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); and an icon (32) as a notification unit that, when the operation of the shift switch (22) is prohibited due to a predetermined lack of the vehicle state, notifies the lack of the vehicle state before the operator touches the shift switch.

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 make the driving operation safe. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a shifting device capable of making driving operation safe.

[0006] The first mode of the shifting device disclosed herein comprises: a shift switch which gives an operation instruction due to contact by an operator; and a reporting unit which reports the insufficient vehicle state before the operator touches the shift switch when operation of the shift switch is prohibited due to insufficient predetermined vehicle state.

[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 and further includes an approach detection unit for detecting an approach of an operator to the shift switch, wherein the notification unit performs notification based on detection information of the approach detection unit.

[0008] A shift device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the shift device according to the first aspect or the second aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the predetermined vehicle state is a brake operation state.

[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 predetermined vehicle state is a state related to a vehicle speed.

[0010] A shift device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the shift device according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the notification unit is an icon indicating the predetermined vehicle state.

[0011] A shift device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the shift device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the icon and the shift switch are arranged side by side.

[0012] With respect to the shift device of the 7th aspect of the present disclosure, on the basis of the shift device of any one of the 1st aspect to the 6th aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second reporting unit, which reports the prohibited shift switch before the operator touches the shift switch when the operation of the shift switch is prohibited due to insufficient predetermined vehicle state.

[0013] In the shift device of the first aspect of the present disclosure, when the operation of the shift switch is prohibited due to the insufficiency of the predetermined vehicle state, the insufficiency of the vehicle state is reported before the operator touches the shift switch, thereby reporting that the operation of the shift switch is prohibited due to the insufficiency of the predetermined vehicle state. Therefore, the driver can know the insufficiency of the vehicle state before the operator touches the shift switch. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without confusion. Therefore, the driving operation can be made safe.

[0014] In the shift device of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the reporting unit reports based on the detection information of the proximity detection unit, and reports when the operator approaches the shift switch. Therefore, the predetermined vehicle state that is insufficient can be known before the shift switch is about to be selected. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without confusion.

[0015] In the shifting device of the third aspect of the present disclosure, insufficient brake operation is reported by making the predetermined vehicle state adopt the brake operation state. Therefore, the driver can know that the brake operation is insufficient before the operator touches the shift switch. As a result, the driver can perform the shifting operation without confusion.

[0016] In the shifting device of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined vehicle state is made to be a state related to the vehicle speed to report whether the vehicle speed is slow or fast. Therefore, the driver can know whether the vehicle speed is slow or fast before the operator touches the shift switch. As a result, the driver can perform the shifting operation without confusion.

[0017] In the shifting device of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the reporting unit uses an icon representing a predetermined vehicle state, thereby reporting the insufficient vehicle state through the icon. Therefore, the driver can recognize the insufficient vehicle state by observing the reported icon. As a result, the driver can perform the shifting operation without confusion.

[0018] In the shift device of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the icon is arranged side by side with the shift switch, so that the insufficient vehicle state is reported by the icon around the shift switch. As a result, the icon becomes easy to confirm when the driver operates the shift switch. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without confusion.

[0019] In the shift device of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, when the operation of the shift switch is prohibited due to the lack of a predetermined vehicle state, the prohibited shift switch is reported before the operator touches the shift switch, thereby reporting the prohibited shift switch before selecting the shift switch. Therefore, the driver can know the prohibited shift switch before selecting the shift switch. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without confusion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing an instrument panel on which the shift device according to the first embodiment is provided, as viewed from the vehicle interior in front of the vehicle.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the shift device according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the shift device according to the first embodiment, and shows Figure 2 AA section of the.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the shift device according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the flow of the reporting process of the shift device according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing a state in which an operator approaches a reverse switch of the shift device according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the flow of the reporting process of the shift device according to the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a state in which an operator approaches a reverse switch of the shift device according to the second embodiment.

