Operation device and vehicle door

Abstract

To provide an operation device which can be easily mounted on a vehicle door, and to provide a vehicle door including the operation device.SOLUTION: An operation device 20 includes: a holding part 40 provided at a vehicle door 1; an operation input part 48 provided on a vehicle inside surface of the holding part, and for receiving an operation by an occupant for operating at least one on-vehicle device 21; a first sensor 45 provided on a vehicle outside surface and for detecting fingers of the occupant; a second sensor 46 provided at least one of the vehicle inside surface and an upper surface, and for detecting the fingers of the occupant; and a control device 40 connected to the operation input part, the first sensor, the second sensor and the on-vehicle device. In the case where both first sensor and second sensor have detected the occupant, the control device controls the on-vehicle device based on a signal from the input operation part, and in the case where at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect the occupant, it prohibits control of the on-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device and a vehicle door. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that an operating switch for operating a power window is provided on the armrest of a vehicle door (for example, Patent Document 1). In order to prevent erroneous operation of the operating switch, this vehicle door has a grip sensor that is provided in a pocket constituting the handle of the armrest and detects the occupant's fingers, and a door sensor that is provided on the hinge of the door and detects the open / closed state of the door. When the grip sensor detects the occupant's fingers and the door sensor detects the closed state of the door, the vehicle door control device opens or closes the window when the occupant operates the operating switch provided on the inside side of the armrest. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-114382 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the operating device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it is difficult to integrate the operating device as a unit because a door sensor is provided on the hinge of the door, which increases the number of steps required for assembling the operating device to the door.

[0005] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide an operating device that is easy to attach to a door, and to provide a door equipped with an operating device that is easy to attach. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention includes a grip portion (40) provided on an inner surface of a door (1) of a vehicle, the grip portion having an outer side surface (33), an inner side surface (38), and an upper surface (41) connecting upper ends of the outer side surface and the inner side surface, the grip portion extending in the front-rear direction, an operation input portion (48) provided on the inner side of the grip portion for receiving an operation by an occupant to operate at least one in-vehicle device (21), a first sensor (45) provided on the outer side of the vehicle for detecting the occupant's fingers, and a sensor (46) for detecting the occupant's fingers. and a control device (40) connected to the operation input unit, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the in-vehicle device, wherein the control device controls the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the operation input unit when both the first sensor and the second sensor have detected an occupant, and prohibits control of the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input unit when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor has not detected an occupant.

[0007] According to this aspect, since the first sensor, the second sensor, and the operation input unit are provided on the grip, the operation device can be unitized into a relatively small size. This makes it possible to provide an operation device that is easy to attach to a door. Since the first sensor and the second sensor are provided on different surfaces of the grip, the position of the occupant's fingers can be grasped with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether the input to the operation input unit is intentional or unintentional.

[0008] In the above aspect, the second sensor may be provided on the vehicle exterior surface.

[0009] According to this aspect, in order to operate the operation input unit, the occupant needs to grip the grip portion in a predetermined gripping manner and have both the first sensor and the second sensor detect their fingers. As a result, when the occupant is trying to close the door by hooking his / her fingers on the grip portion, even if the occupant unintentionally touches the operation input unit, the in-vehicle device is not operated. In other words, it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous operation by the occupant.

[0010] In the above aspect, the first sensor and the second sensor may be disposed at positions where they overlap each other when viewed in a vehicle width direction.

[0011] According to this aspect, it is possible to detect that an occupant has grasped the grip portion from above, based on detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor.

[0012] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the interior side surface has an inclined surface portion (43) at an upper portion thereof inclined upward toward the exterior of the vehicle, and the second sensor is provided on the inclined surface portion.

[0013] According to this aspect, when an occupant grips the grip portion, the palm of the occupant's hand is likely to come into contact with the inclined surface portion, thereby enabling the second sensor to appropriately detect the gripping of the grip portion by the occupant.

[0014] In the above aspect, the operation input unit may be disposed below the second sensor.

[0015] According to this aspect, the occupant can operate the operation input portion with the first finger while holding the grip portion with the palm and the second to fifth fingers.

[0016] In the above aspect, the second sensor may extend in the front-rear direction, and a rear end of the second sensor may be disposed rearward of a rear end of the operation input unit. Also, a rear end of the second sensor may be disposed forward of a rear end of the grip unit. Also, a front end of the second sensor may be disposed rearward of a front end of the grip unit.

[0017] According to these aspects, when the occupant grips the grip portion, the second sensor can reliably detect the palm of the occupant's hand.

[0018] In the above aspect, a plurality of the in-vehicle devices are provided, the grip portion is provided with a selection input unit (52) for selecting one of the plurality of in-vehicle devices, the operation input unit and the selection input unit are arranged in corresponding fore-and-aft positions, and the front end of the second sensor is arranged rearward of the rear end of the selection input unit.

[0019] According to this aspect, the operation device can operate a plurality of in-vehicle devices. Since the operation input unit and the selection input unit are disposed in corresponding front-rear positions, the occupant can operate the operation input unit and the selection input unit while holding the grip portion.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention includes a handle (70) provided on an inner surface of a door (1) of a vehicle, extending forward and backward and connected to the door at its front and rear ends, a first operation input unit (111) provided on an interior surface (105) of the handle for receiving an operation by an occupant to operate at least one in-vehicle device (21), a first sensor (113) provided on an exterior surface (106) of the handle for detecting the occupant's fingers, and a second sensor (114) provided on a surface (105, 17, 108) different from the exterior surface of the handle for detecting the occupant's fingers. and a control device (55) connected to the first operation input unit, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the in-vehicle device, wherein the control device controls the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the first operation input unit when both the first sensor and the second sensor have detected an occupant, and prohibits control of the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the first operation input unit when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor has not detected an occupant.

[0021] According to this aspect, since the first sensor, the second sensor, and the operation input unit are provided on the handle, the operation device can be unitized into a relatively small size. This makes it possible to provide an operation device that is easy to attach to a door. Since the first sensor and the second sensor are provided on different faces of the handle, the position of the occupant's fingers can be grasped with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether the input to the first operation input unit is intentional or unintentional contact by the occupant.

[0022] In the above aspect, the vehicle has a second operation input unit (112) provided on the inner side of the steering wheel for accepting operations by an occupant to operate at least one of the in-vehicle devices, a third sensor (115) provided on the outer side of the steering wheel for detecting the occupant's fingers, and a fourth sensor (116) provided on a surface different from the outer side of the steering wheel for detecting the occupant's fingers, the second operation input unit, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor being connected to the control device, and the control device controls the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the second operation input unit when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect an occupant, and prohibits control of the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the second operation input unit when at least one of the third sensor and the fourth sensor does not detect an occupant.

