JP4779813B2 - Vehicle control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular operating device including a steering switch provided on a steering wheel.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an in-vehicle device control system for controlling a predetermined on-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, and by rotating it around a predetermined axis, a steering wheel for steering the vehicle or in the vicinity of the steering wheel. The operation means provided integrally, the rotation detection means for detecting the rotation of the steering wheel, the vehicle-mounted device is controlled based on the operation signal from the operation means, and the rotation detection signal from the rotation detection means There is known an in-vehicle device control system comprising a control means for invalidating the operation signal based on the above (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-137103 A

  However, the configuration in which the operation signal is invalidated only based on the rotation detection signal of the steering wheel as in the invention described in Patent Document 1 described above can reliably prevent erroneous operation during operation of the steering wheel. If the steering wheel is operated while performing a series of operations on the switch, the series of operations is interrupted, and the operator may feel inconvenient. Further, since the possibility of erroneous operation of the steering switch during the operation of the steering wheel also changes depending on the driving load of the driver, as in the invention described in Patent Document 1 described above, regardless of the driving load of the driver. There is room for improvement in the configuration in which the operation signal is uniformly disabled.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular operating device that can invalidate the operation of a steering switch under optimum conditions.

In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle operating device according to a first invention includes a steering switch provided on a steering wheel,
Signal processing means for realizing a predetermined function in response to an operation signal input via a steering switch;
Steering-related value generating means for generating a steering-related value related to the steering operation of the steering wheel;
Invalidating means for invalidating the function of the signal processing means when the steering related value exceeds a predetermined threshold,
It said disabling means, when said series of operations on the steering switch is being performed, depressive won the invalidation processing functions of the signal processing means,
The series of switch operations is a switch operation related to a plurality of times when a plurality of switch operations are required to realize a function or setting desired by the user. It is an accompanying switch operation . In order to suppress the invalidation processing of the function of the signal processing means, the invalidation processing of the function of the signal processing means is prohibited, or the invalidation of the function of the signal processing means is performed by changing the predetermined threshold value to a large value. Including making the processing difficult to execute.

A second invention is the vehicle operating device according to the first invention,
It further comprises driving load detection means for detecting the driving load of the driver,
The vehicle operating device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined threshold is set to a small value when the driving load is large, and is set to a large value when the driving load is small.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a vehicular operating device that can invalidate the operation of a steering switch under optimum conditions.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in several embodiments with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration related to the vehicle operating device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle operating device according to the present embodiment includes an operation unit 100, a control ECU 70, and a display unit 40 that displays an operation menu image (detailed later) that supports a driver's operation on the operation unit 100. With.

  The control ECU 70 is configured around a microcomputer. That is, the control ECU 70 is a CPU that performs various processes in accordance with a given execution program, a memory (for example, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, etc.) that stores an execution program of the CPU, image data, calculation results, etc., a timer, a counter, an input / output It has an interface. The CPU, memory, and input / output interface are connected to each other by a data bus. In addition, the function of each part 72 and 74 of control ECU70 demonstrated below is implement | achieved by the program run by CPU.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control ECU 70 includes an input signal processing unit 72, an invalidation processing unit 74, and steering related value generation means 76.

  A steering angle sensor 50 is connected to the steering related value generating means 76 of the control ECU 70. The steering angle sensor 50 is provided in a steering column (not shown) that supports a steering wheel 10 described later. The steering angle sensor 50 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the steering angle of the steering wheel 10. The steering related value generation means 76 calculates the steering angle of the steering wheel 10 as a steering related value based on the neutral position (zero point) based on the output signal of the steering angle sensor 50. Note that the steering angle of the steering wheel 10 may be acquired from another ECU 90 (for example, a power steering ECU) via communication. That is, the steering related value generation means 76 may exist in another ECU 90. The steering angle information generated by the steering related value generating unit 76 is input to the invalidation processing unit 74.

