On-board input device and storage device

Abstract

The present invention provides an in-vehicle input device that can monitor the internal state of a storage device. [Solution] The in-vehicle input device 1 comprises a light-transmitting resin panel 10, a light-transmitting transparent portion 21, and a design cover portion 22 having less light transmittance than the transparent portion 21 and on which a design 23 is formed, and a design sheet 20 disposed on the surface of the resin panel 10, a light-transmitting touch sensor sheet 30 disposed on the back surface of the resin panel 10 and positioned to overlap at least the transparent portion 21 in the thickness direction of the in-vehicle input device 1, a light-transmitting pressure sensor sheet 40 disposed on the other side of the touch sensor sheet 30 opposite to one side on the resin panel 10 side and positioned to overlap at least the transparent portion 21 in the thickness direction, and a substrate 50 disposed to overlap the design cover portion 22 in the thickness direction and on which a control circuit 51 electrically connected to the touch sensor sheet 30 and the pressure sensor sheet 40 is mounted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle input device and a storage device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, input devices for executing various functions of in-vehicle equipment mounted on vehicles have become widespread. Such input devices are arranged at locations where it is easy for the driver to operate.

[0003] For example, as an example of an input device, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle control device including a display module having a display on the front surface, a touch sensing layer, a transparent cover attached to the front surface of the display module and having a haptic feedback area on the front surface, and a control unit configured to receive user input via the touch sensing layer and trigger vehicle functions in response to the user input. Patent Document 1 shows a case where this vehicle control device is arranged on an armrest.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the vehicle control device is arranged on the upper surface of the armrest. For example, in the case of a storage device having a storage space for storing objects inside the armrest, since the non-translucent vehicle control device is arranged on the upper surface of the storage device, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to grasp the state of the storage space, that is, the internal state of the storage device.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an in-vehicle input device, etc., that can grasp the internal state of the housing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An in-vehicle input device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle input device mounted on a vehicle, comprising: a light-transmitting resin panel; a light-transmitting transparent portion; a design cover portion having less light transmittance than the transparent portion and having a design formed thereon; a design sheet disposed on the surface of the resin panel; a light-transmitting touch sensor sheet disposed on the back surface opposite to the surface of the resin panel and arranged to overlap at least the transparent portion in the thickness direction of the in-vehicle input device; a light-transmitting pressure sensor sheet disposed on the other side of the touch sensor sheet opposite to the resin panel side and arranged to overlap at least the transparent portion in the thickness direction; and a substrate disposed to overlap the design cover portion in the thickness direction and on which a control circuit electrically connected to the touch sensor sheet and the pressure sensor sheet is mounted.

[0008] Furthermore, a housing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an in-vehicle input device, a housing section having an opening, and a lid section on which the in-vehicle input device is arranged and which opens and closes the opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an in-vehicle input device, etc., can be used to understand the internal state of the storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a housing device according to an embodiment mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a top view showing a housing device according to an embodiment mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the accommodation device along line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an in-vehicle input device according to an embodiment mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another containment device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an in-vehicle input device according to an embodiment mounted on the steering wheel. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, and connection configurations shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, any components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0013] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Also, the same component is denoted by the same reference numeral in each figure.

[0014] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, expressions such as "container-like" and "forward-facing" are used. For example, "container-like" and "forward-facing" mean not only that it is completely a container and forward-facing, but also that it is substantially container-like and forward-facing, i.e., that it includes an error of a few percent. Also, "container-like" and "forward-facing" means that it is a container and forward-facing to the extent that the effects of this disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "likeness" and "direction".

