CN113574621A

CN113574621A - Operating device and vehicle door

Info

Publication number: CN113574621A
Application number: CN202080020994.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 田边仁一; 伊藤生佳; 成田一真; 宫本雄磨; 小林章人; 松本昂大
Original assignee: TS Tech Co Ltd
Current assignee: TS Tech Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-14
Filing date: 2020-03-13
Publication date: 2021-10-29

Abstract

The present invention relates to an operating device that can be easily mounted on a vehicle door and a vehicle door including the operating device. The operation device 20 of the present invention includes: a grip 40 provided on an inner surface of the door 1 of the vehicle; an operation interface 48 provided on an inner side surface of the grip for receiving an operation input to operate the at least one in-vehicle device 21 input by the occupant; a first sensor 45 provided on an outer side surface of the grip for detecting a finger of the occupant; a second sensor 46 provided on at least one of an inner side surface and an upper surface of the grip for detecting a finger of the occupant; and a controller 55 connected to the operator interface, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the at least one in-vehicle device. The controller controls the at least one vehicle-mounted device based on a signal from the operation interface when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant, and prohibits the at least one vehicle-mounted device from being controlled based on the signal from the operation interface when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect the occupant.

Description

Operating device and vehicle door

Technical Field

The invention relates to an operating device and a vehicle door.

Background

Known door armrests include an armrest provided with a power window switch for operating a power window up and down (see patent document 1, for example). Such a vehicle door generally includes a grip sensor mounted in a pocket forming a handle of an armrest for detecting a finger of an occupant, and a door sensor provided on a hinge portion of the vehicle door for detecting an open/close state of the vehicle door to prevent an improper operation. The door controller allows the power window to be opened or closed in response to an operation of the power window switch by the occupant only when the grip sensor detects the finger of the occupant and the door sensor detects the closed state of the door.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: JP2017-114382A

Disclosure of Invention

Task to be accomplished by the invention

However, the above-described operating device of patent document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to configure the device as a single independent unit because the door sensor of the device needs to be provided on the hinge portion of the door. This problem results in an increase in the number of work processes for assembling the device to the door.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the prior art, and a main object of the present invention is to provide an operating device that can be easily mounted to a vehicle door. It is a further object of the invention to provide a vehicle door comprising such an operating device.

Means for accomplishing tasks

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, a first aspect of the present invention provides an operating device (20) for a vehicle having a front-rear direction and a lateral direction, the operating device comprising: a grip (90) provided on an inner surface of a door (1) of a vehicle, the grip extending in a front-rear direction and including an outer side surface (33), an inner side surface (38), and an upper surface (41) connecting an upper edge of the outer side surface to an upper edge of the inner side surface; an operation interface (48) provided on an inner side surface of the grip for receiving an operation input by the occupant to operate the at least one in-vehicle device (21); a first sensor (45) disposed on the outer side surface for detecting a finger of the occupant; a second sensor (46) provided on at least one of the inner side surface and the upper surface, for detecting a finger of the occupant; and a controller (20) connected to the operator interface, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the at least one in-vehicle device, wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the operator interface when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect an occupant, and wherein the controller inhibits the at least one in-vehicle device from being controlled based on the signal from the operator interface when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect an occupant.

According to the first aspect, since the first sensor, the second sensor, and the operation interface are provided on the grip, the operation device can be realized as a relatively compact independent unit. Therefore, the present invention can provide an operating device that can be easily mounted on a door. Since the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed on different surfaces of the grip, the position of the finger of the occupant can be identified with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor. As a result, the apparatus can accurately determine whether the input to the operation interface is caused by the occupant's intentional input or the occupant's unintentional touch.

In the first aspect, the second sensor may be provided on the outside surface.

According to this configuration, in order to operate the operation interface, the occupant needs to grasp the grip in such a manner that both the first sensor and the second sensor can detect the fingers of the occupant. As a result, when the occupant places the occupant's finger on the grip so as to close the door, the apparatus does not operate any in-vehicle apparatus in response to the occupant's unintentional touching of the operation interface. This can prevent incorrect operation of the occupant from occurring in some way.

In some cases, the first sensor and the second sensor may be disposed to overlap each other when viewed from the lateral direction.

According to this configuration, the apparatus can detect that the occupant has gripped the grip from above based on the detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor.

In some cases, the inner side surface may include an inclined surface (43) at an upper portion thereof, the inclined surface being inclined upward and toward an outer side of the vehicle, and wherein the second sensor is disposed on the inclined surface.

According to this configuration, when the occupant grips the grip, the palm of the occupant's hand is easily brought into contact with the inclined surface. As a result, the second sensor can appropriately detect that the occupant grasps the grip.

In the above configuration, the operation interface may be located below the second sensor.

This configuration allows the occupant to operate the operation interface with the first finger while gripping the grip with the palm and the second to fifth fingers.

In the above configuration, the second sensor extends in the front-rear direction, and wherein a rear end of the second sensor is located rearward of a rear end of the operation interface.

According to these configurations, it is ensured that the second sensor detects the palm of the occupant when the occupant grips the grip.

In some cases, the at least one in-vehicle device comprises a plurality of in-vehicle devices, wherein the grip is provided with a selection interface (52) for selecting one of the plurality of in-vehicle devices, wherein the operation interface and the selection interface are arranged to extend in a front-to-rear direction so as to at least partially overlap each other when viewed from a lateral direction, and wherein a front end of the second sensor is located rearward of a rear end of the selection interface.

This configuration allows the operation device to operate two or more in-vehicle devices. Since the operation interface and the selection interface are provided to extend in the front-rear direction so as to at least partially overlap each other when viewed from the lateral direction, the occupant can operate the operation interface and the selection interface while gripping the grip.

A second aspect of the present invention provides an operating device (100) for a vehicle having a front-rear direction and a lateral direction, the operating device comprising: a handle (70) provided on an inner surface of a door (1) of a vehicle, the handle extending in a front-rear direction to have a front end and a rear end, both of which are connected to the door; a first operation interface (111) provided on an inner side surface (105) of the handle, for receiving an operation input by the occupant to operate at least one in-vehicle device (21); a first sensor (113) disposed on an outside surface (106) of the handle for detecting a finger of the occupant; a second sensor (114) provided on a surface (105, 17, 108) of the handle other than the outside surface for detecting a finger of the occupant; and a controller (55) connected to the first interface, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the at least one in-vehicle device, wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the first interface when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect an occupant, and wherein the controller inhibits the at least one in-vehicle device from being controlled based on a signal from the first interface when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect an occupant.

According to the second aspect, since the first sensor, the second sensor, and the operation interface are provided on the handle, the operation device can be realized as a relatively compact independent unit. Therefore, the present invention can provide an operating device that can be easily mounted on a door. Since the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed on different surfaces of the handle, the position of the finger of the occupant can be identified with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor. As a result, the apparatus can accurately determine whether the input to the operation interface is caused by the occupant's intentional input or the occupant's unintentional touch.

In the second aspect, the operation device may further include: a second operation interface (112) provided on an inner side surface of the handle for receiving an operation input to operate at least one of the in-vehicle devices input by the occupant; a third sensor (115) disposed on an outer side surface of the handle for detecting a finger of the occupant; and a fourth sensor (116) disposed on a surface of the handle other than the outside surface for detecting a finger of the occupant, wherein the second operation interface, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor are connected to the controller, and wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the second operation interface when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller prohibits the at least one in-vehicle device from being controlled based on the signal from the second operation interface when at least one of the third sensor and the fourth sensor does not detect the occupant.

This configuration allows the occupant to operate the second operation interface while grasping the handle so that the third sensor and the fourth sensor can detect the fingers of the occupant. As a result, the occupant can select the first operation interface or the second operation interface to operate by changing the position where the fingers grasp the handle.

Preferably, the control performed by the controller based on the signal from the first operation interface is different from the control performed based on the signal from the second operation interface.

This configuration allows the occupant to cause the in-vehicle apparatus to perform different operations depending on whether the occupant operates on the first operation interface or the second operation interface.

