Control system of light transmission switch

Abstract

To provide a control system of a light transmission switch capable of enhancing designability in a cabin.SOLUTION: A control system of a light transmission switch sets at least one of a plurality of light transmission switches 1 to 5, which has a light-transmissive region where light from a light source is made to transmit through the cabin from the surface of an instrument panel IP and a light-nontransmissive region where light is prevented from being transmitted through the cabin, to be a lighting state, accompanied by establishment of a lighting condition of the light transmission switches 1 to 5, and then sets at least one of light transmission switches 1 to 5 in the lighting state to be an extinguished or dimmed state. Thereby, designability in a cabin can be enhanced compared to a case in which all of the light transmissions switches are always lighted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system for a light transmission switch. In particular, the present invention relates to an improvement in the lighting control of a plurality of light transmission switches arranged in a vehicle interior.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a plurality of switches for operating in-vehicle devices such as an air conditioner (car air conditioner) and activating various driving support functions have been arranged on an instrument panel, a center console, etc. in the vehicle interior.

[0003] Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a light transmission switch having a built-in light source, and when the light source emits light, a figure (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a symbol) corresponding to the type of the switch lights up (the shape of the symbol appears) on the instrument panel.

[0004] As a specific configuration of the light transmission switch disclosed in this Patent Document 1, a light source and a switch member having translucency (light transmissibility) are arranged inside an opening formed in a base material of the instrument panel, and a cushion layer is provided on the surfaces of the base material and the switch member. And a region of the cushion layer overlapping the switch member is composed of a translucent silicone resin, and a decorative layer is provided on the surface of this silicone resin. A peeling portion conforming to the shape of the symbol is formed in this decorative layer. Further, the entire surface of the cushion layer is covered with a translucent skin. Thereby, when the light source emits light, the light from the light source passes through the switch member, the silicone resin of the cushion layer, the peeling portion of the decorative layer, and the skin, and the symbol lights up (the shape of the symbol appears) on the instrument panel, so that the type and position of the switch can be recognized (visually recognized) by the occupant.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, Patent Document 1 does not mention anything about the control of lighting and extinguishing of the light transmission switches. Therefore, during the period when the vehicle system is in the ON state (for example, the ignition is ON), it is assumed that all the light transmission switches are constantly lit.

[0007] The inventor of the present invention focused on the fact that in such a situation where all the light transmission switches are constantly lit, all the symbols of the light transmission switches that the passengers do not need to operate are constantly illuminated, which gives a cluttered impression to the interior of the vehicle (especially around the instrument panel and the center console), and considered how to enhance the design quality of the interior of the vehicle (give a clean impression to the interior of the vehicle).

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a control system for a light transmission switch that can enhance the design quality of the interior of the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The solution means of the present invention for achieving the above object is premised on a control system for performing lighting control of a plurality of light transmission switches having a light transmission region for transmitting light from a built-in light source to the interior of the vehicle through the surface of the interior trim material and a light shielding region for blocking the transmission of the light to the interior of the vehicle. And this control system for the light transmission switch is provided with a lighting control unit that, along with the establishment of a lighting condition that is at least conditional on the fact that at least a passenger is in the vehicle, sets at least one of the plurality of light transmission switches to a lighting state in which the light is transmitted from the light transmission region into the interior of the vehicle, and then sets at least one of the light transmission switches in the lighting state to an extinguished state or a dimming state in which the amount of transmitted light is less than that in the lighting state.

[0010] As used herein, the "turned-off state" is a concept that includes both the case where the light source is turned off and the case where, although the light source is emitting light, the light from the light source is not transmitted from the light-transmitting region into the passenger compartment.

[0011] Due to this specific matter, after at least one of the plurality of light-transmitting switches enters the lit state as the lighting condition is satisfied, at least one of the light-transmitting switches in the lit state will enter the turned-off state or the dimming state, so that the passenger will not be aware of the light from the light-transmitting switch, or the awareness will be reduced. Therefore, it becomes possible to enhance the design quality in the passenger compartment (give a neat impression in the passenger compartment) compared to the case where all the light-transmitting switches are constantly lit. Also, once the light-transmitting switch enters the lit state as the lighting condition is satisfied, the passenger can be made to recognize the position of the light-transmitting switch in advance, or the presence or absence of a failure of the light-transmitting switch can be confirmed.

[0012] Further, the lighting control unit sets the plurality of light-transmitting switches to the lit state as the lighting condition is satisfied, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, sets the light-transmitting switches that have not been operated by the passenger to the turned-off state or the dimming state.

[0013] Thereby, when none of the light-transmitting switches are operated for a predetermined time, the light-transmitting switches in the lit state (all the light-transmitting switches in the lit state or the light-transmitting switches that do not need to maintain the lit state) are set to the turned-off state or the dimming state, whereas when any of the light-transmitting switches are operated, the light-transmitting switch for which the operation was performed continues to be in the lit state, and the other light-transmitting switches are set to the turned-off state or the dimming state. This makes it possible to achieve both the convenience of the switch operation by the passenger and the high design quality in the passenger compartment.

