Vehicle device operation device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle device operation device which enables downsizing and achieves excellent operability.SOLUTION: A vehicle device operation device 5 used for operating a device of a vehicle 1 includes an operation panel 53 which recognizes operation input made by contact of a finger tip of a user and transmits information of the operation input to a door 3, which is operation object device E1 to be operated, to operate window glass 33 of the door 3. The operation panel 53 is provided at a front end part 38c of an arm rest 38 provided at the door 3 of the vehicle 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle equipment operating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, operating devices for operating various equipment such as vehicle window glass, seats, and air conditioners have been known that include a printed circuit board with electronic components mounted thereon, contacts, etc. (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The vehicle equipment operating device described in Patent Document 1 is a device used to open and close the vehicle's window glass, sunroof, etc., and includes a plurality of switch groups such as a passenger seat switch section, a rear seat right switch section, a rear seat left switch section, a power window operating section, etc. According to Patent Document 1, the window glass and sunroof can be opened and closed by operating the switches.

[0004] In recent years, vehicle equipment has become more and more diverse in order to meet the needs of users for vehicle comfort, etc. For this reason, many vehicle equipment operating devices for operating various vehicle equipment are installed in various locations in the vehicle cabin, and many switches are provided. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3384003 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the conventional technology, since the switch is of a contact type, it is necessary to add a safety function to prevent malfunctions due to water intrusion, overcurrent, etc. This has led to a tendency for the vehicle equipment operating device to become larger.

[0007] In addition, a vehicle equipment operation device and a switch are required for each piece of equipment, but the installation positions of the vehicle equipment operation device and the switch differ for each piece of equipment. This requires the user to recognize the installation positions of the vehicle equipment operation device and the switch for each piece of equipment, and therefore there remains a problem in terms of improving the operability of the vehicle equipment operation device.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle equipment operating device that can be made compact and has excellent operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the vehicle equipment operating device of the present invention is a vehicle equipment operating device for operating equipment of a vehicle, and is provided with an operation panel that recognizes operation inputs made by contact with an operating object and transmits information of the operation input to the operated equipment to operate the operated equipment, and is characterized in that the operation panel is provided forward of the middle portion in the fore-and-aft direction of an armrest provided on the door of the vehicle.

[0010] According to the present invention, since the operation panel recognizes the operation input by the touch of the operation object and transmits the information of the operation input to the operated equipment to operate the operated equipment, the vehicle equipment operation device of the prior art does not require a contact type switch and a safety function to prevent the contact failure due to water intrusion, overcurrent, etc. Therefore, the vehicle equipment operation device can be made smaller and thinner than the prior art. In addition, for example, the user can operate the operated equipment by touching the operation panel with a fingertip or the like, so that the operated equipment can be operated with a simple operation, thereby improving the operability of the vehicle equipment operating device. In addition, since the operation panel is provided forward of the middle part in the fore-and-aft direction of the armrest provided on the vehicle door, for example, the user can easily input operations to the operation panel to operate the equipment to be operated by moving only the fingertips while resting his / her elbow on the armrest. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle equipment operating device that can be made compact and has excellent operability.

[0011] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that it is possible to operate a plurality of the operated devices.

[0012] In the conventional technology, it is necessary to provide a plurality of vehicle equipment operation devices corresponding to a plurality of operated equipment, and therefore it is necessary to secure space for installing the plurality of vehicle equipment operation devices in the vehicle cabin. In contrast, according to the present invention, it is possible to operate a plurality of operated equipment such as the vehicle's window glass, seats, air conditioner, sun visor, door mirror, navigation system, etc., with a single operation panel, so that it is possible to save the installation space for the vehicle equipment operation device and to provide a vehicle equipment operation device with excellent operability.

[0013] The operation panel further has an image display unit which displays information about the operated equipment and is capable of operating a plurality of the operated equipment, and is characterized in that, by performing a predetermined operation input on the operation panel, the image display unit switches between displaying information about one of the operated equipment and information about another of the operated equipment among the plurality of pieces of information about the operated equipment.

[0014] In the conventional technology, it was difficult to visually grasp the correspondence between the operated equipment and the vehicle equipment operating device when operating the vehicle equipment operating device. In contrast, according to the present invention, information on the operated equipment among the multiple equipment of the vehicle is displayed to the user, so that the user can visually grasp the equipment to be operated and operate it without making a mistake. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the operated equipment. In addition, in the conventional technology, a plurality of vehicle equipment operation devices are provided corresponding to a plurality of operated equipment, and the installation positions of each vehicle equipment operation device are different, so that it may be cumbersome to switch and operate different operated equipment. In contrast, according to the present invention, by performing a predetermined operation input on the operation panel, information on one operated equipment and information on another operated equipment are switched and displayed among information on a plurality of operated equipment, so that the operated equipment can be switched by a simple operation. For this reason, for example, by an operation input method such as a so-called flick, in which the user touches the operation panel with a fingertip and then moves the operation panel at high speed in a predetermined direction on the operation panel, the information on one operated equipment and information on the other operated equipment can be switched and displayed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle equipment operation device that is excellent in operability and can easily switch the operated equipment.

