Vehicle operation control system

Abstract

The vehicle operation control system of the present invention includes: a joystick configured to be located in front of the driver's seat and operable by the driver, and outputting signals to a specified vehicle-mounted device by being operated; and a display unit located at a position that can be visually recognized by an occupant sitting in the driver's seat. The joystick is configured to return to a specified position if the driver removes his hand from it, and the display unit displays the status of the vehicle-mounted device operated by the joystick for a specified time only.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vehicle operation control system. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-157935 discloses a control lever for operating windshield wipers. Specifically, by tilting the control lever, the sensitivity of the wipers relative to the rain sensor can be changed. Furthermore, the control lever is configured such that if the driver removes their hand from the control lever, the lever returns to its initial position.

[0003] As described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-157935, by employing a lever that instantly returns to its initial position, the lever's position can remain constant when not in use. On the other hand, simply observing the lever's angle makes it impossible to know the current settings of the vehicle's onboard device. Furthermore, continuously displaying settings could potentially bore the driver, and there is room for improvement from the perspective of maintaining driver comfort. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to obtain a vehicle operation control system that can maintain driver comfort in a structure with a momentary operating lever.

[0005] The first technical solution provides a vehicle operation control system comprising: a joystick configured to be located in front of the driver's seat and operable by the driver, and outputting signals to a specified vehicle-mounted device by being operated; and a display unit located at a position visible to an occupant sitting in the driver's seat. The joystick is configured to return to a specified position if the driver removes his hand from it, and the display unit displays the status of the vehicle-mounted device operated by the joystick for a specified time.

[0006] In the vehicle operation control system of the first technical solution, a joystick is provided for the driver to operate, and the joystick outputs signals to designated on-board equipment when operated. Furthermore, a display unit is provided in a position that can be visually recognized by the occupant sitting in the driver's seat. Here, the joystick is configured such that if the driver removes their hand, it returns to a designated position. Therefore, the joystick can remain in the same position when not in use.

[0007] Furthermore, in the display section, the status of the vehicle-mounted equipment operated by the joystick is only displayed for a specified time. Therefore, the driver can grasp the status of the vehicle-mounted equipment by operating the joystick and then observing the display. Additionally, the status of the vehicle-mounted equipment disappears after the specified time, thus reducing boredom.

[0008] The second technical solution for vehicle operation control system is configured such that, based on the first technical solution, the aforementioned operating lever is disposed on the steering column, and the aforementioned display unit is configured to include a monitor disposed between the steering operation unit and the instrument panel.

[0009] In the vehicle operation control system of the second technical solution, the status of the on-board equipment is displayed on a monitor located between the steering control unit and the instrument panel by operating a control lever provided on the steering column. Therefore, the status of the on-board equipment can be monitored without having to take one's eyes off the control lever significantly.

[0010] The third technical solution for vehicle operation control system is configured such that, based on the second technical solution, the control lever is configured to enable the windshield wipers to operate by being operated, and information about the speed of the windshield wipers is displayed on the display unit.

[0011] In the vehicle operation control system of the third technical solution, the windshield wipers can be operated by manipulating the control lever. Furthermore, by displaying information about the wiper speed on the display unit, the driver can easily control the wiper speed.

[0012] The fourth technical solution for vehicle operation control system is configured such that, based on the third technical solution, the monitor is a touch panel type monitor, and the speed of the windshield wipers can be adjusted from the monitor.

[0013] In the vehicle operation control system of the fourth technical solution, the speed of the windshield wipers can be finely adjusted by touching the monitor after the control lever is operated.

[0014] As explained above, the vehicle operation control system according to this disclosure, in the configuration of a lever with an instantaneous operation mode, can maintain driver comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein,

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the main parts inside the passenger compartment where the vehicle operation control system according to the implementation method is applied.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the control lever in the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of the vehicle operation control system according to the implementation method.

[0019] Figure 4This is an enlarged view of the main parts of the display in the embodiment, and it is a display example showing a non-working state where the windshield wipers are not working.

