Control system of light transmission switch

Abstract

To provide a control system of a light transmission switch which achieve both convenience of switch operation by an occupant, and high designability in a cabin.SOLUTION: A control system of a light transmission switch determines whether or not a lighting request by an occupant is generated in 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, or determines whether or not the light transmission switches are in a vehicle state capable of being lighted, and sets at least one light transmission switch selected from the plurality of light transmission switches to be a light state on the basis of the determination result. Thereby, both convenience of switch operation by an occupant and high designability in a cabin are achieved.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] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-24832 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

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

[0007] The situation where all the light transmission switches are constantly lit results in a situation where all the symbols of the light transmission switches that the occupant does not need to operate are constantly lit, which gives a cluttered impression to the interior of the vehicle (especially around the instrument panel and the center console). Therefore, it is also conceivable to keep all the light transmission switches constantly extinguished, but this requires the occupant to memorize the arrangement positions of all the light transmission switches in advance, which lacks practicality. Therefore, there was room for improvement in order to achieve both the convenience of switch operation by the occupant and the high design quality of the interior of the vehicle.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to provide a control system for a light transmission switch capable of achieving both the convenience of switch operation by an occupant and the high 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 that performs 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 vehicle interior through the surface of the vehicle interior trim material and a light blocking region for blocking the transmission of the light into the vehicle interior. And this control system for the light transmission switch determines whether or not a lighting request has occurred by the occupant for each of the plurality of light transmission switches in the non-lighting state, or determines whether or not it is a vehicle state in which lighting is possible, and based on the determination result, at least one of the light transmission switches selected from the plurality of light transmission switches is provided with a selective lighting control unit that sets the light transmission switch to a lighting state in which the light is transmitted from the light transmission region into the vehicle interior.

[0010] Due to this specific matter, when it is a situation where a lighting request has occurred by the occupant or it is a vehicle state in which lighting is possible, and when the corresponding light transmission switch is in the non-lighting state, the light transmission switch is selectively set to the lighting state. Thereby, it is possible to set only the minimum necessary light transmission switches to the lighting state, and while obtaining the lighting state of the light transmission switch that satisfies the operation request of the occupant and the lighting state of the light transmission switch suitable for the vehicle state, the design of the vehicle interior can be maintained at a high level.

[0011] Further, the plurality of light transmission switches are seat memory switches for moving the seat according to a seat position stored in advance, and the situation where a lighting request occurs by the occupant is a situation where the occupant is seated on the seat.

[0012] According to this, when the occupant sits on the seat, the seat memory switch becomes the lighting state, so that it is possible to satisfactorily respond to the request of the occupant sitting on the seat (the lighting request of the seat memory switch operated to move the seat to a seat position registered in advance).

[0013] Further, the plurality of light transmission switches are air-conditioning system light transmission switches for operating the air conditioner, and the situation where a lighting request occurs by the occupant is a situation where the body temperature of the occupant deviates from a predetermined range.

[0014] According to this, it is possible to satisfactorily respond to a passenger's request to operate a light transmission switch of an air conditioning system in order to realize the passenger's air conditioning demand (cooling demand when the passenger's body temperature is high or heating demand when the passenger's body temperature is low).

[0015] Further, the plurality of light transmission switches are light transmission switches for activating a function for driver assistance, and the vehicle state in which lighting is possible is a state in which vehicle conditions enabling activation of the function for driver assistance are satisfied.

[0016] According to this, when vehicle conditions enabling activation of a function for driver assistance are satisfied as a vehicle state, the light transmission switch for activating this function for driver assistance is turned on, so that it is possible to satisfactorily respond to a request for the driver to operate the light transmission switch for activating the driver assistance function.

[0017] Further, it is provided with a voice recognition unit capable of recognizing the voice of the passenger, and the situation in which a lighting request by the passenger occurs is a case where the voice from the passenger recognized by the voice recognition unit is a request to turn on a specific light transmission switch.

