JP2022149330A - Operating device and vehicle door - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an operating device keeping an operation position constant.SOLUTION: Operating devices 20 and 100 include: arm rests 31 and 101 disposed on a door 1 of a vehicle; an operation input part 48 disposed on an external surface of the arm rests so as to accept an operation by a passenger for operating at least one of on-vehicle devices 21; a first sensor 45 for detecting a finger of the passenger which is disposed behind the operation input part on the external surface of the arm rests; and a control device 55 connected to the operation input part, the first sensor and the on-vehicle devices. The control device controls the on-vehicle device on the basis of a signal from the operation input part if the first sensor detects the passenger, and inhibits control of the on-vehicle device on the basis of the signal from the operation input part if the first sensor does not detect the passenger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

2. Description of the Related Art It is known that a vehicle door is provided with an operation device having an operation switch (for example, a touch sensor) for operating an in-vehicle device (for example, Patent Document 1). In order to prevent erroneous operation of the operation switch, the operation device is provided in a concave portion forming a grip portion of the armrest, and is provided with a first sensor for detecting the hand and fingers of the occupant, and a side surface of the main body portion of the grip portion. and a second sensor for detecting a finger. A control device for a vehicle door controls an in-vehicle device when an operation switch provided on a side surface of an armrest on an inner side of the vehicle is operated by an occupant while the first sensor and the second sensor detect the fingers of the occupant. .

JP 2021-035816 A

A touch sensor is configured by, for example, a capacitance sensor or the like, and is sometimes formed in a planar shape. In this case, there is a problem that it is difficult for the passenger to recognize the position to be operated. Also, if the operation position is misaligned, there is a risk that an erroneous operation input will be detected.

In view of the background described above, an object of the present invention is to make the operation position constant in an operation device.

In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention includes armrests (31, 101) provided on a door (1) of a vehicle, and at least one in-vehicle device (21) provided on the outer surface of the armrest. an operation input unit (48) for receiving an operation by an occupant for operation; a first sensor (45) provided behind the operation input unit on the outer surface of the armrest for detecting the occupant's fingers; A control device (55) connected to the operation input unit, the first sensor, and the in-vehicle device, wherein the control device outputs a signal from the operation input unit when the first sensor detects an occupant. and for prohibiting control of the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input unit when the first sensor does not detect an occupant. )I will provide a.

According to this aspect, the occupant can perform an operation input while the finger is detected by the first sensor. As a result, the operating position of the operating device can be made constant. Further, the positions of the occupant's fingers can be comprehended with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signal from the first sensor. Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether the input to the operation input unit is intentional by the passenger or unintentional contact. Therefore, the in-vehicle device can be controlled only when the input is intended by the passenger.

In the above aspect, the upper surface (32, 102) of the armrest is provided with a pull pocket (35) recessed downward, and the inner wall portion (38, 108) defining the inner side portion of the pull pocket has a , a recess (51) recessed toward the inside of the vehicle is provided, a second sensor (46) for detecting the fingers of the occupant is provided on an upper wall (52) defining the upper part of the recess, and the control device controls the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input unit when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant, and controls at least the first sensor and the second sensor It is preferable to prohibit the control of the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input unit when one does not detect the occupant.

According to this aspect, in order for the occupant to operate the operation input unit, it is necessary to grip the pull pocket in a predetermined gripping manner and have both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the fingers. As a result, the in-vehicle device is not operated even if the occupant unintentionally touches the operation input unit when the occupant is trying to close the door by catching his/her finger in the pull pocket. In other words, erroneous operation by the passenger can be reliably prevented.

In the above aspect, it is preferable that the recess is recessed toward the vehicle interior and upward from the inner wall portion, and the second sensor is arranged on the uppermost side of the upper wall portion.

According to this aspect, when the occupant grips the pull pocket to operate the operation input unit, the finger can be deeply inserted into the pull pocket and the fingertip can be brought into contact with the second sensor. This makes it easier for the occupant to hold the pull pocket and keep the fingertips in contact with the second sensor. Therefore, it becomes easier for the passenger to operate the operation input unit.

In the above aspect, the inner wall portion preferably has an inner side surface (40) that extends substantially vertically from the bottom (36) of the recess and faces the outside of the vehicle.