  In addition to the steering angle signal from the steering related value generating means 76, the invalidation processing unit 74 receives an output signal (control signal) from the input signal processing unit 72. The invalidation processing unit 74 invalidates the function of the input signal processing unit 72 as needed based on these signals. This will be described in detail later.

  The input signal processing unit 72 of the control ECU 70 communicates with the operation unit 100 by wireless or wired. When the input signal processing unit 72 of the control ECU 70 receives various switch signals from the operation unit 100, the input signal processing unit 72 generates control signals corresponding to the various switch signals. The control signal generated by the input signal processing unit 72 is a signal for switching the display screen on the display unit 40 (generating various operation menu images), moving a selection button (that is, moving the cursor), and the like. A signal for causing the control ECU 90 to execute a predetermined function is included. The other control ECU 90 responds to a signal from the control ECU 70 and controls the in-vehicle device 80 (for example, navigation system, audio, air conditioner, etc.) so as to realize a function corresponding to various switch signals.

  The control signal is sent to the display unit 40 and other control ECU 90 via the invalidation processing unit 74. The invalidation processing unit 74 receives the control signal (command) from the input signal processing unit 72 as it is, except for a special case described in detail later (that is, when the function of the input signal processing unit 72 is invalidated). It passes through the control ECU 90 or the display unit 40. Accordingly, the input signal processing unit 72 substantially controls the in-vehicle device 80 via the other control ECU 90 and also controls the display unit 40. In the following, in order to prevent the explanation from becoming complicated, Unless otherwise stated, the description will be continued assuming that the input signal processing unit 72 directly controls the display unit 40 and the in-vehicle device 80.

  The display unit 40 is configured by a liquid crystal display. In this case, the display part 40 is arrange | positioned in the position where a driver | operator is easy to see, Preferably, the position which a driver | operator can see without changing a visual field during driving | operation is large. For example, the display part 40 may be arrange | positioned in the center part of the instrument panel upper surface. In this case, the display unit 40 may be shared with a display or the like used in the navigation system. Further, the display unit 40 may be a display plate arranged in a meter, or a head-up display (HUD) device that displays a display on a front windshield glass.

  On the display unit 40, an operation menu image that supports the user's operation on the operation unit 100 is displayed under the control of the input signal processing unit 72 of the control ECU 70, as shown in FIG. The operation menu image represents a function that can be realized by an operation on the operation unit 100 by displaying a selection button. The control ECU 70 displays the currently selected selection button (air conditioner in this example) with emphasis over the other selection buttons. As a result, the operator (driver's seat passenger and passenger's seat passenger) can operate a desired steering switch 60 among a plurality of steering switches 60 described later while viewing the display unit 40, and any selection button is currently selected. It is possible to easily grasp whether it is.

  FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the operation unit 100 and shows an example of a steering switch 60 provided on the steering wheel 10. The steering wheel 10 is disposed on the driver's seat side, is connected to a steering shaft (not shown), and is operated to steer the wheels of the vehicle. In this example, the steering wheel 10 includes an annular handle portion 12 that is gripped and rotated by a driver, a center portion 14, and spokes 16 that extend radially from the handle portion 12 and the center portion 14. The center portion 14 of the steering wheel occupies a relatively large area because the airbag is mounted.

  A plurality of steering switches 60 are arranged near the base of the spoke 16, that is, on the outer peripheral side of the center portion. As shown in FIG. 3, the steering switch 60 is preferably disposed in an area that can be reached when the driver extends a finger slightly inward in the radial direction of the steering wheel 10 from the state in which the steering wheel 10 is gripped.

  The steering switch 60 shown in FIG. 3 includes a left switch group 101 that is intended to be operated with the left hand that holds the steering wheel, and a right switch group 103 that is intended to be operated with the right hand that holds the steering wheel. Consists of.