[0018] According to this, in a situation where the light transmission switch is in an unlit state, when a passenger wants to operate the light transmission switch, by causing the voice recognition unit to recognize the request by voice, it is possible to turn on the light transmission switch corresponding to the request. For this reason, the passenger can easily recognize the position of the light transmission switch to be operated only by uttering a voice.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] In the present invention, at least one light-transmissive switch selected from a plurality of light-transmissive switches in a non-lighted state is turned on based on the result of determination as to whether or not a lighting request is made by an occupant, or based on the result of determination as to whether or not the vehicle state allows lighting. This makes it possible to achieve both convenience of switch operation by the occupant and high design quality of the vehicle interior.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] 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 transmission switches are incorporated in an instrument panel in a vehicle interior.

[0022] - Arrangement form of light transmission 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, 5 according to this embodiment, showing the lighting states of the respective light transmission switches 1 to 5. Further, FIG. 1(b) is an enlarged view showing the lighting state of the air-conditioning 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.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1(a), in the instrument panel IP according to this embodiment, an air-conditioning system light-transmissive switch 1 (1a to 1k) and an audio system light-transmissive switch 2 (2a to 2g) are respectively disposed (built into the instrument panel IP) at its central portion (central portion in the vehicle width direction). Further, at a position closer to the driver's seat in the instrument panel IP and outside the vehicle width direction than 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-transmissive switch. Furthermore, at a position closer to the driver's seat in the instrument panel IP and inside the vehicle width direction than 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-transmissive 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-transmissive switches 1 to 5. Note that the arrangement form of these light-transmissive switches 1 to 5 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1(a). Also, the types and numbers of the light-transmissive switches 1 to 5 are not limited to those shown in Fig. 1(a).

[0024] The air-conditioning system light-transmissive switch 1 includes an air-conditioning 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 blowout 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.

[0025] 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 air inside the vehicle compartment. 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 the 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 blow mode switch 1e is a switch for changing the blowout port of the air for air conditioning blown into the vehicle compartment. Each time it is pressed, the blow mode switches in the order of the face mode, the bi-level mode, the foot mode, and the foot defro 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 stopping the air conditioner. The auto switch 1i is a switch operated when automatically controlling the air conditioner. When this auto switch 1i is turned ON, the air conditioner is automatically controlled based on the temperature inside the vehicle compartment, the 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 light up (the shape of the symbol floats on the instrument panel IP). The configuration for causing the shape of this symbol to float on the instrument panel IP will be described later.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 - 2g are in the lit state, individual symbols light up respectively.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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 - 3d are in the lit state, individual symbols light up respectively.

[0030] 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 automatically 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.

[0031] 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 driver to check the surroundings of the vehicle from a viewpoint above the vehicle by combining a plurality of images from external cameras (not shown) of the vehicle, and is provided 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.

[0032] -Configuration of the light transmission switch- Next, the configurations of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 will be described. Since the configurations of each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 are substantially the same, the light transmission switch 1 will be described here as an example.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the light transmission switch 1 taken along 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, the basic structure of the instrument panel IP 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 transmissive) skin material 63 disposed on the surface of the cushion material 62.

[0034] 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 perpendicular to the surface of the instrument panel IP) is circular or polygonal.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The light source 11 is attached to 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).

[0037] The switch panel 12 is a flat plate having translucency 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).

[0038] The switch member 13 is attached to the circuit board 14. This switch member 13 has a pushing member 13a that is pushed in by receiving a pushing operation force from the side of the skin material 63. In a state where the light transmission switch 1 is not operated, the tip surface of this pushing member 13a abuts against 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) and activating driving support functions (such as a parking assist function and a panoramic view monitor function) corresponding to the operation of the light transmission switch are performed.

[0039] The cushion material 62 is provided with an opening 62a at a position facing the switch panel 12. The shape of this opening 62a substantially matches the shape of the switch panel 12. And a light-transmissive member 62b having light-transmissivity is provided in this opening 62a. This light-transmissive member 62b is constituted by, for example, a silicone resin.

[0040] 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-transmissivity similar to the above-described switch panel 12. 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 an integrated ECU 160 (see FIG. 3) by a signal line. And when a voltage is applied to this proximity detection member 16 from the integrated ECU 160, charges are charged, and by detecting the voltage of this proximity detection member 16, the capacitance value can be detected. By such self-capacitance type 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.