In the above configuration of the second aspect, the second operation interface is located in front of the first operation interface, wherein the third sensor is located in front of the first sensor, and wherein the fourth sensor is located in front of the second sensor.

According to this configuration, the occupant can select the first operation interface or the second operation interface to operate by moving the position where the fingers grasp the handle in the front-rear direction.

In the above configuration of the second aspect, the operation device further includes: a first lighting device (131) arranged around the first operation interface of the handle; and a second illumination device (141) disposed around the second operation interface of the handle, wherein the first illumination device and the second illumination device are connected to the controller, wherein the controller causes the first illumination device to emit light when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller causes the second illumination device to emit light when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect the occupant.

According to this configuration, the occupant can recognize which operation interface can be operated.

A third aspect of the invention provides a vehicle door including an operating device having any one of the above-described configurations.

According to a third aspect, the present invention can provide a door including an operating device that can be easily mounted to the door.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides an operating device (20) for a vehicle, the vehicle having a front-rear direction and a lateral direction, the operating device comprising: a grip (90) provided on an inner surface of a door (1) of a vehicle, the grip extending in a front-rear direction and including an outer side surface (33), an inner side surface (38), and an upper surface (41) connecting an upper edge of the outer side surface to an upper edge of the inner side surface; an operation interface (48) provided on an inner side surface of the grip for receiving an operation input by the occupant to operate the at least one in-vehicle device (21); a first sensor (45) disposed on the outer side surface for detecting a finger of the occupant; a second sensor (46) disposed on at least one of the inside surface and the top surface for detecting a finger of the occupant; and a controller (20) connected to the operator interface, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the at least one in-vehicle device, wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the operator interface when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect an occupant, and wherein the controller inhibits the at least one in-vehicle device from being controlled based on the signal from the operator interface when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect an occupant. According to this configuration, in order to operate the operation interface, the occupant needs to grasp the grip in such a manner that both the first sensor and the second sensor can detect the fingers of the occupant. As a result, when the occupant places the fingers of the occupant on the grip so as to close the door, the apparatus does not operate any in-vehicle apparatus in response to the occupant's unintentional touching of the operation interface. This can prevent incorrect operation of the occupant from occurring in some way.

In some cases, the first sensor and the second sensor may be arranged to overlap each other when viewed from the lateral direction. According to this configuration, the apparatus can detect that the occupant has gripped the grip from above based on the detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor.

In some cases, the inner side surface may include an inclined surface (43) at an upper portion thereof, the inclined surface being inclined upward and toward an outer side of the vehicle, and wherein the second sensor is disposed on the inclined surface. According to this configuration, when the occupant grips the grip, the palm of the occupant easily comes into contact with the inclined surface. As a result, the second sensor can appropriately detect that the occupant grasps the grip.

In the above configuration, the operation interface may be located below the second sensor. This configuration allows the occupant to operate the operation interface with the first finger while gripping the grip with the palm and the second to fifth fingers.

In the above configuration, the second sensor extends in the front-rear direction, and wherein a rear end of the second sensor is located rearward of a rear end of the operation interface. According to these configurations, it is ensured that the second sensor detects the palm of the occupant when the occupant grips the grip.

In some cases, the at least one in-vehicle device comprises a plurality of in-vehicle devices, wherein the grip is provided with a selection interface (52) for selecting one of the plurality of in-vehicle devices, wherein the operation interface and the selection interface are arranged to extend in a front-to-rear direction so as to at least partially overlap each other when viewed from a lateral direction, and wherein a front end of the second sensor is located rearward of a rear end of the selection interface. This configuration allows the operation device to operate two or more in-vehicle devices. Since the operation interface and the selection interface are arranged to extend in the front-rear direction so as to at least partially overlap each other when viewed from the lateral direction, the occupant can operate the operation interface and the selection interface while gripping the grip.

A second aspect of the present invention provides an operating device (100) for a vehicle having a front-rear direction and a lateral direction, the operating device comprising: a handle (70) provided on an inner surface of a door (1) of a vehicle, the handle extending in a front-rear direction to have a front end and a rear end both connected to the door; a first operation interface (111) provided on an inner side surface (105) of the handle, for receiving an operation input by the occupant to operate at least one in-vehicle device (21); a first sensor (113) disposed on an outside surface (106) of the handle for detecting a finger of the occupant; a second sensor (114) provided on a surface (105, 17, 108) of the handle other than the outside surface for detecting a finger of the occupant; and a controller (55) connected to the first interface, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the at least one in-vehicle device, wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the first interface when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect an occupant, and wherein the controller inhibits the at least one in-vehicle device from being controlled based on a signal from the first interface when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect an occupant. According to the second aspect, since the first sensor, the second sensor, and the operation interface are provided on the handle, the operation device can be realized as a relatively compact independent unit. Therefore, the present invention can provide an operating device that can be easily mounted on a door. Since the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed on different surfaces of the handle, the position of the finger of the occupant can be identified with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signals from the first sensor and the second sensor. As a result, the apparatus can accurately determine whether the input to the operation interface is caused by the occupant's intentional input or the occupant's unintentional touch.

In the second aspect, the operation device may further include: a second operation interface (112) provided on an inner side surface of the handle for receiving an operation input to operate at least one of the in-vehicle devices input by the occupant; a third sensor (115) disposed on an outer side surface of the handle for detecting a finger of the occupant; and a fourth sensor (116) disposed on a surface of the handle other than the outside surface for detecting a finger of the occupant, wherein the second operation interface, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor are connected to the controller, and wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the second operation interface when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller prohibits the at least one in-vehicle device from being controlled based on the signal from the second operation interface when at least one of the third sensor and the fourth sensor does not detect the occupant. This configuration allows the occupant to operate the second operation interface while gripping the handle so that both the third sensor and the fourth sensor can detect the fingers of the occupant. As a result, the occupant can select the first operation interface or the second operation interface to operate by changing the position of the grasping handle of the finger.

Preferably, the control performed by the controller based on the signal from the first operation interface is different from the control performed based on the signal from the second operation interface. This configuration allows the occupant to cause the in-vehicle apparatus to perform different operations depending on whether the occupant operates on the first operation interface or the second operation interface.

In the above configuration of the second aspect, the second operation interface is located in front of the first operation interface, wherein the third sensor is located in front of the first sensor, and wherein the fourth sensor is located in front of the second sensor. According to this configuration, the occupant can select the first operation interface or the second operation interface to operate by moving the position where the fingers grasp the handle in the front-rear direction.

In the above configuration of the second aspect, the operation device further includes: a first lighting device (131) arranged around the first operation interface of the handle; and a second illumination device (141) disposed around the second operation interface of the handle, wherein the first illumination device and the second illumination device are connected to the controller, wherein the controller causes the first illumination device to emit light when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller causes the second illumination device to emit light when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect the occupant. According to this configuration, the occupant can recognize which operation interface can be operated.

A third aspect of the invention provides a vehicle door including an operating device having any one of the above-described configurations. The present invention can provide a door including an operating device that can be easily mounted to the door.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle door according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the operating device;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an operation device, an in-vehicle device, and a display;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2;

fig. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing an example of the surface shape of the operation interface;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the operating device when the upper plate is in the stowed position;

fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the fingers of the occupant when the occupant operates the operation interface;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the occupant's fingers when the occupant operates the selection interface;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the positions of the fingers of the occupant when the occupant holds the fingers on the recessed portion to open or close the door;

fig. 10 is a schematic view showing the positions of the fingers of the occupant when the occupant uses the operation interface as an armrest;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a vehicle door according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an operation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 13 is a perspective view of an operating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 14 is a perspective view of an operating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of a vehicle door according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 16 is a perspective view of an operating device of the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a handle of the sixth embodiment;

fig. 18 is a side view of the first operation region (second operation region);

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the inside surface of the handle (taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18);

fig. 20 is a block diagram showing the operation device and the in-vehicle device;

fig. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the fingers of the occupant when the occupant operates the first operation interface or the second operation interface; and

fig. 22 is a sectional view showing an inside surface of a handle according to a modification of the sixth embodiment;

fig. 23 is a side view of an operating device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

fig. 24 is a perspective view of an operating device according to a seventh embodiment;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are cross-sectional views of the operating device taken along lines XXVA-XXVA and XXVB-XXVB of FIG. 24, respectively;

fig. 26 is a perspective view of an operating device according to a modification of the seventh embodiment; and

fig. 27 is a perspective view of an operating device according to a modification of the seventh embodiment.

