JP2016168963A - Operation system for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability.SOLUTION: The operation system for a vehicle comprises: longitudinal members 12 protruded and extended from a steering column 101; motion detecting portions 21, 61 and 71 which have tip surfaces 22 and 62 arranged at tip parts in a protruding direction of the longitudinal members 12 and can detect operation modes allocated to actuation modes that an on-vehicle device 200 has at the tip surfaces 22 and 62 or at a sensing space SP with a tip surface 73 as a start point; and a control device 30 that controls the on-vehicle device 200 on the basis of the operation modes detected by the motion detecting portions 21, 61 and 71. The motion detecting portions 21, 61 and 71 are arranged so that at least tip surfaces 22, 62 and 73 can freely change angles around shaft lines at the tip parts of the longitudinal members 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle operation system.

  The vehicle operation system is for an operator to operate an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle. For example, the vehicle operation system includes a lever operation unit provided on the steering column and a hand or finger movement detection unit provided at the tip of the lever operation unit, so that the operator can move from the steering wheel. A device that can be operated without releasing a hand is known (for example, Patent Document 1 below). In the technique of Patent Document 1, the detection unit is provided at the tip of the lever operation unit.

JP 2014-144893 A

  By the way, since the direction in which a finger can be easily moved is different for each operator, it is desired that it is possible to set for each operator which direction the finger is operated to operate the in-vehicle device. Thus, the vehicle operation system has room for improvement in terms of improvement in operability.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle operation system with improved operability.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has a longitudinal member that protrudes and extends from a steering column, and a distal end surface that is disposed at a distal end portion in the extending direction of the longitudinal member, and is provided in an in-vehicle device. An operation detection unit that detects an operation mode assigned to an operation mode in the sensing space starting from the front end surface side or the front end surface, and controls the in-vehicle device based on the operation mode detected by the operation detection unit A control unit. The motion detection unit is characterized in that at least the distal end surface is disposed such that an angle around an axis line can be freely changed at the distal end portion of the longitudinal member.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the motion detection unit includes a rotation mechanism that rotates about the axis in the extending direction of the longitudinal member.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the rotation mechanism includes a rotation unit that is disposed so as to cover a circumferential direction of the longitudinal member and rotates the motion detection unit by rotating around the axis of the longitudinal member.

  The rotation mechanism preferably includes a transmission shaft that is disposed between the rotation unit and the motion detection unit and transmits rotation of the rotation unit to the motion detection unit.

  Further, the motion detection unit includes a contact sensor capable of detecting an object in contact with the tip surface and a moving direction of the object, and detects a contact operation as the operation form by the contact sensor. It is desirable.

  In addition, the motion detection unit includes a non-contact sensor capable of detecting an object located in the sensing space and a moving direction of the object, and the non-contact operation is performed as the operation mode by the non-contact sensor. It is desirable to detect.

  In addition, it is preferable that the motion detection unit includes a movable body that is disposed on the distal end surface side and is movable by a contact operation, and detects the motion of the movable body as the operation mode.

  It is desirable that at least one combination of the longitudinal member and the motion detection unit is provided on at least one of the left end and the right end in the vehicle width direction of the steering column.

  In addition, a lever operation unit having the longitudinal member, and a lever operation detection unit that detects a tilting direction of a tilting operation using the end of the longitudinal member on the steering column side as a fulcrum are provided as the operation direction of the longitudinal member. It is desirable that the vehicle-mounted device assigned to the tilt direction of the tilting operation or a vehicle-mounted device different from the vehicle-mounted device is operated, and a sub-operation device having the motion detection unit.

  It is desirable that at least one combination of the main operating device and the sub operating device is provided on at least one of the left end and the right end in the vehicle width direction of the steering column.

  The vehicle operation system according to the present invention has an effect of improving operability.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle operation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle operation system. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a main operation device and a sub operation device of the vehicle operation system. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a main operation device and a sub operation device of the vehicle operation system. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the main operating device and the sub operating device of the vehicle operating system. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a main operation device and a sub operation device of the vehicle operation system according to the first modification. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a main operating device and a sub operating device of the vehicle operating system. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle operation system according to a second modification. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a main operation device and a sub operation device of the vehicle operation system.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle operation system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment.

[Embodiment]
One embodiment of a vehicle operation system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The vehicle operation system of the present embodiment is configured such that an on-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle can be operated without an operator (driver) removing his / her hand from the steering wheel. Reference numeral 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2 represents a vehicle operation system having such a configuration.