[0023] According to this aspect, when the occupant grasps the portion corresponding to the third sensor and the fourth sensor, the occupant can operate the second operation input unit. This allows the occupant to select the operation input unit to be operated by changing the grasping position.

[0024] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the control performed by the control device based on the signal from the first operation input unit differs from the control performed by the control device based on the signal from the second operation input unit.

[0025] According to this aspect, the occupant can cause the in-vehicle device to perform different operations by operating the first operation input unit or the second operation input unit.

[0026] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the second operation input unit is arranged forward of the first operation input unit, the third sensor is arranged forward of the first sensor, and the fourth sensor is arranged forward of the second sensor.

[0027] According to this aspect, the occupant can operate the first operation input unit or the second operation input unit by shifting the gripping position of the handlebars forward or backward.

[0028] In the above aspect, a first lighting device (131) is provided around the first operation input portion of the handle, a second lighting device (141) is provided around the second operation input portion of the handle, the first lighting device and the second lighting device are connected to the control device, and the control device causes the first lighting device to emit light when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect an occupant, and causes the second lighting device to emit light when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect an occupant.

[0029] According to this aspect, the occupant can recognize the operable operation input units.

[0030] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle door including the operating device according to any one of the above aspects.

[0031] According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a door equipped with an operating device that is easy to install. Effect of the Invention

[0032] One aspect of the present invention is a door (1) for a vehicle, comprising: a grip portion (40) provided on an inner surface of the door (1) of the vehicle, the grip portion having an outer surface (33), an inner surface (38), and an upper surface (41) connecting upper ends of the outer surface and the inner surface, the grip portion extending in the front-rear direction; an operation input portion (48) provided on the inner surface of the grip portion for receiving an operation by an occupant to operate at least one in-vehicle device (21); a first sensor (45) provided on the outer surface of the vehicle for detecting the finger of the occupant; The operation device includes a second sensor (46) for detecting the finger of an occupant, and a control device (40) connected to the operation input unit, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the in-vehicle device, and the control device controls the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the operation input unit when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect an occupant, and prohibits control of the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input unit when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect an occupant. According to this aspect, in order to operate the operation input unit, the occupant needs to grip the grip unit in a predetermined gripping manner and have both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the finger. As a result, even if the occupant unintentionally touches the operation input unit when the occupant is trying to close the door by hooking his / her finger on the grip unit, the in-vehicle device will not be operated. In other words, it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous operation by the occupant.

[0033] In the above aspect, the first sensor and the second sensor may be disposed at positions overlapping each other when viewed from the vehicle width direction. According to this aspect, it is possible to detect that an occupant has grasped the grip portion from above by detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor.

[0034] In the above aspect, the interior side surface may have an inclined surface portion (43) at its upper portion that is inclined upward toward the exterior of the vehicle, and the second sensor may be provided on the inclined surface portion. According to this aspect, when an occupant grasps the grip portion, the palm of the occupant's hand is likely to come into contact with the inclined surface portion. This allows the second sensor to properly detect the occupant's grasp of the grip portion.

[0035] In the above aspect, the operation input unit may be disposed below the second sensor. According to this aspect, the occupant can operate the operation input unit with a first finger while holding the grip portion with a palm and a second finger to a fifth finger.

[0036] In the above aspect, the second sensor may extend in the front-rear direction, and the rear end of the second sensor may be disposed rearward of the rear end of the operation input unit. Also, the rear end of the second sensor may be disposed forward of the rear end of the grip. Also, the front end of the second sensor may be disposed rearward of the front end of the grip. According to these aspects, when the occupant grips the grip, the second sensor can reliably detect the palm of the occupant's hand.

[0037] In the above aspect, it is preferable that a plurality of the in-vehicle devices are provided, the grip portion is provided with a selection input unit (52) for selecting one of the plurality of in-vehicle devices, the operation input unit and the selection input unit are arranged in corresponding fore-aft positions, and the front end of the second sensor is arranged rearward of the rear end of the selection input unit. According to this aspect, the plurality of in-vehicle devices can be operated by the operation device. Since the operation input unit and the selection input unit are arranged in corresponding fore-aft positions, the occupant can operate the operation input unit and the selection input unit while gripping the grip portion.

[0038] Another aspect of the present invention includes a handle (70) provided on an inner surface of a door (1) of a vehicle, extending forward and backward and connected to the door at its front and rear ends, a first operation input unit (111) provided on an interior surface (105) of the handle for receiving an operation by an occupant to operate at least one in-vehicle device (21), a first sensor (113) provided on an exterior surface (106) of the handle for detecting the occupant's fingers, and a second sensor (114) provided on a surface (105, 17, 108) different from the exterior surface of the handle for detecting the occupant's fingers. The present invention provides an operation device (100) that includes a second sensor (114) for detecting an occupant, and a control device (55) connected to the first operation input unit, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the in-vehicle device, and the control device controls the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the first operation input unit when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect an occupant, and prohibits control of the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the first operation input unit when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect an occupant. According to this aspect, since the first sensor, the second sensor, and the operation input unit are provided on the steering wheel, the operation device can be unitized into a relatively small size. This makes it possible to provide an operation device that is easy to attach to a door. Since the first sensor and the second sensor are provided on different surfaces of the steering wheel, the position of the occupant's fingers can be grasped with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether an input to the first operation input unit is intentional by the occupant or is due to unintentional contact.

[0039] In the above aspect, the vehicle control device may include a second operation input unit (112) provided on the vehicle inner side of the steering wheel for receiving an operation by an occupant to operate at least one of the in-vehicle devices, a third sensor (115) provided on the vehicle outer side of the steering wheel for detecting the occupant's fingers, and a fourth sensor (116) provided on a surface of the steering wheel different from the vehicle outer side for detecting the occupant's fingers, the second operation input unit, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor being connected to the control device, the control device controlling the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the second operation input unit when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect an occupant, and prohibiting control of the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the second operation input unit when at least one of the third sensor and the fourth sensor does not detect an occupant. According to this aspect, when the occupant grips a portion corresponding to the third sensor and the fourth sensor, the occupant can operate the second operation input unit. This allows the occupant to select the operation input unit to be operated by changing the grip position.

[0040] In the above aspect, the control executed by the control device based on the signal from the first operation input unit may be different from the control executed by the control device based on the signal from the second operation input unit. According to this aspect, the occupant can cause the in-vehicle device to execute different operations by operating the first operation input unit or the second operation input unit.

[0041] In the above aspect, the second operation input unit may be disposed forward of the first operation input unit, the third sensor may be disposed forward of the first sensor, and the fourth sensor may be disposed forward of the second sensor. According to this aspect, the occupant can operate the first operation input unit or the second operation input unit by shifting the grip position of the handlebar forward or backward.

