Overhead console

Abstract

To provide an overhead console capable of improving convenience of switch operation.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 mode switching operation has been performed on each of the plurality of switches 6. The mode switching operation is, for example, a long-press operation of the switch 6 for switching an operation mode. The overhead console 1 switches the operation mode to another mode different from a normal mode only for the switch 6 determined to have been subjected to the mode switching operation among the plurality of switches 6.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] For example, when retrofitting an external device such as a lighting device to a vehicle, it is conceivable to electrically connect the device to a fuse box and assign an operating function such as switching the device on and off to a switch on an overhead console inside the vehicle. However, in this case, if it is not clearly indicated which of the multiple switches on the overhead console is assigned to which retrofitted device, it may be difficult to know which switch to operate to activate the device, which can be inconvenient.

[0005] Therefore, in this type of overhead console, for example, a method has been considered in which the operation mode of the switch is switched to a function change mode by a specific operation of the switch, and the image of the switch (e.g., a mark, etc.) displayed on the overhead console display is changed to an image corresponding to the equipment. However, with this solution, if all switches are switched to the function change mode, when a user wishes to operate other switches that are not the target of the change, the operation mode of the switch must be returned to its original state. Therefore, there is a concern that the convenience of switch operation is poor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] 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 mode switching operation has been performed for each of the plurality of switches, and a mode switching unit that switches the operating mode of only those switches among the plurality of switches that have been determined to have undergone the mode switching operation to a mode different from the normal mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention can improve the convenience of switch operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [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] 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams illustrating an operation when the operation mode of the first switch is changed to another mode. [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. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an overhead console according to another example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] (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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] (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.

[0018] (Assignment of operation functions to each switch 6) As shown in Fig. 4, each switch 6 of the overhead console 1 is assigned a different operation function. In this example, a different operation function is assigned to each of the first switch 6a to the fourth switch 6d. Therefore, each of the first switch 6a to the fourth switch 6d can operate a different in-vehicle function.

[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] (Switch 6 operating mode) As shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the operation mode of the switch 6 can be switched from the normal mode to another mode when a predetermined mode switching operation is performed. The normal mode is a mode in which the currently assigned operation function can be operated. The other mode is, for example, a setting mode in which an image 18 to be displayed on the display 9 is set. Thus, the other mode in this example is a setting mode in which an image 18 representing the operation function assigned to the switch 6 is set. In this example, the setting mode is a mode (image switching mode) in which a specific image 18 is selected from a plurality of images 18 prepared as selection targets using the switch 6 that has been shifted to the setting mode.

[0021] The mode switching operation is, for example, a predetermined operation of the switch 6 to switch the operation mode to another mode. Specifically, the mode switching operation is an operation of pressing and holding the switch 6 to switch to another mode. Therefore, for example, when switching the operation mode of the first switch 6a from the normal mode to another mode, the first switch 6a is pressed and held for a predetermined time.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the display 9 displays a guide indicator 19 indicating that the image 18 can be switched by scrolling when the switch 6 is switched to another mode. The guide indicator 19 includes a first guide indicator 19a indicating the scroll direction in one direction (toward the bottom of the screen in this example) when switching the image 18, and a second guide indicator 19b indicating the scroll direction in the other direction (toward the top of the screen in this example) when switching the image 18. The first guide indicator 19a and the second guide indicator 19b are, for example, arrows that represent the scrolling directions. The first guide indicator 19a is displayed below the image 18 on the display 9. The second guide indicator 19b is displayed above the image 18 on the display 9.

[0023] 6, when the image 18 corresponding to the switch 6 can be scrolled in both directions, the operation of pressing the knob 11 in the depth direction of the switch 6 is assigned as switching the image 18 in the forward direction, and the operation of pressing the knob 11 in the forward direction of the switch 6 is assigned as switching the image 18 in the reverse direction. In the case of the same figure, if an operation function corresponding to image "A" is assigned to the switch 6, each time the knob 11 is operated in the depth direction, the image 18 is switched in the order of image "Aa", "Ab", ..., and each time the knob 11 is operated in the forward direction, the image 18 is switched in the order of image "Az", "Ay", ....

[0024] (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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[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). Switches 6 (first switch 6a to fourth switch 6d) are connected to the input of the control device 20. A display 9 is connected to the output of the control device 20. The display on the display 9 is controlled by the control device 20.