[0015] (Embodiment) <Structure> First, with reference to Figures 1 to 6, we will explain the on-board input device 1 and storage device 3 provided in the vehicle 100.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the storage device 3 according to the embodiment mounted on the vehicle 100. FIG. 2 is a top view showing the storage device 3 according to the embodiment mounted on the vehicle 100. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the storage device 3 taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the in-vehicle input device 1 according to the embodiment mounted on the vehicle 100. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another storage device 3a. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the in-vehicle input device 1 according to the embodiment mounted on the steering wheel 110.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 is provided with a storage device 3. The storage device 3 is used as an in-vehicle console box. The storage device 3 is disposed between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of the vehicle 100. The storage device 3 functions as, for example, an armrest. The storage device 3 is disposed at a position where the forearm, wrist, elbow, etc. of the passenger can be placed when the passenger is seated in the driver's seat.

[0018] Specifically, the storage device 3 includes a storage portion 4 and a lid portion 5.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the storage portion 4 is a long container along the front and rear directions (hereinafter referred to as the front-rear direction) of the vehicle 100, and an opening 6 is formed at the upper end. A storage space S for storing an object is formed in the storage portion 4. That is, the opening 6 is a boundary between the storage space S and the outside world and faces upward.

[0020] The lid portion 5 is provided to cover the opening 6 of the storage portion 4 and is disposed so as to be openable and closable with respect to the opening 6 of the storage portion 4.

[0021] The lid portion 5 has an in-vehicle input device 1 and a shaft portion 2.

[0022] The in-vehicle input device 1 is a lid main body portion. When in the closed position, the in-vehicle input device 1 closes (covers) the opening 6 of the storage portion 4, and when in the open position, the in-vehicle input device 1 opens the opening 6 of the storage portion 4.

[0023] The shaft portion 2 pivotally supports the on-board input device 1 with respect to the opening 6 of the housing portion 4. As a result, the on-board input device 1 rotates around the shaft portion 2, causing it to be displaced between the closed position and the open position.

[0024] In this embodiment, the shaft portion 2 of the lid portion 5 is positioned to the right of the storage portion 4. The axis of the shaft portion 2 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100. In the storage device 3 of this embodiment, when the storage space S of the storage device 3 is opened, the lid portion 5 is displaced to the open position toward the right of the vehicle 100. When the lid portion 5 is closed, the lid portion 5 is configured as the upper surface of the storage device 3. The storage device 3 of this embodiment can be described as a single-opening type storage device 3. The shaft portion 2 of the lid portion 5 may also be positioned to the left of the storage portion 4. In this case, when the storage space S of the storage device 3 is opened, the lid portion 5 may be displaced to the open position toward the left of the vehicle 100.

[0025] Although a single-opening type storage device 3 was described above as an example, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the storage device 3 may have two lids 5 arranged side by side in the left-right direction (also referred to as the left and right direction). In this case, the right lid 5 may be displaced to an open position toward the right side of the vehicle 100, and the left lid 5 may be displaced to an open position toward the left side of the vehicle 100. Also, when the two lids 5 are closed, the two lids 5 are aligned side by side in the left-right direction and form the top surface of the storage device 3. The storage device 3 of this embodiment can be described as a double-opening type storage device 3.

[0026] The direction in which the lid 5 opens and closes is not limited to the right and left sides. The lid 5 may be displaced to the open position toward the front or toward the rear. In this case, the storage device 3 may have two lids 5 arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The right lid 5 may be displaced to the open position toward the front or rear of the vehicle 100, and the left lid 5 may be displaced to the open position toward the front or rear of the vehicle 100. In this case as well, there may be only one lid 5.

[0027] Furthermore, for example, the storage device 3 may have two lids 5 arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction. In this case, the front lid 5 may be displaced to an open position toward the front of the vehicle 100, and the rear lid 5 may be displaced to an open position toward the rear of the vehicle 100.

[0028] Furthermore, the storage device 3 may have two sets of lids 5 arranged side by side in the left-right direction, where two lids 5 arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction constitute one set. In this case, each of the two sets of lids 5 may be displaced to an open position toward the front and rear, or to an open position toward the right and left, as described above.

[0029] Furthermore, if the housing device 3 has two lids 5, the on-board input device 1 may be placed on both lids 5. If the housing device 3 has three or more lids 5, the on-board input device 1 may be placed on at least one of the lids 5. Also, the number of lids 5 placed on the housing device 3 is not limited to one or two, but may be three or more.