[0015] The vehicle door is further characterized in that an interior member is provided on the interior side of the vehicle compartment, and a recess that is recessed toward the outside of the vehicle compartment is formed in a portion of the interior member corresponding to the operation panel.

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the operation object from interfering with the interior member of the vehicle door when the operation panel is operated, and therefore it is possible to provide a vehicle equipment operation device with excellent operability.

[0017] The operation panel is operated by a user's fingers as the operation object, and a placement portion on which the user's palm can be placed is provided behind the operation panel.

[0018] According to the present invention, since the placement portion on which the user's palm can be placed is provided, the user can operate the operation panel by moving only the fingertips while placing the palm on the placement portion, thereby providing a vehicle equipment operation device with excellent operability.

[0019] The operation panel is characterized in that it is provided so as to face upward and is formed so that its width in the left-right direction becomes wider from the rear to the front.

[0020] According to the present invention, the operation object can be moved over a wider range in the front part of the operation panel. Therefore, for example, when the operation object is a user's finger, it is suitable for operating the operation panel by moving only the fingertip with the palm placed behind the operation panel.

[0021] The operation panel is disposed so as to face upward, and is curved such that the front end portion thereof curves upward.

[0022] According to the present invention, for example, when the operation object is a user's finger, the user can operate the operation panel by touching the tip of the finger to the front end of the curved operation panel and moving only the tip of the finger. Therefore, the vehicle-equipped operation device can be made easy to operate.

[0023] The operation panel is provided at the front end of the armrest so as to face rearward.

[0024] The present invention is suitable for the case where the operation panel is operated by contacting the operation object with the operation panel from behind.

[0025] The operation panel is a touch panel display of a multi-function portable information terminal, and the multi-function portable information terminal functions as the operation panel by downloading dedicated application software.

[0026] Providing a dedicated touch panel display as a vehicle equipment operation device may be costly. In contrast, according to the present invention, a multifunction portable information terminal owned by a user can function as a touch panel display, thereby reducing the cost of the vehicle equipment operation device. In addition, by using a multifunction portable information terminal that has been registered in advance, for example by registering the ID of the multifunction portable information terminal on the vehicle side, the equipment to be operated can be easily operated while ensuring security.

[0027] The multi-function portable information terminal is characterized in that it is formed so as to be detachable from a door of the vehicle.

[0028] According to the present invention, the multifunction portable information terminal is formed so as to be detachable from the vehicle door, so that the user can use the multifunction portable information terminal as a vehicle equipment operating device while driving the vehicle, and can also use it as a normal multifunction portable information terminal after finishing driving the vehicle.

[0029] The electronic device is also characterized by having a cover member for covering the operation panel.

[0030] According to the present invention, by covering the operation panel with the cover member, erroneous operation can be prevented.

[0031] The present invention is also characterized by including a lock mechanism that locks and unlocks the operation panel by recognizing a predetermined signal.

[0032] According to the present invention, since the lock mechanism is provided, the user can lock and unlock the operation panel by inputting a predetermined signal to the vehicle equipment operation device, thereby providing a vehicle equipment operation device with excellent security. Effect of the Invention

[0033] According to the present invention, since the operation panel recognizes the operation input by the touch of the operation object and transmits the information of the operation input to the operated equipment to operate the operated equipment, the vehicle equipment operation device of the prior art does not require a contact type switch and a safety function to prevent the contact failure due to water intrusion, overcurrent, etc. Therefore, the vehicle equipment operation device can be made smaller and thinner than the prior art. In addition, for example, the user can operate the operated equipment by touching the operation panel with a fingertip or the like, so that the operated equipment can be operated with a simple operation, thereby improving the operability of the vehicle equipment operating device. In addition, since the operation panel is attached forward of the middle part in the fore-and-aft direction of the armrest provided on the door of the vehicle, for example, the user can easily input operations to the operation panel to operate the equipment to be operated by moving only his / her fingertips while resting his / her elbows on the armrest. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle equipment operating device that can be made compact and has excellent operability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle equipment operating device; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the door as viewed from inside the vehicle compartment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle equipment operating device. [Figure 4] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a user is operating a vehicle equipment operating device; FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel according to a second embodiment when operating a window glass. [Figure 6] 13 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel according to the second embodiment when operating a seat. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipment operating device according to another embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 11 is a plan view of a vehicle equipment operation device according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipment operating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] First embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle interior 2 of a vehicle 1 equipped with a vehicle equipment operating device 5. As shown in FIG. A vehicle equipment operating device 5 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the front, rear, left and right directions are the same as the front, rear, left and right directions of the vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1 unless otherwise specified. In addition, the arrow T in each drawing indicates the front of the vehicle 1, the arrow LB indicates the left side of the vehicle 1, and the arrow H indicates the upper side of the vehicle 1. In addition, in the following, a so-called right-hand drive vehicle 1 in which the driver's seat 10 is located on the right side will be described as an example. In addition, for ease of understanding, the passenger seat is not shown in FIG. 1.