[0020] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the main parts of the display in the embodiment, and it is a display example showing the working state of the windshield wiper in automatic mode. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The vehicle operation control system according to the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 This diagram shows the main parts inside the vehicle compartment where the vehicle operation control system according to the embodiment is applied. Furthermore, arrows FR, UP, and RH in the diagram represent the forward direction, upward direction, and rightward direction of the vehicle, respectively. Unless otherwise specified in the following description, the directions front-back, up-down, and left-right refer to front-back in the front-back direction, up-down in the up-down direction, and left-right in the left-right direction (width direction), respectively.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, a steering wheel 12 with a seat steering control unit that can be held by the driver is provided at the front of the passenger compartment of a vehicle that uses a vehicle operation control system 10. The steering wheel 12 has a generally annular rim portion 12A. In addition, a hub portion 12B that constitutes the central part of the steering wheel 12 is provided on the inner circumference of the rim portion 12A, and the rim portion 12A and the hub portion 12B are connected by a plurality of spoke portions 12C.

[0024] As an example in this embodiment, the rim portion 12A is formed in a circular shape, but it is not limited to this and can also be other shapes. For example, it can also be a so-called irregular steering wheel formed in a roughly U-shape or the like.

[0025] The wheel hub 12B is formed into a roughly rectangular shape with rounded corners and is connected to a steering shaft (not shown). Additionally, a driver's airbag (not shown) is housed inside the wheel hub 12B.

[0026] The spoke portion 12C is provided in two locations: between the right side of the rim portion 12A and the hub portion 12B, and between the left side of the rim portion 12A and the hub portion 12B. However, it is not limited to these locations and the spoke portion may be provided in three or more locations.

[0027] A steering column cover 14 is provided in front of the steering wheel 12. The steering column cover 14 is a resin cover that covers the steering column from the outside and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In addition, a right-side operating lever 16 and a left-side operating lever 18 are provided on the steering column cover 14. Details of the right-side operating lever 16 and the left-side operating lever 18 will be described later.

[0028] A driver's display 20, serving as a display unit, is provided above the steering column cover 14. The driver's display 20 is located between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel, in a position that allows it to be visually recognized by the occupant sitting in the driver's seat.

[0029] The driver display 20 is formed in a shape that is elongated in the width direction of the vehicle, and is configured to include a central monitor section 20A located in the center, a right monitor section 20B located to the right of the central monitor section 20A, and a left monitor section 20C located to the left of the central monitor section 20A.

[0030] The central monitor unit 20A is located in front of the driver's seat and has a central display area 22A for displaying prescribed information. The right-side monitor unit 20B is continuously disposed to the right of the central monitor unit 20A and is located behind the right-side control lever 16. Furthermore, the right-side monitor unit 20B is tilted towards the front of the vehicle as it faces the right side of the vehicle, oriented towards the driver. The right-side monitor unit 20B has a right-side display area 22B for displaying prescribed information.

[0031] The left monitor unit 20C is continuously disposed to the left of the central monitor unit 20A and is located behind the left operating lever 18. Furthermore, the left monitor unit 20C is tilted towards the front of the vehicle as it faces the left side of the vehicle, oriented towards the driver. A left display area 22C for displaying prescribed information is provided on the left monitor unit 20C.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the right-side control lever 16 in the embodiment. The right-side control lever 16 is configured to be positioned in front of the driver's seat and operable by the driver, and outputs signals to designated vehicle-mounted equipment upon operation. Figure 2 As shown, the right-side control lever 16 is configured to be operable relative to the steering column cover 14 in the forward and backward directions of the vehicle and in the up and down directions of the vehicle.

[0033] Here, in this embodiment, as an example, we will describe a configuration where the windshield wipers, which are vehicle-mounted devices, are operated by operating the right-side control lever 16. However, this is not a limitation, and the lever could also be configured to operate other vehicle-mounted devices. For example, it could also be configured to operate vehicle-mounted turn signals and headlights via the right-side control lever 16.