  The vehicle operation system 1 according to the present embodiment is disposed on a steering column 101 (that is, the rear side of the steering wheel 102 (the front side of the vehicle with respect to the steering wheel 102)) in the vehicle interior. The vehicle operation system 1 includes a main operation device 10 and a sub operation device 20 for operating the in-vehicle device 200, and a control device (control unit) 30. In the vehicle operation system 1, at least one combination of the main operation device 10 and the sub operation device 20 is provided on at least one of the left end and the right end in the vehicle width direction of the steering column 101. In the illustration of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, one combination of the main operation device 10L and the sub operation device 20L is provided at the left end of the steering column 101, and one combination of the main operation device 10R and the sub operation device 20R is provided at the right end of the steering column 101. A set is provided.

  Here, the vehicle-mounted device 200 is a device having at least one function (operation form) that operates in accordance with the operation of the vehicle operation system 1 by the operator. For example, the in-vehicle device 200 corresponds to a vehicle lighting device (headlight or taillight), a direction indicator, a wiper, or the like. Moreover, in the case of what is mounted in a vehicle interior, audio equipment, audio equipment, such as radio, an air conditioner (so-called air conditioner), etc. correspond to the vehicle-mounted device 200. The in-vehicle device 200 is not mounted on the vehicle itself, but is also applicable to devices (for example, mobile phones, portable music players, etc.) that are mounted on the vehicle when brought into the vehicle interior. To do.

  In the following, unless otherwise stated, the direction along the rotation axis of the steering wheel 102 is referred to as the axial direction, and the direction around the rotation axis is referred to as the circumferential direction. The direction orthogonal to the rotation axis is referred to as the radial direction.

  The main operating device 10 includes a lever operating portion 11 as shown in FIG. The lever operation unit 11 has a longitudinal member 12 that protrudes from and extends from the steering column 101. The main operating device 10 is a so-called lever switch for operating the in-vehicle device 200 (see FIG. 1 and the like) assigned to the operating direction of the longitudinal member 12.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the longitudinal member 12 has, for example, a cylindrical main portion, and this main portion protrudes from the steering column 101 in a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction is, for example, a radial direction, a right upward direction toward the vehicle right and upward, a right downward direction toward the vehicle right and downward, a left direction of the vehicle and upward toward the vehicle. The diagonally upward left direction, the diagonally downward left direction toward the left side of the vehicle and the downward direction of the vehicle, and the direction inclined further to the rear side of the vehicle with the end on the steering column 101 side as a fulcrum in these directions. Moreover, the main part of the longitudinal member 12 may be formed in a straight shape, or may be provided with a bent portion in the middle of the path. The longitudinal member 12 extends to a position where an operator holding the left end portion or the vicinity of the left end portion in the vehicle width direction of the steering wheel 102 or the right end portion or the vicinity of the right end portion touches with his / her finger (for example, the middle finger or the index finger). The end in the protruding direction (extending direction) is extended. Thereby, the operator can touch the front-end | tip in the protrusion direction of the longitudinal member 12 with an own finger | toe while holding the steering wheel 102. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the longitudinal member 12 is supported tiltably by a support portion 13 fixed inside the steering column 101. The support portion 13 is configured to freely perform a tilting operation with the end portion of the longitudinal member 12 on the steering column 101 side as a fulcrum. In the lever operation unit 11, the tilting direction in the tilting operation of the longitudinal member 12 is the operation direction of the operator with respect to the longitudinal member 12. The illustrated longitudinal member 12 has a tilting operation toward the vehicle front side, a tilting operation toward the vehicle rear side, a clockwise tilting operation toward one circumferential direction, and the other side from the neutral position as a base point. The counterclockwise tilting operation in the circumferential direction can be performed. At least one on-vehicle device 200 and at least one function in the on-vehicle device 200 are assigned to each operation direction of the longitudinal member 12.

  Here, the support portion 13 may be configured to return the longitudinal member 12 to the neutral position by a spring force or the like after the longitudinal member 12 is tilted from the neutral position in a certain operation direction. After tilting in a certain operation direction from the neutral position, the longitudinal member 12 may be returned to the neutral position by the operator's own hand. In the latter case, the support portion 13 is configured so as to be capable of tilting the longitudinal member 12 in at least one stage.

  The main operating device 10 is provided with a lever operation detecting unit 14 that detects a tilting direction in the tilting operation of the longitudinal member 12. The lever operation detection unit 14 transmits an output signal corresponding to the tilt direction of the longitudinal member 12 to the control device 30. The control device 30 can detect the operation direction of the longitudinal member 12 performed by the operator based on the output signal.

  The control device 30 sends a command (drive command or stop command) to the in-vehicle device 200 based on the output signal of the lever operation detection unit 14, and the function of the in-vehicle device 200 according to the operation of the operator on the longitudinal member 12. Drive or stop. Here, the command for the in-vehicle device 200 may be a command for directly driving or stopping the in-vehicle device 200, or a command for the control device of the in-vehicle device 200. When receiving a command from the control device 30, the control device of the in-vehicle device 200 drives or stops the function of the in-vehicle device 200 based on the content of the command.

