Overhead console

Abstract

To provide an overhead console which can be miniaturized even when functions are integrated.SOLUTION: An overhead console 1 is arranged on a cabin ceiling 2 of a vehicle, and has a plurality of switches 6 used when operating an on-vehicle device provided in the vehicle. The overhead console 1 determines whether or not a function switching operation for requesting switching of an operation function assigned to each of the plurality of switches 6 is operated. The function switching operation is, for example, to operate a switching operation unit 17 of the overhead console 1. When it is determined that the function switching operation has been performed, the overhead console 1 switches the operation function assigned to each of the plurality of switches 6 to another operation function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an overhead console mounted in a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, an overhead console having a light switch and a sunroof switch is well known. When the light switch is operated, the light is turned on or off. When the sunroof switch is operated, the sunroof is opened or closed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-149887 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, the number of functions installed in vehicles has been increasing, creating a need to install switches for these functions in the overhead console.However, there was a concern that installing more switches in the overhead console would result in the overhead console becoming larger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The overhead console that solves the above problem is arranged on the ceiling of the vehicle interior and has a configuration that includes a plurality of switches used when operating on-board devices installed in the vehicle, and is equipped with a determination unit that determines whether a function switching operation has been performed that requests switching of an operating function assigned to each of the plurality of switches, and an operating function switching unit that, when it is determined that the function switching operation has been performed, switches the operating function assigned to each of the plurality of switches to another operating function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present invention allows the overhead console to be made smaller even when its functions are integrated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an overhead console according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] 10(a) and 10(b) are explanatory diagrams showing how to operate the switch. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of the overhead console. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a front view of the overhead console after switching the operation function. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing screen transitions on the display. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an electrical configuration diagram of the overhead console. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. (Overhead console 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the overhead console 1 is disposed on the interior ceiling 2 of the vehicle. The overhead console 1 is disposed, for example, on the interior ceiling 2 at the end of the vehicle body in the forward direction and in the center in the vehicle width direction. The overhead console 1 is, for example, an input device for operating an in-vehicle device 3 (see FIG. 7) possessed by the vehicle. In this example, the overhead console 1 is used as an input device shared by a plurality of in-vehicle functions. The in-vehicle function may be, for example, the in-vehicle device 3, or may be each of the setting functions possessed by the in-vehicle device 3.

[0009] Examples of the in-vehicle device 3 include a lighting device that illuminates the surroundings and an opening / closing device that opens and closes an opening / closing body. The lighting device may be an exterior lighting device or an interior lighting device. The exterior lighting device and the interior lighting device may be added later. For example, if the in-vehicle device 3 is a lighting device, examples of the individual setting functions that the in-vehicle device 3 has include a lighting on / off function, a lighting brightness adjustment function, a lighting mode switching function, etc.

[0010] The overhead console 1 includes a housing 5 that houses various components of the overhead console 1, and a plurality of switches 6 used to operate an on-board device 3 installed in the vehicle. When the housing 5 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, it has a first surface 7 that is the surface opposite the vehicle interior ceiling 2, and a second surface 8 that is disposed intersecting the first surface 7 and faces toward the rear of the vehicle body. The plurality of switches 6 are disposed on the first surface 7. A display 9 used for the plurality of switches 6 is disposed on the second surface 8.

[0011] (Multiple Switches 6) As shown in FIG. 1, the multiple switches 6 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction (Y-axis direction in FIG. 1). In this way, the multiple switches 6 are aligned on the same line in the vehicle width direction. Each of the multiple switches 6 is formed in the same shape. The multiple switches 6 are shared by multiple on-board functions installed in the vehicle. In this example, four switches 6 are provided: a first switch 6a, a second switch 6b, a third switch 6c, and a fourth switch 6d.