[0034] If the right-side operating lever 16 of this embodiment is moved forward (inward), the windshield wipers will operate only once. Furthermore, if the hand is removed from the right-side operating lever 16, it will return to a predetermined position. If the right-side operating lever 16 is moved backward (near the front), the windshield wipers will operate a predetermined number of times and spray washer fluid onto the windshield. Furthermore, if the hand is removed from the right-side operating lever 16, it will return to a predetermined position.

[0035] Moving the right-side control lever 16 upwards switches the windshield wiper mode. Similarly, moving the right-side control lever 16 downwards switches the windshield wiper mode. Furthermore, removing the hand from the right-side control lever 16 returns it to a predetermined position. Thus, the right-side control lever 16 in this embodiment is a momentary lever, without any other switches such as dial switches. Therefore, compared to levers with other types of switches, the right-side control lever 16 achieves miniaturization and weight reduction.

[0036] Furthermore, the left operating lever 18 is configured to be symmetrical to the right operating lever 16, and is thus operable relative to the steering column cover 14 in both the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle, just as the right operating lever 16 is. Moreover, the left operating lever 18 is used to operate the turn signal switch and headlights, which are onboard equipment.

[0037] For example, moving the left control lever 18 forward (inward) activates the high beam. Removing the hand from the left control lever 18 returns it to the designated position. Moving the left control lever 18 backward (near the front) activates the headlights. Removing the hand from the left control lever 18 returns it to the designated position.

[0038] If the left operating lever 18 is moved upward, the turn signal switch on the right will flash. Conversely, if the left operating lever 18 is moved downward, the turn signal switch on the left will flash. Furthermore, if the hand is removed from the left operating lever 18, it returns to the designated position. Thus, in this embodiment, the left operating lever 18 is a momentary lever, without any dial switches or other types of switches.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of the vehicle operation control system 10 according to the embodiment. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle display control system 10 of this embodiment is configured to include an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 28.

[0040] The ECU28 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 30, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 34, a communication interface 36, and a storage device 38. The components are communicatively connected to each other via an internal bus 40.

[0041] CPU 30 is the central processing unit, which executes various programs and controls various components. Specifically, CPU 30 reads programs from ROM 32 or memory 38 and uses RAM 34 as the working area to execute the programs. Furthermore, CPU 30 performs control and various arithmetic operations on the aforementioned components based on the programs recorded in ROM 32 or memory 38.

[0042] ROM32 stores various programs and data. RAM34 serves as a temporary storage area for programs or data. Storage 38, consisting of HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), is a non-temporary recording medium for storing various programs, including the operating system, and various data.

[0043] Communication interface 36 is an interface used for communicating with other devices such as terminals. This communication may use wired communication standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or FDDI, or wireless communication standards such as 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0044] The ECU 28 is electrically connected to the right-side control lever 16, the left-side control lever 18, and the driver's display 20. Additionally, the ECU 28 is electrically connected to in-vehicle equipment (not shown). When the driver operates the right-side control lever 16 or the left-side control lever 18, the ECU receives a specified signal in conjunction with the operation and sends a signal to the in-vehicle equipment based on the received signal.

[0045] In addition, the information displayed on the central monitor 20A, right monitor 20B and left monitor 20C of the driver's display 20 is switched according to the signal from the ECU 28.

[0046] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of the main parts of the right-side monitor section 20B in the embodiment, showing an example of a non-operating state where the windshield wipers are not working. Additionally, Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the main parts of the right-side monitor section 20B in the embodiment, and it is a display example showing the working state of the windshield wiper in automatic mode.

[0047] like Figure 4As shown, in the non-working state where the windshield wipers are not working, the right display area 22B of the right monitor section 20B of the driver's display 20 displays, from top to bottom, an icon 52 indicating "disabled", an icon 54 indicating "auto", an icon 56 indicating "Lo" and an icon 58 indicating "Hi".

