Shift device

Abstract

To make a driving operation safe.SOLUTION: When an operation of a shift switch 22 is prohibited due to shortage of a brake operation, a state where the operation of the shift switch 22 is prohibited due to shortage of the brake operation is notified by notifying of the insufficient brake operation before contact to the shift switch 22 of an operation hand F. Therefore, a driver can know the insufficient brake operation before contact to the shift switch 22 of the operation hand F. Consequently, the driver can perform a shift operation without confusion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0008] , Conditions ,

[0007] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a shift device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a shift-by-wire type shift device capable of switching a shift range position by contact of an operator's hand (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a button-type electronic gear shift device capable of changing a gear shift stage by an operator operating any one of a plurality of buttons to select a desired gear shift stage.

[0004] By the way, in such a shift device, it is preferable to make the driving operation safe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain a shift device capable of making a driving operation safe.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The shift device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a shift switch that gives an operation instruction by contact of an operator's hand, and when the operation of the shift switch is prohibited due to a shortage of a predetermined vehicle state Conditions , a notification unit that notifies the shortage of the vehicle state before contact of the operator's hand with the shift switch.

[0008] In a shift device according to a second aspect of the present invention, the shift device according to the first aspect of the present invention is further provided with an approach detection unit that detects the approach of an operator's hand to the shift switch, and the notification unit provides notification based on the detection information from the approach detection unit.

[0009] In the shift device of the third aspect of the present invention, in the shift device of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the predetermined vehicle state is the brake operation state.

[0010] In the shift device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the shift devices of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the predetermined vehicle state is a state relating to vehicle speed.

[0011] In the shift device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the shift devices of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the notification unit is an icon indicating the predetermined vehicle state.

[0012] In the shift device of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the icon is arranged alongside the shift switch, as in the shift device of the fifth aspect of the present invention.

[0013] In the seventh aspect of the present invention, the shift device is provided with a second notification unit that, in any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, when the operation of the shift switch is prohibited due to a lack of a predetermined vehicle condition, notifies the operator of the prohibited shift switch before the operator makes contact with the shift switch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In the shift device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the operation of the shift switch brings the vehicle to a predetermined state Conditions If prohibited due to a lack of [something], the vehicle condition of the lack will be notified before the operator touches the shift switch, thereby ensuring the specified vehicle condition ConditionsThe system notifies the driver that operation of the shift switch is prohibited due to a shortage of [something]. Therefore, the driver can be aware of the vehicle's condition before touching the shift switch. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without hesitation, thus ensuring safer driving.

[0015] In the shift device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the notification unit notifies the operator when the operator approaches the shift switch, based on the detection information from the proximity detection unit. Therefore, the operator can know the missing predetermined vehicle state just before selecting the shift switch. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without hesitation.

[0016] In the shift device according to the third aspect of the present invention, a predetermined vehicle state is set to a brake operation state, thereby notifying the driver that the brake operation is insufficient. Therefore, the driver can know that the brake operation is insufficient before touching the shift switch with their hand. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without hesitation.

[0017] In the shift device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined vehicle state is set to a state related to vehicle speed, thereby providing notification of whether the vehicle speed is slow or fast. As a result, the driver can know whether the vehicle speed is slow or fast before touching the shift switch with their hand. Consequently, the driver can perform the shift operation without hesitation.

[0018] In the shift device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the notification unit uses icons to indicate predetermined vehicle states, so that any missing vehicle states are notified by the icons. Therefore, the driver can recognize the missing vehicle states by looking at the notified icons. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without hesitation.

[0019] In the shift device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the icon is arranged side by side with the shift switch, and in the vicinity of the shift switch, the lacking vehicle state is notified by the icon. As a result, when the driver operates the shift switch, the icon becomes easy to confirm. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without confusion.