  The sub-operation device 20 is a switch for operating another function in the in-vehicle device 200 that is the same as the operation target of the main operation device 10 or another in-vehicle device 200 that is different from the operation target of the main operation device 10. At least one operation mode for operating the in-vehicle device 200 is set in the sub operation device 20. The operation form is for the operator to express an intention to operate the in-vehicle device 200. In this operation mode, at least one function in the in-vehicle device 200 is assigned together with at least one in-vehicle device 200.

  The sub-operation device 20 includes a motion detection unit 21 at the tip in the protruding direction of the longitudinal member 12. The operation detection unit 21 detects an operation mode set in the sub-operation device 20. The motion detection unit 21 detects an operation mode corresponding to the operator's intention to operate the vehicle-mounted device 200 at the tip of the longitudinal member 12.

  Specifically, the motion detection unit 21 of the present embodiment is provided with at least one contact operation region (tip surface) 22 that is operated to be contacted by the operator. The contact operation region 22 is formed in the contact operation member 23 disposed at the distal end of the longitudinal member 12. The contact operation member 23 has an exposed portion that can be touched by an operator, and forms a contact operation region 22 in the exposed portion. For example, the motion detection unit 21 has one contact operation member 23 when there is one contact operation region 22. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of contact operation regions 22, each contact operation region 22 may be formed on one contact operation member 23, or may be formed on the contact operation member 23 provided for each contact operation region 22. .

  In addition, the motion detection unit 21 includes a contact sensor 24 that can detect an object in contact with the contact operation region 22 and a moving direction of the object. The contact sensor 24 is a so-called touch sensor such as a capacitance sensor. The contact sensor 24 is disposed on the front surface or the back surface of the exposed portion of the contact operation member 23. The illustrated contact sensor 24 is disposed on the back surface of the exposed portion, and detects an operation mode (hereinafter referred to as “contact operation mode”) of the operator with respect to the contact operation area 22 of the contact operation member 23. One contact sensor 24 may be provided for each contact operation region 22, or one contact sensor 24 may be provided for a plurality of contact operation regions 22.

  The control device 30 sends a command (drive command or stop command) to the in-vehicle device 200 based on the output signal of the contact sensor 24 of the motion detection unit 21, and responds to the contact operation on the contact operation area 22 of the operator. The function of the in-vehicle device 200 is driven or stopped. The command for the in-vehicle device 200 is the same as that exemplified above.

  In this type of motion detection unit 21, at least one contact operation mode of the operator is assigned to one contact operation region 22. In the operation detection unit 21, the contact operation mode of the operator with respect to the contact operation region 22 is assigned for each function of the in-vehicle device 200 or for each of the plurality of in-vehicle devices 200.

  In the motion detection unit 21 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the contact operation member 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape with one end closed, and is disposed so as to close the opening at the tip of the cylindrical main body portion of the longitudinal member 12. In this case, as the contact operation area 22, first to third contact operation areas 22a, 22b, and 22c described later are provided. In addition, a circular closed surface that is an exposed portion of the contact operation member 23 becomes the contact operation region 22. In the motion detection unit 21, a contact sensor (see FIG. 1 and the like) 24 disposed on the back surface of the contact operation region 22 is provided. In this case, the contact type sensor 24 (see FIG. 3 and the like) may be arranged so that the contact operation can be sensed over the entire surface of the contact operation area 22 and configured to detect the contact operation for each subdivided area. Good.

  This illustrated closing surface is a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the tip of the main portion. As the contact operation mode set in the contact operation area 22, for example, a slide operation along the radial direction of the closed surface, a touch operation touching the contact operation area 22, and the like can be considered. The slide operation is, for example, a function selection operation for selecting a desired one from a plurality of functions of the in-vehicle device 200, or a condition selection for selecting a desired one from a plurality of selection conditions of a certain function. It can be used for operations. The function selection operation is, for example, an operation of selecting a desired function from a media selection function, a volume selection function, a track selection function, and the like when the in-vehicle device 200 is an acoustic device. The condition selection operation is, for example, an operation for selecting a desired volume when a volume selection function is selected. As this slide operation, an operation in at least one direction is set. The touch operation is, for example, an operation performed when determining a function or selection condition selected by a slide operation. As this touch operation, a single touch operation or a multiple hitting operation can be set.

  And in order to improve the operativity at the time of a slide operation, it is desirable to form each contact operation area | region 22 so that it may be divided | segmented in the orthogonal direction with respect to the natural motion of an operator's finger. Here, it is formed so as to be divided in a direction along the plane of the contact operation region 22 and in a direction orthogonal to the natural movement of the finger of the operator.