[0012] 2, the plurality of switches 6 each have a knob 11 that is an operation point of the switch 6, and a detection unit 12 that detects the operation of the knob 11. The knob 11 is arranged so as to be exposed to the outside of the housing 5. The detection unit 12 is arranged inside the housing 5 and detects the operation of the knob 11 from the position of the base end of the knob 11. The detection unit 12 may be, for example, a mechanical switch or a sensor.

[0013] The multiple switches 6 are rotary switches that are operated by rotating a knob 11 that protrudes away from the vehicle ceiling 2 around an axis 13 that extends in the width direction of the knob 11. That is, the switches 6 in this example are toggle switches of this type. In this example, because the knob 11 is a toggle switch that protrudes in the opposite direction from the vehicle ceiling 2, the knob 11 can be operated with natural movements of the hand and fingers, making operation easy. The multiple switches 6 are momentary switches that automatically return the knob 11 to its original neutral position when the hand is released from the knob 11 after it has been operated.

[0014] As shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), the multiple switches 6 are configured to be operable in either the depth direction (the direction of arrow R1 in Figure 3(a)) or the front direction (the direction of arrow R2 in Figure 3(b)) with respect to a neutral position. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3(a), when the front surface 14 of the knob 11 is pressed with a finger or the like, the knob 11 rotates from the neutral position toward the front of the vehicle body around the axis 13. Note that when the finger is released from the knob 11 after operating the knob 11 in the depth direction, the knob 11 automatically returns to its original neutral position.

[0015] 3(b), when the surface 15 of the knob 11 opposite the front side is pressed with a finger or the like, the knob 11 rotates from the neutral position toward the rear of the vehicle body around the axis 13. When the finger is released from the knob 11 after operating the knob 11 toward the front side, the knob 11 automatically returns to the original neutral position.

[0016] (Display 9) As shown in FIG. 1 , the display 9 is disposed on the second surface 8 near the plurality of switches 6. The display 9 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display may be a monochrome liquid crystal display or a color liquid crystal display. The display 9 is a component for the plurality of switches 6, and displays a screen corresponding to the switches 6.

[0017] (Overhead console 1 function integration) 4 and 5, the overhead console 1 is a multi-function type in which operation functions exceeding the number of switches are assigned to multiple switches 6. In this example, the overhead console 1 integrates functions by making it possible to switch between operation functions assigned to multiple switches 6. In other words, the overhead console 1 integrates operation functions for in-vehicle functions exceeding the number of switches 6, and allows each in-vehicle function to be operated by a common switch 6.

[0018] When a function switching operation is performed on the overhead console 1, the overhead console 1 switches the operation functions assigned to each of the switches 6 to another operation function. The function switching operation is, for example, operating the switching operation unit 17 provided on the overhead console 1.

[0019] The display 9 displays images 18 corresponding to the operation functions assigned to the multiple switches 6. In this example, the display 9 has a display area for displaying the operation functions of each switch 6. In this example, the display 9 is assigned, in order from the left edge of the page, a display area for the operation functions of the first switch 6a, a display area for the operation functions of the second switch 6b, a display area for the operation functions of the third switch 6c, and a display area for the operation functions of the fourth switch 6d. The display 9 displays images 18 for the operation functions of each switch 6 in the corresponding display areas.

[0020] 4 and 5, when a function switching operation is performed on the overhead console 1, the operation functions of all the switches 6 are switched to another operation function all at once. Specifically, if operation functions corresponding to images "A" to "D" are assigned to the first switch 6a to the fourth switch 6d, respectively, when a function switching operation is performed on the overhead console 1, operation functions corresponding to images "E" to "H" are assigned to the first switch 6a to the fourth switch 6d, respectively. In this way, the operation functions of the switches 6 are switched by a scrolling operation using the switching operation unit 17.

[0021] (Operation function targeted by switch 6) The operation function includes, for example, a lighting operation function for operating a lighting device, such as a function for turning on / off a map lamp, a function for turning on / off a foot lamp, a function for turning on / off a dome lamp, and a function for turning on / off color illumination.