According to this aspect, when the occupant is trying to close the door by hooking the finger in the pull pocket, the finger is locked on the inner side surface. This makes it easier to close the door. Furthermore, since the finger is locked on the inner surface and does not enter the recess, it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous operation by the passenger.

Said aspect WHEREIN: It is good to arrange|position a said 1st sensor from the said pull pocket inside a vehicle.

According to this aspect, the occupant contacts the second sensor in the pull pocket with the second to fifth fingers, and contacts the base of the first finger (that is, the ball of the foot) with the first sensor. , the first finger can be used to operate the operation input unit.

Said aspect WHEREIN: At least one part of the said operation input part is good to be arrange|positioned at the vehicle inner side of the said pull pocket.

According to this aspect, the position where the operation input section is provided can be selected from a wider area. Therefore, the operation input section can be provided at a position where it is easier for the passenger to operate.

In the above aspect, the outer surface of the armrest has an inner side surface (33, 103) that is bent with respect to the upper surface and extends downward, and an uneven portion (44) is formed along the boundary between the upper surface and the inner side surface. ) is provided, and the operation input portion is preferably formed in a planar shape and arranged on the upper surface or the inner side surface of the vehicle adjacent to the uneven portion.

According to this aspect, the occupant can identify the position of the operation input unit by the tactile sensation when touching the uneven portion. Therefore, it is easy for the passenger to recognize the position to be operated. Therefore, the occupant can perform correct operation inputs.

In the above-described aspect, the first sensor includes an upper sensor (45A) provided on the upper surface and a lower sensor (45B) provided on the inner side surface of the vehicle, and the concave/convex portion includes the upper sensor and the lower sensor (45B). It is good to arrange|position between the said lower side sensor.

According to this aspect, the first sensor detects contact with the occupant's fingers at two locations, the upper sensor and the lower sensor. This increases the number of positions to be touched when operating the operation input unit, and specifies the placement of the occupant's fingers. Therefore, the occupant's fingers can be guided to an arrangement that allows the operation input unit to be easily operated. Therefore, the operating position of the passenger becomes constant.

Said aspect WHEREIN: It is good for the said uneven|corrugated|grooved part to include a stitch.

According to this aspect, the uneven portion can be provided on the armrest without impairing the design.

Said aspect WHEREIN: It is good for a said 2nd sensor to have a convex part (46A) which protruded toward the said pull pocket side.

According to this aspect, the occupant can tactilely identify that the fingers are in contact with the second sensor.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle door comprising the operation device according to any one of the above aspects.

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a door equipped with an operating device whose operating position is fixed.

One aspect of the present invention is an armrest (31, 101) provided on a door (1) of a vehicle, and an armrest provided on the outer surface of said armrest for operation by an occupant for operating at least one in-vehicle device (21). an operation input unit (48) for receiving an operation input unit; a first sensor (45) provided behind the operation input unit on the outer surface of the armrest for detecting a finger of a passenger; a sensor and a control device (55) connected to the in-vehicle device, wherein the control device controls the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the operation input unit when the first sensor detects an occupant; and inhibits control of the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the operation input unit when the first sensor does not detect an occupant.

According to this aspect, the occupant can perform an operation input while the finger is detected by the first sensor. As a result, the operating position of the operating device can be made constant. Further, the positions of the occupant's fingers can be comprehended with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signal from the first sensor. Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether the input to the operation input unit is intentional by the passenger or unintentional contact. Therefore, the in-vehicle device can be controlled only when the input is intended by the passenger.

In the above aspect, the upper surface (32, 102) of the armrest is provided with a pull pocket (35) recessed downward, and the inner wall portion (38, 108) defining the inner side portion of the pull pocket has a , a recess (51) recessed toward the inside of the vehicle is provided, a second sensor (46) for detecting the fingers of the occupant is provided on an upper wall (52) defining the upper part of the recess, and the control device controls the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input unit when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant, and controls at least the first sensor and the second sensor It is preferable to prohibit the control of the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input unit when one does not detect the occupant.

