Sunroof device

Abstract

A sunroof device (5) according to the present disclosure comprises: a panel (7); a shade (8); an operation unit (4) that is operated by a user and can individually set the open / closed state of the panel (7) and the open / closed state of the shade (8); and a control device (6) that controls the panel (7) and the shade (8) on the basis of an operation input into the operation unit (4). When both the panel (7) and the shade (8) are in a fully closed state, if only the panel (7) is operated to open from one end of an opening to a first position, the control device (6) opens the panel (7) to the first position after the shade (8) has opened the opening so as to have an opening surface area that is greater than or equal to the surface area of the opening opened by the panel (7) in the first position.

Description

Sunroof device

[0001] This case relates to an in-vehicle sunroof device.

[0002] Vehicles equipped with sunroof devices are provided with a panel (also called a lid, glass, or sunroof) that freely opens and closes the roof opening, and an operating unit (e.g., an operating switch) that controls the open / closed state of the panel. Because the panel is located above the head of the occupant (user), technologies have been proposed that allow the user to open and close the panel without directly viewing it (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Sunroof devices that include a shade in addition to the panel are also known. For example, Patent Document 3 discloses a sunroof device in which the panel and shade can be operated with a single operating switch. In this sunroof device, the user can control the open / closed states of the panel and shade by selectively using a push operation (long press operation, short press operation) or a slide operation.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-45303 Publication No. 5-278469 Publication No. 2014-136445

[0004] However, the sunroof device of Patent Document 3 is configured so that the panel and shade are each manually or automatically operated by operating a single operating switch. This requires the user to know (or remember) how to operate multiple switches, making it difficult to use for users who are not accustomed to driving the vehicle. On the other hand, when the panel and shade are configured to be set and operated separately, the interlocking of the panel and shade is important to achieve a comfortable vehicle interior space.

[0005] The present invention was conceived in light of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to simplify user operation and realize a comfortable vehicle interior space in a sunroof device equipped with a panel and a shade. However, in addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve effects derived from the respective configurations shown in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" below, which are not obtainable with conventional technologies.

[0006] The disclosed sunroof device can be realized as the following embodiments (application examples) and solves at least part of the above-mentioned problems. Each embodiment from embodiment 2 onwards is an embodiment that can be selected as an additional option, and each embodiment is optional. None of the embodiments from embodiment 2 onwards is disclosed as an embodiment or configuration that is essential to the present invention.

[0007] Aspect 1. The disclosed sunroof device includes a panel that opens and closes an opening provided in a vehicle roof from one end in a predetermined direction, a shade that covers the opening below the panel and opens and closes the opening from the one end in the predetermined direction, an operation unit that is operated by a user and can individually set the open / closed states of the panel and the shade, and a control device that controls the panel and the shade based on an input operation to the operation unit. When the panel and the shade are both in a fully closed state and only the panel is operated to open from the one end to a first position, the control device opens the panel to the first position after the shade has opened the opening by an amount greater than the area of ​​the opening opened by the panel at the first position.

[0008] Aspect 2. In the above aspect 1, when both the panel and the shade are in an open state, if only the shade is operated to close to a second position that is within a range between a preset first open position and the one end position, it is preferable that the control device fully closes the panel and then closes the shade to the second position.

[0009] Aspect 3. In an aspect including Aspect 1 described above, when the position of the shade is closer to the one end than a second open position that is preset as being greater than fully closed but less than half-open, and a tilt-up state in which the edge of the panel is raised and tilted is selected and operated, it is preferable that the control device fully closes the panel, then opens the shade to the second open position, and then places the panel in the tilt-up state.

[0010] Aspect 4. In an aspect including Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the vehicle is provided with a vehicle speed sensor that detects vehicle speed. In this case, it is preferable that, when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor is higher than a predetermined value, the control device will not fully open the panel unless the input operation to open the panel is performed two or more times, if the panel is positioned closer to the one end than a third opening position that is preset as being equal to or greater than half-open but less than fully open.

[0011] Aspect 5. In an aspect including the above-described aspect 4, when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor is higher than the predetermined value, if the panel is in an open state where it is not positioned closer to the one end than the third open position, it is preferable that the control device fully opens the panel when the input operation for fully opening the panel is performed.

[0012] Aspect 6. In an aspect including Aspect 1 described above, it is preferable that the panel includes a movable panel disposed on the front side, which is the one end side in the predetermined direction, and a fixed panel fixed to the roof behind the movable panel. In this case, when the input operation to open the panel is performed, it is preferable that the control device opens the shade to the maximum opening position of the movable panel and then opens the movable panel.

[0013] Aspect 7. In any aspect including Aspect 6 described above, it is preferable that the control device opens or closes only the shade when the shade is opened or closed within a range between the position of the other end of the opening in the predetermined direction and the maximum open position.

[0014] The disclosed sunroof device can simplify user operations and achieve a comfortable vehicle interior space.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a sunroof device as an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a vehicle; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an operation screen, which is an example of an operation unit; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of the operation screen, showing a state where the panel opening degree and the shade opening degree are both 0%; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of the operation screen, showing a state where the panel opening degree and the shade opening degree are both 100%; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of the operation screen, showing a state where the panel opening degree is 30% and the shade opening degree is 70%; FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of the operation screen, showing a virtual image of the panel diagram when the panel opening degree is changed from 60% to 10%; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of the operation screen, showing a virtual image of the shade diagram when the half button is tapped; and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of the operation screen, showing a tilt-up state.

[0016] A sunroof device will be described as an embodiment with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and is not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly stated in the embodiment. The configurations of the embodiment can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the embodiment. Furthermore, they can be selected or combined as needed.

[0017] The sunroof device according to the embodiment may be applied to any type of vehicle, including, for example, a gasoline-powered vehicle, an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid vehicle (HEV, Hybrid Electric Vehicle), and a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). A plug-in hybrid vehicle is a hybrid vehicle that can externally charge the battery or receive external power from the battery. A plug-in hybrid vehicle is provided with a charging port (inlet) for inserting a charging cable that supplies power from an external charging facility, and an outlet for external power supply.

[0018] [1. Overall Configuration] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicle 1 to which a sunroof device 5 according to an embodiment is applied, and Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of the vehicle 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a sunroof device 5 including a panel 7 and a shade 8, a display device 3 (described later), and a vehicle speed sensor 60 that detects vehicle speed and transmits the detected vehicle speed to the sunroof device 5 and the display device 3.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, the sunroof device 5 includes a panel 7 that opens and closes an opening 2A provided in the roof 2 of the vehicle 1, and a shade 8 that covers the opening 2A separately from the panel 7 and is located below the panel 7. The panel 7 moves in a predetermined direction from one end of the opening 2A to open and close the opening 2A. The shade 8 similarly moves in a predetermined direction from one end of the opening 2A to open and close the opening 2A. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the predetermined direction is the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "fore-and-aft direction"), and the one end is the front end 2f of the opening 2A. However, the predetermined direction may also be, for example, the left-right direction, in which case the one end would be the left end or the right end.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1 , the sunroof device 5 includes an operation unit 4 that can individually set the open / closed state of the panel 7 and the open / closed state of the shade 8, and a sunroof control device 6 (control device) that controls the panel 7 and the shade 8 based on input operations to the operation unit 4. The operation unit is a part that is operated by a user and has a function of setting each open / closed state. Examples of the operation unit include physical buttons located near the steering wheel or map lamps, and an operation screen that can be operated by touch. When the operation unit is a physical button, physical buttons that can set each of the panel 7 and the shade 8 to any opening degree may be provided, or physical buttons that can set only typical opening degrees such as fully closed or fully open may be provided.

[0021] The sunroof device 5 of this embodiment also includes actuators 7A, 8A that drive the panel 7 and the shade 8, detectors 7B, 8B (detection means) that detect the opening degrees or positions (front-rear positions) of the panel 7 and the shade 8, and rails (not shown) that guide the movement of the panel 7 and the shade 8. In the following description, an example will be given in which an operation screen 4 provided on a display device 3 (described later) is used as the operation unit 4. Note that while FIG. 1 shows the operation unit 4 provided on the sunroof device 5, the operation screen 4 is actually provided on the display device 3. Therefore, when the operation unit 4 is the operation screen 4, the operation screen 4 (operation unit) becomes an element that constitutes each of the display device 3 and the sunroof device 5.