[0030] The vehicle-mounted input device 1 is located in the front-facing portion of the cover 5 that is positioned on the vehicle 100 side.

[0031] Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the in-vehicle input device 1 comprises a resin panel 10, a design sheet 20, a touch sensor sheet 30, a pressure sensor sheet 40, a substrate 50, an actuator 60, and a first light-transmitting cover 70.

[0032] The resin panel 10 is a main structure in the in-vehicle input device 1 that covers the opening 6 of the housing 4. The resin panel 10 is made of a resin material that can support the occupant's forearm, wrist, elbow, etc., so that it also functions as an armrest.

[0033] The resin panel 10 has a top plate 11 and a vertical wall portion 12.

[0034] The top plate 11 is the part on which the forearm, wrist, elbow, etc., can be rested when the lid 5, on which the in-vehicle input device 1 is located, is in the closed position. The vertical wall portion 12 rises from the outer edge of the top plate 11, as shown in Figure 3. For this reason, the resin panel 10 is container-shaped. Inside the resin panel 10 are a touch sensor sheet 30, a pressure sensor sheet 40, a substrate 50, an actuator 60, and a first light-transmitting cover 70.

[0035] The design sheet 20 is placed on the surface of the top plate 11 of the resin panel 10 and is superimposed on the top plate 11 of the resin panel 10. The surface of the top plate 11 is the top surface when the lid 5 is in the closed position. The design sheet 20 may be printed on the surface of the resin panel 10, integrally molded onto the surface of the resin panel 10, attached with a translucent adhesive, or connected to the resin panel 10 and thus placed on the surface of the top plate 11.

[0036] The design sheet 20 has a transparent portion 21 and a design cover portion 22.

[0037] The transmissive portion 21 is configured to allow light to pass through in the thickness direction of the in-vehicle input device 1. The thickness direction is, for example, the vertical direction when the lid portion 5 on which the in-vehicle input device 1 is installed closes the opening 6.

[0038] The decorative cover portion 22 has lower light transmittance than the transparent portion 21. The decorative cover portion 22 is made of a material that does not transmit light as easily as the transparent portion 21, but it may have a small amount of light transmittance.

[0039] The design cover portion 22 has a symbol area SR. A design 23 is formed in the symbol area SR. The design 23 is, for example, the shape of a switch for the passenger to input instructions to the in-vehicle input device 1, the pattern of the switch, a symbol mark associated with the function of the switch, etc.

[0040] When the lid 5 is in the closed position, the symbol area SR is located in front of the vehicle 100 relative to the transparent section 21. In other words, when the occupant places their forearm, wrist, elbow, etc., on the accommodation device 3, the symbol area SR is positioned in a way that makes it easy to operate the design 23 of the symbol area SR, or in other words, the switch, with their fingers.

[0041] The decorative cover portion 22 is configured to have a larger area than the transparent portion 21. This allows the internal state of the housing device 3 (objects housed in the housing space S) to be visually inspected through the transparent portion 21, while the decorative cover portion 22 can conceal the internal structure of the substrate 50, actuator 60, lid portion 5, etc.

[0042] The touch sensor sheet 30 is a light-transmitting capacitive sensor sheet configured to detect the position of the occupant's operation relative to the design sheet 20. The touch sensor sheet 30 is positioned on the back surface of the resin panel 10, opposite to the front surface, and is superimposed on the resin panel 10. Specifically, the touch sensor sheet 30 is positioned so as to overlap at least the transparent portion 21 of the design sheet 20 in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, the touch sensor sheet 30 is positioned so as to overlap both the transparent portion 21 and the symbol region SR of the design cover portion 22 in the thickness direction. The touch sensor sheet 30 may be positioned on the back surface of the resin panel 10 by, for example, being connected to the resin panel 10.