  The motion detection unit 21 includes first to third contact operation areas 22a, 22b, and 22c. In this example, the first to third contact operation regions 22 a, 22 b, and 22 c are formed in one contact operation member 23. The contact operation member 23 is a cylindrical member disposed at the tip of the longitudinal member 12 and closes one opening with the first to third contact operation regions 22a, 22b, and 22c that are exposed portions. The illustrated first to third contact operation areas 22a, 22b, and 22c are divided along a direction orthogonal to the natural movement of the operator's fingers, and each has a plane along the movement. Yes. In the motion detection unit 21, a contact type sensor 24 disposed on the back surface of the first to third contact operation areas 22a, 22b, and 22c is provided.

  The first contact operation region 22a is interposed between the second contact operation region 22b and the third contact operation region 22c. The first contact operation region 22a is a plane that is orthogonal to the axial direction of the distal end portion of the longitudinal member 12, and extends along the natural movement of the operator's fingers (here, the bending direction). The first contact operation area 22a is surrounded by two straight parallel sides along the movement of the finger and two sides connecting the two sides at both ends (extension side and contraction side) of the finger movement. This area The two sides on both end sides have curvatures matched to the cylindrical shape of the contact operation member 23. In the first contact operation area 22a, at least a slide operation along the movement of the finger is set as a contact operation form. In the illustrated first contact operation area 22a, a touch operation is also set as the contact operation mode.

  The second contact operation region 22b is disposed on the vehicle upper side with respect to the first contact operation region 22a. The second contact operation region 22b is a plane that is inclined with respect to the first contact operation region 22a and extends along the natural movement of the operator's fingers. The second contact operation region 22b is inclined so as to approach the steering column 101 side toward the vehicle upper side than the first contact operation region 22a. That is, the illustrated second contact operation region 22b has an inclined surface as if a part of the periphery of the disk is chamfered. The second contact operation region 22b is surrounded by a straight side on the first contact operation region 22a side along the movement of the finger and a curved side bulging upward on the vehicle connecting both ends of the one side. This area The curved side has a curvature matched to the cylindrical shape of the contact operation member 23. In the second contact operation region 22b, at least a touch operation is set as a contact operation form. In the second contact operation area 22b, a slide operation along the movement of the finger may be set as a contact operation form.

  The third contact operation region 22c is disposed on the vehicle lower side with respect to the first contact operation region 22a. The third contact operation area 22c is a plane that is inclined with respect to the first contact operation area 22a and extends along the natural movement of the operator's fingers. The third contact operation region 22c is inclined so as to approach the steering column 101 side toward the vehicle lower side than the first contact operation region 22a. In other words, the third contact operation region 22c of this example has an inclined surface as if a part of the peripheral edge of the disk was chamfered, like the second contact operation region 22b. The third contact operation region 22c is composed of one linear side on the first contact operation region 22a side along the movement of the finger and a curved side bulging to the vehicle lower side connecting both ends of the one side. It is an enclosed area. The curved side has a curvature matched to the cylindrical shape of the contact operation member 23. In the third contact operation region 22c, at least a touch operation is set as a contact operation form. In the third contact operation region 22c, a slide operation along the movement of the finger may be set as a contact operation form.

  Here, the first contact operation region 22a is recessed toward the steering column 101 with respect to the second contact operation region 22b and the third contact operation region 22c. That is, in the contact operation member 23, a step is provided between the first contact operation region 22a and the second contact operation region 22b and between the first contact operation region 22a and the third contact operation region 22c. For this reason, the connection surface 25a which connects these is formed between the 1st contact operation area | region 22a and the 2nd contact operation area | region 22b. A connecting surface 25b is formed between the first contact operation region 22a and the third contact operation region 22c to connect them. The contact sensor 24 may be capable of detecting contact of an object with respect to the connection surfaces 25a and 25b, or may be unable to detect such contact. In the former case, each of the connection surfaces 25a and 25b may be used as a part of the first contact operation area 22a, for example.

  The motion detection unit 21 touches the second contact operation region 22b and the third contact operation region 22c together even when an attempt is made to perform the contact operation on the first contact operation region 22a depending on the thickness of the finger of the operator. There is a possibility. For this reason, for example, when the output signal of the contact sensor 24 related to the first contact operation area 22a is received by the control device 30, and the detection area of the output signal in the first contact operation area 22a is equal to or greater than a predetermined area, Even if the output signal of the contact sensor 24 related to the second contact operation region 22b or the third contact operation region 22c is received, it may be determined that the contact operation on the first contact operation region 22a has been performed.

  The sub-operation device 20 provided with the motion detection unit 21 can be used as at least one of the sub-operation devices 20L and 20R described above.