[0022] The operation function includes, for example, an opening / closing body operation function for operating an opening / closing body, such as a function for operating a roof, a function for opening and closing a sunshade on a window glass, or a function for opening and closing a sliding door of a vehicle.

[0023] The operation function includes, for example, an emergency call function for operating an emergency call device. The emergency call function is a function for notifying an alarm to a center or facility outside the vehicle via network communication when, for example, switch 6 is operated.

[0024] The operation function includes, for example, an AUX (Auxiliary) terminal of the vehicle for operating an AUX-connected device connected to the vehicle. The AUX terminal is an auxiliary terminal or a spare terminal provided in the vehicle for connecting an external device or an accessory as an AUX-connected device, and a plurality of AUX terminals are provided. The AUX-connected device may be, for example, a lighting device attached to the exterior of the vehicle.

[0025] (Switching operation unit 17) As shown in FIG. 1, a switching operation unit 17 used for function switching operations is disposed, for example, on the first surface 7 of the housing 5. Specifically, the switching operation unit 17 is disposed next to the switch 6. The switching operation unit 17 is, for example, a touch sensor. In this example, two switching operation units 17 are provided: a first switching operation unit 17a and a second switching operation unit 17b. The first switching operation unit 17a is disposed next to the first switch 6a. The second switching operation unit 17b is disposed next to the fourth switch 6d.

[0026] 6, the first switching operation unit 17a is for switching functions forward, and the second switching operation unit 17b is for switching functions backward. Therefore, the operation function of the switch 6 is switched to forward every time the first switching operation unit 17a is operated. Also, the operation function of the switch 6 is switched to backward every time the second switching operation unit 17b is operated.

[0027] (Operation function allocation pattern) 6, allocation patterns are prepared for the operation functions assigned to the multiple switches 6 according to the number of times the switching operation unit 17 is operated. In the example of FIG. 6, the allocation patterns shown are a first allocation pattern in which operation functions corresponding to images "A" to "D" are assigned to each of the switches 6, and a second allocation pattern in which operation functions corresponding to images "E" to "H" are assigned to each of the switches 6. When the first switching operation unit 17a for forward scrolling is operated once in the first allocation pattern, the allocation pattern is changed to a second allocation pattern.

[0028] (Electrical configuration of overhead console 1) As shown in FIG. 7, the overhead console 1 includes a control device 20 that controls the operation of the overhead console 1. The control device 20 is configured with, for example, a processor, a memory, and a storage. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The input of the control device 20 is connected to the switches 6 (first switch 6a to fourth switch 6d) and the switching operation unit 17 (first switching operation unit 17a, second switching operation unit 17b). The output of the control device 20 is connected to the display 9. The display on the display 9 is controlled by the control device 20.

[0029] The control device 20 continuously grasps the operation functions currently assigned to the switches 6. When the control device 20 receives a switch signal Sa from the switch 6, it identifies the switch signal Sa based on the operation functions currently assigned to the switch 6, and outputs an operation command Sb according to the identification result to the in-vehicle device 3. The in-vehicle device 3 operates based on the operation command Sb received from the control device 20.

[0030] (Switch 6 operation function switching) As shown in FIG. 7, the overhead console 1 includes a determination unit 21 that determines whether or not a function switching operation has been performed, which requests switching of the operation functions assigned to each of the multiple switches 6. The determination unit 21 is provided in the control device 20. In this example, the determination unit 21 determines whether or not a function switching operation has been performed, based on a detection signal Sc input from the switching operation unit 17. Specifically, the determination unit 21 determines that a function switching operation has been performed when the switching operation unit 17 has been operated. The determination unit 21 determines that a function switching operation has been performed when it detects that either the first switching operation unit 17a or the second switching operation unit 17b has been operated.