[0041] 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 the 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 composed of 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 formed 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 formed by the coating film 17b.

[0042] The skin material 63 is disposed so as to cover the entire surface of the cushion material 62 and the decorative layer 17, and is entirely adhered to the cushion material 62, and its terminal is fixed in a state of being wound around the back side of the base material 61. Note that the entire skin material 63 may have translucency, or only the regions (regions facing the switch panel 12) facing each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 may have translucency.

[0043] 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.

[0044] -Schematic Configuration of Control System- Next, a control system for controlling the lighting and extinguishing states (non-lighting 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.

[0045] As shown in this FIG. 3, this control system 100 includes each of the ECUs 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 that control in-vehicle devices (such as an air conditioner, an audio system, a seat memory system, etc.) and driving support functions (such as a parking assist function, a panoramic view monitor function, etc.) according to the operations of each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5, an aggregation ECU 160 that aggregates information from these ECUs 110 to 150 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. Examples of each of the ECUs 110 to 150 that control in-vehicle devices and driving support functions include an air conditioner ECU 110, an audio ECU 120, a seat memory ECU 130, a parking assist ECU 140, and a panoramic view monitor ECU 150. Each of the ECUs 110 to 160 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU, a ROM that stores a control program, a RAM that temporarily stores data, and an input / output port, etc.

[0046] These ECUs 110 to 160 and each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 are connected by vehicle network signal lines (CAN (Controller Area Network) signal lines and 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.

[0047] The air conditioner ECU 110 controls the air conditioner according to the temperature inside the vehicle cabin, the set temperature, and the operation of the light transmission switches 1 (1a to 1k) of the air conditioner system. Also, the air conditioner ECU 110 transmits to the aggregation ECU 160 information on the current control state of the air conditioner and information used to switch between the lit state and the unlit state of the light transmission switches 1 (1a to 1k) of the air conditioner system. Examples of the information used to switch between the lit state and the unlit state include the body temperature information of the occupants. The acquisition of the body temperature information of the occupants is performed, for example, by an infrared camera installed inside the vehicle cabin. That is, the aggregation ECU 160 determines whether there is a possibility that an operation request (a request from the occupants) for the light transmission switches 1 (1a to 1k) of the air conditioner system will occur according to the body temperature of the occupants (determines whether it is a situation in which a lighting request by the occupants occurs as defined in the present invention), and switches between the lit state and the unlit state of the light transmission switches 1 (1a to 1k) of the air conditioner system based on the determination result (details will be described later). Note that the information used to switch between the lit state and the unlit state of the light transmission switches 1 (1a to 1k) of the air conditioner system is not limited to the above-described information.

[0048] The audio ECU 120 controls the audio system according to the operation of the audio-related light transmission switches 2 (2a to 2g). Also, the audio ECU 120 transmits to the aggregation ECU 160 information on the current control state of the audio system and information used to switch between the lighting state and the extinguished state of the audio-related light transmission switches 2 (2a to 2g). Examples of the information used to switch between the lighting state and the extinguished state include reception state information of radio waves of each source (AM radio, FM radio, TV). That is, the aggregation ECU 160 determines whether there may be an operation request (request from the occupant) for the audio-related light transmission switches 2 (2a to 2g) according to the reception state of the radio waves of each source (determines whether it is a situation where a lighting request by the occupant occurs as referred to in the present invention), and switches between the lighting state and the extinguished state of the audio-related light transmission switches 2 (2a to 2g) based on the determination result. Note that the information used to switch between the lighting state and the extinguished state of the audio-related light transmission switches 2 (2a to 2g) is not limited to the above-mentioned.