[0028] Fig.9A It is a perspective view showing a state in which an operator approaches a reverse switch of a shift device according to another embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 9B It is a perspective view showing a state in which an operator approaches a reverse switch of a shift device according to another embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 10A It is a perspective view showing a state in which an operator approaches a reverse switch of a shift device according to another embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 10BIt is a perspective view showing a state in which an operator approaches a reverse switch of a shift device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] [First embodiment]

[0033] Hereinafter, a shift device 20 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] [Vehicle structure]

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 10 according to the first embodiment is provided with a brake pedal 18 , an accelerator pedal 19 , a brake operation detector 34 provided at the brake pedal 18 , and a vehicle speed detector 36 provided at the wheel 15 .

[0037] The brake operation detection unit 34 detects a brake operation. The brake operation detection unit 34 can adopt a stroke sensor provided on the brake pedal 18. The vehicle speed detection unit 36 ​​detects the speed of the vehicle 10.

[0038] [Structure of the shift device]

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the shift device 20 according to the first embodiment is disposed on an 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 a garnish 16 extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0040] like Figure 2 As 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.

[0041] 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 , and a case 29 .

[0042] (Upper housing 21)

[0043] 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.

[0044] The character portion P constitutes the parking switch 22A, the character portion R constitutes the reverse switch 22B, the character portion C constitutes the neutral switch 22C, and the character portion D constitutes the forward switch 22D.

[0045] In addition, icons 32 indicating predetermined vehicle states are formed on a top plate 21A constituting a design surface of the upper housing 21. The icons 32 are arranged so as to be aligned on the other end side in the longitudinal direction D of the shift switch 22.

[0046] The icons 32 include a first icon 32A and a second icon 32B.

[0047] The first icon 32A indicates a brake operation state. The second icon 32B indicates a state related to the vehicle speed. The second icon 32B may indicate, for example, that the vehicle speed is high. Alternatively, the second icon 32B may indicate that the vehicle speed is low, or both high and low.

[0048] The parking switch 22A, the reverse switch 22B, the neutral switch 22C, the forward switch 22D, the first icon 32A, and the second icon 32B are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction D on the flat surface.

[0049] The upper shell 21 is transparently formed with a text portion P, a text portion R, a text portion N, a text portion D, a first icon 32A, and a second icon 32B. 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, the text portion D, the first icon 32A, and the second icon 32B. 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, the text portion D, the first icon 32A, and the second icon 32B is attached.

[0050] (Box 29 and Printed Circuit Board 28)

[0051] 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 .

[0052] (Electrostatic sensor 24)

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] (Light output unit 26)

[0056] 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. In addition, the light output unit 26 is composed of a fifth light output unit 26E arranged at a position corresponding to the first icon 32A, and a sixth light output unit 26F arranged at a position corresponding to the second icon 32B.

[0057] When the first light output unit 26A is lit, the character portion P is lit, when the second light output unit 26B is lit, the character portion R is lit, when the third light output unit 26C is lit, the character portion N is lit, and when the fourth light output unit 26D is lit, the character portion D is lit. Furthermore, when the fifth light output unit 26A is lit, the first icon 32A is lit, and when the sixth light output unit 26B is lit, the second icon 32B is lit.

[0058] The fifth light output unit 26E, the sixth light output unit 26F, and the icon 32 emitted by them constitute a notification unit. The first light output unit 26A to the fourth light output unit 26D constitute a second notification unit.

[0059] [Functional structure of the shift device]

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, in the shift device 20, functionally, the detection information of the electrostatic sensor 24, the detection information of the brake operation detection unit 34, and the detection information of the vehicle speed detection unit 36 ​​are input to the control unit 40, and the information processed by the control unit 40 is output to the light output unit 26 and the vehicle control device 50.

[0061] 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 40. 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 40. 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 40. 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 40.

[0062] The brake operation detection unit 34 detects a brake operation. Detection information of the brake operation detection unit 34 is input to the control unit 40. The vehicle speed detection unit 36 ​​detects the speed of the vehicle 10. Detection information of the vehicle speed detection unit 36 ​​is input to the control unit 40.

[0063] The control unit 40 includes an electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 41 , a shift position determination unit 42 , an approach determination unit 43 , a contact determination unit 44 , a vehicle speed determination unit 45 , a brake determination unit 46 , a light output instruction unit 47 , and a shift position instruction unit 48 .

[0064] The electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 41 acquires the electrostatic capacitance detected by each electrostatic sensor 24 .