[0048] Additionally, when the windshield wipers are not in operation, the "disabled" icon 52 has a thicker border than other icons, indicating that the wipers are off. That is, the right-side monitor 20B displays the status of the windshield wipers.

[0049] If in Figure 4 Moving the right-hand control lever 16 downwards while it is in the specified state switches the wiper mode. Specifically, it switches the wipers to automatic mode. In automatic mode, the wiper speed is adjusted based on rainfall information detected by a rain sensor (not shown) mounted on the vehicle.

[0050] At this time, the display in the right display area 22B of the right monitor unit 20B changes to Figure 5 The state. That is, as... Figure 5 As shown, the box of the "Automatic" icon 54 is thicker than the other icons, while the box of the "Disable" icon 54 becomes the same thickness as the other icons.

[0051] Additionally, icon 60 is displayed in the lower right corner of the right-side display area 22B. This icon 60 indicates that the windshield wipers are operating in automatic mode.

[0052] In this embodiment, after switching the wiper mode, icons 52, 54, 56, and 58 only display for a specified time. Additionally, icon 60 is continuously displayed while the wipers are operating in automatic mode.

[0053] If in Figure 5 Moving the right-hand control lever 16 downwards in the current state switches the wiper mode. Specifically, it switches the wipers to Lo mode. In Lo mode, the wipers operate at a constant speed regardless of the amount of rain detected by the rain sensor.

[0054] At this time, for the display in the right display area 22B of the right monitor unit 20B, the frame of the "Lo" icon 56 is displayed thicker than the other icons, and the frame of the "Auto" icon 54 becomes the same thickness as the other icons. Furthermore, icons 52, 54, 56, and 58 only display a specified time. And icon 60 is turned off.

[0055] If the right-hand control lever 16 is moved downwards while the wipers are operating in Lo mode, the wiper mode is switched. Specifically, the wipers are switched to Hi mode. In Hi mode, the wipers operate at a constant speed regardless of the amount of rain detected by the rain sensor. Additionally, the wiper speed is faster than in Lo mode.

[0056] At this time, for the display in the right-side display area 22B, the frame of the "Hi" icon 58 is displayed thicker than the other icons, while the frame of the "Lo" icon 56 becomes the same thickness as the other icons. Furthermore, icons 52, 54, 56, and 58 only display a specified time. Thus, on the right-side monitor section 20B, when the right-side control lever 16 is operated, information regarding the wiper speed is displayed only for a specified time.

[0057] Furthermore, the right-side monitor unit 20B in this embodiment is a touch panel type monitor, and for example, it is equipped with a sensor such as an electrostatic sensor. Moreover, it is configured as follows: Figure 5 As shown, when icons 52, 54, 56, and 58 are displayed, the driver can also change the wiper mode (speed) by touching other icons. For example, by... Figure 5 The driver can activate the wipers in Lo mode by touching the "Lo" icon 56.

[0058] (effect)

[0059] Next, the function of the vehicle operation control system involved in this embodiment will be explained.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle operation control system 10 according to this embodiment includes a right-side control lever 16 and a left-side control lever 18 operable by the driver. The right-side control lever 16 outputs a signal to the windshield wipers, which are designated vehicle-mounted devices, when operated. Furthermore, a driver's display 20 is provided at a position visible to the occupant sitting in the driver's seat. Here, the right-side control lever 16 and the left-side control lever 18 are configured such that if the driver removes their hand, they return to a designated position. Therefore, when not in operation, the right-side control lever 16 and the left-side control lever 18 can always remain in the same position.