[0020] In the shift device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the operation of the shift switch is prohibited due to the lack of a predetermined vehicle state, by notifying the prohibited shift switch before the contact of the operating hand with the shift switch, the prohibited shift switch is notified before selecting the shift switch. Therefore, the driver can know the prohibited shift switch before selecting the shift switch. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without confusion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a schematic view showing an instrument panel provided with a shift device according to the first embodiment as viewed from the vehicle interior toward the front of the vehicle. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the shift device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view showing the shift device according to the first embodiment, showing the A-A cross section in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the shift device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the notification process of the shift device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing a state where an operating hand is approaching the reverse switch of the shift device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the notification process of the shift device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing a state where an operating hand is approaching the reverse switch of the shift device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the operator's hand approaching the reverse switch of a shift device according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the operator's hand approaching the reverse switch of a shift device according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] [First Embodiment] The shift device 20 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which the shift device 20 is a shift-by-wire type vehicle shift device that performs shift operations by selecting a shift switch.

[0023] In each figure, the arrow UP indicates the top of the vehicle, the arrow RH indicates the right side of the vehicle, and the arrow D indicates the longitudinal direction D of the shift device 20. Furthermore, when simply explaining using one end and the other end, unless otherwise specified, it refers to the longitudinal direction D of the shift device 20.

[0024] [Vehicle configuration] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 according to the first embodiment is provided with a brake pedal 18, an accelerator pedal 19, a brake operation detection unit 34 provided on the brake pedal 18, and a vehicle speed detection unit 36 ​​provided on the wheel 15.

[0025] The brake operation detection unit 34 detects when the brakes have been applied. The brake operation detection unit 34 can be a stroke sensor provided on the brake pedal 18. The vehicle speed detection unit 36 ​​detects the speed of the vehicle 10.

[0026] [Shift device configuration] As shown in Figure 1, the shift device 20 according to the first embodiment is located on the instrument panel 14 provided on the front side of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10. The shift device 20 is provided on the right side of the steering wheel 12 of the vehicle, along a garnish 16 that extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the shift device 20 has the following switches arranged in a row from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction D: a parking switch 22A, a reverse switch 22B, a neutral switch 22C, and a drive switch 22D, all of which function as shift switches 22. When the driver's hand (fingers) F, seated in the driver's seat, touches the shift switches 22, the shift range positions are switched between the parking position P, the reverse position R, the neutral position N, and the drive position D.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the shift device 20 comprises an upper housing 21, an electrostatic sensor 24 as a proximity detection unit, a printed circuit board 28, an optical output unit 26, and a case 29.

[0029] (Upper housing 21) The upper housing 21 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box with one side open. The upper housing 21 has a top plate 21A which forms the design surface, and the letter portion P formed by the letter P, the letter portion R formed by the letter R, the letter portion N formed by the letter N, and the letter portion D formed by the letter D.

[0030] The letter portion P constitutes the parking switch 22A, the letter portion R constitutes the reverse switch 22B, the letter portion C constitutes the neutral switch 22C, and the letter portion D constitutes the drive switch 22D.

[0031] Furthermore, the upper housing 21 has icons 32 formed on the top plate 21A that constitute the design surface, indicating a predetermined vehicle state. The icons 32 are arranged to line up on the other end side in the longitudinal direction D of the shift switch 22.

[0032] Icon 32 comprises a first icon 32A and a second icon 32B.

[0033] The first icon 32A indicates the brake operation state. The second icon 32B indicates a state related to vehicle speed. The second icon 32B can, for example, indicate a high vehicle speed. Alternatively, the second icon 32B may indicate a low vehicle speed, or it may indicate both a high and low vehicle speed.

[0034] The parking switch 22A, reverse switch 22B, neutral switch 22C, drive switch 22D, first icon 32A, and second icon 32B are arranged in a flat surface aligned along the longitudinal direction D.