[0043] In the portion of the touch sensor sheet 30 that overlaps with the symbol area SR of the design cover portion 22, the operation corresponding to the design 23 may be accepted when the passenger touches the design 23 of the symbol area SR. In addition, in the portion of the touch sensor sheet 30 that overlaps with the transparent portion 21, tracing operations such as swiping, pinching in, and pinching out may be accepted.

[0044] The pressure-sensitive sensor sheet 40 is a light-transmitting piezoelectric sensor sheet and is configured to detect pressure (operation) applied to the design sheet 20 by an occupant. For example, when a driver is operating within the range detectable by the touch sensor sheet 30 while looking at the in-vehicle display 102 mounted on the vehicle 100, the driver may press on the surface of the design sheet 20 when selecting and deciding on an operation. The pressure-sensitive sensor sheet 40 can detect this pressure.

[0045] The pressure-sensitive sensor sheet 40 is positioned on the opposite side of the touch sensor sheet 30 from the side facing the resin panel 10, and is superimposed on the touch sensor sheet 30. Specifically, the pressure-sensitive sensor sheet 40 is positioned so as to overlap at least the transparent portion 21 in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sensor sheet 40 is of the same size and shape as the touch sensor sheet 30, and is positioned so as to overlap both the transparent portion 21 and the symbol area SR of the design cover portion 22 in the thickness direction. The pressure-sensitive sensor sheet 40 may, for example, be positioned on the back side of the resin panel 10 by being connected to the resin panel 10 while overlapping the touch sensor sheet 30.

[0046] The substrate 50 mounts a control circuit 51 that is electrically connected to the touch sensor sheet 30 and the pressure sensor sheet 40. The substrate 50 is positioned so as to overlap with the design cover portion 22 in the thickness direction. In other words, the substrate 50 is positioned so as not to overlap with the transparent portion 21 in the thickness direction. As a result, the substrate 50 is not positioned between the transparent portion 21 and the housing space S in the thickness direction, so that when viewing the state of the housing space S through the transparent portion 21, obstruction by the substrate 50 is suppressed, and the state of the housing space S can be easily viewed.

[0047] The control circuit 51 is also electrically connected to the actuator 60. The control circuit 51 can control the actuator 60 based on the inputs detected by the touch sensor sheet 30 and the pressure sensor sheet 40. For example, the control circuit 51 is configured to output information corresponding to the inputs detected by the touch sensor sheet 30 and the pressure sensor sheet 40 to a display control circuit 101 mounted on the vehicle 100, and to output a vibration signal corresponding to the signal from the display control circuit 101 to the actuator 60, thereby controlling the actuator 60.

[0048] The control circuit 51 can output information corresponding to the inputs detected by the touch sensor sheet 30 and the pressure sensor sheet 40 to the display control circuit 101 mounted on the vehicle 100. The display control circuit 101 can display the information corresponding to the inputs on the in-vehicle display 102 mounted on the vehicle 100. As a result, the in-vehicle display 102 and the touch sensor sheet 30 are separate components; in other words, it is not a touch panel in which the touch sensor sheet 30 and the in-vehicle display 102 are combined. Therefore, the in-vehicle display 102 is not positioned between the transparent portion 21 and the housing space S in the thickness direction. Consequently, the state of the housing space S can be easily viewed through the transparent portion 21.

[0049] Furthermore, the control circuit 51 may also operate in-vehicle equipment mounted on the vehicle 100 based on inputs detected by the touch sensor sheet 30 and the pressure sensor sheet 40. In-vehicle equipment includes air conditioning, lighting, sound systems, in-vehicle displays 102, navigation systems, power windows, etc.

[0050] The actuator 60 is positioned so as to overlap with the design cover portion 22 in the thickness direction. In other words, the actuator 60 is positioned so as not to overlap with the transparent portion 21 in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, the actuator 60 is positioned on the back surface of the resin panel 10. As a result, the actuator 60 is not positioned between the transparent portion 21 and the housing space S in the thickness direction, so that when viewing the state of the housing space S through the transparent portion 21, obstruction by the actuator 60 is suppressed, and the state of the housing space S can be easily viewed.