  Each steering switch 60 is assigned various functions related to an air conditioner, an audio system, a navigation system, vehicle information, and the like, corresponding to the operation menu image shown in FIG. Further, the steering switch 60 is a selection switch for moving the selection button (cursor) shown in FIG. 2, a determination switch for confirming the selection, and a button for returning from the lower operation menu screen to the upper operation menu screen. Includes a back switch. On the surface of the operation member (switch knob) of these steering switches 60, letters or symbols representing the respective functions may be given.

  For example, when the operator operates the steering switch 60 to which the rightward selection function is assigned on the display screen shown in FIG. 2A, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is sent to the input signal processing unit 72 of the control ECU 70. In response to the operation signal, the input signal processing unit 72 sends a control signal to the display unit 40 to change the selected selection button “air conditioner” to the selection button “audio”. When the operator further operates the steering switch 60, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is input to the input signal processing unit 72. The input signal processing unit 72 responds to the operation signal and selects the currently selected selection button “air conditioner”. To the selection button “navigation”.

  Further, when the operator operates the steering switch 60 to which the determination function is assigned on the display screen shown in FIG. 2A, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is input to the input signal processing unit 72 of the control ECU 70. In response to the operation signal, the input signal processing unit 72 sends a control signal to the display unit 40. From the display screen shown in FIG. 2A, as shown in FIG. Switch to the operation menu screen (lower operation menu screen). Similarly, the operator can operate a desired selection button by operating the steering switch 60 to which the selection function is assigned to move the “selected selection button”.

  Furthermore, on the display screen shown in FIG. 2B, when the operator operates the steering switch 60 to which the determination function is assigned, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is input to the input signal processing unit 72, and input signal processing is performed. In response to the operation signal, the unit 72 sends a control signal to the display unit 40 to increase the set temperature on the display screen by a predetermined temperature (for example, in increments of 0.1 degrees), and another ECU 90 (air conditioner ECU) ) To notify the increase of the set temperature. Functions such as increase / decrease in set temperature and increase / decrease in volume may be assigned to a predetermined steering switch 60.

  When the operator completes a series of operations and operates the steering switch 60 to which the return function is assigned, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is input to the input signal processing unit 72 of the control ECU 70, and the input signal processing unit 72 In response to the operation signal, a control signal is sent to the display unit 40 to return the display state of the operation menu screen from the display screen shown in FIG. 2B to the display screen shown in FIG.

  A fixed function may be assigned to some of the steering switches 60. For example, some of the steering switches 60 are assigned as fixed functions such as a telephone (hands-free incoming / response) function and a function for switching to a peripheral monitoring screen showing a peripheral monitoring result by a clearance sonar or a peripheral monitoring camera. Also good. In this case, letters or symbols representing the respective functions may be provided on the surface of the operation member of the steering switch 60 to which the fixed functions are assigned.

  Moreover, the function as an entrance switch may be assigned to some of the steering switches 60 as a fixed function. The entrance switch calls, for example, a switch that calls a screen for selecting an operation menu screen for destination setting in a car navigation system or an operation menu screen (see FIG. 2B) for performing various settings in an air conditioner system. Switch. In this case, characters or symbols representing the respective functions may be provided on the surface of the operation member (switch knob) of the inlet switch. In this case, when the operator operates the steering switch 60 to which the function as the entrance switch is assigned, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is input to the input signal processing unit 72 of the control ECU 70, and the input signal processing unit 72 receives the operation signal. In response, the lower-level operation menu screen corresponding to the entrance switch is displayed. Thus, the operator can shift the screen display to a lower-level operation menu screen as shown in FIG. 2B, for example, without performing the “select” and “decision” operations as described above.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross-sectional structure of one steering switch 60. In the following description regarding FIG. 4, the configuration of one steering switch 60 will be described as a representative, but the other steering switches 60 may have the same configuration.