[0061] In addition, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in the right display area 22B of the right monitor section 20B of the driver's display 20, the status of the windshield wipers operated by the right control lever 16 is displayed for a predetermined time. Therefore, the driver can monitor the status of the windshield wipers by observing the right monitor section 20B while operating the right control lever 16. Furthermore, the status of the vehicle's equipment disappears after the predetermined time, thus reducing boredom. In other words, the structure with a momentary control lever maintains driver comfort.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, by operating the right-side control lever 16 located on the steering column cover 14, the status of the windshield wipers is displayed on the driver's display 20, which is positioned between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel. Therefore, the status of the windshield wipers can be monitored without significantly shifting the view away from the right-side control lever 16. In particular, in this embodiment, a right-side monitor unit 20B is located behind the right-side control lever 16, allowing operation of the right-side control lever 16 and confirmation of the windshield wiper status with almost no shifting of the view.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by displaying information about the speed of the windshield wipers in the right display area 22B of the right monitor unit 20B, the driver can easily control the speed of the windshield wipers.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, after the driver operates the right-side control lever 16, the speed of the windshield wipers can be finely adjusted by touching the right-side monitor unit 20B.

[0065] The vehicle operation control system disclosed herein has been described above. However, it is of course possible to implement it with various technical solutions without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. For example, in this embodiment, the windshield wipers are activated by operating the right-side operating lever 16, and the turn signal switch and headlights are activated by operating the left-side operating lever 18. However, it is not limited to this and the reverse is also possible.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the status of the windshield wipers is configured to be displayed in the right display area 22B of the right-side monitor unit 20B, but it is not limited to this and can also be displayed in other display areas. For example, the status of the windshield wipers can also be displayed in the central display area 22A of the central monitor unit 20A. Moreover, the status of the windshield wipers can also be displayed in the display area of ​​a central display provided on the dashboard or the head-up display projected onto the windshield.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the right-side monitor unit 20B is a touch panel, but it is not limited to this. For example, a push-button switch may be provided on the outer edge of the right-side monitor unit 20B.

[0068] Regarding the above-described embodiments, the following notes are disclosed.

[0069] (Note 1)

[0070] A vehicle operation control system, wherein,

[0071] The above-mentioned vehicle operation control system has the following features:

[0072] The control lever is configured to be positioned in front of the driver's seat and operable by the driver, and to output signals to designated onboard equipment upon operation; and

[0073] The display unit is positioned in a location that allows it to be visually recognized by the occupant sitting in the driver's seat.

[0074] The aforementioned control lever is configured such that if the driver removes their hand, it returns to the designated position.

[0075] In the aforementioned display section, the status of the vehicle-mounted equipment operated by the aforementioned joystick is only displayed for a specified time.

[0076] (Note 2)

[0077] According to the vehicle operation control system described in Appendix 1, among which,

[0078] The aforementioned control lever is located on the steering column.

[0079] The aforementioned display unit is configured to include a monitor disposed between the steering control unit and the instrument panel.

[0080] (Note 3)

[0081] According to the vehicle operation control system described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein,

[0082] The aforementioned control lever is configured to enable the windshield wipers to operate when operated.

[0083] The aforementioned display shows information about the speed of the aforementioned windshield wipers.

[0084] (Note 4)

[0085] According to the vehicle operation control system described in Appendix 3, among which...

[0086] The monitor mentioned above is a touch panel monitor.

[0087] The speed of the windshield wipers can be adjusted from the monitor.

Claims

1. A vehicle operation control system, wherein, The vehicle operation control system has the following features: The control lever is configured to be positioned in front of the driver's seat and operable by the driver, and to output signals to designated onboard equipment upon operation; and The display unit is positioned in a location that allows it to be visually recognized by the occupant sitting in the driver's seat. The control lever is configured such that if the driver removes their hand, it returns to a predetermined position. On the display unit, the status of the vehicle-mounted device operated by the joystick is displayed only for a specified time.

2. The vehicle operation control system according to claim 1, wherein, The control lever is mounted on the steering column. The display unit is configured to include a monitor disposed between the steering control unit and the instrument panel.

3. The vehicle operation control system according to claim 2, wherein, The control lever is configured to enable the windshield wipers to operate when operated. The display shows information about the speed of the windshield wipers.

4. The vehicle operation control system according to claim 3, wherein, The monitor is a touch panel monitor. The speed of the windshield wipers can be adjusted from the monitor.

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