  The vehicle operation system 1 configured as described above includes a rotation mechanism 40. The rotation mechanism 40 rotates the motion detector 21 around the axis in the extending direction (tip portion) of the longitudinal member 12. The rotation mechanism 40 rotates at least the contact operation member 23 around the axis of the distal end portion of the longitudinal member 12. The rotating mechanism 40 mainly includes a rotating part 41 and a transmission shaft 42. The rotating part 41 is disposed on the steering column 101 side of the longitudinal member 12. The rotating part 41 is formed in, for example, a concentric annular shape arranged so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the longitudinal member 12. The transmission shaft 42 is disposed inside the longitudinal member 12. The transmission shaft 42 connects the rotating unit 41 and the contact operation member 23. The transmission shaft 42 transmits the rotation of the rotating unit 41 to the contact operation member 23. When the longitudinal member 12 is provided with a bent portion in the middle of the path, the rotation mechanism 40 is provided with a link mechanism or the like that matches the bent portion of the longitudinal member 12 on the transmission shaft 42, for example.

  By the rotation mechanism 40 having such a configuration, the contact operation member 23 rotates steplessly around the axis. For example, when the operator wants to perform a slide operation in which the fingers are bent back and forth between the front side of the vehicle and the rear side of the vehicle while holding the steering wheel 102, as shown in the example of FIG. The contact operation member 23 is rotated so that the operation region 22a extends along the reciprocating front-rear direction connecting the vehicle front side and the vehicle rear side. In addition, when the operator wants to perform a slide operation in which the finger is swung up and down while holding the steering wheel 102, the first contact operation region 22a extends along the up and down direction of the vehicle as illustrated in the example of FIG. The contact operation member 23 is rotated so as to extend. Note that the rotation mechanism 40 may rotate the contact operation member 23 around the axis, for example, stepwise by a predetermined angle.

  Thus, if the operator rotates the contact operation member 23 around the axis so that the first contact operation region 22a extends along the direction in which his / her finger can be easily moved while holding the steering wheel 102, Good. In other words, the vehicle operation system 1 can set for each operator which direction of operation of the finger to operate the in-vehicle device 200. Further, when the operator of the vehicle changes to another person, the new operator so that the first contact operation area 22a extends along the direction in which his / her finger can easily move while holding the steering wheel 102. The contact operation member 23 may be rotated around the axis. For this reason, the vehicle operation system 1 can easily change the orientation of the first contact operation region 22a according to the operation direction of the finger desired by the operator who has different holding positions of the steering wheel 102 or the like. It has become a thing.

  As described above, the vehicle operation system 1 according to the present embodiment can improve operability.

[Modification 1]
The vehicle operation system 2 of the present modification is obtained by replacing the sub operation device 20 with the sub operation device 60 shown in FIG. 6 in the vehicle operation system 1 of the above-described embodiment. The sub operation device 60 is set with a plurality of operation modes for operating the in-vehicle device 200, like the sub operation device 20 of the embodiment.

  The secondary operation device 60 includes a first motion detection unit 61 similar to the secondary operation device 20 of the embodiment and a second motion detection unit 67 different from the secondary operation device 20 at the distal end in the protruding direction of the longitudinal member 12. .

  The first motion detection unit 61 of this modification has a contact operation region (tip surface) 62 similar to that of the motion detection unit 21 of the embodiment. Here, as the contact operation area 62, a first contact operation area 62a and a second contact operation area 62b are provided. The first contact operation region 62 a and the second contact operation region 62 b are formed in the exposed portion of the contact operation member 63. The contact operation member 63 is the same cylindrical member as the contact operation member 23 of FIGS. 4 and 5 of the embodiment, but is provided with a rectangular through hole 63a in the central portion of the circular closed surface serving as an exposed portion. . It is desirable that the through hole 63a has a longitudinal direction along the natural movement of the operator's finger shown in the embodiment. In addition, a contact sensor 64 similar to the contact sensor 24 of the embodiment is disposed on the front surface or the back surface of the exposed portion of the contact operation member 63. As the contact sensor 64, a contact sensor 64a for the first contact operation area 62a and a contact sensor 64b for the second contact operation area 62b are prepared.

  The first contact operation region 62a is disposed on the vehicle upper side with respect to the through hole 63a. The first contact operation area 62a includes a straight side along the natural movement of the operator's finger on the through-hole 63a side, and a curved side bulging upward on the vehicle connecting both ends of the one side. It is an enclosed area. The curved side has a curvature matched to the cylindrical shape of the contact operation member 63. A contact type sensor 64a is disposed on the back surface of the first contact operation area 62a. In the first contact operation area 62a, at least a touch operation is set as a contact operation mode. For example, the touch operation (operation to touch once) of the first contact operation area 62a can be used like a determination button. In the first contact operation area 62a, a slide operation along the movement of the operator's finger may be set as a contact operation form.

  The second contact operation region 62b is disposed on the vehicle lower side with respect to the through hole 63a. The second contact operation region 62b includes a straight side along the natural movement of the operator's finger on the through-hole 63a side, a curved side bulging to the vehicle lower side connecting both ends of the one side, It is an area surrounded by. The curved side has a curvature matched to the cylindrical shape of the contact operation member 63. A contact type sensor 64b is disposed on the back surface of the second contact operation area 62b. In the second contact operation area 62b, at least a touch operation is set as a contact operation form. For example, the touch operation (the touch operation once) in the second contact operation area 62b can be used like a return button. In the second contact operation area 62b, a slide operation along the movement of the finger of the operator may be set as a contact operation form.

