Vehicle operation control system

Abstract

The objective is to obtain a vehicle operation control system that maintains driver comfort in a configuration equipped with a momentary type operating lever. [Solution] The vehicle operation control system 10 includes an operation lever 16 located in front of the driver's seat and configured to be operated by the driver, which outputs a signal to a predetermined in-vehicle device when operated, and a display unit 20 located in a position visible to the occupant seated in the driver's seat. The operation lever 16 is configured to return to a predetermined position when the driver releases it, and the status of the in-vehicle device operated by the operation lever 16 is displayed on the display unit 20 for a predetermined time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle operation control system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an operation lever for performing the operation of a wiper. Specifically, the operation lever described in Patent Document 1 can change the sensitivity of the wiper to the rain sensor by tilting the operation lever. Further, when the driver releases their hand from the operation lever, the operation lever is configured to return to the home position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By adopting a momentary operation lever as in the structure described in the above Patent Document 1, the position of the operation lever can always be kept at the same position when not in operation. On the other hand, the current set value of the in-vehicle device cannot be known even by looking at the angle of the operation lever. Further, if the set value is always displayed, it may be felt as troublesome, and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of maintaining the comfort of the driver.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to obtain a vehicle operation control system that can maintain the comfort of a driver in a configuration including a momentary operation lever.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle operation control system according to claim 1 includes an operation lever provided in front of the driver's seat and configured to be operable by the driver, which outputs a signal to a predetermined in-vehicle device when operated, and a display unit provided in a position visible to an occupant seated in the driver's seat, wherein the operation lever is configured to return to a predetermined position when the driver releases it, and the status of the in-vehicle device operated by the operation lever is displayed on the display unit for a predetermined time.

[0007] The vehicle operation control system according to claim 1 includes an operating lever that can be operated by the driver, and when the operating lever is operated, it outputs a signal to a predetermined in-vehicle device. In addition, a display unit is provided in a position visible to the occupant seated in the driver's seat. The operating lever is configured to return to a predetermined position when the driver releases it. This ensures that the position of the operating lever remains the same when not being operated.

[0008] Furthermore, the display unit shows the status of the in-vehicle device operated by the control lever for a predetermined period of time. This allows the driver to understand the status of the in-vehicle device by looking at the display unit when operating the control lever. Also, since the status of the in-vehicle device disappears after the predetermined time has elapsed, it helps to prevent drivers from feeling annoyed.

[0009] The vehicle operation control system according to claim 2 is configured in claim 1, wherein the operation lever is provided on the steering column, and the display unit includes a monitor positioned between the steering operation unit and the instrument panel.

[0010] In the vehicle operation control system according to claim 2, the status of the in-vehicle equipment is displayed on a monitor positioned between the steering control unit and the instrument panel by operating an operating lever provided on the steering column. This allows the status of the in-vehicle equipment to be grasped without having to move one's eyes significantly from the operating lever.

[0011] The vehicle operation control system according to claim 3 is configured in claim 2 such that the operation lever is configured to activate the wiper when operated, and the display unit displays information about the speed of the wiper.

[0012] In the vehicle operation control system according to claim 3, the wipers can be operated by operating the control lever. In addition, information about the wiper speed is displayed on the display unit, allowing the driver to easily understand the wiper speed.

[0013] The vehicle operation control system according to claim 4 is, in claim 3, wherein the monitor is a touch panel type monitor, and the speed of the wiper can be adjusted from the monitor.

[0014] In the vehicle operation control system according to claim 4, the wiper speed can be finely adjusted by touching the monitor after operating the operation lever. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] As described above, the vehicle operation control system according to the present invention maintains driver comfort in a configuration equipped with a momentary type operating lever. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This figure shows the main parts of the vehicle interior to which the vehicle operation control system according to the embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view showing the operating lever in the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a vehicle operation control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged view of the main part of the display in the embodiment, showing an example of the display in a non-operating state where the wiper is not in operation. [Figure 5]It is an enlarged view of the main part showing the display in the embodiment, and is a view showing an example of the display state in which the wiper is operating in the AUTO mode.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] A vehicle operation control system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a view showing a main part in the vehicle interior to which the vehicle operation control system according to the embodiment is applied. In the figure, arrow FR, arrow UP, and arrow RH indicate the vehicle front direction, the vehicle upward direction, and the vehicle right direction in the vehicle, respectively. In the following description, when the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions are used without special mention, the front and rear in the vehicle front-rear direction, the up and down in the vehicle up-down direction, and the left and right in the vehicle left-right direction (width direction) are respectively indicated.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, a steering wheel 12 as a steering operation part that can be gripped by a driver is provided at the front part of the vehicle interior of the vehicle to which the vehicle operation control system 10 is applied. The steering wheel 12 includes a substantially annular rim portion 12A. Further, a hub portion 12B that constitutes the central portion of the steering wheel 12 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the rim portion 12A, and the rim portion 12A and the hub portion 12B are connected by a plurality of spoke portions 12C.