[0042] In the above aspect, a first lighting device (131) is provided around the first operation input unit of the steering wheel, a second lighting device (141) is provided around the second operation input unit of the steering wheel, the first lighting device and the second lighting device are connected to the control device, and the control device causes the first lighting device to emit light when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect an occupant, and causes the second lighting device to emit light when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect an occupant. According to this aspect, the occupant can recognize the operation input units that can be operated.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle door including the operating device according to any one of the above aspects. According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a door including an operating device that is easy to install. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a vehicle door according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] A block diagram showing an operation device, an in-vehicle device, and a display. [Figure 4] IV-IV cross section of Figure 2 [Diagram 5] (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams showing examples of the surface shape of an operation input unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the operating device when the upper plate is in the retracted position; [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the position of a passenger's fingers when operating an operation input unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the position of the occupant's fingers when operating a selection input unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the position of a driver's fingers when opening and closing a vehicle door by hooking the fingers in a recess; [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the positions of the occupant's fingers when the occupant uses the operation input unit as an armrest; [Figure 11] 11 is a side view of a vehicle door according to a second embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an operating device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an operating device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an operating device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a side view of a vehicle door according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] Cross section of handle [Figure 18] Side view of the first operation area (second operation area) [Figure 19] A cross-sectional view showing the interior side portion of the handle (cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18) [Figure 20] A block diagram showing an operation device and an in-vehicle device. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the position of the occupant's fingers when operating the first operation input unit or the second operation input unit; [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an interior side portion of a handle according to a modification of the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of an operating device and a vehicle door including the operating device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 1, a vehicle door 1 according to the first embodiment has a door panel 2 as a framework member, and a door trim 3 provided to cover the interior side of the door panel 2. The door panel 2 has an inner panel and an outer panel formed from a steel plate. The inner panel and the outer panel are joined to the outer panel at their front, lower and rear edges, excluding the upper edge, to form a space in the center.

[0047] The door trim 3 is made of a resin material. The door trim 3 has a trim main body 3A whose faces face left and right and which is disposed on the vehicle interior side of the door panel 2, and a trim edge wall 3B which protrudes from the periphery of the trim main body 3A towards the door panel 2 and abuts against the edge of the interior side of the door panel 2. The trim edge wall 3B extends along the periphery of the trim main body 3A.

[0048] A door handle 11 for opening and closing the door is provided on the upper part of the trim main body 3A. A speaker 12 may be provided on the lower front part of the trim main body 3A. A pocket portion bulging toward the inside of the vehicle may be provided on the lower part of the trim main body 3A behind the speaker 12.

[0049] 1 and 2, an operating device 20 is provided at a middle portion in the up-down direction on the vehicle interior surface of the trim main body 3A. The operating device 20 is a device that accepts input operations by a passenger to operate at least one in-vehicle device 21. As shown in Fig. 3, the in-vehicle device 21 includes, for example, a power window device 22, an electric seat device 23, a car navigation device 24, an audio device 25, an air conditioning device 26, and the like.

[0050] The electric seat device 23 may include at least one of a front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A that moves the seat in the front-rear direction relative to the vehicle body, a height adjustment mechanism 23B that changes the height of the seat relative to the vehicle body, a reclining mechanism 23C that changes the angle of the seat back relative to the seat cushion, and a seat heater 24D that changes the temperature of the seat heater 24D provided on the seat. Each of the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A, the height adjustment mechanism 23B, and the reclining mechanism 23C includes an electric motor and is driven by the electric motor. The seat heater 24D includes an electric heating wire and changes its temperature according to the current supplied thereto.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the operating device 20 has a main body 31 forming an outer shell. The main body 31 is made of a resin material. The main body 31 is attached to the center in the up-down direction of the vehicle interior surface of the trim main body 3A and extends in the front-rear direction. The main body 31 may be joined to the trim main body 3A by screws or the like. The main body 31 may also be formed integrally with the trim main body 3A.

[0052] The main body 31 of the operating device 20 protrudes toward the vehicle interior side relative to the trim main body 3A, has a main body upper surface 32 facing upward at its upper portion, and has a main body side surface 33 facing the vehicle interior side at its protruding end. The main body upper surface 32 can support the forearms of an occupant, and the main body 31 functions as an armrest.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, a recess 35 (pocket) recessed downward is formed on the upper surface of the main body 31 of the operating device 20. The recess 35 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and extends in the front-rear direction. The recess 35 is defined by a recess bottom wall 36 and a cylindrical recess side wall 37 extending from the recess bottom wall 36 to the upper surface. A portion of the recess side wall 37 that is located on the vehicle inner side in the vehicle width direction and faces outward in the vehicle width direction is defined as a first side surface portion 38. The first side surface portion 38 extends substantially vertically. A protrusion 39 that protrudes toward the vehicle outer side is provided at the upper end of the first side surface portion 38. A portion of the main body upper surface 32 that is located between the upper end of the first side surface portion 38 and the upper end of the main body side surface 33 is defined as a first upper surface portion 41. The first upper surface portion 41 connects the upper ends of the first side surface portion 38 and the main body side surface 33 to each other. The first side surface portion 38, the first upper surface portion 41, and the main body side surface 33 constitute a grip portion 40. The grip portion 40 is a wall portion that protrudes upward and extends in the front-rear direction, and can be gripped by an occupant with the fingers of the hand. The occupant can open and close the vehicle door 1 by gripping the grip portion 40.

[0054] An inclined surface portion 43 is provided at the upper end of the main body side surface 33, inclining upward toward the outer side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. The upper end of the inclined surface portion 43 and the first upper surface portion 41 may be smoothly connected. The inclined surface portion 43 is not an essential component and may be omitted in other embodiments. By providing the inclined surface portion 43, the width of the first upper surface portion 41 in the vehicle width direction may be very small.

[0055] A first sensor 45 for detecting the occupant's fingers is provided on the first side surface 38 (the vehicle exterior side surface of the grip portion 40). A second sensor 46 for detecting the occupant's fingers is provided on the main body side surface 33 (the vehicle interior side surface of the grip portion 40). The first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 are sensors capable of detecting contact or approach of the occupant's fingers, and may be, for example, a capacitance sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a membrane switch, an infrared beam switch, or the like.

[0056] The first sensor 45 extends in the front-rear direction on the first side surface portion 38. The first sensor 45 may be provided on the upper end portion of the first side surface portion 38. In the present embodiment, the first sensor 45 is provided on the protruding portion 39. The first sensor 45 may be embedded in the first side surface portion 38 so that a surface 50A of the first sensor 45 is flush with a surface 50A of the first side surface portion 38.

