In-vehicle component control system

Abstract

To provide an in-vehicle component control system that can appropriately assist passengers in boarding the vehicle. [Solution] The in-vehicle component control system 1 comprises an in-vehicle component that can switch between a driving state, an entry / exit state, and a standby state, a control unit 70 that controls the in-vehicle component, and a door detection unit 67 that detects the opening and closing of the door 15. The control unit 70 switches the in-vehicle component to the standby state when it detects that the door body 15a has closed while the in-vehicle component is in the entry / exit state, and switches the in-vehicle component to the entry / exit state when it detects that the door body 15a has opened while the in-vehicle component is in the standby state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for controlling components inside the cabin of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, initiatives to provide access to sustainable transport systems that also consider vulnerable groups among traffic participants, such as elderly people, persons with disabilities, and children, have become increasingly active. To realize this, efforts are being concentrated on research and development that further improve traffic safety and convenience through development related to vehicle ease of entry and exit.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technology that facilitates a passenger's entry into a vehicle: when the passenger takes a seat in the seat while the seat is in a retracted position during boarding, the seat then automatically moves from the retracted position to a driving position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the seat moves abruptly from the retracted position to the driving position, which may give the passenger a sense of discomfort.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide an in-vehicle component control system that can suitably support a passenger's boarding and can further contribute to the development of a sustainable transport system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, the vehicle interior component control system of the present invention comprises a vehicle interior component that can switch between a driving state, an entry / exit state, and a standby state, a control unit that controls the vehicle interior component, and a door detection unit that detects the opening and closing of a door, wherein the control unit switches the vehicle interior component to the standby state when it detects that the door has closed while the vehicle interior component is in the entry / exit state, and switches the vehicle interior component to the entry / exit state when it detects that the door has opened while the vehicle interior component is in the standby state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to suitably assist passengers in boarding the vehicle, and thereby contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view showing a vehicle to which an in-vehicle component control system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] This is a schematic block diagram showing an in-vehicle component control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side view showing the driving position, boarding / alighting position, and waiting position of a seat according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic side view showing the driving position, entry / exit position, and entry / exit performance position of the steering wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a typical sequence diagram of the in-vehicle component control system according to an embodiment of the present invention during boarding. [Figure 6] This is a typical sequence diagram of the in-vehicle component control system according to an embodiment of the present invention during exit from the vehicle. [Figure 7] This is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a control unit for an in-vehicle component control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Similar parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the in-vehicle component control system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a system for controlling the in-vehicle components of a vehicle 2. The vehicle 2 consists of a vehicle body 3 and wheels W (left front wheel W). FL Right front wheel W FR Left rear wheel W RL Right rear wheel W RR It is equipped with a power source 11, and moves by rotating the drive wheels among the wheels W with power generated by the power source 11.

[0012] The power source 11 is located in a power source compartment 4 partitioned off at the front of the vehicle body 3, and is an internal combustion engine, a motor, or a hybrid of an internal combustion engine and a motor. The power source 11 generates power based on control signals from the control unit 70, which will be described later. The generated power is transmitted to the wheels W, which serve as drive wheels, via a power transmission unit (transmission unit 19, etc.) not shown.

[0013] Vehicle 2 is equipped with suspension units 12 that suspend each of the wheels W from the vehicle body 3. The suspension units 12 are configured to change their vertical length (extend and retract) based on control signals from the control unit 70, which will be described later.

[0014] Vehicle 2 is equipped with a DC-DC converter 13. The DC-DC converter 13 converts the power stored in a battery (not shown) from DC to DC and supplies it to the electrical components of vehicle 2, such as interior components.

[0015] Vehicle 2 includes an ignition unit 14. The ignition unit 14 is a start switch unit required to actuate the power source 11. The ignition unit 14 is a so-called ignition switch when the power source 11 is an internal combustion engine, and is a so-called power supply (power switch) when the power source 11 is an electric motor. In a state where the ignition unit 14 is on, electrical components (in-vehicle interior components and the like) of the vehicle 2 are in a state where power can be supplied and they are operable. In a state where the ignition unit 14 is off, the electrical components (in-vehicle interior components and the like) of the vehicle 2 are in a state where power cannot be supplied and they are inoperable.

[0016] The in-vehicle interior component control system 1 includes, as in-vehicle interior components, a seat 20 and a steering wheel 30.

[0017] <Seat> The seat 20 is disposed in the vehicle interior 5, and is a driver's seat on which a driver serving as an occupant sits. The seat 20 includes a seat main body portion 21 and a seat actuation portion 22.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the seat main body portion 21 includes a seat surface portion 21a on which an occupant can sit, a back surface portion 21b extending upward from the rear end portion of the seat surface portion 21a and corresponding to the back of the occupant, and a headrest portion 21c extending upward from the upper end portion of the back surface portion 21b and corresponding to the head of the occupant.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the seat operating unit 22 is composed of a motor, a transmission mechanism that converts the rotation of the motor into a linear component and transmits it, and moves the seat body 21 forward and / or up and down along a slide rail arranged on the floor of the vehicle body 3. The seat operating unit 22 may be configured to tilt the backrest 21b forward and backward relative to the seat surface 21a, or to tilt the headrest 21c forward and backward relative to the backrest 21b. The seat operating unit 22 may also be configured to rotate the seat body 21 around a vertical axis or move it left and right. Furthermore, the seat operating unit 22 may be configured to change the thickness of the seat surface 21a or change the posture of an armrest (not shown).

[0020] <Steering> The steering 30 comprises a steering body 31 and a steering operating unit 32.