According to this aspect, in order for the occupant to operate the operation input unit, it is necessary to grip the pull pocket in a predetermined gripping manner and have both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the fingers. As a result, the in-vehicle device is not operated even if the occupant unintentionally touches the operation input unit when the occupant is trying to close the door by catching his/her finger in the pull pocket. In other words, erroneous operation by the passenger can be reliably prevented.

In the above aspect, it is preferable that the recess is recessed toward the vehicle interior and upward from the inner wall portion, and the second sensor is arranged on the uppermost side of the upper wall portion.

According to this aspect, when the occupant grips the pull pocket to operate the operation input unit, the finger can be deeply inserted into the pull pocket and the fingertip can be brought into contact with the second sensor. This makes it easier for the occupant to hold the pull pocket and keep the fingertips in contact with the second sensor. Therefore, it becomes easier for the passenger to operate the operation input unit.

In the above aspect, the inner wall portion preferably has an inner side surface (40) that extends substantially vertically from the bottom (36) of the recess and faces the outside of the vehicle.

According to this aspect, when the occupant is trying to close the door by hooking the finger in the pull pocket, the finger is locked on the inner side surface. This makes it easier to close the door. Furthermore, since the finger is locked on the inner surface and does not enter the recess, it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous operation by the passenger.

Said aspect WHEREIN: It is good to arrange|position a said 1st sensor from the said pull pocket inside a vehicle.

According to this aspect, the occupant contacts the second sensor in the pull pocket with the second to fifth fingers, and contacts the base of the first finger (that is, the ball of the foot) with the first sensor. , the first finger can be used to operate the operation input unit.

Said aspect WHEREIN: At least one part of the said operation input part is good to be arrange|positioned at the vehicle inner side of the said pull pocket.

According to this aspect, the position where the operation input section is provided can be selected from a wider area. Therefore, the operation input section can be provided at a position where it is easier for the passenger to operate.

In the above aspect, the outer surface of the armrest has an inner side surface (33, 103) that is bent with respect to the upper surface and extends downward, and an uneven portion (44) is formed along the boundary between the upper surface and the inner side surface. ) is provided, and the operation input portion is preferably formed in a planar shape and arranged on the upper surface or the inner side surface of the vehicle adjacent to the uneven portion.

According to this aspect, the occupant can identify the position of the operation input unit by the tactile sensation when touching the uneven portion. Therefore, it is easy for the passenger to recognize the position to be operated. Therefore, the occupant can perform correct operation inputs.

In the above-described aspect, the first sensor includes an upper sensor (45A) provided on the upper surface and a lower sensor (45B) provided on the inner side surface of the vehicle, and the concave/convex portion includes the upper sensor and the lower sensor (45B). It is good to arrange|position between the said lower side sensor.

According to this aspect, the first sensor detects contact with the occupant's fingers at two locations, the upper sensor and the lower sensor. This increases the number of positions to be touched when operating the operation input unit, and specifies the placement of the occupant's fingers. Therefore, the occupant's fingers can be guided to an arrangement that allows the operation input unit to be easily operated. Therefore, the operating position of the passenger becomes constant.

Said aspect WHEREIN: It is good for the said uneven|corrugated|grooved part to include a stitch.

According to this aspect, the uneven portion can be provided on the armrest without impairing the design.

Said aspect WHEREIN: It is good for a said 2nd sensor to have a convex part (46A) which protruded toward the said pull pocket side.

According to this aspect, the occupant can tactilely identify that the fingers are in contact with the second sensor.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle door comprising the operation device according to any one of the above aspects.

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a door equipped with an operating device whose operating position is fixed.

1 is a side view of a vehicle door provided with an operation device according to a first embodiment; FIG. Perspective view of operating device Block diagram showing operation device, in-vehicle device and display IV-IV sectional view of Fig. 2 Explanatory diagram showing the positions of the occupant's fingers when operating the operation input unit An explanatory diagram showing the positions of the occupant's fingers when opening and closing the vehicle door by putting the finger on the concave portion. The perspective view of the operating device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment VIII-VIII sectional view of FIG.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, with reference to drawings, embodiment of the vehicle door provided with the operating device which concerns on this invention, and an operating device is described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle door 1 according to the first embodiment has a door panel 2 as a frame member and a door trim 3 provided to cover the inner side surface of the door panel 2 . The door panel 2 has an inner panel and an outer panel made of steel. The inner panel and the outer panel are joined to the outer panel at the leading edge, the lower edge and the trailing edge, excluding the upper edge, forming a space in the middle.