[0022] The panel 7 is a translucent plate-like member (e.g., glass or a transparent panel) that can freely open and close the opening 2A (an opening formed in the roof 2). The panel 7 may be configured to close the opening 2A with a single panel, or multiple panels (e.g., two panels) that close the opening 2A. In the latter configuration, the panel 7 may include a movable panel 7C disposed in front of the opening 2A (at one end in a predetermined direction) and a fixed panel 7D fixed to the roof 2 behind the movable panel 7C. In other words, the sunroof device 5 may be configured such that the rear portion of the opening 2A is always covered by the fixed panel 7D, and the movable panel 7C moves in the portion of the opening 2A where the fixed panel 7D is not present. The number of movable panels 7C and fixed panels 7D is not particularly limited.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the sunroof device 5 of this embodiment is exemplified by two panels 7 of approximately the same size arranged side by side in the front-to-rear direction. The rear panel 7 is a fixed panel 7D fixed to the roof 2, and the front panel 7 is a movable panel 7C that is slidable in the front-to-rear direction along the opening 2A. For convenience, in Figure 2, the fixed panel 7D is shown by outline only, and the movable panel 7C is shown with a dotted pattern. With this configuration, the front half of the opening 2A can be opened and closed.

[0024] The shade 8 is a plate-shaped member made of a material capable of blocking sunlight from entering the vehicle interior, and covers the opening 2A (the opening on the interior side of the roof 2) in an openable and closable manner. The shade 8 may be configured to cover the opening 2A with one piece, or may be configured to cover the opening 2A with multiple pieces (for example, two pieces). In the sunroof device 5 of this embodiment, a single shade 8 is shown to cover the opening 2A from the vehicle interior side (below). For convenience, the shade 8 is shown in FIG. 2 with a horizontal stripe pattern. In this configuration, the entire opening 2A can be opened and closed.

[0025] The sunroof control device 6 is a computer that controls the open / closed states of the panel 7 and the shade 8 based on input operations to an operation unit (e.g., the operation screen 4) that can individually set the open / closed states of the panel 7 and the shade 8. The sunroof control device 6 of this embodiment controls the open / closed states of the panel 7 and the shade 8 based on input operations to the operation screen 4. The sunroof control device 6 activates the actuator 7A of the panel 7 and the actuator 8A of the shade 8 based on signals (instructions) from the display device 3 (operation screen 4), thereby controlling the open / closed states of the panel 7 and the shade 8, respectively. The display device 3 and the operation screen 4 will be described later.

[0026] The panel detection unit 7B is a sensor that detects the opening degree Dp of the panel 7 (also referred to as the "panel opening degree Dp") or the position Pp of the panel 7 (also referred to as the "panel position Pp"). The shade detection unit 8B is a sensor that detects the opening degree Ds of the shade 8 (also referred to as the "shade opening degree Ds") or the position Ps of the shade 8 (also referred to as the "shade position Ps"). Information detected by these detection units 7B and 8B is transmitted to the sunroof control device 6.

[0027] The panel opening degree Dp refers to the ratio of the area that is actually opened (hereinafter referred to as the "opening area") to the area of ​​the opening 2A that can be opened or closed by the panel 7. For example, when the panel 7 is fully closed, the panel opening degree Dp is 0%, when it is half-open, the panel opening degree Dp is 50%, and when it is fully open, the panel opening degree Dp is 100%. In this embodiment, the panel 7 can open and close the front half of the opening 2A, and always keeps the rear half of the opening 2A closed. Therefore, when the movable panel 7C completely blocks half of the total area of ​​the opening 2A (hereinafter referred to as the "opening area"), the opening degree is 0%, and when half of the opening area is open, the opening degree is 100%.

[0028] The panel position Pp refers to the position (front-rear direction position) of the front end 7f of the panel 7 relative to the opening 2A. For example, when the panel 7 is fully closed, the panel position Pp is the position Pf of the front end 2f of the opening 2A (hereinafter also referred to as the "front end position Pf"). When the panel 7 is fully open, the movable panel 7C completely overlaps the fixed panel 7D in the up-down direction, and the panel position Pp at this time is the center position Pc of the opening 2A in the front-rear direction (substantially the same as the front end position of the fixed panel 7D). Since the panel opening degree Dp and the panel position Pp correspond to each other, information on either one of them is detected by the panel detection unit 7B and transmitted to the sunroof control device 6, where it can be converted (calculated) into information on the other one.

[0029] The same applies to the shade 8. That is, the shade opening degree Ds means the ratio of the area that is actually opened (open area) to the area of ​​the opening 2A that can be opened and closed by the shade 8. Since the shade 8 of this embodiment can open and close the entire opening 2A, the opening degree is 0% when the shade 8 covers the entire opening area, 50% when half the opening area (the front half) is open, and 100% when the entire opening area is open.

[0030] The shade position Ps refers to the position (front-rear direction position) of the front end 8f of the shade 8 relative to the opening 2A. For example, when the shade 8 is fully closed, the shade position Ps is the front end position Pf. When the shade 8 is fully open, the entire opening 2A is opened, and the shade position Ps at this time is the position Pr of the rear end 2r of the opening 2A (hereinafter also referred to as the "rear end position Pr"). Since the shade opening degree Ds and the shade position Ps correspond to each other, information on either one of them is detected by the shade detection unit 8B and transmitted to the sunroof control device 6, where it can be converted (calculated) into information on the other. In this embodiment, the panel position Pp when the panel opening degree Dp is 100% and the shade position Ps when the shade opening degree Ds is 50% are the same.

[0031] The sunroof device 5 also has a detection means for detecting whether an object has become trapped during at least the closing operation of the panel 7. The detection means may be composed of, for example, an ammeter (not shown) that detects the current value of the actuator 7A and the sunroof control device 6. If an object becomes trapped between the edge of the opening 2A and the panel 7 while the actuator 7A is moving the panel 7 in the closing direction, the current value of the actuator 7A increases. The sunroof control device 6 can detect whether an object has become trapped based on the change or rate of change in this current value. Note that the detection means may also detect whether an object has become trapped during the closing operation of the shade 8. In this case, the detection means may include an ammeter (not shown) that detects the current value of the actuator 8A.

[0032] The sunroof control device 6 transmits the opening degree Dp or position Pp of the panel 7 obtained from the panel detection unit 7B and the opening degree Ds or position Ps of the shade 8 obtained from the shade detection unit 8B to the display device 3. In this way, the sunroof control device 6 controls the panel 7 and the shade 8 based on instructions from the display device 3, and also feeds back the detected opening degrees Dp, Ds or positions Pp, Ps (actual information) to the display device 3.

[0033] In the sunroof device 5 of this embodiment, the panel 7 can be controlled to any opening degree between a fully closed state (0% opening) and a fully open state (100% opening), and can also be controlled to a predetermined opening degree. Furthermore, the panel 7 can also be controlled to a tilt-up state in which the edge of the panel 7 rises and tilts. In the tilt-up state, the panel 7 of this embodiment raises the rear portion of the movable panel 7C when the panel opening degree Dp is 0%, and tilts upward toward the rear in a side view of the vehicle. Furthermore, the shade 8 can be controlled to any opening degree between a fully closed state (0% opening) and a fully open state (100% opening), and can also be controlled to a predetermined opening degree.

[0034] The display device 3 is mounted on the vehicle 1 and displays information related to the settings of the sunroof device 5. In addition to the operation screen 4, the display device 3 may also include a screen for displaying various content information, a home screen, etc. Specific examples of content information include vehicle information, driving information, information related to driving support functions, audio information, car navigation information, alert information, and various setting information.

[0035] The display device 3 includes an electronic control device 3A and an output device 3B. The electronic control device 3A is a computer for controlling the content displayed on the output device 3B, and includes a processor (arithmetic processing unit) and a memory (storage device). The processing content (program) of the electronic control device 3A is stored in the memory, and is executed by loading the content into the processor as appropriate. The electronic control device 3A may be formed integrally with the output device 3B (built into the output device 3B), or may be provided separately from the output device 3B.

[0036] The output device 3B is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, a projector, or the like, and displays at least the operation screen 4. Hereinafter, a display or projector screen on which information is displayed will be referred to as a display screen. The operation screen 4 is one of the display screens. The information displayed on the display screen is controlled by the electronic control device 3A. The shape of the display screen (the shape of the area in which information is displayed) is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a rectangular shape that is elongated in the left-right direction.