[0049] The seat memory ECU 130 controls the seat memory system. Also, the seat memory ECU 130 transmits to the aggregation ECU 160 information on the current control state of the seat memory system and information used to switch between the lighting state and the extinguished state of the seat memory switches 3 (3a to 3d). Examples of the information used to switch between the lighting state and the extinguished state include seating information that the driver is seated in the driver's seat. The acquisition of this seating information is performed by a seating sensor (not shown) provided in the driver's seat. That is, the aggregation ECU 160 determines whether there may be an operation request (request from the occupant) for the seat memory switches 3 (3a to 3d) according to the seating information (determines whether it is a situation where a lighting request by the occupant occurs as referred to in the present invention), and switches between the lighting state and the extinguished state of the seat memory switches 3 (3a to 3d) based on the determination result. Note that the information used to switch between the lighting state and the extinguished state of the seat memory switches 3 (3a to 3d) is not limited to the above-mentioned.

[0050] The parking assist ECU 140 controls the parking assist function. Also, the parking assist ECU 140 transmits information on the control state of the current parking assist function and information used to switch between the lit state and the extinguished state of the parking assist switch 4 to the aggregation ECU 160. Examples of the information used to switch between the lit state and the extinguished state include vehicle position information and vehicle speed information. The vehicle position information is obtained by a GPS module (not shown) receiving a GPS signal. Also, the vehicle speed information is obtained by a vehicle speed sensor (not shown). That is, the aggregation ECU 160 determines whether an operation request (request from the occupant) for the parking assist switch 4 may occur according to the vehicle position information, vehicle speed information, etc. (determines whether it is a vehicle state in which lighting is possible as referred to in the present invention), and switches between the lit state and the extinguished state of the parking assist switch 4 based on the determination result. Note that the information used to switch between the lit state and the extinguished state of the parking assist switch 4 is not limited to those described above.

[0051] The panoramic view monitor ECU 150 controls the panoramic view monitor function. Also, the panoramic view monitor ECU 150 transmits information on the control state of the current panoramic view monitor function and information used to switch between the lit state and the extinguished state of the panoramic view monitor switch 5 to the aggregation ECU 160. Examples of the information for switching between the lit state and the extinguished state also include vehicle position information and vehicle speed information. That is, the aggregation ECU 160 determines whether an operation request (request from the occupant) for the panoramic view monitor switch 5 may occur according to the vehicle position information, vehicle speed information, etc. (determines whether it is a vehicle state in which lighting is possible as referred to in the present invention), and switches between the lit state and the extinguished state of the panoramic view monitor switch 5 based on the determination result. Note that the information used to switch between the lit state and the extinguished state of the panoramic view monitor switch 5 is not limited to those described above.

[0052] The aggregated ECU 160 receives information from each of the ECUs 110 to 150 and switches the lighting state and the extinguished state of each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5.

[0053] Specifically, this aggregated ECU 160 includes a selective lighting control unit 161 as a functional unit realized by the control program. This selective lighting control unit 161 controls the lighting state and the extinguished state of each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5.

[0054] Specifically, when this selective lighting control unit 161 receives seating information (information that the driver is seated in the driver's seat) from the seat memory ECU 130, it presumes that a request for adjusting the seat position (adjusting the seat position according to the seat memory information stored as its own seat position) occurs in the driver's seat, and transmits lighting command information to the seat memory switch 3 (3a to 3d). Thereby, the seat memory switch 3 (3a to 3d) lights up. Further, the aggregated ECU 160 includes a timer for extinguishing 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, extinguishing command information is transmitted 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, etc. can be mentioned.

[0055] In addition, as control for turning on each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5, when the selection lighting control unit 161 receives ON information of an IG switch (information indicating that the IG switch has been turned on) (not shown), it transmits lighting command information to the light transmission switch 1 for the air conditioner system, the light transmission switch 2 for the audio system, the parking assist switch 4, and the panoramic view monitor switch 5, respectively. 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. Further, the selection lighting control unit 161 includes a timer (a first timer described later) for turning off each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 that has been turned on according to the ON information of the IG switch. When the state where the light transmission switches 1 to 5 are not being operated continues until the timer times out, the selection lighting control unit 161 transmits extinguishing command information to the light transmission switches 1 to 5. As a result, the light transmission switches 1 to 5 are turned off. Incidentally, when the seat memory switch 3 is also set to be turned on, extinguishing command information is transmitted to the seat memory switch 3 simultaneously with the transmission of the extinguishing command information to 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 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 extinguishing command information may not be transmitted to the light transmission switches among the light transmission switches 1 to 5 that need to be constantly lit, 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 flasher (so-called hazard lamp), this light transmission switch (the light transmission switch for operating the emergency flasher) also becomes a light transmission switch that needs to be constantly lit.