[0051] The actuator 60 can apply vibration to at least the transparent section 21. Specifically, when a passenger operates the touch sensor sheet 30 and the pressure sensor sheet 40, the control circuit 51 outputs information corresponding to the input detected by the touch sensor sheet 30 and the pressure sensor sheet 40 to the display control circuit 101 mounted on the vehicle 100, and outputs a vibration signal corresponding to the signal from the display control circuit 101 to the actuator 60. The actuator 60 is configured to vibrate when it receives a vibration signal from the control circuit 51. When the actuator 60 vibrates, the vibration is transmitted to the resin panel 10 and also to the design sheet 20. As a result, the transparent section 21 vibrates, allowing the passenger to understand that they have input (operated) instructions to the touch sensor sheet 30 and the pressure sensor sheet 40.

[0052] The first light-transmitting cover 70 is positioned on the opposite side of the pressure-sensitive sensor sheet 40 from the touch sensor sheet 30 side, and is positioned on the vertical wall portion 12 of the resin panel 10 so as to cover the pressure-sensitive sensor sheet 40, the touch sensor sheet 30, and the substrate 50 which are located inside the resin panel 10. In this embodiment, the actuator 60 is also located inside the resin panel 10, so the first light-transmitting cover 70 also covers the actuator 60. The first light-transmitting cover 70 can also be said to be, for example, the bottom cover that constitutes the bottom surface of the lid portion 5, and the substrate 50 is placed on the first light-transmitting cover 70. The first light-transmitting cover 70 is light-transmitting. Therefore, the state of the housing space S can be visually observed through the transparent portion 21. The first light-transmitting cover 70 makes it difficult for dust and dirt to enter the inside of the container-shaped resin panel 10. The first light-transmitting cover 70 is an example of a light-transmitting cover.

[0053] As described above, the transparent portion 21 of the design sheet 20, the resin panel 10, the touch sensor sheet 30, the pressure-sensitive sensor sheet 40, and the first light-transmitting cover 70 are arranged to overlap in this order. The transparent portion 21 of the design sheet 20, the resin panel 10, the touch sensor sheet 30, the pressure-sensitive sensor sheet 40, and the first light-transmitting cover 70 are all light-transmitting. Therefore, when the lid 5 on which the in-vehicle input device 1 is located is in the closed position, the state of the storage space S can be seen from the outside. In other words, the passenger can understand what is stored in the storage space S without opening the lid 5.

[0054] Furthermore, the resin panel 10 may be entirely light-transmitting, or only the top plate 11 of the resin panel 10 may be light-transmitting, or only the portion where the touch sensor sheet 30 or the like is placed may be light-transmitting.

[0055] The in-vehicle input device 1 of the housing device 3a may further include a second light-transmitting cover 71, as shown in Figure 5. The second light-transmitting cover 71 may be positioned on the opposite side of the first light-transmitting cover 70 from the pressure-sensitive sensor sheet 40 side, covering the first light-transmitting cover 70 and positioned on the vertical wall portion 12 of the resin panel 10 to form a space K. In other words, the housing device 3a may further have a space K capable of housing a terminal device 90.

[0056] Specifically, a space K for housing a terminal device 90 may be formed in the lid portion 5. The terminal device 90 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Space K is the space between the first light-transmitting cover 70 and the second light-transmitting cover 71. Space K overlaps with the translucent portion 21 in the thickness direction. Therefore, the state of space K can be visually observed through the translucent portion 21. In other words, the contents housed in space K can be identified. Space K can house the terminal device 90, and the terminal device 90 may be operated from outside the housing device 3a via the translucent portion 21 of the design sheet 20, etc. Specifically, for example, a control circuit 51 is wirelessly connected to the terminal device 90, and the control circuit 51 transmits information from the touch sensor sheet 30 and the pressure sensor sheet 40 to the terminal device 90. Based on the transmitted information, the terminal device 90 updates its screen. This allows the terminal device 90 to be operated from outside the housing device 3a. Furthermore, the control circuit 51 may receive vibration information from the terminal device 90 and vibrate the actuator 60 based on the received vibration information. The method for housing the terminal device 90 in space K may be configured such that the terminal device 90 can be housed in space K by opening the second light-transmitting cover 71, or a door for inserting the terminal device 90 into space K may be formed in the lid 5. This makes it easy to confirm that the terminal device 90 is housed in the housing device 3a via the in-vehicle input device 1.