[0035] The upper housing 21 is formed with transparent letter portions P, R, N, D, the first icon 32A, and the second icon 32B. The upper housing 21 can be formed, for example, from a transparent resin material, with an opaque paint applied to all parts except the letter portions P, R, N, D, the first icon 32A, and the second icon 32B. Alternatively, the upper housing 21 may be formed from a transparent resin material, with an opaque film attached to which the letter portions P, R, N, D, the first icon 32A, and the second icon 32B are cut out.

[0036] (Case 29 and printed circuit board 28) The case 29 is positioned to cover the opening of the upper housing 21. The printed circuit board 28 is positioned on the top surface of the case 29.

[0037] (Electrostatic sensor 24) The electrostatic sensor 24 is, for example, made of transparent material and is attached to the back surface of the top plate 21A of the upper housing 21. The electrostatic sensor 24 consists of a first electrostatic sensor 24A positioned at a location corresponding to character portion P, a second electrostatic sensor 24B positioned at a location corresponding to character portion R, a third electrostatic sensor 24C positioned at a location corresponding to character portion N, and a fourth electrostatic sensor 24D positioned at a location corresponding to character portion D.

[0038] The first electrostatic sensor 24A measures the change in capacitance due to the approach of the operator's hand F to the character portion P. That is, the first electrostatic sensor 24A detects the approach of the operator's hand F to the parking switch 22A. The second electrostatic sensor 24B measures the change in capacitance due to the approach of the operator's hand F to the character portion R. That is, the second electrostatic sensor 24B detects the approach of the operator's hand F to the reverse switch 22B. The third electrostatic sensor 24C measures the change in capacitance due to the approach of the operator's hand F to the character portion N. That is, the third electrostatic sensor 24C detects the approach of the operator's hand F to the neutral switch 22C. The fourth electrostatic sensor 24D measures the change in capacitance due to the approach of the operator's hand F to the character portion D. That is, the fourth electrostatic sensor 24D detects the approach of the operator's hand F to the drive switch 22D.

[0039] (Optical output section 26) The light output unit 26 is located on the upper surface of the printed circuit board 28. The light output unit 26 can be an LED (light-emitting diode) that emits light. The light output unit 26 is composed of a first light output unit 26A located at a position corresponding to character portion P, a second light output unit 26B located at a position corresponding to character portion R, a third light output unit 26C located at a position corresponding to character portion N, and a fourth light output unit 26D located at a position corresponding to character portion D. The light output unit 26 is also composed of a fifth light output unit 26E located at a position corresponding to the first icon 32A, and a sixth light output unit 26F located at a position corresponding to the second icon 32B.

[0040] When the first light output unit 26A emits light, the character part P lights up; when the second light output unit 26B emits light, the character part R lights up; when the third light output unit 26C emits light, the character part N lights up; and when the fourth light output unit 26D emits light, the character part D lights up. Additionally, when the fifth light output unit 26A emits light, the first icon 32A lights up; and when the sixth light output unit 26B emits light, the second icon 32B lights up.

[0041] The fifth optical output unit 26E, the sixth optical output unit 26F, and the icons 32 illuminated by them constitute the notification unit. The first optical output units 26A to the fourth optical output units 26D constitute the second notification unit.

[0042] [Functional configuration of the shift mechanism] As shown in Figure 4, the shift device 20 functionally receives detection information from the electrostatic sensor 24, detection information from the brake operation detection unit 34, and detection information from the vehicle speed detection unit 36 ​​as input to the control unit 40, and the information processed by the control unit 40 is output to the optical output unit 26 and the vehicle control device 50.

[0043] The first electrostatic sensor 24A measures the change in capacitance due to the approach of the operator's hand F to the character portion P. The measurement information from the first electrostatic sensor 24A is input to the control unit 40. The second electrostatic sensor 24B measures the change in capacitance due to the approach of the operator's hand F to the character portion R. The measurement information from the second electrostatic sensor 24B is input to the control unit 40. The third electrostatic sensor 24C measures the change in capacitance due to the approach of the operator's hand F to the character portion N. The measurement information from the third electrostatic sensor 24C is input to the control unit 40. The fourth electrostatic sensor 24D measures the change in capacitance due to the approach of the operator's hand F to the character portion D. The measurement information from the fourth electrostatic sensor 24D is input to the control unit 40.