  The second motion detection unit 67 includes a disk-shaped dial operation member (movable body) 68 and a dial operation detection unit 69 that detects the movement of the dial operation member 68. The second motion detector 67 is configured like a so-called tilt wheel.

  The dial operating member 68 has its outer peripheral surface partially exposed from the through-hole 63a, and has its own axis (rotating shaft) orthogonal to the axial direction of the distal end portion of the longitudinal member 12, and the through-hole It arrange | positions so that it can rotate around an axis line along the longitudinal direction of 63a. For example, the dial operation member 68 is rotatably held with respect to the contact operation member 63. In the dial operation member 68, the exposed portion from the through hole 63a becomes a contact operation portion by the operator. For this reason, in order to suppress the slip at the time of contact operation, the outer peripheral surface is formed with recesses and protrusions alternately along the circumferential direction. Further, the dial operating member 68 is configured to be pressed along the axial direction of the distal end portion of the longitudinal member 12. The pressed dial operation member 68 can return to its original position by, for example, an elastic member (not shown) attached to the rotating shaft or the holding portion of the rotating shaft.

  The rotation operation around the axis of the dial operation member 68 can be used as an operation equivalent to the slide operation of the first contact operation region 22a of the embodiment. Further, the pressing operation of the dial operation member 68 can be used, for example, as a determination operation of the function of the selected in-vehicle device 200.

  The dial operation detection unit 69 detects a rotation operation amount (for example, a rotation angle) of the dial operation member 68 and whether or not the dial operation member 68 is pressed. The dial operation detection unit 69 transmits an output signal related to the amount of rotation operation and the presence or absence of pressing to the control device 30.

  The control device 30 controls the in-vehicle device 200 based on the output signals from the contact sensors 64 a and 64 b and the dial operation detection unit 69.

  Here, the sub-operation device 60 can be used as at least one of the sub-operation devices 20L and 20R described in the embodiment. In this case, in this vehicular operation system 2, as a start operation mode corresponding to the drive command described in the embodiment or a stop operation mode corresponding to the stop command, for example, a long press operation in which the dial operation member 68 is continuously pressed for a predetermined time. Or a continuous contact operation for a predetermined time on the first contact operation region 62a or the second contact operation region 62b may be used. Further, in the vehicle operation system 2, the sub operation device 60 is applied to one of the sub operation devices 20L and 20R, and the sub operation device 20 including the motion detection unit 21 in the embodiment is applied to the other. Good.

  The vehicle operation system 2 configured as described above includes the rotation mechanism 40 described in the embodiment. The rotation mechanism 40 rotates the first and second motion detectors 61 and 67 about the axis in the extending direction (tip portion) of the longitudinal member 12. The rotation mechanism 40 rotates at least the contact operation member 63 around the axis of the distal end portion of the longitudinal member 12. The rotating mechanism 40 mainly includes a rotating part 41 and a transmission shaft 42. The contact operation member 63 is rotated steplessly around the axis by the rotation mechanism 40. For example, when the operator wants to rotate the dial operation member 68 by bending the fingers in the back-and-forth direction between the vehicle front side and the vehicle rear side while holding the steering wheel 102, as shown in the illustration of FIG. Further, the contact operation member 63 is rotated so that the rotation direction of the dial operation member 68 is along the reciprocating front-rear direction connecting the vehicle front side and the vehicle rear side. Further, when the operator wants to rotate the dial operation member 68 by swinging his / her finger up and down while holding the steering wheel 102, the rotation direction of the dial operation member 68 is the vehicle as shown in the illustration of FIG. The contact operation member 63 is rotated along the vertical direction. In this way, the operator may rotate the contact operation member 63 about the axis so that the rotation direction of the dial operation member 68 is in a direction in which his / her finger can be easily moved while holding the steering wheel 102. In other words, the vehicle operation system 2 can set for each operator which direction of operation of the finger to operate the in-vehicle device 200. Moreover, even when the operator of the vehicle is changed to another person, the vehicle operation system 2 can set the operation direction desired by the person as in the embodiment.

  Also in this modification, this vehicle operation system 2 can improve operability.

[Modification 2]
In the vehicle operation systems 1 and 2 according to the embodiment and the modification 1 described above, the sub operation devices 20 and 60 adopt the contact operation mode as the operation mode of the operator. On the other hand, the sub-operation device 70 of the vehicle operation system 3 according to the present modification uses a non-contact operation mode as the operation mode of the operator.