[0057] The second sensor 46 extends in the front-rear direction on the main body side surface 33. The second sensor 46 may be provided at the upper end of the main body side surface 33. In this embodiment, the second sensor 46 is provided on the inclined surface portion 43. The second sensor 46 may be embedded in the main body side surface 33 so that the surface 50A of the second sensor 46 is flush with the surface 50A of the main body side surface 33. The first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 are arranged at positions where they overlap each other when viewed from the vehicle width direction. That is, the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 are arranged at positions corresponding to each other in the height direction. The first sensor 45 is arranged on the outer side of the vehicle than the upper end of the grip portion 40, and the second sensor 46 is arranged on the inner side of the vehicle than the upper end of the grip portion 40. The main surface of the first sensor 45 and the main surface of the second sensor 46 may be inclined relative to each other.

[0058] The rear end of the second sensor 46 is disposed forward of the rear end of the gripping portion 40 (the rear end of the first side surface portion 38). Also, the front end of the second sensor 46 is disposed rearward of the front end of the gripping portion 40 (the front end of the first side surface portion 38).

[0059] 2, an operation input unit 48 is provided on the side surface 33 of the main body (the vehicle interior side surface of the grip portion 40). The operation input unit 48 accepts operations by an occupant to operate at least one in-vehicle device 21. The operation input unit 48 is a switch operated by the occupant's finger, and is formed by, for example, a capacitance sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a membrane switch, or the like. In this embodiment, the operation input unit 48 is a capacitance type touch panel, and accepts swipe operations and touch operations by the occupant's finger.

[0060] The operation input unit 48 is disposed below the second sensor 46 on the main body side surface 33. Furthermore, the rear end of the second sensor 46 is disposed rearward of the rear end of the operation input unit 48. The front end of the operation input unit 48 is disposed forward of the front end of the second sensor 46. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation input unit 48 is preferably disposed at a position where it can be operated by the occupant with the first finger when the occupant holds the grip portion 40 with the palm and the second to fifth fingers.

[0061] The operation input unit 48 may be embedded in the side surface 33 of the main body so that the surface 50A of the operation input unit 48 is flush with the surface 50A of the side surface 33 of the main body. The surface 50A of the operation input unit 48 may have a different shape from the surface 50A of the side surface 33 of the main body. The surface 50A of the operation input unit 48 may have, for example, an uneven shape. The uneven shape may be a polygonal plane regularly arranged, as shown in, for example, Figures 5(A) and (B). The illustrated example is composed of only quadrangular planes, but may include other polygonal planes such as triangular and pentagonal planes.

[0062] 2, an upper plate 50 is provided at the front end of the main body 31 of the operating device 20. The upper plate 50 is a plate-like member extending from a base end to a free end, and has a front surface 50A and a back surface 50B. The base end of the upper plate 50 is supported at the front end of the main body 31 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis X extending left and right. In this embodiment, the base end of the upper plate 50 is disposed within the recess 35, and is supported by the left and right recess side walls 37.

[0063] The upper plate 50 rotates around the rotation axis X between a usage position (see FIG. 2) and a storage position (see FIG. 6). When the upper plate 50 is in the usage position, the free end is located forward and above the base end, and the surface 50A is located above the back surface 50B. At this time, the free end of the upper plate 50 is located forward and above the front end of the main body 31. When the upper plate 50 is in the storage position, the free end is located rearward from the base end, and the surface 50A is located below the back surface 50B. At this time, the upper plate 50 closes the open end of the recess 35. That is, the upper plate 50 functions as a lid that closes the recess 35.

[0064] A biasing member (not shown) is provided between the upper plate 50 and the main body 31. The biasing member includes a spring. When the upper plate 50 is located between an intermediate position between the use position and the storage position and the use position, the biasing member biases the upper plate 50 to the use position, and when the upper plate 50 is located between the intermediate position and the storage position, the biasing member biases the upper plate 50 to the storage position.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 2, a display 51 and a selection input unit 52 are provided on a surface 50A of the upper plate 50. The display 51 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The selection input unit 52 accepts an operation by an occupant to operate at least one of the multiple in-vehicle devices 21. The operation input unit 48 is a switch operated by the occupant's finger, and is formed by, for example, a capacitance sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a membrane switch, or the like. In this embodiment, the operation input unit 48 is a capacitance type touch panel, and accepts a swipe operation and a touch operation by the occupant's finger. In addition, the display 51 and the selection input unit 52 may be formed integrally. For example, the display 51 may be a touch panel display, and a part of the display 51 may constitute the selection input unit 52. The selection input unit 52 is provided at a base end of the surface 50A of the upper plate 50. The display 51 is disposed on the surface 50A of the upper plate 50 on the free end side of the selection input unit 52.

[0066] The selective input unit 52 is provided on a surface different from that of the operation input unit 48. The operation input unit 48 and the selective input unit 52 are disposed in corresponding front-rear positions. The selective input unit 52 is disposed forward of the grip unit 40. The front end of the second sensor 46 is disposed rearward of the rear end of the selective input unit 52. As shown in FIG. 8, the selective input unit 52 is preferably disposed at a position where the occupant can operate it with the second finger when the occupant holds the grip unit 40 with the palm and the third to fifth fingers. The selective input unit 52 is preferably inclined downward toward the rear.

[0067] The first sensor 45, the second sensor 46, the operation input unit 48, the selection input unit 52, the display 51, and the in-vehicle device 21 are connected to the control device 55. The control device 55 is an electronic control device including a hardware processor such as a CPU. The control device 55 is disposed inside the main body 31. In other embodiments, the control device 55 may be disposed between the door panel 2 and the door trim 3, or may be provided in the vehicle body.

[0068] The control device 55 selects the in-vehicle device 21 to be operated from among the multiple in-vehicle devices 21 based on a signal from the selection input unit 52, and selects the in-vehicle device 21 to be displayed on the display 51. The control device 55 detects a swipe operation in the left or right direction based on a signal from the selection input unit 52, for example, and changes the in-vehicle device 21 to be operated in response to the swipe operation. The control device 55 also displays a device operation image corresponding to the selected in-vehicle device 21 on the display 51. The device operation image may include, for example, an icon or character corresponding to the in-vehicle device 21 and an operation direction of the in-vehicle device 21. For example, if the in-vehicle device 21 is the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A of the electric seat device 23, the device operation image may include an icon of the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A and an arrow corresponding to the front-rear direction. The control device 55 may be configured to select one of the in-vehicle devices 21 when there are multiple in-vehicle devices of the same type. For example, when the electric seat device 23 is provided in the front right seat and the front left seat, the control device 55 is configured to be able to independently select the electric seat device 23 in the front right seat and the electric seat device 23 in the front left seat.