The door trim 3 is made of a resin material. The door trim 3 includes a trim body portion 3A arranged on the vehicle interior side of the door panel 2, and a trim portion protruding toward the door panel 2 from the peripheral edge of the trim body portion 3A and abutting on the edge portion of the door panel 2 on the vehicle interior side surface. and an edge wall portion 3B. The trim edge wall portion 3B extends along the periphery of the trim body portion 3A.

A door handle 11 for opening and closing the door is provided on the upper portion of the trim body portion 3A. A speaker 12 may be provided at the lower front portion of the trim body portion 3A. In addition, a pocket portion that bulges toward the vehicle interior may be provided in a portion located behind the speaker 12 in the lower portion of the trim main body portion 3A.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an operation device 20 is provided at an intermediate portion in the up-down direction of the vehicle interior side surface of the trim body portion 3A. The operation device 20 is a device that receives an input operation by a passenger in order to operate at least one in-vehicle device 21 . As shown in FIG. 3, the in-vehicle device 21 includes, for example, an electric seat device 23, a car navigation device 24, an audio device 25, an air conditioner 26, and the like.

The electric seat device 23 includes, for example, a front-rear adjustment mechanism 23A that moves the seat in the longitudinal direction with respect to the vehicle body, a height adjustment mechanism 23B that changes the height of the seat with respect to the vehicle body, and a seatback angle with respect to the seat cushion. and a seat heater 23D for changing the temperature of a heater provided on the seat. Each of the forward/backward adjustment mechanism 23A, the height adjustment mechanism 23B, and the reclining mechanism 23C includes an electric motor and is driven by the electric motor. The seat heater 23D includes a heating wire and changes its temperature according to the supplied current.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operating device 20 has a body portion 31 forming an outer shell. The body portion 31 is made of a resin material. The main body portion 31 is attached to the central portion in the up-down direction of the vehicle interior side surface of the trim main body portion 3A and extends in the front-rear direction. The main body portion 31 is preferably connected to the trim main body portion 3A with screws or the like. Further, the body portion 31 may be formed integrally with the trim body portion 3A.

The outer surface of the main body portion 31 of the operation device 20 protrudes toward the vehicle interior side with respect to the trim body portion 3A, and has an upper surface 32 facing upward, and a vehicle interior side surface 33 that is bent with respect to the upper surface 32 and facing toward the vehicle inner side and downward. and The upper surface 32 can support the forearms of the occupant, and the main body 31 functions as an armrest.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, on the upper surface 32 of the main body 31 of the operating device 20, a power window switch 34 and a pull pocket 35 arranged behind the power window switch 34 and recessed downward are formed. It is The pull pocket 35 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and extends forward and backward. Pull pocket 35 is defined by a bottom portion 36 and a cylindrical sidewall 37 extending from bottom portion 36 to top surface 32 . A portion of the side wall 37 defining the inner side portion of the pull pocket 35 in the vehicle width direction and facing outward in the vehicle width direction is referred to as an inner side wall portion 38 . The inner wall portion 38 extends substantially vertically. A first upper surface portion 41 is a portion of the upper surface 32 located between the upper end of the inner wall portion 38 and the upper end of the vehicle interior side surface 33 .

The vehicle interior side surface 33 has, on its upper portion, an inclined surface portion 43 that is inclined upward toward the vehicle interior side in the vehicle width direction. The upper end of the inclined surface portion 43 and the first upper surface portion 41 are preferably smoothly connected. The inclined surface portion 43 is not an essential component, and may be omitted in other embodiments. By providing the inclined surface portion 43, the width of the first upper surface portion 41 in the vehicle width direction may be minute. An uneven portion 44 is formed along the boundary between the vehicle interior side surface 33 and the first upper surface portion 41 .

The uneven portion 44 extends forward and backward along the extending direction of the main body portion 31 . The front end of the uneven portion 44 is preferably located forward of the front end of the pull pocket 35 (the front end of the inner wall portion 38). The rear end of the uneven portion 44 is preferably arranged behind the rear end of the pull pocket 35 (the rear end of the inner wall portion 38). The concave-convex portion 44 has a concave-convex shape that can be sensed by the occupant's fingers. In this embodiment, the concave-convex portion 44 is formed in a shape that imitates a stitch (seam).