  The vehicle operation system 3 of this modification is obtained by replacing the sub operation devices 20 and 60 with the sub operation device 70 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in the vehicle operation systems 1 and 2 of the above-described embodiment. A plurality of operation modes for operating the in-vehicle device 200 are set in the sub operation device 70 as in the sub operation devices 20 and 60 of the embodiment.

  The sub-operation device 70 includes a motion detection unit 71 that detects the operation mode of the operator in a non-contact manner at the tip in the protruding direction of the longitudinal member 12. The motion detection unit 71 can detect the operation mode (non-contact operation mode) of the operator in the sensing space SP with the tip as a base point. The sensing space SP is, for example, a space that extends from the tip of the tip of the longitudinal member 12 toward the vehicle side along the axial direction of the tip. The motion detection unit 71 includes a non-contact sensor 72 capable of detecting an object existing in the sensing space SP and a moving direction of the object in the sensing space SP. As the non-contact type sensor 72, for example, an infrared sensor such as a near infrared sensor can be used. In addition, the sensing space SP in the present embodiment is set, for example, to a range equivalent to a range in which the operator moves while bending the fingers while holding the steering wheel 102.

  In the motion detection unit 71, the operation mode of the operator in the sensing space SP is assigned to each function of the in-vehicle device 200 or for each of the plurality of in-vehicle devices 200. In assigning the operation mode, it is desirable to apply the operation mode according to the natural movement of the finger of the operator described in the embodiment. For example, when the control device 30 receives an output signal related to the movement along the direction of the finger from the non-contact sensor 72, the control device 30 performs a bending operation of the finger in the sensing space SP with respect to the first contact operation region 22a of the embodiment. Can be recognized as equivalent. Further, when the non-contact sensor 72 detects that the distance from the finger is approaching as in the touch operation of the embodiment, when the output signal is received from the non-contact sensor 72, the control device 30 detects the sensing space. The movement of the finger in the SP can be recognized as being equivalent to the touch operation of the embodiment.

  Here, the sub-operation device 70 can be used as at least one of the sub-operation devices 20L and 20R described in the embodiment. Moreover, in this vehicle operation system 3, the sub operation device 70 may be applied to one of the sub operation devices 20L and 20R, and the sub operation device 20 and 60 in the embodiment or the modification 1 may be applied to the other. .

  The rotation mechanism 40 rotates the distal end surface 73 of the motion detector 71 around the axis of the distal end of the longitudinal member 12. The rotation mechanism 40 is the same as that described in the embodiment. The rotating mechanism 40 mainly includes a rotating part 41 and a transmission shaft 42. By the rotation mechanism 40, the distal end surface 73 of the motion detection unit 71 rotates steplessly around the axis. In this manner, the vehicle operation system 3 can set for each operator which direction of operation of the finger to operate the in-vehicle device 200. Moreover, even when the operator of the vehicle is changed to another person, the vehicle operation system 3 can be set to the operation direction desired by the person as in the embodiment.

  As described above, also in this modification, the vehicle operation system 3 can improve operability.

  By the way, in embodiment mentioned above and the modifications 1, 2, it demonstrated that the sub operation apparatus 20,60,70 was provided in the front-end | tip of the longitudinal member 12 in which the tilting operation in the main operation apparatus 10 is possible. However, the motion detectors 21 and 71 of the sub-operating devices 20 and 70 and the first and second motion detectors 61 and 67 of the sub-operating device 60 are stationary longitudinal members 12 that are prohibited from moving such as a tilting motion. You may provide in the front-end | tip. The immovable longitudinal member 12 is a long object that protrudes from and extends from the steering column 101, and one end is fixed inside the steering column 101. Such a combination of the non-moving longitudinal member 12 and the motion detection unit 21 or the motion detection unit 71 or the first and second motion detection units 61 and 67 is provided at the left and right ends of the steering column 101 in the vehicle width direction. At least one set may be provided on at least one side. This combination may be arranged in place of the combination of the main operation device 10 and the sub operation device 20 described above, or may be arranged together with the combination of the main operation device 10 and the sub operation device 20.