[0021] The steering unit 31 is positioned in front of the driver's seat 20 in the passenger compartment 5 and is configured to be steerable by the driver in order to steer the wheels W, which are the steering wheels.

[0022] The steering actuation unit 32 is composed of a motor, a transmission mechanism that converts the rotation of the motor into a straight-line component and transmits it, and moves the steering body 31 back and forth. The steering actuation unit 32 also moves the steering body 31 up and down (tilts in this embodiment).

[0023] The in-vehicle component control system 1 includes, as in-vehicle components, a first display unit 41, a second display unit 42, an acoustic unit 43, and a lighting unit 44.

[0024] The first display unit 41 consists of a display and the like, and is positioned in front of the driver's seat 20. The first display unit 41 is a so-called tachometer that displays the vehicle speed (vehicle speed), the rotational speed of the power source 11, the remaining fuel and / or battery power, etc.

[0025] The second display unit 42 is composed of a touch panel display or the like and is positioned closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the first display unit 41. The second display unit 42 displays a map of the area around the vehicle 2.

[0026] The acoustic section 43 is composed of speakers and the like. The lighting unit 44 is composed of LEDs or the like, and is a light source that exhibits a linear shape within the vehicle compartment 5.

[0027] Vehicle 2 to which the in-vehicle component control system 1 is applied includes an accelerator control 51, a brake control 52, a shift control 53, and a parking control 54.

[0028] The accelerator control 51 is a control (for example, an accelerator pedal) operated by the driver when they want to activate the power source 11 and move the vehicle 2 (e.g., accelerate it). The brake control element 52 is an operator (for example, a brake pedal) that is operated by the driver when they want to activate the brake unit 17 and decelerate the vehicle 2. The shift operator 53 is an operator (for example, a shift lever) operated by the driver to change the state of the vehicle 2 (the state of the transmission unit 19, such as drive range, neutral range, parking range, reverse range, etc.). In this embodiment, the shift operator 53 is an operator for changing the state of the transmission unit 19, which changes the output of the power source 11 according to the state of the vehicle 2. The states of the transmission unit 19 include a drive range in which the vehicle 2 can travel forward, a reverse range in which the vehicle 2 can travel in reverse, a parking range for parking the vehicle 2, and a neutral range that disconnects the power transmission between the power source 11 and the drive wheels. The parking control 54 is an operator (e.g., a lever, button, etc.) operated by the driver to activate or release the parking brake unit 18. The parking control 54 may be integrated with the shift control 53.

[0029] The in-vehicle component control system 1 includes an accelerator operation amount detection unit 61, a brake operation amount detection unit 62, a shift detection unit 63, and a parking detection unit 64.

[0030] The accelerator operation amount detection unit 61 detects the amount of operation performed by the occupant on the accelerator control unit 51 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 70. The brake operation amount detection unit 62 detects the amount of operation performed by the occupant on the brake lever 52 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 70. The shift detection unit 63 detects the operation state (operation position) of the shift control element 53 by the occupant and outputs the detection result to the control unit 70. The parking detection unit 64 detects the operation status of the parking lever 54 by the occupant and outputs the detection result to the control unit 70. The parking detection unit 64 may be integrated with the shift detection unit 63.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the in-vehicle component control system 1 includes a wheel speed detection unit 65, a key detection unit 66, a door detection unit 67, and a seat belt detection unit 68.

[0032] The wheel speed detection unit 65 detects the wheel speed (rotational speed) of the wheel W and outputs the detection result to the control unit 70.

[0033] The key detection unit 66 detects the vehicle key 6 carried by the occupant and outputs the detection result to the control unit 70. In this embodiment, the key detection unit 66 detects whether the key 6 is outside the vehicle (outside the passenger compartment 5) or inside the vehicle (inside the passenger compartment 5). Here, the key 6 is a digital key, FOB key, NFC on a mobile terminal, etc., that can communicate with the key detection unit 66 (and the control unit 70).

[0034] The door detection unit 67 detects the open / closed state of the door 15 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 70. In this embodiment, the door 15 is positioned to correspond to the seat 20 which serves as the driver's seat, and comprises a door body 15a that can be opened and closed relative to the vehicle body 3, and a door operating unit 15b that operates the door body 15a based on a control signal from the control unit 70. The door operating unit 15b is composed of a motor or the like.

[0035] The seat belt detection unit 68 detects the fastening status of the seat belt 16 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 70. In the following description, fastening the seat belt 16 refers to inserting the seat belt 16 into the buckle (detection result: off → on), and removing the seat belt 16 refers to removing the seat belt 16 from the buckle (detection result: on → off).

[0036] <Department Head> The control unit 70 is a so-called ECU (Electronic Control Unit) composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), input / output circuits, etc. The control unit 70 calculates the vehicle speed (vehicle speed) based on the detection result of the wheel speed detection unit 65. The control unit 70 controls the power source 11 based on the detection result of the accelerator operation amount detection unit 61. The control unit 70 controls the brake unit 17 of the vehicle 2 and applies braking force to the wheels W based on the detection result of the brake operation amount detection unit 62. The control unit 70 turns the parking brake unit 18 of the vehicle 2 on / off based on the detection result of the parking detection unit 64 (or the detection result of the shift detection unit 63). In this embodiment, the parking brake unit 18 is electrically operated. The control unit 70 can control the door operating unit 15b, etc., even when the ignition unit 14 is off.