[0036] The driver's seat 10 is, for example, a so-called power seat equipped with a plurality of electric motors (not shown), and is arranged to be slidable in the front-rear direction via seat rails 11. The seat 10 is mainly composed of a seat back 12 that supports the lumbar region and back of the occupant, a seat cushion 14 that supports the buttocks of the occupant, and a headrest 16 that supports the head of the occupant. The seat 10 is also provided with an electric recliner mechanism (not shown) that allows the seat back 12 to tilt, and an electric tilting mechanism (not shown) that allows the headrest 16 to tilt.

[0037] A navigation system 40 (corresponding to "interior accessories" in the claims) is housed in the instrument panel 4 of the vehicle 1. The navigation system 40 displays the current position of the vehicle 1 and guides the vehicle 1 by searching for a route from the current position to a destination. The navigation system 40 mainly comprises a navigation control unit 41 and a navigation display 43.

[0038] The navigation control unit 41 is provided inside the navigation system 40, and receives positioning signals such as GPS (Global Positioning System) signals using artificial satellites to detect the current position of the vehicle 1. The navigation control unit 41 is also capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from a mobile information terminal (not shown) (such as a so-called mobile phone) via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The navigation display 43 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is installed in the instrument panel 4 of the vehicle 1 so as to be visible to the driver. On the navigation display 43, images and the like based on map data stored in the navigation control unit 41 are displayed.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a driver's door 3 (hereinafter simply referred to as "door 3") as viewed from the vehicle interior 2 side. The door 3 comprises a door panel 31 formed into a closed cross-sectional shape by joining a door skin (not shown) located on the outside of the passenger compartment and a door inner panel 31a located on the passenger compartment 2 side, a door lining 34 (corresponding to the ``interior member'' in the claims) made of, for example, a resin material that is located below a window 32 opening in the door panel 31 and fixed to the passenger compartment 2 side of the door inner panel 31a, and a window glass 33 for opening and closing the window 32. The window glass 33 is raised and lowered by an electric window regulator (not shown) housed between the door skin and the door inner panel 31a, thereby opening and closing the window 32.

[0040] A door lock unit 35 is disposed above and in front of the door lining 34 and is exposed to the vehicle interior 2. A door pocket 36 that opens upward is provided below the door lining 34.

[0041] An armrest 38 is provided in the door lining 34 at a substantially vertical intermediate portion between the door lock unit 35 and the door pocket 36. The armrest 38 has a predetermined width so as to protrude toward the vehicle interior 2 and extends in the front-rear direction. A portion of the armrest 38 forward of the intermediate portion in the front-rear direction is formed so as to gradually incline upward from the rear to the front. The rear end of the armrest 38 serves as an elbow rest 38a on which the driver's elbow rests, and the middle portion of the armrest 38 in the front-rear direction serves as an armrest pocket 38b that opens upward.

[0042] A vehicle equipment operating device 5 is provided at a front end 38c of the armrest 38, which is forward of the intermediate portion of the armrest 38 in the front-rear direction. The vehicle equipment operation device 5 is for operating various equipment provided in the vehicle 1. In the first embodiment, the window glass 33 of the door 3 described above is an equipment operated by the vehicle equipment operation device 5 (hereinafter, referred to as "operated equipment E1"), and the window glass 33 of the door 3 can be raised and lowered by operating the vehicle equipment operation device 5.

[0043] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle equipment operating device 5. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle equipment operation device 5 is mainly composed of a cover member 51, an operation panel 53, and a base plate 55. The cover member 51 is a member formed of, for example, a resin material, and an outer surface 51a forms the exterior of the front end portion 38c (see FIG. 2) of the armrest 38. The cover member 51 covers the operation panel 53 and also functions as a design member that decorates the front end portion 38c of the armrest 38. An opening 51b is provided in the center of the cover member 51. From the opening 51b of the cover member 51, an operation panel 53 is exposed to the outside. The area behind the opening 51b of the cover member 51 is a placement portion 51c. The placement portion 51c is formed, for example, in an upwardly convex curved shape, and is capable of supporting the palm of the user, as described later.

[0044] The operation panel 53 is formed in a rectangular shape having a longitudinal direction along the front-rear direction in a plan view and a lateral direction along the left-right direction. The operation panel 53 has an operation input unit 53a and a flat cable 53b. The operation input unit 53a is provided on the main surface of the operation panel 53, and is a so-called touch pad that includes a touch sensor such as a capacitance sensor. The touch sensor is not limited to a capacitance sensor, and may be a pressure sensor using a piezoelectric element, for example. The power source for the operation panel 53 may be supplied from a battery built into the operation panel 53, or may be supplied from a battery mounted on the vehicle 1 (see FIG. 1).