Detailed Description

An operating device and a vehicle door including the same according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in fig. 1, a vehicle door 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a door panel 2 provided as a door frame member, and a door trim 3 configured to cover an inside surface of the door panel 2, the door panel 2 including an inner panel and an outer panel formed of steel plates. The inner and outer panels are connected to each other at their front, lower and rear edges, and are not connected at their upper edges to define a central space therebetween.

The door trim 3 is formed of a plastic material. The door trim 3 includes a trim main body 3A that is substantially flat and can be disposed on the inner side of the door panel 2, and a trim edge wall 3B that protrudes from the periphery of the trim main body 3A such that when the door trim 3 is disposed on the door panel 2, the trim edge wall 3B abuts against the periphery of the inner side surface of the door panel 2. The garnish edge wall 3B extends along the periphery of the garnish body 3A.

A door handle 11 for opening and closing the vehicle door is provided at an upper portion of the garnish body 3A. The speaker 12 may be provided at a front lower portion of the garnish body 3A. Further, a bag-like body extending outward to the vehicle interior may be provided on the lower portion of the garnish body 3A behind the speaker 12.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, an operating device 20 is provided at a vertically intermediate portion of the inside surface of the garnish body 3A. The operation device 20 is a device for receiving an input of an occupant who operates one or more in-vehicle devices 21. As shown in fig. 3, examples of the in-vehicle device 21 include a power window device 22, a power seat device 23, a car navigation device 24, an audio device 25, and an air conditioner 26.

The power seat device 23 may include a front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A for moving the seat in the front-rear direction with respect to the vehicle body, a height adjustment mechanism 23B for changing the height of the seat with respect to the vehicle body, a seat back tilt mechanism 23C for changing the angle of the seat back with respect to the seat, and/or a seat heater 24D provided in the seat for changing the temperature of the seat. Each of the front-rear adjusting mechanism 23A, the height adjusting mechanism 23B, and the seat back tilting mechanism 23C includes a motor for driving the mechanism. The seat heater 24D includes a heating wire, and changes temperature according to supplied current.

As shown in fig. 2, the operating device 20 includes a main body 31, which is a housing of the device. The body 31 is formed from a plastics material. The main body 31 is attached to a vertically intermediate portion of the inner side surface of the garnish main body 3A, and extends in the front-rear direction. The main body 31 may be connected to the garnish main body 3A by screws or any other coupling means. Alternatively, the main body 31 may be integrally formed with the garnish main body 3A.

The main body 31 of the operating device 20 has a main body upper surface 32 at an upper portion of the main body and a main body side surface 33 at an inboard end of the main body, wherein the main body upper surface 32 faces upward and extends inward relative to the garnish body 3A, and the main body side surface 33 faces the interior of the vehicle. The body upper surface 32 can support the forearm of the occupant and can therefore function as an armrest.

As shown in fig. 2 and 4, a recess 35 (a bag-like body) is formed on the upper surface of the main body 31 of the operation device 20. The recess 35 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and extends in the front-rear direction. The recess 35 is defined by a recess bottom wall 36 and a recess side wall 37 (or tubular recess side wall) extending upwardly from the recess bottom wall 36. The first side surface 38 is an inner surface of an inner portion of the recess side wall 37, the first side surface 38 facing outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle. The first side surface 28 extends substantially vertically. At an upper end portion of an inner side portion of the recess side wall 37 corresponding to the first side surface 38, a protruding portion 39 extends outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle. In the main body upper surface 32, the first upper surface 41 is a surface extending between the upper end of the main body side surface 33 and the recess 35 (i.e., the upper end of the first side surface 38). The first upper surface 41 connects the upper end of the first side surface 38 with the upper end of the main body side surface 33. The grip 40 is formed by the first side surface 38, the first upper surface 41, and the body side surface 33. The grip 40 is a wall portion that protrudes upward and extends in the front-rear direction, so that the occupant can hold/grasp the grip 40 with the fingers of the occupant. The occupant can grasp the grip 40 to open or close the door 1.

The inclined surface 43 extends at the upper end portion of the main body side surface 33 such that the inclined surface 43 is inclined to extend upward and outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Preferably, the upper end of the inclined surface 43 is smoothly connected to the first upper surface 41. The inclined surface 43 is not an essential feature and may be omitted in some embodiments. The inclined surface 43 may be provided to minimize the width of the first upper surface 41 in the lateral direction.

A first sensor 45 for detecting the fingers of the occupant is provided in the first side surface 38 (the side of the grip 40 facing the inner space of the recess). A second sensor 46 that detects the fingers of the occupant is provided in the main body side surface 33 (the side of the grip 40 that faces the interior of the vehicle). The first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 are sensors configured to detect contact or proximity of a finger of an occupant, and examples of sensors that can be used as the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 include a capacitive sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a membrane switch, and an infrared switch.

The first sensor 45 extends in the front-rear direction on the first side surface 38. The first sensor 45 is preferably disposed at an upper end of the first side surface 38. In the present embodiment, the first sensor 45 is provided in the protruding portion 39. The first sensor 45 may be embedded in the first side surface 38 such that a surface of the first sensor 45 is flush with the first side surface 38.

The second sensor 46 extends in the front-rear direction on the main body side surface 33. The second sensor 46 is preferably provided at an upper end portion of the body side surface 33. In the present embodiment, the second sensor 46 is provided on the inclined surface 43. The second sensor 46 may be embedded in the body side surface 33 such that a surface of the second sensor 46 is flush with the body side surface 33. The first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 are arranged to overlap each other when viewed from the lateral direction of the vehicle. In other words, the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 are located at the same position in the vertical direction. The first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 are arranged on the concave side and the inner side of the upper end portion of the grip 40, respectively. The major surfaces of the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 may not be parallel to each other.

The rear end of the second sensor 46 is located forward of the rear end of the grip 40 (the rear end of the first side surface 38). Further, the front end of the second sensor 46 is located rearward of the front end of the grip 40 (the front end of the first side surface 38).

As shown in fig. 2, an operation interface 48 is provided on the main body side surface 33 (inside the grip 40). The operation interface 48 is configured to receive an input of an occupant to operate at least one in-vehicle device 21. The operation interface 48 is a switch operated by a finger of the occupant, and examples of the operation interface 48 include a capacitance sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, and a membrane switch. In the present embodiment, the operation interface 48 is a capacitive touch panel, and receives a slide operation and a touch operation performed thereon by the finger of the occupant.

The operation interface 48 is located below the second sensor 46 on the body side surface 33. Further, the rear end of the second sensor 46 is located rearward of the rear end of the operation interface 48. The front end of the operation interface 48 is located in front of the front end of the second sensor 46. Preferably, as shown in fig. 7, the operation interface 48 is disposed so that the occupant can operate the grip 40 with the first finger of the occupant while gripping it with the palm of the occupant's hand and the second to fifth fingers.

Preferably, the operation interface 48 is embedded in the main body side surface 33 such that a surface of the operation interface 48 is flush with the main body side surface 33. The surface of the operation interface 48 preferably has a surface shape different from that of the main body side surface 33. The surface of the operator interface 48 is preferably a patterned dimpled surface, for example. The patterned dimple surfaces can include regularly arranged polygonal planes, for example, as shown in fig. 5A and 5B. Although the examples shown in the figures include only quadrilateral patterns, the patterned dimple surfaces can include other polygonal patterns such as triangular and pentagonal patterns.

As shown in fig. 2, an upper plate 50 is provided at the front end of the main body 31 of the operating device 20. The upper plate 50 is a plate-like member extending from its base end toward its free end, and has an upper surface 50A and a back surface 50B. The base end of the upper plate 50 is rotatably supported by the front end of the main body 31 such that the upper plate 50 is rotatable about a rotation axis X extending in the lateral direction. In the present embodiment, the base end of the upper plate 50 is disposed within the recess 35 and is supported by the left and right recess side walls 37.