[0014] In addition, it is provided with a detection means capable of detecting that the hand of the occupant has approached the surface of the vehicle interior trim material or that the hand of the occupant has come into contact with the surface of the vehicle interior trim material. The lighting control unit returns at least one of the light transmission switches in the extinguished state or the dimmed state to the lit state according to the detection operation by the detection means.

[0015] According to this, in a situation where the light transmission switch is in the extinguished state or the dimmed state, when the occupant wants to operate the light transmission switch, by bringing the hand close to the surface of the vehicle interior trim material (such as by holding the hand over the surface of the vehicle interior trim material) or by bringing the hand into contact with the surface of the vehicle interior trim material, the light transmission switch that meets the requirement can be returned to the lit state. For this reason, the occupant can easily recognize the position of the light transmission switch to be operated.

[0016] In addition, the plurality of light transmission switches are grouped for each in-vehicle device to be operated. When the detection by the detection means is performed, the lighting control unit turns on only the plurality of light transmission switches belonging to the group to which the light transmission switch disposed around the position of the surface of the vehicle interior trim material that the hand of the occupant has approached belongs, or only the plurality of light transmission switches belonging to the group to which the light transmission switch disposed around the position of the surface of the vehicle interior trim material that the hand of the occupant has contacted belongs.

[0017] According to this, when an occupant wants to operate an in-vehicle device, each light-transmissive switch belonging to a group of light-transmissive switches for that operation returns to the lit state, and the light-transmissive switches for operating in-vehicle devices that the occupant has not requested to operate remain in the off state or the dimming state. For this reason, only the minimum necessary light-transmissive switches can be returned to the lit state, and the interior design of the vehicle cabin can be maintained at a high level while satisfying the occupant's operation request. Also, since only a plurality of light-transmissive switches belonging to the same group return to the lit state, even if the occupant does not remember the arrangement positions of all the light-transmissive switches, the occupant only needs to remember approximately the positions, and it becomes possible to return the light-transmissive switch to be operated to the lit state, so the convenience of the light-transmissive switch can also be improved.

[0018] Further, it includes a voice recognition unit capable of recognizing the voice of the occupant, and the lighting control unit returns at least one of the light-transmissive switches in the off state or the dimming state to the lit state according to the recognition operation of the voice of the occupant by the voice recognition unit.

[0019] According to this, in a situation where the light-transmissive switch is in the off state or the dimming state, when the occupant wants to operate the light-transmissive switch, by causing the voice recognition unit to recognize the request by voice, the light-transmissive switch corresponding to the request can be returned to the lit state. For this reason, the occupant can easily recognize the position of the light-transmissive switch to be operated without using their hands.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] In the present invention, with the establishment of the lighting condition of the light-transmissive switch, at least one of the plurality of light-transmissive switches is turned on, and then at least one of the light-transmissive switches in the on state is turned off or dimmed. As a result, it becomes possible to enhance the interior design of the vehicle cabin compared to the case where all the light-transmissive switches are constantly lit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment will describe the case where the present invention is applied to a configuration in which a plurality of light-transmissive switches are built into the instrument panel in the vehicle interior.

[0023] -Arrangement Form of Light-Transmissive Switch- FIG. 1(a) is a front view of an instrument panel (interior trim material) IP incorporating each of the light transmission switches 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 according to the present embodiment, showing the lighting states of the light transmission switches 1 to 5. FIG. 1(b) is an enlarged view showing the lighting state of the air conditioner system light transmission switch 1 (1a to 1k), FIG. 1(c) is an enlarged view showing the lighting state of the audio system light transmission switch 2 (2a to 2g), FIG. 1(d) is an enlarged view showing the lighting state of the seat memory switch 3 (3a to 3d), and FIG. 1(e) is an enlarged view showing the lighting states of the parking assist switch 4 and the panoramic view monitor switch 5.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1(a), in the instrument panel IP according to the present embodiment, an air conditioner system light transmission switch 1 (1a to 1k) and an audio system light transmission switch 2 (2a to 2g) are respectively disposed (built into the instrument panel IP) at the central portion (central portion in the vehicle width direction) thereof. Further, at a position closer to the driver's seat in the instrument panel IP and outside the vehicle width direction from the steering wheel SW (shown by a virtual line in FIG. 1(a)), a seat memory switch 3 (3a to 3d) is disposed (built into the instrument panel IP) as a light transmission switch. Furthermore, at a position closer to the driver's seat in the instrument panel IP and inside the vehicle width direction from the steering wheel SW, a parking assist switch 4 and a panoramic view monitor switch 5 are respectively disposed (built into the instrument panel IP). Since these light transmission switches 1 to 5 are built into the instrument panel IP, as will be described later, they will be operated by pushing in the skin material 63 (see FIG. 2) of the instrument panel IP corresponding to each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5. Note that the arrangement form of these light transmission switches 1 to 5 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1(a). Also, the types and numbers of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 1(a).