[0045] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram when the user is operating the vehicle equipment operating device 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation input unit 53a is adapted to receive an operation input by contacting the user's operation object, for example, the user's fingertip, with the user's palm being placed on the placement portion 51c. Here, a recess 34a recessed toward the outside of the vehicle compartment is formed in a portion of the door lining 34 of the door 3 corresponding to the operation panel 53. The recess 34a is recessed so as to curve toward the outside of the vehicle compartment when viewed from above. The recess 34a is deepest, for example, at a position corresponding to the rear end of the operation panel 53. The area corresponding to the rear end of the operation panel 53 is the area where the amount of left-right movement of the hand is the largest when the user places the palm on the placement portion 51c and moves the fingertips left-right to perform an operation input to the operation input portion 53a. The operation input method to the operation input unit 53a includes, for example, each operation input method called a touch, a long touch, a release, a tap, a drag, a flick, a pinch in, a pinch out, and the like.

[0046] The definitions of each operation input method are as follows: The touch is an operation input method in which a fingertip touches the operation input unit 53a. The long touch is an operation input method in which a fingertip is kept in contact with the operation input section 53a for a certain period of time or longer. The release is an operation input method in which the fingertip in contact with the operation input section 53a is separated from the operation input section 53a. A tap is an operation input method in which a fingertip is brought into contact with the operation input section 53a and then removed from the operation input section 53a.

[0047] A drag is an operation input method in which a fingertip is moved while being kept in contact with the operation input unit 53a, starting from a predetermined position. A flick is an operation input method in which a fingertip is brought into contact with the operation input section 53a, and then the fingertip is moved in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed or faster and then separated from the operation input section 53a. Pinch-in is an operation input method in which multiple fingertips are brought into contact with operation input unit 53a and moved close to each other. Pinch out is an operation input method in which multiple fingertips are brought into contact with the operation input unit 53a and then moved away from each other.

[0048] The operation input unit 53a recognizes operation input by, for example, each of the above operation input methods, and transmits information of the operation input to the window glass 33 (see FIG. 2) of the door 3, which is the operated equipment E1, to operate it. In the first embodiment, the information of the operation input to the operation input unit 53a is transmitted to a control device such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) via a flat cable 53b extending from the operation panel 53 and a vehicle body harness (not shown). The control device such as the ECU performs calculations based on the information of the operation input to the operation input unit 53a, and calculates the moving direction and moving distance of the window glass 33, etc. Next, the ECU applies a predetermined driving voltage to the electric window regulator of the door 3 to drive it based on the calculation results of the moving direction and moving distance of the window glass 33, etc. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the window glass 33 of the door 3 is driven in response to the operation input from the user to the operation input unit 53a, and the window 32 is opened and closed.

[0049] In this embodiment, when a user drags his / her fingertip from rear to front on the operation input unit 53a, the window glass 33 moves upward by a predetermined distance to reduce the open area of ​​the window 32. Also, when a user drags his / her fingertip from front to rear on the operation input unit 53a, the window glass 33 moves downward by a predetermined distance to increase the open area of ​​the window 32. The moving distance of the window glass 33 is determined corresponding to the moving distance of the fingertip on the operation input unit 53a when the fingertip is dragged, for example. Moreover, when the user flicks his / her fingertip from rear to front on the operation input unit 53a, the window glass 33 moves upward to fully close the window 32. Moreover, when the user flicks his / her fingertip from front to rear on the operation input unit 53a, the window glass 33 moves downward to fully open the window 32.

[0050] The base plate 55 is a flat plate-like member formed of, for example, a resin material, a metal material, or the like. The outer shape of the base plate 55 is slightly larger than the operation panel 53. The base plate 55 is fixed to the lower surface of the cover member 51 by, for example, screws (not shown). As a result, the operation panel 53 is sandwiched and held between the cover member 51 and the base plate 55.

[0051] 2, the above-mentioned vehicle equipment operation device 5 is attached to the front end portion 38c of the armrest 38 so that the surface of the operation input portion 53a faces upward. This allows the user to place his / her fingertips on the operation input portion 53a of the vehicle equipment operation device 5 while resting his / her elbow on the elbow rest 38a of the armrest 38, and perform operation input on the operation input portion 53a by various operation input methods such as touch, long touch, release, tap, drag, flick, pinch in, pinch out, etc.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 4, for example, when a user drags a fingertip F from the front to the rear on the operation input unit 53a by a predetermined distance (see arrow S1 in Fig. 4), the operation input unit 53a recognizes the operation input by the drag. Next, as shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle equipment operating device 5 transmits information of the operation input to the door 3, which is the operated equipment E1. This drives the electric window regulator of the door 3, and the window glass 33 moves downward by a predetermined distance. In other words, the window glass 33 operates to open the window 32, and the open area of ​​the window 32 is increased.

[0053] Also, as shown in Fig. 4, for example, when the user flicks the fingertip F from rear to front on the operation input unit 53a (see arrow S2 in Fig. 4), the operation input unit 53a recognizes the operation input by the flick. Next, as shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle equipment operating device 5 transmits information of the operation input to the window glass 33 of the door 3, which is the operated equipment E1, to operate it. As a result, the electric window regulator of the door 3 is driven to move the window glass 33 upward, and the window 32 is fully closed. In this way, the user can easily open or close the window glass 33 by performing a predetermined operation input with the fingertip F on the operation input unit 53a.