[0044] The brake operation detection unit 34 detects when the brakes have been applied. The detection information from the brake operation detection unit 34 is input to the control unit 40. The vehicle speed detection unit 36 ​​detects the speed of the vehicle 10. The detection information from the vehicle speed detection unit 36 ​​is input to the control unit 40.

[0045] The control unit 40 includes a capacitance acquisition unit 41, a position determination unit 42, an approach determination unit 43, a contact determination unit 44, a vehicle speed determination unit 45, a brake determination unit 46, a light output indicator unit 47, and a shift position indicator unit 48.

[0046] The capacitance acquisition unit 41 acquires the capacitance detected by each electrostatic sensor 24.

[0047] The position determination unit 42 determines the shift range position based on the capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 24. Specifically, if the first electrostatic sensor 24A detects a change in capacitance, the position determination unit 42 determines the shift range position to the parking position P. If the second electrostatic sensor 24B detects a change in capacitance, the position determination unit 42 determines the shift range position to the reverse position R. If the third electrostatic sensor 24C detects a change in capacitance, the position determination unit 42 determines the shift range position to the neutral position N. If the fourth electrostatic sensor 24D detects a change in capacitance, the position determination unit 42 determines the shift range position to the drive position D.

[0048] The proximity determination unit 43 determines, based on the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 41, whether the operator F has approached the shift switch 22 to a predetermined distance (for example, 2 to 3 cm). Specifically, the proximity determination unit 43 determines whether the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold A.

[0049] The contact determination unit 44 determines whether the operator F has made contact with the shift switch 22 based on the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 41. Specifically, the contact determination unit 44 determines whether the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold B.

[0050] The vehicle speed determination unit 45 determines whether the speed of the vehicle 10 is slower than a predetermined speed C.

[0051] The brake determination unit 46 determines whether or not a brake operation has been performed based on the detection information from the brake operation detection unit 34.

[0052] The light output indicator unit 47 lights up or blinks one of the first light output units 26A to the fourth light output units 26D based on the determination result of the position determination unit 42 and the determination result of the proximity determination unit 43.

[0053] Specifically, if the position determination unit 42 determines that the position is in the parking position P, and the proximity determination unit 43 determines that the operator F has approached the shift switch 22 to a predetermined distance (for example, 2-3 cm), the optical output instruction unit 47 gives an output instruction to the first optical output unit 26A. If the position determination unit 42 determines that the position is in the reverse position R, and the proximity determination unit 43 determines that the operator F has approached the shift switch 22 to a predetermined distance (for example, 2-3 cm), the optical output instruction unit 47 gives an output instruction to the second optical output unit 26B. If the position determination unit 42 determines that the position is in the neutral position N, and the proximity determination unit 43 determines that the operator F has approached the shift switch 22 to a predetermined distance (for example, 2-3 cm), the optical output instruction unit 47 gives an output instruction to the third optical output unit 26C. When the position determination unit 42 determines that the drive position is D, and the proximity determination unit 43 determines that the operator F has approached the shift switch 22 to a predetermined distance (for example, 2-3 cm), the optical output instruction unit 47 gives an output instruction to the fourth optical output unit 26D.

[0054] Furthermore, the light output indicator unit 47 illuminates the fifth light output unit 26E or the sixth light output unit 26F based on the determination result of the position determination unit 42, the determination result of the vehicle speed determination unit 45, or the determination result of the brake determination unit 46.

[0055] The shift position instruction unit 48 gives a predetermined instruction to the vehicle control device 50 based on the determination result of the position determination unit 42 and the determination result of the contact determination unit 44.