[0037] All information displayed on the output device 3B is controlled by the electronic control device 3A. The output device 3B is disposed in a position that is easily visible to the driver, such as in front of the driver (in front of the steering wheel) or in the front center of the vehicle cabin (forward, halfway between the driver's seat and the passenger seat). An input device that accepts input operations on the content of the display screen may be provided as an auxiliary device of the output device 3B. Specific examples of the input device include a touch panel device that detects touch operations on the display screen, an input device provided with a keyboard, physical buttons, or a touchpad, a gaze detection device that detects gaze, and a gesture reading device that detects gesture operations. In this embodiment, the output device 3B at least has a touch panel device that detects touch operations (tapping, sliding, etc.) on the operation screen 4.

[0038] [2. Detailed Configuration] [2-1. Display Device] Next, a description will be given of the detailed configuration of the display device 3 and the operation screen 4. As shown in Fig. 3, the operation screen 4 has a first setting unit 10 that sets the open / closed state of the panel 7, a second setting unit 20 that sets the open / closed state of the shade 8, and a state display unit 30 that displays an image 31 that indicates the open / closed state of the panel 7 and the shade 8. Note that in the figures showing the operation screen 4 (Fig. 3 to Fig. 9, which will be described later), the two-dot chain lines indicate areas and are not actually displayed.

[0039] Both the first setting unit 10 and the second setting unit 20 are parts operated by the user and are arranged on the operation screen 4. The status display unit 30 is also arranged on the operation screen 4. The status display unit 30 is a part that displays an image 31 in which a panel diagram 37 and a shade diagram 38, which respectively resemble the panel 7 and the shade 8, are superimposed on a vehicle diagram 32, which resembles the vehicle 1 as viewed from above. In other words, the status display unit 30 is not a part that is operated by the user, but a part that notifies the user of the open / closed states of the panel 7 and the shade 8.

[0040] In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the panel diagram 37 and the shade diagram 38 of the status display unit 30 move and the panel 7 and the shade 8 also operate based on the open / closed state of the panel 7 and the open / closed state of the shade 8 set by the first setting unit 10 and the second setting unit 20, respectively, through predetermined operations on the operation screen 4. In this way, the images 31 (the panel diagram 37 and the shade diagram 38) displayed on the same operation screen 4 as the first setting unit 10 and the second setting unit 20 move in conjunction with the actual panel 7 and the shade 8, thereby improving usability.

[0041] The above-mentioned predetermined operations include slide operations on each of the first setting unit 10 and the second setting unit 20. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned predetermined operations also include tap operations on each of the first setting unit 10 and the second setting unit 20. The configurations and predetermined operations of the first setting unit 10 and the second setting unit 20 in this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0042] The first setting unit 10 has a first operation bar 11 including a first gauge 11a that can set the panel 7 to an arbitrary opening degree and a first operation unit 11b that can move along the first gauge 11a and set the panel opening degree Dp. The first operation bar 11 is a portion for setting the arbitrary panel opening degree Dp through user operation. The first gauge 11a has a vertically elongated shape and accepts both slide and tap operations. The first gauge 11a also has the function of displaying the currently set panel opening degree Dp. The first operation unit 11b is a portion (knob) that is operated by the user by sliding it up and down (moving it while lightly placing a finger on it) and also displays the currently set panel opening degree Dp. In the display device 3, the position of the first operation unit 11b (the position where the user operates and then releases their finger) is set as the panel opening degree Dp.

[0043] The first operation bar 11 of this embodiment can also be slid from a portion (any position) of the first gauge 11a other than the first operation unit 11b. In this case, the first operation unit 11b moves to a position where the finger is released after the slide operation, and this position is set as the panel opening degree Dp. In other words, the user does not necessarily have to place his or her finger on the first operation unit 11b before starting the slide operation. Furthermore, when a tap operation is performed at any position on the first gauge 11a, the first setting unit 10 of this embodiment moves the first operation unit 11b to the tapped position and sets that position as the panel opening degree Dp. In this way, there may be three types of opening degree settings using the first operation bar 11. This improves operability.

[0044] The first gauge 11a is set to positions of 0% and 100% opening depending on the orientation of the image 31. In this embodiment, the upper side of the operation screen 4 corresponds to the front side of the vehicle diagram 32, and the upper end of the first gauge 11a is set to 0% opening and the lower end is set to 100% opening. The length of the area below the first operation unit 11b on the first gauge 11a indicates the panel opening degree Dp. Note that the first gauge 11a may have a scale or numerical values.

[0045] It is preferable that the upper and lower regions of the first gauge 11a, sandwiching the first operation unit 11b, be displayed in different colors. For example, if the lower region is displayed in a more noticeable color than the upper region (for example, a color brighter than the background color of the operation screen 4), the visibility of the panel opening degree Dp being set and the size of the area that the panel 7 covers the opening 2A can be improved. Furthermore, it is preferable that the color of the lower region of the first gauge 11a be the same as or similar to the color of the first operation unit 11b. This makes the color of the main part (primary color) of the first operation bar 11 as a whole the same or similar.

[0046] Furthermore, it is preferable that the color (main color) of the first operation bar 11 is the same as the color of the panel diagram 37. Hereinafter, this color will be referred to as the "panel color." This allows corresponding elements (the first operation bar 11 and the panel diagram 37) to be distinguished at a glance, enabling intuitive operation by the user. Note that the color of the area above the first operation unit 11b of the first gauge 11a is set to be, for example, substantially the same as or similar to the background color of the operation screen 4.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first setting unit 10 includes a first operation bar 11 and multiple first buttons that can set the panel 7 to a predetermined state. Each first button is arranged in association with an opening position of the first operation bar 11. In this embodiment, the first buttons include a close button 12 that sets the panel 7 to a fully closed state (0% opening), a tilt button 13 that sets the panel 7 to a tilt-up state, a comfort button 14 that sets the panel 7 to a comfortable predetermined opening position (an opening position that does not generate wind noise while driving), and a full-open button 15 that sets the panel 7 to a fully open state (100% opening). When the user taps any of the first buttons 12 to 15 on the display device 3, the panel 7 is set to the state of the operated first button 12 to 15. The first operation unit 11b moves to a position corresponding to the opening position of the tapped first button 12 to 15.

[0048] The close button 12 is arranged next to the first gauge 11a at a position corresponding to the 0% opening degree (i.e., the top end). The tilt button 13 is arranged directly below the close button 12. This is because the tilt-up state is realized when the panel opening degree Dp is 0%. In other words, if the tilt button 13 is tapped when the panel opening degree Dp is other than 0%, the panel 7 first enters the fully closed state and then the tilt-up state. As such, the tilt-up state can be considered an option from the fully closed state, and operability is improved by arranging the close button 12 and the tilt button 13 vertically. Note that if the close button 12 is tapped while the panel is in the tilt-up state, the tilt-up state is canceled and the panel 7 is closed. At this time, the shade 8 does not operate.

[0049] The comfort button 14 is arranged next to the first gauge 11a at a predetermined opening angle (e.g., 80%). The opening angle at which wind noise does not occur while driving varies depending on the vehicle model, so the opening angle of the comfort button 14 can be set for each vehicle model. The full-open button 15 is arranged next to the first gauge 11a at a 100% opening angle (i.e., the bottom end). As will be described later, the full-open button 15 is in an inoperable state (e.g., grayed out to prevent tapping) while driving when the panel opening angle Dp has not reached the predetermined opening angle that can be set by the comfort button 14. It is preferable to provide a gap between the vertically adjacent first buttons 12, 13 and 14, 15.

[0050] The second setting unit 20 has a second operation bar 21 including a second gauge 21a that can set the shade 8 to an arbitrary opening degree and a second operation unit 21b that can move along the second gauge 21a and set the shade opening degree Ds. The second operation bar 21 is a portion for setting the arbitrary shade opening degree Ds through a user's operation. The second gauge 21a has a vertically elongated shape and accepts both a slide operation and a tap operation. The second gauge 21a also has the function of displaying the currently set shade opening degree Ds. The second operation unit 21b is a portion (knob) that is operated by the user to slide up and down and also displays the currently set shade opening degree Ds. In the display device 3, the position of the second operation unit 21b (the position where the user releases his / her finger after operating it) is set as the shade opening degree Ds.