A recessed portion 51 recessed upward from the inner wall portion 38 toward the inside of the vehicle is provided at a substantially central portion of the inner wall portion 38 in the vertical direction. An upper portion of the recess 51 is defined by an upper wall portion 52 . A lower wall portion 53 defines the lower portion of the recess 51 . A portion of the inner wall portion 38 located between the vehicle-exterior end portion of the first upper surface portion 41 and the vehicle-exterior end portion of the upper wall portion 52 is defined as a first inner side surface 39 . A second inner side surface 40 is defined as a portion of the inner wall portion 38 that is located between the inner end portion of the bottom portion 36 and the outer end portion of the lower wall portion 53 . The first inner side surface 39 extends substantially vertically from the first upper surface portion 41 and faces the outside of the vehicle. The second inner side surface 40 extends substantially vertically from the bottom portion 36 and faces the outside of the vehicle. The second inner surface 40 is not an essential component and may be omitted in other embodiments.

The recess 51 has an upper portion defined by an upper wall portion 52 connected to the lower end of the first inner surface 39 . A second sensor 46 for detecting the fingers of the occupant is provided on the uppermost part of the upper wall portion 52 . A first sensor 45 for detecting the finger of the passenger is provided on the first upper surface portion 41 and the inclined surface portion 43 . The first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 are sensors capable of detecting the contact or approach of the occupant's fingers, and may be, for example, a capacitance sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a membrane switch, an infrared beam switch, or the like.

The second sensor 46 extends forward and backward in the recess 51 . The second sensor 46 preferably has a convex portion 46</b>A that protrudes toward the pull pocket 35 so that at least a portion of the surface protrudes from the surface of the upper wall portion 52 .

The first sensor 45 extends forward and backward on the upper surface 32 and the inclined surface portion 43 . That is, the first sensor 45 is arranged inside the vehicle from the pull pocket 35 . The first sensor 45 is preferably provided on the vehicle inner side of the upper surface 32 and at the upper end portion of the vehicle inner side surface 33 . In this embodiment, the first sensor 45 includes an upper sensor 45A provided on the first upper surface portion 41 and a lower sensor 45B provided on the inclined surface portion 43 . An uneven portion 44 is arranged between the upper sensor 45A and the lower sensor 45B. The first sensor 45 is preferably embedded in the inclined surface portion 43 so that the surface of the first sensor 45 is flush with the surface of the inclined surface portion 43 .

The rear end of the first sensor 45 is arranged forward of the rear end of the pull pocket 35 (the rear end of the inner wall portion 38). Further, the front end of the first sensor 45 is arranged behind the front end of the pull pocket 35 (the front end of the inner wall portion 38).

An operation input portion 48 is provided on the upper surface 32 and the inclined surface portion 43 . The operation input unit 48 receives an operation by the passenger in order to operate at least one in-vehicle device 21 (see FIG. 3). The operation input unit 48 is a switch operated by a passenger's finger, and is formed of, for example, a capacitance sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a membrane switch, or the like. In this embodiment, the operation input unit 48 is a capacitive touch sensor, and receives a touch operation by the passenger's finger.

The operation input unit 48 is arranged forward of the first sensor 45 on the upper surface 32 and the inclined surface portion 43 . As shown in FIG. 5, the operation input unit 48 is operated when the occupant puts the second to fifth fingers into the pull pocket 35 and touches the first sensor 45 with the vicinity of the base of the first finger (that is, the ball of the foot). It is preferable that the occupant is arranged at a position where it can be operated with the first finger in the folded state.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation input unit 48 includes a plurality of planar touch sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D. The touch sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D are embedded in the upper surface 32 and the inclined surface portion 43 so that the surfaces of the touch sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D are flush with the surfaces of the upper surface 32 and the inclined surface portion 43. It's good to be Each of the touch sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D may be arranged adjacent to the uneven portion 44 . At least part of the operation input portion 48 may be arranged on the inside of the pull pocket 35 (that is, the inner wall portion 38) so that the position of the operation input portion 48 can be selected from a wider area. good.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the first sensor 45 , the second sensor 46 , the operation input section 48 and the in-vehicle device 21 are connected to the control device 55 . The control device 55 is an electronic control device including a hardware processor such as a CPU. The control device 55 is arranged inside the body portion 31 . In other embodiments, the control device 55 may be arranged between the door panel 2 and the door trim 3 (see FIG. 1), or may be provided in the vehicle body.