[0056] Specifically, if the position determination unit 42 determines that the position is in the parking position P, and the contact determination unit 44 determines that the operator F has made contact with the shift switch 22, the shift position instruction unit 48 instructs the vehicle control device 50 to enter the parking position P. If the position determination unit 42 determines that the position is in the reverse position R, and the contact determination unit 44 determines that the operator F has made contact with the shift switch 22, the shift position instruction unit 48 instructs the vehicle control device 50 to enter the reverse position R. If the position determination unit 42 determines that the position is in the neutral position N, and the contact determination unit 44 determines that the operator F has made contact with the shift switch 22, the shift position instruction unit 48 instructs the vehicle control device 50 to enter the neutral position N. If the position determination unit 42 determines that the position is in the drive position D, and the contact determination unit 44 determines that the operator F has made contact with the shift switch 22, the shift position instruction unit 48 instructs the vehicle control device 50 to enter the drive position D.

[0057] [Flow of notification processing by the shift device] The following describes an example of the notification process of the shift device 20, specifically the case where the shift range position is in the parking position P and the operator F selects the reverse position R.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, when the notification process is started, the capacitance acquisition unit 41 acquires the capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 24 (step S101).

[0059] Next, the position determination unit 42 determines the shift range position based on the electrostatic sensor 24 that detected the capacitance (step S102).

[0060] Next, the brake determination unit 46 determines whether or not a brake operation has been performed based on the detection information from the brake operation detection unit 34 (step S103). If it is determined that a brake operation has been performed (YES in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that no brake operation has been performed (NO in step S103), the process proceeds to step S108.

[0061] When the process proceeds to step S104, the proximity determination unit 43 determines whether the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold A (step S104). If it is determined that the capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold A (YES in step S104), the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if it is determined that the capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold A (NO in step S104), the process returns to step S104.

[0062] When the process proceeds to step S105, the light output indicator unit 47 gives an output instruction to the second light output unit 26A to turn on. As a result, the first light output unit 26A indicates the reverse switch 22B (see Figure 6).

[0063] Next, the contact determination unit 44 determines whether the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold B (step S106). If it is determined that the capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold B (YES in step S106), the process proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if it is determined that the capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold B (NO in step S106), the process returns to step S106.

[0064] When the process proceeds to step S107, the shift position indicator unit 48 instructs the vehicle control device 50 to enter the reverse position R, and the notification process ends.

[0065] On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S108, the proximity determination unit 43 determines whether the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold A (step S108). If it is determined that the capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold A (YES in step S108), the process proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, if it is determined that the capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold A (NO in step S108), the process returns to step S108.

[0066] When the process proceeds to step S109, the light output indicator unit 47 gives a blinking output instruction to the second light output unit 26A. That is, if the operation of the reverse switch 22B is prohibited due to insufficient brake operation, the light output indicator unit 47 notifies the operator F of the prohibited reverse switch 22B before the operator F makes contact with the reverse switch 22B (see Figure 6).

[0067] Next, the light output indicator unit 47 gives an output instruction to the fifth light output unit 26E to light up (step S110). As a result, the first icon 32A lights up (see Figure 6). In other words, if the operation of the reverse switch 22B is prohibited due to insufficient brake operation, the light output indicator unit 47 notifies the operator F of the insufficient brake operation before contact with the reverse switch 22B (see Figure 6).

[0068] Next, the contact determination unit 44 determines whether the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold B (step S111). If it is determined that the capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold B (YES in step S111), the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if it is determined that the capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold B (NO in step S111), the process returns to step S111.

[0069] When the process proceeds to step S112, the shift position indicator unit 48 terminates the notification process without issuing a reverse position R instruction to the vehicle control device 50.

[0070] [Operation of the First Embodiment] The shift device 20 of the first embodiment includes a shift switch 22 that gives an operation instruction by contact of the operator F, and an icon 32 as a notification unit that, if operation of the shift switch 22 is prohibited due to insufficient brake operation, notifies the operator F of the lack of brake operation, which is a predetermined vehicle state, before the operator F contacts the shift switch 22 (see Figure 6).

