JP2022153992A - Operation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an operation device for a vehicle in which an operation position is constant.SOLUTION: An operation device comprises: an arm rest which has a plate-shaped body part including, a top face on which an arm of an occupant is mounted, a front face, a side face directed to the occupant side, and a lower face, the arm rest being mounted on a vehicle; an operation input part which is at a front end of the side face, and receives an operation by an occupant for operating at least one on-vehicle unit; a first sensor which is provided on a front end part of the lower face, for detecting fingers of the occupant; and a control unit which is coupled to the operation input part, the first sensor and the on-vehicle unit. The control unit controls the on-vehicle unit on the basis of a signal from the operation input part, when detecting the occupant by the first sensor, and inhibits control of the on-vehicle unit based on the signal from the operation input part, when the first sensor does not detect the occupant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an operating device.

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-described problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a plate-like main body that is mounted on the vehicle and has an upper surface on which an occupant's arm is placed, a front surface, a side surface facing the occupant, and a lower surface. an armrest provided at the front end of the side surface for receiving an operation by the occupant for operating at least one in-vehicle device; and a control device connected to the operation input unit, the first sensor, and the in-vehicle device, wherein the control device detects the occupant when the first sensor detects the occupant and controlling the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input unit, and 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. Provide an operating device.

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, an extension wall may be provided on the occupant side of the lower surface so as to protrude downward and extend the side surface downward.

According to this aspect, the sides are expanded. Thereby, the operation input section can be enlarged. Therefore, it becomes easier for the passenger to operate the operation input unit. Furthermore, the occupant is less likely to touch the first sensor unintentionally. Therefore, erroneous operation by the passenger can be reliably prevented.

In the above aspect, the front end of the operation input section may be arranged forward of the rear end of the first sensor, and the rear end of the operation input section may be arranged rearward of the front end of the first sensor.

According to this aspect, the operation input unit and the first sensor are provided at positions that are at least partially aligned in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the occupant can easily operate the operation input unit with the first finger while touching the first sensor with the second to fourth fingers.

Said aspect WHEREIN: It is good to provide the recessed part which dents upwards in the said lower surface, and to provide the said 1st sensor in the said recessed part.

According to this aspect, the occupant's fingers are arranged along the concave portion and easily come into contact with the first sensor. Therefore, the first sensor can appropriately detect the occupant's finger. Furthermore, the occupant is less likely to touch the first sensor unintentionally. Therefore, erroneous operation by the passenger can be reliably prevented.

In the above aspect, a second sensor for detecting the occupant's fingers is provided on the front surface, and the control device detects the operation input when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant. controlling the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input unit, and controlling the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input unit when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect an occupant. should be prohibited.

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

In the above aspect, the front portion of the armrest is preferably thinner in the vertical direction than other portions.

According to this aspect, the occupant can easily hold the front portion of the armrest. Furthermore, the vertical thickness of the rear portion of the armrest that is not gripped by the occupant can be increased. Therefore, the rigidity of the armrest can be increased.

In the above aspect, the front portion of the lower surface of the armrest may be offset upward with respect to other portions, and the front portion of the armrest may be thinner in the vertical direction than the other portions.

According to this aspect, the occupant can easily hold the front portion of the armrest. Furthermore, the vertical thickness of the rear portion of the armrest that is not gripped by the occupant can be increased. Therefore, the rigidity of the armrest can be increased.

Said aspect WHEREIN: The said armrest is good to be provided in the door of the said vehicle.

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

Said aspect WHEREIN: The said armrest is good to be provided in the seat of the said vehicle.

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a seat having an operating device with a constant operating position.

An aspect of the present invention is an armrest that is mounted on the vehicle and has a plate-like main body that includes an upper surface on which an occupant's arm is placed, a front surface, a side surface facing the occupant, and a lower surface, and a front end of the side surface. a first sensor provided at the front end of the lower surface for detecting the fingers of the occupant; and , the operation input unit, the first sensor, and a control device connected to the in-vehicle device, wherein the control device receives a signal from the operation input unit when the first sensor detects an occupant. and inhibits control of the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input unit when the first sensor does not detect the 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, an extension wall may be provided on the occupant side of the lower surface so as to protrude downward and extend the side surface downward.