The upper plate 50 is rotationally movable between a use position (fig. 2) and a storage position (fig. 6). When the upper plate 50 is in the use position, the free end is positioned forward and above the base end, and the upper surface 50A is positioned above the back surface 50B. When the upper plate 50 is in the stowed position, the free end is located rearward of the base end and the upper surface 50A is located below the back surface 50B. In the storage position, the upper plate 50 closes the open end of the recess 35. In other words, the upper plate 50 serves as a cover for closing the recess 35.

Urging members (not shown) are provided between the upper plate 50 and the main body 31. The biasing member may comprise a spring. The urging member urges the upper plate 50 to the use position when the upper plate 50 is located between the use position and an intermediate position between the use position and the storage position. The urging member urges the upper plate 50 to the storage position when the upper plate 50 is located between the intermediate position and the storage position.

As shown in fig. 2, a display 51 and a selection interface 52 are provided on an upper surface 50A of the upper plate 50. The display 51 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display (organic electroluminescence display). The selection interface 52 is configured to receive an input of an occupant to operate at least one in-vehicle device 21. The operation interface 48 is a switch operated by a finger of the occupant, and examples of the operation interface 48 include a capacitance sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, and a membrane switch. In the present embodiment, the selection interface 52 is a capacitive touch panel, and receives a slide operation and a touch operation performed thereon by the finger of the occupant. Further, the selection interface 52 may be integrally formed with the display 51. In some embodiments, the display 51 is a touch panel display, and a portion of the display 51 may form the selection interface 52. The selection interface 52 is provided at a position on the upper surface 50A of the upper plate 50 on the base end side. The display 51 is provided at a position on the free end side of the selection interface 52 on the upper surface 50A of the upper plate 50.

The selection interface 52 and the operator interface 48 are arranged on different surfaces of the operating device. The operation interface 48 and the selection interface 52 are provided to extend in the front-rear direction so as to at least partially overlap with each other when viewed from the vehicle lateral direction. The selection interface 52 is located forward of the grip 40. The front end of the second sensor 46 is located behind the rear end of the selection interface 52. Preferably, as shown in fig. 8, the selection interface 52 is disposed such that the occupant can operate the grip 40 with the second finger (index finger) of the occupant while gripping it with the palm and the third to fifth fingers of the occupant. Preferably, the selection interface 52 is inclined downwardly and towards the base end in use.

The first sensor 45, the second sensor 46, the operation interface 48, the selection interface 52, the display 51, and the at least one in-vehicle device 21 are connected to the controller 55. The controller 55 is an electronic controller including a processing device such as a CPU. In the present embodiment, the controller 55 is provided in the main body 31. In other embodiments, the controller 55 may be provided between the door panel 2 and the door trim 3, or on the vehicle body.

The controller 55 is configured to select one of the in-vehicle apparatuses 21 to be operated based on a signal from the selection interface 52, and also select one or more of the in-vehicle apparatuses 21 to be displayed on the display 51. In some embodiments, the controller 55 detects a slide operation; that is, it slides to the left or right on the interface based on the signal from the selection interface 52, and changes the in-vehicle apparatus 21 to be operated according to the sliding operation. The controller 55 displays the device operation state image for the selected in-vehicle device 21 on the display 51. The device operation state image may include, for example, an icon or character for the selected in-vehicle device 21, and a symbol or mark (e.g., a mark indicating the moving direction of the in-vehicle device) showing how to operate the selected in-vehicle device 21. For example, when the selected in-vehicle apparatus 21 is the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A of the electrical seat apparatus 23, the apparatus operation state image may include an icon of the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A and an arrow indicating the front-rear direction. In some embodiments, when a plurality of the same type of in-vehicle apparatuses 21 are provided, the controller 55 may be used to select one of the same type of in-vehicle apparatuses 21. For example, when the right front seat and the left front seat are provided with the respective power seat devices 23, the controller 55 may be configured to select the power seat device for the right front seat and the power seat device for the left front seat, and to control the selected power seat device 23 independently.

The controller 55 detects whether the finger of the occupant is in contact with the first sensor 45 or whether the finger is close to the first sensor 45 based on the signal from the first sensor 45. The controller 55 also detects whether the finger of the occupant is in contact with the second sensor 46 or whether the finger is close to the second sensor 46, based on the signal from the second sensor 46. When both the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 detect the occupant (the finger of the occupant), the controller 55 controls the selected in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the operation interface 48. Specifically, when the finger of the occupant is detected based on the signal from the first sensor 45 and also detected based on the signal from the second sensor 46, the controller 55 controls the selected one of the respective in-vehicle apparatuses 21 based on the signal from the operation interface 48. When at least one of the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 does not detect an occupant, the controller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the operation interface 48. Specifically, when the finger of the occupant is not detected based on the signal from the first sensor 45 and/or the finger of the occupant is not detected based on the signal from the second sensor 46, the controller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the operation interface 48.

As shown in fig. 7, in the present embodiment, the operation interface 48 receives a slide operation for each of a plurality of directions including upward, downward, forward, and backward directions. The controller 55 detects the direction and the stroke length of each slide operation based on the signal from the operation interface 48. The controller 55 controls the selected in-vehicle apparatus 21 based on the detected direction of the slide operation performed on the operation interface 48 and the signal of the stroke length.

For example, in the case where the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A of the electric seat apparatus 23 for the right front seat is selected, when the slide operation in the forward direction is detected based on the signal from the operation interface 48, the controller 55 controls the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A of the electric seat apparatus 23 to move the seat forward. The controller 55 may determine the forward movement amount of the seat caused by the power seat apparatus 23 based on the stroke length of the slide operation.

Further, in the case where the height adjustment mechanism 23B of the power seat apparatus 23 for the left front seat is selected, when the slide operation in the upward direction is detected based on the signal from the operation interface 48, the controller 55 controls the height adjustment mechanism 23B of the power seat apparatus 23 to raise the seat higher. The controller 55 may determine the amount of upward movement of the seat caused by the power seat apparatus 23 based on the stroke length of the slide operation.

The selection of what input operations are performed on the operation interface 48 for each control and how to control each in-vehicle apparatus 21 is a matter that can be appropriately decided by the apparatus designer.

When the in-vehicle apparatus 21 is controlled based on the operation of the occupant on the operation interface 48, the controller 55 preferably displays an image indicating that the selected in-vehicle apparatus 21 is being controlled on the display 51. For example, when controlling the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A of the power seat apparatus 23 to move the seat forward, the controller 55 may display an image and/or text information indicating that the seat is moving forward on the display 51. In some cases, when the in-vehicle apparatus 21 is controlled based on the operation of the occupant on the operation interface 48, the controller 55 may output a sound from the speaker 12 indicating that the selected in-vehicle apparatus 21 is being controlled. Preferably, different images and/or sounds are used for different in-vehicle devices 21 to inform the occupant which device is being controlled. This allows the occupant to easily recognize which in-vehicle device 21 is being controlled.

In the operating device 20 according to the present embodiment, since the grip 40 includes the first sensor 45, the second sensor 46, and the operation interface 48, the operating device 20 can be made as a single unit having a relatively small size. Therefore, the present invention can provide an operating device 20 that can be easily attached to the vehicle door 1. Since the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 are provided on the respective different surfaces of the grip 40, the operating device is able to grasp the positions of the fingers of the occupant with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signals from the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46. In this way, the operation device can accurately determine whether the input to the operation interface 48 is made by the occupant's intentional input or the occupant's unintentional touch.

To operate the operation interface 48, the occupant needs to grasp the grip 40 in such a manner that both the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 can detect the fingers, as shown in fig. 7. As a result, the apparatus does not operate any of the in-vehicle apparatuses 21 even in the case where the occupant inadvertently touches the operation interface 48 when the occupant places the occupant's finger on the grip 40 as shown in fig. 9 in order to close the door. Specifically, when the occupant places the occupant's finger on the grip 40 to close the door, the first sensor 45 detects the occupant's finger, while the second sensor 46 does not. When the occupant uses the operation device 20 as an armrest as shown in fig. 10 and places the occupant's hand on the grip 40, the second sensor 46 detects the occupant's finger, but the first sensor 45 does not. These features can prevent the occurrence of incorrect operation of the occupant in a certain manner.