[0037] The control unit 70 controls the in-vehicle components based on various detection units and the detection results of the detection units, and switches the state of the in-vehicle components between a driving state, a boarding / alighting state, and a standby state (or a boarding / alighting animation state). Examples of in-vehicle components include the seat 20, steering wheel 30, first display unit 41, second display unit 42, sound unit 43, and lighting unit 44. The following will mainly describe the state (position) control of the seat 20 and steering wheel 30, and then, in typical operation examples during boarding and alighting, the state control of the first display unit 41, second display unit 42, sound unit 43, and lighting unit 44, as well as the suspension unit 12, etc., as in-vehicle components, will also be described.

[0038] The driving condition is a state (including position and / or orientation) suitable for the occupant (driver) to drive vehicle 2. The boarding / alighting state is a state (including position and / or posture) suitable for occupants to board or alight from vehicle 2 (if there is a boarding / alighting performance state, it is a state particularly suitable for alighting). The boarding / alighting state is a state (including position and / or posture) suitable for the occupant to board vehicle 2. The standby state is a state in which the vehicle waits for an occupant to board the vehicle 2, and is also a state (including position and / or posture) that is suitable for facilitating the occupant to board the vehicle 2 by switching from the standby state to the boarding / alighting state or the boarding / alighting simulation state.

[0039] <Example of sheet status> The control unit 70 switches the state of the seat 20, which is an example of an interior component of the vehicle, to one of the following: driving state, boarding / alighting state, or standby state. In this embodiment, the control unit 70 moves the position of the seat body 21 to one of the driving position, boarding / alighting position, or standby position by controlling the seat operating unit 22.

[0040] ≪Driving position≫ As shown in Figure 3, the driving position is the position in which an occupant seated in the seat body 21 drives the vehicle 2, and is the position that is the furthest forward and / or upward of the three positions.

[0041] ≪Boarding / Alighting Area≫ The entry / exit position is the position from which the occupant can get in and out of the seat body 21, and is located behind (for example, 55 mm behind) and / or below the driving position. When the seat body 21 is in the entry / exit position, the space between the seat body 21 and the steering body 31, i.e., the space in which the occupant can be, becomes relatively wide, thus enabling comfortable entry and exit for the occupant.

[0042] ≪Standby position≫ The standby position is a position for waiting when no occupant is seated in the seat body 21, and is a different position from the driving position and the boarding / alighting position. In this embodiment, the standby position is located behind (e.g., 20 mm behind) and / or below the driving position, and in front (e.g., 35 mm forward) and / or above the boarding / alighting position. The standby position is set between the driving position and the boarding / alighting position. That is, the distance between the standby position and the boarding / alighting position is shorter than the distance between the standby position and the driving position.

[0043] The control unit 70 may set the driving position of the seat body 21 based on the learning result of learning the position of the seat body 21 during operation, and may also set the boarding / alighting position and standby position of the seat body 21 in correspondence with this driving position. Alternatively, the control unit 70 may set the boarding / alighting position of the seat body 21 to a fixed position, for example, the rearmost and / or lowest position to which the seat body 21 can move. Alternatively, the control unit 70 may set the standby position of the seat body 21 to be rearward and / or lower than the boarding / alighting position of the seat body 21.

[0044] The control unit 70 may be configured to switch the orientation (angle) of the seat body 21 around the vertical axis and / or the left-right position as the driving state (driving position), boarding / alighting state (boarding / alighting position) and standby state (standby position) of the seat body 21. Alternatively, the control unit 70 may be configured to switch the thickness of the seat surface 21a, the backrest 21b, the headrest 21c and / or the orientation (angle) of the armrest (not shown) as the driving state (driving position), boarding / alighting state (boarding / alighting position) and standby state (standby position) of the seat body 21.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 70 can perform similar control on seats 20 other than the driver's seat (passenger seat, rear seat). As control for getting in and out of the rear seat 20, the control unit 70 can move the front seat (passenger seat) 20 forward or tilt the back portion 21b of the front seat 20 forward to set the rear seat 20 in a retracted state (retracted position).

[0046] <Example of steering condition> As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 70 switches the state of the steering wheel 30 to one of the following: driving state, boarding / alighting state (alighting state), or boarding / alighting performance state (boarding state). In this embodiment, the control unit 70 moves the position of the steering wheel 30, i.e., the steering wheel body 31, to one of the driving position, boarding / alighting position, or boarding / alighting performance position.

[0047] ≪Driving position≫ As shown in Figure 4, the driving position is the position in which the occupant, holding the steering wheel body 31, drives the vehicle 2, and is the rearmost of the three positions.

[0048] ≪Boarding / Alighting Area (Alighting Area)≫ The boarding / alighting position is the position where occupants board or alight (in this embodiment, alight), and is located in front of and / or above the driving position.

[0049] ≪Boarding / Alighting Scene Positions (Boarding Scene Positions, Boarding Positions)≫ The boarding / alighting position is a position for staging boarding and alighting (in this embodiment, boarding) for the occupants, and is a different position from the driving position and the boarding / alighting position, and in this embodiment, is a position forward and / or below the boarding / alighting position.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 70 may be configured to set the driving position of the steering body 31 based on the learning result obtained by learning the position of the steering body 31 during driving, and to set the boarding / alighting position and the boarding / alighting performance position of the steering body 31 in correspondence with this driving position.

[0051] The control unit 70 may be configured to fold the steering wheel body 31 or house the steering wheel body 31 in the instrument panel for driving (driving position), boarding / alighting (boarding / alighting position), and boarding / alighting animation (boarding / alighting animation position).

[0052] As a variation, the steering body 31 may also be configured to have a standby position, similar to the seat body 21. With respect to the steering body 31, the standby position is located in front of and / or above the driving position, and behind and / or below the boarding / alighting position. The standby position is set between the driving position and the boarding / alighting position. That is, the distance between the standby position and the boarding / alighting position is shorter than the distance between the standby position and the driving position.