[0069] The control device 55 detects whether or not the occupant's fingers are in contact with the first sensor 45 or whether or not the occupant's fingers are present near the first sensor 45 based on a signal from the first sensor 45. The control device 55 also detects whether or not the occupant's fingers are in contact with the second sensor 46 or whether or not the occupant's fingers are present near the second sensor 46 based on a signal from the second sensor 46. When both the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 detect an occupant, the control device 55 controls the selected in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the operation input unit 48. That is, when the control device 55 detects the occupant's fingers based on a signal from the first sensor 45 and detects the occupant's fingers based on a signal from the second sensor 46, the control device 55 controls the selected in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the operation input unit 48. On the other hand, when at least one of the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 does not detect an occupant, the control device 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the operation input unit 48. In other words, the control device 55 prohibits control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the operation input unit 48 when at least one of the following is true: the occupant's fingers are not detected based on a signal from the first sensor 45, and the occupant's fingers are not detected based on a signal from the second sensor 46.

[0070] 7, in this embodiment, the operation input unit 48 accepts a swipe operation in each direction including up, down, forward, and backward. The control device 55 detects the direction and stroke length of the swipe operation based on a signal from the operation input unit 48. The control device 55 controls the selected in-vehicle device 21 based on the direction and stroke length of the swipe operation input to the operation input unit 48.

[0071] For example, when the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A of the electric seat device 23 for the front right seat is selected, if the control device 55 detects a forward swipe operation based on a signal from the operation input unit 48, it is preferable that the control device 55 controls the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A to move the electric seat device 23 forward. The control device 55 may determine the amount of forward movement of the electric seat device 23 based on the stroke amount of the swipe operation.

[0072] For example, when the height adjustment mechanism 23B of the electric seat device 23 for the left front seat is selected, the control device 55 may control the height adjustment mechanism 23B to increase the height of the electric seat device 23 when detecting an upward swipe operation based on a signal from the operation input unit 48. The control device 55 may determine the height of the electric seat device 23 based on the stroke amount of the swipe operation.

[0073] The operation of the occupant on the operation input unit 48 and the control mode of the in-vehicle device 21 in response to the operation of the occupant may be set arbitrarily.

[0074] While the control device 55 is controlling the in-vehicle device 21 based on the operation of the occupant to the operation input unit 48, the control device 55 may display an image on the display 51 indicating that the selected in-vehicle device 21 is being controlled. For example, when the control device 55 controls the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A to move the electric seat device 23 forward, the control device 55 may display an image or text information indicating that the seat is moving forward on the display 51. In addition, while the control device 55 is controlling the in-vehicle device 21 based on the operation of the occupant to the operation input unit 48, the control device 55 may output a sound to notify the occupant that the selected in-vehicle device 21 is being controlled by the speaker 12. This allows the occupant to recognize that the in-vehicle device 21 is being controlled. It is preferable that the image or sound to notify the occupant that the in-vehicle device 21 is being controlled is different for each in-vehicle device 21. This allows the occupant to identify the in-vehicle device 21 being controlled.

[0075] According to the operation device 20 of the embodiment, since the first sensor 45, the second sensor 46, and the operation input unit 48 are provided on the grip portion 40, the operation device 20 can be unitized into a relatively small size. This makes it possible to provide the operation device 20 that can be easily attached to the vehicle door 1. Since the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 are provided on different surfaces of the grip portion 40, the position of the occupant's fingers can be grasped with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signals from the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether the input to the operation input unit 48 is intentional or unintentional contact by the occupant.

[0076] In order to operate the operation input unit 48, as shown in FIG. 7, the occupant needs to grip the grip portion 40 in a predetermined gripping manner and have both the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 detect their fingers. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, when the occupant is trying to close the door by hooking his / her fingers on the grip portion 40, the in-vehicle device 21 is not operated even if the occupant unintentionally touches the operation input unit 48. When the occupant is trying to close the door by hooking his / her fingers on the grip portion 40, the first sensor 45 detects the occupant's fingers, but the second sensor 46 does not detect the occupant's fingers. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, when the occupant uses the operation device 20 as an armrest and places his / her hand on the grip portion 40, the second sensor 46 detects the occupant's fingers, but the first sensor 45 does not detect the occupant's fingers. These reliably prevent erroneous operation by the occupant.

[0077] Since the main body side surface 33 has an inclined surface portion 43 and the second sensor 46 is disposed on the inclined surface portion 43, when an occupant grasps the grip portion 40 from above with his / her fingers, the palm of the hand and the second sensor 46 are likely to come into contact with each other. This allows the second sensor 46 to appropriately detect the grip of the grip portion 40 by the occupant.

[0078] Since the operation input unit 48 is positioned below the second sensor 46, the occupant can operate the operation input unit 48 with the first finger while holding the grip portion 40 with the palm and the second to fifth fingers.

[0079] In another embodiment, for example, the control device 55 may control the in-vehicle device 21 in response to a rotation operation of the upper plate 50 by the occupant. In this case, the upper plate 50 is supported by the main body 31 so as to be rotatable a predetermined amount to one side (lower side) and the other side (upper side) about the rotation axis X at the use position. In addition, the upper plate 50 is biased toward the use position by a biasing device. A rotation angle sensor that detects the rotation angle of the upper plate 50 is provided between the main body 31 and the upper plate 50, and the control device 55 may control the in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the rotation angle sensor. In this case, the control device 55 may control the in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the rotation angle sensor regardless of the signals from the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the grip portion 40 includes one of the recess side walls 37 that define the recess 35. However, in other embodiments, the grip portion 40 may be arbitrarily modified. For example, the grip portion 40 may be a rod-shaped handle 70 connected to the trim main body portion 3A, as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11. The handle 70 extends, for example, forward and backward, and has a front end and a rear end connected to the trim main body portion 3A. A middle portion of the handle 70 forms a space between the handle 70 and the trim main body portion 3A. The first sensor 45, the second sensor 46, and the operation input unit 48 may be provided in the middle portion of the handle 70. In this case, the handle 70 constitutes the operation device. The handle 70 may be formed integrally with the trim main body portion 3A. The handle 70 may also be formed as an independent configuration with respect to the trim main body portion 3A, and may be connected to the trim main body portion 3A by a screw or the like. An armrest portion 71 extending rearward may be connected to the rear end of the handle 70. The armrest portion 71 protrudes toward the vehicle interior side relative to the trim main body portion 3A.

[0081] The steering wheel 70 may be inclined upward from the rear end to the front end. The first sensor 45 may be provided on the outer side of the steering wheel 70, and the second sensor 46 may be provided on the inner side of the steering wheel 70. The first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 may be arranged at the same height. The operation input unit 48 is provided forward of the second sensor 46 on the inner side of the steering wheel 70. The operation input unit 48 may be provided above the second sensor 46 on the inner side of the steering wheel 70. The selection input unit 52 is provided on the upper surface of the steering wheel 70. The selection input unit 52 may be provided forward of the operation input unit 48. In detail, the rear end of the selection input unit 52 may be provided forward of the front end of the operation input unit 48. When an occupant holds the steering wheel 70 with the palm and the third to fifth fingers, it is preferable that the operation input unit 48 is arranged in an area reachable by the tip of the first finger, and the selection input unit 52 is arranged in an area reachable by the tip of the second finger.