The control device 55 selects the in-vehicle device 21 to be operated from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices 21 based on the signal from the operation input unit 48 . If there are a plurality of in-vehicle devices 21 of the same type, the control device 55 may be configured to select one of them. For example, when the electric seat devices 23 are provided in the front right seat and the front left seat, the control device 55 can independently select the electric seat device 23 for the front right seat and the electric seat device 23 for the front left seat. It is configured.

The control device 55 detects whether the occupant's finger is in contact with the first sensor 45 based on the signal from the first sensor 45 or whether the occupant's finger is present in the vicinity of the first sensor 45 . Further, the control device 55 detects whether or not the passenger's finger is in contact with the second sensor 46 based on the signal from the second sensor 46 or whether the passenger's finger is present in the vicinity of the second sensor 46. do. The control device 55 controls the selected in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the operation input unit 48 when both the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 detect the occupant. That is, when the occupant's fingers are detected based on the signal from the first sensor 45 and the occupant's fingers are detected based on the signal from the second sensor 46, based on the signal from the operation input unit 48 to control the selected in-vehicle device 21 . On the other hand, the control device 55 prohibits control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the operation input section 48 when at least one of the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 does not detect the occupant. That is, the control device 55 controls at least one of the case where the occupant's fingers are not detected based on the signal from the first sensor 45 and the case where the occupant's fingers are not detected based on the signal from the second sensor 46. , the control of the in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the operation input unit 48 is prohibited.

In this embodiment, the operation input unit 48 receives a touch operation by the passenger. The control device 55 detects that the touch sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D (see FIG. 2) have been operated based on the signal from the operation input section 48. FIG. The control device 55 controls the corresponding in-vehicle device 21 based on the signal from the operation input unit 48 .

For example, when the touch sensor 48A (see FIG. 2) corresponding to the front-rear adjusting mechanism 23A of the electric seat device 23 for the front right seat is operated, the control device 55 performs the touch operation based on the signal from the operation input unit 48. is detected, the forward/backward adjustment mechanism 23A may be controlled to move the electric seat device 23 forward. The control device 55 may determine the amount of forward movement of the electric seat device 23 based on the duration of the touch operation.

For example, when the touch sensor 48B (see FIG. 2) corresponding to the height adjustment mechanism 23B of the electric seat device 23 for the left front seat is operated, the control device 55 performs the touch operation based on the signal from the operation input unit 48. is detected, the height of the electric seat device 23 may be increased by controlling the height adjustment mechanism 23B. The control device 55 may determine the height of the electric seat device 23 based on the duration of the touch operation.

The occupant's operation on the operation input unit 48 and the control mode of the in-vehicle device 21 in response to the occupant's operation may be arbitrarily set. Adjacent to the operation input unit 48 is a selection input unit (not shown) for selecting one of the plurality of in-vehicle devices 21 that can be operated by the occupant with each touch sensor 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D (see FIG. 2). may be provided as

According to the operating device 20 according to the present embodiment, the occupant can perform an operation input with the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 detecting the fingers. Thereby, in the operating device 20, the operating position can be fixed. Further, based on the detection signals from the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46, the positions of the occupant's fingers can be grasped with relatively high accuracy. Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether the input to the operation input unit 48 is intentional by the passenger or unintentional contact. Therefore, the in-vehicle device 21 can be controlled only when the input is intended by the passenger. Furthermore, since the first sensor 45, the second sensor 46, and the operation input section 48 are provided on the armrest (body section 31), the operating device 20 can be made into a relatively small unit. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the 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 different surfaces of the armrest, the positions of the occupant's fingers can be grasped with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signals from the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46. be able to. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately determine whether the input to the operation input unit 48 is intentional by the passenger or unintended contact.