[0053] <Seat unit operation: Driver position → Boarding / Alighting position> First, we will explain the movement of the seat body 21 from the driver's position to the boarding / alighting position when an occupant is seated (see Figure 3 as appropriate).

[0054] When the seat body 21 is in the driving position, the control unit 70 moves the seat body 21 to the boarding / alighting position when the seat belt detection unit 68 detects that the seat belt 16 has been removed.

[0055] The control unit 70 prohibits the movement of the seat body 21 from the driving position to the boarding / alighting position when the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed (for example, 0 km / h, 5 km / h). In other words, when the seat body 21 is in the driving position, the control unit 70 moves the seat body 21 to the boarding / alighting position when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to a predetermined speed (for example, 0 km / h, 5 km / h), and the seat belt detection unit 68 detects that the seat belt 16 has been removed.

[0056] The control unit 70 prohibits the movement of the seat body 21 from the driving position to the entry / exit position when the shift detection unit 63 detects that the shift lever 53 is not in the parking range (or the transmission unit 19 is not in the parking range, the same applies hereinafter). In other words, when the seat body 21 is in the driving position, the control unit 70 moves the seat body 21 to the entry / exit position when the shift detection unit 63 detects that the shift lever 53 is in the parking range (or the transmission unit 19 is in the parking range, the same applies hereinafter), and the seat belt detection unit 58 detects that the seat belt 16 has been removed.

[0057] In this embodiment, the control unit 70 detects that the seat belt 16 has been removed, the vehicle speed is below a predetermined speed, and the shift lever 53 is in the parking range, and moves the seat body 21 from the driving position to the boarding / alighting position.

[0058] <Operation of the steering wheel itself: Driving position → Entry / exit position> Next, we will explain the movement of the steering body 31 from the driving position to the boarding / alighting position when an occupant is seated (see Figure 4 as appropriate).

[0059] When the steering body 31 is in the driving position, the control unit 70 moves the steering body 31 to the entry / exit position when the seat belt detection unit 68 detects that the seat belt 16 has been removed.

[0060] The control unit 70 prohibits the movement of the steering body 31 from the driving position to the boarding / alighting position when the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed (for example, 0 km / h, 5 km / h). In other words, when the steering body 31 is in the driving position, the control unit 70 moves the steering body 31 to the boarding / alighting position when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to a predetermined speed (for example, 0 km / h, 5 km / h), and the seat belt detection unit 68 detects that the seat belt 16 has been removed.

[0061] The control unit 70 prohibits the movement of the steering body 31 from the driving position to the entry / exit position if the shift detection unit 63 detects that the shift lever 53 is not in the parking range. In other words, when the steering body 31 is in the driving position, the control unit 70 moves the steering body 31 to the entry / exit position if the shift detection unit 63 detects that the shift lever 53 is in the parking range and the seat belt detection unit 68 detects that the seat belt 16 has been removed.

[0062] In this embodiment, the control unit 70 detects that the seat belt 16 has been removed, the vehicle speed is below a predetermined speed, and the shift lever 53 is in the parking range, and moves the steering body 31 from the driving position to the entry / exit position.

[0063] Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can assist in the passenger's comfortable disembarkation when both the seat body 21 and the steering wheel body 31 are in the entry / exit position. Furthermore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can quickly create a state suitable for disembarking by starting the movement of the seat body 21 based on the unfastening of the seat belt 16 before the door 15 opens.

[0064] <Seat unit operation: boarding / alighting position → standby position> Next, we will explain the movement of the seat body 21 from the boarding / alighting position to the standby position when the occupants have disembarked (see Figure 3 as appropriate).

[0065] When the seat body 21 is in the boarding / alighting position, the control unit 70 moves the seat body 21 to the standby position when the door detection unit 67 detects that the door 15 has closed.

[0066] The control unit 70 prohibits the movement of the seat body 21 from the boarding / alighting position to the standby position when the key detection unit 66 detects that the key 6 is inside the vehicle compartment 5. In other words, when the seat body 21 is in the boarding / alighting position, the control unit 70 moves the seat body 21 to the standby position when the key detection unit 66 detects that the key 6 is outside the vehicle compartment 5 and the door detection unit 67 detects that the door 15 is closed.

[0067] When the control unit 70 detects that the ignition unit 14 is ON, it prohibits the seat body 21 from moving from the boarding / alighting position to the standby position. In other words, when the seat body 21 is in the boarding / alighting position, the control unit 70 detects that the ignition unit 14 is OFF, and the door detection unit 67 detects that the door 15 has been closed, it moves the seat body 21 to the standby position.

[0068] In this embodiment, when the control unit 70 performs the above-mentioned control, if the key detection unit 66 detects that the key 6 is inside the vehicle compartment 5, it turns on the ignition unit 14, and if the key detection unit 66 detects that the key 6 is outside the vehicle compartment 5, it turns off the ignition unit 14.

[0069] Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can implement pre-animation actions when an occupant gets in by having the seat body 21 wait in a standby position.

[0070] As a variation, the control unit 70 may be configured to move the steering body 31 from the boarding / alighting position to the standby position using the same method as the seat body 21. In this case, the control unit 70 moves the steering body 31 at the same timing as the seat body 21.

[0071] <Seat unit operation: Standby position → Boarding / Alighting position> Next, we will explain the movement of the seat body 21 from the standby position to the boarding / alighting position when the occupants have disembarked (see Figure 3 as appropriate).