[0065] The shift position determination unit 42 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 42 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 42 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 42 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 42 determines the shift position to be the forward position D.

[0066] The approach determination unit 43 determines whether the operator F is within a predetermined distance (for example, 2 to 3 cm) from the shift switch 22 based on the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 41. Specifically, the approach determination unit 43 determines whether the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold value A.

[0067] The contact determination unit 44 determines whether the operator F has contacted the shift switch 22 based on the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 41. Specifically, the contact determination unit 44 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold value B.

[0068] The vehicle speed determination unit 45 determines whether the speed of the vehicle 10 is slower than a predetermined speed C.

[0069] The brake determination unit 46 determines whether a brake operation has been performed based on the detection information of the brake operation detection unit 34 .

[0070] The light output instruction unit 47 lights up or flashes any one of the first to fourth light output units 26A to 26D based on the determination result of the shift position determination unit 42 and the determination result of the proximity determination unit 43 .

[0071] Specifically, when the shift position determination unit 42 determines that the shift position is the parking position P and the approach determination unit 43 determines that the operator F approaches the shift switch 22 to a predetermined distance (for example, 2 to 3 cm), the light output instruction unit 47 gives an output instruction to the first light output unit 26A. When the shift position determination unit 42 determines that the shift position is the reverse position R and the approach determination unit 43 determines that the operator F approaches the shift switch 22 to a predetermined distance (for example, 2 to 3 cm), the light output instruction unit 47 gives an output instruction to the second light output unit 26B. When the shift position determination unit 42 determines that the shift position is the neutral position N and the approach determination unit 43 determines that the operator F approaches the shift switch 22 to a predetermined distance (for example, 2 to 3 cm), the light output instruction unit 47 gives an output instruction to the third light output unit 26C. When the shift position determination unit 42 determines that the shift position is the forward position D and the approach determination unit 43 determines that the operator F approaches the shift switch 22 to a predetermined distance (eg, 2 to 3 cm), the light output instruction unit 47 gives an output instruction to the fourth light output unit 26D.

[0072] Furthermore, the light output instruction unit 47 lights up the fifth light output unit 26E or the sixth light output unit 26F based on the determination result of the shift position determination unit 42 , the determination result of the vehicle speed determination unit 45 , or the determination result of the brake determination unit 46 .

[0073] The shift position instruction unit 48 gives a predetermined instruction to the vehicle control device 50 based on the determination result of the shift position determination unit 42 and the determination result of the contact determination unit 44 .

[0074] Specifically, when the gear position determination unit 42 determines that the shift position is the parking position P and the contact determination unit 44 determines that the operator F has contacted the shift switch 22, the gear position indication unit 48 gives the vehicle control device 50 an indication of the parking position P. When the gear position determination unit 42 determines that the shift position is the reverse gear position R and the contact determination unit 44 determines that the operator F has contacted the shift switch 22, the gear position indication unit 48 gives the vehicle control device 50 an indication of the reverse gear position R. When the gear position determination unit 42 determines that the neutral gear position N and the contact determination unit 44 determines that the operator F has contacted the shift switch 22, the gear position indication unit 48 gives the vehicle control device 50 an indication of the neutral gear position N. When the gear position determination unit 42 determines that the shift position is the forward gear position D and the contact determination unit 44 determines that the operator F has contacted the shift switch 22, the gear position indication unit 48 gives the vehicle control device 50 an indication of the forward gear position D.

[0075] [Flow of report processing by the shift device]

[0076] Hereinafter, as an example of the notification process of the shift device 20 , a case where the operator F selects the reverse range R when the shift range is in the parking range P will be described.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the notification process starts, the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 41 acquires the electrostatic capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 24 (step S101 ).

[0078] Next, the shift position determination unit 42 determines the shift position based on the electrostatic sensor 24 that detects the electrostatic capacitance (step S102 ).

[0079] Next, the brake determination unit 46 determines whether a brake operation has been performed based on the detection information of the brake operation detection unit 34 (step S103). On the one hand, if it is determined that a brake operation has been performed (step S103: Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that a brake operation has not been performed (step S103: No), the process proceeds to step S108.

[0080] If the process proceeds to step S104, the proximity determination unit 43 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 41 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.