[0054] According to the first embodiment, the operation panel 53 is provided which recognizes the operation input by the touch of the user's fingertip F and transmits the information of the operation input to the window glass 33 of the door 3, which is the operated equipment E1, to operate the device, and therefore does not require a contact-type switch or a safety function for preventing contact failure due to water intrusion, overcurrent, etc., as compared with the prior art vehicle equipment operation device. Therefore, the vehicle equipment operation device 5 can be made smaller and thinner than the prior art. In addition, the user can operate the window glass 33 of the door 3, which is the operated equipment E1, by touching the operation panel 53 with the fingertip F, so that the window glass 33 of the door 3 can be operated with a simple operation, improving the operability of the vehicle equipment operating device 5. In addition, since the operation panel 53 is provided on the front end portion 38c of the armrest 38 provided on the door 3 of the vehicle 1, for example, the user can easily input an operation to the operation panel 53 and operate the window glass 33 of the door 3, which is the operated equipment E1, by moving only the fingertip F while resting his / her elbow on the elbow rest 38a of the armrest 38. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle equipment operating device 5 that is compact and has excellent operability.

[0055] In addition, the window glass 33 of the vehicle 1 can be operated by touching the operation panel 53 with the fingertip F and performing a simple operation input method such as dragging or flicking. Therefore, the vehicle equipment operation device 5 for a window glass can be made easy to operate.

[0056] In addition, a door lining 34 is provided on the side of the vehicle interior 2 of the door 3 of the vehicle 1, and a recess 34a recessed toward the outside of the vehicle interior is formed in a portion of the door lining 34 corresponding to the operation panel 53, so that it is possible to prevent the user's hand from interfering with the door lining 34 when operating the operation panel 53. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle equipment operation device 5 with excellent operability.

[0057] In addition, a placement portion 51c on which the user can place his / her palm is provided behind the operation panel 53, so that the user can operate the operation panel 53 by placing the palm on the placement portion 51c and moving only the fingertips F. Therefore, the vehicle equipment operation device 5 can be made to have excellent operability.

[0058] Second Embodiment FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel 53 according to the second embodiment when operating the window glass 33. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel 53 according to the second embodiment when operating the seat 10. As shown in FIG. In the vehicle equipment operating device 5 according to the first embodiment, the operation panel 53 is a so-called touch pad (see FIG. 4), and the window glass 33 of the door 3 is the operated equipment E1 (see FIG. 1) operated by the vehicle equipment operating device 5. 5 and 6, the vehicle equipment operating device 5 according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the operation panel 53 is a so-called touch panel display equipped with an image display unit 54, and the window glass 33 (see FIG. 5) and the seat 10 (see FIG. 6) of the door 3 are operated equipment E1, E2, respectively, operated by the vehicle equipment operating device 5. Note that, in the following, a description of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0059] 5 and 6, the vehicle equipment operating device 5 according to the second embodiment is capable of operating a plurality of operated equipments. In this embodiment, the window glass 33 of the door 3 and the seat 10 are the operated equipments E1, E2 (see FIG. 1).

[0060] The operation panel 53 has an image display unit 54 that displays information on the operated equipment E1, E2. The image display unit 54 is a so-called touch panel display, and is provided on the entire surface of the operation input unit 53a. Image models are displayed as information on the operated equipment E1, E2 on the image display unit 54 of the operation panel 53. In Fig. 5, a model M1 of the window glass 33 of the door 3, which is the first operated equipment E1, is displayed. In Fig. 6, a model M2 of the seat 10, which is the second operated equipment E2, is displayed.

[0061] In the image display unit 54, a model M1 of the window glass 33 of the door 3, which is the first operated equipment E1, and a model M2 of the seat 10, which is the second operated equipment E2, are switched between and displayed by performing an operation input (corresponding to a "predetermined operation input" in the claims) on the operation input unit 53a of the operation panel 53 by, for example, flicking among various operation input methods. Specifically, in a state in which either the model M1 of the door 3 or the model M2 of the seat 10 is displayed on the image display unit 54, the fingertip is brought into contact with the one model displayed on the operation input unit 53a, and then the fingertip is flicked in either the left or right direction. As a result, the image display unit 54 can switch between and display either the model M1 of the door 3 or the model M2 of the seat 10 to the other model.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the operation input unit 53a recognizes an operation input and transmits information about the operation input to the door 3, which is the operated equipment E1. When the window glass 33 of the door 3 is selected as the operated equipment E1, the user is configured to be able to raise and lower the window glass 33 of the door 3 by dragging his / her fingertip on the operation input section 53a of the operation panel 53. For example, in model M1 of door 3, when point P1 corresponding to the upper part of the window glass 33, which is the operated part, is touched and then dragged backward (downward in Figure 5) on the operation input unit 53a to the position of point P2, the window glass 33 moves downward a predetermined distance, increasing the opening area of ​​the window 32.