[0072] When the seat body 21 is in the standby position, the control unit 70 moves the seat body 21 to the boarding / alighting position when the door detection unit 67 detects that the door 15 has been opened.

[0073] <Operation of the steering wheel itself: Boarding / alighting position → Boarding / alighting animation position> Next, we will explain the movement of the steering body 31 from the boarding / alighting position to the boarding / alighting animation position when the occupants have disembarked (see Figure 4 as appropriate).

[0074] When the steering body 31 is in the boarding / alighting position, the control unit 70 moves the steering body 31 to the boarding / alighting performance position when the door detection unit 67 detects that the door 15 has been opened.

[0075] The control unit 70 prohibits the movement of the steering body 31 from the entry / exit position to the entry / exit performance position when the key detection unit 66 detects that the key 6 is inside the passenger compartment 5. In other words, when the steering body 31 is in the entry / exit position, the control unit 70 moves the steering body 31 to the entry / exit performance position when the key detection unit 66 detects that the key 6 is outside the passenger compartment 5 and the door detection unit 67 detects that the door 15 has been opened.

[0076] When the ignition unit 14 is on, the control unit 70 prohibits the movement of the steering body 31 from the entry / exit position to the entry / exit animation position. In other words, when the steering body 31 is in the entry / exit position, the control unit 70 moves the steering body 31 to the entry / exit animation position when the ignition unit 14 is off and the door detection unit 67 detects that the door 15 has been opened.

[0077] In this embodiment, when the control unit 70 performs the above-mentioned control, if the key detection unit 66 detects that the key is inside the passenger compartment 5, it turns on the ignition unit 14, and if the key detection unit 66 detects that the key is outside the passenger compartment 5, it turns off the ignition unit 14.

[0078] Therefore, the occupant can comfortably get in and out of the vehicle with the seat body 21 in the position for getting in and out and the steering wheel body 31 in the position for facilitating getting in and out. Furthermore, by observing the movement of the seat body 21 from the standby position to the boarding / alighting position, and the movement of the steering body 31 from the boarding / alighting position to the boarding / alighting animation position before boarding, the occupant can appropriately anticipate the movement of the seat body 21 and the steering body 31 to the driving position after boarding.

[0079] <Operation of the steering wheel itself: Position for boarding / alighting → Driving position> Next, we will explain the movement of the steering wheel body 31 from the position for simulating passenger entry / exit to the driving position when an occupant is seated (see Figure 4 as appropriate).

[0080] When the steering body 31 is in the position for boarding and alighting, the control unit 70 moves the steering body 31 to the driving position when the door detection unit 67 detects that the door 15 has closed.

[0081] The control unit 70 prohibits the movement of the steering body 31 from the entry / exit performance position to the driving position when the key detection unit 66 detects that the key 6 is outside the passenger compartment 5. In other words, when the steering body 31 is in the entry / exit performance position, the control unit 70 moves the steering body 31 to the driving position when the key detection unit 66 detects that the key 6 is inside the passenger compartment 5 and the door detection unit 67 detects that the door 15 is closed.

[0082] The control unit 70 prohibits the movement of the steering body 31 from the entry / exit animation position to the driving position when the ignition unit 14 is off. In other words, when the steering body 31 is in the entry / exit animation position, the control unit 70 moves the steering body 31 to the driving position when the ignition unit 14 is on and the door detection unit 67 detects that the door 15 has closed.

[0083] In this embodiment, the control unit 70 turns on the ignition unit 14 when the key detection unit 66 detects that the key is inside the vehicle compartment 5, and turns off the ignition unit 14 when the key detection unit 66 detects that the key is outside the vehicle compartment 5.

[0084] <Seat unit operation: boarding / alighting position → driving position> Next, we will explain the movement of the seat body 21 from the boarding / alighting position to the driving position when an occupant is seated (see Figure 3 as appropriate).

[0085] When the seat body 21 is in the boarding / alighting position, the control unit 70 moves the seat body 21 to the driving position when the seat belt detection unit 68 detects that the seat belt 16 is fastened.

[0086] The control unit 70 prohibits the movement of the seat body 21 from the boarding / alighting position to the driving position if the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed (for example, 5 km / h). In other words, when the seat body 21 is in the boarding / alighting position, the control unit 70 moves the seat body 21 to the driving position when the vehicle speed is below a predetermined speed (for example, 5 km / h) and the seat belt detection unit 68 detects that the seat belt 16 is fastened.

[0087] If the shift detection unit 63 detects that the shift lever 53 is not in the parking range, the control unit 70 prohibits the movement of the seat body 21 from the entry / exit position to the driving position. In other words, when the seat body 21 is in the entry / exit position, the control unit 70 moves the seat body 21 to the driving position when the shift detection unit 63 detects that the shift lever 53 is in the parking range and the seat belt detection unit 68 detects that the seat belt 16 is fastened.

[0088] When the ignition unit 14 is off, the control unit 70 prohibits the seat body 21 from moving from the boarding / alighting position to the driving position. In other words, when the seat body 21 is in the boarding / alighting position, the control unit 70 moves the seat body 21 to the driving position when the ignition unit 14 is on and the seat belt detection unit 68 detects that the seat belt 16 is fastened.

[0089] In this embodiment, the control unit 70 moves the seat body 21 from the entry / exit position to the driving position when it detects that the seat belt 16 is fastened, the vehicle speed is below a predetermined speed, the shift lever 53 is in the parking range, and the ignition unit 14 is on.