[0056] Also, as control to turn on the air-conditioning system's light-transmissive switches 1 (1a to 1k) that are in the off state, when the selection lighting control unit 161 receives the passenger's body temperature information from the air-conditioning ECU 110, if the passenger's body temperature is outside the predetermined range (the normal predetermined range when located in a comfortable space), the set temperature of the air-conditioning control device is appropriately set (for example, when the passenger's body temperature is high, the set temperature is set to be lowered, and when the passenger's body temperature is low, the set temperature is set to be raised), and lighting command information is transmitted to the air-conditioning system's light-transmissive switches 1 (1a to 1k). Thereby, the air-conditioning system's light-transmissive switches 1 (1a to 1k) turn on. FIG. 5(c) is a front view of the instrument panel IP in this case. Also, when the passenger's body temperature is high, lighting command information may be transmitted only to the air-conditioning switch 1a, the air volume increase switch 1f, and the set temperature DOWN switch 1k, and only these light-transmissive switches 1a, 1f, 1k may be turned on. Also, when the passenger's body temperature is low, lighting command information may be transmitted only to the air volume increase switch 1f and the set temperature UP switch 1j, and only these light-transmissive switches 1f, 1j may be turned on. Incidentally, after the air-conditioning system's light-transmissive switches 1 (1a to 1k) turn on, if the state where none of the air-conditioning system's light-transmissive switches 1 (1a to 1k) are operated continues for a predetermined time, lighting-off command information is transmitted to the air-conditioning system's light-transmissive switches 1 (1a to 1k). Thereby, the air-conditioning system's light-transmissive switches 1 (1a to 1k) are turned off.

[0057] Further, as control to turn on the audio system light transmission switches 2 (2a to 2g) that are in the off state, when receiving the reception state information of the radio waves of each source (AM radio, FM radio, TV), if the reception state of the radio waves of the currently selected source has deteriorated, the selection lighting control unit 161 determines that there is a possibility that the occupant may request switching of the source, and transmits lighting command information to the audio system light transmission switches 2 (2a to 2g). As a result, the audio system light transmission switches 2 (2a to 2g) turn on. FIG. 5(d) is a front view of the instrument panel IP in this case. Also, in this case, lighting command information may be transmitted only to the light transmission switches 2a, 2b, 2c for selecting a source, and only these light transmission switches 2a, 2b, 2c may be turned on. Incidentally, after the audio system light transmission switches 2 (2a to 2g) turn on, if the state where none of the audio system light transmission switches 2 (2a to 2g) are operated continues for a predetermined time, extinguishing command information is transmitted to the audio system light transmission switches 2 (2a to 2g). As a result, the audio system light transmission switches 2 (2a to 2g) are turned off.

[0058] Further, as control to turn on the parking assist switch 4, based on the vehicle position information and the vehicle speed information, the selection lighting control unit 161 determines whether or not the vehicle has stopped in a parking lot. If it is determined that the vehicle has stopped in a parking lot (when it is a vehicle state where lighting is possible as defined in the present invention), the selection lighting control unit 161 determines that there is a possibility that the occupant may request activation of the parking assist function, and transmits lighting command information to the parking assist switch 4. As a result, the parking assist switch 4 turns on. FIG. 5(e) is a front view of the instrument panel IP in this case. Incidentally, after the parking assist switch 4 turns on, if the state where the parking assist switch 4 is not operated continues for a predetermined time, extinguishing command information is transmitted to the parking assist switch 4. As a result, the parking assist switch 4 is turned off.