In order to operate the operation input unit 48, the occupant must grip the pull pocket 35 in a predetermined grip manner and have both the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 detect the fingers, as shown in FIG. be. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, when the occupant is trying to close the door by hooking a finger in the pull pocket 35, even if the occupant unintentionally touches the operation input unit 48, the in-vehicle device 21 is not operated. Even when the second sensor 46 detects the occupant's finger while the occupant is trying to close the door by hooking the finger in the pull pocket 35, the first sensor 45 does not detect the occupant's finger. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, even if the first sensor 45 detects the occupant's hand while the occupant rests his/her hand on the body portion 31 as an armrest, the second sensor 46 detects the occupant's finger. Not detected. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous operations by the occupant.

Since the second sensor 46 is arranged on the uppermost side of the upper wall portion 52 that defines the upper portion of the recessed portion 51 provided in the inner wall portion 38 of the pull pocket 35 , the occupant can operate the operation input portion 48 by pulling the sensor 46 . When the pocket 35 is gripped in a predetermined gripping manner, the finger can be deeply inserted into the pull pocket 35 and the fingertip can be brought into contact with the second sensor 46 . This makes it easier for the occupant to hold the pull pocket 35 and keep the fingertips in contact with the second sensor 46 . Therefore, it becomes easier for the passenger to operate the operation input unit 48 .

Since the inner side wall portion 38 extends substantially vertically from the bottom of the pull pocket 35 and has a second inner side surface facing the outside of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. When closing, the occupant's fingers are locked to the second inner surface. This makes it easier for the passenger to close the door. Furthermore, since the finger is locked on the second inner side surface and does not enter the concave portion 51, it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous operation of the operation input portion 48 by the occupant.

Since the first sensor 45 is arranged inside the vehicle from the pull pocket 35, the occupant touches the second sensor 46 in the pull pocket 35 with the second to fifth fingers and touches the base of the first finger (that is, The operation input unit 48 can be operated with the first finger while the ball of the foot (the ball of the foot) is in contact with the first sensor 45 .

The outer surface of the body portion 31 is bent with respect to the upper surface 32 and has a vehicle interior side surface 33 extending downward. An uneven portion 44 is provided along the boundary between the upper surface 32 and the vehicle interior side surface 33 . The operation input portion 48 is formed in a planar shape, and is arranged adjacent to the uneven portion 44 on the upper surface 32 or the vehicle interior side surface 33 . Therefore, the occupant can identify the position of the operation input unit 48 by the tactile sensation when touching the uneven portion 44 . Therefore, it is easy for the passenger to recognize the position to be operated. Therefore, the occupant can perform correct operation inputs.

The first sensor 45 includes an upper sensor 45A provided on the upper surface 32 and a lower sensor 45B provided on the vehicle interior side surface 33, and the stitches as the uneven portion 44 correspond to the upper sensor 45A and the lower sensor 45B. placed in between. Therefore, the first sensor 45 detects contact with the occupant's fingers at two locations, the upper sensor 45A and the lower sensor 45B. This increases the number of positions to be touched when operating the operation input unit 48, and specifies the placement of the occupant's fingers. Therefore, the occupant's fingers can be guided to an arrangement that facilitates operation of the operation input unit 48 . Therefore, the operating position of the passenger becomes constant.

Since the second sensor 46 has a protrusion projecting toward the pull pocket 35 side, the occupant can tactilely identify that the finger is in contact with the second sensor 46 .

Next, the operating device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the vehicle door 1 provided with the operation device 100 is mostly the same as the configuration of the vehicle door 1 according to the first embodiment, the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. do.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper surface 102 of the main body 101 of the operating device 100 faces upward and is inclined toward the inside of the vehicle. The vehicle interior side surface 103 is bent with respect to the upper surface 102 and faces toward the vehicle interior and downward. The inclined surface portion 43 (see FIG. 4) is omitted. An inner wall portion 108 defining a vehicle interior portion of the pull pocket 35 formed on the upper surface 102 of the main body portion 101 is provided with a concave portion 111 recessed from the inner wall portion 108 toward the vehicle interior and upward. A lower wall portion 113 that defines the lower portion of the recessed portion 111 is connected to the vehicle-interior end portion of the bottom portion 36 of the pull pocket 35 . That is, the second inner side surface 40 (see FIG. 4) is omitted.

