JP2003320909A - Operation switch device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation switch for vehicle whose mounting position can be easily changed according to a driver's preference. <P>SOLUTION: An operation switch device for vehicle comprises: a switch unit equipped with the operation switch for controlling an operation of accessory devices equipped in the vehicle; a unit holder having the switch unit attachably/ detachably mounted thereon, provided near a driver's seat of the vehicle; an information input device for receiving an operation information of the operation switch from the switch unit mounted on the unit holder which is provided to the unit holder; an operation control unit for controlling the operation of the accessory devices according to the operation information taken in through the information input device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle operation switch device for controlling the operation of accessory devices mounted on a vehicle.

[0002]

[Related Background Art] In the vicinity of the driver's seat in a vehicle,
A plurality of operation switches for controlling the operation of an air conditioner (air conditioner) and an audio device mounted on the vehicle and further accessory devices such as a power window and a sunroof are provided. By the way, these operation switches have a relatively large shape so that they can be operated reliably even during driving operation, and almost exclusively in accordance with the specifications of the vehicle and its control target (accessory device). It is provided at each set position.

[0003]

However, there are many cases where it is preferable to change the installation positions of these operation switches in accordance with the driver's disability and his / her preference (skill / individuality). However, in order to change the installation location of the operation switch described above, various restrictions may be involved, for example, it is necessary to change a wire harness that bundles signal lines that respectively connect a plurality of accessory devices and the operation switch. can not deny. Moreover, since the number of operation switches increases as the number of accessory devices mounted on the vehicle increases, it is difficult to secure the installation space for these operation switches.

The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to easily change the installation place of the operation switch according to the preference of the driver and to increase the number of operation switches. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle operation switch device capable of coping with the above.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a vehicle operation switch device according to the present invention is provided with an operation switch used for controlling the operation of accessory devices mounted on the vehicle. An information input device incorporated in a switch unit detachably attached to a unit holder provided in the vicinity thereof, and the unit holder takes in operation information of the operation switch of the switch unit attached to the unit holder from the switch unit. To provide. The operation information of the operation switch fetched via the information input device is given to an operation control unit for controlling the operation of the accessory devices.

By the way, the unit holders are provided at a plurality of locations near the driver's seat of the vehicle, and the switch unit is selectively attached to the plurality of unit holders for use. Then, the switch unit is operated by, for example, being fed by electromagnetic induction coupling from the unit holder side on which the switch unit is mounted, and operating information of the operation switch is transmitted to the information input device by using light, radio waves, electromagnetic waves, etc. Configured for non-contact transmission.

In a preferred mode of the present invention, the unit holder is provided with a mechanism for holding the switch unit slidably in its mounting / dismounting direction. The switch unit slidably held by the unit holder is provided with the operation switch on the front end face in the mounting / dismounting direction with respect to the unit holder, and when the switch unit is positioned so as to project from the unit holder by a predetermined amount. It is realized by having an auxiliary operation switch that can be operated on the side surface thereof.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A vehicle operation switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an operation switch device according to this embodiment, and schematically shows a state around a driver's seat in a vehicle. In the figure, 1 is a driver's seat (seat seat), 2 is an auxiliary seat (seat seat) provided next to the driver's seat 1, and 3 and 4 are door parts on the driver's seat side and the auxiliary seat side. Is a steering wheel, 6 is an instrument panel, 7 is a center cluster, and 8 is a center console.

The operation switch device is provided with a plurality of unit holders 30 on which a switch unit 10 having an operation switch 11 is detachably mounted, at a plurality of locations around the driver's seat 1, for example, left and right door portions 3 ,. 4, the center cluster 7, and the center console 8 are provided. These unit holders 30 (30a, 3
0b, 30c, 30d) are information input devices (EC
U) 31 and the unit holder 3
The operation information of the operation switch 11 in the switch unit 10 mounted on the 0 is input to the information input device (ECU) 31.
Play the role of taking in. And the operation switch 11
The operation information is controlled from each of the information input devices 31 via a vehicle-mounted LAN cable (not shown) to control an air conditioner (air conditioner) and an audio device mounted in the vehicle, and accessory devices such as a power window and a sunroof. It is adapted to be transmitted to each unit (ECU).