[0071] Incidentally, with lever-type shift devices, it was possible to recognize that the shift switch was inoperable due to a shift lock or similar mechanism. On the other hand, with touch-type shift switches, it may be difficult for the driver to understand that the shift switch is inoperable due to a lack of the specified vehicle conditions.

[0072] In the first embodiment, if operation of the shift switch 22 is prohibited due to insufficient brake operation, the insufficient brake operation is notified before operator F contacts the shift switch 22, thereby notifying the driver that operation of the shift switch 22 is prohibited due to insufficient brake operation. Therefore, the driver can know about the insufficient brake operation before operator F contacts the shift switch 22. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without hesitation. This makes driving safer.

[0073] In the first embodiment of the shift device 20, an electrostatic sensor 24 is provided as a proximity detection unit that detects the approach of the operating hand F to the shift switch 22, and the icon 32 provides notification based on the detection information from the electrostatic sensor 24 (see Figure 3).

[0074] Icon 32 provides notification based on the detection information from the electrostatic sensor 24, alerting the operator F when they approach the shift switch 22. Therefore, the operator can be aware of any missing brake operation just before selecting the shift switch 22. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without hesitation.

[0075] In the shift device 20 of the first embodiment, the icon 32 is positioned next to the shift switch 22 (see Figure 6).

[0076] The icon 32 is positioned next to the shift switch 22, so that insufficient brake operation in the vicinity of the shift switch 22 is indicated by the icon 32. As a result, the driver can easily see the icon 32 when operating the shift switch 22. Therefore, the driver can perform the shift operation without hesitation.

[0077] In the first embodiment of the shift device 20, if operation of the shift switch 22 is prohibited due to insufficient brake operation, the device includes first optical output units 26A to fourth optical output units 26D as a second notification unit that notifies the operator F of the prohibited shift switch 22 before contact with the shift switch 22 (see Figure 6).

[0078] If the operation of shift switch 22 is prohibited due to insufficient brake operation, the prohibited shift switch 22 is indicated before the operator F makes contact with the shift switch 22, so that the prohibited shift switch 22 is indicated before the shift switch 22 is selected. Therefore, the driver can know which shift switch 22 is prohibited before selecting it. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without hesitation.

[0079] [Second Embodiment] The shift device of the second embodiment differs from the shift device of the first embodiment in that it is insufficient in a different vehicle condition.

[0080] The configuration of the shift device of the second embodiment will be described below. In addition, the same terms or reference numerals will be used to describe parts that are the same as or equivalent to those described in the first embodiment.

[0081] [Flow of notification processing by the shift device] The following describes an example of the notification process of the shift device 20, specifically the case where the shift range position is in the parking position P and the operator F selects the reverse position R.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, when the notification process is started, the capacitance acquisition unit 41 acquires the capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 24 (step S201).

[0083] Next, the position determination unit 42 determines the shift range position based on the electrostatic sensor 24 that detected the capacitance (step S202).

[0084] Next, the vehicle speed determination unit 45 determines whether the speed of the vehicle 10 is slower than a predetermined speed C (step S203). If it is determined that the speed of the vehicle 10 is slower than the predetermined speed C (YES in step S203), the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if it is determined that the speed of the vehicle 10 is faster than the predetermined speed C (NO in step S203), the process proceeds to step S208.

[0085] When the process proceeds to step S204, the proximity determination unit 43 determines whether the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold A (step S204). If it is determined that the capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold A (YES in step S204), the process proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if it is determined that the capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold A (NO in step S204), the process returns to step S204.

[0086] When the process proceeds to step S205, the light output indicator unit 47 gives an output instruction to the second light output unit 26A to turn on. As a result, the first light output unit 26A indicates the reverse switch 22B (see Figure 8).