[0025] As the air conditioner-related light transmission switch 1, it includes an air conditioner switch (compressor operation switch) 1a, an internal air circulation mode switch 1b, an outside air introduction mode switch 1c, a front defroster switch 1d, a blowing mode switch 1e, an air volume increase switch 1f, an air volume decrease switch 1g, an OFF switch 1h, an auto switch 1i, a set temperature UP switch 1j, and a set temperature DOWN switch 1k.

[0026] The air conditioner switch 1a is a switch for switching ON / OFF of a compressor provided in a refrigerant circulation circuit of an air conditioner (not shown). The recirculation mode switch 1b is a switch for using the air taken into the air conditioner (the air to be air-conditioned) as the in-vehicle air. The outside air introduction mode switch 1c is a switch for using the air taken into the air conditioner as the outside air. The front defroster switch 1d is a switch to be pressed when it is desired to remove fogging of the front glass. By pressing this front defroster switch 1d, the compressor operates, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circulation circuit, the air for air conditioning is dehumidified, and the blowing mode of the air for air conditioning is set to the defroster mode. The blowing mode switch 1e is a switch for changing the air outlet of the air for air conditioning blown into the vehicle interior. Each time it is pressed, the blowing mode switches in the order of face mode, bi-level mode, foot mode, and foot defroster mode. The air volume increase switch 1f is a switch to be pressed when an increase in the blowing amount of the air for air conditioning is required. The air volume decrease switch 1g is a switch to be pressed when a decrease in the blowing amount of the air for air conditioning is required. The OFF switch 1h is a switch to be pressed when the air conditioner is to be stopped. The auto switch 1i is a switch operated when the air conditioner is automatically controlled. When this auto switch 1i is turned ON, the air conditioner is automatically controlled based on the in-vehicle temperature, set temperature, etc. The set temperature UP switch 1j is a switch for raising the set temperature (the target temperature of the air for air conditioning) of the air conditioner. The set temperature DOWN switch 1k is a switch for lowering the set temperature of the air conditioner. As shown in Fig. 1(b), these light transmission switches 1a to 1k are each in a lit state and individual symbols glow (the shape of the symbol rises above the instrument panel IP). The configuration for causing the shape of this symbol to rise above the instrument panel IP will be described later.

[0027] As the audio light transmission switch 2, it includes an AM radio switch 2a as a source selection switch, an FM radio switch 2b, and a TV switch 2c. Also, as this audio light transmission switch 2, it further includes a channel forward switch 2d, a channel backward switch 2e, a volume up switch 2f, and a volume down switch 2g.

[0028] The AM radio switch 2a is a switch that is pressed when listening to AM radio, the FM radio switch 2b is a switch that is pressed when listening to FM radio, and the TV switch 2c is a switch that is pressed when watching TV. The channel forward switch 2d is a switch for forwarding the channel when tuning each radio or TV, and the channel backward switch 2e is a switch for returning the channel when tuning each radio or TV. The volume up switch 2f is a switch for increasing the volume of the audio system. The volume down switch 2g is a switch for decreasing the volume of the audio system. As shown in Fig. 1(c), when these light transmission switches 2a to 2g are in the lit state, individual symbols light up respectively.

[0029] The seat memory switch 3 is a switch for moving the seat (driver's seat) to a previously memorized seat position, and it is a switch used in the stopped state of the vehicle. The seat memory switch in this embodiment includes three position switches 3a, 3b, 3c and a set switch 3d for setting (registering) the position.

[0030] The position switches 3a, 3b, 3c are switches for reading out one of the previously registered seat positions. That is, the vehicle according to this embodiment can register three patterns as seat positions. The set switch 3d is a switch for registering the seat position. As shown in Fig. 1(d), when these light transmission switches 3a to 3d are in the lit state, individual symbols light up respectively.

[0031] The parking assist switch 4 is a switch for activating the parking assist (automatic parking) function mounted on the vehicle. This parking assist is a function for parking the vehicle by automatic driving in a designated parking area. As shown in FIG. 1(e), when this parking assist switch 4 is in the lit state, its symbol lights up.

[0032] The panoramic view monitor switch 5 is a switch for activating the panoramic view monitor function mounted on the vehicle. This panoramic view monitor is a function for displaying, on the display device DU in the vehicle interior, an image that enables the surroundings of the vehicle to be confirmed from a viewpoint above the vehicle by combining a plurality of images from external cameras of the vehicle (not shown), and is for assisting the driver in driving. As shown in FIG. 1(e), when this panoramic view monitor switch 5 is in the lit state, its symbol lights up.

[0033] -Configuration of the light transmission switch- Next, the configuration of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 will be described. Since the configurations of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 are substantially the same, the light transmission switch 1 will be described here as an example.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the light transmission switch 1 along the line II-II in FIG. 1(b). As shown in this FIG. 2, the light transmission switch 1 is disposed so as to be embedded inside the instrument panel IP. Specifically, as the basic structure of the instrument panel IP, it includes a resin-made non-light-transmissive base material 61, a cushion material 62 disposed on the surface of the base material 61, and a light-transmissive (light-permeable) skin material 63 disposed on the surface of the cushion material 62.