The body side surface 33 includes an inclined surface 43, and the second sensor 46 is located in the inclined surface 43. With this configuration, when the occupant grasps the grip 40 with the fingers from above, the palm of the occupant is in contact with the second sensor 46. As a result, the second sensor 46 can appropriately detect the grasping of the grip 40 by the occupant.

The operator interface 48 is located below the second sensor 46. This configuration allows the occupant to operate the operation interface 48 with the first finger while gripping the grip with the palm and the second to fifth fingers.

In other embodiments, the controller 55 may control at least one in-vehicle device 21 in response to the occupant's turning operation of the upper plate 50. In this case, the upper plate 50 is rotatably supported by the main body 31 such that the upper plate 50 is rotatable to one side (downward) or the other side (upward) by a corresponding limit angle about the rotation axis X. The upper plate 50 is urged toward the use position by urging means. Preferably, a rotation angle sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the upper plate 50 is provided between the main body 31 and the upper plate 50, and the controller 55 controls the in-vehicle device 21 based on a signal from the rotation angle sensor. In this case, the controller 55 may control the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the rotation angle sensor, regardless of the signals from the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46.

Although in the above-described embodiment, the grip 40 is formed by one of the recess side walls 37 defining the recess 35, the grip 40 may be configured to have a different shape. For example, according to the second embodiment shown in fig. 11, the grip 40 may be a rod-shaped handle 70 connected to the garnish body 3A. In some cases, the handle 70 of the second embodiment may extend in the front-rear direction, and have both front and rear ends connected to the garnish body 3A. The intermediate portion of the handle 70 and the garnish body 3A define a space therebetween. The first sensor 45, the second sensor 46, and the operation interface 48 may be disposed at a middle portion of the handle 70. In this case, the handle 70 serves as an operating device. The handle 70 may be integrally formed with the garnish body 3A. Alternatively, the handle 70 may be formed as a separate component from the garnish body 3A, and may be connected to the garnish body 3A by screws or other coupling means. The armrest portion 71 may be connected to a rear end of the handle 70 and extend rearward. The armrest portion 71 extends inward from the inner side surface of the garnish main body 3A.

The handle 70 may be inclined upward from the rear end to the front end. The first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 may be provided on the outer surface (facing the space between the handle 70 and the garnish body 3A) and the inner surface (facing the interior of the vehicle) of the handle 70, respectively. The first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 may be located at the same height. The operator interface 48 is disposed in front of the second sensor 46 on the inner surface of the handle 70. The operator interface 48 may be disposed above the second sensor 46 on the inner surface of the handle 70. The selection interface 52 is provided on the upper surface of the handle 70. The selection interface 52 may be disposed in front of the operator interface 48. More specifically, the rear end of the selection interface 52 may be disposed in front of the front end of the operation interface 48. Preferably, when the occupant grasps the grip 70 with the palm of the occupant's hand and the third to fifth fingers, the operation interface 48 is located at a position that can be reached by the occupant's first finger, and the selection interface 52 is located at a position that can be reached by the occupant's second finger.

In the third embodiment shown in fig. 12, the controller 55 may be connected to a door open/close sensor 80. The door open/close sensor 80 is provided between the vehicle door 1 and the vehicle body, and supplies a signal indicating the open or closed state of the vehicle door 1 to the controller 55. In some embodiments, the door open/close sensor 80 may be a push button switch. When the door 1 is in the closed state, the sensor is pushed by the door 1 and is in the open state (outputs an open state signal). When the door 1 is in the open state, the sensor is separated from the door 1 and is in the closed state (outputs a closed state signal). The door opening/closing sensor 80 may be provided at a hinge portion that rotatably supports the vehicle door 1 with respect to the vehicle body, or at a free end of the vehicle door 1.

When both the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 detect the occupant and the door open/close sensor 80 provides a signal indicating that the vehicle door 1 is in the closed state, the controller 55 allows the selected vehicle-mounted device 21 to be controlled based on the signal from the operation interface 48.

In the above embodiment, the upper plate 50 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis X between the use position and the storage position with respect to the main body 31. However, in the fourth embodiment shown in fig. 13, the upper plate 50 may be provided on the main body 31 such that the upper plate 50 is slidable between the use position and the storage position. In this case, guide rails (not shown) may be provided on the recess side walls 37, and respective engaging portions for engaging with the guide rails are provided on both sides of the upper plate 50. In the storage position, the upper surface 50A of the upper plate 50 on which the display 51 and the selection interface 52 are located faces upward. The upper plate 50 can slide rearward from the use position (fig. 2) to reach the storage position (fig. 13). When the upper plate 50 slides rearward, the inclination (angle) of the upper surface 50A of the upper plate 50 changes so that the upper surface 50A becomes horizontal. In this case, even when the upper plate 50 is in the storage position, the display 51 and the selection interface 52 can be used.

The operator interface 48 may be provided with a guide feature 90 for allowing the occupant to identify the correct operating direction. The guide feature 90 may be a feature in which a plurality of protrusions or recesses are intermittently formed, or a feature in which continuous protrusions or recesses are formed. In a fifth embodiment shown in fig. 14, the guide feature 90 may be a ridge (rib) that extends to indicate the correct operating direction. The guide feature 90 may extend partially in the front-rear direction and also partially in the up-down direction at its front end. The occupant may perform the input operation by sliding the first finger along the guide feature 90. In other embodiments, the guide feature 90 may be cruciform.

The operation interface 48 may be provided with an illumination device 91 for allowing the occupant to recognize the operation direction. The illumination device 91 may be formed, for example, by a plurality of LEDs or a combination of a plurality of LEDs and a light guide. As shown in fig. 14, the lighting device 91 may be disposed along the operation direction. The lighting device 91 may partially extend in the front-rear direction, and may also partially extend in the up-down direction at a front end portion thereof. The occupant can check the emitted light from the illumination device 91 and perform an input operation by sliding the operation interface 48 with the first finger in the direction indicated by the light.

An operating device 100 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicle door 1 to which the operating device 100 is attached has a configuration similar to that of the vehicle door 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts or components of the vehicle door of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in fig. 15 and 16, an armrest portion 71 is provided at a vertically intermediate portion of the garnish body 3A of the door garnish 3 such that the armrest portion 71 protrudes beyond the interior of the vehicle and extends in the front-rear direction on the inner side surface of the garnish body 3A. A lever handle 101 is provided on the inner side surface of the garnish body 3A. The handle 101 extends in the front-rear direction, and is coupled to the garnish body 3A at front and rear ends thereof. In the present embodiment, the rear end of the handle 101 is connected to the armrest portion 71, and is also connected to the garnish main body 3A via the armrest portion 71. The front end of the handle 101 is located above the rear end, and the handle 101 is inclined upward from the rear end toward the front end. The intermediate portion of the handle 101 in its longitudinal direction and the garnish body 3A define a space therebetween. As a result, the occupant can grasp the entire outer periphery of the handle 101 with the fingers. The handle 101 may have any cross-sectional shape, such as circular, oval, or rectangular.

As shown in fig. 17, the handle 101 may primarily include an inner member and an outer member that form an inner portion and an outer portion of the handle, respectively. The two parts of the handle 101 define a space between them at their central portions. That is, the handle 101 has a hollow shape. The handle 101 is preferably formed from a plastics material.

The handle 101 has an inside surface 105 facing the interior of the vehicle, an outside surface 106 facing the space (and the garnish body 3A), a lower side surface 107 facing downward and forward, and an upper side surface 108 facing upward and rearward. The inner side surface 105 is connected with both the lower side surface 107 and the upper side surface 108. The outer side surface 106 is connected with both the lower side surface 107 and the upper side surface 108. The inner side surface 105, the lower side surface 107, and the upper side surface 108 may be connected to each other by a smoothly curved surface. Similarly, the outer side surface 106 and the lower side surface 107 and the upper side surface 108 may be connected to each other by a smoothly curved surface. Each of the inner side surface 105, the outer side surface 106, the lower side surface 107, and the upper side surface 108 may be formed as a flat surface or a curved surface. The inside surface 105, the outside surface 106, the lower side surface 107, and the upper side surface 108 face in different directions from each other.