[0063] Here, the predetermined distance that the window glass 33 moves is determined according to the distance that the user's fingertip moves when dragging on the operation input unit 53a. In this manner, the window glass 33 is selected as the operated part of the operated equipment E1 by touching the part of the model M1 of the door 3 with the fingertip, which corresponds to the window glass 33. Also, by moving (i.e. dragging) the fingertip while keeping it in contact with the image display unit 54, the window glass 33 moves in accordance with the moving direction of the fingertip.

[0064] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, when seat 10 is selected as the equipment to be operated E2, the user is configured to be able to move the positions of seat back 12, seat cushion 14 and headrest 16 of seat 10 by dragging his / her fingertip on operation input section 53a of operation panel 53. For example, in model M2 of seat 10, when point P3 corresponding to the upper part of the seat back 12, which is the operated part, is touched and then dragged to the right on the operation input unit 53a to the position of point P4, the seat back 12 tilts backward.

[0065] Here, the predetermined distance by which the seat back 12 moves is determined in the same way as when the window glass 33 is operated, according to the distance by which the user's fingertip moves when dragging on the operation input unit 53a. In this manner, by touching a part of the model M2 of the seat 10 corresponding to the seat back 12 with a fingertip, the seat back 12 is selected as the operated part of the operated equipment E2. Also, by moving (i.e. dragging) the fingertip while keeping it in contact with the image display unit 54, the seat back 12 tilts in accordance with the moving direction of the fingertip. Note that, although the operation of the seat back 12 is described as an example here, the seat cushion 14 and the headrest 16 can also be operated in the same manner.

[0066] According to the second embodiment, for example, the window glass 33 and the operated equipment E1, E2 of the seat 10 of the vehicle 1 can be operated using a single operation panel 53, thereby saving the installation space of the vehicle equipment operation device 5 and providing a vehicle equipment operation device 5 with excellent operability.

[0067] In addition, the operation panel 53 has an image display unit 54 that displays the models M1, M2, which are information on the operated equipment E1, E2, and displays information on the operated equipment E1, E2 among the multiple equipment of the vehicle 1 to the user, so that the user can operate the equipment without making a mistake. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the operated equipment E1, E2.

[0068] In addition, by flicking the operation panel 53 in the left-right direction, the model M1 of the window glass 33 of the door 3, which is one operated equipment E1, and the model M2 of the seat 10, which is another operated equipment E2, are switched between, so that the operation target can be switched between the door 3, which is one operated equipment E1, and the seat 10, which is another operated equipment E2, by a simple operation. Therefore, the vehicle equipment operation device 5 can be made to be excellent in operability and to be able to easily switch between the window glass 33 of the door 3, which is the operated equipment E1, and the seat 10, which is the operated equipment E2.

[0069] Also, the user can select the operated part of the operated equipment E1, E2 by touching with a fingertip, for example, a part corresponding to the operated part of the operated equipment E1, E2 in the models M1, M2. Also, by using an operation input method such as dragging in which the user moves the fingertip F while touching the image display unit 54 with the fingertip F, the window glass 33 of the door 3, the seat back 12 of the seat 10, etc. can be operated in accordance with the moving direction of the fingertip F. Therefore, the window glass 33 of the door 3, the seat back 12 of the seat 10, etc., which are the operated equipment E1, E2, can be easily operated while visually grasping, so that the vehicle equipment operating device 5 can be made to have excellent operability.

[0070] (Modification of the second embodiment) FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel 53 according to a modified example of the second embodiment. The vehicle equipment operating device 5 of the second embodiment has an operation panel 53 which is a so-called touch panel display equipped with an image display unit 54, and the window glass 33 and the seat 10 of the door 3 are the operated equipment E1, E2 which are respectively operated by the vehicle equipment operating device 5 (see Figures 5 and 6). In contrast to this, for example, as in the vehicle equipment operation device 5 according to a modified example of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the operation panel 53 and the image display unit 54 may be configured by a multi-function portable information terminal 58. Note that, in the following, description of the same components as those in the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0071] The vehicle equipment operating device 5 according to the modified example of the second embodiment includes a multifunction portable information terminal 58. The multifunction portable information terminal 58 is, for example, a multifunction mobile phone terminal (a so-called smartphone) equipped with a touch panel display 54a. The cover member 51 has a bottomed storage recess 52 formed by recessing downward. The storage recess 52 is slightly larger than the outer shape of the multifunction portable information terminal 58. A pair of walls 52a, 52a in both the front and rear directions of the storage recess 52 are tapered surfaces with the separation distance between them increasing from the bottom to the top. The multifunction portable information terminal 58 can be stored in the storage recess 52 of the cover member 51 provided at the front end 38c of the armrest 38.