[0035] The base material 61 is made of a resin such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). At the position where the light transmission switch 1 is disposed on the base material 61, a switch accommodation opening 61a is provided that opens from one end side (the vehicle interior side) to the other end side (the inner space side of the instrument panel IP) of the base material 61. The opening shape of this switch accommodation opening 61a (the shape of the opening as viewed from a direction orthogonal to the surface of the instrument panel IP) is circular or polygonal.

[0036] Inside the switch accommodation opening 61a of the base material 61, a light source 11, a switch panel 12, and, for example, an alternate type switch member 13 that constitute the main part of the light transmission switch 1 are accommodated.

[0037] The light source 11 is attached on a circuit board 14 attached to the back side (the inner space side of the instrument panel IP) of the base material 61 and is, for example, composed of an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0038] The switch panel 12 is a flat plate having light transmissibility that substantially matches the shape of the switch accommodation opening 61a of the base material 61, and a biasing force toward the skin material 63 of the instrument panel IP is applied by a plurality of springs 15, 15 disposed between the switch panel 12 and the circuit board 14. Incidentally, the biasing force of these springs 15, 15 is preset so that the surface of the skin material 63 is flat (so that the surface of the skin material 63 is flat in a state where the light transmission switch 1 is not operated).

[0039] The switch member 13 is mounted on the circuit board 14. The switch member 13 has a pushing member 13a that is pushed in by a pushing operation force from the side of the skin material 63. When the light transmission switch 1 is not being operated, the tip surface of the pushing member 13a is in contact with or faces the back surface of the switch panel 12 with a minute gap therebetween. When the light transmission switch is operated, as the pushing member 13a is pushed in, operations such as switching the operation of in-vehicle devices (such as an air conditioner and an audio system) according to the operation of the light transmission switch and activating driving support functions (such as a parking assist function and a panoramic view monitor function) are performed.

[0040] The cushion material 62 is provided with an opening 62a at a position facing the switch panel 12. The shape of the opening 62a substantially matches the shape of the switch panel 12. And a light-transmissive member 62b having light-transmitting properties is provided in the opening 62a. This light-transmissive member 62b is made of, for example, a silicone resin.

[0041] A proximity detection member (detection means) 16 for detecting the approach or contact of the occupant's hand (finger) is provided on the surface of the light-transmissive member 62b. This proximity detection member 16 also has light-transmitting properties similar to those of the switch panel 12 described above. As this proximity detection member 16, for example, a well-known hover sensor can be applied. Specifically, this proximity detection member 16 is connected to a third ECU 130 (see FIG. 3) described later by a signal line. And when a voltage is applied to the proximity detection member 16 from the third ECU 130, charges are charged, and by detecting the voltage of the proximity detection member 16, the capacitance value can be detected. By such self-capacitance method capacitance detection, when a detection object such as an occupant's finger approaches or contacts (contacts the skin material 63) the light transmission switch 1, the capacitance value changes, so it is possible to determine whether the detection object has approached or contacted, and a configuration enabling proximity detection is achieved.

[0042] A decorative layer 17 is provided on the surface of the proximity detection member 16. A peeling portion 17a that matches the shape of the symbol described above is formed in this decorative layer 17. Specifically, a coating film 17b is formed on the surface of the proximity detection member 16 by painting, and a peeling portion 17a having translucency is formed in a shape that matches the shape of the symbol by peeling a part of the coating film 17b with a laser or the like. Since the decorative layer 17 is constituted by these peeling portions 17a and the coating film 17b, a light-transmitting region (a light-transmitting region for transmitting light from a light source from the surface of the vehicle interior trim material into the vehicle interior) as referred to in the present invention is constituted by the peeling portions 17a, and an opaque region (an opaque region for blocking the transmission of light from the light source into the vehicle interior) as referred to in the present invention is constituted by the coating film 17b.

[0043] The skin material 63 is disposed so as to cover the entire surfaces of the cushion material 62 and the decorative layer 17, is entirely adhered to the cushion material 62, and is fixed in a state where its terminal is wound around the back side of the base material 61. Note that the entire skin material 63 may have translucency, or only the regions (the regions facing the switch panel 12) facing each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 may have translucency.

[0044] With the light transmission switch 1 configured in this way, when the light source 11 emits light, the light reaches the decorative layer 17 through the switch panel 12, the light-transmitting member 62b, and the proximity detection member 16. In the decorative layer 17, the transmission is blocked by the coating film 17b and passes through the peeling portion 17a. As a result, the light that has passed through the peeling portion 17a (the light that has passed through in the shape of the symbol) also passes through the skin material 63, and the symbol lights up (the shape of the symbol appears) on the instrument panel IP, and the type and position of the light transmission switch 1 can be recognized (visually recognized) by the occupant.

[0045] -Schematic Configuration of Control System- Next, a control system for controlling the lighting and extinguishing states of each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system 100 for the light transmission switches 1 to 5 according to the present embodiment.