The switch unit 10 is shown in FIG.
(a) and (b) show a schematic cross-sectional structure and a front view thereof.
A unit holder 30 having a box-like shape and having a predetermined recessed shape is fitted and used. In particular, an electromagnetic coil 32 for power supply and an electromagnetic coil 33 for information transmission, which will be described later, are provided at the bottom of the unit holder 30, and the above-mentioned coils 32, 33 are provided on the back side of the switch unit 10, respectively. An electromagnetic coil 12 for receiving power and an electromagnetic coil 13 for transmitting information, which face each other and are electromagnetically inductively coupled, are provided. Also switch unit 1
On the front surface of 0, a display 14 corresponding to each of the operation switches 11 is provided.

Specifically, the switch unit 10 and the unit holder 30 are constructed, for example, as shown in FIG. The unit holder 30 is a vehicle-mounted battery (BAT) 4
It operates by receiving electric power supplied from 0, and includes a stabilized power supply 41 that generates an internal power supply of, for example, 5 V, and an inverter control circuit 42 that drives the electromagnetic coil 32 for power supply described above. The information input device (ECU) 31 incorporated in the unit holder 30 operates by receiving electric power supplied from the stabilizing power supply 41,
It is mainly composed of a microcomputer (CPU) 34. This CPU 34 has an interface circuit (I
/ F) 35 and is connected to the LAN cable 51 described above, and transmits information to and from the control unit (ECU) 52 of various accessory devices via the LAN cable 51.

The CPU 34 modulates information to be output to the switch unit 10 via a modulation circuit 36, and the electromagnetic coil 33 via a transmission amplifier 37.
Is transmitted by driving the electromagnetic wave, and information received through the electromagnetic coil 33 (for example, operation information of the operation switch 11) is fetched from the bandpass filter (BPF) 38 via the demodulation circuit 39.

On the other hand, the switch unit 10 is electromagnetically inductively coupled to the electromagnetic coil 32 to take in the electric energy emitted from the electromagnetic coil 32.
2 is provided. There are 3 types (12V, 5V, 200
V) Three electromagnetic coils for generating the respective voltage 1
2a, 12b and 12c are shown. The electric power received through each of the electromagnetic coils 12a, 12b, 12c is stabilized as a DC voltage of 12V, 5V, 200V through the rectifier circuit 15 and the filter circuit 16 in series, and the switch unit 10 Are used as internal power sources.

The switch unit 10 also includes a control circuit 20 which is mainly composed of a microcomputer (CPU) 21 and which operates by receiving the internal power source of 5V. The CPU 21 modulates information to be output to the unit holder 30 via a modulation circuit 22,
Information transmitted by driving the electromagnetic coil 13 via the transmission amplifier 23 and received via the electromagnetic coil 13 is demodulated from the bandpass filter (BPF) 24 by the demodulation circuit 2.
5 is configured to be taken in through. Also the above CPU
Reference numeral 21 has a function of detecting the operating states (on / off states) of the plurality of operating switches 11 described above, for example, from the presence or absence of a voltage of 12 V applied via the display 14. Information on the operation switch 11 detected in this manner is transferred to the unit holder 3 via the electromagnetic coil 13 described above.
Sent to 0.

The above-mentioned 200 V DC power supply is used to drive the switch unit 10 when it has a display 26 such as an inorganic electroluminescence (EL). Therefore, the switch unit 10
Needless to say, when the display 26 is not provided, the 200V power supply function including the electromagnetic coil 12c described above is unnecessary. When the display unit 14 is provided on the unit holder 30 side and the switch unit 10 is provided with only the window portion for checking the lighting state of these display units 14, a 12V power source including the electromagnetic coil 12b described above is used. No function is required. Since the amount of power to be supplied from the unit holder 30 side to the switch unit 10 by electromagnetic induction coupling can be reduced, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the power supply system. However, in this case, in the CPU 21, the operation switch 11
It suffices to detect whether or not the switch contact is grounded based on the operating state (ON / OFF state).

The switch unit 10 and the unit holder 30 basically configured as described above operate as follows, for example. That is, when the switch unit 10 is mounted on a certain unit holder 30, the inverter control circuit 4
Power is supplied to the switch unit 10 from the unit holder 30 side via the power receiving electromagnetic coil 12 electromagnetically coupled to the electromagnetic coil 32 driven by 2.
Then, receiving this power supply, C of the switch unit 10
PU21 operates. Then, the CPU 21 receives an address signal unique to the unit holder 30 notified from the unit holder 30 side via the electromagnetic coil 33 for information transmission, so that the unit holder at any place near the driver's seat where the switch unit 10 is located. Know if it is attached to 30.