  In the illustrated example, the steering switch 60 includes an operation member 64 that is directly touched by a driver's finger. The back side of the operation member 64 is supported by a leg portion (rubber dome) 65 made of an elastic member standing on the substrate 68. A contact (closed circuit) 66 is provided near the base of the leg 65, and when the operating member 64 is pressed by the driver, the leg 65 is elastically deformed so that the contact 66 is a contact ( Open circuit) 69. Thereby, the switch operation with respect to the steering switch 60 is electrically detected. It should be noted that the switch structure of the steering switch 60 can provide a feeling of operation using various springs, and is not limited to an electric contact type, and may be other forms such as a capacity change detection type. Good. A switch signal generated by the steering switch 60 is supplied to the control ECU 70 (see FIG. 1) via, for example, an FPC (flexible printed circuit).

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main processing realized by the invalidation processing unit 74 of the control ECU 70. This processing routine may be executed at predetermined intervals after the ignition switch is turned on, for example, until the ignition switch is turned off.

  In step 100, the invalidation processing unit 74 reads the steering angle information generated by the steering related value generating unit 76. Note that the steering angle information generated by the steering related value generation means 76 is updated every predetermined period, and the invalidation processing unit 74 reads the latest steering angle information at the present time.

  In step 110, the invalidation processing unit 74 determines whether or not the current steering angle exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold value is appropriately determined according to the arrangement position (angle) of the steering switch 60 in the steering wheel 10 and is 45 degrees in this example.

  In step 110, if the current steering angle exceeds 45 degrees, the process proceeds to step 120. In other cases, the process returns to step 100, and the steering angle information input in the next cycle is read.

  In step 120, the invalidation processing unit 74 checks the operation history of each steering switch 60, that is, the input state of the operation signal, based on the control signal information generated by the input signal processing unit 72 up to the present time.

  In step 130, the invalidation processing unit 74 determines whether or not a series of switch operations are currently being performed on the steering switch 60. Here, a series of switch operations refers to a plurality of related switch operations when a plurality of switch operations are required to realize a function / setting desired by the operator. For example, as described above, in order to realize the setting of changing the set temperature of the air conditioner, the operations shown in FIG. 2B are performed by “select” and “decision” operations from the operation menu screen shown in FIG. It is necessary to operate the steering switch 60 a plurality of times, such as changing to the menu screen and changing the set temperature of the air conditioner on the operation menu screen shown in FIG. Such multiple operations of the steering switch 60 are referred to as a series of switch operations. In the case of this example, the invalidation processing unit 74 is switched to the operation menu screen shown in FIG. 2B when the current time has just shifted to the operation menu screen (lower menu screen) shown in FIG. When the selection button selection operation has been performed until just before, or when the steering switch 60 of the adjustment function such as the set temperature change or the air volume adjustment has been operated until just before, a series of switch operations are being performed. You can judge.

  Note that whether or not a series of switch operations are being performed is not limited to the above-described determination method, and there can be various methods as described below. Any one of these methods can be used, or an appropriate combination can be used. Is also possible. For example, simply, the invalidation processing unit 74 is in a series of switch operations when a switch operation is performed for a predetermined second before the current time (for example, one second before the current time). It may be determined. The invalidation processing unit 74 determines that a series of switch operations are being performed when an operation is performed on the steering switch 60 to which the function of the entrance switch is assigned within a predetermined time before the present time. It is good to do. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the touch sensor 67 is set to the steering switch 60, and the invalidation processing unit 74 is a case where the switch operation is performed a predetermined seconds before the current time. If the hand is currently touching, it may be determined that a series of switch operations are being performed.

  On the other hand, if no switch operation has been performed within a predetermined time before the present time, it may be determined that a series of switch operations are not being performed, and the switch operation may be performed within a predetermined second from the current time. Even if the operation has been performed, the operation is a selection operation of the operation menu screen (top menu screen) selection button shown in FIG. 2A, or the steering switch 60 to which the return function and the determination function are assigned. In the case of an operation for, it may be determined that a series of switch operations are not being performed.