[0081] When the process proceeds to step S105, the light output instruction unit 47 gives the second light output unit 26A an output instruction to light up. As a result, the first light output unit 26A makes the reverse switch 22B clearly displayed and notifies (see Figure 6 ).

[0082] Next, the contact determination unit 44 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 41 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.

[0083] When the process proceeds to step S107 , the shift position instruction unit 48 gives the vehicle control device 50 an instruction for the reverse position R, and the notification process ends.

[0084] On the other hand, if the process proceeds to step S108, the proximity determination unit 43 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold value A (step S108). On the one hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold value A (step S108: Yes), the process proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold value A (step S108: No), the process returns to step S108.

[0085] When the process proceeds to step S109, the light output indicator 47 gives a flashing output indicator to the second light output unit 26A. That is, when the operation of the reverse switch 22B is prohibited due to insufficient brake operation, the light output indicator 47 reports that the reverse switch 22B is prohibited from being operated before the operator F touches the reverse switch 22B (see FIG. 104 ). Figure 6 ).

[0086] Next, the light output instruction unit 47 gives an output instruction to light up the fifth light output unit 26E (step S110). As a result, the first icon 32A emits light (see Figure 6 That is, when the operation of the reverse switch 22B is prohibited due to insufficient brake operation, the light output indicator 47 reports the insufficient brake operation before the operator F touches the reverse switch 22B (see Figure 6 ).

[0087] Next, the contact determination unit 44 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold value B (step S111). On the one hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold value B (step S111: Yes), the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold value B (step S111: No), the process returns to step S111.

[0088] When the process proceeds to step S112 , the shift position instruction unit 48 does not give the instruction of the reverse position R to the vehicle control device 50 , and the notification process ends.

[0089] [Function of the first embodiment]

[0090] The shift device 20 of the first embodiment includes: a shift switch 22 that gives an operation instruction by contact of an operator F; and an icon 32 as a reporting unit that reports the brake operation as a predetermined vehicle state that is insufficient before the operator F contacts the shift switch 22 when the operation of the shift switch 22 is prohibited due to insufficient brake operation (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 6 ).

[0091] However, in a lever-type shift device, inoperability can be recognized by a shift lock, etc. On the other hand, in the case of a touch-type shift switch, it may be difficult for the driver to understand that the shift switch cannot be operated due to a predetermined vehicle state deficiency.

[0092] In the first embodiment, when the operation of the shift switch 22 is prohibited due to insufficient brake operation, the prohibition of the operation of the shift switch 22 due to insufficient brake operation is reported by reporting the insufficient brake operation before the operator F touches the shift switch 22. Therefore, the driver can know the insufficient brake operation before the operator F touches the shift switch 22. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without confusion. Therefore, the driving operation can be made safe.

[0093] In the shift device 20 of the first embodiment, an electrostatic sensor 24 is provided as a proximity detection unit for detecting the approach of the operator F to the shift switch 22, and the icon 32 is reported based on the detection information of the electrostatic sensor 24 (see Figure 3 ).

[0094] The icon 32 notifies based on the detection information of the electrostatic sensor 24, thereby notifying when the operator F approaches the shift switch 22. Therefore, insufficient brake operation can be known immediately before selecting the shift switch 22. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without confusion.

[0095] In the shift device 20 of the first embodiment, the icon 32 is arranged in parallel with the shift switch 22 (see Figure 6 ).

[0096] The icon 32 is arranged side by side with the shift switch 22, so that insufficient brake operation is reported by the icon 32 around the shift switch 22. As a result, the icon 32 becomes easy to confirm when the driver operates the shift switch 22. Therefore, the driver can perform the shift operation without confusion.

[0097] In the first embodiment, the shift device 20 includes the first light output unit 26A to the fourth light output unit 26D as the second reporting unit. When the operation of the shift switch 22 is prohibited due to insufficient brake operation, the first light output unit 26A to the fourth light output unit 26D as the second reporting unit report the prohibited shift switch 22 before the operator F touches the shift switch 22 (see Figure 6 ).