[0046] As shown in this FIG. 3, this control system 100 includes a first ECU 110 connected to an IG switch 111 to acquire power supply information, a second ECU 120 connected to a seating sensor 121 provided in the driver's seat to acquire seating information, a third ECU 130 that aggregates information from these ECUs 110 and 120 to control the lighting and extinguishing states of each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5, and each of the above-described light transmission switches 1 to 5. Each of the ECUs 110, 120, and 130 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU, a ROM that stores a control program, a RAM that temporarily stores data, and input / output ports.

[0047] These ECUs 110, 120, 130 and each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 are connected by vehicle network signal lines (CAN (Controller Area Network) signal lines or CXPI (Clock Extension Peripheral Interface) signal lines) so that information can be transmitted and received mutually. Note that the vehicle network that enables information transmission and reception is not limited to this, and it is also possible to adopt Ethernet, FLEXRAY, LIN (Local Interconnect Network), etc.

[0048] When the driver performs an ON operation or an OFF operation on the IG switch 111, the first ECU 110 receives that information (power supply information) from the IG switch 111. Further, the first ECU 110 transmits the information received from the IG switch 111 (ON / OFF information of the IG switch 111) to the third ECU 130.

[0049] When the driver sits on the driver's seat, the second ECU 120 receives the information (seating information) from the seat sensor 121. Further, the second ECU 120 transmits the information received from the seat sensor 121 to the third ECU 130.

[0050] The third ECU 130 receives information from the first ECU 110 and the second ECU 120, and switches the lighting states and extinguishing states of the respective light transmission switches 1 to 5.

[0051] Specifically, this third ECU 130 includes a lighting control unit 131 as a functional unit realized by the control program.

[0052] As control for turning on the respective light transmission switches 1 to 5, when the lighting control unit 131 receives seating information (information that a driver is sitting on the driver's seat) from the second ECU 120, it transmits lighting command information to the seat memory switch 3 (3a to 3d). Thereby, the seat memory switch 3 (3a to 3d) lights up. Therefore, the reception of this seating information corresponds to an example of "the establishment of a lighting condition on the condition that a passenger is in the vehicle" in the present invention. Further, the third ECU 130 includes a timer for turning off the seat memory switch 3 (3a to 3d) that has become lit according to the seating information. When the state where the seat memory switch 3 (3a to 3d) is not operated continues until the timer times out, the third ECU 130 transmits extinguishing command information to the seat memory switch 3 (3a to 3d). Thereby, the seat memory switch 3 (3a to 3d) is turned off. As an effect when the seat memory switch 3 (3a to 3d) is lit and extinguished in this case, when lighting, the light amount of the light source 11 is gradually increased, and when extinguishing, the light amount of the light source 11 is gradually decreased, and the like can be mentioned.

[0053] In addition, as control for turning on each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5, when the lighting control unit 131 receives ON information of the IG switch 111 (information indicating that the IG switch 111 has been turned on) from the first ECU 110, it transmits lighting command information to each of the air-conditioning system light transmission switch 1, the audio system light transmission switch 2, the parking assist switch 4, and the panoramic view monitor switch 5. As a result, these light transmission switches 1, 2, 4, and 5 are turned on. Incidentally, at this time, the seat memory switch 3 may also be turned on simultaneously. FIG. 1(a) is a front view of the instrument panel IP in this case. Therefore, the reception of the ON information of this IG switch 111 corresponds to an example of the establishment of the lighting condition “conditional on the fact that the occupant is in the vehicle” in the present invention. Further, the lighting control unit 131 includes a timer (a first timer described later) for turning off each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 that have been turned on according to the ON information of the IG switch 111. When the state where each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 is not being operated continues until the timer times out, the lighting control unit 131 transmits turn-off command information to each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5. As a result, each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 is turned off. Incidentally, if the seat memory switch 3 was also set to turn on, turn-off command information is transmitted to the seat memory switch 3 at the same time as turn-off command information is transmitted to each of the light transmission switches 1, 2, 4, and 5, and the seat memory switch 3 is also turned off at the same time. FIG. 5(a) is a front view of the instrument panel IP in this case (when all of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 are in the off state). In this case, it is not limited to turning off all of the light transmission switches 1 to 5, and turn-off command information may not be transmitted to the light transmission switches that need to be constantly lit among the light transmission switches 1 to 5, and the lighting state may be maintained. An example of the light transmission switch that needs to be constantly lit in this case is the front defroster switch 1d. Further, when a light transmission switch is adopted as a switch for operating an emergency flashing indicator (so-called hazard lamp), this light transmission switch (the light transmission switch for operating the emergency flashing indicator) also becomes a light transmission switch that needs to be constantly lit.