  If it is determined in step 130 that a series of switch operations are being performed, the process returns to step 100, and if it is determined that a series of switch operations are not being performed, the process proceeds to step 140.

  In step 140, the invalidation processing unit 74 executes invalidation processing. The invalidation process is a process of invalidating an operation on the steering switch 60. Specifically, the invalidation process is a process of invalidating an operation signal input from the steering switch 60. In this example, the invalidation processing unit 74 realizes the invalidation processing by blocking the control signal generated by the input signal processing unit 72 in accordance with the operation signal from the steering switch 60. That is, the invalidation processing unit 74 prevents the control signal generated by the input signal processing unit 72 from reaching the display unit 40 or another control ECU 90 that is the destination. The invalidation process is not limited to this. For example, the input of the operation signal from the steering switch 60 to the input signal processing unit 72 may be blocked, or the input signal processing unit 72 may receive the input operation signal. You may make it not respond to. Alternatively, although the control signal from the input signal processing unit 72 is transmitted to the display unit 40 or another control ECU 90, the display unit 40 or another control ECU 90 may not respond to the control signal. In this case, the invalidation processing unit 90 is provided in the display unit 40 or another control ECU 90. Or although it leads to complication of a structure and it is disadvantageous, the steering switch 60 may be provided with an electronically controllable lock mechanism so that the steering switch 60 cannot be mechanically operated.

  Once the above conditions are satisfied, the invalidation processing unit 74 continues the invalidation processing until a predetermined release condition is satisfied. The predetermined release condition may be, for example, a case where the steering angle is below a predetermined threshold.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state when the driver (operator) steers the steering wheel 10 by 45 degrees. As shown in FIG. 6, when the driver (operator) tries to operate the steering wheel 10 by about 45 degrees or more, the steering switch 60 is unintentionally operated when the steering wheel 10 is held again with the left and right hands. May end up. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, when the steering wheel 10 is operated at 45 degrees or more as described above, the operation on the steering switch 60 is invalidated unless a series of switch operations are being performed. As a result, it is possible to appropriately prevent an erroneous operation of the steering switch 60 that may be caused by the steering operation of the steering wheel 10 while arranging the steering switch 60 at an optimal position with high operability. Such an erroneous operation is particularly likely to occur when the steering wheel 10 is held, but the position of the hand with respect to the steering wheel 10 enters inward in the radial direction even while the steering wheel 10 is rotated while being held. May occur. Therefore, the predetermined threshold value in step 110 need not be a value around 45 degrees in particular, and the circumferential direction of the steering switch 60 in the steering wheel 10 may be appropriately set according to the radial position. It may be varied according to the operator's habit or the like.

  In particular, according to the present embodiment, as described above, when the steering wheel 10 is steered 45 degrees or more during a series of switch operations, the invalidation processing by the invalidation processing unit 74 is not executed. In other words, if the operation on the steering switch 60 is kept valid, and then the steering switch 60 is operated, the function corresponding to the operation is realized as usual. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even when the steering wheel is steered 45 degrees or more on a curved road or the like while a series of switch operations are being performed on the steering switch, the operator can operate the series of switch operations. Can be continued. Thereby, the inconvenience felt by the operator due to the series of switch operations being interrupted can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, when the steering wheel 10 is steered by 45 degrees or more during a series of switch operations, the invalidation process is not executed for all the steering switch 60 operations. Therefore, the operation with respect to all the steering switches 60 is maintained in an effective state. However, when the steering wheel 10 is steered 45 degrees or more during a series of switch operations, the invalidation process is not performed only for the operation of the steering switch 60 related to the series of switch operations, and the series of switch operations It is also possible to execute invalidation processing for the steering switch 60 that is not related to the above. In this case, during the series of switch operations, the steering switch 60 irrelevant to the series of switch operations is associated with the steering operation of the steering wheel 10 while appropriately allowing the operation of the steering switch 60 related to the series of switch operations. Inconvenience caused by unintentional operation can be prevented.