[0090] <Typical examples of actions taken when boarding a vehicle> Next, we will explain typical examples of operation when boarding the vehicle (see Figure 5 as appropriate). When the driver, who is outside the passenger compartment 5, approaches the vehicle 2, the key detection unit 66 detects the key 6 carried by the driver. Based on this detection result, the control unit 70 switches the DCDC converter 13 from off to on. Also, based on this detection result, the control unit 70 makes the illumination unit 44 flash in white.

[0091] Next, based on the detection results, the control unit 70 unlocks the door 15 and extends the suspension unit 12. In other words, the control unit 70 raises the vehicle height and lights up the vehicle to create a welcoming atmosphere for the occupants.

[0092] Next, the control unit 70 automatically opens the door 15. At this point, the control unit 70 switches the seat 20 from the standby state to the boarding / alighting state, that is, moves the seat body 21 from the standby position to the boarding / alighting position. The control unit 70 also switches the steering wheel 30 from the boarding / alighting state (or standby state) to the boarding / alighting animation state (or boarding / alighting state), that is, moves the steering wheel body 31 from the boarding / alighting position (or standby position) to the boarding / alighting animation position (or boarding / alighting position).

[0093] Furthermore, the control unit 70 further extends the suspension unit 12. Also, the control unit 70 illuminates the lighting unit 44 in white.

[0094] In this state, the occupant boards the vehicle 2 and sits in the seat body 21. After boarding is complete, the occupant operates the brake lever 52. The brake operation amount detection unit 62 detects the result of this operation.

[0095] The control unit 70 automatically closes the door 15 based on the detection result of the brake operation amount detection unit 62.

[0096] Once the closing operation of the door 15 is complete, the control unit 70 switches the ignition unit 14 from off to on. The control unit 70 also displays an opening video and check lamp on the first display unit 41, followed by the normal screen on the first display unit 41. The control unit 70 also displays an opening video on the second display unit 42, followed by a disclaimer on the second display unit 42, followed by the normal screen on the second display unit 42. The control unit 70 also generates welcome sound effects on the sound unit 43, followed by appropriate sounds. The control unit 70 also causes the lighting unit 44 to light up or flash for the welcome effect, followed by lighting up in the default or the color used during the previous ride. In other words, the control unit 70 raises the vehicle height and uses light, sound, and video to realize a welcome effect for the occupants and an opening effect for driving.

[0097] Next, the occupant fastens the seat belt 16. The seat belt detection unit 68 detects the result of this operation.

[0098] Based on the detection result of the seat belt detection unit 68, the control unit 70 moves the seat body 21 from the boarding / alighting position to the driving position, and moves the steering body 31 from the boarding / alighting performance position (or boarding / alighting position) to the driving position.

[0099] Next, when the occupant switches the shift lever 53 from the parking range to the drive range (the parking brake unit 18 switches from on to off) and operates the accelerator lever 51, causing the vehicle speed to exceed a predetermined speed (for example, 5 km / h), the control unit 70 adjusts the suspension unit 12 to the set height.

[0100] <Typical examples of actions when disembarking> Next, we will explain typical actions when disembarking (refer to Figure 6 as appropriate). The occupant stops the vehicle 2 by operating the brake lever 52 and switches the shift lever 53 from drive range to parking range. The control unit 70 displays the disembarking screen on the second display unit 42.

[0101] Next, the occupant removes the seat belt 16. The seat belt detection unit 68 detects this operation.

[0102] Based on the detection result of the seat belt detection unit 68, the control unit 70 moves the seat body 21 from the driving position to the entry / exit position, and also moves the steering wheel body 31 from the driving position to the entry / exit position. The control unit 70 also turns off the sound unit 43.

[0103] Next, the occupant performs an instruction action to open the door 15 (for example, by operating a control unit such as a door open button). The door detection unit 67 detects the result of this operation.

[0104] The control unit 70 automatically opens the door 15 based on the detection result of the door detection unit 67. The control unit 70 also displays power retention guidance on the second display unit 42 based on the detection result of the door detection unit 67.

[0105] Here, the control unit 70 does not move the seat body 21 from the entry / exit position to the standby position, nor does it move the steering body 31 from the entry / exit position to the entry / exit animation position, because the key detection unit 66 has detected that the key 6 is inside the passenger compartment 5. In other words, the control unit 70 maintains the seat body 21 and the steering body 31 in the entry / exit position. This allows the control unit 70 to prevent unintended movement of passenger compartment components in cases such as when the door 15 is open but the occupant does not get out (for example, when the occupant notices a bicycle approaching from behind and closes the door 15).

[0106] In this state, the occupant disembarks. The key detection unit 66 detects the key 6 carried by the occupant.

[0107] The control unit 70 closes the door 15 based on the detection result of the key detection unit 66 (located outside the vehicle compartment 5). The door detection unit 67 detects that the door 15 has been closed.

[0108] Based on the detection result, the control unit 70 moves the seat body 21 from the boarding / alighting position to the standby position. The control unit 70 also maintains the steering wheel body 31 in the boarding / alighting position, or, based on the detection result, moves the steering wheel body 31 from the boarding / alighting position to the standby position. The control unit 70 also turns off the first display unit 41 based on the detection result. The control unit 70 also displays an ending animation on the second display unit 42 based on the detection result, and then turns off the second display unit 42.

[0109] Next, the occupant locks the key 6. Based on this locking operation, the control unit 70 retracts the suspension unit 12 to the stopped mode. Also, based on this locking operation, the control unit 70 turns off the lighting unit 44.

[0110] Next, the occupant moves away from vehicle 2. The key detection unit 66 is no longer able to detect key 6. The control unit 70 turns off the DCDC converter 13 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the key detection unit 66 lost the ability to detect key 6.