[0051] Like the first operation bar 11, the second operation bar 21 of this embodiment can be slid from any portion (any position) of the second gauge 21a other than the second operation unit 21b. In this case, the second operation unit 21b moves to a position where the finger is released after the sliding operation, and this position is set as the shade opening degree Ds. In other words, the user does not necessarily have to place his or her finger on the second operation unit 21b before starting the sliding operation. Furthermore, when any position on the second gauge 21a is tapped, the second setting unit 20 of this embodiment moves the second operation unit 21b to the tapped position and sets that position as the shade opening degree Ds. In this way, there may be three types of opening degree settings using the second operation bar 21.

[0052] The second gauge 21a is set to positions of 0% and 100% opening depending on the orientation of the image 31. In this embodiment, the upper side of the operation screen 4 corresponds to the front side of the vehicle diagram 32, so the upper end of the second gauge 21a is set to 0% opening and the lower end is set to 100% opening. The length of the area below the second operation unit 21b on the second gauge 21a indicates the shade opening degree Ds. Note that the second gauge 21a may have a scale or numerical values.

[0053] It is preferable that the upper and lower regions of the second gauge 21a, sandwiching the second operation unit 21b, are displayed in different colors. For example, if the lower region is displayed in a more noticeable color than the upper region (for example, a color brighter than the background color of the operation screen 4), the visibility of the currently set shade opening degree Ds and the area that the shade 8 covers the opening 2A can be improved. Furthermore, it is preferable that the color of the lower region of the second gauge 21a be the same as or similar to the color of the second operation unit 21b. This ensures that the color of the main part (principal color) when viewed as a whole of the second operation bar 21 is the same.

[0054] Furthermore, it is preferable that the color (main color) of the second operation bar 21 is the same as or similar to the color of the shade diagram 38. Hereinafter, this color will be referred to as the "shade color." This allows corresponding elements (the second operation bar 21 and the shade diagram 38) to be distinguished at a glance, enabling intuitive operation by the user. However, the shade color is set to be different from the panel color. This makes it possible to distinguish the panel 7 side from the shade 8 side by color. Note that the color of the area above the second operation unit 21b of the second gauge 21a is set to be approximately the same as or similar to the background color of the operation screen 4, for example.

[0055] In this embodiment, the second setting unit 20 includes, in addition to the second operation bar 21, a plurality of second buttons that can set the shade 8 to a predetermined state. Each second button is arranged in association with an opening position of the second operation bar 21. In this embodiment, the second buttons include a close button 22 that sets the shade 8 to a fully closed state (0% opening), a half button 23 that sets the shade 8 to a half-open state (50% opening), and an open button 24 that sets the shade 8 to a fully open state (100% opening). When the user taps any of the second buttons 22 to 24 on the display device 3, the shade 8 is set to the state of the operated second button 22 to 24. Note that the second operation unit 21b moves to a position corresponding to the opening position of the tapped second button 22 to 24.

[0056] The close button 22 is arranged next to the second gauge 21a at a position where the opening degree is 0% (i.e., the upper end). The half button 23 is arranged next to the second gauge 21a at a position where the opening degree is 50% (i.e., the center in the vertical direction). The open button 24 is arranged next to the second gauge 21a at a position where the opening degree is 100% (i.e., the lower end). Note that if the close button 22 is tapped when the panel 7 is in the tilt-up state, the tilt-up state is canceled. In this case, as described below, the panel 7 is first fully closed, and then the shade 8 is closed.

[0057] The first and second buttons described above do not accept any additional operations while the panel 7 or the shade 8 is in operation, and may therefore be in an inoperable state (for example, grayed out so that they cannot be tapped).

[0058] The status display unit 30 displays an image 31 in which a panel diagram 37 and a shade diagram 38 move based on the open / closed state of the panel 7 set by the first setting unit 10 and the open / closed state of the shade 8 set by the second setting unit 20. This allows the user to recognize what state the panel 7 and the shade 8 will be in response to the user's operation without having to look overhead. The status display unit 30 in this embodiment is located approximately in the center of the operation screen 4 in the left-right direction.

[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates an image 31 in which the panel 7 is fully closed and the shade 8 is opened approximately 60%. Because the sunroof device 5 of this embodiment includes two panels 7 (a fixed panel 7D and a movable panel 7C), the image 31 also includes two panel diagrams 37 arranged vertically. Hereinafter, when distinguishing between the two panel diagrams 37, the upper panel diagram 37 corresponding to the movable panel 7C will be referred to as the "movable panel diagram 37c," and the lower panel diagram 37 corresponding to the fixed panel 7D will be referred to as the "fixed panel diagram 37d." While FIG. 3 illustrates a dotted pattern only on the movable panel diagram 37c for convenience, the movable panel diagram 37c and the fixed panel diagram 37d may be the same or similar colors, or the fixed panel diagram 37d may be a transparent color in which only the frame line is visible.

[0060] Since the fixed panel illustration 37d is a diagram simulating the fixed panel 7D, it does not move even if a user operates the first setting unit 10. That is, in this embodiment, only the movable panel illustration 37c moves when a user operates the first setting unit 10. As shown in FIG. 3, when the panel 7 is in the fully closed state, an image 31 is displayed in which the movable panel illustration 37c has reached the upper end of the opening 2A of the vehicle illustration 32. The movable panel illustration 37c moves in conjunction with a user operation on the first setting unit 10 (first operation bar 11 and first buttons 12 to 15). This operation will be described later.

[0061] The sunroof device 5 of this embodiment is provided with one shade 8, and therefore the image 31 also includes one shade diagram 38. In FIG. 3, for convenience, the shade diagram 38 is given a vertical stripe pattern. The shade diagram 38 moves in conjunction with a user's operation on the second setting unit 20 (the second operation bar 21 and the second buttons 22 to 24). This operation will be described later. Because the shade 8 is located closer to the passenger compartment than the panel 7, the panel diagram 37 is also displayed in the image 31 so as to be positioned in front of the shade diagram 38. Note that the transparency of the panel diagram 37 may be increased so that the shade diagram 38 at the back can be seen even when the panel diagram 37 and the shade diagram 38 overlap.

[0062] When an input operation is performed on the first setting unit 10, the display device 3 changes the display on the first setting unit 10 (and the second setting unit 20 and the status display unit 30 as necessary) at the time of the operation, but changes the display to match the actual information only when the actual information fed back from the sunroof control device 6 differs from the content displayed at that time. The same applies when an input operation is performed on the second setting unit 20. In other words, the content displayed on the operation screen 4 is displayed in accordance with the actual state of the panel 7 and the shade 8.

[0063] [2-2. Sunroof Device] In the sunroof device 5, when the panel 7 is open, the shade 8 is opened to an area greater than the opening area of ​​the panel 7. For example, when the panel 7 and the shade 8 are both fully closed and only the panel 7 is opened to a predetermined first position X1, the sunroof control device 6 opens the opening 2A to an area greater than the opening area of ​​the opening 2A that the panel 7 opens at the first position X1, and then opens the panel 7 to the first position X1. By achieving this state in which the shade 8 is opened to an area greater than the opening area of ​​the panel 7, it is possible to avoid the phenomenon in which only the shade 8, which is an interior material, is exposed to the outside air and flutters, thereby realizing a comfortable vehicle interior space.

[0064] The first position X1 is a variable value (set panel opening degree Dp) selected by the user. In this embodiment, the first position X1 is set within a range from the front end position Pf to the center position Pc. In other words, in the sunroof device 5, when the panel 7 and the shade 8 are both fully closed and only the panel 7 is operated to open, the shade 8 first moves so as to open the panel 7 to the opened degree Dp (first position X1) or more of the operated (set) panel 7, and then the panel 7 is opened to the set opening degree Dp.

[0065] The position at which the shade 8 is opened prior to the opening of the panel 7 is referred to as the "preceding position." This preceding position may be a preset fixed value or a variable value (for example, a value linked to the first position X1). When the front end position Pf is used as a reference, the preceding position is at least the same as the first position X1 or a position further rearward than the first position X1. In this embodiment, the preceding position is the maximum position at which the movable panel 7C is opened (hereinafter referred to as the "maximum open position P4").