[0057] Although the above embodiment of the in-vehicle input device 1 shows an example of application to an armrest, the in-vehicle input device 1 is not limited to an armrest. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the in-vehicle input device 1 may be placed on the spokes 111 of the steering wheel 110 as a steering switch. In this case, a portion of the spokes 111 of the steering wheel 110 will be light-transmitting, which can improve the visibility of switches, etc., at the bottom of the meter in the vehicle interior via the steering wheel 110. In addition, because a portion of the spokes 111 is light-transmitting, the aesthetic design of the spokes 111 is improved. Figure 6 illustrates a case where two in-vehicle input devices 1 are mounted on the steering wheel 110, but the number and location of mounting on the steering wheel 110 are not limited to this embodiment.

[0058] <Effects and Effects> Next, the operation and effects of the in-vehicle input device 1 and storage devices 3 and 3a according to this embodiment will be described.

[0059] As described above, the in-vehicle input device 1 according to Technology 1 of this embodiment is an in-vehicle input device 1 mounted on a vehicle 100, and comprises a light-transmitting resin panel 10, a light-transmitting transparent portion 21, and a design cover portion 22 having less light transmittance than the transparent portion 21 and on which a design 23 is formed, and a design sheet 20 disposed on the surface of the resin panel 10, a light-transmitting touch sensor sheet 30 disposed on the back surface opposite to the surface of the resin panel 10 and disposed so as to overlap at least the transparent portion 21 in the thickness direction of the in-vehicle input device 1, a light-transmitting pressure sensor sheet 40 disposed on the other side opposite to one side of the touch sensor sheet 30 on the resin panel 10 side and disposed so as to overlap at least the transparent portion 21 in the thickness direction, and a substrate 50 disposed so as to overlap the design cover portion 22 in the thickness direction and on which a control circuit 51 electrically connected to the touch sensor sheet 30 and the pressure sensor sheet 40 is mounted.

[0060] According to this, passengers can understand the internal state of the storage devices 3 and 3a mounted on the vehicle 100 through the transparent portion 21 of the design sheet 20, the resin panel 10, the touch sensor sheet 30, and the pressure sensor sheet 40.

[0061] Therefore, this in-vehicle input device 1 makes it possible to understand the internal state of the storage devices 3 and 3a.

[0062] In particular, because the pressure-sensitive sensor sheet 40 is in sheet form, it is possible to suppress an increase in the thickness of the in-vehicle input device 1.

[0063] Furthermore, the design cover portion 22 and the substrate 50 are arranged to overlap. In other words, the substrate 50 is arranged so as not to overlap with the transparent portion 21 in the thickness direction. This makes it possible to suppress obstruction by the substrate 50 when viewing the side opposite to the surface of the resin panel 10 (the internal state of the housing devices 3, 3a) through the transparent portion 21, and makes it easier to view the side opposite to the surface of the resin panel 10 (the internal state of the housing devices 3, 3a).

[0064] Furthermore, the in-vehicle input device 1 according to Technology 2 of this embodiment is the in-vehicle input device 1 according to Technology 1, further comprising a light-transmitting light-transmitting cover (first light-transmitting cover 70) which is arranged on the opposite side of the pressure-sensitive sensor sheet 40 from the touch sensor sheet 30 side and is positioned to cover the pressure-sensitive sensor sheet 40, the touch sensor sheet 30, and the substrate 50.