According to this aspect, the sides are expanded. Thereby, the operation input section can be enlarged. Therefore, it becomes easier for the passenger to operate the operation input unit. Furthermore, the occupant is less likely to touch the first sensor unintentionally. Therefore, erroneous operation by the passenger can be reliably prevented.

In the above aspect, the front end of the operation input section may be arranged forward of the rear end of the first sensor, and the rear end of the operation input section may be arranged rearward of the front end of the first sensor.

According to this aspect, the operation input unit and the first sensor are provided at positions that are at least partially aligned in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the occupant can easily operate the operation input unit with the first finger while touching the first sensor with the second to fourth fingers.

Said aspect WHEREIN: It is good to provide the recessed part which dents upwards in the said lower surface, and to provide the said 1st sensor in the said recessed part.

According to this aspect, the occupant's fingers are arranged along the concave portion and easily come into contact with the first sensor. Therefore, the first sensor can appropriately detect the occupant's finger. Furthermore, the occupant is less likely to touch the first sensor unintentionally. Therefore, erroneous operation by the passenger can be reliably prevented.

In the above aspect, a second sensor for detecting the occupant's fingers is provided on the front surface, and the control device detects the operation input when both the first sensor and the second sensor detect the occupant. controlling the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input unit, and controlling the in-vehicle device based on the signal from the operation input unit when at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor does not detect an occupant. should be prohibited.

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

In the above aspect, the front portion of the armrest is preferably thinner in the vertical direction than other portions.

According to this aspect, the occupant can easily hold the front portion of the armrest. Furthermore, the vertical thickness of the rear portion of the armrest that is not gripped by the occupant can be increased. Therefore, the rigidity of the armrest can be increased.

In the above aspect, the front portion of the lower surface of the armrest may be offset upward with respect to other portions, and the front portion of the armrest may be thinner in the vertical direction than the other portions.

According to this aspect, the occupant can easily hold the front portion of the armrest. Furthermore, the vertical thickness of the rear portion of the armrest that is not gripped by the occupant can be increased. Therefore, the rigidity of the armrest can be increased.

Said aspect WHEREIN: The said armrest is good to be provided in the door of the said vehicle.

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

Said aspect WHEREIN: The said armrest is good to be provided in the seat of the said vehicle.

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a seat having an operating device with a constant operating position.

1 is a side view of a vehicle door provided with an operation device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an operating device according to a first embodiment; FIG. Block diagram showing operation device and in-vehicle device IV-IV sectional view of Fig. 2 FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the positions of the fingers of the passenger when operating the operation input unit of the operation device according to the first embodiment; The perspective view of the vehicle seat which provided the operating device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The perspective view of the operating device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment VIII-VIII sectional view of FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the positions of the fingers of the passenger when operating the operation input section of the operation device according to the second embodiment;

Hereinafter, embodiments of an operating device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

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.

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, a power window device 22, 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 formed in a plate-like shape with 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.

A main body portion 31 of the operation device 20 protrudes toward the interior of the vehicle with respect to the trim main body portion 3A, and has an upper surface 32 facing upward, a side surface 33 extending downward from the protruding end of the upper surface 32 and facing the occupant, and an upper surface 32. and a front surface 35 connecting the front ends of the upper surface 32 and the lower surface 34 . The upper surface 32 can support the forearms of the occupant. An occupant's fingers can be hooked on the front surface 35 from the front. The body portion 31 functions as at least part of the armrest 37 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , an extension wall 39 is provided on the occupant side of the lower surface 34 of the main body 31 of the operating device 20 so as to protrude downward and expand the side surface 33 downward. A recess 41 recessed upward from the lower surface 34 is provided at the front end of the lower surface 34 of the main body 31 . An upper portion of the recess 41 is defined by an upper wall portion 42 . The concave portion 41 is not an essential component and may be omitted in other embodiments. A first sensor 45 for detecting the finger of the occupant is provided on the uppermost part of the upper wall portion 42 . A second sensor 46 is provided on the front surface 35 of the main body 31 to detect the fingers of the passenger. 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 first sensor 45 is preferably embedded in the upper wall portion 42 so that the surface of the first sensor 45 is flush with the surface of the upper wall portion 42 . The second sensor 46 is preferably embedded in the front surface 35 so that the surface of the second sensor 46 is flush with the surface of the front surface 35 . The occupant-side end of the second sensor 46 is arranged closer to the occupant than the occupant-side end of the first sensor 45, and the end of the second sensor 46 on the outside of the vehicle (that is, the side opposite to the occupant) is It is arranged on the vehicle exterior side of the vehicle exterior end portion of the first sensor 45 .