[0066] In the sunroof device 5 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , the movable panel 7C opens to the center position Pc of the opening 2A, and the maximum open position P4 (leading position) is this center position Pc. In other words, in this embodiment, when the shade 8 opens before the panel 7, the shade 8 always opens to the center position Pc, resulting in a state in which the shade 8 is "opened to an area greater than the open area of ​​the panel 7," regardless of the first position X1. Therefore, when an input operation to open the panel 7 is performed, the sunroof control device 6 opens the shade 8 to the maximum open position P4 (center position Pc), which serves as the leading position, and then opens the movable panel 7C. This prevents the shade 8 from being exposed to the outside air and flapping, thereby realizing a comfortable vehicle interior space.

[0067] In summary, in the sunroof device 5 of this embodiment, when the panel 7 and the shade 8 are both in a fully closed state and only the panel 7 is operated to open to the first position X1, the shade 8 is first opened to the maximum open position P4 (central position Pc) as the preceding position regardless of the first position X1, and then the panel 7 is opened to the first position X1.

[0068] For example, if the panel 7 and shade 8 are both fully closed and only the shade 8 is opened, the sunroof control device 6 opens the shade 8 to the set (preset) shade opening degree Ds. In this case, the panel 7 is not opened and remains fully closed. In this way, if the shade 8 is opened wider than the panel 7 during the opening operation, the shade 8 is opened to an opening area larger than the panel 7, and therefore, the shade 8 only needs to be opened to the set opening degree Ds.

[0069] The same concept applies to closing the sunroof. For example, if the shade 8 alone is operated to close to a predetermined second position X2 while both the panel 7 and the shade 8 are in an open state (however, not limited to fully open), the sunroof control device 6 will fully close the panel 7 and then close the shade 8 to the second position X2. The second position X2 is a variable value (set shade opening degree Ds) selected by the user and is within a range between the preset first open position P1 and the front end position Pf. This ensures that the shade 8 is open to an extent greater than the open area of ​​the panel 7 even during the closing operation, thereby preventing the shade 8, which is an interior material, from being exposed to the outside air and flapping, thereby realizing a comfortable vehicle interior space.

[0070] The first open position P1 is the rear end (the end opposite to the front end 2f) of the range of the opening 2A where the movable range of the panel 7 and the movable range of the shade 8 overlap. In the sunroof device 5 of this embodiment, the movable panel 7C can only be opened up to the center position Pc of the opening 2A, so the first open position P1 is this center position Pc. In other words, in this embodiment, both the first open position P1 and the maximum open position P4 are the center position Pc.

[0071] Thus, in this embodiment, when the shade 8 in the open state is operated to close to the second position X2, which is within the range Rf (hereinafter referred to as the "front range Rf") between the first open position P1 (central position Pc) and the front end position Pf, it is possible that the shade 8 will be closed more than the panel 7, so first the panel 7 is brought to a fully closed state, and then the shade 8 is closed to the second position X2.

[0072] In addition, when the shade 8 in an open state (e.g., fully open state) is operated to close to position X3 (hereinafter referred to as the "third position X3"), which is within the range Rr (hereinafter referred to as the "rear range Rr") between the first open position P1 (center position Pc, maximum open position P4) and the rear end position Pr, the shade 8 is not closed more than the panel 7. Therefore, in this case, the panel 7 does not move, and only the shade 8 is closed to the third position X3 (the set shade opening degree Ds). The rear range Rr is an area below the fixed panel 7D, and is an area in which only the shade 8 can be opened or closed. Therefore, when the shade 8 is opened or closed within this rear range Rr, the sunroof control device 6 opens or closes only the shade 8. In this way, when only the shade 8 is closed, the panel 7 is not always fully closed. However, by providing a threshold value of the "first open position P1," it is possible to create a state in which the panel 7 is not fully closed, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, the control configuration when the shade 8 is closed to the third position X3 is simplified.

[0073] Furthermore, for example, if the panel 7 and the shade 8 are both in an open state (however, not limited to being fully open), and only the panel 7 is operated to close, the sunroof control device 6 closes the panel 7 to the operated (set) panel opening degree Dp. In this case, the shade 8 is not closed and remains open. In this way, if the panel 7 is closed more than the shade 8 during the closing operation, the shade 8 will be "opened to an area larger than the open area of ​​the panel 7," so it is sufficient for the panel 7 to be closed to the set opening degree Dp.

[0074] Furthermore, when the tilt-up state of the panel 7 is selected, the sunroof control device 6 fully closes the panel 7 and then tilts it up. If the panel 7 is already fully closed when the tilt-up state is selected, the position Pp of the panel 7 is not changed and the panel is set to the tilt-up state.

[0075] The second open position P2 is a preset position for the shade 8 that is greater than fully closed (0% opening) and less than half-open (50% opening). In this embodiment, the second open position P2 is set as a position where the shade opening degree Ds is 20%. In the tilt-up state, the opening degree Dp of the panel 7 remains 0%, but tilting the panel 7 allows for air exchange (ventilation) between the interior and exterior of the vehicle. Therefore, by opening the shade 8 to the second open position P2, flapping of the shade 8 is suppressed. This realizes a comfortable interior space.

[0076] Furthermore, in the sunroof device 5 of this embodiment, when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 60 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, such as 0 to 5 km / h, that is, when the vehicle 1 is close to being stopped (stopped, parked), a single input operation to fully open the panel 7 will fully open the panel 7, regardless of the position Pp of the panel 7. In this case, even if an input operation to open the panel 7 close to being fully open (for example, 90%) is performed, the panel 7 will be opened to that opening degree (for example, 90%).

[0077] On the other hand, when the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 60 is higher than a predetermined value, the sunroof control device 6 does not fully open the panel 7 unless an input operation to open the panel 7 is performed at least twice if the position Pp of the panel 7 is closer to the front end 2f than the predetermined third opening position P3. Note that the panel 7 may be restricted to being opened no further than the rear end 2r than the third opening position P3. The third opening position P3 is a preset position of the panel 7 that is equal to or greater than half-open (50% opening) and less than fully open (100% opening). In this embodiment, the third opening position P3 is set as a position where the panel opening degree Dp is 80% (the opening degree that can be set using the comfort button 14). In other words, while the vehicle 1 is traveling (at least when not stopped), a full-open operation (which may include an operation to open the panel 7 to 80% or more opening) is restricted when the panel opening degree Dp is less than 80%.

[0078] If the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 60 is higher than a predetermined value and the position Pp of the panel 7 is not closer to the front end 2f than the third open position P3, the sunroof control device 6 fully opens the panel 7 when an input operation to fully open the panel 7 is performed. In other words, if the panel opening degree Dp is already 80% or more while the vehicle 1 is traveling, the panel 7 is opened (fully opened) in accordance with the full-open operation of the panel 7. Note that the panel 7 may be opened not only to the fully opened position but also to an opening degree close to the fully opened position (for example, 90%) in accordance with this operation.

[0079] In other words, to fully open the panel 7 (or an opening degree close to fully open) while the vehicle 1 is traveling, an operation to open the panel 7 to the third open position P3 (80% opening degree) (for example, by tapping the comfort button 14 or by tapping or sliding the first gauge 11a) is performed once, and then an operation to fully open the panel 7 (or an opening degree close to fully open) is performed. In this way, by raising the hurdle for fully opening the panel 7 while traveling, the generation of wind noise that is louder than the user intends is suppressed. Furthermore, if the panel 7 is already widely open (not located closer to the front end 2f than the third open position P3), the panel 7 is, for example, fully opened in accordance with the opening operation, thereby improving usability.

[0080] 4 to 9 are specific examples of the operation screen 4. Using these specific examples, the operation of the panel 7 and the shade 8, and the operation of the movable panel 37c and the shade 38 will be described in detail below. The following explanation uses opening degrees Dp and Ds. Furthermore, when the predetermined operation is a slide operation for the first gauge 11a and the second gauge 21a, respectively, the respective operations will be described in detail using FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0081] FIG. 4 shows the operation screen 4 when the panel opening degree Dp and the shade opening degree Ds are both 0%. In this case, the movable panel diagram 37c is displayed in the fully closed position (a position reaching the upper end of the frame 32a of the vehicle diagram 32, which corresponds to the opening 2A of the roof 2). For example, when the panel opening degree Dp is in a state other than 0%, if the first gauge 11a is opened to 0% or the close button 12 is tapped, or if the first gauge 11a is slid to 0% opening, the movable panel diagram 37c slides to the fully closed position shown in FIG. 4. In conjunction with this closing operation, the panel 7 also closes. In this case, the shade 8 does not operate.