[0020] ​​​​​​​​​The spoke portion 12C is provided in two locations: between the right side of the rim portion 12A and the hub portion 12B, and between the left side of the rim portion 12A and the hub portion 12B. However, it is not limited to this, and spoke portions may be provided in three or more locations.

[0023] A column cover 14 is provided in front of the steering wheel 12. The column cover 14 is a resin cover that covers the steering column from the outside and extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A right-side control lever 16 and a left-side control lever 18 are also provided on the column cover 14. Details of the right-side control lever 16 and the left-side control lever 18 will be described later.

[0024] A driver's display 20 is provided above the column cover 14. The driver's display 20 is located between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel, and is positioned so that it can be seen by an occupant seated in the driver's seat.

[0025] The driver's display 20 is formed in a shape that is long in the vehicle width direction and includes a central monitor section 20A located in the center, a right monitor section 20B located to the right of the central monitor section 20A, and a left monitor section 20C located to the left of the central monitor section 20A.

[0026] The central monitor unit 20A is located directly in front of the driver's seat and has a center display area 22A where predetermined information is displayed. The right-side monitor unit 20B is located to the right of the central monitor unit 20A and is continuous with the central monitor unit 20A, and is located behind the right-side control lever 16. The right-side monitor unit 20B is also tilted towards the front of the vehicle as it moves toward the right side of the vehicle, so as to face the driver. The right-side monitor unit 20B has a right-side display area 22B where predetermined information is displayed.

[0027] The left monitor unit 20C is located to the left of the central monitor unit 20A, and is continuous with the central monitor unit 20A, and is positioned behind the left operating lever 18. Furthermore, the left monitor unit 20C is tilted towards the front of the vehicle as it moves toward the left side of the vehicle, so as to face the driver. The left monitor unit 20C is provided with a left display area 22C on which predetermined information is displayed.

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic enlarged perspective view showing the right-side operating lever 16 in an embodiment. The right-side operating lever 16 is located in front of the driver's seat and is configured to be operable by the driver, and when operated, it outputs a signal to a predetermined in-vehicle device. As shown in Figure 2, the right-side operating lever 16 is configured to be operable in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and vertical direction relative to the column cover 14.

[0029] In this embodiment, as an example, the configuration is described in which the on-board equipment, such as the wiper, can be operated by operating the right-side operating lever 16. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and other on-board equipment may be operated by the lever. For example, the right-side operating lever 16 may be configured to operate the turn signal lamps and headlights mounted on the vehicle.

[0030] In this embodiment, when the right-side operating lever 16 is moved forward (towards the back), the wiper operates once. When the hand is released from the right-side operating lever 16, it returns to its predetermined position. When the right-side operating lever 16 is moved backward (towards the front), the wiper operates a predetermined number of times and washer fluid is sprayed onto the front windshield. When the hand is released from the right-side operating lever 16, it returns to its predetermined position.

[0031] Moving the right-side operating lever 16 upward switches the wiper mode. Similarly, moving the right-side operating lever 16 downward switches the wiper mode. Releasing the right-side operating lever 16 returns it to its predetermined position. Thus, the right-side operating lever 16 in this embodiment is a momentary type lever, and no other switches such as dial switches are provided. For this reason, the right-side operating lever 16 is smaller and lighter compared to levers equipped with other switches.

[0032] The left-side control lever 18 has a structure symmetrical to the right-side control lever 16, and, like the right-side control lever 16, is configured to be operable in the vehicle's front-rear and up-down directions relative to the column cover 14. By operating the left-side control lever 18, the vehicle's onboard equipment, such as the turn signal switch and headlights, can be operated.

[0033] For example, moving the left-side control lever 18 forward (towards the back) activates the high beams. Releasing the left-side control lever 18 returns it to its original position. Moving the left-side control lever 18 backward (towards the front) activates the flashing headlights. Releasing the left-side control lever 18 returns it to its original position.

[0034] When the left-side operating lever 18 is moved upward, the right-side turn signal switch flashes. Conversely, when the left-side operating lever 18 is moved downward, the left-side turn signal switch flashes. Furthermore, when the left-side operating lever 18 is released, it returns to its predetermined position. Thus, the left-side operating lever 18 in this embodiment is a momentary type lever, and no other switches such as dial switches are provided.