[0054] Also, if any of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 is operated before the timer times out, for that light transmission switch, even if the timer times out, it does not send the turn-off command information and continues the lighting state of the light transmission switch (the operated light transmission switch). Fig. 5(b) shows a state where only the sheet memory switch 3 is lit when the sheet memory switch 3 is operated. Fig. 5(c) shows a state where only the air-conditioning system light transmission switch 1 (1a to 1k) is lit when the air-conditioning system light transmission switch 1 (1a to 1k) is operated. Fig. 5(d) shows a state where only the audio system light transmission switch 2 (2a to 2g) is lit when the audio system light transmission switch 2 (2a to 2g) is operated. Fig. 5(e) shows a state where only the parking assist switch 4 is lit when the parking assist switch 4 is operated. Fig. 5(f) shows a state where only the panoramic view monitor switch 5 is lit when the panoramic view monitor switch 5 is operated.

[0055] Also, when the state where this light transmission switch (the operated light transmission switch) is not operated continues for a predetermined time (when the second timer described later times out), turn-off command information is also sent to this light transmission switch, and thereby, this light transmission switch (the operated light transmission switch) turns off (turns off at a timing delayed from the turn-off timing of other light transmission switches). As an effect when the lighting and turning off of each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 occur in these cases, when lighting, the light amount of the light source 11 is gradually increased, and when turning off, the light amount of the light source 11 is gradually decreased, etc.

[0056] Furthermore, the lighting control unit 131 determines whether a passenger's hand has approached or contacted each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 by receiving signals from the proximity detection members 16 of the respective light transmission switches 1 to 5. When there is such an approach or contact of the hand, lighting command information is transmitted to the light transmission switch. As a result, the light transmission switch that has received this lighting command information lights up. In this case, only the light transmission switch closest to the position where the hand has approached or contacted may be lit, or a plurality of light transmission switches belonging to the same group may be lit. As this same group, the air-conditioning-related light transmission switches 1a to 1k are set (grouped) in the same group (the same group as the air-conditioning system), the audio-related light transmission switches 2a to 2g are set in the same group (the same group as the audio system), and the seat memory switches 3a to 3d are set in the same group (the same group as the seat memory system). That is, for example, when a passenger's hand approaches or contacts the skin material 63 around one of the air-conditioning-related light transmission switches 1a to 1k (for example, the air-conditioning switch 1a), not only that one light transmission switch (for example, the air-conditioning switch 1a) but also all of the air-conditioning-related light transmission switches 1 (1a to 1k) light up.

[0057] - Lighting Control of Light Transmission Switches - Next, the lighting control of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 will be described. Here, the lighting control of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 associated with the ON operation of the IG switch 111 will be described. Also, here, the case where all of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 light up when the IG switch 111 is turned ON will be described as an example.

[0058] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure for lighting control of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 according to the present embodiment. This flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals.

[0059] First, in step ST1, it is determined whether the IG switch 111 has been turned on from the OFF state. If the IG switch 111 has not been turned on and a NO determination is made in step ST1, the control ends as it is.

[0060] If the IG switch 111 has been turned on and a YES determination is made in step ST1, the process proceeds to step ST2, and all the light transmission switches 1 to 5 are turned on. As a result, the occupant can recognize the positions of the respective light transmission switches 1 to 5. Also, by all the light transmission switches 1 to 5 being turned on, it can be confirmed that no failure has occurred in the light transmission switches 1 to 5. That is, if there is a light transmission switch that does not turn on at this timing, it can be recognized that that light transmission switch has failed. Incidentally, as the timing for turning on all the light transmission switches 1 to 5 in this way, it is preferable to synchronize with the lighting of each lamp on the meter panel accompanying the ON operation of the IG switch 111.

[0061] In step ST3, the count of the first timer provided in the third ECU 130 is started. This first timer is for determining the timing to turn off the light transmission switches 1 to 5 that have been turned on once.

[0062] In step ST4, it is determined whether an operation (operation by the occupant) of any of the light transmission switches has been performed. If none of the light transmission switches have been operated and a NO determination is made in step ST4, the process proceeds to step ST5, and it is determined whether the first timer has timed out. If the first timer has not timed out and a NO determination is made in step ST5, the process returns to step ST4. On the other hand, if the first timer times out without any of the light transmission switches being operated, a YES determination is made in step ST5, and in step ST6, all the light transmission switches 1 to 5 are turned off. Incidentally, also as the timing for turning off all the light transmission switches 1 to 5 in this way, it is preferable to synchronize with the turning off of each lamp on the meter panel that lit up accompanying the ON operation of the aforementioned IG switch 111.

[0063] On the other hand, if an operation of any of the light transmission switches is performed in step ST4 and a YES determination is made in step ST4, the process proceeds to step ST7, and the counting of the second timer provided in the third ECU 130 is started. This second timer is for determining the timing to turn off the operated light transmission switch.

[0064] In step ST8, it is determined whether the first timer has timed out. If the first timer has timed out and a YES determination is made in step ST8, in step ST9, the light transmission switches other than the operated light transmission switch are turned off. Then, the process proceeds to step ST10, and it is determined whether the second timer has timed out. If the second timer has timed out, a YES determination is made in step ST10, and in step ST11, the operated light transmission switch is turned off. As a result, all the light transmission switches are turned off.