A first sensor 125 extends forward and backward on the upper surface 102 of the main body 101 . The first sensor 125 is arranged adjacent to the uneven portion 44 formed along the boundary between the upper surface 102 and the vehicle interior side surface 103 . An operation input portion 48 is arranged adjacent to the uneven portion 44 on the upper surface 102 and the vehicle interior side surface 103 of the main body portion 101 .

According to the operating device 100 according to this embodiment, the width of the upper surface 102 of the main body 101 in the vehicle width direction is increased. As a result, the size of the first sensor 125 in the vehicle width direction can be increased, so that the finger of the passenger can be easily detected by the first sensor 125 . In addition, since the size of the operation input unit 48 in the vehicle width direction can be increased, it becomes easier for the passenger to operate the operation input unit 48 .

Furthermore, since the lower wall portion 113 of the recessed portion 111 is connected to the vehicle-interior end portion of the bottom portion 36 of the pull pocket 35, the opening area of the recessed portion 111 provided in the inner wall portion 108 of the pull pocket 35 is increased. . Therefore, it becomes easier for the occupant to put his/her fingertip into the concave portion 111 and bring it into contact with the second sensor 46 .

Although the operation input unit 48 is a touch sensor in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this. For example, the operation input unit 48 may be a touch panel display that accepts swipe operations.

1: door 20: operation device 21: vehicle-mounted device 31: main body (armrest)
32 : Upper surface 33 : Interior side surface 35 : Pull pocket 36 : Bottom portion 38 : Inner side wall portion 40 : Second inner side surface (inner side surface)
43: inclined surface portion 44: uneven portion 45: first sensor 45A: upper sensor 45B: lower sensor 46: second sensor 46A: convex portion 48: operation input portion 51: concave portion 52: upper wall portion 55: control device 100: Operation device 101: main body (armrest)
102: Upper surface 103: Inner side surface 108: Inner side wall

Claims (11)

A vehicle operating device,
an armrest provided in the door of the vehicle;
an operation input unit provided on the outer surface of the armrest for receiving an operation by an occupant for operating at least one in-vehicle device;
a first sensor provided behind the operation input unit on the outer surface of the armrest for detecting a finger of an occupant;
a control device connected to the operation input unit, the first sensor, and the in-vehicle device;
The control device controls the in-vehicle device based on a signal from the operation input unit when the first sensor detects the occupant, and controls the in-vehicle device when the first sensor does not detect the occupant. An operation device for prohibiting control of the in-vehicle device based on a signal from an input section. A pull pocket recessed downward is provided on the upper surface of the armrest,
The inner wall portion defining the vehicle interior portion of the pull pocket is provided with a recess recessed toward the vehicle interior,
A second sensor for detecting the finger of the occupant is provided on the upper wall portion defining the upper portion of the recess,
The control device controls the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input unit when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant, and 2. The operation device according to claim 1, wherein the control of the vehicle-mounted device based on the signal from the operation input unit is prohibited when at least one of the sensors does not detect the occupant. the recess is recessed from the inner wall portion toward the inside of the vehicle and upward;
The operating device according to claim 2, wherein the second sensor is arranged on the uppermost side of the upper wall. 4. The operating device according to claim 2, wherein the inner wall extends substantially vertically from the bottom of the pull pocket and has an inner surface facing the outside of the vehicle. The operating device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first sensor is arranged inside the vehicle from the pull pocket. The operating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein at least part of the operation input section is arranged inside the pull pocket. the outer surface of the armrest has a vehicle interior side surface that is bent with respect to the upper surface and extends downward;
An uneven portion is provided along the boundary between the upper surface and the vehicle interior side surface,
The operation device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the operation input portion is formed in a planar shape and arranged on the upper surface or the inner side surface of the vehicle adjacent to the uneven portion. The first sensor includes an upper sensor provided on the upper surface and a lower sensor provided on the inner side surface of the vehicle,
The operating device according to claim 7, wherein the uneven portion is arranged between the upper sensor and the lower sensor. The operating device according to claim 8, wherein the uneven portion includes stitches. The operating device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the second sensor has a projection projecting toward the pull pocket. A vehicle door comprising the operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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