As shown in fig. 16, the handle 101 is provided with a first operation interface 111, a second operation interface 112, a first sensor 113, a second sensor 114, a third sensor 115, and a fourth sensor 116. The first operation interface 111 and the second operation interface 112 may have the same configuration as the operation interface 48 of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the first operation interface 111 and the second operation interface 112 are capacitive touch panels. The first to fourth sensors 113 to 116 are sensors for detecting the fingers of the occupant, and may have the same configuration as the first and

second sensors

45 and 46 of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the first to fourth sensors 113 to 116 are capacitance sensors. As shown in fig. 20, the first and second operation interfaces 111 and 112 and the first to fourth sensors 113 to 116 are connected to the controller 55.

As shown in fig. 16 and 17, the first sensor 113 is disposed at the rear of the outside surface 106 (facing the space) of the handle 101. The second sensor 114 is provided on one of an inner side surface 105 (facing the interior of the vehicle), a lower side surface 107, and an upper side surface 108, which is different from the outer side surface 106 of the handle 101. In the present embodiment, the second sensor 114 is provided at the rear of the lower surface 107. The first sensor 113 and the second sensor 114 are disposed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the handle 101 so as to at least partially overlap each other when viewed from the vehicle lateral direction. Each of the first sensor 113 and the second sensor 114 is disposed so that the hand (finger) of the occupant can be detected when the occupant grasps the rear portion of the handle 101.

The third sensor 115 is disposed at the front of the outer side surface 106 of the handle 101. Therefore, the third sensor 115 is located in front of the first sensor 113. The fourth sensor 116 is provided on one of the inner side surface 105, the lower side surface 107, and the upper side surface 108, which is different from the outer side surface 106 of the handle 101. In the present embodiment, the fourth sensor 116 is disposed at the front of the lower surface 107. Therefore, the fourth sensor 116 is located in front of the second sensor 114. The third sensor 115 and the fourth sensor 116 are disposed so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the handle 101 so as to at least partially overlap each other when viewed from the vehicle transverse direction. Each of the third sensor 115 and the fourth sensor 116 is disposed so as to be able to detect the hand (finger) of the occupant when the occupant grasps the rear portion of the handle 101.

As shown in fig. 16, a plate-like surface member 120 is provided on the inside surface 105. Surface member 120 is provided to cover the surface of inside surface 105. The surface member 120 extends in the front-rear direction along the inner side surface 105. The surface member 120 is a transparent or translucent member. The surface member 120 may be formed of, for example, plastic or glass.

As shown in fig. 16, 18 and 19, a patterned dimple surface 121 is formed on the surface 120A of the surface member 120. The patterned dimple surface 121 has a plurality of ridges 122 that define a plurality of recesses 123. Each ridge 122 extends linearly, and the plurality of ridges 122 collectively form a grid made up of a plurality of quadrilateral grid members 124. Each recess 123 is defined by a grid member 124 and forms a concave surface having a perimeter formed by ridges 122.

At the rear of the surface member 120, a first operation region 125 including a plurality of recesses 123 is provided. At the front of the surface member 120, a second operation region 126 including a plurality of recesses 123 is provided. In the present embodiment, each of the first and

second manipulation areas

125 and 126 includes four mesh members 124 arranged to form a quadrangle. Preferably, the first operation region 125 is disposed so that the occupant can operate the rear portion of the handle 101 with the first finger of the occupant while gripping it with the palm of the occupant's hand and the second to fifth fingers.

The first operation interface 111 is provided in a portion of the back surface 120B of the surface member 120, the portion corresponding to the first operation area 125. In the present embodiment, the first operation interface 111 includes four portions corresponding to the four recesses 123 such that each portion is located at the corresponding recess 123. In other embodiments, the first manipulation interface 111 may be a single portion corresponding to the four recesses 123. The first operation interface 111 may be provided in the accommodating portion 128 in the back surface 120B of the recessed surface member 120.

The first lighting device 131 is disposed around the first operation interface 111 of the surface member 120 of the handle 101. The first illumination device 131 includes a first light source 132 and a light guide member 133 for transmitting light from the first light source 132. The light guide members 133 extend along the respective ridges 122 included in the first operating region 125 and are arranged in a grid pattern. Preferably, the light guide member 133 is disposed in the receiving portion 134 in the back surface 120B of the concave surface member 120. The first light source 132 is, for example, an LED. The first light source 132 is disposed in contact with the light guide member 133. The first light source 132 is connected to the controller 55. The first light source 132 receives power from the controller 55 and emits light. As shown in fig. 19, when the first light source 132 emits light, the light guide member 133 emits light to illuminate the ridge 122 included in the first operation region 125.

Each recess 123 included in the first operation region 125 is provided with a mark 137 indicating an object to be operated. The mark 137 may be, for example, an icon indicating an operation of tilting the seatback 23C rearward. When the first lighting device 131 is turned off, the mark 137 is visually indistinguishable from the surface member 120, and it is difficult for the occupant to recognize the mark. When the first illumination device 131 is turned on, the mark 137 is illuminated by light from the light guide member 133, and the occupant easily recognizes the mark. The indicia 137 may be engraved on the surface member 120 or drawn or printed with a fluorescent paint on the surface 120A of the surface member 120.

The second operation interface 112 is provided on a portion of the back surface 120B of the surface member 120, which corresponds to the second operation area 126. In the present embodiment, the second operation interface 112 may be composed of four parts in the same manner as the first operation interface 111.

The second lighting device 141 is disposed around the second operation interface 112 of the surface member 120 of the handle 101. The second illumination device 141 includes a second light source 142 and a light guide member 133 for transmitting light from the second light source 142 in a similar manner to the first illumination device 131.

Each recess 123 included in the second operation region 126 is provided with a mark 137 indicating an object to be operated. The indicia 137 of the second operational area 126 may be configured in the same manner as the indicia of the first operational area 125.

The first operation interface 111 includes four switches corresponding to the four recesses 123 of the first operation area 125. Similarly, the second operation interface 112 includes four switches corresponding to the four recesses 123 of the second operation region 126. When the finger of the occupant contacts the recess 123 serving as one of these switches, the controller 55 detects that the occupant has operated the switch based on the signal from the first operation interface 111 or the second operation interface 112. In the present embodiment, since the first operation interface 111 and the second operation interface 112 are capacitance sensors, when the finger of the occupant contacts the concave portion 123 in the first operation region 125 or the second operation region 126, the capacitance of the first operation interface 111 or the second operation interface 112 changes. The controller 55 detects an operation by the occupant on the first operation interface 111 or the second operation interface 112 based on the signal indicating the change in capacitance from the first operation interface 111 or the second operation interface 112.

The controller 55 detects whether the finger of the occupant contacts (or approaches) any one of the first to fourth sensors 113 to 116 based on the signals from the sensors 113 to 116.

When both the first sensor 113 and the second sensor 114 detect the occupant (the finger of the occupant), the controller 55 supplies power to the first light source 132 of the first lighting device 131. As a result, the ridges 122 in the first operation region 125 emit light in a grid pattern, and the mark 137 emits light, whereby the occupant can visually recognize the first operation region 125. When both the first sensor 113 and the second sensor 114 detect an occupant, it can be considered that the occupant is gripping the rear portion of the handle 101, as shown in fig. 21. The first operation area 125 is illuminated so that the occupant can recognize that the first operation interface 111 can be operated.

When both the first sensor 113 and the second sensor 114 detect the occupant (the finger of the occupant), the controller 55 controls the selected in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the first operation interface 111. Specifically, when the finger of the occupant is detected based on the signal from the first sensor 113 and also detected based on the signal from the second sensor 114, the controller 55 controls the selected in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the first operation interface 111. When at least one of the first sensor 113 and the second sensor 114 does not detect an occupant, the controller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the first operation interface 111. Specifically, when the finger of the occupant is not detected based on the signal from the first sensor 113 and/or when the finger of the occupant is not detected based on the signal from the second sensor 114, the controller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the first operation interface 111.