[0031] The overhead console 1 includes an operation function switching unit 22 that switches the operation function of the switch 6 based on the determination result of the determination unit 21. The operation function switching unit 22 is provided in the control device 20. When it is determined that a function switching operation has been performed, the operation function switching unit 22 switches the operation function assigned to each of the multiple switches 6 to another operation function of the vehicle. In other words, when a function switching operation has been performed, the operation function switching unit 22 switches the operation function currently assigned to the switch 6 to another operation function from among the multiple operation functions provided in the vehicle.

[0032] The overhead console 1 includes a display processing unit 23 that controls the display on the display 9. The display processing unit 23 is provided in the control device 20. The display processing unit 23 displays, on the display 9, an image 18 representing each of the operation functions assigned to each of the plurality of switches 6, in association with each of the plurality of switches 6. That is, each time the operation function of the switch 6 is switched, the display processing unit 23 displays, on the display 9, an image 18 corresponding to the switched operation function.

[0033] (Operation of the embodiment) Next, the operation of the overhead console 1 of this embodiment will be described. (Basic operation of Switch 6) As shown in Fig. 4, when operating an operation function displayed on image "A," for example, the first switch 6a paired with this image "A" is operated. As an example of switch operation, for example, the front surface 14 of the first switch 6a is pressed with a finger or the like to push the first switch 6a in the depth direction. For example, if the operation function assigned to the first switch 6a is the on / off function of a lighting device, pushing the first switch 6a in the depth direction turns on the light.

[0034] Furthermore, if the operation function assigned to the first switch 6a is the on / off function of the lighting device, to turn off the lighting, for example, the first switch 6a is operated again in the depth direction or the first switch 6a is pressed forward, thereby turning off the lighting of the lighting device.

[0035] (Switching between operation functions) 5, when it is desired to switch between the operation functions assigned to each of the multiple switches 6, the switching operation unit 17 located next to the multiple switches 6 is operated. Specifically, when it is desired to switch between the operation functions assigned to each of the multiple switches 6 in sequence, the first switching operation unit 17a is touched.

[0036] When the determination unit 21 detects that the first switching operation unit 17a has been operated, it determines that the operation functions of the plurality of switches 6 should be switched. If it is determined that the operation functions should be switched, the operation function switching unit 22 switches the operation functions assigned to each of the plurality of switches 6 to another operation function. Furthermore, the display processing unit 23 displays on the display 9 an image 18 corresponding to the switched-to another operation function.

[0037] In this example, when the first switching operation unit 17a is operated, the operation functions of the multiple switches 6 are switched collectively to the state shown in Fig. 5. Specifically, the operation functions corresponding to images "A" to "D" are switched to the operation functions corresponding to images "E" to "H," respectively. This makes it possible to operate a different in-vehicle function from that before the function switching, even with the same switch 6.

[0038] If it is desired to further switch the switch functions assigned to each switch 6 in the forward direction, the first switching operation unit 17a is operated again. Then, the operation of the first switching operation unit 17a is repeated until the assignment pattern of the operation functions assigned to the multiple switches 6 becomes the desired pattern. Furthermore, if it is desired to switch the assignment pattern of the operation functions in the reverse direction, the second switching operation unit 17b is operated. In this way, the desired operation functions are assigned to the multiple switches 6 by operating the first switching operation unit 17a and the second switching operation unit 17b.

[0039] As described above, in this example, multiple functions are integrated into one overhead console 1, and the operation functions assigned to each of the multiple switches 6 can be changed by operating the switching operation unit 17. This eliminates the need to provide a switch 6 for each operation function, making it possible to reduce the number of switches 6. This makes it possible to make the overhead console 1 more compact. Furthermore, it also makes it possible to reduce the parts cost of the overhead console 1.

[0040] In particular, when a vehicle has an AUX terminal and is configured to allow accessories and external devices to be connected, the vehicle may be equipped with a large number of operating functions. The number of operating functions required for a vehicle may reach several tens to several hundred types in some cases. In such cases, it is practically impossible to provide individual switches 6 for all of these operating functions on the overhead console 1. However, by selectively assigning operating functions to switches 6 as in this example, it becomes possible to provide switches 6 for each operating function on the overhead console 1, even if the number of operating functions tends to increase.