[0087] Next, the contact determination unit 44 determines whether the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold B (step S206). If it is determined that the capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold B (YES in step S206), the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if it is determined that the capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold B (NO in step S206), the process returns to step S206.

[0088] When the process proceeds to step S207, the shift position indicator unit 48 instructs the vehicle control device 50 to enter the reverse position R, and the notification process ends.

[0089] On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S208, the proximity determination unit 43 determines whether the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold A (step S208). If it is determined that the capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold A (YES in step S208), the process proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, if it is determined that the capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold A (NO in step S208), the process returns to step S208.

[0090] When the process proceeds to step S209, the light output indicator unit 47 gives a blinking output instruction to the second light output unit 26A. That is, if the operation of the reverse switch 22B is prohibited due to the vehicle speed, the light output indicator unit 47 notifies the operator F of the prohibited reverse switch 22B before the operator F makes contact with the reverse switch 22B (see Figure 8).

[0091] Next, the light output indicator unit 47 gives an output instruction to the sixth light output unit 26F to light up (step S210). As a result, the second icon 32B lights up (see Figure 8). In other words, if the operation of the reverse switch 22B is prohibited due to the vehicle speed, the light output indicator unit 47 notifies the operator F of the high vehicle speed before they make contact with the reverse switch 22B (see Figure 8).

[0092] Next, the contact determination unit 44 determines whether the capacitance acquired by the capacitance acquisition unit 41 is greater than a predetermined threshold B (step S211). If it is determined that the capacitance is greater than the predetermined threshold B (YES in step S211), the process proceeds to step S212. On the other hand, if it is determined that the capacitance is less than the predetermined threshold B (NO in step S211), the process returns to step S211.

[0093] When the process proceeds to step S212, the shift position indicator unit 48 terminates the notification process without issuing a reverse position R instruction to the vehicle control device 50.

[0094] [Operation of the second embodiment] In the shift device 20 of the second embodiment, the missing predetermined vehicle state is a state related to vehicle speed (see Figure 8).

[0095] By assigning the missing predetermined vehicle condition to a vehicle speed condition, the driver is notified whether the vehicle speed is too slow or too fast. Therefore, the driver can know whether the vehicle speed is too slow or too fast before the operator F touches the shift switch 22. As a result, the driver can perform the shift operation without hesitation.

[0096] Furthermore, the other configurations and effects are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0097] The shift device of the present invention has been described above based on the first and second embodiments. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and changes to the design are permitted as long as they do not depart from the gist of the invention as described in each claim.

[0098] In the first and second embodiments, an example was shown in which, when operator F approaches a shift switch 22 that is prohibited from being operated, the shift switch 22 that operator F approaches flashes. However, as shown in Figure 9(A), when operator F approaches a shift switch 22 that is prohibited from being operated (for example, the reverse switch 22B), the currently selected shift switch 22 (for example, the parking switch 22A) may be illuminated.

[0099] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(B), if operator F approaches a shift switch 22 that is prohibited from being operated (for example, a reverse switch 22B), an indicator 52 indicating the shift switch 22 that operator F is approaching (for example, a parking switch 22A) may be illuminated.

[0100] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10(A), the shift device 20 may be a touch panel, and when the operator F approaches a shift switch 22 that is prohibited from being operated (for example, a reverse switch 22B), the shift switch 22 that the operator F is approaching (for example, a parking switch 22A) may be displayed in an enlarged view.

[0101] Furthermore, if the shift device 20 is a touch panel, and the operator F approaches a shift switch 22 that is prohibited from being operated (for example, a reverse switch 22B), the color of the shift switch 22 that the operator F is approaching (for example, a parking switch 22A) may change and it may light up.

[0102] Furthermore, if the shift device 20 is a touch panel, and the operator F approaches a shift switch 22 that is prohibited from being operated (for example, a reverse switch 22B), all of the shift switches 22 may be made to flash or light up.