When both the third sensor 115 and the fourth sensor 116 detect the occupant (the finger of the occupant), the controller 55 supplies power to the second light source 142 of the second lighting device 141. As a result, the ridges 122 in the second operation region 126 emit light in a grid pattern, and the markers emit light, whereby the occupant can visually recognize the second operation region 126. When both the third sensor 115 and the fourth sensor 116 detect the occupant, it can be assumed that the occupant is gripping the front portion of the handle 101, as shown in fig. 21.

When both the third sensor 115 and the fourth sensor 116 detect the occupant (the finger of the occupant), the controller 55 controls the selected in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the second operation interface 112. Specifically, when the finger of the occupant is detected based on the signal from the third sensor 115 and also detected based on the signal from the fourth sensor 116, the controller 55 controls the selected in-vehicle apparatus 21 based on the signal from the second operation interface 112. When at least one of the third sensor 115 and the fourth sensor 116 does not detect an occupant, the controller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the second operation interface 112. Specifically, when the finger of the occupant is not detected based on the signal from the third sensor 115 and/or when the finger of the occupant is not detected based on the signal from the fourth sensor 116, the controller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the second operation interface 112.

Preferably, the control performed by the controller 55 based on the signal from the first manipulation interface 111 is different from the control performed based on the signal from the second manipulation interface 112. For example, the controller 55 may be configured to control the front-rear adjusting mechanism 23A and the seat back tilting mechanism 23C in response to a signal from the first operation interface 111, while controlling the height adjusting mechanism 23B and the seat heater 23D in response to a signal from the second operation interface 112. Further, the controller 55 may be configured to select the in-vehicle apparatus 21 to be operated based on the signal from the second operation interface 112, and determine the movement direction and the movement amount of the selected in-vehicle apparatus 21 based on the signal from the first operation interface 111.

In the operation device 100 according to the variation of the sixth embodiment shown in fig. 22, the first operation interface 111 and the first illumination device 131 may be implemented by a touch panel display 150. The touch panel display 150 is used to detect a contact operation by an occupant, and also illuminates the first operation region 125 by emitting light. The touch panel display 150 is disposed on the back surface 120B of the surface member 120. The touch panel display 150 may function as the first operation interface 111 in the form of a switch at a position corresponding to each recess 123 in the first operation region 125 for detecting contact (or approach) of the finger of the occupant. The touch panel display 150 may also function as the first illumination device 131 by emitting light from a position corresponding to each ridge 122 in the first operation region 125. Similarly, the second operation interface 112 and the second illumination device 141 can also be implemented by the touch panel display 150.

An operating device 200 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicle door 1 to which the operating device 200 is attached has a configuration similar to that of the vehicle door 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts or components of the vehicle door of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in fig. 23, the operating device 200 is provided at a vertically intermediate portion of the inside surface of the garnish body 3A. The operation device 200 is a device for receiving an input of an occupant who operates one or more in-vehicle devices 21, similar to the operation device 20 of the first embodiment.

As shown in fig. 24, the operating device 200 includes a main body 231, which is a housing. The body 231 is formed of a plastic material. The main body 231 is attached to a vertically intermediate portion of the inner side surface of the garnish main body 3A, and extends in the front-rear direction. The body 231 may be connected to the garnish body 3A by screws or any other coupling means. Alternatively, the body 231 may be integrally formed with the garnish body 3A.

The main body 231 of the operating device 200 has a main body upper surface 232 at an upper portion of the main body and a main body side surface 233 at an inboard end of the main body, wherein the main body upper surface 232 faces upward and extends inward relative to the garnish main body 3A, and the main body side surface 233 faces the interior of the vehicle. The body upper surface 232 can support the forearm of the occupant and can therefore function as an armrest.

As shown in fig. 24 and 25, a recess 235 is formed on the upper surface of the main body 231 of the operating device 200. The recess 235 extends in the front-rear direction, and has a recess front portion 235A and a recess rear portion 235B. Recess 235 is defined by a recess bottom wall 236 and a recess side wall 237 extending upwardly from recess bottom wall 36. The first side surface 238 is an inner surface of an inner portion of the recess side wall 237, the first side surface 238 facing outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle. The first side surface 238 extends in the front-rear direction, and has a first side surface front portion 238A and a first side surface rear portion 238B.

The recess front portion 235A has a smaller width in the lateral direction of the vehicle than the recess rear portion 235B. A rearward facing shoulder surface 238C is provided at the boundary between the first side surface front portion 238A and the first side surface rear portion 238B.

As shown in fig. 25A, the first side-surface front portion 238A is inclined to extend downward and outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle, which can make it difficult for the occupant to hold his or her fingers on the first side-surface front portion 238A. Therefore, it is difficult for the occupant to grip the recess front portion 235A with his fingers in order to open/close the door 1.

As shown in fig. 25B, at the upper end portion of the first side-surface rear portion 238B, a projection 239 extends outward in the lateral direction of the vehicle. In the body upper surface 232, the first upper surface 241 is a surface extending between the upper end of the first side surface 238 and the upper end of the body side surface 233. The first upper surface 241 connects the upper end of the first side surface 238 to the upper end of the main body side surface 233. The grip 240 is formed by the first side surface rear portion 238B, the first upper surface 241, and the main body side surface 233. The grip 240 is a wall portion that protrudes upward and extends in the front-rear direction so that the occupant can hold/grasp the grip 40 with the occupant's fingers. The occupant can grasp the handle 240 to open or close the door 1. Thus, the recess back 235B serves as a handle.

As shown in fig. 24, a first sensor 245 for detecting the finger of the occupant is provided in a portion of the first side surface 38, which corresponds to the recess front portion 235A in the front-rear direction. The first sensor 245 is a sensor configured to detect contact or proximity of a finger of an occupant, and examples of sensors that may be used as the first sensor 245 include a capacitive sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a membrane switch, and an infrared beam switch. The first sensor 245 extends in the front-rear direction on the first upper surface 241. The first sensor 245 is connected to the controller 55.

The first operation interface 248 and the second operation interface 249 are provided on a portion of the main body side surface 233, which corresponds to the recess front portion 235A in the front-rear direction. The first operation interface 248 is configured to receive an input of an occupant operating the at least one in-vehicle apparatus 21. The first operation interface 248 is a switch to be operated by a finger of the occupant, and examples of the first operation interface 248 include a capacitive sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, and a membrane switch. In the present embodiment, the first operation interface 248 is a capacitive touch panel and receives a touch operation performed by a finger of an occupant thereon. The second operation interface 249 is a switch operable by a finger of the occupant, and examples of the second operation interface 249 include a tactile switch and a push button switch.

Preferably, the first operation interface 248 is located in front of the second operation interface 249. The first operation interface 248 and the second operation interface 249 are provided on the main body side surface 233 at the same height. The first operation interface 248 and the second operation interface 249 are connected to the controller 55 in the same manner as the first embodiment.

The first operation interface 248 includes a plurality of input portions 248A. Each input portion 248A is surrounded by a corresponding convex strip 248B protruding from the main body side surface 233. Therefore, the plurality of input portions 248A are separated from each other by the convex strips 248B. This allows the occupant to tactilely find the ribs 248B and the input 248A with his fingers rather than visually. The input portions 248A may be provided at the bottoms of the respective concave portions formed on the main body side surface 233. Preferably, the surface of each input 248A is provided with a protruding feature that can be felt by the fingers of the occupant.

Each input portion 248A is provided for and outputs a signal for a corresponding one of the front-rear adjusting mechanism 23A, the height adjusting mechanism 23B, the seat back tilting mechanism 23C, and the seat heater 24D. The occupant can control each of the front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A, the height adjustment mechanism 23B, the seat back tilt mechanism 23C, and the seat heater 24D to adjust the position, angle, and temperature of the seat by operating the corresponding input portion 248A.

The second operation interface 249 includes a plurality of input sections 249A, which are four input sections 249A in the present embodiment. Each input section 249A is a switch for operating the corresponding power window device 22 of one of the plurality of seats. The input portions 249A are arranged adjacent to each other. Each input portion 249A partially protrudes from the main body side surface 233.