[0082] When the shade opening degree Ds is 0%, the shade diagram 38 is also displayed in the same fully closed position (a position where it reaches the upper end of the frame 32a of the vehicle diagram 32). For example, when the shade opening degree Ds is in a state other than 0%, if the second gauge 21a is opened to 0% or the close button 22 is tapped, or if the second gauge 21a is slid to 0% opening, the shade diagram 38 slides to the fully closed position shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore, if the panel 7 is in a fully closed state during this closing operation, only the shade 8 closes in conjunction with the closing operation; however, if the panel 7 is not in a fully closed state, the shade 8 closes after the panel 7 closes, as described above.

[0083] 5 shows the operation screen 4 when the panel opening degree Dp and the shade opening degree Ds are both 100%. In this case, the movable panel 37c is displayed in the fully open position (a position where the upper half of the frame 32a that was blocking the shade when it was fully closed is fully opened; in this embodiment, the movable panel 37c is displayed in the fully overlapping position with the fixed panel 37d). For example, when the panel opening degree Dp is in a state other than 100%, if the 100% opening degree or full open button 15 of the first gauge 11a is tapped, or if the first gauge 11a is slid to the 100% opening degree, the movable panel 37c slides to the fully open position shown in FIG. 5.

[0084] In FIG. 5 , the shade 8 is shown opened to the 100% opening position. However, it is assumed that the shade 8 is opened to a panel opening degree Dp of 100% (i.e., to the first position X1) when the shade 8 is opened to a degree less than 50%. In this case, in the sunroof device 5 described above, the shade 8 first opens to the maximum opening position P4. The maximum opening position P4 is the center position Pc (i.e., the shade opening degree Ds = 50%). That is, when the above-described opening operation is performed, the shade 8 opens to a 50% opening degree, and then the panel 7 opens to a 100% opening degree. On the other hand, if the shade 8 opening degree Ds is 50% or more when the panel opening degree Dp is opened to a 100% opening degree, the shade 8 does not open, and only the panel 7 opens. Note that the above-described restriction may be imposed when the above-described opening operation is performed when the vehicle speed is higher than a predetermined value.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 5 , when the shade opening degree Ds is 100%, the shade diagram 38 is also displayed in the fully open position. However, because the shade 8 can open and close the entire opening 2A, when the shade opening degree Ds is 100%, the shade diagram 38 may disappear from the lower end of the frame 32a and be hidden, or may be slightly displayed at the lower end. For example, when the shade opening degree Ds is other than 100%, if the second gauge 21a is opened to 100% or the open button 24 is tapped, or if the second gauge 21a is slid to 100% open, the shade diagram 38 slides to the fully open position shown in FIG. 5 . Furthermore, the shade 8 also opens in conjunction with this opening operation. In this case, the panel 7 does not operate.

[0086] 6 shows the operation screen 4 when the panel opening degree Dp is 30% and the shade opening degree Ds is 70%. In this case, the movable panel diagram 37c is displayed in a position approximately 30% below the fully closed position (a position that covers 70% of the area of ​​the upper half of the frame 32a). When the panel opening degree Dp is in a state other than 30%, if the first gauge 11a is tapped to the 30% opening degree or the first gauge 11a is slid to the 30% opening degree, the movable panel diagram 37c slides to the position shown in FIG.

[0087] In FIG. 6 , the shade 8 is shown open to a 70% opening position. Assume that the shade 8 is opened to a position less than 50% and the panel opening degree Dp is opened from a state where it is less than 30% to 30% (i.e., to the first position X1). In this case, in the sunroof device 5 described above, the shade 8 first opens to the maximum opening position P4 (center position Pc, i.e., shade opening degree Ds = 50%), and then the panel 7 opens to a position where it is 30%. On the other hand, when the panel opening degree Dp is opened from a state where it is less than 30% to 30%, if the shade 8 opening degree Ds is 50% or greater, the shade 8 does not move, and only the panel 7 opens. Furthermore, when the panel opening degree Dp is closed from a state where it is greater than 30% to 30% (i.e., to the first position X1), the panel 7 closes to a position where it is 30% in conjunction with the closing operation. In this case, the shade 8 does not move.

[0088] 6, when the shade opening degree Ds is 70%, the shade diagram 38 is located in the lower portion of the frame 32a and is displayed so as to occupy the lower 30% of the area of ​​the frame 32a. For example, when the shade opening degree Ds is in a state other than 70% and the 70% opening degree of the second gauge 21a is tapped or slid to the 70% opening degree on the second gauge 21a, the shade diagram 38 slides to the position shown in FIG.

[0089] In the sunroof device 5 described above, when the shade opening degree Ds is opened from a state where it is less than 70% to 70% (i.e., to the third position X3), the shade 8 opens to the 70% opening degree in conjunction with the opening operation. Also, when the shade opening degree Ds is closed from a state where it is 70% or more to 70% (i.e., to the third position X3), the shade 8 closes to the 70% opening degree in conjunction with the closing operation. In these cases, the panel 7 does not operate.

[0090] Although not shown, when the comfort button 14 is tapped, the movable panel 37c slides from the position displayed at the time of the tap to a position corresponding to the opening degree of the comfort button 14. In this case, the panel 7 also moves to a position corresponding to the opening degree of the comfort button 14 in conjunction with the tap. The tap operation is completed when the finger is released, and the opening degree Dp is set (confirmed). Therefore, when a tap is performed, the panel 7 quickly moves to the position of the set opening degree Dp. However, if the shade 8 has not yet been opened to the maximum opening position P4 at the time of the tap, the shade 8 opens to the maximum opening position P4 first, and then the panel 7 moves.

[0091] Although not shown, when the half button 23 is tapped, the shade diagram 38 slides from the position displayed at the time of the tap to the center of the frame 32a in the vertical direction. In this case, the shade 8 moves in conjunction with the tap to a position corresponding to the opening degree of the half button 23. In this case, the opening degree Ds is immediately determined by the tap, so the shade 8 quickly moves to the position of the set opening degree Ds.

[0092] In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, when the panel opening degree Dp or the shade opening degree Ds is set by the first setting unit 10 or the second setting unit 20, a virtual image 37', 38' of the panel diagram 37 (movable panel diagram 37c) or the shade diagram 38 appears at the start of the input operation. Examples of the virtual images 37', 38' include diagrams in which the outline of the panel diagram 37 or the shade diagram 38 is drawn using lines other than solid lines (such as dashed lines or dotted lines), and diagrams in which the color or brightness of the panel diagram 37 or the shade diagram 38 is changed (e.g., darkened) without drawing the outline. Hereinafter, to distinguish from the virtual images 37', 38', the panel diagram 37 and the shade diagram 38 whose outline is drawn using solid lines and which are colored will also be referred to as "real images."

[0093] The virtual image 37' of the panel diagram 37 is displayed when an input operation (slide operation, tap operation) is performed on the first setting unit 10, and the virtual image 38' of the shade diagram 38 is displayed when an input operation (slide operation, tap operation) is performed on the second setting unit 20. The virtual images 37', 38' appear at positions corresponding to the opening degrees Dp, Ds at the time of the input operation. Furthermore, if the input operation on the setting units 10, 20 is a slide operation, the virtual images 37', 38' move in conjunction with the operation. This allows the user to grasp at a glance how much they are moving the panel 7 or shade 8 and easily set the desired opening degrees Dp, Ds, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, the real objects and real images begin to move only when the operation is completed by removing the finger from the operation screen 4, i.e., after the opening degrees Dp, Ds are confirmed, preventing unnecessary movements.

[0094] For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , when a slide operation is performed on the first setting unit 10 (first gauge 11a), a virtual image 37′ of the panel diagram 37 appears at the start of the slide operation. At this time, the virtual image 37′ is displayed at a position corresponding to the opening degree at the start of the slide operation. The virtual image 37′ moves in conjunction with the slide operation during the slide operation, and stops at the position where the finger is released when the finger is released (i.e., when the slide operation is completed). The virtual image 37′ shown in FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the virtual image 37′ displayed at the position where the finger is released. When the slide operation is completed, the panel opening degree Dp is set (confirmed) at the position at that time, and the panel diagram 37 starts moving, and the panel 7 starts moving at the same time. In other words, the panel 7 and the panel diagram 37 do not move during the slide operation and move only after the slide operation is completed. The panel 7 moves to the set panel opening degree Dp, and the panel diagram 37 (real image) also moves in accordance with this movement.