[0059] In addition, as control for turning on the panoramic view monitor switch 5, the selective lighting control unit 161 determines whether or not the vehicle has stopped in the parking lot based on the vehicle position information and the vehicle speed information. When it is determined that the vehicle has stopped in the parking lot (when it is a vehicle state in which lighting is possible according to the present invention), it is determined that there is a possibility that the occupant may request activation of the panoramic view monitor function, and lighting command information is transmitted to the panoramic view monitor switch 5. As a result, the panoramic view monitor switch 5 turns on. FIG. 5(f) is a front view of the instrument panel IP in this case. Incidentally, after the panoramic view monitor switch 5 has turned on, if the state in which the panoramic view monitor switch 5 is not operated continues for a predetermined time, extinguishing command information is transmitted to the panoramic view monitor switch 5. As a result, the panoramic view monitor switch 5 turns off.

[0060] Furthermore, the selective lighting control unit 161 receives signals from the proximity detection members 16 of the light transmission switches 1 to 5, determines whether a passenger's hand has approached or contacted (contacted the skin material 63) each of the light transmission switches 1 to 5, and if there is such an approach or contact of the hand, transmits lighting command information to that 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 light transmission switches 1a to 1k are set (grouped) in the same group (the same group as the air-conditioning system), the audio 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 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 light transmission switches 1 (1a to 1k) light up.

[0061] - Lighting control of the light transmission switch - Next, the lighting control of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 will be described. Here, a case will be described as an example where all of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 light up when the IG switch is turned on.

[0062] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure for lighting control of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 according to this embodiment. This flowchart is repeatedly executed every predetermined time.

[0063] First, in step ST1, it is determined whether the IG switch has been turned on from the OFF state. If the IG switch has not been turned on and a NO determination is made in step ST1, the control ends as it is.

[0064] When the IG switch is turned on and a YES determination is made in step ST1, the process proceeds to step ST2, where all of 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, when all of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 are 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 the light transmission switch is faulty. Incidentally, as the timing for turning on all of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 in this way, it is preferable to synchronize with the turning on of each of the lamps on the meter panel accompanying the ON operation of the IG switch.

[0065] In step ST3, the counting of the first timer provided in the aggregation ECU 160 is started. This first timer is for determining the timing to turn off the light transmission switches 1 to 5 that have once been turned on.

[0066] In step ST4, it is determined whether or not the first timer has timed out. The lighting state of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 continues until the first timer times out. When the first timer times out and a YES determination is made in step ST4, in step ST5, all of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 are turned off. Incidentally, as the timing for turning off all of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 in this way, it is also preferable to synchronize with the turning off of each of the lamps on the meter panel that turned on accompanying the ON operation of the IG switch described above.

[0067] In step ST6, it is determined whether or not a lighting request has occurred for any of the light transmission switches 1 to 5. As conditions for this lighting request, for example, as described above, when the body temperature of the occupant is outside the predetermined range (when it is determined that a lighting request has occurred for the light transmission switch 1 (1a to 1k) of the air conditioning system), when the reception state of the radio wave of the currently selected source has deteriorated (when it is determined that a lighting request has occurred for the light transmission switch 2 (2a to 2g) of the audio system), when the vehicle has stopped in the parking lot (when it is determined that a lighting request has occurred for the parking assist switch 4 or the panoramic view monitor switch 5). Also, even when the hand of the occupant approaches or touches (contacts the skin material 63) any of the light transmission switches, it is determined that a lighting request has occurred for the relevant light transmission switch.

[0068] If no lighting request has occurred for any of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 and a NO determination is made in step ST6, the control continues as it is.

[0069] On the other hand, if a lighting request has occurred for any of the light transmission switches 1 to 5 and a YES determination is made in step ST6, the process proceeds to step ST7, and the light transmission switch corresponding to the lighting request is lit. As a result, the occupant can recognize the position of the light transmission switch for which an operation is requested.

[0070] In step ST8, the count of the second timer provided in the integrated ECU 160 is started. This second timer is for determining the timing to turn off the light transmission switches 1 to 5 lit in response to the lighting request.

[0071] In step ST9, it is determined whether or not the second timer has timed out. The lighting state of the light transmission switch (the lighting state of the light transmission switch lit in response to the lighting request) continues until the second timer times out. When the second timer times out and a YES determination is made in step ST9, the process proceeds to step ST10, the lit light transmission switch is turned off, and the control ends.