[0082] As in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the control device 55 may be connected to a door opening / closing sensor 80. The door opening / closing sensor 80 is provided between the vehicle door 1 and the vehicle body, and outputs a signal based on the open / closed state of the vehicle door 1 to the control device 55. For example, the door opening / closing sensor 80 is a push switch that is pushed by the vehicle door 1 when the vehicle door 1 is closed to turn on (outputs an on signal), and is separated from the vehicle door 1 to turn off (outputs an off signal) when the vehicle door 1 is open. The door opening / closing sensor 80 may be provided, for example, at a hinge portion that supports the vehicle door 1 rotatably relative to the vehicle body or at a free end of the vehicle door 1.

[0083] The control device 55 may control the selected in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the operation input unit 48 when both the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 have detected an occupant and the vehicle door 1 is in a closed state based on a signal from the door opening / closing sensor 80.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the upper plate 50 is configured to rotate around the rotation axis X relative to the main body 31 between the use position and the storage position. However, as in the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the upper plate 50 may be provided on the main body 31 so as to be slidable between the use position and the storage position. In this case, a guide rail (not shown) may be provided on the recess side wall 37, and an engagement portion that engages with the guide rail may be provided on the side of the upper plate 50. In the storage position, the surface 50A of the upper plate 50 on which the display 51 and the selection input unit 52 are provided faces upward. The upper plate 50 slides backward from the use position (see FIG. 2) to the storage position (see FIG. 13). When the upper plate 50 slides backward, the angle of the surface 50A of the upper plate 50 changes so that it becomes horizontal. In this embodiment, the display 51 and the selection input unit 52 can be used even when the upper plate 50 is in the storage position.

[0085] The operation input unit 48 may be provided with a guide shape 90 for allowing the occupant to recognize the operation direction. The guide shape 90 may be, for example, a structure in which a plurality of convex portions or concave portions are intermittently formed, or a structure in which a continuous convex portion or concave portion is formed. As in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the guide shape 90 may be, for example, a convex strip (rib) extending along the operation direction. The guide shape 90 may extend in the front-rear direction, and the front end may further extend in the up-down direction. The occupant can perform an input operation by pointing at the guide shape 90 with the first finger. In another example, the guide shape 90 may be a cross shape.

[0086] The operation input unit 48 may be provided with an illumination device 91 for allowing the occupant to recognize the operation direction. The illumination device 91 may be formed, for example, by a plurality of LEDs or a combination of an LED and a light guide. As shown in FIG. 14, the illumination device 91 may be arranged, for example, along the operation direction. The illumination device 91 may extend in the front-rear direction and further extend at its front end in the up-down direction. The occupant can confirm the light of the illumination device 91 and perform an input operation by pointing the operation input unit 48 with a first finger in the direction in which the light extends.

[0087] An operating device 100 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. The configuration of the vehicle door 1 on which the operating device 100 is provided is mostly similar to the configuration of the vehicle door 1 according to the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, an armrest portion 71 that protrudes toward the vehicle interior and extends forward and backward is provided at the center of the trim main body portion 3A of the door trim 3 in the vertical direction. A rod-shaped handle 101 is provided on the vehicle interior side of the trim main body portion 3A. The handle 101 extends forward and backward, and is connected to the trim main body portion 3A at its front and rear ends. In this embodiment, the rear end of the handle 101 is connected to the armrest portion 71, and is connected to the trim main body portion 3A via the armrest portion 71. The front end of the handle 101 is disposed above the rear end, and the handle 101 is inclined upward toward the front. A space is formed between the intermediate portion of the handle 101 in the longitudinal direction and the trim main body portion 3A. This allows the occupant to grip the entire circumference of the handle 101. The cross section of the handle 101 may be any shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, or a rectangle.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 17, the handle 101 is formed by combining, for example, a part constituting the inside of the vehicle and a part constituting the outside of the vehicle. A space defined by each part is formed in the center of the handle 101. In other words, the handle 101 is formed hollow. The handle 101 is preferably formed from a resin material.

[0090] The handle 101 has an interior side 105 facing the interior of the vehicle, an exterior side 106 facing the exterior of the vehicle (the trim main body portion 3A side), a lower side 107 facing downward and forward, and an upper side 108 facing upward and rearward. The interior side 105 is connected to the lower side 107 and the upper side 108, and the exterior side 106 is connected to the lower side 107 and the upper side 108. The interior side 105, the lower side 107, and the upper side 108 may be connected by smooth curved surfaces. Similarly, the exterior side 106, the lower side 107, and the upper side 108 may be connected by smooth curved surfaces. Each of the interior side 105, the exterior side 106, the lower side 107, and the upper side 108 may be formed as a flat surface or a curved surface. The interior side surface 105, the exterior side surface 106, the lower side surface 107, and the upper side surface 108 face in different directions from each other.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 16, the steering wheel 101 is provided with a first operation input unit 111, a second operation input unit 112, a first sensor 113, a second sensor 114, a third sensor 115, and a fourth sensor 116. The first operation input unit 111 and the second operation input unit 112 can be configured similarly to the operation input unit 48 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the first operation input unit 111 and the second operation input unit 112 are capacitance type touch panels. The first to fourth sensors 113 to 116 are sensors for detecting the fingers of the occupant, and can be configured similarly to the first and second sensors 45 and 46 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the first to fourth sensors 113 to 116 are capacitance sensors. As shown in FIG. 20, each of the first and second operation input units 111 and 112 and the first to fourth sensors 113 to 116 is connected to the control device 55.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, the first sensor 113 is provided at the rear of the vehicle exterior side surface 106 of the handle 101. The second sensor 114 is provided at one of the vehicle interior side surface 105, the lower side surface 107, and the upper side surface 108, which is a surface different from the vehicle exterior side surface 106 of the handle 101. In this embodiment, the second sensor 114 is provided at the rear of the lower side surface 107. The first sensor 113 and the second sensor 114 are disposed at positions corresponding to each other in the longitudinal direction of the handle 101. The first sensor 113 and the second sensor 114 are each disposed at a position where the hand of an occupant can be detected when the occupant grips the rear portion of the handle 101.

[0093] The third sensor 115 is provided in front of the vehicle exterior side surface 106 of the handle 101. That is, the third sensor 115 is provided forward of the first sensor 113. The fourth sensor 116 is provided on one of the vehicle interior side surface 105, the lower side surface 107, and the upper side surface 108, which are surfaces other than the vehicle exterior side surface 106 of the handle 101. In this embodiment, the fourth sensor 116 is provided in front of the lower side surface 107. That is, the fourth sensor 116 is provided forward of the second sensor 114. The second sensor 115 and the fourth sensor 116 are disposed at positions corresponding to each other in the longitudinal direction of the handle 101. The third sensor 115 and the fourth sensor 116 are each disposed at a position where they can detect the hand of an occupant when the occupant grips the rear part of the handle 101.