[0065] On the other hand, if in step ST8, the first timer has not timed out and a NO determination is made, the process proceeds to step ST12, and it is determined whether the operated light transmission switch has been re-operated. If the light transmission switch has not been re-operated and a NO determination is made in step ST12, the process returns to step ST8. Therefore, if the first timer times out while the light transmission switch is not re-operated, the operation from step ST9 and subsequent steps described above will be performed.

[0066] On the other hand, if the light transmission switch is re-operated and a YES determination is made in step ST12, the process proceeds to step ST13, the second timer is reset and the counting is started again, and the process proceeds to step ST8. Therefore, each time the light transmission switch is re-operated, the second timer is reset and the counting is started again, and when the first timer times out, the operation from step ST9 and subsequent steps described above will be performed, and the light transmission switches other than the operated light transmission switch will be turned off.

[0067] In a state where the light transmission switches other than the operated light transmission switch are turned off, if the second timer has not timed out in step ST10, the process proceeds to step ST14 to determine whether the operated light transmission switch has been re-operated. If it is determined in step ST14 that the light transmission switch has not been re-operated (NO), the process returns to step ST10. Therefore, if the second timer times out while the light transmission switch remains un-re-operated, the operation after step ST10 described above will be performed.

[0068] On the other hand, after the first timer times out, if the light transmission switch is re-operated and it is determined in step ST14 that the answer is YES, the process proceeds to step ST15, where the second timer is reset and counting starts again, and then the process returns to step ST14. Also in this case, each time the light transmission switch is re-operated, the second timer is reset and counting starts again. Then, if the state where the light transmission switch is not re-operated continues and the second timer times out, it is determined in step ST10 that the answer is YES, and in step ST11, the operated light transmission switch is turned off. As a result, all the light transmission switches will be turned off.

[0069] - Effects of the Embodiment - As described above, in this embodiment, in accordance with the establishment of the lighting conditions of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 (such as the driver sitting in the driver's seat or the IG switch 111 being turned on), at least one of the plurality of light transmission switches 1 to 5 is turned on, and then at least one of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 in the lit state is turned off. As a result, after this turned-off state, the passenger will not be aware of the light from the light transmission switches 1 to 5, or the awareness will be reduced. Therefore, compared with the case where all the light transmission switches are constantly lit, it is possible to enhance the design quality in the vehicle interior (give a neat impression in the vehicle interior). Also, when the lighting conditions are established, the light transmission switches 1 to 5 are once turned on, so that the passenger can be made to recognize the positions of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 in advance or check for any failures of the light transmission switches 1 to 5.

[0070] Also, in this embodiment, in accordance with the establishment of the lighting conditions, the plurality of light transmission switches 1 to 5 are turned on, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the light transmission switches 1 to 5 that have not been operated by the passenger are turned off. As a result, when any of the light transmission switches is operated, the lighting state of the operated light transmission switch can be continued, and the other light transmission switches can be turned off. As a result, it is possible to achieve both the convenience of the switch operation by the passenger and the high design quality in the vehicle interior.

[0071] Also, in this embodiment, when it is detected that the passenger's hand has approached the skin material 63 (approached the light transmission switch) or the passenger's hand has come into contact with the skin material 63, the light transmission switch in the turned-off state is restored to the turned-on state. According to this, in a situation where the light transmission switch is in the turned-off state, when the passenger wants to operate the light transmission switch, by bringing the hand close to or contacting the skin material 63, the light transmission switch corresponding to the request will return to the turned-on state, so that the passenger can easily recognize the position of the light transmission switch to be operated.

[0072] In this embodiment, only a plurality of light transmission switches belonging to the group to which the light transmission switch disposed around the position of the skin material 63 near which the occupant's hand approaches belongs, or only a plurality of light transmission switches belonging to the group to which the light transmission switch disposed around the position of the skin material 63 contacted by the occupant's hand approaches are returned to the lit state. According to this, only the minimum necessary light transmission switches can be returned to the lit state, and the design in the passenger compartment can be maintained highly while satisfying the operation requirements of the occupant. Further, since only the light transmission switches belonging to the same group are returned to the lit state, even if the occupant does not remember the arrangement positions of all the light transmission switches 1 to 5, the occupant only needs to remember the general positions, and it becomes possible to return the light transmission switch to be operated to the lit state, so that the convenience of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 can also be improved.

[0073] -Modification Example- Next, a modification example will be described. In this modification example, a configuration is adopted in which the operation requests for the light transmission switches 1 to 5 from the occupant can be acquired by voice. Since the other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, only the differences from the above-described embodiment will be described here.

[0074] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system 100 for the light transmission switches 1 to 5 according to this modification example.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 6, this control system 100 includes a fourth ECU 140 that is connected to a microphone 141 that acquires voice in the passenger compartment and acquires voice information. This fourth ECU 140 includes a voice recognition unit 142 as a functional unit realized by a control program. When the voice recognition unit 142 acquires the voice (voice information) of the occupant from the microphone 141, it analyzes the voice to determine whether the occupant is requesting an operation of the light transmission switches 1 to 5, and if the occupant is requesting an operation of the light transmission switches 1 to 5, which light transmission switch the occupant is requesting an operation of, and transmits information corresponding thereto to the third ECU 130.