[0035] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vehicle operation control system 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle display control system 10 of this embodiment is configured to include an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 28.

[0036] The ECU28 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 30, ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, RAM (Random Access Memory) 34, a communication interface 36, and storage 38. Each component is connected to the others via an internal bus 40 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0037] The CPU 30 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various components. Specifically, the CPU 30 reads programs from the ROM 32 or storage 38 and executes them using the RAM 34 as a working area. The CPU 30 also controls the above-mentioned components and performs various calculations according to the programs recorded in the ROM 32 or storage 38.

[0038] ROM32 stores various programs and data. RAM34 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage38 is a non-temporary recording medium consisting of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data.

[0039] The communication interface 36 is an interface for communicating with other devices such as terminals. For such communication, a wired communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or FDDI, or a wireless communication standard such as 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) may be used.

[0040] The ECU 28 is electrically connected to the right-side control lever 16, the left-side control lever 18, and the driver's display 20. The ECU 28 is also electrically connected to other in-vehicle equipment (not shown), and when the driver operates the right-side control lever 16 or the left-side control lever 18, it receives a predetermined signal in response to the operation and transmits a signal to the in-vehicle equipment according to the received signal.

[0041] Furthermore, the information displayed on the central monitor section 20A, the right monitor section 20B, and the left monitor section 20C of the driver's display 20 is switched according to the signal from the ECU 28.

[0042] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the right monitor unit 20B in the embodiment, showing an example of the display in a non-operating state where the wiper is not operating. Figure 5 is also an enlarged view of the right monitor unit 20B in the embodiment, showing an example of the display in an operating state where the wiper is operating in AUTO mode.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, when the wipers are not operating, the right-hand display area 22B of the right-hand monitor section 20B of the driver's display 20 displays, from top to bottom, an icon 52 labeled "OFF", an icon 54 labeled "AUTO", an icon 56 labeled "Lo", and an icon 58 labeled "Hi".

[0044] Furthermore, when the wiper is not operating, the frame of the "OFF" icon 52 is thicker than that of the other icons, indicating that the wiper is OFF. In other words, the wiper status is displayed on the right monitor unit 20B.

[0045] In the state shown in Figure 4, moving the right-side control lever 16 downwards switches the wiper mode. Specifically, the wiper is switched to AUTO mode. In AUTO mode, the wiper speed is changed based on rainfall information detected by a rain sensor (not shown) mounted on the vehicle.

[0046] At this time, the display in the right-side display area 22B of the right-side monitor unit 20B transitions to the state shown in Figure 5. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the frame of the "AUTO" icon 54 is displayed thicker than that of the other icons, and the frame of the "OFF" icon 54 becomes the same thickness as that of the other icons.

[0047] Additionally, icon 60 is displayed in the lower right corner of the right-hand display area 22B. This icon 60 indicates that the wiper is operating in AUTO mode.

[0048] In this embodiment, icons 52, 54, 56, and 58 are displayed for a predetermined time after the wiper mode is switched. Icon 60 is displayed continuously while the wiper is operating in AUTO mode.

[0049] In the state shown in Figure 5, moving the right-side control lever 16 downwards switches the wiper mode. Specifically, the wiper is switched to Lo mode. In Lo mode, the wiper operates at a constant speed regardless of the amount of rain detected by the rain sensor.

[0050] At this time, in the right-side display area 22B of the right-side monitor unit 20B, the frame of the "Lo" icon 56 is displayed thicker than that of the other icons, while the frame of the "AUTO" icon 54 is the same thickness as the other icons. In addition, icons 52, 54, 56, and 58 are displayed for a predetermined time. Furthermore, icon 60 is turned off.

[0051] When the wiper is operating in Lo mode, moving the right-side control lever 16 downwards switches the wiper mode. Specifically, the wiper switches to Hi mode. In Hi mode, the wiper operates at a constant speed regardless of the amount of rain detected by the rain sensor. Also, the wiper speed is faster than in Lo mode.

[0052] At this time, the display in the right-side display area 22B shows that the frame of the "Hi" icon 58 is thicker than that of the other icons, while the frame of the "Lo" icon 56 is the same thickness as the other icons. In addition, icons 52, 54, 56, and 58 are displayed for a predetermined time. In this way, the right-side monitor unit 20B displays information about the wiper speed for a predetermined time when the right-side operation lever 16 is operated.

[0053] Furthermore, the right-side monitor unit 20B of this embodiment is a touch panel monitor and is equipped with sensors such as an electrostatic sensor. As shown in Figure 5, when icons 52, 54, 56, and 58 are displayed, the wiper mode (speed) can also be changed by the driver touching other icons. For example, from the state shown in Figure 5, the driver can activate the wiper in Lo mode by touching the "Lo" icon 56.