[0094] As shown in Fig. 16, a plate-shaped surface member 120 is provided on the vehicle interior side surface 105. The surface member 120 is provided so as to cover the surface of the vehicle interior side surface 105. The surface member 120 extends in the front-rear direction along the vehicle interior side surface 105. The surface member 120 is a light-transmitting or semi-light-transmitting member. The surface member 120 may be formed from, for example, resin or glass.

[0095] 16, 18, and 19, an uneven shape 121 is formed on a surface 120A of a surface member 120. The uneven shape 121 has a plurality of ridge lines 122 and a plurality of recesses 123 defined by the plurality of ridge lines 122. Each of the plurality of ridge lines 122 extends linearly and cooperates with one another to form a plurality of rectangular lattices 124. Each of the plurality of recesses 123 is defined by the lattice 124 and is formed in a concave surface having the ridge lines 122 as its periphery.

[0096] A first operation area 125 including a plurality of recesses 123 is disposed at the rear of the surface member 120. A second operation area 126 including a plurality of recesses 123 is disposed at the front of the surface member 120. In this embodiment, each of the first operation area 125 and the second operation area 126 includes four lattices 124 arranged in a square. When the occupant grips the rear of the steering wheel 101 with the palm and the second to fifth fingers, the first operation area 125 may be set at a position corresponding to the tip of the first finger. When the occupant grips the front of the steering wheel 101 with the palm and the second to fifth fingers, the second operation area 126 may be set at a position corresponding to the tip of the first finger.

[0097] A first operation input unit 111 is provided in a portion of the back surface 120B of the front surface member 120 corresponding to the first operation region 125. In this embodiment, the first operation input unit 111 is divided into four parts corresponding to the four recesses 123, and each part is arranged corresponding to one of the recesses 123. In another embodiment, the first operation input unit 111 may be a single member corresponding to the four recesses 123. The first operation input unit 111 may be arranged in a storage portion 128 recessed into the back surface of the back surface 120B of the front surface member 120.

[0098] A first lighting device 131 is provided around the first operation input unit 111 of the surface member 120 of the handle 101. The first lighting device 131 has a first light source 132 and a light guide member 133 that transmits light from the first light source 132. The light guide member 133 extends along the ridge line portion 122 included in the first operation area 125 and is arranged in a lattice shape. The light guide member 133 may be arranged in a storage portion 1134 recessed in the back surface of the back surface 120B of the surface member 120. The first light source 132 is, for example, an LED. The first light source 132 is arranged in contact with the light guide member 133. The first light source 132 is connected to the control device 55. The first light source 132 emits light by receiving power from the control device 55. As shown in FIG. 19, when the first light source 132 emits light, the light guide member 133 emits light and the ridge line portion 122 included in the first operation area 125 is illuminated.

[0099] Each recess 123 included in the first operation area 125 is provided with a mark 137 indicating an operation target. The mark 137 may be, for example, an icon indicating that the operation is to tilt the seat back backward by operating the reclining mechanism 23C. When the first lighting device 131 is turned off, the mark 137 blends in with the surface member 120 and is difficult for the occupant to see. On the other hand, when the first lighting device 131 is turned on, the mark 137 is illuminated by light from the light guide member 133 and is easy for the occupant to see. The mark 137 may be engraved on the surface member 120 or may be drawn on the surface 120A of the surface member 120 with fluorescent paint.

[0100] A second operation input unit 112 is provided in a portion corresponding to the second operation area 126 on the back surface 120B of the front surface member 120. In this embodiment, the second operation input unit 112 may have a similar configuration to the first operation input unit 111.

[0101] A second illumination device 141 is provided around the second operation input unit 112 of the surface member 120 of the handle 101. Similar to the first illumination device 131, the second illumination device 141 has a second light source 142 and a light guiding member 133 that transmits light from the second light source 142.

[0102] A mark 137 indicating an operation target is provided in each recess 123 included in second operation area 126. Mark 137 in second operation area 126 may have the same configuration as mark 137 in first operation area 125.

[0103] The first operation input unit 111 configures four switches corresponding to the four recesses 123 in the first operation area 125. Similarly, the second operation input unit 112 configures four switches corresponding to the four recesses 123 in the second operation area 126. When the occupant touches the recesses 123 corresponding to each switch, the control device 55 detects that the occupant has operated each switch based on a signal from the first operation input unit 111 or the second operation input unit 112. In this embodiment, since the first operation input unit 111 and the second operation input unit 112 are capacitance sensors, when the occupant touches the recesses 123 in the first operation area 125 or the second operation area 126, the capacitance of the first operation input unit 111 or the second operation input unit 112 changes. The control device 55 detects the operation of the occupant to the first operation input unit 111 or the second operation input unit 112 based on a signal corresponding to the change in capacitance from the first operation input unit 111 or the second operation input unit 112.

[0104] The control device 55 detects whether or not the occupant's fingers are in contact with each of the sensors 113-116 or whether or not the occupant's fingers are present near each of the sensors 113-116 based on signals from the first to fourth sensors 113-116.

[0105] When both the first sensor 113 and the second sensor 114 detect an occupant, the control device 55 supplies power to the first light source 132 of the first lighting device 131. This causes the ridge line portion 122 in the first operation area 125 to light up in a lattice pattern and the mark 137 to light up, allowing the occupant to visually recognize the first operation area 125. When both the first sensor 113 and the second sensor 114 detect an occupant, it can be estimated that the occupant is gripping the rear of the handlebar 101, as shown in FIG. 21. By illuminating the first operation area 125, the occupant can recognize that the first operation input unit 111 is operable.

[0106] Further, when both the first sensor 113 and the second sensor 114 detect an occupant, the control device 55 controls the corresponding in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the first operation input unit 111. That is, when the occupant's finger is detected based on a signal from the first sensor 113 and the occupant's finger is detected based on a signal from the second sensor 114, the control device 55 controls the corresponding in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the first operation input unit 111. On the other hand, when at least one of the first sensor 113 and the second sensor 114 does not detect an occupant, the control device 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the first operation input unit 111. That is, the control device 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the first operation input unit 111 at least one of a case where the occupant's finger is not detected based on a signal from the first sensor 113 and a case where the occupant's finger is not detected based on a signal from the second sensor 114.

[0107] When both the third sensor 115 and the fourth sensor 116 detect an occupant, the control device 55 supplies power to the second light source 142 of the second lighting device 141. This causes the ridge line portion 122 in the second operation area 126 to light up in a lattice pattern and the mark to light up, allowing the occupant to visually recognize the second operation area 126. When both the third sensor 115 and the fourth sensor 116 detect an occupant, it can be estimated that the occupant is gripping the front part of the handlebar 101, as shown in FIG.