[0072] The multifunctional portable information terminal 58 may be capable of communicating with, for example, the navigation system 40 (see FIG. 1) via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). This allows, for example, the navigation system 40, which is an interior accessory of the vehicle 1, to be operated as the equipment to be operated. Furthermore, other interior accessories of the vehicle 1, such as an air conditioner or car audio, can also be operated as the equipment to be operated via the navigation system 40. In addition, the multifunction portable information terminal 58 functions as a vehicle equipment operating device 5 by connecting to an application server provided in the base station to which it is connected and downloading a dedicated application for operating each piece of equipment in the vehicle 1 (see Figure 1).

[0073] According to the modified example of the second embodiment, the multifunction portable information terminal 58 can function as a touch panel display, thereby reducing the cost of the vehicle equipment operation device 5. In addition, by registering the ID of a predetermined multifunction portable information terminal 58 in the navigation system 40 of the vehicle 1 or the like, the previously registered multifunction portable information terminal 58 can be used to easily operate each of the equipment to be operated in the vehicle 1 while ensuring security.

[0074] In addition, since the multifunction portable information terminal 58 is formed so as to be detachable from the front end portion 38c of the armrest 38, the user can use the multifunction portable information terminal 58 as a vehicle equipment operating device 5 while driving the vehicle 1, and can also use it as a normal multifunction portable information terminal 58 after driving the vehicle 1 is finished.

[0075] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0076] In the first embodiment, the operation panel 53 is sandwiched and held between the cover member 51 and the base plate 55 by fixing the base plate 55 to the lower surface of the cover member 51 with screws or the like. However, the operation panel 53 may be insert-molded into the cover member 51, for example.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipment operating device 5 according to another embodiment. In the first embodiment, the operation panel 53 is a flat touch pad (see FIG. 3). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, a film-like flexible touch pad may be used as the operation panel 53. This allows the operation panel 53 to be provided even on a cover member 51 with a curved design. Therefore, the vehicle equipment operation device 5 has excellent design. In this case, the operation panel 53 may be curved such that the front end portion 53c is curved upward. According to this configuration, the operation panel 53 can be operated by contacting the fingertip F (see FIG. 4) with the front end portion 53c of the curved operation panel 53 and moving only the fingertip F. Therefore, the vehicle equipment operation device 5 has excellent operability.

[0078] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a vehicle equipment operating device 5 according to another embodiment. In the first embodiment, the operation panel 53 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, and the width in the left-right direction is constant in the front-rear direction. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation panel 53 may be formed in a trapezoid shape having a long side in the front and a short side in the rear in a plan view, and the width in the left-right direction may be wider from the rear to the front. The operation panel 53 may also be formed in a fan shape having an arc in the front in a plan view, and the width in the left-right direction may be wider from the rear to the front. This configuration allows the fingertip F to move over a wider range in the front part of the operation panel 53. Therefore, this is suitable for operating the operation panel 53 by moving only the fingertip F while placing the palm on the placement portion 51c at the rear of the operation panel 53.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the operated equipment E1 is the window glass 33 of the door 3 on the driver's seat side, and in the second embodiment, the operated equipment E1, E2 are the window glass 33 of the door 3 on the driver's seat side and the seat 10 on the driver's seat side, respectively, but the operated equipment is not limited to each embodiment. Therefore, the operated equipment may be, for example, the window glass of the passenger's seat side door, the window glass 33 of the rear seat side door, a door mirror, a passenger's seat, a rear seat side seat, an air conditioner, a sun visor, a navigation system, etc., which are interior accessories of the vehicle 1, or various combinations of these equipment.

[0080] In the first embodiment, the predetermined distance over which the window glass 33 moves is determined corresponding to the distance the user's fingertip moves when dragging on the operation input unit 53a, but the method of determining the predetermined distance over which the window glass 33 moves is not limited to that in the first embodiment. Therefore, for example, the predetermined distance over which the window glass 33 moves may be determined corresponding to the time the user's fingertip is in contact with the operation input unit 53a.

[0081] In the second embodiment, a model M1 of the window glass 33 of the door 3, which is the first operated equipment E1, and a model M2 of the seat 10, which is the second operated equipment E2, are switched between by performing an operation input by flicking on the operation input unit 53a of the operation panel 53, but this is not limited to the above. Therefore, for example, by tapping the operation input unit 53a of the operation panel 53, the model M1 of the window glass 33 of the door 3, which is the first operated equipment E1, and the model M2 of the seat 10, which is the second operated equipment E2, may be switched between.

[0082] In the second embodiment, the seat back 12 has been described as an example of an operated part of the seat 10, which is the operated equipment E2, but the operated part is not limited to the seat back 12. Therefore, the vehicle equipment operating device 5 may operate, for example, the seat cushion 14, the headrest 16, the lumbar support, the side support, the ottoman mechanism of the seat 10, the sliding mechanism of the seat rail of the seat 10, the temperature adjustment mechanism of the seat heater and the seat cooler provided in the seat 10, and the like.