  In this embodiment, during the series of switch operations, the predetermined threshold value (45 degrees in this example) can be changed to a high value to make the invalidation process difficult. In this case as well, it is possible to appropriately guarantee the continuation of a series of switch operations by the operator while preventing an erroneous operation associated with the steering operation of the steering wheel 10.

  In addition, the present embodiment is suitable for the configuration including the multi-function function steering switch 60 in which a series of switch operations tend to increase as described above. However, as long as a series of switch operations can occur, any specification can be used. The present invention can be applied to a configuration including the steering switch 60. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a steering switch 60 ′ having a specification as described in the second embodiment described below.

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration related to the vehicle operating device according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the necessity of invalidation processing is determined using the operating load as a parameter. In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 11, the operating device of the present embodiment includes an operating unit 100 ′, a display unit 40 ′ that supports a driver's operation on the operating unit 100 ′, and a control ECU 70 ′.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control ECU 70 ′ includes an input signal processing unit 72, an invalidation processing unit 74 ′, a steering related value generation unit 76, and a driving load detection unit 78.

  A vehicle speed sensor 52 is connected to the driving load detection unit 78. The vehicle speed sensor 52 may be a wheel speed sensor provided on each wheel. The vehicle speed sensor 52 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the wheel speed. The driving load detector 78 calculates the vehicle speed based on the output signal (vehicle speed pulse) of the vehicle speed sensor 52 and detects the driving load based on the vehicle speed. The driving load may be a relationship that increases as the vehicle speed increases. The relationship may be linear or non-linear. The vehicle speed may be acquired from another ECU 90 (for example, ABS / ECU) via communication. That is, the driving load detection unit 78 may exist in another ECU 90. Further, the vehicle speed may be acquired from other parameters such as the rotational speed of the output shaft of the transmission.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of the operation unit 100 ′ according to the present embodiment, and shows an example of a steering switch 60 ′ provided on the steering wheel 10 ′. The steering switch 60 'is disposed symmetrically on the left and right sides of the central portion 14' of the steering wheel 10 '. In the illustrated example, the steering switch 60 'is composed of two switch groups, and is operated with the left switch group 101' intended to be operated with the left hand holding the steering wheel and with the right hand holding the steering wheel. And the right switch group 103 ′.

  Unlike the steering switch 60 according to the first embodiment described above, the steering switch 60 ′ according to the second embodiment is assigned a fixed function and has a specification that does not involve “selection” and “decision” operations. For this reason, the steering switch 60 'according to the second embodiment is carefully selected only for the steering switch 60' that realizes a function having a high usage frequency or importance among various applications as compared with the steering switch 60 according to the first embodiment. Are arranged.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display unit 40 ′ according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the display unit 40 ′ is composed of a display board arranged in an instrument panel or a meter. The display plate as the display unit 40 ′ is provided with a function display (individual function display) corresponding to each steering switch 60 ′ for each steering switch 60 ′. This function display is turned on and off by the backlight, and the visible state is varied, like various displays on a normal meter display board. In this example, since the fixed function is assigned to the steering switch 60 ′ and the specification does not involve the “selection” and “decision” operations, the display may be fixed. 'Is composed of a simple display board. However, the display unit 40 ′ may be a display capable of displaying a variable operation menu screen such as a liquid crystal display or a HUD. Or conversely, the display unit 40 ′ may be omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of main processing realized by the invalidation processing unit 74 ′ of the control ECU 70 ′. This processing routine may be executed at predetermined intervals after the ignition switch is turned on, for example, until the ignition switch is turned off.

  In step 200, the invalidation processing unit 74 ′ reads the steering angle information generated by the steering related value generating unit 76. Note that the steering angle information generated by the steering related value generation means 76 is updated every predetermined period, and the invalidation processing unit 74 'reads out the latest steering angle information at the present time.