[0076] The third ECU 130 receives not only information from the first ECU 110 and the second ECU 120, but also information from the fourth ECU 140, and switches the lighting state and the extinguished state of each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 accordingly. That is, by analyzing the voice by the voice recognition unit 142, the light transmission switch that the occupant is requesting to operate is discriminated, and by transmitting lighting command information to the discriminated light transmission switch, the light transmission switch is lit.

[0077] According to this modification, since the request of the occupant is recognized by voice and the light transmission switch corresponding to the request returns to the lit state, the occupant can easily recognize the position of the light transmission switch to be operated without using hands.

[0078] -Other Embodiments- Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the modifications, and all modifications and applications included in the scope of the claims and the scope equivalent thereto are possible.

[0079] For example, in the above-described embodiments and the modifications, the case where the present invention is applied to a configuration in which a plurality of light transmission switches 1 to 5 are built in the instrument panel IP has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to apply the present invention as a system that incorporates a light transmission switch in a center console, an interior material of a door, etc. and controls these light transmission switches.

[0080] Also, in the above-described embodiments and the modifications, the state of each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 is switched between a lit state and an extinguished state. The present invention is not limited to this, and the state of each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 may be switched between a lit state and a dimming state (a dimming state in which the amount of transmitted light is less than that in the lit state). For example, control is performed to reduce the amount of light of the light source 11. Further, it may be configured to switch between a lit state, an extinguished state, and a dimming state.

[0081] In addition, in the above-described embodiment and the modification, the light transmission switches 1 to 5 are turned off by turning off the light source 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the light transmission switches 1 to 5 may be turned off by preventing light from passing into the passenger compartment while the light source 11 is turned on. For example, a configuration including a shutter member that opens and closes the peeling portion 17a can be mentioned.

Industrial Applicability

[0082] The present invention is applicable to a control system for a light transmission switch incorporated in an instrument panel or the like.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0083] 1... Air-conditioning system light transmission switch 11... Light source 16... Proximity detection member (detection means) 17a... Peeling portion (light transmission region) 17b... Coating film (light non-transmission region) 2... Audio system light transmission switch 3... Seat memory switch (light transmission switch) 4... Parking assist switch (light transmission switch) 5... Panoramic view monitor switch (light transmission switch) 63... Skin material 100... Control system 131... Lighting control unit 142... Voice recognition unit IP... Instrument panel (interior trim material)

Claims

1. A control system for performing lighting control of a plurality of light transmission switches having a light transmission region for transmitting light from a built-in light source into the passenger compartment through the surface of the vehicle interior trim material and a light blocking region for blocking the transmission of the light into the passenger compartment, comprising a lighting control unit that, in accordance with the establishment of a lighting condition on the condition that at least a passenger is in the vehicle, sets at least one of the plurality of light transmission switches to a lighting state in which the light is transmitted from the light transmission region into the passenger compartment, and then sets at least one of the light transmission switches in the lighting state to a turned-off state or a dimming state in which the amount of transmitted light is less than that in the lighting state. A control system for a light transmission switch, characterized by this.

2. In the control system for a light transmission switch according to Claim 1, the lighting control unit sets the plurality of light transmission switches to the lighting state in accordance with the establishment of the lighting condition, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, sets the light transmission switches for which no operation has been performed by the passenger to the turned-off state or the dimming state. A control system for a light transmission switch, characterized by this.

3. In the control system for a light transmission switch according to Claim 1 or 2, it is provided with detection means capable of detecting that the hand of the passenger has approached the surface of the vehicle interior trim material or that the hand of the passenger has come into contact with the surface of the vehicle interior trim material, and the lighting control unit returns at least one of the light transmission switches in the turned-off state or the dimming state to the lighting state in accordance with the detection operation by the detection means. A control system for a light transmission switch, characterized by this.

4. In the control system for a light transmission switch according to Claim 3, the plurality of light transmission switches are grouped for each in-vehicle device to be operated, and when detection by the detection means is performed, the lighting control unit returns only the plurality of light transmission switches of the group to which the light transmission switch disposed around the position of the surface of the vehicle interior trim material where the hand of the passenger has approached belongs, or only the plurality of light transmission switches of the group to which the light transmission switch disposed around the position of the surface of the vehicle interior trim material where the hand of the passenger has come into contact belongs to the lighting state. A control system for a light transmission switch, characterized by this.

5. In the control system for a light transmission switch according to Claim 1 or 2, it is provided with a voice recognition unit capable of recognizing the voice of the passenger, The lighting control unit is characterized in that, according to the recognition operation of the voice of the occupant by the voice recognition unit, at least one of the light transmission switches in the extinguished state or the dimming state is restored to the lit state. A control system for a light transmission switch.

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