[0095] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8 , when a slide operation is performed on the second setting unit 20 (second gauge 21 a), a virtual image 38′ of the shade diagram 38 appears at the start of the slide operation. The virtual image 38′ at this time is displayed at a position corresponding to the opening degree at the start of the slide operation. The virtual image 38′ moves in conjunction with the slide operation during the slide operation, and stops at the position where the finger is released when the finger is released (i.e., when the slide operation is completed). The virtual image 38′ shown in FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the virtual image 38′ displayed at the position where the finger is released. When the slide operation is completed, the shade opening degree Ds is set (confirmed) at the position at that time, and the shade diagram 38 starts moving, and the shade 8 starts moving at the same time. In other words, the shade 8 and the shade diagram 38 do not move during the slide operation and move only after the slide operation is completed. The shade 8 moves to the set shade opening degree Ds, and the shade diagram 38 (real image) also moves in accordance with this movement.

[0096] Furthermore, for example, when the half button 23 is tapped in the second setting unit 20, a virtual image 38' of the shade diagram 38 appears at a position corresponding to the opening degree of the half button 23 (i.e., a shade opening degree of 50%) at the time of the tapping operation. In this case, the shade opening degree Ds is set (confirmed) at the time of the tapping operation, so the virtual image 38' does not move, and the shade 8 starts to move at the same time as the shade diagram 38 starts to move. The shade 8 moves to the set shade opening degree Ds, and the shade diagram 38 (real image) also moves in accordance with this movement.

[0097] The virtual images 37', 38' disappear (are hidden) when the operation is completed. Here, "when the operation is completed" means the time when the real image (panel diagram 37 or shade diagram 38) overlaps with the virtual images 37', 38', or the time when the stop button 50 is operated. The former time is the same as the time when the panel 7 or shade 8 (real object) reaches the set opening degree Dp, Ds. The stop button 50 is a button for stopping the panel 7 and shade 8 that are in operation, and is located on the operation screen 4.

[0098] When an input operation (e.g., a tap operation) is performed on the stop button 50, the panel 7 or shade 8 that is in operation is forcibly stopped at the time of the operation. In conjunction with the stopping of the real object, the real image (panel diagram 37 or shade diagram 38) stops, and the virtual images 37', 38' disappear. Note that, because the stop button 50 is a button for stopping the real object that is in operation, it may be in an inoperable state (for example, grayed out so that it cannot be tapped) when the real object is not in operation.

[0099] In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, when the vehicle speed sensor 60 detects a vehicle speed higher than a predetermined value, slide operations for the first setting unit 10 and the second setting unit 20 are disabled. In other words, even if a slide operation is performed on the first gauge 11a and the second gauge 21a while the vehicle 1 is traveling, the operation is not accepted, the virtual images 37', 38' do not appear, and the opening degrees Dp, Ds are not set. Note that if a slide operation is performed in this case (while the vehicle 1 is traveling), a warning screen may be displayed to inform the user that the operation is not accepted.

[0100] Furthermore, even if the vehicle 1 is stopped at the start of a slide operation for the first setting unit 10 or the second setting unit 20, if the vehicle 1 starts to move during the slide operation, the slide operation up to the start of the movement is invalidated. In this case (if the vehicle 1 starts to move during the slide operation), a warning screen may be displayed indicating that the slide operation has been invalidated.

[0101] A slide operation is completed by a series of steps: placing a finger, sliding, and releasing it at the desired opening angle. Therefore, compared to a tap operation, it takes longer from start to completion. Therefore, safety can be improved by not accepting slide operations or invalidating previous operations while driving or when driving has started. Note that a tap operation can be completed by simply tapping with a finger, so the operation can be accepted even while driving.

[0102] 9 shows the operation screen 4 in the tilt-up state. In this case, the movable panel diagram 37c is displayed in the fully closed position, but the bottom edge of the movable panel diagram 37c is depicted as being positioned slightly above the vertical center of the frame 32a so that it is clear that the movable panel 7C is in the tilt-up state (i.e., the rear end of the movable panel 7C is raised and inclined). The color of the movable panel diagram 37c may be changed, or a mark indicating that air is flowing through the rear end of the movable panel 7C may be displayed at the bottom edge of the movable panel diagram 37c. The shade diagram 38 is displayed according to the shade opening degree Ds in the tilt-up state.

[0103] Furthermore, although not shown in the drawings, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, when the detection means detects that an object is trapped, a reversal control is performed to open the panel 7, and a warning is displayed on the operation screen 4. The reversal control is a control performed by the sunroof control device 6. In the reversal control, for example, when a trap is detected, the closing operation of the panel 7 is stopped and the operation is reversed to an opening operation, and the panel 7 is opened by a predetermined opening angle and then stopped. This allows the trapped object to be released. At this time, a warning informing the user of the trapped object is displayed on the operation screen 4, so that the user can be notified.

[0104] Furthermore, the panel opening degree Dp detected by the panel detection unit 7B at the end of the reversal control is reflected on the operation screen 4. This is because the reversal control may result in the opening degree Dp of the panel 7 being unintended by the user. In this embodiment, the display of the first setting unit 10 and the status display unit 30 on the operation screen 4 is changed according to the actual panel opening degree Dp detected by the panel detection unit 7B (feedback from the sunroof control device 6). Note that if the shade 8 has a function for detecting entrapment during the closing operation, the reversal control, warning display, and reflection on the operation screen 4 may also be performed for the shade 8, as described above. This ensures safety in the event of an object being entrapped, and also maintains operability after the entrapment of the object is removed.

[0105] 4 to 9 are provided with a title display area 40 where a title is displayed, and two launcher display areas 41 where launchers for launching applications are displayed. The title display area 40 and the launcher display area 41 may also be provided when a screen other than the operation screen 4 (a screen that displays content information) is displayed.

[0106] [4. Effects] (1) The sunroof device 5 of this embodiment is provided with an operation unit 4 (e.g., operation screen 4) that can individually set the open / closed state of the panel 7 and the open / closed state of the shade 8, and a sunroof control device 6 that controls the panel 7 and the shade 8 based on input operations to the operation unit 4. This allows the panel 7 and the shade 8 to be individually set and operated. Furthermore, the user does not need to know how to operate multiple switches, making it easy to use even for users who are not accustomed to driving the vehicle 1.

[0107] Furthermore, when the panel 7 and shade 8 are fully closed and only the panel 7 is opened to the first position X1, the shade 8 is opened first, and then the panel 7 is opened to the first position X1. In this case, the shade 8 opens the opening 2A to an area larger than the area of ​​the opening 2A that the panel 7 opens to when it is in the first position X1, ensuring that the shade 8 is opened to an area larger than the opening area of ​​the panel 7. By ensuring the interlocking relationship between the panel 7 and the shade 8, it is possible to prevent the shade 8, which is an interior material, from being exposed to the outside air and flapping, thereby achieving a comfortable vehicle interior space. Therefore, the sunroof device 5 described above simplifies user operation and achieves a comfortable vehicle interior space.

[0108] (2) Furthermore, in the sunroof control device 6 of this embodiment, even when the panel 7 and shade 8 are open and only the shade 8 is closed, the panel 7 and shade 8 move in conjunction with each other, reliably realizing a state in which the shade 8 is opened to an extent greater than the open area of ​​the panel 7. This prevents the shade 8 from being exposed to the outside air and flapping, thereby realizing a comfortable vehicle interior space. Furthermore, by setting a threshold value of the "first open position P1" as a condition for fully closing the panel 7, even when only the shade 8 is closed, if the position does not reach the first open position P1 (if it is not within the front range Rf), the panel 7 is not fully closed (it remains as is), and only the shade 8 is controlled to the second position X2, thereby contributing to improved usability.