[0041] (Easy switch operation) As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), each switch 6 extends in the opposite direction from the vehicle interior ceiling 2 and is operated in a direction that intersects with the up-down direction (vertical direction). This allows the switch to be operated using natural movements of the hands and fingers, i.e., in a direction that does not oppose the direction of hand and finger movement. This eliminates the need to operate the switch in an awkward position. If the switch 6 were a push switch, the operating direction of the switch would be opposite to its own weight, which would impose a load on the switch operation. In contrast, in this example, the switch can be operated using natural movements of the hands and fingers, making switch operation easier.

[0042] In particular, because the overhead console 1 is located on the vehicle interior ceiling 2, operating the switches on the overhead console 1 requires a significant upward reach. Therefore, if the switches 6 on the overhead console 1 can be operated with natural hand and finger movements as in this example, it will be relatively easy to operate the switches 6, even if it requires a significant upward reach. This further contributes to making switch operation on the overhead console 1 easier.

[0043] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the overhead console 1 of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0044] (1) The overhead console 1 is disposed on the ceiling 2 of the vehicle interior, and has a plurality of switches 6 used to operate an in-vehicle device 3 provided in the vehicle. A determination unit 21 provided in the overhead console 1 determines whether or not a function switching operation has been performed, which requests switching of an operation function assigned to each of the plurality of switches 6. When it is determined that a function switching operation has been performed, an operation function switching unit 22 provided in the overhead console 1 switches the operation function assigned to each of the plurality of switches 6 to another operation function.

[0045] According to this configuration, the overhead console 1 is provided with more operation functions than the number of switches, and the operation functions assigned to each of the multiple switches 6 are selected by a function switching operation. Therefore, even if the overhead console 1 has integrated functions, there is no need to provide a switch 6 for each of the many operation functions. Therefore, even if the overhead console 1 has integrated functions, it can be made smaller.

[0046] (2) The overhead console 1 includes a switching operation unit 17 used for function switching operations. A determination unit 21 determines that a function switching operation has been performed when the switching operation unit 17 is operated, and an operation function switching unit 22 switches the operation function in response to the operation of the switching operation unit 17. With this configuration, the operation functions of the multiple switches 6 can be switched by the easy-to-understand operation of operating the switching operation unit 17 provided specifically for switching.

[0047] (3) For the operation functions assigned to the multiple switches 6, assignment patterns are prepared according to the number of times the switching operation unit 17 is operated. The operation function switching unit 22 sets the operation functions of each of the multiple switches 6 to an assignment pattern according to the number of times the switching operation unit 17 is operated. With this configuration, the operation functions assigned to each of the multiple switches 6 can be changed collectively for each predetermined assignment pattern. Therefore, the operation function to be switched can be efficiently reached.

[0048] (4) The overhead console 1 includes a display 9 used for the multiple switches 6 and a display processor 23 that controls the display of the display 9. The display processor 23 displays images 18 representing each of the multiple operation functions assigned to each of the multiple switches 6 on the display 9 in association with each of the multiple switches 6. With this configuration, the operation function currently assigned to each of the multiple switches 6 can be instantly recognized from the image 18 displayed on the display 9.

[0049] (5) At least one of the switches 6 is a rotary switch that is operated by rotating a knob 11 that protrudes from the opposite side of the vehicle interior ceiling 2 around an axis 13 that extends in the width direction of the knob 11. This configuration allows the knob 11 of the switch 6 to be operated with movements that do not cramp the hands or fingers. Therefore, an awkward posture is not required to operate the switch 6, making it easier to operate the switch 6.