[0111] <Example of a control unit> As shown in Figure 7, the in-vehicle component control system 1 includes a control unit 70 (see Figure 2) comprising an airbag ECU 71 for controlling an airbag device (not shown), a body ECU 72 for controlling components of the vehicle body 3, a seat ECU 73 for controlling the seat operating unit 22, and a steering ECU 74 for controlling the steering operating unit 32.

[0112] The airbag ECU 71, body ECU 72, and first display unit 41 are connected to each other via CAN-FD, which allows for relatively high-speed communication. The body ECU72 and seat ECU73 are connected via B-CAN, which allows for communication at relatively low speeds. The seat ECU73 and steering ECU74 are connected via LIN (Local Interconnect Network) for communication. The detection result from the seat belt detection unit 68 is transmitted to the seat ECU 73 and steering ECU 74 via the airbag ECU 71 and body ECU 72. The airbag ECU 71 also displays the detection result from the seat belt detection unit 68 on the first display unit 41.

[0113] An embodiment of the present invention provides an in-vehicle component control system 1 comprising an in-vehicle component that can switch between a driving state, an entry / exit state, and a standby state, a control unit 70 that controls the in-vehicle component, and a door detection unit 67 that detects the opening and closing of a door 15. The control unit 70 switches the in-vehicle component to the standby state when it detects that the door 15 has closed while the in-vehicle component is in the entry / exit state, and switches the in-vehicle component to the entry / exit state when it detects that the door 15 has opened while the in-vehicle component is in the standby state. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can effectively support passenger boarding by reducing discomfort caused by changes in the state of in-vehicle components after boarding. Furthermore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can create an exciting boarding experience for passengers from the moment the door 15 opens.

[0114] The aforementioned driving state is the driving position, the aforementioned boarding / alighting state is the boarding / alighting position, and the aforementioned standby state is the standby position. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can effectively assist occupants in getting into the vehicle by reducing the discomfort caused by changes in the position of in-vehicle components after they have entered the vehicle.

[0115] The operating position and the standby position are different locations. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can broaden the range of passenger experiences and presentations.

[0116] The distance between the standby position and the boarding / alighting position is shorter than the distance between the driving position and the boarding / alighting position. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can achieve the desired effect without hindering passenger boarding by shortening the time it takes for in-vehicle components to move from their standby position to their boarding / alighting position.

[0117] The in-vehicle component control system 1 includes a key detection unit 66 that detects the key 6 of the vehicle 2, and the control unit 70, when it detects that the key 6 is inside the vehicle, prohibits the movement of the in-vehicle component from the boarding / alighting position to the standby position. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can prevent the in-vehicle component from moving unintentionally when an occupant is inside the vehicle, thereby preventing any discomfort to the occupant.

[0118] When the ignition is on, the control unit 70 prohibits the movement of the in-vehicle component from the entry / exit position to the standby position. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can prevent the in-vehicle component from moving unintentionally when an occupant is inside the vehicle, thereby preventing any discomfort to the occupant.

[0119] The in-vehicle component control system 1 includes a key detection unit 66 that detects the vehicle key 6. The control unit 70 turns on the ignition when it detects that the key 6 is inside the vehicle, and turns off the ignition when it detects that the key 6 is outside the vehicle. When the ignition is on, it prohibits the in-vehicle component from moving from the entry / exit position to the standby position. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can simplify the operation of the occupant and prevent the unintended movement of in-vehicle components when the occupant is inside the vehicle, thereby preventing the occupant from feeling uncomfortable.

[0120] The aforementioned interior vehicle components include a seat 20. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can effectively support passenger boarding by reducing discomfort caused by changes in the state of the seat 20 after boarding.

[0121] The seat 20 is movable forward and backward and / or up and down, and the seat 20 in the boarding / alighting state is located behind and / or below the seat 20 in the driving state, and the seat 20 in the standby state is located between the seat 20 in the boarding / alighting state and the seat 20 in the driving state. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can create a visual effect such as pulling the seat 20 when an occupant gets in. Furthermore, by shortening the time it takes for the seat 20 to move from its standby position to its entry / exit position, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can create this visual effect without hindering the occupant's entry.

[0122] The aforementioned interior vehicle components include a steering wheel 30. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can effectively assist occupants in getting into the vehicle by reducing the discomfort caused by changes in the state of the steering wheel 30 after they have entered the vehicle.

[0123] The steering wheel 30 is movable forward and backward and / or up and down. In the entry / exit state, the steering wheel 30 is located forward and / or above the steering wheel 30 in the driving state. In the standby state, the steering wheel 30 is located backward and / or below the steering wheel 30 in the driving state. The standby state of the steering wheel 30 is located between the entry / exit state and the driving state of the steering wheel 30. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can create an effect that expands the interior space when an occupant gets in. Furthermore, by shortening the time it takes for the steering wheel 30 to move from the entry / exit position to the standby position, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can achieve this effect without hindering the occupant's entry.

[0124] Furthermore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an in-vehicle component that can switch between a driving state and an entry / exit state, a control unit 70 that controls the in-vehicle component, and a door detection unit 67 that detects the opening and closing of the door 15. The control unit 70 switches the in-vehicle component to an entry / exit state when it detects that the door 15 has been opened while the in-vehicle component is in the entry / exit state. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can effectively support passenger boarding by reducing discomfort caused by changes in the state of in-vehicle components after boarding. Furthermore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can create an exciting boarding experience for passengers from the moment the door 15 opens.