[0109] (3) Furthermore, when the tilt-up state is selected and operated when the position Ps of the shade 8 is closer to the front end 2f than the second open position P2, the sunroof control device 6 of this embodiment fully closes the panel 7, opens the shade 8 to the second open position P2, and then tilts the panel 7 to the tilt-up state. In this way, even in the sunroof device 5 that can be tilted up, the panel 7 is first fully closed, then the shade 8 opens to the second open position P2, and then the panel 7 is tilted up, ensuring a linkage. This allows for a comfortable interior space.

[0110] (4) Furthermore, when the vehicle speed is higher than a predetermined value, if the position Pp of the panel 7 is closer to the front end 2f than the third open position P3, the sunroof control device 6 of this embodiment will not fully open the panel 7 unless an input operation to open the panel 7 is performed two or more times. In other words, when the vehicle 1 is traveling, the panel 7 will not be fully opened with a single input operation if it has not yet reached the third open position P3. This prevents unexpected loud wind noise from entering the vehicle interior, thereby achieving a comfortable vehicle interior space.

[0111] (5) Furthermore, when the vehicle speed is higher than a predetermined value, if the position Pp of the panel 7 is not located closer to the front end 2f than the third open position P3, the sunroof control device 6 of this embodiment fully opens the panel 7 in response to an input operation to fully open the panel 7. In other words, if the panel 7 has already reached the third open position P3 (is widely open), the panel 7 is fully opened in accordance with the full-open operation even while the vehicle is traveling. This allows the panel 7 to be opened as intended by the user, which contributes to improved usability.

[0112] (6) Furthermore, when an input operation to open the panel 7 is performed, the sunroof control device 6 of this embodiment first opens the shade 8 to the maximum open position P4 of the movable panel 7C and then opens the movable panel 7C. In other words, regardless of the set opening degree of the panel 7, when an input operation to open the panel 7 is performed, the shade 8 first opens to the maximum open position P4 of the movable panel 7C, and then the panel 7 is opened. In this way, by keeping the opening position of the shade 8 constant regardless of the panel opening degree Dp, the control configuration can be simplified and the state in which the shade 8 is opened to an area greater than the opening area of ​​the panel 7 can be reliably achieved.

[0113] (7) Furthermore, the sunroof control device 6 of this embodiment opens or closes only the shade 8 when the shade 8 is opened or closed within the rear range Rr between the rear end position Pr of the opening 2A and the maximum open position P4. This is because when the shade 8 is opened or closed within the rear range Rr that exceeds the movable range of the movable panel 7C, the state in which the panel 7C is open and the shade 8 is closed does not occur. Therefore, it is sufficient to move only the shade 8 in accordance with the input operation for the shade 8, which simplifies the control configuration.

[0114] [5. Other] The vehicle 1, display device 3, and sunroof device 5 described above are all examples and are not limited to those described above. In the embodiment described above, the operation screen 4 provided on the display device 3 is used as the operation unit 4 of the sunroof device 5, but an operation screen provided separately from the display device 3 may be used as the operation unit 4, or the above-mentioned physical button may be used as the operation unit 4. In addition, the first open position P1, the second open position P2, the third open position P3, and the maximum open position P4 are also examples and are not limited to those described above.

[0115] Furthermore, for example, in the display device 3 described above, the first setting unit 10 and the second setting unit 20 each have an operation bar 11, 21 and a plurality of buttons 12 to 15, 22 to 24, but the configuration of the setting units 10, 20 is not limited to this. Only one of the operation bar and the buttons may be provided, and even if both are provided, their arrangement and types are not limited to those described above. The first buttons 12 to 15 and the second buttons 22 to 24 are also examples, and some may be omitted, or other buttons may be provided.

[0116] The input operations for each setting unit 10, 20 are not limited to those described above. For example, the gauges 11a, 21a may be configured so that tap operations are not accepted. The colors of the first operation bar 11, the panel diagram 37, the second operation bar 21, and the shade diagram 38 are not limited to those described above. The virtual images 37', 38' are not essential and may be omitted. The configuration for restricting slide operations based on vehicle speed is also not limited to those described above. For example, slide operations may be restricted when the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., 20 km / h). In addition to slide operations, tap operations may also be restricted.

[0117] The sunroof device 5 described above illustrates an example in which two panels 7 (a movable panel 7C on the front side and a fixed panel 7D on the rear side) of approximately the same size are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. However, the two panels may be different sizes, or the movable panel and the fixed panel may be reversed. Furthermore, the opening may be closed by a single panel, or by three or more panels. In these cases, the image 31 (panel diagram) may be configured similarly to the actual product. The shade 8 is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, it may be configured with multiple shades arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The function of detecting trapped objects is not essential and may be omitted.

[0118] In the sunroof device 5 described above, when the vehicle speed is higher than a predetermined value, if the position Pp of the panel 7 is closer to the front end 2f than the third opening position P3, the panel 7 will not be fully opened unless two or more input operations to open the panel 7 are performed. However, even when the vehicle speed is higher than a predetermined value, a warning message may be displayed on the operation screen 4, and the panel 7 may be fully opened with a single input operation to open the panel 7.

[0119] Also, for example, if the sunroof device 5 cannot be operated for some reason, all operation bars and operation buttons on the screen of the display device 3 may be grayed out to indicate that the device is in an inoperable state, and at the same time, the display on the status display unit 30 may also be grayed out to visually notify the user that a temporary error has occurred.

[0120] Furthermore, if the ignition or power of the vehicle 9 is turned off (the vehicle is no longer in a startable state for driving) while the panel 7 is not fully closed, a message indicating that the panel 7 is not fully closed may be displayed on the display device 3, and an alarm may be sounded. By notifying the user in this manner, the risk of water intrusion or theft caused by the user leaving the panel 7 open while exiting the vehicle may be reduced.

[0121] The present invention is applicable to the industry of manufacturing sunroof devices for vehicles, and also to the industry of manufacturing vehicles equipped with sunroof devices.

[0122] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Vehicle 2 Roof 2A Opening 2f Front end (one end) 2r Rear end (other end) 4 Operation screen (operation unit) 5 Sunroof device 6 Sunroof control device (control device) 7 Panel 7C Movable panel 7D Fixed panel 8 Shade 60 Vehicle speed sensor P1 First open position P2 Second open position P3 Third open position P4 Maximum open position Pp Panel position (position of panel) Ps Shade position (position of shade) Rf Front range (range between one end position and first open position) Rr Rear range (range between the other end position and maximum open position) X1 First position X2 Second position

Claims

1. A sunroof device comprising: a panel that opens and closes an opening provided in the roof of a vehicle in a predetermined direction from one end; a shade that covers the opening below the panel and opens and closes the opening from the one end in the predetermined direction; an operation unit that is operated by a user and can individually set the open / closed state of the panel and the open / closed state of the shade; and a control device that controls the panel and the shade based on input operations to the operation unit, wherein when the panel and the shade are both in a fully closed state and only the panel is opened from the one end to a first position, the control device opens the panel to the first position after the shade has opened the opening to an area greater than that of the opening opened by the panel in the first position.

2. The sunroof device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the panel and the shade are both in an open state, if only the shade is closed to a second position within a range between a preset first open position and the one end position, the control device fully closes the panel and then closes the shade to the second position.

3. The sunroof device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the position of the shade is closer to the one end than a second open position that is preset as being greater than fully closed but less than half open, and a tilt-up state in which the edge of the panel rises and tilts is selected, the control device fully closes the panel, then opens the shade to the second open position, and then places the panel in the tilt-up state.

4. A sunroof device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the vehicle is provided with a vehicle speed sensor that detects vehicle speed, and the control device will not fully open the panel unless the input operation to open the panel is performed two or more times if the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor is higher than a predetermined value and the panel is positioned closer to the one end than a third open position that is preset as being equal to or larger than half open but less than fully open.

5. The sunroof device according to claim 4, wherein the control device fully opens the panel when the input operation for fully opening the panel is performed, if the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor is higher than the predetermined value and the panel is in an open state not closer to the one end than the third open position.

6. The sunroof device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the panel includes a movable panel arranged at the front end, which is the one end side in the predetermined direction, and a fixed panel fixed to the roof behind the movable panel, and when the input operation to open the panel is performed, the control device opens the shade to the maximum opening position of the movable panel and then opens the movable panel.

7. The sunroof device according to claim 6, wherein the control device opens or closes only the shade when the shade is opened or closed within a range between the other end position of the opening in the predetermined direction and the maximum open position.

Images