[0050] (Other embodiments) This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0051] The switch 6 is not limited to a structure that allows it to be operated in both directions from the neutral position, but may be a structure that allows it to be operated in only one direction from the initial position. The switch 6 is not limited to a toggle switch, but may be, for example, a slide switch, a rotary switch, a push switch, or the like.

[0052] The multiple switches 6 do not necessarily have to have the same configuration, and at least one of them may have a different configuration. The switches 6 do not necessarily have to be arranged on the first surface 7 of the housing 5, but may be arranged in other positions.

[0053] The number of switching operation units 17 is not limited to a plurality, and may be one. The function switching operation is not limited to operating the switching operation unit 17, but may be, for example, a predetermined operation of the switch 6. Specifically, the function switching operation may be, for example, pressing and holding the predetermined switch 6, or operating the predetermined switch 6 in a certain pattern.

[0054] The function switching operation may be performed by operating a predetermined switch provided in the vehicle or by operating a terminal such as a smartphone. The overhead console 1 may not have a display 9.

[0055] The overhead console 1 may be located anywhere on the vehicle ceiling 2. The overhead console 1 may have lighting units that illuminate the interior of the vehicle. The overhead console 1 may have a storage compartment for storing items. The storage compartment is preferably, for example, of an openable / closable type.

[0056] The control device 20 may be located inside the housing 5 of the overhead console 1 or outside the housing 5. The phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "one or more" of the desired options. As an example, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only one option" or "both of two options" if the number of options is two. As another example, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options" if the number of options is three or more.

[0057] The determination unit 21, operation function switching unit 22, and display processing unit 23 may be configured as [1] one or more processors operating according to a computer program (software), or [2] a combination of such a processor and one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), that execute at least some of the various processes. The processor includes a CPU and memory, such as RAM and ROM, that stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute the processes. The memory (computer-readable medium) includes any available medium accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer. Alternatively, instead of a computer including the processor, a processing circuit configured by one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute all of the various processes may be used.

[0058] The determination unit 21, the operation function switching unit 22, and the display processing unit 23 may be configured from independent processors, or may be configured from a processor that shares some of its functions. In this way, the determination unit 21, the operation function switching unit 22, and the display processing unit 23 are not limited to being independent functional blocks, but may be configured from a single functional block, or may be configured from a functional block that shares some of its functions.

[0059] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to those embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and equivalent modifications. In addition, various combinations and forms, including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1...overhead console, 2...vehicle interior ceiling, 3...vehicle device, 6...switch, 9...display, 11...knob, 13...axis, 17...switching operation unit, 18...image, 21...determination unit, 22...operation function switching unit, 23...display processing unit.

Claims

1. An overhead console that is arranged on a ceiling of a vehicle interior and has a plurality of switches used to operate an in-vehicle device provided in the vehicle, a determination unit that determines whether or not a function switching operation has been performed to request switching of an operation function assigned to each of the plurality of switches; an operation function switching unit that switches the operation functions assigned to each of the plurality of switches to another operation function when it is determined that the function switching operation has been performed.

2. a switching operation unit used for the function switching operation, the determination unit determines that the function switching operation has been performed when the switching operation unit has been operated; The overhead console according to claim 1 , wherein the operation function switching unit switches the operation function in response to an operation of the switching operation unit.

3. The operation functions assigned to the plurality of switches are assigned in accordance with an assignment pattern corresponding to the number of times the switching operation unit is operated, The overhead console according to claim 2 , wherein the operation function switching unit sets the operation functions of each of the plurality of switches to the assignment pattern according to the number of times the switching unit is operated.

4. a display for use with said plurality of switches; 2. The overhead console according to claim 1, further comprising: a display processing unit that displays, on the display, an image representing each of the operation functions assigned to each of the plurality of switches, among the plurality of operation functions, in association with each of the plurality of switches.

5. 2. The overhead console according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of switches is a rotary switch that is operated by rotating a knob that protrudes on the side opposite the vehicle interior ceiling around an axis extending in the width direction of the knob.

Images