[0125] The aforementioned driving state is the driving position, the aforementioned boarding / alighting state is the boarding / alighting position, and the aforementioned boarding / alighting performance state is the boarding / alighting performance position. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can effectively assist occupants in getting into the vehicle by reducing the discomfort caused by changes in the position of in-vehicle components after they have entered the vehicle.

[0126] The in-vehicle component control system 1 includes a key detection unit 66 that detects the key 6 of the vehicle 2, If the control unit 70 detects that the key 6 is inside the vehicle, it prohibits the vehicle interior component from moving from the boarding / alighting position to the boarding / alighting performance position. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can prevent the in-vehicle component from moving unintentionally when an occupant is inside the vehicle, thereby preventing any discomfort to the occupant.

[0127] When the ignition is on, the control unit 70 prohibits the movement of the interior vehicle component from the boarding / alighting position to the boarding / alighting performance position. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can prevent the in-vehicle component from moving unintentionally when an occupant is inside the vehicle, thereby preventing any discomfort to the occupant.

[0128] The in-vehicle component control system 1 includes a key detection unit 66 that detects the vehicle key 6, The control unit 70 turns on the ignition when it detects that the key 6 is inside the vehicle, and turns off the ignition when it detects that the key 6 is outside the vehicle. When the ignition is on, it prohibits the vehicle interior component from moving from the entry / exit position to the entry / exit performance position. Therefore, the in-vehicle component control system 1 can simplify the operation of the occupant and prevent the unintended movement of in-vehicle components when the occupant is inside the vehicle, thereby preventing the occupant from feeling uncomfortable.

[0129] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the control unit 70 of the in-vehicle component control system 1 may be configured to switch the accelerator operator 51, brake operator 52, etc., as in-vehicle components between a driving state, a boarding / alighting state, and a standby state (or a boarding / alighting performance state). [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1. In-vehicle component control system 15 doors 16 Seat belts 20 seats (interior car parts) 30. Steering (interior part) 67 Door detection unit 68 Seat belt detection unit 70 Control Unit

Claims

1. An in-vehicle component that can switch between driving mode, boarding / alighting mode, and standby mode, A control unit for controlling the in-vehicle components, A door detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the door, Equipped with, The control unit, When the interior component is in the entry / exit state and it is detected that the door has closed, the interior component is switched to the standby state. When the vehicle interior component is in the standby state and it is detected that the door has been opened, the vehicle interior component is switched to the entry / exit state. A vehicle interior component control system characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned operating state is the operating position, The aforementioned boarding / alighting state is the boarding / alighting position. The aforementioned standby state is the standby position. The in-vehicle component control system according to claim 1.

3. The operating position and the standby position are different positions. The in-vehicle component control system according to claim 2.

4. The distance between the standby position and the boarding / alighting position is shorter than the distance between the driving position and the boarding / alighting position. The in-vehicle component control system according to claim 2.

5. It is equipped with a key detection unit that detects the vehicle key, If the control unit detects that the key is inside the vehicle, it prohibits the movement of the vehicle interior component from the entry / exit position to the standby position. The in-vehicle component control system according to claim 2.

6. The control unit, when the ignition is on, prohibits the movement of the in-vehicle component from the entry / exit position to the standby position. The in-vehicle component control system according to claim 2.

7. It is equipped with a key detection unit that detects the vehicle key, The control unit, If the key is detected to be inside the vehicle, the ignition is turned on; if the key is detected to be outside the vehicle, the ignition is turned off. When the ignition is on, the movement of the interior vehicle component from the entry / exit position to the standby position is prohibited. The in-vehicle component control system according to claim 2.

8. The aforementioned interior vehicle components include seats. The in-vehicle component control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The aforementioned seat is movable forward and backward and / or up and down. The seat in the boarding / alighting position is located behind and / or below the seat in the driving position. The seat in the standby state is located between the seat in the boarding / alighting state and the seat in the driving state. The in-vehicle component control system according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned interior vehicle components include the steering wheel. The in-vehicle component control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. The steering is movable forward and backward and / or up and down. The steering wheel in the boarding / alighting state is positioned forward and / or above the steering wheel in the driving state. The steering wheel in the standby state is positioned between the steering wheel in the entry / exit state and the steering wheel in the driving state. The in-vehicle component control system according to claim 10.

12. An interior component that can switch between a driving state and a passenger boarding / alighting state, A control unit for controlling the in-vehicle components, It includes a door detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the door, The control unit, When the interior component is in the boarding / alighting state and it is detected that the door has been opened, the interior component is switched to the boarding / alighting animation state. A vehicle interior component control system characterized by the following features.

13. The aforementioned operating state is the operating position, The aforementioned boarding / alighting state is the boarding / alighting position. The aforementioned boarding / alighting animation state is the boarding / alighting animation position. The in-vehicle component control system according to claim 12.

14. It is equipped with a key detection unit that detects the vehicle key, If the control unit detects that the key is inside the vehicle, it prohibits the movement of the vehicle interior component from the boarding / alighting position to the boarding / alighting performance position. The in-vehicle component control system according to claim 13.

15. The control unit, when the ignition is on, prohibits the movement of the interior vehicle component from the boarding / alighting position to the boarding / alighting performance position. The in-vehicle component control system according to claim 13.

16. It is equipped with a key detection unit that detects the vehicle key, The control unit, If the key is detected to be inside the vehicle, the ignition is turned on; if the key is detected to be outside the vehicle, the ignition is turned off. When the ignition is on, the movement of the interior vehicle component from the entry / exit position to the entry / exit performance position is prohibited. The in-vehicle component control system according to claim 13.

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