  In step 210, the invalidation processing unit 74 ′ reads the driving load information generated by the driving load detection unit 78. The driving load information generated by the driving load detection unit 78 is updated every predetermined period, and the invalidation processing unit 74 'reads out the latest driving load information at the present time.

  In step 220, the invalidation processing unit 74 ′ sets a threshold value used in step 230 below according to the driving load from the driving load detection unit 78. The threshold is set to be lower as the driving load is higher. In this case, the relationship between the threshold value and the operating load may be linear or non-linear (including stepped). For example, when the driving load is small (that is, when the vehicle speed is low), the threshold is set to 45 degrees, and when the driving load is large (when the vehicle speed is high), the threshold is set to 15 degrees and the driving load is When it is zero (i.e., when the vehicle speed is zero), the threshold may be set to zero. The relationship between the driving load and the driving load may be stored in advance in a map format.

  In step 230, the invalidation processing unit 74 'determines whether or not the current steering angle exceeds the threshold set in step 220. In step 230, when the current steering angle exceeds the threshold value, the process proceeds to step 240. In other cases, the process returns to step 200, and the processes of steps 220 and 230 are executed based on the steering angle information and the driving load information input in the next cycle.

  In step 240, the invalidation processing unit 74 'executes invalidation processing. The invalidation process may be the same as the content of step 140 in the first embodiment. Once the invalidation processing unit 74 'satisfies the above-described condition, the invalidation processing unit 74' may continue the invalidation process until the above-described condition is not satisfied.

  By the way, in a situation where the driving load is high, the driver's degree of tension with respect to driving is high, and the steering operation of the steering wheel 10 ′ is performed without worrying about the presence of the steering switch 60 ′. An erroneous operation of the steering switch 60 'tends to occur during the operation.

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the threshold value for invalidating the operation on the steering switch 60 ′ is varied according to the driving load. The erroneous operation of 60 'can be prevented appropriately. Further, since the operation with respect to the steering switch 60 'is allowed under a low driving load, it is possible to prevent the operator from feeling inconvenience that a desired operation cannot be performed due to unnecessary invalidation processing. Further, it is rare to operate the steering wheel 10 ′ beyond a large steering angle such as 45 degrees during high-speed traveling, and in this embodiment, a threshold value adapted to such a tendency can be set.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, as in the first embodiment, the invalidation processing by the invalidation processing section 74 'may be suppressed when a series of switch operations are being performed. In the case of the second embodiment as well, continuous operation (a series of switches such as a steering switch 60 ′ for increasing or decreasing the volume as shown in FIG. 8 and a seek switch for searching for a desired reproduction medium as shown in FIG. 8). This is because there is a steering switch 60 'scheduled for operation. Note that the suppression of the invalidation process includes prohibition of the invalidation process, and may be realized by, for example, correcting the driving load and the threshold value to be high.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the main processing realized by the invalidation processing unit 74 ′ of the control ECU 70 ′. This processing routine may be executed at predetermined intervals after the ignition switch is turned on, for example, until the ignition switch is turned off.

  In step 300, the invalidation processing unit 74 ′ reads the steering angle information generated by the steering related value generating unit 76.

  In step 310, the invalidation processing unit 74 ′ reads the driving load information generated by the driving load detection unit 78.

  In step 320, the invalidation processing unit 74 'determines whether or not the current steering angle exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold may be 45 degrees, for example, in the same way as in the first embodiment. In step 320, when the current steering angle exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the process proceeds to step 330. Otherwise, return to step 300.

  In step 320, the invalidation processing unit 74 'determines whether or not the current driving load exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold may be, for example, a driving load corresponding to when the vehicle speed is in a high speed range. In step 320, if the current operating load exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the process proceeds to step 340. Otherwise, return to step 300.

  In step 340, the invalidation processing unit 74 'executes invalidation processing. The invalidation process may be the same as the content of step 140 in the first embodiment. Once the invalidation processing unit 74 'satisfies the above-described condition, the invalidation processing unit 74' may continue the invalidation process until the above-described condition is not satisfied.