  Further, the configuration for rotating the contact operation members 23 and 63 and the distal end surface 73 of the motion detection unit 71 around the axis at the distal end portion of the longitudinal member 12 is limited to the rotation mechanism 40 having the rotation unit 41 and the transmission shaft 42 described above. Not. For example, the contact operation members 23 and 63 and the distal end surface 73 of the motion detection unit 71 themselves may be rotated around the axis at the distal end of the longitudinal member 12 without using the transmission shaft 42. For example, the rotation mechanism has an annular convex portion that is convex outward in the radial direction along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the contact operation member 23, and an inner peripheral surface of the opening at the tip of the main portion of the longitudinal member 12. You may comprise by the guide groove (circumferential guide groove) formed so that an annular convex part could be accommodated. The annular convex portion is formed to be rotatable along the circumferential direction while being fitted in the guide groove. With such a configuration, the contact operation member 23 can be rotated around the axis at the distal end portion of the longitudinal member 12. Further, for example, the contact operation members 23 and 63 and the distal end surface 73 of the motion detection unit 71 may be configured to be detachable from the distal end portion of the longitudinal member 12. In this case, the operator removes the contact operation members 23 and 63 and the distal end surface 73 of the motion detection unit 71 from the distal end portion of the longitudinal member 12. Then, the operation direction of the fingers on the first contact operation regions 22a and 62a and the distal end surface 73 of the motion detection unit 71 extends along the direction in which the operator can easily move his / her fingers while holding the steering wheel 102. Furthermore, the contact operation members 23 and 63 and the distal end surface 73 of the motion detection unit 71 may be attached to the distal end portion of the longitudinal member 12 by changing the angle around the axis at the distal end portion of the longitudinal member 12. With such a configuration, the contact operation members 23 and 63 and the distal end surfaces 22, 62, and 73 of the motion detection unit 71 can change the angle around the axis at the distal end portion of the longitudinal member 12 without the rotation mechanism 40. .

  Further, the rotation mechanism 40 may have a lock mechanism in order to prevent the contact operation members 23 and 63 and the distal end surfaces 22, 62, and 73 of the motion detection unit 71 from rotating about the axis line unintentionally. . In a state where the lock mechanism is unlocked, the contact operation members 23 and 63 and the front end surfaces 22, 62 and 73 of the motion detector 71 can be rotated around the axis by the rotation mechanism 40. Further, when the lock mechanism is locked, the contact operation members 23 and 63 and the tip end surfaces 22, 62 and 73 of the motion detection unit 71 are restricted from rotating around the axis.

  Further, the main operating device 10 may be further provided with a sub operating device (not shown) different from the sub operating devices 20, 60, 70. The other sub-operation device has, for example, a concentric annular member arranged so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the longitudinal member 12, and the function of the in-vehicle device 200 is selected by rotating the annular member around the axis. Is to do.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle operation system 10, 10L, 10R Main operation apparatus 11 Lever operation part 12 Longitudinal member 13 Support part 14 Lever operation detection part 20, 20L, 20R Sub operation apparatus (operation apparatus)
21 motion detector 22 contact operation area (tip surface)
23 Contact Operation Member 24 Contact Sensor 30 Control Device (Control Unit)
40 Rotating mechanism 41 Rotating unit 42 Transmission shaft 101 Steering column 102 Steering wheel 200 On-vehicle device SP sensing space

Claims (10)

A longitudinal member projecting from and extending from the steering column;
An operation mode assigned to the operation mode of the in-vehicle device is detected in the sensing space starting from the front end surface or the front end surface, having a front end surface disposed at the front end in the extending direction of the longitudinal member. A motion detector that
A control unit that controls the in-vehicle device based on the operation mode detected by the operation detection unit;
With
The motion detection unit is arranged such that at least the tip surface thereof is capable of changing an angle around an axis at the tip of the longitudinal member.
A vehicle operating system characterized by the above. The vehicle operation system according to claim 1, wherein the motion detection unit includes a rotation mechanism that rotates about an axis in an extending direction of the longitudinal member. The rotation mechanism includes a rotation unit that is disposed so as to cover the circumferential direction of the longitudinal member and rotates the motion detection unit by rotating around the axis of the longitudinal member.
The vehicle operation system according to claim 2. The rotation mechanism includes a transmission shaft that is disposed between the rotation unit and the motion detection unit and transmits the rotation of the rotation unit to the motion detection unit.
The vehicle operation system according to claim 3. The motion detection unit includes a contact sensor capable of detecting an object in contact with the tip surface and a moving direction of the object, and detects a contact operation as the operation form by the contact sensor.
The operation system for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The motion detection unit includes an object located in the sensing space and a non-contact sensor capable of detecting a moving direction of the object, and detects a non-contact operation as the operation form by the non-contact sensor. ,
The operation system for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The motion detection unit is disposed on the tip surface side, has a movable body that can be moved by a contact operation, and detects the operation of the movable body as the operation mode.
The operation system for vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 4. At least one combination of the longitudinal member and the motion detection unit is provided on at least one of the left end and the right end in the vehicle width direction of the steering column.
The vehicle operating system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A lever operation unit having the longitudinal member, and a lever operation detection unit for detecting a tilt direction of a tilting operation with the end of the longitudinal member on the steering column side as a fulcrum are provided, and the operation direction of the longitudinal member is A main operating device for operating the vehicle-mounted device assigned to the tilt direction of the tilting operation or a vehicle-mounted device different from the vehicle-mounted device;
A sub-operation device having the motion detection unit;
A vehicle operation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. At least one combination of the main operating device and the sub operating device is provided on at least one of the left end and the right end in the vehicle width direction of the steering column,
The vehicle operation system according to claim 9.

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