[0072] -Advantages of the Embodiment- As described above, in this embodiment, when there is a lighting request by a passenger or when the vehicle state allows lighting, if the corresponding light transmission switch is in the non-lighting state, the light transmission switch is selectively set to the lighting state. As a result, only the minimum necessary light transmission switches can be set to the lighting state, and while obtaining the lighting state of the light transmission switches that satisfy the operation requirements of the passengers and the lighting state of the light transmission switches suitable for the vehicle state, the interior design of the vehicle can be maintained at a high level. This makes it possible to achieve both the convenience of switch operation by the passengers and the high interior design of the vehicle.

[0073] -Modification Example- Next, a modification example will be described. In this modification example, the operation requests for the light transmission switches 1 to 5 from the passenger 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 voice recognition ECU 170 that is connected to a microphone (not shown) for acquiring the voice inside the vehicle compartment to acquire voice information. This voice recognition ECU 170 includes a voice recognition unit 171 as a functional unit realized by a control program. When the voice recognition unit 171 acquires the voice (voice information) of the passenger from the microphone, it analyzes the voice to determine whether the passenger is requesting an operation of the light transmission switches 1 to 5, and if the passenger is requesting an operation of the light transmission switches 1 to 5, which light transmission switch the operation is requested for, and transmits the corresponding information to the aggregation ECU 160.

[0076] Then, the aggregated ECU 160 receives not only information from each of the ECUs 110 to 150 but also information from the voice recognition ECU 170, and switches the lighting states and extinguishing states of the respective light transmission switches 1 to 5 accordingly. That is, by analyzing the voice by the voice recognition unit 171, 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 said light transmission switch is lit.

[0077] According to this modification example, 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 light transmission switch to be operated without using their hands.

[0078] - Other Embodiments - Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the modification examples, 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 modification examples, the case where the present invention is applied to a configuration in which a plurality of light transmission switches 1 to 5 are built into 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 light transmission switches in a center console, interior materials of a door, etc. and controls these light transmission switches.

[0080] Also, in the above-described embodiments and the modification examples, the states of the respective light transmission switches 1 to 5 are switched between a lit state and an extinguished state. The present invention is not limited to this, and the states of the respective 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: a non-lit state). For example, control is performed to reduce the amount of light of the light source 11. Also, 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 kept 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 Signs

[0083] 1... Air-conditioning system light transmission switch 11... Light source 17a... Peeling portion (light transmission region) 17b... Coating film (light-blocking 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) 100... Control system 161... Selective lighting control unit 171... 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, wherein for each of the plurality of light transmission switches in the non-lighting state, it is determined whether or not a lighting request has occurred by a passenger, or whether or not it is a vehicle state in which lighting is possible, and based on the determination result, at least one of the light transmission switches selected from the plurality of light transmission switches is set to a lighting state in which the light is transmitted from the light transmission region into the passenger compartment. A control system for a light transmission switch, characterized in that it comprises a selective lighting control unit.

2. In the control system for a light transmission switch according to Claim 1, the plurality of light transmission switches are seat memory switches for moving the seat according to a seat position stored in advance, and the situation in which a lighting request occurs by the passenger is a situation in which a passenger is seated on the seat. A control system for a light transmission switch, characterized in that it is like this.

3. In the control system for a light transmission switch according to Claim 1, the plurality of light transmission switches are air-conditioning system light transmission switches for operating an air conditioner, and the situation in which a lighting request occurs by the passenger is a situation in which the body temperature of the passenger deviates from a predetermined range. A control system for a light transmission switch, characterized in that it is like this.

4. In the control system for a light transmission switch according to Claim 1, the plurality of light transmission switches are light transmission switches for activating a function for driver assistance, and the vehicle state in which lighting is possible is a state in which vehicle conditions enabling activation of the function for driver assistance are satisfied. A control system for a light transmission switch, characterized in that it is like this.

5. In the control system for a light transmission switch according to Claim 1, it is provided with a voice recognition unit capable of recognizing the voice of the passenger, and the situation in which a lighting request occurs by the passenger is a case where the voice from the passenger recognized by the voice recognition unit is a request to light a specific light transmission switch. A control system for a light transmission switch, characterized in that it is like this.

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