  By the way, for example, when the vehicle is stationary in a stationary state or during low speed traveling (for example, when traveling in a congested section or when traveling backward during parking), the driving load is low. It is difficult for the switch 60 'to be erroneously operated. Even in such a case, if the operation of the steering switch 60 ′ is invalidated when the steering wheel 10 ′ is operated by a predetermined steering angle or more, the operator feels inconvenience that a desired operation cannot be performed due to unnecessary invalidation processing. There is a case.

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, as described above, it is determined whether or not the invalidation processing unit 74 ′ can execute the invalidation processing in consideration of the driving load as well as the steering angle. Without making the operator feel this, it is possible to appropriately prevent an erroneous operation of the steering switch 60 'under an appropriate situation.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, as in the first embodiment, when a series of switch operations are being performed, the invalidation processing by the invalidation processing section 74 'may be suppressed. In the case of the second embodiment as well, continuous operation (a series of switches such as a steering switch 60 ′ for increasing or decreasing the volume as shown in FIG. 8 and a seek switch for searching for a desired reproduction medium as shown in FIG. 8). This is because there is a steering switch 60 'scheduled for operation. Note that the suppression of the invalidation process includes prohibition of the invalidation process, and may be realized by, for example, correcting either one or both of the two predetermined thresholds high.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Can be added.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the steering-related value is the steering angle obtained from the steering angle sensor 50. However, the steering angle change speed (steering speed) may be used, and for example, the steering obtained from the torque sensor. Torque may be used. When a power steering device is mounted, parameters such as an assist current value can be used.

  Moreover, in the above-mentioned Example, although the driving load is calculated | required using the vehicle speed, you may use an acceleration.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the steering switches 60 and 60 ′ disposed immediately inside the steering wheels 10 and 10 ′ are targeted for invalidation processing. However, if the switches are disposed on the steering wheel, Any switch except the horn may be the target of the invalidation process. For example, a lever switch 61 (for example, an auto cruise switch) as shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a main configuration related to the operating device according to the first embodiment. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation menu image (upper layer image in a hierarchical structure), and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation menu image (lower layer image in a hierarchical structure). is there. It is a top view which shows an example of the steering switch 60 provided in the steering wheel. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a cross-sectional structure of a steering switch 60. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing main processes realized by an invalidation processing unit 74 of a control ECU 70. It is a figure which shows a state when a driver | operator (operator) steers the steering wheel 10 45 degree | times. The functional block which shows an example of the main structures relevant to the operating device for vehicles which concerns on Example 2 is shown. It is a top view which shows an example of the steering switch 60 'provided in the steering wheel 10'. It is a figure which shows an example of the display part 40 'by a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the main processes implement | achieved by the invalidation process part 74 'of control ECU70'. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the main process implement | achieved by the invalidation process part 74 'of control ECU70'.

Explanation of symbols

100, 100 'operation unit 40, 40' display unit 60, 60 'steering switch 67 touch sensor 70, 70' control ECU
72 Input signal processing unit 74, 74 'Invalidation processing unit 76 Steering related value generation means 78 Driving load detection unit

Claims (2)

A steering switch provided on the steering wheel;
Signal processing means for realizing a predetermined function in response to an operation signal input via a steering switch;
Steering-related value generating means for generating a steering-related value related to the steering operation of the steering wheel;
Invalidating means for invalidating the function of the signal processing means when the steering related value exceeds a predetermined threshold,
It said disabling means, when said series of operations on the steering switch is being performed, depressive won the invalidation processing functions of the signal processing means,
The series of switch operations is a switch operation related to a plurality of times when a plurality of switch operations are required to realize a function or setting desired by the user. An operation device for a vehicle, which is a switch operation . It further comprises driving load detection means for detecting the driving load of the driver,
The vehicle operating device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined threshold is set to a small value when the driving load is large, and is set to a large value when the driving load is small.

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