An operation input section 48 is provided at the front end of the side surface 33 . 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 front end of the operation input portion 48 is arranged forward of the rear end of the first sensor 45 , and the rear end of the operation input portion 48 is arranged rearward of the front end of the first sensor 45 . That is, the operation input unit 48 and the first sensor 45 are provided at positions that are at least partially aligned in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation input unit 48 is arranged at a position where the occupant can operate it with the first finger when the occupant grips the front end of the main body 31 with the palm and the second to fifth fingers. is preferred.

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 preferably embedded in the side surface 33 so that the surfaces of the touch sensors 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D are flush with the surface of the side surface 33 .

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 in the main body 31, the operation device 20 can be made into a relatively small unit. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the operating device 20 that can be easily mounted on the vehicle.

Since the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 are provided on different surfaces of the body portion 31, the positions of the occupant's fingers can be determined with relatively high accuracy based on the detection signals from the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46. can grasp. 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 main body 31 in a predetermined gripping manner and have both the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 detect the fingers, as shown in FIG. be. As a result, when the occupant is using the body portion 31 as part of the armrest 37 , even if the occupant touches the operation input portion 48 unintentionally, the in-vehicle device 21 is not operated. As a result, erroneous operations by the passenger can be reliably prevented.

Since an extension wall 39 is provided on the occupant side of the lower surface 34 of the main body portion 31 to extend the side surface 33 downward by protruding downward, the operation input portion 48 provided on the side surface 33 can be enlarged in the vertical direction. can. Therefore, it becomes easier for the passenger to operate the operation input unit 48 . Furthermore, since the extension wall 39 is provided on the occupant side, it is difficult for the occupant to touch the first sensor 45 unintentionally. Therefore, erroneous operation by the passenger can be reliably prevented.

The front end of the operation input section 48 is arranged forward of the rear end of the first sensor 45, and the rear end of the operation input section 48 is arranged rearward of the front end of the first sensor 45. 1 sensor 45 is provided at a position at least partially aligned in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the occupant can easily operate the operation input unit 48 with the first finger while touching the first sensor 45 with the second to fourth fingers.

The lower surface 34 of the main body 31 is provided with a recessed portion 41 that is recessed upward, and the first sensor 45 is provided on the upper wall portion 42 that defines the upper portion of the recessed portion 41 . , and is easily contacted with the first sensor 45 . Therefore, the first sensor 45 can appropriately detect the occupant's finger. Furthermore, it becomes difficult for the passenger to touch the first sensor 45 unintentionally. Therefore, erroneous operation by the passenger can be reliably prevented.

Next, the operating device 120 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the configuration of the operating device 120, the same components as those of the operating device 20 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a vehicle seat 101 according to the second embodiment is used as a driver's seat or a passenger's seat of a vehicle, has a seat cushion 102, a seat back 103 and a headrest 104, and It is supported by a pair of left and right slide rails (not shown) fixed to the floor and covered with a rail cover 105 . An operation device 120 is provided at the outer (that is, the vehicle outer side) end portion of the seat back 103 in the vehicle width direction.

The operating device 120 has a body portion 131 formed in a plate-like shape with an outer shell. The body portion 131 is made of a resin material. The body portion 131 is attached to the center portion of the seat back 103 in the vertical direction and extends in the front-rear direction. The body portion 131 is preferably hinged to the seat back 103 with screws or the like. Also, the body portion 131 may be formed integrally with the seat back 103 .