[0065] According to this, the first light-transmitting cover 70 has light-transmitting properties. Therefore, when viewing the side opposite to the surface of the resin panel 10 (the internal state of the housing devices 3, 3a) through the transmissive portion 21, it is possible to view the side opposite to the first light-transmitting cover 70 (the internal state of the housing devices 3, 3a).

[0066] Furthermore, the in-vehicle input device 1 according to Technology 3 of this embodiment is an in-vehicle input device 1 according to Technology 1 or 2, further comprising an actuator 60 that is arranged to overlap with the design cover portion 22 in the thickness direction and applies vibration to at least the transparent portion 21.

[0067] According to this, the actuator 60 can prevent the transparent portion 21 of the design sheet 20 from being covered, which would make it difficult for the passenger to perceive the internal state of the accommodation devices 3 and 3a.

[0068] Furthermore, since the design cover portion 22 and the actuator 60 are arranged to overlap, the structure of the actuator 60 can be made difficult to see, thereby suppressing a decrease in the overall design quality of the in-vehicle input device 1.

[0069] Furthermore, the in-vehicle input device 1 according to Technology 4 of this embodiment is the in-vehicle input device 1 described in Technology 3. In this case, the actuator 60 is electrically connected to the control circuit 51, and the control circuit 51 controls the actuator 60 based on the input detected by the touch sensor sheet 30 and the pressure sensor sheet 40.

[0070] According to this, the actuator 60 can be operated by the passenger using their actions on the touch sensor seat 30 and the pressure sensor seat 40 as input. Since at least the transparent part 21 vibrates, the passenger can understand that they have given instructions (operated) on the touch sensor seat 30 and the pressure sensor seat 40.

[0071] Furthermore, the in-vehicle input device 1 according to Technology 5 of this embodiment is the in-vehicle input device 1 described in any one of Technologies 1 to 4. In this case, the control circuit 51 outputs information corresponding to the inputs detected by the touch sensor sheet 30 and the pressure sensor sheet 40 to the display control circuit 101 mounted on the vehicle 100.

[0072] According to this, the in-vehicle display 102 and the touch sensor sheet 30 can be configured separately, and the in-vehicle display 102 can be positioned so as not to overlap with the transparent portion 21 in the thickness direction, making it easier to see the side opposite to the surface of the resin panel 10 (the state inside the housing devices 3, 3a).

[0073] Furthermore, the in-vehicle input device 1 according to Technology 6 of this embodiment is the in-vehicle input device 1 described in any one of Technologies 1 to 5. In this case, the vehicle 100 is equipped with storage devices 3 and 3a, and the storage devices 3 and 3a mounted on the vehicle 100 are armrests having a storage section 4 with an opening 6 formed therein and a lid section 5 that opens and closes the opening 6, and the in-vehicle input device 1 is located in the lid section 5.

[0074] According to this, when a passenger rests their forearms, wrists, elbows, etc., on the accommodation devices 3 and 3a, it becomes easier to operate the touch sensor sheet 30 and pressure sensor sheet 40 with their fingers. As a result, passengers can rest their arms while improving the operability of the in-vehicle equipment for them.

[0075] Furthermore, the in-vehicle input device 1 according to Technology 7 of this embodiment is the in-vehicle input device 1 described in any one of Technologies 1 to 6. In this case, the in-vehicle input device 1 is positioned on the steering wheel 110 of the vehicle 100.

[0076] This in-vehicle input device 1 also produces the same effects as described above.

[0077] Furthermore, the housing devices 3 and 3a according to Technology 8 of this embodiment include an in-vehicle input device 1 described in any one of Technology 1 to 7, a housing section 4 having an opening 6, and a lid section 5 on which the in-vehicle input device 1 is arranged and which opens and closes the opening 6.

[0078] The same effects and advantages described above are also achieved in these containment devices 3 and 3a.

[0079] Furthermore, the housing devices 3 and 3a according to Technology 9 of this embodiment are the same as the housing devices 3 and 3a described in Technology 8. In this case, a space K capable of housing the terminal device 90 is formed in the lid 5, and the space K overlaps with the transparent portion 21 in the thickness direction.