[0098] In the case where the operation of the shift switch 22 is prohibited due to insufficient brake operation, the prohibited shift switch 22 is notified before the operator F touches the shift switch 22, thereby notifying the prohibited shift switch 22 before selecting the shift switch 22. Therefore, the driver can know the prohibited shift switch 22 before selecting the shift switch 22. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without confusion.

[0099] [Second embodiment]

[0100] The shift device of the second embodiment is different from the shift device of the first embodiment in that the insufficient vehicle state is different.

[0101] Hereinafter, the configuration of the shift device according to the second embodiment will be described. In addition, the same terms or reference numerals will be used for the description of the same or equivalent parts as those described in the first embodiment.

[0102] [Flow of report processing by the shift device]

[0103] Hereinafter, as an example of the notification process of the shift device 20 , a case where the operator F selects the reverse range R when the shift range is in the parking range P will be described.

[0104] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 2 , when the notification process starts, the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 41 acquires the electrostatic capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 24 (step S201 ).

[0105] Next, the shift position determination unit 42 determines the shift position based on the electrostatic sensor 24 that detects the electrostatic capacitance (step S202 ).

[0106] Next, the vehicle speed determination unit 45 determines whether the speed of the vehicle 10 is slower than the predetermined speed C (step S203). On the one hand, if it is determined that the speed of the vehicle 10 is slower than the predetermined speed C (step S203: Yes), the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if it is determined that the speed of the vehicle 10 is faster than the predetermined speed C (step S203: No), the process proceeds to step S208.

[0107] If the process proceeds to step S204, the proximity determination unit 43 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold value A (step S204). On the one hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold value A (step S204: Yes), the process proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold value A (step S204: No), the process returns to step S204.

[0108] When the process proceeds to step S205, the light output instruction unit 47 gives the second light output unit 26A an output instruction to light up. As a result, the first light output unit 26A makes the reverse switch 22B clearly displayed and notifies (see Figure 8 ).

[0109] Next, the contact determination unit 44 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold value B (step S206). On the one hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold value B (step S206: Yes), the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold value B (step S206: No), the process returns to step S206.

[0110] When the process proceeds to step S207 , the shift position instruction unit 48 gives the vehicle control device 50 an instruction for the reverse position R, and the notification process ends.

[0111] On the other hand, if the process proceeds to step S208, the proximity determination unit 43 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold value A (step S208). On the one hand, if the electrostatic capacitance is determined to be greater than the predetermined threshold value A (step S208: Yes), the process proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, if the electrostatic capacitance is determined to be less than the predetermined threshold value A (step S208: No), the process returns to step S208.

[0112] When the process proceeds to step S209, the light output indicator 47 gives a flashing output indicator to the second light output unit 26A. That is, when the operation of the reverse switch 22B is prohibited due to the high vehicle speed, the light output indicator 47 reports that the reverse switch 22B is prohibited from being operated before the operator F touches the reverse switch 22B (see FIG. 21 ). Figure 8 ).

[0113] Next, the light output instruction unit 47 gives the sixth light output unit 26F an output instruction to light up (step S210). As a result, the second icon 32B emits light (see Figure 8 That is, when the operation of the reverse switch 22B is prohibited due to the high vehicle speed, the light output indicator 47 reports that the vehicle speed is high before the operator F touches the reverse switch 22B (see Figure 8 ).

[0114] Next, the contact determination unit 44 determines whether the electrostatic capacitance acquired by the electrostatic capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold value B (step S211). If it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold value B (step S211: Yes), the process proceeds to step S212. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrostatic capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold value B (step S211: No), the process returns to step S211.

[0115] When the process proceeds to step S212, the shift position instruction unit 48 does not give the vehicle control device 50 an instruction to set the reverse position R, and ends the notification process.

[0116] [Function of the Second Embodiment]

[0117] In the shift device 20 of the second embodiment, the predetermined vehicle state that is insufficient is a state related to the vehicle speed (see Figure 8 ).

[0118] By making the insufficient predetermined vehicle state adopt a state related to the vehicle speed, whether the vehicle speed is slow or fast is reported. Therefore, the driver can know whether the vehicle speed is slow or fast before the operator F touches the shift switch 22. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without confusion.

[0119] In addition, other structures and effects are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] The shift device of the present disclosure has been described above based on the first and second embodiments. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design changes are permitted without departing from the gist of each claim.