A body portion 131 of the operating device 120 projects forward with respect to the seat back 103 , and has an upper surface 32 facing upward, a side surface 133 extending downward from the projecting end of the upper surface 32 and facing the occupant, and a side surface 133 facing the occupant. and an opposite bottom surface 134 and a front surface 135 connecting the forward ends of the top surface 32 and the bottom surface 134 . The upper surface 32 can support the occupant's forearms, and the body portion 131 functions as at least part of an armrest 137 .

The front portion of the body portion 131 is thinner in the vertical direction than other portions of the body portion 131 . In this embodiment, the front portion of the lower surface 134 of the body portion 131 is offset upward with respect to the rest of the body portion 131 .

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a first sensor 145 is provided at the front end portion of the lower surface 134 of the body portion 131 . The recess 41 (see FIG. 4) is omitted. The first sensor 145 is preferably embedded in the lower surface 134 so that the surface of the first sensor 145 is flush with the surface of the lower surface 134 .

An operation input section 148 is provided on the side surface 133 of the main body section 131 . As shown in FIG. 9, the operation input unit 148 is arranged at a position where the occupant can operate it with the first finger when the occupant grips the front end of the main body 131 with the palm and the second to fifth fingers. is preferred.

As shown in FIG. 7, the operation input unit 148 includes a plurality of planar touch sensors 148A and 148B. Each touch sensor 148A, 148B is preferably embedded in the side surface 133 so that the surface of each touch sensor 148A, 148B is flush with the surface of the side surface 133 .

According to the operating device 120 according to the present embodiment, the front portion of the lower surface 134 of the main body portion 131 is offset upward with respect to the other portion of the main body portion 131 , and the front portion of the main body portion 131 is offset from the other portion of the main body portion 131 . The thickness in the vertical direction is thin with respect to the portion. This makes it easier for the occupant to grip the front portion of the main body portion 131 . Furthermore, the thickness in the vertical direction of the rear portion of the body portion 131 that is not gripped by the occupant can be increased. Therefore, the rigidity of the body portion 131 can be increased.

In the above embodiments, the operation input units 48 and 148 are touch sensors, but are not limited to this. For example, the operation input units 48 and 148 may be touch panel displays that accept swipe operations.

1 : Door 20 : Operating device 21 : In-vehicle device 31 : Main body 32 : Upper surface 33 : Side surface 34 : Lower surface 35 : Front surface 37 : Armrest 39 : Extension wall 41 : Recess 45 : First sensor 46 : Second sensor 48 : Operation Input unit 55: control device 101: seat 105: side surface 106: side surface 120: operating device 131: body unit 133: side surface 134: lower surface 137: armrest 145: first sensor 148: operation input unit

Claims (9)

A vehicle operating device,
an armrest that is mounted on the vehicle and has a plate-like main body that includes an upper surface on which an occupant's arm is placed, a front surface, a side surface facing the occupant, and a lower surface;
an operation input unit provided at the front end of the side surface for receiving an operation by the occupant for operating at least one in-vehicle device;
a first sensor provided at the front end of the lower surface for detecting the occupant's fingers;
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 unit. 2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein an extension wall is provided on the occupant side of the lower surface so as to protrude downward and extend the side surface downward. 3. A front end of the operation input section is arranged forward of a rear end of the first sensor, and a rear end of the operation input section is arranged rearward of the front end of the first sensor. Operating device as described. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower surface is provided with a recess that is recessed upward, and the first sensor is provided in the recess. A second sensor for detecting the occupant's fingers is provided on the front surface,
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 The operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein 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 operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the front portion of the armrest is thinner in the vertical direction than other portions. The front portion of the lower surface of the armrest is offset upward with respect to the other portion, and the front portion of the armrest is thinner in the vertical direction than the other portion. Operating device according to paragraph. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the armrest is provided on a door of the vehicle. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the armrest is provided on a seat of the vehicle.

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