[0108] Furthermore, when both the third sensor 115 and the fourth sensor 116 detect an occupant, the control device 55 controls the corresponding in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the second operation input unit 112. That is, when the occupant's finger is detected based on a signal from the third sensor 115 and the occupant's finger is detected based on a signal from the fourth sensor 116, the control device 55 controls the corresponding in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the second operation input unit 112. On the other hand, when at least one of the third sensor 115 and the fourth sensor 116 does not detect an occupant, the control device 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the second operation input unit 112. That is, the control device 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the second operation input unit 112 at least one of a case where the occupant's finger is not detected based on a signal from the third sensor 115 and a case where the occupant's finger is not detected based on a signal from the fourth sensor 116.

[0109] The control that the control device 55 executes based on a signal from the first operation input unit 111 may be different from the control that the control device 55 executes based on a signal from the second operation input unit 112. For example, the control device 55 may control the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A and the reclining mechanism 23C in response to a signal from the first operation input unit 111, and control the height adjustment mechanism 23B and the seat heater 23D in response to a signal from the second operation input unit 112. The control device 55 may also select an in-vehicle device 21 to be operated based on a signal from the second operation input unit 112, and determine an operation direction and an operation amount of the selected in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the first operation input unit 111.

[0110] As a modified example of the operation device 100 according to the sixth embodiment, the first operation input unit 111 and the first illumination device 131 may be realized by a touch panel display 150 as shown in FIG. 22. The touch panel display 150 detects a touch operation by an occupant and illuminates the first operation area 125 by emitting light. The touch panel display 150 is provided on the back surface 120B of the front surface member 120. The touch panel display 150 can function as the first operation input unit 111 by forming a switch for detecting a touch operation (approach operation) by an occupant at a position corresponding to each recessed portion 123 in the first operation area 125. The touch panel display 150 can also function as the first illumination device 131 by emitting light at a position corresponding to each ridge portion 122 in the first operation area 125. Similarly, the second operation input unit 112 and the second illumination device 141 can also be realized by the touch panel display 150. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1: Vehicle door 3: Door trim 11: Door handle 20: Operating device 21:In-vehicle equipment 31: Main body 32:Top surface of main body 33: Main body side 35: Recess 38:First side part 39: Protrusion 40: Grip part 41: 1st top surface part 43: Inclined surface part 45: First sensor 46: Second sensor 48: Operation input section 50: Upper plate 51: Display 52: Selection input section 55: Control device 70: Handle 100: Operating device 101: Handle 105: Interior side 106: Exterior side 111: First operation input unit 112: second operation input unit 113: First sensor 114: Second sensor 115: 3rd sensor 116: 4th sensor 131: First lighting device 141: Second lighting device X: Rotation axis

Claims

1. A grip portion is provided on an inner surface of a vehicle door, the grip portion having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an upper surface connecting upper ends of the outer surface and the inner surface, and extending in the front-rear direction; an operation input unit provided on the vehicle interior surface of the gripping portion for receiving an operation by a finger of an occupant to operate an in-vehicle device; a first sensor provided on a protruding portion protruding from an upper end of the exterior side surface toward the exterior of the vehicle, the first sensor detecting a finger of an occupant; A second sensor provided on the vehicle interior side surface or the top surface for detecting a finger of an occupant; a control device connected to the operation input unit, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the in-vehicle device; The control device controls the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the operation input unit when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect an occupant, and prohibits control of the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input unit when one or both of the first sensor and the second sensor do not detect an occupant.

2. The second sensor is an operating device as described in Claim 1, which is provided on the inner side of the vehicle.

3. An operating device as described in Claim 2, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged in positions that overlap each other when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

4. The interior side surface has an inclined surface portion at its upper portion inclined upward toward the exterior of the vehicle, The operating device according to claim 3 , wherein the second sensor is provided on the inclined surface portion.

5. An operating device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operation input unit is positioned below the second sensor.

6. An operating device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second sensor extends forward and backward, and a rear end of the second sensor is positioned rearward of the rear end of the operation input section.

7. An operating device described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rear end of the second sensor is positioned forward of the rear end of the gripping portion.

8. An operating device as described in Claim 7, wherein a front end of the second sensor is positioned rearward of a front end of the gripping portion.

9. A plurality of the on-board devices are provided, the gripping portion is provided with a selection input portion for selecting one of the plurality of in-vehicle devices, a rear end of the operation input unit is disposed rearward of the selection input unit, The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a front end of the second sensor is disposed rearward of a rear end of the selective input portion.

10. A rod-shaped handle provided on an inner surface of a vehicle door, extending forward and backward, having an interior side facing the interior of the vehicle, an exterior side facing the exterior of the vehicle, a lower side facing downward, and an upper side facing upward, and connected to the door at its front and rear ends; a first operation input unit provided on an inner side surface of the steering wheel for receiving an operation by a finger of an occupant for operating an in-vehicle device; a first sensor provided on the outer surface of the steering wheel for detecting a finger of an occupant; A second sensor provided on the upper surface or the lower surface of the steering wheel for detecting a finger of an occupant; a control device connected to the first operation input unit, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the in-vehicle device; The control device controls the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the first operation input unit when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect an occupant, and prohibits control of the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the first operation input unit when one or both of the first sensor and the second sensor do not detect an occupant.

11. A second operation input unit provided on an inner side of the steering wheel in an area different from the first operation input unit, for receiving an operation by a finger of an occupant to operate the in-vehicle device; a third sensor provided on the outer surface of the steering wheel for detecting a finger of an occupant; a fourth sensor provided on a surface of the steering wheel different from the vehicle exterior surface for detecting a finger of an occupant; the second operation input unit, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor are connected to the control device; The operating device according to claim 10, wherein the control device controls the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the second operation input unit when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect an occupant, and prohibits control of the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the second operation input unit when one or both of the third sensor and the fourth sensor do not detect an occupant.

12. An operating device as described in claim 11, wherein the control device controls a first in-vehicle device included in the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the first operation input unit, and the control device controls a second in-vehicle device different from the first in-vehicle device included in the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the second operation input unit.

13. The second operation input unit is disposed forward of the first operation input unit, the third sensor is disposed forward of the first sensor, The operating device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the fourth sensor is disposed forward of the second sensor.

14. A first lighting device is provided around the first operation input portion of the handle, a second illumination device is provided around the second operation input portion of the handle; the first lighting device and the second lighting device are connected to the control device; The control device is configured to cause the first lighting device to emit light when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect an occupant, and to cause the second lighting device to emit light when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect an occupant.

15. A vehicle door equipped with an operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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