[0029] When the control device 20 receives the switch signal Sa from the switch 6, it outputs an operation command Sb according to the operation location 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 mode change) As shown in FIG. 7, the overhead console 1 includes a determination unit 21 that determines whether a mode switching operation has been performed for 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 a mode switching operation has been performed based on a switch signal Sa input from the switch 6. If the mode switching operation is a long press of the switch 6, the determination unit 21 determines whether a mode switching operation has been performed based on the signal input time of the switch signal Sa. Note that the long press of the switch 6 may be an operation of pressing and holding the knob 11 in the depth direction, or an operation of pressing and holding the knob 11 in the forward direction.

[0031] The overhead console 1 includes a mode switching unit 22 that switches the operation mode of the switches 6 based on the determination result of the determination unit 21. The mode switching unit 22 is provided in the control device 20. The mode switching unit 22 switches the operation mode of only those switches 6 that have been determined to have undergone a mode switching operation to a mode different from the normal mode. In other words, the mode switching unit 22 switches only those switches 6 that have undergone a mode switching operation to a different mode, and maintains the other switches 6 in the normal mode.

[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. Furthermore, every time a switching operation of the image 18 is performed on a switch 6 set to a different mode (setting mode), the display processing unit 23 displays the switched image 18 on the display 9.

[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] (Operation mode switching operation) 5(a) and 5(b), for example, when it is desired to switch the operation mode of the first switch 6a to another mode, the first switch 6a is pressed and held down. In this example, when associating an aftermarket accessory electrically connected to the fuse box of the vehicle with the first switch 6a of the overhead console 1, the operation mode of the first switch 6a is switched to another mode and image setting is performed. In this example, when it is desired to switch the image 18 corresponding to the first switch 6a to another image, the user presses and holds down the first switch 6a in the depth direction to switch the operation mode of the first switch 6a to another mode, i.e., a setting mode (image switching mode) for setting the image 18.

[0036] When the determination unit 21 detects that the first switch 6a has been pressed and held, it determines that the operation mode of the first switch 6a should be switched to another mode. If it is determined that the first switch 6a should be switched to another mode, the mode switching unit 22 switches the operation mode of the first switch 6a to another mode, thereby making the image 18 changeable. Furthermore, the display processing unit 23 displays a guidance display 19 on the image 18 of the first switch 6a to indicate that the first switch 6a has been switched to the other mode.

[0037] 6, when the first switch 6a is shifted to another mode, the first switch 6a is assigned a mode for changing the image 18. Therefore, pressing the knob 11 in the depth direction is assigned to switching the image 18 forward, and pressing the knob 11 in the front direction is assigned to switching the image 18 backward.

[0038] When the first switch 6a is in the other mode, each time the knob 11 of the first switch 6a is pressed in the depth direction, the images 18 change one by one in the forward direction, such as from image "Aa" to image "Ab" .... Also, when the first switch 6a is in the other mode, each time the knob 11 of the first switch 6a is pressed in the forward direction, the images 18 change one by one in the reverse direction, such as from image "Az" to image "Ay" .... Then, the knob 11 of the first switch 6a is operated in the depth direction or forward direction until the desired image 18 is reached. In this way, the images 18 corresponding to the items electrically connected to the vehicle's fuse box are assigned to the first switch 6a.

[0039] Then, when the image 18 of the function corresponding to the first switch 6a reaches the desired image 18, the operation mode of the first switch 6a is returned from the other mode to the original normal mode. The operation of returning to the normal mode is preferably, for example, the same long press operation as when switching the first switch 6a from the normal mode to the other mode. In this way, when the mode switching operation is performed again in the other mode, the mode switching unit 22 returns the other mode to the original normal mode.

[0040] Incidentally, when switching the switches 6 from normal mode to another mode, if all of the switches 6 are switched to the other mode, even the switches 6 that are not the target of the change in the image 18 will be switched to the other mode. For this reason, if one wants to immediately operate the switches 6 that are not the target of the change in the image 18, it is necessary to return the mode of the switches 6 to normal mode, which can be a cumbersome operation.

[0041] On the other hand, in this example, among the multiple switches 6, only the switches 6 whose images 18 are to be changed can have their operation modes switched to another mode. Therefore, the switches 6 whose images 18 are not to be changed remain in the normal mode. Therefore, even if the operation mode of a specific switch 6 is switched to another mode, the other switches 6 remain in the normal mode, so they can be operated immediately. In particular, if the switch 6 is an emergency notification switch, they can be operated quickly, so there is no concern that the emergency notification will be delayed.