[0054] (action) Next, the operation of the vehicle operation control system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0055] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle operation control system 10 according to this embodiment is equipped with a right-side operation lever 16 and a left-side operation lever 18 that can be operated by the driver. When the right-side operation lever 16 is operated, it outputs a signal to the wiper, which is a predetermined in-vehicle device. A driver's display 20 is also provided in a position visible to the occupant seated in the driver's seat. Here, the right-side operation lever 16 and the left-side operation lever 18 are configured to return to their predetermined positions when the driver releases their hands. This ensures that the positions of the right-side operation lever 16 and the left-side operation lever 18 remain the same when not being operated.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the right-side display area 22B of the right-side monitor section 20B of the driver's display 20 displays the status of the wiper operated by the right-side control lever 16 for a predetermined period of time. This allows the driver to understand the wiper status by looking at the right-side monitor section 20B when operating the right-side control lever 16. Also, since the status of the in-vehicle equipment disappears after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling annoyed. In other words, driver comfort can be maintained in a configuration equipped with a momentary control lever.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, by operating the right-side operating lever 16 provided on the column cover 14, the wiper status is displayed on the driver's display 20 located between the steering wheel 12 and the instrument panel. This allows the driver to understand the wiper status without significantly moving their eyes from the right-side operating lever 16. In particular, in this embodiment, since the right-side monitor unit 20B is located behind the right-side operating lever 16, the driver can operate the right-side operating lever 16 and check the wiper status with almost no eye movement.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, information about the wiper speed is displayed in the right-side display area 22B of the right-side monitor unit 20B, allowing the driver to easily understand the wiper speed.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the driver can fine-tune the wiper speed by touching the right-side monitor unit 20B after operating the right-side control lever 16.

[0060] The vehicle operation control system according to the present invention has been described above, but it goes without saying that it can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in this embodiment, the wipers are activated by operating the right-side operation lever 16, and the turn signal switch and headlights are activated by operating the left-side operation lever 18, but the invention is not limited to this and may be reversed.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wiper status is displayed in the right-side display area 22B of the right-side monitor unit 20B, but this is not limited to this configuration, and it may be displayed in other display areas. For example, the wiper status may be displayed in the center display area 22A of the central monitor unit 20A. In addition, the wiper status may be displayed in the display area of ​​a center display provided on the instrument panel or a head-up display projected onto the windshield.

[0062] Furthermore, although the right monitor unit 20B is a touch panel in this embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, a push-button switch may be provided on the outer edge of the right monitor unit 20B.

[0063] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0064] (Note 1) An operating lever is located in front of the driver's seat and is configured to be operable by the driver, and when operated, it outputs a signal to a designated in-vehicle device. A display unit is positioned in a location visible to the occupant seated in the driver's seat, It has, The aforementioned operating lever is configured to return to a predetermined position when the driver releases their hand. A vehicle operation control system wherein the display unit displays the status of the in-vehicle equipment operated by the operation lever for a predetermined period of time. (Note 2) The aforementioned operating lever is located on the steering column. The vehicle operation control system according to Appendix 1, wherein the display unit includes a monitor positioned between the steering control unit and the instrument panel. (Note 3) The aforementioned operating lever is configured to activate the wiper when operated, The vehicle operation control system according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the display unit displays information regarding the speed of the wiper. (Note 4) The aforementioned monitor is a touch panel monitor, The vehicle operation control system described in Appendix 3, wherein the speed of the wiper can be adjusted from the monitor. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 10. Vehicle operation control system 12. Steering wheel (steering control unit) 14 Column Cover 16 Right-side control lever 20. Driver's display (display unit)

Claims

1. An operating lever is located in front of the driver's seat and is configured to be operable by the driver, and when operated, it outputs a signal to a designated in-vehicle device. A display unit is positioned in a location visible to the occupant seated in the driver's seat, It has, The aforementioned operating lever is configured to return to a predetermined position when the driver releases their hand. A vehicle operation control system wherein the display unit displays the status of the in-vehicle equipment operated by the operation lever for a predetermined period of time.

2. The aforementioned operating lever is located on the steering column. The vehicle operation control system according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes a monitor positioned between the steering control unit and the instrument panel.

3. The aforementioned operating lever is configured to activate the wiper when operated, The vehicle operation control system according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays information about the speed of the wiper.

4. The aforementioned monitor is a touch panel monitor, The vehicle operation control system according to claim 3, wherein the speed of the wiper can be adjusted from the monitor.

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