[0121] In the first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which when the operator F approaches the shift switch 22 whose operation is prohibited, the shift switch 22 approached by the operator F flashes. Fig.9A As shown, when the operator F approaches the shift switch 22 whose operation is prohibited (for example, the reverse switch 22B), the currently selected shift switch 22 (for example, the parking switch 22A) is lit.

[0122] In addition, it can also be, Fig. 9B As shown, when the operator F approaches the shift switch 22 (for example, the reverse switch 22B) whose operation is prohibited, the indicator 52 indicating the shift switch 22 (for example, the parking switch 22A) to which the operator F approaches is illuminated.

[0123] In addition, it can also be, Fig. 10A As shown, the shift device 20 uses a touch panel, and when the operator F approaches the shift switch 22 (for example, the reverse switch 22B) whose operation is prohibited, the shift switch 22 (for example, the parking switch 22A) approached by the operator F is displayed in an enlarged manner.

[0124] Alternatively, the shift device 20 may be a touch panel, and when the operator F approaches a shift switch 22 whose operation is prohibited (e.g., the reverse switch 22B), the color of the shift switch 22 approached by the operator F (e.g., the parking switch 22A) may be changed and illuminated.

[0125] Alternatively, the shift device 20 may employ a touch panel, and when the operator F approaches a shift switch 22 (for example, the reverse switch 22B) whose operation is prohibited, all the shift switches 22 may be flashed or lit.

[0126] In the first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which the notification unit is an icon 32 indicating a predetermined vehicle state. Fig. 10B As shown, the notification unit can also be a sound output unit 126 that outputs sound. In this case, for example, when the operation of the reverse switch 22B is prohibited due to insufficient brake operation, when the operator F approaches the reverse switch 22B whose operation is prohibited, the sound output unit 126 can also output a sound of "Please step on the brake".

[0127] In the first and second embodiments, an example is shown in which the insufficient vehicle state is reported when the operator F approaches the shift switch 22 when the operation of the shift switch 22 is prohibited due to the insufficient predetermined vehicle state. However, the insufficient vehicle state may be reported after the operator F touches the shift switch 22. In addition, the icon may be lit regardless of the shift operation, for example, when the brake operation is not performed, when the vehicle speed is slow or fast.

[0128] In the first embodiment, the example in which the operation of the reverse switch 22B is prohibited when the brake operation is not performed is shown. However, the operation of the neutral switch 22C and the forward switch 22D may be prohibited when the brake operation is not performed.

[0129] In the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the operation of the reverse switch 22B is prohibited when the speed of the vehicle 10 is faster than the predetermined speed C. However, the operation of the parking switch 22A may be prohibited when the speed of the vehicle 10 is faster than the predetermined speed C. Furthermore, when the speed of the vehicle 10 is slower than the predetermined speed C, the operation of the manual switch (M switch) may be prohibited.

[0130] In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the predetermined vehicle state is a state related to the brake operation state or the vehicle speed. However, the predetermined vehicle state is not limited to this form.

[0131] In the first and second embodiments, the shift switch 22 and the icon 32 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction. However, the shift switch 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. In addition, the icon may be provided in another place (e.g., an instrument panel) different from the shift switch 22.

[0132] In the first and second embodiments, 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 22, and may be, for example, a camera.

[0133] 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.

[0134] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-112620 filed on July 13, 2022 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0135] 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 that provides an indication of operation due to contact by an operator's hand; and A reporting unit reports the insufficient vehicle state before an operator touches the shift switch when the operation of the shift switch is prohibited due to insufficient predetermined vehicle state.

2. The shift device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A proximity detection unit is provided for detecting the approach of an operator to the shift switch. The reporting unit makes a report based on the detection information of the proximity detection unit.

3. The shifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The predetermined vehicle state is a brake operation state.

4. The shifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The predetermined vehicle state is a state related to vehicle speed.

5. The shifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The notification unit is an icon indicating the predetermined vehicle state.

6. The shift device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The icon is arranged side by side with the shift switch.

7. The shift device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second reporting unit is provided for reporting that the shift switch is prohibited before an operator touches the shift switch when the operation of the shift switch is prohibited due to a predetermined insufficient vehicle state.

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