[0042] (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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the overhead console 1 of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0045] (1) The overhead console 1 is disposed on the interior ceiling 2 of the vehicle 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 a mode switching operation has been performed for each of the plurality of switches 6. A mode switching unit 22 provided in the overhead console 1 switches the operating mode of only those switches 6 for which it has been determined that a mode switching operation has been performed, to a mode different from the normal mode.

[0046] According to this configuration, when a mode switching operation is performed, only the switch 6 that is the target of the mode switching operation among the multiple switches 6 is switched to another mode, and the other switches 6 remain in the normal mode. Therefore, the switches 6 that are not the target of the mode switching operation can be operated normally, so that when a situation arises in which operation is desired, the switch 6 can be operated immediately. This improves the convenience of switch operation.

[0047] (2) 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 operation functions assigned to each of the multiple switches 6 on the display 9 in association with the multiple switches 6. The separate mode is a setting mode that sets the image 18 displayed on the display 9. With this configuration, by shifting the operation mode of the switches 6 from the normal mode to the setting mode, it is possible to appropriately switch the image 18 corresponding to the operation function assigned to the switch 6. Furthermore, it is possible to instantly recognize what operation function is currently assigned to each of the multiple switches 6 from the image 18 displayed on the display 9.

[0048] (3) The setting mode is a mode (image switching mode) in which a specific image 18 is selected from a plurality of images 18 prepared as selection targets using the switch 6 that has been shifted to the setting mode. With this configuration, the operation mode of the switch 6 is shifted from the normal mode to the setting mode (image switching mode), and the image 18 representing the function corresponding to the switch 6 can be appropriately switched by simply operating the switch 6.

[0049] (4) When a mode switching operation is performed again in another mode, the mode switching unit 22 returns the other mode to the original normal mode. With this configuration, by performing the mode switching operation again, the operation mode of the switch 6 can be immediately returned to the original normal mode at the user's will.

[0050] (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.

[0051] (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.

[0052] 8, the overhead console 1 may have a switching operation unit 31 that collectively switches between the operation functions assigned to each of the multiple switches 6. The switching operation unit 31 is, for example, a touch sensor provided on the first surface 7 of the housing 5. In this example, the switching operation unit 31 includes a first switching operation unit 31a that switches between the operation functions assigned to each of the multiple switches 6 in a forward direction, and a second switching operation unit 31b that switches between the operation functions assigned to each of the multiple switches 6 in a backward direction.

[0053] The operation of the first switching operation unit 31a and the second switching operation unit 31b is repeated until a desired pattern of operation functions is assigned to each of the switches 6. In this manner, the first switching operation unit 31a and the second switching operation unit 31b may be operated to assign desired operation functions to the switches 6. The number of switching operation units 31 is not limited to multiple, and may be only one.

[0054] When the switch 6 is switched to another mode, if the switch 6 is not operated for a predetermined period of time, the operation mode of the switch 6 may be automatically returned to the normal mode. 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.

[0055] 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. The multiple switches 6 do not necessarily have to have the same configuration, and at least one of them may have a different configuration.

[0056] 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. The mode switching operation may be performed using a plurality of switches 6.

[0057] The mode switching operation may be performed by operating a predetermined switch provided in the vehicle or by operating a terminal such as a smartphone. The different mode is not limited to a setting mode (image switching mode) for switching the image 18 that displays the function corresponding to the switch 6. For example, the different mode may be a mode for changing the details of the operation function currently assigned to the switch 6.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The determination unit 21, mode 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.

[0061] The determination unit 21, the mode 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 mode 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.

[0062] 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]

[0063] 1...overhead console, 2...vehicle interior ceiling, 3...vehicle device, 6...switch, 9...display, 11...knob, 13...axis, 18...image, 21...determination unit, 22...mode 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 a mode switching operation has been performed on each of the plurality of switches; and a mode switching unit that switches the operation mode of only the switch determined to have undergone the mode switching operation among the plurality of switches to a mode different from a normal mode.

2. a display for use with said plurality of switches; a display processing unit that displays images representing the operation functions assigned to the plurality of switches on the display in association with the plurality of switches, The overhead console according to claim 1 , wherein the other mode is a setting mode for setting the image to be displayed on the display.

3. 3. The overhead console according to claim 2, wherein the setting mode is a mode in which a specific image is selected from a plurality of images prepared as selection targets using the switch that has been shifted to the setting mode.

4. The overhead console according to claim 1 , wherein the mode switching unit returns the different mode to the original normal mode when the mode switching operation is performed again in the different mode.

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