When the function of the switch unit 10 is specified for controlling the power window, the CPU 21 gives the ID unique to the switch 8 unit for indicating the function to the electromagnetic coil. It notifies to the unit holder 30 side via 13. By this notification, the unit holder 30 knows the switch function of the switch unit 10 attached to the unit holder 30.

After performing such initial communication negotiation, the CPU 21 operates the operating switch 11 incorporated in the switch unit 10 (on / off state).
The off state) is detected, and the detection information (switch operation information) is transmitted to the unit holder 30. Then, the unit holder 30 receiving this detection information (switch operation information) adds the above-mentioned address signal (or ID) to the detection information (switch operation information), and adds this to the above-mentioned LAN cable 51. It is transmitted to the control unit 52 of the accessory device. Then, the control unit 52 of each accessory device determines whether or not the information is addressed to itself by checking the address signal (or ID) of the received information. Capture information to control the operation of accessory equipment. Specifically, in the case of controlling the power window, the corresponding window is raised (closed) or lowered (open). Further, in the case of control of the air conditioner, control such as on / off control of the air conditioner, change of the control temperature and air volume thereof, and the like are executed.

In the unit holder 30 to which the switch unit 10 is not attached, the non-attached state of the switch unit 10 is set by utilizing the fact that there is almost no electric energy output through the electromagnetic coil 32 for power feeding. It is preferable to perform a function such as detecting and shifting the unit holder 30 to a power saving (power saving) mode. Regarding the transition to the power saving (power saving) mode, for example, when the switch operation information is not input from the switch unit 10 for a long time, or when the switch information is not input periodically, the function should be performed. Is preferred.

According to the operation switch device constructed as described above, the unit holder 30 to which the switch unit 10 is attached can be selected, so that the switch unit 10 can be selected according to the driver's preference and dominant arm. The position can be changed easily. In particular, if information identifying the function of the operation switch is added to the switch unit 10 itself, no matter which position the switch unit 10 is attached to, the unit holder 30 of the target accessory device can be installed. The operation can be controlled. Therefore, the switch unit 10 that is frequently operated
Is preferentially arranged at the position where the driver can operate the
It is possible to easily change the switch layout.

On the contrary, if the information for specifying the switch function is added to the specific unit holder 30, the operation of the target accessory device can be surely performed regardless of which switch unit 10 is attached. Can be controlled. Therefore, when there are a plurality of arrangement designs of the operation switches 11 incorporated in the switch unit 10, it is possible to selectively use the switch unit 10 having a desired design.

The above-mentioned mounting of the switch unit 10 to the unit holder 30 may be carried out semi-fixedly at a vehicle dealer (dealer) or the like according to the driver's request. It may be arbitrarily performed by. In particular, if the switch unit 10 can be easily attached / detached to / from the unit holder 30 by a driver or the like, by removing the switch unit 10 when, for example, a child is riding in the vehicle, it is possible There is also an effect such that the operation can be prevented in advance. Further, according to the configuration described above, when a left-hand drive vehicle and a right-hand drive vehicle are mixedly manufactured in a factory or the like, the mounting position of the switch unit 10 can be easily changed according to the specifications, and each unit can be easily changed. Holder 30
On the other hand, since the specifications of the LAN cable 51 to be laid can be unified, the manufacturing work can be simplified.

By the way, power transmission and information signal transmission between the switch unit 10 and the unit holder 30 are performed by
As described above, the electromagnetic induction coupling between the electromagnetic coils 12, 13, 32, 33 is utilized to perform the contactless operation. Therefore, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the switch unit 1
0 is provided slidably in the attachment / detachment direction with respect to the unit holder 30, and is selectively positioned between a position where the switch unit 10 is embedded in the unit holder 30 and a position where the front end side thereof is protruded from the unit holder 30 by about half. Is also useful. The main operation switch 11 is provided at the front end of the switch unit 10, and the auxiliary operation switch 11a is provided on the side of the main operation switch 11 so that the auxiliary operation switch 11a is exposed only when the switch unit 10 is projected about halfway. To do.

At this time, the unit holder 30 includes, for example, the electromagnetic coils 12 incorporated in the switch unit 10 in accordance with the sliding position of the switch unit 10.
Two sets of electromagnetic coils 32, each of which is electromagnetically coupled with 13
a, 33a, 32b, 33b are provided, and these electromagnetic coils 32a, 33a, 32b, 33b are driven in parallel, so that power transmission and information signal transmission between one of them and the switch unit 10 are performed. And you should do.