[0080] According to this, the state of space K can be visually observed through the transparent section 21. In other words, the contents of space K, such as the terminal device 90, can be identified.

[0081] (Other variations) The in-vehicle input device and storage device relating to this disclosure have been described above based on the embodiments described above, but this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications to the embodiments that a person skilled in the art can conceive of may also be included in the scope of this disclosure, as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0082] For example, the control circuits and the like included in the in-vehicle input device and accommodation device according to the above embodiment are typically implemented as LSIs, which are integrated circuits. These may be individually integrated into a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single chip.

[0083] Furthermore, integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSIs; it may also be achieved using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), which can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or reconfigurable processors, which allow for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may also be used.

[0084] In each of the above embodiments, each component may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0085] Furthermore, the division of functional blocks in the block diagram is just one example; multiple functional blocks can be implemented as a single functional block, a single functional block can be divided into multiple parts, or some functions can be moved to other functional blocks. In addition, the functions of multiple functional blocks with similar functions can be processed in parallel or time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software.

[0086] Furthermore, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive, as well as forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Industrial applicability]

[0087] The in-vehicle input device and storage device of this disclosure are useful in vehicle-mounted armrests, vehicle console boxes, steering wheels, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1. In-vehicle input device 3, 3a Accommodation device 4. Storage area 5 Lid 6 aperture 10 resin panels 20 Design Sheets 21 Transparent part 22 Design Cover Section 23 Design 30 Touch Sensor Sheets 40 Pressure-sensitive sensor sheets 50 circuit boards 51 Control circuits 60 Actuators 70. First light-transmitting cover (light-transmitting cover) 71 Second light-transmitting cover 90 Terminal devices 100 vehicles 101 Display control circuit 110 Steering K space

Claims

1. An in-vehicle input device mounted on a vehicle, A resin panel having light-transmitting properties, A design sheet is disposed on the surface of the resin panel, comprising a light-transmitting portion and a design cover portion having less light transmittance than the light-transmitting portion and having a design formed on it, A touch sensor sheet having light transmittance, positioned on the back surface opposite to the surface of the resin panel, and arranged so as to overlap at least the transparent portion in the thickness direction of the in-vehicle input device, A pressure-sensitive sensor sheet having light transmittance, positioned on the other side of the touch sensor sheet opposite to the resin panel side, and positioned so as to overlap with the transparent portion at least in the thickness direction, The system comprises a substrate on which a control circuit electrically connected to the touch sensor sheet and the pressure sensor sheet is mounted, which is arranged to overlap with the design cover portion in the thickness direction. In-vehicle input device.

2. The pressure sensor sheet is positioned on the opposite side from the touch sensor sheet, and further comprises a light-transmitting cover positioned to cover the pressure sensor sheet, the touch sensor sheet, and the substrate. The in-vehicle input device according to claim 1.

3. The system further comprises an actuator positioned to overlap with the design cover portion in the thickness direction and which provides vibration to at least the transparent portion. The in-vehicle input device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The actuator is electrically connected to the control circuit, The control circuit controls the actuator based on the inputs detected by the touch sensor sheet and the pressure sensor sheet. The in-vehicle input device according to claim 3.

5. The control circuit outputs information corresponding to the inputs detected by the touch sensor sheet and the pressure sensor sheet to a display control circuit mounted on the vehicle. The in-vehicle input device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned vehicle is equipped with a storage device. The aforementioned housing device is an armrest having a housing section with an opening and a lid section that opens and closes the opening. The in-vehicle input device is located in the lid. The in-vehicle input device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The in-vehicle input device is positioned on the steering wheel of the vehicle. The in-vehicle input device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. An in-vehicle input device according to claim 1 or 2, A housing section with an opening formed there The vehicle-mounted input device is located on a lid that opens and closes the opening. Containment device.

9. The lid has a space formed in it that can accommodate a terminal device. The aforementioned space overlaps with the transparent portion in the thickness direction. The storage device according to claim 8.

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