[0083] In each embodiment, the vehicle equipment operation device 5 is provided at the front end 38c of the armrest 38, but the installation location of the vehicle equipment operation device 5 is not limited to the front end 38c of the armrest 38, and may be any location forward of the middle part in the front-to-rear direction of the armrest 38. Therefore, for example, the vehicle equipment operation device 5 may be provided in front of the extension of the armrest 38, the vehicle equipment operation device 5 may be provided in front of and above the extension of the armrest 38, or the vehicle equipment operation device 5 may be provided in front of and below the extension of the armrest 38.

[0084] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, for example, the operation panel 53 may be configured to return to an initial state (for example, a state in which the window glass 33 of the door 3, which is the operated equipment E1, can be operated) by tapping the operation panel 53. As a result, even if the operated equipment to be operated becomes unknown during the operation of the operation panel 53, the desired operated equipment can be operated after returning to the initial state.

[0085] In each embodiment, the vehicle equipment operation device 5 is provided at the front end 38c of the armrest 38 of the driver's door 3, but the door on which the vehicle equipment operation device 5 is provided is not limited to the driver's door 3. Therefore, the vehicle equipment operation device 5 may be provided at the front end of the armrest of the passenger's door or the front end of the armrest of the rear seat door.

[0086] In each embodiment, the user's fingertip F has been described as an example of an operation object for operating the operation input unit 53a of the operation panel 53, but the operation object is not limited to the user's fingertip F. For example, the operation object may be a touch pen held by the user.

[0087] In each embodiment, the operation input unit 53a of the operation panel 53 is always exposed from the opening 51b of the cover member 51. In contrast to this, for example, a lid member may be provided that closes the opening 51b of the cover member 51 and covers the operation input unit 53a of the operation panel 53. The lid member may be configured to slide in a predetermined direction along the operation input unit 53a of the operation panel 53 to open and close the opening 51b of the cover member 51. With this configuration, by covering the operation panel 53 with the lid member when the operation panel 53 is not in use, erroneous operation of the operation panel 53 can be prevented.

[0088] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipment operating device 5 according to another embodiment. In each embodiment, the operation input unit 53a of the operation panel 53 faces upward. However, as shown in Fig. 10, the operation panel 53 may be provided at the front end 38c of the armrest 38 so that the operation input unit 53a faces rearward. This configuration is suitable for operating the operation panel 53 by touching an operation object such as a user's fingertip F to the operation input unit 53a from behind.

[0089] The vehicle equipment operation device 5 of each embodiment may include a lock mechanism that locks and unlocks the operation panel 53 by recognizing a predetermined signal. The predetermined signal may be, for example, a signal of information related to the user's fingerprint, or a signal of information related to the motion of the fingertip F set by the user. With this configuration, the user can lock and unlock the operation panel 53 by inputting a predetermined signal to the vehicle equipment operation device 5. Therefore, the vehicle equipment operation device 5 has excellent security.

[0090] In the second embodiment, the window glass 33 of the model M1 of the operation panel 53 is moved in a direction corresponding to the movement direction of the fingertip F relative to the model M1 by dragging the fingertip F in the front-rear direction relative to the window glass 33. In contrast to this, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the window glass 33 is moved in a direction corresponding to the dragged position of the fingertip F relative to the model M1 by dragging the fingertip F in the left-right direction relative to the model M1 of the operation panel 53 in a direction corresponding to the position to which the window glass 33 is desired to be moved.

[0091] In each embodiment, the predetermined distance that the operated equipment E1 or the operated equipment E2 moves is determined according to the distance that the fingertip F moves when the user drags on the operation input unit 53a. In contrast, for example, a threshold value may be set for the distance that the fingertip F moves when dragging, and a dead zone may be set in the operation panel 53 so that the operated equipment E1 or the operated equipment E2 does not move when the distance that the fingertip F moves is less than the threshold value. This can prevent the user from erroneously operating the operation panel 53.

[0092] In the modified example of the second embodiment, the cover member 51 is formed with the storage recess 52 capable of storing the multifunction portable information terminal 58, but the opening edge of the storage recess 52 may be provided with, for example, a claw portion capable of engaging with the multifunction portable information terminal 58. This allows the multifunction portable information terminal 58 to be detachable from the storage recess 52 of the cover member 51 provided at the front end 38c of the armrest 38.

[0093] In addition, the components in the above-described embodiments can be replaced with well-known components as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 vehicle 3 Door 5 Vehicle equipment operating device 34 Door lining (interior parts) 38 Armrest 40 Navigation system (interior parts) 53 Operation Panel 54 Image display unit 54a Touch panel display 58 Multi-function mobile information terminal E1,E2 Operated equipment F Fingertip (operation object) M1, M2 models

Claims

[Claim 1] A vehicle equipment operation device for operating equipment of a vehicle, An operation panel that recognizes an operation input by contact with an operation object and transmits information of the operation input to an operated device to operate the operated device, The vehicle equipment operation device is provided at a front end of an armrest arranged on a seat side of the vehicle, A placement portion on which a user's palm can be placed is provided behind the vehicle equipment operation device, The vehicle equipment operating device, wherein the operation panel is provided facing rearward.

Images