The first operation interface 248 is located at a position that the first finger of the occupant can reach when the second to fourth fingers of the occupant are in contact with the first side surface front portion 238A of the recess front portion 235A. Further, the first operation interface 248 is located at a position that the first finger of the occupant cannot reach when the second to fourth fingers of the occupant are in contact with the first side surface rear portion 238B of the recess rear portion 235B.

A display portion 250 for indicating the operation state of the in-vehicle apparatus 21 is provided in front of the recess 235 on the main body upper surface 232. The display section 250 may be a display screen configured to instruct the operation of each in-vehicle apparatus 21 by using a change or animation of light emission.

The controller 55 detects whether the finger of the occupant is in contact with the first sensor 245 or whether the finger is close to the first sensor 245 based on the signal from the first sensor 245. When the first sensor 245 detects the occupant (the finger of the occupant), the controller 55 controls the in-vehicle device 21 corresponding to the operated input portion 248A based on the signal from the first operation interface 248. When the first sensor 245 does not detect an occupant, the controller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the operation interface 248. Specifically, when the finger of the occupant is not detected based on the signal from the first sensor 245, the controller 55 prohibits the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the first operation interface 248.

Since the first side-surface front portion 238A is inclined, it is difficult for the occupant to hold his or her finger on the first side-surface front portion 238A. However, since the first side-surface rear portion 238B includes the projection 239, it is easy for the occupant to hold his or her finger on the first side-surface rear portion 238B. Therefore, when opening or closing the door 1, the occupant naturally uses the recessed rear portion 235B as a handle. As a result, when the occupant is closing the vehicle door 1, the fingers of the occupant become less likely to come into contact with the first sensor 245 and the first operation interface 248, thereby preventing an improper operation of the first operation interface 248.

The shoulder surface 238C is provided at the boundary between the first side surface front portion 238A and the first side surface rear portion 238B. Therefore, when the occupant holds the first side surface rear portion 238B with the fingers so as to close the vehicle door 1, the fingers of the occupant abut the shoulder surface 238C, thereby preventing the fingers from moving to the first side surface front portion 238A. Accordingly, the shoulder surface 238C helps to keep the occupant's fingers away from the first sensor 245 and the first operation interface 248, thereby preventing improper operation of the first operation interface 248.

In the operating device 200 according to the modification of the seventh embodiment shown in fig. 26, the first side surface 238 may include an inclined surface 260 in place of the shoulder surface 238C. The inclined surface 260 is inclined to extend rearward and inward in the lateral direction of the vehicle. In this case, when the occupant holds the finger on the first side surface front portion 238A to close the vehicle door 1, the inclined surface 260 guides the finger from the first side surface front portion 238A toward the first side surface rear portion 238B. Therefore, when the occupant holds the fingers on the first side-surface rear portion 238B to close the vehicle door 1, the inclined surface 260 helps to hold the fingers on the first side-surface rear portion 238B, preventing them from moving forward.

As shown in fig. 27, the first side surface front portion 238A may be provided with a guide groove 270 that is recessed toward the inside of the vehicle. The upper end of the guide groove 270 reaches the first upper surface 241. The first side surface front 238A may be provided with a plurality of guide grooves 270. The guide groove 270 may have a semicircular or rectangular cross section when viewed from above. The occupant can hold the second to fourth fingers in the guide groove 270 so that the first finger of the occupant is properly placed at the first operation interface 248.

Description of the reference numerals

1 vehicle door

3 door decorations

11 door handle

20 operating device

21 vehicle-mounted device

31 main body

32 upper surface of the main body

33 side surface of the main body

35 concave part

38 first side surface

39 projection

40 handle

41 first upper surface

43 inclined surface

45 first sensor

46 second sensor

48 interface

50 upper board

51 display

52 selection interface

55 controller

70 handle

100 operating device

101 handle

105 inner side surface

106 outside surface

111 first operation interface

112 second operation interface

113 first sensor

114 second sensor

115 third sensor

116 fourth sensor

131 first lighting device

141 second lighting device

200 operating device

235 recess

235A recess front

235B recess rear

236 recess bottom wall

237 recess side wall

238 first side surface

238A first side surface front

238B rear of the first side surface

238C shoulder surface

239 projection

240 handle

245 first sensor

248 first operation interface

249 second operation interface

250 display element

260 inclined surface

270 guiding groove

The X axis of rotation.

Claims

1. An operating device for a vehicle having a front-rear direction and a lateral direction, the operating device comprising:

a grip provided on an inner surface of a door of the vehicle, the grip extending in the front-rear direction and including an outer side surface, an inner side surface, and an upper surface connecting an upper edge of the outer side surface to an upper edge of the inner side surface;

an operation interface provided on the inner side surface of the grip for receiving an operation input to operate at least one in-vehicle device input by an occupant;

a first sensor disposed on the outer side surface for detecting the finger of the occupant;

a second sensor provided on at least one of the inner side surface and the upper surface for detecting the finger of the occupant; and

a controller connected to the operator interface, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the at least one in-vehicle device,

wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the operation interface when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller prohibits control of the at least one in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation interface when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect the occupant.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the second sensor is provided on the outer side surface.

3. The operating device according to claim 2, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are disposed so as to overlap each other when viewed from the lateral direction.

4. The operating device according to claim 3, wherein the inside surface includes an inclined surface at an upper portion thereof, the inclined surface being inclined upward and toward an outside of the vehicle, and

wherein the second sensor is disposed on the inclined surface.

5. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operation interface is located below the second sensor.

6. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second sensor extends in the front-rear direction, and wherein a rear end of the second sensor is located rearward of a rear end of the operation interface.

7. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a rear end of the second sensor is located forward of a rear end of the grip.

8. The operating device according to claim 7, wherein a front end of the second sensor is located rearward of a front end of the grip.

9. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one in-vehicle device includes a plurality of in-vehicle devices,

wherein the grip is provided with a selection interface for selecting one of the plurality of in-vehicle devices,

wherein the operation interface and the selection interface are provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction so as to at least partially overlap with each other when viewed from the lateral direction, an

Wherein a front end of the second sensor is located behind a rear end of the selection interface.

10. An operating device for a vehicle having a front-rear direction and a lateral direction, the operating device comprising:

a handle provided on an inner surface of a door of a vehicle, the handle extending in the front-rear direction to have a front end and a rear end, both of which are connected to the door;

a first operation interface provided on an inner side surface of the handle for receiving an operation input by an occupant to operate at least one in-vehicle device;

a first sensor disposed on an outer side surface of the handle for detecting the fingers of the occupant;

a second sensor provided on a surface of the handle different from the outer side surface for detecting the finger of the occupant; and

a controller connected to the first operator interface, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the at least one in-vehicle device,

wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the first operation interface when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller prohibits control of the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the first operation interface when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect the occupant.

11. The operating device according to claim 10, further comprising:

a second operation interface, provided on the inner side surface of the handle, for receiving an operation input by the occupant to operate the at least one of the in-vehicle devices;

a third sensor provided on the outer side surface of the handle for detecting the finger of the occupant; and

a fourth sensor provided on a surface of the handle different from the outer side surface for detecting the finger of the occupant,

wherein the second operation interface, the third sensor and the fourth sensor are connected to the controller, an

Wherein the controller controls the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the second operation interface when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller prohibits control of the at least one in-vehicle device based on a signal from the second operation interface when at least one of the third sensor and the fourth sensor does not detect the occupant.

12. The operating device according to claim 11, wherein control performed by the controller based on the signal from the first operation interface is different from control performed by the controller based on the signal from the second operation interface.

13. The operating device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second operation interface is located in front of the first operation interface,

wherein the third sensor is located in front of the first sensor, an

Wherein the fourth sensor is located in front of the second sensor.

14. The operating device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising:

the first lighting device is arranged around the first operation interface of the handle; and

a second illumination device disposed around the second operation interface of the handle,

wherein the first and second lighting devices are connected to the controller,

wherein the controller causes the first illumination device to emit light when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant, and wherein the controller causes the second illumination device to emit light when both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect the occupant.

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