[0103] In the first and second embodiments, an example was shown in which the notification unit is an icon 32 indicating a predetermined vehicle state. However, as shown in Figure 10(B), the notification unit can also be a sound output unit 126 that outputs sound. In this case, for example, if the operation of the reverse switch 22B is prohibited due to insufficient brake operation, when the operator F approaches the reverse switch 22B which is prohibited from being operated, the sound output unit 126 can output a voice message saying, "Please press the brake."

[0104] In the first and second embodiments, when operation of the shift switch 22 is prohibited due to a lack of a predetermined vehicle condition, an example was shown in which the lacking vehicle condition is notified when operator F approaches the shift switch 22. However, the lacking vehicle condition may also be notified after operator F makes contact with the shift switch 22. In addition, regardless of the shift operation, the icon may be illuminated, for example, when the brake is not applied, or when the vehicle speed is too slow or too fast.

[0105] In the first embodiment, an example was shown in which operation of the reverse switch 22B is prohibited when the brakes are not applied. However, operation of the neutral switch 22C and the drive switch 22D may also be prohibited when the brakes are not applied.

[0106] In the second embodiment, an example was shown in which the operation of the reverse switch 22B is prohibited when the speed of the vehicle 10 is faster than a predetermined speed C. However, the operation of the parking switch 22A may also be prohibited when the speed of the vehicle 10 is faster than a predetermined speed C. Furthermore, the operation of the manual switch (M switch) may also be prohibited when the speed of the vehicle 10 is slower than a predetermined speed C.

[0107] In the first and second embodiments, examples were shown where the predetermined vehicle state is a brake operation state or a state related to vehicle speed. However, the predetermined vehicle state is not limited to these embodiments.

[0108] In the first and second embodiments, examples were shown in which the shift switch 22 and the icon 32 were arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction. However, the shift switches may also be arranged side by side in the vehicle vertical direction, or in an L-shape, cross shape, or ring shape. Furthermore, the icon may be provided in a different location from the shift switch 22 (for example, on the instrument panel).

[0109] In the first and second embodiments, an example was shown in which the proximity detection unit is an electrostatic sensor 24. However, the proximity detection unit only needs to be capable of detecting the approach of the operating hand F to the shift switch 22, and can be, for example, a camera.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the shift device 20 was shown as being located on the instrument panel 14. However, the shift device can be located on the center console, steering wheel, or other interior components of the vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10...Vehicle, 20...Shift device, 22...Shift switch, 24...Electrostatic sensor (example of proximity detection unit), 26A...First optical output unit 26A (example of second notification unit), 26B...Second optical output unit 26B (example of second notification unit), 26C...Third optical output unit 26C (example of second notification unit), 26D...Fourth optical output unit 26D (example of second notification unit), 32...Icon (example of notification unit), F...Operator

Claims

1. A shift switch that provides operation instructions through the operator's touch, A proximity detection unit detects the approach of an operator's hand to the shift switch when the capacitance is greater than an approach threshold, and detects contact of the operator's hand to the shift switch when the capacitance is greater than a contact threshold. If the operation of the shift switch is prohibited due to a lack of conditions for a predetermined vehicle state, the notification unit notifies the operator of the lacking vehicle state when the operator's hand approaches the shift switch as detected by the proximity detection unit, but before the operator's hand makes contact with the shift switch as detected by the proximity detection unit. A shift device equipped with a shift mechanism.

2. The predetermined vehicle state is a brake operation state. The shift device according to claim 1.

3. The predetermined vehicle state is a state relating to vehicle speed. The shift device according to claim 1.

4. The notification unit is an icon indicating the predetermined vehicle state. The shift device according to claim 1.

5. The icon is arranged alongside the shift switch. The shift device according to claim 4.

6. If operation of the shift switch is prohibited due to a lack of a predetermined vehicle condition, the second notification unit provides notification of the prohibited shift switch before the operator makes contact with the shift switch. The shift device according to claim 1.

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