When the unit holder 30 is provided in this manner, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a movable body 56 biased toward the opening side by a spring 55 is provided inside the unit holder 30. Magnet 57 provided on movable body 56
Then, the switch unit 10 is mounted in the unit holder 30 by being attracted to the magnet 58 provided in the switch unit 10. Then, by selectively engaging the protrusion 59 provided on the side portion of the movable body 56 with the two fitting concave portions 60a and 60b provided on the wall surface of the unit holder 30,
It suffices to give the switch unit 10 a click feeling and selectively fix it to the above-mentioned two positions. Then, when the engagement between the protrusion 59 and the fitting recess 60a is released,
By using the elastic force of the spring 55 to protrude the switch unit 10 from the unit holder 30 by about half, and pushing the switch unit 10 against the spring 55,
The switch unit 10 may be pushed into the unit holder 30.

If the operation switch device having such a structure is adopted, the auxiliary operation switch 1 that is not frequently operated is used.
1a is always stored inside the unit holder 30, and the switch unit 10 can be exposed so that it can be operated only when the operation is required. Therefore, it becomes possible to effectively provide the auxiliary operation switch 11a in a limited area near the driver's seat. In particular, the operation switch device having such a structure is suitable as an operation terminal for controlling the operation of an air conditioner or an audio device.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the number of operation switches 11 incorporated in the switch unit 10 and the switch type are not particularly limited, and adjustment elements such as variable resistors can be incorporated. Further, here, the information is transmitted between the switch unit 10 and the unit holder 30 by electromagnetic induction coupling, but the information may be transmitted by a radio wave of a very small electric power, and the information may be transmitted by using infrared light or laser light. Of course, optical transmission of signals is also possible. If the switch unit 10 incorporates a button-type or coin-type battery, it is possible to prevent the unit holder 30 from supplying power to the switch unit 10 by electromagnetic induction coupling.

The number of unit holders 30 provided near the driver's seat of the vehicle is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a switch unit 10 for opening and closing a power window, a sunroof, etc.
The switch unit 10 for operating the air conditioner and the audio device may be different in shape and size from each other, and may be attached to the dedicated unit holders 30. In addition, the present invention can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0029]

As described above, according to the present invention, operation switches for controlling the operation of various accessory devices mounted on a vehicle can be integrated and made common. Therefore, it is possible to easily change the installation location of the switch unit without inadvertently increasing the number of switches, so that it is possible to easily realize a switch layout according to the driver's preference. Great effect can be achieved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of an operation switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a relationship between a switch unit and a unit holder that constitute an operation switch device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of a switch unit and a unit holder that constitute the operation switch device.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a modified example of the operation switch device.

5 is a diagram showing an example of a slide mechanism of the operation switch device shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 switch units 11 Operation switch 12 Electromagnetic coil for receiving power 13 Electromagnetic coil for information transmission 14 Display 30 unit holder 31 Information input device (ECU) 32 Electromagnetic coil for power supply 33 Electromagnetic coil for information transmission

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Yuichi Watanabe             2-6-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo             Kawa Electric Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshio Shinoda             1-1, Showa-cho, Kariya city, Aichi stock market             Inside the company DENSO (72) Inventor Fumio Asakura             14 Iwatani Shimohakaku-cho, Nishio-shi, Aichi Stock Association             Company Japan Auto Parts Research Institute F-term (reference) 5G034 AE10

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A switch unit including an operation switch used to control the operation of accessory devices mounted on a vehicle, and a unit holder provided near the driver's seat of the vehicle and detachably mounted with the switch unit. An information input device which is provided in the unit holder and takes in the operation information of the operation switch in the switch unit mounted in the unit holder from the switch unit; and the operation switch which is taken in via the information input device. And an operation control unit that controls the operation of the accessory devices according to the operation information of 1. 2. The unit holders are respectively provided at a plurality of locations near the driver's seat of the vehicle, and the switch unit is selectively attached to the plurality of unit holders. The vehicle operation switch device according to 1. 3. The switch unit is operated by being powered by electromagnetic induction coupling from the side of the unit holder on which the switch unit is mounted, and non-contactly transmitting operation information of the operation switch to the information input device. The vehicle operation switch device according to claim 1. 4. The unit holder is provided with a mechanism for slidably holding the switch unit in the mounting / dismounting direction of the switch unit, and the switch unit has the operation end on the front end face in the mounting / dismounting direction of the unit holder. The vehicle operation switch device according to claim 1, further comprising a switch, and an auxiliary operation switch that is operable when the switch unit is positioned so as to project from the unit holder by a predetermined amount.