig. 7A As shown, the shift device 20 adopts a touch panel, and when the operator F approaches the parking switch 22A, for example, the character portion P is enlarged and displayed.

[0089] Furthermore, for example, when the operator F approaches the parking switch 22A, the color of the character portion P may be changed and the character portion P may be illuminated, or the light of the character portion P may be blinked.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, when the operator F approaches the parking switch 22A, the character portion P may be turned off and the other character portions (character portion R, character portion N, and character portion D) may be turned on.

[0091] Furthermore, for example, when the operator F approaches the parking switch 22A, the character portion P, the character portion R, the character portion N, and the character portion D may be illuminated.

[0092] Furthermore, all the shift switches 22 may be illuminated, and for example, when the operator F approaches the parking switch 22A, the character portion P may be kept illuminated and the other character portions (character portion R, character portion N, and character portion D) may be turned off.

[0093] Alternatively, from the power-off state in which all the shift switches 22 are turned off, for example, when the operator F approaches the parking switch 22A, the character portion P may be illuminated.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, when the operator F approaches the parking switch 22A, the character portion P may be illuminated, and a display portion (eg, an instrument panel) disposed at another location may also be illuminated in the same manner.

[0095] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the reporting unit is the light output unit 26. Figure 7B As shown in FIG. 1 , the notification unit may be a sound output unit 126 that outputs sound. In this case, for example, when the operator F approaches the parking switch 22A, the sound output unit 126 may output a sound of "P range".

[0096] In the above embodiment, the example in which the shift switch 22 is illuminated when the operator F approaches the shift switch 22 is shown. However, when the operator F approaches the shift switch 22, the shift switch 22 may be illuminated in stages so that the brightness gradually increases.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the shift switches 22 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction. However, the shift switches are not limited to this form, and may be arranged side by side in the vehicle vertical direction, or may be arranged in an L-shape, a cross shape, or a ring shape.

[0098] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the proximity detection unit is the electrostatic sensor 24. However, the proximity detection unit may be any structure capable of detecting the approach of the operator F to the shift switch, and may be, for example, a camera.

[0099] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the shift device 20 is arranged on the instrument panel 14. However, the shift device can be arranged on other components in the vehicle interior, such as the center console and the steering wheel.

[0100] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-112619 filed on July 13, 2022 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0101] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference, just as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually stated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A gear shifting device, characterized in that: have: A shift switch which gives an indication of operation due to contact by the operator's hand; a proximity detection unit that detects an operator's approach to the shift switch; and A reporting unit reports that an operator has approached the shift switch based on the detection information of the approach detection unit.

2. The shift device according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least two of the shift switches are arranged side by side, The reporting unit reports the shift switch that the operator has approached among the at least two shift switches.

3. The shifting device according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least two of the shift switches are arranged side by side on a flat surface.

4. The shifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The notification unit notifies in stages that an operator has approached the shift switch based on detection information from the approach detection unit.

5. The shifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reporting section is a light output section that outputs light.

6. The shift device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reporting unit is a sound output unit that outputs sound.

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